Ch. 121..130

Spoiled by Mr. Russell Chapter 121

Nathaniel noticed Olivia’s puzzled expression and knew what she was thinking. He smiled proudly and said, "Why don’t you believe me? Well, if you don’t, you can return to the lab and have a look or ask the others.Don't be silly, Olivia.You can’t overpower someone stronger than you.

"What do you think Lily can offer you since she’s gone? Has she ever cared about you? Do you even know what she’s doing now? Lily was on a first-class flight and got picked up by a Rolls- Royce.What about you? You’re living in a shabby rented house with your mother, and you’re throwing a tantrum with me and being absent from work.

"How long can your savings last? A year or two, or maybe three to five months? What will you do after that? Have you ever thought about your future? Your contract will expire in two years, so I will hang on to you before it does, and I won’t approve if you want to resign.

"If you insist on leaving, you can pay the compensation.Do you think you can afford to challenge me, Olivia?"

Nathaniel leaned back and confidently smiled as if he had already won.Olivia lowered her head and said nothing.

Nathaniel thought he had struck a nerve with Olivia, and his smile deepened.

"I’m pretty tolerant toward you, Olivia.Think about how much trouble you've caused recently.Do you think just any boss will tolerate your behavior? Besides, why are you creating trouble since my relationship with Lily has nothing to do with you? That’s between her and me, so do you need to stick your nose in other people’s business?"

Nathaniel stretched and then slammed an envelope on the table.

"This is a reward for your recent hard work.Take it, clear your mind, and return to work.MN Inc.will continue as usual, regardless of previous grudges."

"Mr.Hall."

Olivia slowly raised her head and pressed the envelope.

"I will do the work, but I can’t accept the money."

Then she pushed the envelope back.Nathaniel's smile froze, furrowing his eyebrows, "What do you mean?"

"Since you asked, I might as well speak bluntly.You won't let me go, and I can't afford the liquidated damages, so I can only continue to stay.Yes, you have a lot of money, and I can’t compete with you on that, but I will work as usual.However, I will sue you if you don’t pay me my usual salary and maliciously deduct it.Since you want to make this game interesting, bring it on!"

Olivia stood up and left after speaking.

Nathaniel was stunned, then turned around quickly, "Why are you doing this?!"

Olivia stopped in silence.

"How long have you known Lily, and how well do you know her? Mel and I have known her since we were classmates.How well does she treat you that you’re so nice to her? What’s in it for you?!"

Nathaniel’s eyes were contemptuous and full of disdain.

‘Loyalty? Righteous gestures? That’s just stupid! Only benefits are eternal in this world!’ Nathaniel thought.

"It doesn’t matter how she treats me.The most important thing is how you repaid her,"

Olivia turned to Nathaniel and continued, "Everyone else might be clueless, but I know Lily was there for you, and what did she get in return for how much effort she put in for you? You threw her to the wolves and stole the fruits of her labor.Why should I work for someone like you?"

Olivia looked down at Nathaniel, and he noticed her disdain.However, Olivia’s eyes aroused Nathaniel’s anger.

"All right! Since you’re so loyal to Lily, I’ll bury you with her!"

Nathaniel pushed Olivia away and left.

Olivia staggered and held the backrest beside her with one hand to support herself.She agreed to return to work because Nathaniel was right about at least one thing: Olivia could not afford to lose her job.She knew her contractual relationship with MN Inc.would end immediately if MN Inc.could not get over the essential oil mishap.

However, Olivia understood what Nathaniel meant.

Since he had already solved the mishap, it explained why he put on an act.

Spoiled by Mr. Russell Chapter 122

If Olivia continued her charades, it would only lead to her having no salary.

Without income, she would go into debt with expenses like rent, utilities, etc.

After all, money was everything, and without it, life would be miserable.

Olivia returned to work as usual.

If Nathaniel still insisted on deducting her salary, she could sue him.

Besides, she wanted to return to see how they solved the issue.She was pretty clear about how the staff worked.

Nathaniel would not want to keep her if she did not have the capabilities.

