That meant those companies had never really given her a chance at all. The thought made Aurora almost laugh at the absurdity of it.

This time, even Megan slammed her hand on the table, her face full of outrage. “That’s outrageous! Then what was the point of all your hard work getting into school?”

Startled, Hannah lifted her gaze. She studied the anger on Megan’s face–it didn’t look fake. But soon her eyes dropped again, a faint trace of mockery flickering in them. She’d seen this too many times before–people spouting sympathy to her face, only to mock her behind her back.

And even if they did hire her, they’d rope in other colleagues to isolate her. She’d already lived through that in other firms. So, as far as Hannah was concerned, this would be no different.

Still, life in the city had grown unbearable. If she went back home now, her family would sneer at her for failing and not even managing to earn her keep. At least here she might manage a paycheck–something to carry her through until the new year, when she could try again elsewhere. The alternative was drifting aimlessly, broke and jobless, with nothing to her name.

Aurora, watching her, could see the discomfort written all over her. She understood. A young woman, freshly graduated, fighting alone in a big city–it was overwhelming. She herself had felt the weight of starting over and building something from scratch with her studio. But no matter how hard it became, she had never once thought of giving up. And in Hannah’s eyes, she caught that same spark of defiance, that same refusal to quit. The realization warmed her heart. And besides, those clear, steady eyes told her this girl was genuine. She wasn’t the type to play games.

With a degree in e-commerce, her skills lined up perfectly with the business support they needed. And coming from such a top university, it felt like Aurora had just stumbled upon a hidden gem. What more could she ask for?

Aurora was the first to speak, turning to Hannah. “If you don’t mind that this is just a small studio, you can start here. Later, if a better opportunity comes along, I’ll support whatever decision you make.” She added gently, “For now, think of it as giving me a chance–let me be the place where you gain some real experience.”

Megan and Leo both glanced at Aurora in surprise. They hadn’t expected her to say something like that. After all, she had been sharp and unyielding with every candidate before. Not one of them had gotten a kind word. Because of that, Megan hadn’t spoken up in Hannah’s defense, even though she sympathized with her. This was a business, not some game of playing house. If Hannah were hired, it meant responsibility–she would have to pull her weight and contribute, not just be taken on out of impulse.

Hannah lifted her eyes, delight shining through them. “Do you really mean that, boss?” She directed her words straight to Aurora. By now, she had already figured out the dynamics of the studio, already seen who held the real authority. And she knew exactly where the final word lay.

Aurora arched a brow, inwardly pleased. She hadn’t misjudged the girl. Hannah’s instincts were sharp–she had pegged the true leader in the room almost immediately. Most people, seeing Aurora’s younger age, assumed she was just the boss‘ daughter or some insider riding on connections. Hannah hadn’t made that mistake.