Upon returning home, Elora was promptly summoned to her father's study.
"Lora, there's a business opportunity in B City next month that requires your attention."
"Alright, I understand. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Wait a moment, Lora. How are things between you and Lucas?"
"What do you mean?"
"Lora, tell me the truth. Do you have feelings for that boy from the Ridge family?" Her father paused, then continued, "We've noticed that, aside from your interactions with Lucas, you've never been particularly close to any other man. Coincidentally, Aunt Ridge wants you to marry her son, and we didn't object. We've already arranged an engagement. If you're fond of Lucas, that's wonderful. If not, then we'll leave it at that."
"I love him, since high school," Elora responded, leaving those words hanging in the air before walking out the door.
Inside the study, her father stood in surprise. This girl really hid things well.
...
Lucas was reviewing the latest proposal when his gaze fell upon the signature at the bottom. Serena? The name seemed familiar. His mind sparked with recognition. Isn't this the person Elora mentioned? Who could have such charm to make Elora care so much?
He opened the proposal and, as he read further, his satisfaction grew. The document was lengthy, indicating the effort put into it. Though still somewhat immature, it showed great potential and with time, it would certainly blossom into something formidable.
He picked up the phone and dialed the internal line. "Have Serena come to my office immediately."
"Knock… knock!" Moments later, the secretary ushered Serena in. "President, Serena has arrived!" She bowed respectfully before exiting the room.
Lucas looked up and saw a young woman standing there, looking both poised and elegant. Upon reviewing her resume, he noted that she had graduated from a prestigious university in City A with a major in finance. To have such ideas so soon after graduation—her future was certainly bright.
In that instant, Lucas assessed the value Serena could bring to the company.
"Ah, so you're Serena?"
"Yes, Mr. Ridge," Serena responded nervously. She had been making coffee in the breakroom when she was unexpectedly summoned. Unsure of what she had done wrong, she walked in with trepidation.
"Did you write this proposal?" Lucas gestured to the document in front of him.
"Yes, I did."
"It's well-written, though there are areas that could be improved," Lucas said, his gaze fixed on Serena. "If I were to offer you an opportunity to study abroad, would you be willing to stay with Summit Ridge Realty?"
Serena's eyes widened in shock. Could this be real? When she had joined Summit Ridge Realty, it was because of the excellent benefits, particularly the opportunity for outstanding employees to study abroad, with all expenses covered by the company. In return, they would be required to sign a 20-year contract upon their return.
"You can take some time to think about it," Lucas added, seeing that Serena hadn't yet responded. He understood—this was a big decision.
"No… I mean, yes, I would be more than willing!" Serena quickly recovered and explained, "I'm just surprised, because I know that only top employees get such an opportunity. I'm so new here, I never imagined something like this would happen to me."
"You have to believe in yourself. You are more than capable," Lucas said with certainty.
"Thank you, thank you, Mr. Ridge, for this opportunity! I'll work hard to show my gratitude!" Serena vowed to herself that she would prove her worth to the company.
...
"Serena?" As soon as Elora entered the office area, she spotted Serena smiling at her computer screen. Was there something funny on it? Elora approached, only to see a plain desktop. "Serena! Serena!!"
"Huh? What? What happened?" Serena snapped out of her daze at Elora's loud voice. "Elora, what brings you here?"
"Me? I'm here to see my fiancé. I happened to notice you grinning like that, and thought maybe you had lost your mind."
"Your fiancé? Who is he?" Serena nudged Elora's elbow, her face filled with curiosity.