The industry was relatively a niche, and very few people had outstanding perfuming skills.

That was also why MN.Inc.was so reliant on Lily.

Could it be that Melanie was also quite skillful? It was 6 p.m.at the hotel.

After Melanie and Nathaniel finished their phone call, Melanie cried for a while.

Then she fell asleep when she was tired and woke up quite late.She quickly got up to shower and dressed up for that night’s planned activities.

Melanie knew her appearance would be advantageous, especially since she was gentle, pleasant, and good at showing off her assets.Her amorous eyes possessed a unique charm, which helped her hold on to Nathaniel firmly.

Just a quick shedding of tears would result in swollen eyes.

Melanie sighed as she removed her eyeshadow and covered it with a darker one.

Then she applied contouring powder.

After adjusting her makeup, her swelling was not visible, making her look radiant.

She put down her contour and went to apply her lipstick.

After applying it twice, she felt her stomach twist, and she could hardly control it.

Melanie quickly covered her lips, rushed to the bathroom, and vomited.

However, she did not spit out much.

Most of it was clear fluid, but her stomach was churning, and she felt highly uncomfortable.

She composed herself, stroked her lower abdomen with one hand, and became increasingly sure of her guess that she might be pregnant.

Melanie found it hard to describe how she felt as she could not decide if she was happy or unhappy.

Still, there was no reason to be unhappy since Nathaniel would undoubtedly marry her if she were pregnant.

After that, Melanie would officially become Mrs.Hall.

However, it might not be as joyful as she expected.She had fantasized about this countless times, but now that her fantasy had come true, she thought it did not feel so satisfying.

Melanie thought Lily did not care a single bit.

After working and fighting for so long, Melanie discovered that Lilt cared less about Nathaniel than those awards.

The past made Melanie think that her future path was in shambles.

Nathaniel's climb to the upper class seemed a long way off.

To be precise, Melanie thought it was impossible.

‘Will I ever live a life of wealth and peace?’ Melanie thought, ‘How long can this lifestyle and stability last? Nate and I might be unable to withstand more vigorous challenges anyway"

She tightened her grip on her lower abdomen as her heart grew heavy.

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Melanie got ready, but she did not receive any calls from Frank.

Melanie thought something was off about this, so she went straight to Frank’s room to look for him.

After ringing the doorbell for a long time, no one answered the door.

Instead, she alerted a hotel server.

"Can I help you, miss?"

"I'm looking for Mr.Moreau.He is not answering.I’m worried that something might have happened to him." She said anxiously.

"Oh, Mr.Moreau left about half an hour ago."

The server replied with a smile.

"He left?! No, that's impossible!" Melanie could not believe what she had heard.

"We agreed to go together, but he hasn't called me yet.How could he..."

Suddenly, something came to her mind, and her heart began to race.

‘Was it because I rejected Frank? No, that can’t be.Didn’t he say he wouldn't force it if I didn’t want to? He couldn’t have stood me up because I rejected him!’ Of course, the organizing committee had invited Melanie to the event, but nothing could compare to her showing up with Frank With that thought in mind, she hurriedly called Frank.However, he did not answer the call.Melanie finally accepted that Frank had stood her up as she stood at the room door.It was Frank's way of telling her that she would get nothing if she rejected him.Melanie gritted her teeth and noted that time was running out, so she could only call a cab to get to the venue.

"Don’t tell me you’re going to the event dressed like that."

Jenny seemed dissatisfied as she looked at the modestly dressed Lily.

"Is there a problem?"

Lily looked down at her dress.

Even though her style was a little more straightforward, that was the current trend, was it not? "Yes, that’s a big problem!"

Jenny said as she shook her head disapprovingly, "We are representing the company.You look good, but what you’re wearing is embarrassing for the company."

"What should I do then? Shall I change?"

Lily did not bring many clothes.

Thinking that the weather was not very cold and the event was only one day, she only brought light and casual clothing.

"I've seen the clothes you brought.Those won’t do! Well, you better wear mine." Jenny said while she turned to get her clothes.

