Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Aisha glanced at the clock. "Almost time, they should be here soon."

Nathaniel, with a smirk that didn't reach his eyes, chimed in, "Oh really? Well, I guess I'll stick around and meet these so-called top students from Maple Grove University with you, Gregory." He laid heavy emphasis on the last few words.

Nathaniel found it hard to believe that any top-tier talent from Maple Grove University would choose to come to Gale Corporation. Every year, students from Maple Grove were snapped up by major corporations even before they graduated. Gale Corporation was, at best, a mid-sized firm. Why would the bright minds from Maple Grove University ever settle for this place?

The people behind him, catching Aisha's statement, wore expressions of scorn and disdain. They thought she was exaggerating, especially the two Maple Grove computer science graduates. These guys had coasted through college, doing just enough to pass. Even they looked down on Gale Corporation. If Gregory hadn't made them a generous offer, they wouldn't have bothered coming at all. The idea that the top computer science grads from Maple Grove would come to Gale? Laughable.

Aisha ignored their mockery and continued working. Around 9:45, her desk phone rang. She picked it up and the receptionist said, "Gregory, there are some young men here, saying they have an appointment with you..."

"Send them up," she replied.

"Alright."

"Gregory's guests have arrived?" Nathaniel's face was all smiles, but inside he was skeptical, thinking Aisha was putting on quite the act. He couldn't wait to see how she'd handle this. He even planned to check their student IDs later. If she had just brought in random people to fool him, it wouldn't fly.

"They're here," Aisha responded, standing up and striding out of the office to welcome Ivan and his group. The fact that top talents from Maple Grove University were coming here was indeed a bit of a stretch... Thinking of how all this was possible thanks to Flora's groundwork, her eyes began to glisten with emotion.From NôvelDrama.Org.

Nathaniel followed her out. Just then, Gregory and a few shareholders walked over, curious, "Are we expecting someone?"

Nathaniel jumped in, "Oh yes, you wouldn't believe it, but Gregory managed to get the top computer science students from Maple Grove University to come here. She said they'd be arriving any minute now." Hearing this, Gregory and the shareholders looked at Aisha as if she were the punchline of a joke. Were they unaware of Aisha's staffing struggles? Was she dreaming, thinking she could invite the best from Maple Grove University?

"Gregory must be pretty capable, then. No wonder she wasn't impressed with the help we sent over."

"How much longer until they arrive? I'm curious to see these Maple Grove computer science elites myself."

These shareholders, being Gregory's allies, didn't hold back in mocking Aisha. Their tone was dripping with schadenfreude.

Gregory's gaze settled on Aisha, who remained calm and composed. His eyes darkened. Though he also thought Aisha's claims were exaggerated, he knew she wasn't one to lie. And even if she did, this lie was too outrageous. She knew people from Club 257 and Stonnell International; maybe she really could pull this off...

Aisha paid them no mind and marched straight to the elevator. Just as she arrived, the doors opened, and out stepped several young men with large backpacks.

The leader, Ivan, who had chatted with Aisha online, recognized her instantly. "Are you Ms. Aisha?"