Chapter 3

Lily looked down at her instep and raised her head calmly. "What's wrong?"

"Where are the First Love's documents?! We can't find it in the lab. Do you know what day it is today?! Rather than staying in the lab, you chose to wander around?!"

Nathaniel followed Lily’s line of sight and saw the small cut on her instep. He felt guilty for a while but soon thought of the upcoming competition, which was more critical to him.

“Isn’t the new product’s reveal and competition starting tonight? I thought I still had some time left, so I bought myself some new clothes to prepare for it.”

Before Nathaniel could speak, Melanie beside him laughed. "Why? Are you planning to attend?"

"Can't I?" Lily turned to look at her former friend and asked back.

Melanie's smile deepened. "It's not that. I'm just worried you will feel out of place. Also, didn't you avoid participating in such activities in the past?"

"Yeah, you've never liked these places nor pursued fame and fortune. You can stay at home and wait for our good news! Now, where are the documents?" Nathaniel approached Lily and reached out, wanting to pat her shoulder, but Lily deftly turned sideways to avoid Nathaniel’s hand.

Nathaniel froze for a moment, and a kraft paper bag in Lily’s hand immediately caught his attention. "Are the documents complete?" He took the bag and checked it carefully with concern before handing it to Melanie.

With her action so natural, Melanie took it and glanced casually. A satisfied smile appeared on her lips. It’s not that Melanie did not understand the fragrance, but she still lacked talent compared to Lily.

In addition, after hooking up with Nathaniel, Melanie even gave up her acquired efforts. Over the years, she probably forgot almost all her knowledge, taking all Lily's credit and enjoying her achievements.

Holding the stacks of documents, Melanie almost heard the trophy beckoning at her. "Where are the samples?" Melanie questioned closely.

“You can pick them up at the laboratory before you leave for the competition,” Lily responded.

Lily noticed the shameless couple’s excitement as they exchanged glances in front of her. Feeling disgusted, Lily asked, “Nate, can’t I participate in tonight’s event?”

Nathaniel blanked for a while and immediately frowned. "Lily, what's wrong with you? Didn't I tell you this is for your good? Did you forget about the new talent competition two years ago? You..."

"Of course, I'm not saying it will fail, but think about it. There's always an ‘if.’ If something goes wrong, then..."

Nathanial did not say anything after that. It was as if he cared about Lily wholeheartedly. If Lily hadn’t heard Nathaniel’s concern with her ears and seen it with her own eyes, the shameless couple would have moved her to tears. Every word the couple said was considerate and kind, yet Lily found it disgusting.

"Well, since that’s it, I can only wish you two good luck tonight!" Lily said smilingly. Then she turned around. “I’ll return to the lab now.”

Nathaniel nodded hurriedly. "That's right, hurry up and prepare the samples. Make sure nothing goes wrong, understood?!"

Lily hooked her lips and sneered. Oh, of course, she would ensure nothing went wrong.

On the way, she called Olivia, and the voice over the phone sounded concerned. "Lily, are you okay? By the way, Mr. Hall has been looking for you for almost a day."

"I know," Lily focused on the road and said, "Olivia, have you prepared the things I asked you to?"

"It's ready, but you’ve adjusted First Love many times. Are you sure you want to add it to the perfume now?" Olivia asked worriedly. She had been Lily’s assistant for a long time and had no doubts about Lily’s capabilities and connoisseurship.

However, Lily had adjusted First Love’s formula over the past several months and was finally pleased with its results. Tonight was a big night for First Love, so Olivia wondered why Lily would add to it at this time.

"Do you trust me?"

"What are you saying? Of course! I trust you, but are you sure you won’t compete in person?” She could not help but ask again, even though she knew the answer would be no. She knew how much effort Lily put into producing each new perfume.

Lily had studied many best-selling perfumes, but no one knew about her because Melanie stole the spotlight. Olivia felt aggrieved just thinking about it.

Lily smiled, knowing that Olivia was on her side. "What's mine will always be mine," She said meaningfully, "Nate and Mel will collect the samples later. Just do what I've said. Thank you, Olivia."

"Don’t worry. I'll handle it!"

After hanging up the phone, Lily turned into La Beauté’s underground parking lot. La Beauté had a massive building that covered an extensive area. Even the parking lot was an impressive size.

Fortunately, Alexander was well prepared. Lily followed Alexander's location and positioned her car in the parking space. Edward was already waiting there.

"Ms. Christian, please come with me." Edward quickly told Lily about the current situation as they went up the private elevator, “We’ve given the documents and samples to the project department. Your perfume will compete alongside La Beauté’s other two scents tonight.”

"Thank you." Lily nodded.

It was already good of Alexander to do this. Take MN Inc. as an example. They had made preparations three months before the start of the competition, from theme selection to planning. If they suddenly added another perfume to their lineup, they would have to carefully consider their risks on whether or not the perfume will top the others.

Edward quickly briefed Lily in just a few words, but Lily guessed that the staff at La Beauté would not accept her perfume so readily. They might even use any means necessary to suppress her.

Still, Lily knew she must win flawlessly against MN Inc.

She saw Alexander sitting behind his large office desk with a thick stack of documents to his left and right. He was reviewing them when Lily entered his office.

Perhaps hearing the movement, Alexander looked up. At that moment, Lily felt a little nervous.

"Come here." Alexander put down his pen.

Lily walked over obediently. Alexander looked up and down, narrowing his eyes. "Are you hurt?"

With Alexander’s reminder, Lily suddenly remembered that a piece of broken ceramic had left a cut on her instep. She was about to assure Alexander that she was okay when her body abruptly lightened up. Alexander had swept her off the ground.