"Y-Yours?"

"Why not? Your clothes size should be similar to mine.Although my clothes are not new, I haven’t worn them often.That’s not a problem for you, right?"

Jenny found a black off-shoulder long dress in her suitcase.The dress was a bit long, but fortunately, Lily was tall enough to pull it off.

Furthermore, the contrast between the black dress and her fair skin produced a strong visual impact.She looked dazzling in it.

"This...I-Is this appropriate?"

Ever since Lily got together with Nathaniel, she had not participated in such events in a long time, let alone dressing up like this.

During that time, she was content with being ordinary and stable.She only wanted the simplest happiness.

However, that proved to be complicated.

"What's inappropriate?" Jenny looked delighted as she twirled Lily around.

"This dress suits you more.You can have it!"

"N-No, I shouldn't."

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"Come on, don't be courteous.You've changed from when you first arrived!"

Jenny said while pretending to be mad at Lily, "Just wear the dress as long as you don’t hate it! It's almost time.We should leave."

Lily laughed.If they were not in a hurry, she wanted to ask Jenny what she was like when they first met.

The Rolls-Royce from earlier came, and even Jenny was stunned.

When she saw this car at the airport, she was already surprised.

The company spent a lot of money this time! Jenny had spent quite some time in Rebirth and had gone on many business tips, but this had never happened.

The standard car she'd get was a BMW or Mercedes.

Later, when Jenny returned to the hotel, she called George to ensure there wasn't any misunderstanding or that the car was there for some other VIPs.

George reassured her and said that the company took this event seriously, which was why Jenny and Lily enjoyed the best treatment.

Jenny thought that the first-class cabin and the Rolls-Royce pickup from the airport were the extents of the ‘best treatment"

so she did not expect the same ride would pick them up for the event.

How many days did the company book this car? Compared to Jenny's bewilderment, Lily was calm.

This was nothing more than Alexander’s little trick.

These luxurious treatments would seem impressive for Rebirth and its ordinary employees, but it was nothing more than a drop in the bucket to him.

Lily wanted to call him in the afternoon, but he turned off his cell phone, and she didn't know what he was busy with.

Maybe he was in a meeting.

Lily snapped out of her daze and realized she was thinking about him again.

It had only been a while since she left, but she had thought of him a few times.

This longing was silent but wrapped around her like a vest, an invisible net.

‘Alex, I miss you a bit!’

"Lily, [heard several well-known senior perfumers will attend this sampling session.Our main purpose this time is to observe.Don't be too stressed out.Just talk less and watch more."

Jenny, being the more experienced one, reminded Lily.

"All right, I understand," Lily said while nodding.

Jenny continued, "Later, I'll introduce you to some peers in the industry, but take nothing to heart.Naturally, there's rivalry amongst peers in the same industry.You just keep an eye out."

While she spoke, Lily nodded, and when she finished, Lily suddenly asked, "Jenny, we’re also peers in the industry.Is there a rivalry between us?"

Jenny rolled her eyes at Lily.

Seeing the smile on Lily's face, Jenny knew she was joking.

Jenny snorted softly.

"Well, at least you’re qualified to be my rival.Do you think everyone can do that?"

"That makes sense!" Lily chuckled.

"Look at you, all ballsy now!"

Jenny also laughed while gently nudging her.

To think that almost a month ago, they were both on the verge of fighting, and now they were practically best friends.

The friendship between women was sometimes unpredictable.

The venue was Boldon Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in Middle Valley.

Although it was only a small-scale event in the industry, it attracted many reporters.

They came and set up their cameras early, waiting for the event to start.

Every car that arrived at the event stopped at the hotel's entrance.

After getting out of the car, the guests walked along the red carpet.

The lights were glittering, and people always wanted to be in the spotlight.

However, at this moment, Melanie was sitting in the car, looking across the road.

She was reluctant to let the driver drive over.

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Melanie was wearing a beautiful dress and exquisite makeup to look her best, but she dared not walk in alone.

