Chapter 327Â
The day Regal Investment and Evergreen went public, the weather was surprisingly beautifulÂ
The wind was gentle, the sun was bright, and the sky was clear as far as the eye could see.Â
Aurelia took the podium at the stock exchange, all eyes on her. The spotlights bathed her in a radiant glow, as if she were gilded in light.Â
Below, a sea of reporters crowded the floor, their cameras, big and small, all trained on her.Â
Flashes went off in a continuous stream, like a sea of stars crowning her.Â
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“Ms. Corin, Regal Investment’s valuation has exceeded 150 billion dollars on its first day of trading. How are you feeling night now?” a reporter called out.Â
Aurelia remained composed, her voice ringing out clear and powerful as she replied, “This is just the beginning.”Â
Those simple words echoed through the hall via the microphone, carrying an undeniable authority.Â
The room fell silent for a moment, then erupted into thunderous applause.Â
That was Aurelia in her element.Â
She picked up the golden gavel, a symbol of power, her movements crisp and decisive:Â
“Clang…”Â
The clear sound of the gong reverberated through the hall, announcing a brand new beginning.Â
Congratulations poured in like a tidal wave.Â
Aurelia couldn’t reply to everyone, so she posted a thank–you message on Instagram.Â
She also announced that in ten days, she’d be throwing a celebration party and dinner in Ashmont, inviting all her friends to join.Â
After posting, Aurelia switched her phone to silent mode.Â
She had other things to do today.Â
Walter pulled up to the hotel, and Ella was already waiting at the entrance.Â
Aurelia got out of the car and walked up the steps. “Didn’t I tell you to wait in the room?”Â
Ella smiled. “I just came down, and I haven’t been waiting long. Besides, I had Miranda with me.”Â
Miranda gave a helpless shrug. “Mrs. Corin couldn’t sit still in the room, so I came out with her to get some fresh air.Â
Aurelia knew exactly what her mom was like, so she thanked Miranda for her trouble.Â
Miranda just shrugged it off, glanced at her watch, and told them it was time to go.Â
After picking up Ella, Aurelia headed straight for the Keith Estate.Â
They were there to pick up Joey.Â
Just like Ella, Joey was already at the entrance, waiting excitedly for them to arrive.Â
13:23 Wed, Jan 28Â
Chapter 327Â
Surprisingly, Darren was also there, keeping Joey company at the door.Â
Logically speaking, he ought to be at the company right now.Â
When Joey spotted Aurelia, she came running over, grinning from ear to ear.Â
Aurelia got out of the car, grabbed Joey’s hand, and greeted Darren. “I’ll take good care of Joey for the next three days”Â
Darren trusted Aurelia, but to be safe, he assigned four bodyguards and a driver to stay with them the entire time.Â
He guessed Aurelia might refuse, so he explained it was all for Joey’s safety.Â
Sure enough, Aurelia had no reason to refuse, so she let Darren’s people tag along.Â
Aurelia didn’t have any other plans. She just wanted to spend three days exploring Grendel City with Ella and Joey.Â
Even though it was Ella’s first time meeting Joey, they clicked instantly. Ella absolutely adored her.Â
Ella even brought up stories from Aurelia’s childhood, talking about how Aurelia was always so clever and never gave her any headaches when it came to school.Â
Joey was usually quiet, but with Ella around, she started smiling more and even began to open up.Â
She still didn’t talk as much as most people, but it was a huge step forward compared to before.Â
As Ella shared stories about Aurelia’s childhood, Joey couldn’t help but ask, “What about Aurelia’s dad?”Â
Joey had always thought Aurelia came from a loving family, with both parents doting on her, so she was curious.Â
Ella hesitated for a second, then smiled and replied, “Her father–traveled somewhere far away.”Â
Joey’s smile froze, and her voice was barely above a whisper as she asked, “Did he pass away?”Â
Neither Ella nor Aurelia expected Joey to figure out the truth.Â
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Joey’s voice was heavy with sadness as she said, “I know what it means when someone dies. It’s just like with Mom. Everyone kept telling me she went somewhere far away, but I know what happened.Â
“Mom has gone forever. She won’t ever come back, and she’ll never visit me again.”Â
Ella’s heart broke for Joey. She wrapped her arms around her, holding her close and trying to comfort her.Â
Aurelia gently stroked Joey’s hair.Â
They visited all the must–see spots in Grendel City.Â
Ella was in high spirits, taking loads of photos. She kept pulling Aurelia in for selfies.Â
Just take pictures by yourself. I don’t really like being in them,” Aurelia said.Â
“Didn’t you say you’d do whatever I wanted today?” Ella shot back, throwing Aurelia’s own words right back at her.Â
Aurelia instantly gave up. She couldn’t argue with that.Â
It was right.Â
Today was her birthday.Â
But it was also the day her mom endured so much to bring her into the worldÂ
13:23 Wed, Jan 28Â
Chapter 327Â
Ella had never told Aurelia how close she came to death giving birth to her.Â
Every year, on Aurelia’s birthday, Ella would do everything she could to give her the best gifts and be there for her in everyÂ
way.Â
Now that Aurelia had grown up and was able to, she wanted to give back for all the unconditional love her mom had givenÂ
her.Â
So Aurelia gave in and let Ella drag her into the photos.Â
Walter’s photography skills left a lot to be desired, so Joey ended up stepping in and happily took over as their photographer.Â
They had an absolute blast that day.Â
Dinner was booked in advance by Miranda at the best scenic restaurant in Grendel City.Â
From there, they could look out over Grendel City’s sparkling nightscape and the full panorama of Victoria Harbor.Â
Their table was at the prime spot in the restaurant.Â
Once they sat down, Ella kept dragging Aurelia into more photos.Â
Aurelia obliged.Â
Once Ella finished taking pictures, the food and cake were brought out.Â
Joey finally asked, her curiosity getting the better of her, “Is today Aurelia’s birthday?”Â
“Yes, it is,” Ella said, gently patting Joey’s head. “Don’t forget to wish Aurelia a happy birthday in a bit.”Â
Joey nodded eagerly.Â
Ella lit the candles herself, chuckling as she went, “Just like that, you’re twenty–six already. In four more years, you’ll be thirty. Time does fly. I still remember you with those cute little pigtails.”Â
When she finished reminiscing, Ella gave Aurelia a gentle nudge. “Come on, make a wish.”Â
Joey stared at the cake, her eyes starting to well up.Â
Aurelia leaned over and asked softly, “What’s wrong, Joey?”Â
Joey pressed her lips together and said, “I don’t even know when my birthday is. Back at the orphanage, I never celebrated it.Â
not even once.”Â
Aurelia was taken aback, then gently stroked Joey’s hair. “From now on, we’ll celebrate our birthdays together. My birthday will be yours, too.”Â
“Really?” Joey asked, her eyes wide with hope.Â
“Of course,” Ella chimed in before Aurelia could answer.Â
Joey broke into a smile through her tears. “So I get to make a wish, too?”Â
“Absolutely!” Aurelia said. “You can make three wishes right now, but keep them to yourself. If you say them out loud, theyÂ
won’t come true.”Â
Joey leaned in close to the cake, shut her eyes tight, and made her wishes with all her heart.Â