MN Inc.was insignificant in the venue where all the big names gathered.She could have gained some points by having Frank by her side, but now, she was alone.

Who would notice her? She would be ignored and neglected as soon as she got to the hotel entrance and got off the car.She could not accept that.

When she got in the car, she persistently called Frank’s phone, but no one answered.He made it clear that he did not want to answer her call.

"Ms.Thayer, it's almost time."

The driver turned his head to remind her.

"Why are you in a hurry when I'm not?!"She reprimanded irritably.

Just as she was about to try calling Frank again, she raised her eyes and saw a Rolls-Royce slowly approaching.

After pondering for a second, she patted the front seat, "Quick, drive over, follow them but don't get too close!"

Melanie's car was opposite the hotel.

The driver turned the steering wheel, leaned forward, and drove straight up along the ramp to the hotel.

Melanie exited her car on the ramp and closed the door just as Lily got exited her car.She wore a black off-shoulder long dress, tied her hair loosely behind her head, and looked elegant.

The dress nicely highlighted her right-angled shoulders and swan-like neck, which was gorgeous and extravagant.

Clenching her fingers, Melanie quickly caught up to Lily in high heels, "Lily!"

Photographers took pictures of Lily and Jenny on the red carpet as they automatically turned toward the voice when they heard someone call her name.

Melanie was wearing a short crimson dress.

The dress only reached slightly above her thighs, revealing her long slender legs.

Coupled with the three-inch high heels of the same color, it was apparent that she had carefully selected and matched them.

Lily did not want to pay attention to Melanie, but since so many people were around, including the press, she stood still and watched Melanie run toward her.

"Lily, you’re at the sampling event! What a coincidence! It seems you've contributed great work to Rebirth.No wonder they’re treating you so well.At least you didn't waste your great effort hopping over there!"" Melanie said underhandedly.

Staring at her, Lily sneered inwardly.She knew Melanie did not have any good intentions coming up to her, but this was alow blow.

Melanie was still talking about the same old thing.

Did she think she could trip Lily up the way she used Lily like a stepping stone? With a sneer, Lily nodded slightly, "Yes indeed, Rebirth treats me very well.After all, it’s a company with excellent prospects and extraordinary vision.You seem to have the wrong idea about job- hopping, Ms.Thayer.I never signed a contract with any company, so that’s out of the equation."

"Oh, that's right!"

Before Melanie could respond, Lily continued, "Do you mean the favors I did for MN Inc.all those years? That's just a small matter.We’ve been classmates for so many years.I can't be calculative over a few bottles of essential oils and perfumes, can I?"

After that, she turned to look at Jenny, "Jenny, the air is not great outside.Let's head in."

Jenny nodded happily, and when she passed by Melanie, she glanced at her from the corner of her eye, full of disdain.

"What did you..."

Melanie wanted to make Lily look bad and have the press report what she said out of context.She did not expect Lily to get the better of her.

Spoiled by Mr. Russell Chapter 126

Melanie's dress was rather heavy, and it slipped down after a few steps, almost exposing the edge of her bra.

Melanie immediately blushed.

Covering her chest with her purse, she hurried to the venue.

Lily was tired after walking around the venue, greeting people, and meeting a few peers Jenny introduced to her.

Even before the official sampling event began, Lily almost had enough.

Sure enough, socializing was more tiring than researching products.

Lily found a quiet corner and waited for the event to start while holding a small tray of snacks.She only wanted to see new products by the industry masters and then head back.

Meanwhile, it was not the first time Jenny had attended this kind of event.She dealt with her peers with ease.

When she turned her head, she could no longer see Lily.

It took her a while to find Lily in the corner stuffing her face, and Jenny couldn't help laughing.

"I brought you here to attend the event, not for you to eat," Jenny said while rolling her eyes at Lily.

She casually took a glass of juice from the waiter's tray and handed it to Lily, "Don't just eat, have some drinks.Those snacks you’re eating look dry."

"The food here is good.It’d be a waste not to eat it."

Sipping her juice, Lily smiled, "Jenny, you should have some too."

"I'm not as greedy as you!"' Perhaps Jenny had changed her mind about Lily.She felt Lily was genuine, not pretentious.

Talented but not boastful.She was wrong about this good perfumer in the beginning.

"The woman just now is Melanie Thayer from MN Inc., who’s involved in a lawsuit against you, right?" Jenny asked as she sat next to Lily.

Lily nodded, "I thought you knew her."

"I may have seen her, but I don't recall her."

Jenny tilted her head and thought about it.

There were quite a few competitions and events where Rebirth and MN Inc.were both in attendance.She knew who Nathaniel was.

Considering Melanie was always with Nathaniel, Jenny must have met her, but she could not remember.

Of course, there were a few products from MN Inc.that Jenny thought were great.

She could tell that the perfumer who made them had a lot of ideas.

However, when Jenny met Melanie just now, Jenny did not see that in Melanie.

Perhaps she intuitively knew that something was not right.

"She stole the fruits of your labor, robbed you of the credit, and even slandered you.Why aren’t you angry at all?"

Thinking about what happened at the entrance just now, Jenny felt disgusted.

Who would be so shameless as to steal someone else's ideas and then lie about then?

"Of course I am.Who says I'm not?"

After taking a bite of the cake, Lily stated seriously while looking at Jenny.

Spoiled by Mr. Russell Chapter 127

Jenny was stunned for a moment.She looked at Lily carefully and said, "Well, if you were angry, I couldn’t tell."

Lily chuckled, "I don’t have to show it on my face.We are representing the company in such an important event.Why would I put all my emotions on my face for someone like her? I’m not crazy."

"Haha!" Jenny laughed at what she said.

"Still, it is pointless to be angry.As the old saying goes, revenge is a dish best served cold.I am not in a hurry to get my payback.I want to see who the last woman standing is," She said nonchalantly.

Nodding thoughtfully, Jenny gained a deeper understanding of Lily and appreciated her even more.

"I have a question," Jenny said hesitantly.

It seemed like a difficult question.

Lily raised her eyebrows and responded., "Sure, ask away."

She also regarded Jenny as a friend now.She knew Jenny had been difficult in the past due to distrust and instinctive dislike of plagiarists and betrayers.

After all, Jenny was a stand-up person, and her honesty and bluntness were better than those with hidden motives behind their fake smiles.

Jenny still did not speak even after Lily responded.

Instead, Jenny raised her hand and rubbed her nose.

Suddenly, the lights in the hall dimmed.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" Someone said into the microphone.

The sampling session officially began.

Jenny dropped her question and cheered alongside Lily while looking toward the stage.

"Thank you very much for attending the event tonight.I am honored and happy to see so many colleagues together."

The host on the stage was still giving introductory speeches as Lily and Jenny paid attention to the stage.

Meanwhile, Melanie walked through the crowd with her wine glass, looking for Frank.

Frank left earlier than her, so he should have arrived at the venue before her.

Melanie did not rush to enter the building when she arrived.

Instead, Melanie waited outside for a long time but did not see him.

However, she still could not find him when she entered the venue.

Without Frank by her side, no one acknowledged her.

Melanie enthusiastically tried to start conversations with everyone.

Still, they smiled politely and turned around when they heard she was from MN Inc.

Yes, MN Inc.was quite well-known locally, but it was insignificant compared to the other countrywide companies and brands.

Besides the country’s fragrance industry giants, some well-known perfumers from abroad also gathered at the event, and MN Inc.was nothing in comparison.

The humiliation of being ignored and the anger from her confrontation with Lily were torturing Melanie.

It made her realize things would be different if Frank were with her.

The stage lights came on, so Melanie could not keep walking, so she stood still and looked around as she was not interested in the new products on stage.

After all, others had already developed and released these new ideas, so why would she care about them? No matter how good they were, those scents belonged to someone else, and all the glory and fame belonged to them.

Even if Melanie got to test and review these scents, what good would it do her? Her purpose for attending the event was not for her to learn anything but to find some talents she could recruit for MN Inc.

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With that thought in mind, Melanie no longer insisted on looking for Frank as she could not find him.

Even if she did, Frank might not care unless she...

Melanie’s heart erratically pounded when she thought of what Frank had said to her earlier.

‘No, Frank only wants my body.The only person I need to hang on to is Nate"

The host introduced the creators for each product on stage alongside their inspiration and creativity when making the scents.He also described the products’ notes and the type of people the scents would suit the most.

Occasionally, the host would call people to the stage and ask if they had any thoughts or opinions about the products.

Melanie did not want to go up, not because she did not want to be in the spotlight, but because she could not afford to be in it.

She knew many industry professionals were around, and they would call her out and ridicule her if she misspoke.So, she decided to remain quiet just in case.

Melanie tried her best to hide in the crow but saw Lily instead.

The host had called Lily to the stage, but he did not recognize her.

Then he asked her to test a scent that Claude, a famous perfumer from Westwood, had made.

Most wanted to try Claude’s product but were too afraid to do so since Claude was an industry legend.

Of course, everyone wanted to try his scent to improve their perfumery skills, but they feared embarrassing themselves by misspeaking.

Therefore, most thought it was all over for Lily when the host called her to the stage.She looked like a newbie as no one had seen her before, nor had they heard of her.

Surely, she was an industry rookie.

Meanwhile, the others who knew Lily discreetly told their friends beside them that she was from Rebirth.

Most knew Rebirth influenced the industry because it was affiliated with La Beauté Group.

Still, Rebirth was only a subsidiary, so everyone thought they had sent their rookie to gain some experience.

"Ms.Christian, you’re about to sample the work of the legendary Claude.Are you nervous?"

The host said half-jokingly, trying to lighten up the mood.

"I think it is more stressful for Master Claude than me," Lily said smilingly.

Her words were shocking as they immediately caused a clamor among the audience.

Initially, Melanie stared at Lily with jealousy, but she faintly smiled when she heard what Lily said.

‘What a fool! You’ve offended the legendary Claude and the other industry giants.Does she think she’s so great?! She’s just a nobody who is acting arrogantly!’

"Uh..."

The host felt slightly embarrassed but continued, "I'm sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.What do you mean?"

Of course, Lily heard the audience’s clamor below the stage as Jenny frowned and shook her head at her, signaling her to stop spewing nonsense.

Lily’s expression remained unchanged, and she continued with a calm smile, "I mean, a legend like Claude often has to hear us juniors commenting on his work.Even if he hears some remarks that don’t make sense, he must keep his composure and not lose his cool with us juniors.That must be stressful for him."

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The nervous heaved a sigh of relief, and everyone in the audience laughed.

"You have a good sense of humor, Ms.Christian.Indeed, being a senior resembles being an object to the learning juniors, but not everyone can understand the true essence of a senior’s work.How much do you think you can understand, Ms.Christian?"

The host asked provocatively, trying to add excitement to the conversation for the audience.

Everyone was in high spirits because of the little episode earlier.They all waited for Lily’s answer.The question seemed simple but was quite tricky to answer.

Lily would appear too arrogant if she gave an exaggerated answer but would seem unconfident if she was too reserved.

Lily smiled at the host.

"I dare not say I can understand the essence of a master’s work.As perfumers, we all know very well that every perfumer has their own inspirations and ideas.Each product has the creator’s unique perception.Even in the creation process, there would be different approaches and motivations.

"People are inherently different, and it is naturally impossible to understand what is happening in other people's minds.I can’t say how much Ill understand Master Claude’s work, but I can tell you my thoughts and feelings after trying his new product."

Lily stood on stage, speaking openly and eloquently without hinting at stage fright.Her smile was confident, and her tone and body language were convincing.She was like a light, capturing the audience’s attention.

Many did not realize that they had subconsciously locked their eyes on Lily as they gradually nodded in agreement with her statement.

Meanwhile, aman smiled as he sat in a VIP room on the second floor overlooking the entire venue.

The sampling session became more lively because of the appearance of several new perfumers.

It was an excellent opportunity for the rookies to gain experience and communicate.

Melanie’s eyes grew darker, and she became increasingly depressed and irritable because everyone seemed to be shining in the spotlight.

She was the only one who everyone ignored and forgot.She wondered why it seemed that way since she had won many awards by working hard to climb the industry ladder.She was also a perfumer, but it was like no one knew.

‘I shouldn’t have come here just to get humiliated"

Melanie turned around and prepared to leave with that thought in mind.

"That lady."

The host shouted, "Yes, the beautiful lady in the red dress.Yes, you!"

Snap! Suddenly, the spotlight turned to Melanie, and she became the center of attention.

She knew she could not avoid it.

Melanie straightened her neck and slowly turned around as her back stiffened, hoping that she had misheard and the host was not calling her.

However, the host looked straight at her and said smilingly, "Can you please come to the stage?"

Melanie could not leave when faced with many gazes, no matter how reluctant she was, as it would be too embarrassing.

She slowly walked toward the stage with stiff steps.She did not turn her eyes away for fear of making eye contact with anyone, especially Lily, which would make her die of embarrassment.

Melanie still did not dare to look down when she stood on the stage.

Instead, she looked straight off into the distance.

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"What's your name?" The host asked enthusiastically.

"Hello?"

Upon seeing her in a trance, the host called to her again.

".."

Suddenly coming back to her senses, Melanie looked at him, "I.."

She realized her voice was a little hoarse as soon as she opened her mouth.

Clearing her throat, she clenched the microphone tightly.Her mind went blank.

Melanie was no stranger to the spotlight, having received many awards and applause over her career.

However, this time she panicked.Her hands and feet were icy, and her entire body was trembling.

Melanie would be humiliated if she made a mistake on stage, especially since Lily was present.She could not let that happen.

"This young lady may be a little nervous.It’s alright, have a rest if you're tired.Let's get someone else."

Melanie interrupted the host, who was trying to salvage the situation, "I'm sorry...I was just distracted."

Melanie tried to make her smile look natural.

"My name is Melanie Thayer.I’m a perfumer at MN Inc.in Sapphine."

Even though she was petrified just moments ago, at least at that moment, she could still hold herself together.

The host said quickly, "Oh, here we have Ms.Thayer.She has a sweet voice, doesn't she? I recall that Ms.Christian is also from Sapphine.It seems that Sapphine is not only known for its perfumers but also for its beautiful women!"

The host's words drew laughter from the audience.Some of them looked at Melanie, and some at Lily.

Melanie's eyes glanced in Lily's direction.She smiled and said, "Yes, Ms.Christian and I were classmates."

"Ah, I see!"

After the pleasantries, the host was about to get to the main point.

"Ms.Christian performed very well, and I believe Ms.Thayer won’t let us down either."

"The fragrance to be tested next is from another leading perfumer.Although young, he’d already won two international awards and is here with us today!"

"!!!"

Melanie, who had relaxed a little, immediately became tense again.

At first, Melanie thought she could make something up.She knew some basics.

Even if she were not entirely correct, she would not have strayed too far if she only sang praises to the creator and used some fanciful descriptions.

No one would care too much.

However, when the host said that the creator himself was in attendance, she would not be able to wing it as she had planned.She couldn't bear the embarrassment of being exposed in public.

At that moment, all she wanted was to flee the stage.

However, she was sweating profusely and could not move even if she tried.

"Haha, Ms.Thayer, take it easy.The creator is very easygoing.Why don't we look at the product first? Ms.Thayer will try it, and then we'll invite the creator out, okay?"

Melanie opened her mouth but couldn't squeeze out an "Okay."

She could only stand and watch the staff bring the perfume to the stage and place it on the table in front of her.

"Ms.Thayer, you may begin."

She moved slowly as if the object in front of her was not perfume but a bomb.

Melanie could almost foresee the ridicule that she would receive later.She was terrified, but there was nowhere to run.