Chapter 3 How Disgusting

Evelyn looked down at her own feet and calmly raised her head. "What's the matter?"

"Where is the First Love data? I've searched the lab and couldn't find it anywhere. Do you know what day it is today? Instead of staying in the lab properly, why are you running around?"

Liam followed her gaze and noticed the small cut on her foot. He felt a twinge of guilt but quickly pushed it aside, considering the importance of the competition tonight.

"The new product showcase and competition don't start until tonight, right? I thought there was still time, so I went to buy some clothes to prepare."

Before Liam could speak, Vivian, who was on the side, laughed. "What? Are you still planning to attend?"

Evelyn turned her gaze to her former friend and asked in return, "Is it not allowed?"

Vivian's smile deepened. "No, I'm just worried that you'll feel uncomfortable later. And in the past, you never liked these kinds of places. Just stay at home and wait for our good news! What about the data?"

Liam approached her with the intention of patting her shoulder, but Evelyn deftly sidestepped, skillfully avoiding his touch. His hand paused. Then, his gaze shifted as he noticed her pulling out a brown paper bag, instantly capturing his attention.

"Is all the data there?"

She handed it to him. Probably not feeling completely at ease, he opened it and carefully examined it before passing it to Vivian.

His actions were natural, and Vivian casually glanced at the file, a satisfied smile curling her lips. She wasn't entirely clueless about perfumes, but compared to Evelyn, she lacked some talent.

Moreover, since being with Liam, Vivian had exerted even less effort. Over the years, she had likely forgotten much of her knowledge. She had always enjoyed the wealth Evelyn created.

Holding the stack of data, Vivian was almost certain that they would succeed.

"What about the samples?" Vivian asked.

"Come to the lab to get them before you leave."

Evelyn saw how exhilarated the adulterous couple was, to the point where they even locked eyes in front of her. Their behaviour disgusted her. "Liam, am I really not able to attend tonight's event?"

Liam paused for a moment, immediately wrinkling his brow. "Evelyn, what's gotten into you? I've already told you that all of this is for your own good. Don't you remember the rookie competition two years ago, you...

"Of course, I'm not saying that you will definitely fail, but, just think about what will happen if something goes wrong, then..."

He fell silent, his expression betraying genuine concern for her. Had Evelyn not witnessed and heard it herself, she might have been moved to tears by their display of care.

Their words, seemingly for Evelyn's benefit, struck a chord. Yet, beneath the apparent consideration and kindness lay something... repulsive.

"Well, since that's the case, then I can only wish you good luck tonight!" After saying that, she turned around. "I'll go back to the lab first."

Liam nodded hurriedly. "Right, you go and prepare the samples, Make sure nothing goes wrong, understood?"

Evelyn smirked—of course she would make sure nothing went wrong.

On the way, she made a call to Laura.

Laura's tone was concerned. "Evelyn, are you okay? By the way, Mr. Scott has been looking for you for quite a while."

"I know." Evelyn focused on the road as she spoke. "Laura, have you prepared everything I asked you to?"

"It's all prepared, but… First Love has already undergone numerous tests. Are you sure you want to add materials to it now?" Laura asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

As Evelyn's long-time assistant, Laura harbored no doubts about Evelyn's abilities and judgment.

Yet, First Love had been rigorously tested for months, and Evelyn had been content with its development. Why, then, would she choose to make adjustments just before the competition?

"Do you believe in me?"

Even though she knew the answer would be no, Laura couldn't help but ask, "What? I believe in you! Of course, I believe in you! But are you really not going to participate yourself?"

As an assistant, Laura understood the tremendous effort and dedication Evelyn poured into creating each new perfume.

Despite Evelyn's numerous successful creations, her name remained unknown. All her achievements had been claimed by Vivian. Laura felt deeply aggrieved.

Evelyn smiled, reassured by Laura's support.

"What's mine will always be mine." Evelyn said, "Laura, they will come to collect the samples later. Just make sure you take care of the tasks I assigned to you. Thank you."

"You can count on me!"

After hanging up the phone, Evelyn took a turn and went straight into the Seraphian Group's underground parking lot.

The Seraphian Group was a large company, occupying an even larger area. The entire building belonged to the Seraphian Group, including the frighteningly large underground parking lot.

Luckily, Samuel was prepared and followed the navigation to the designated parking spot. Kyle was already waiting there.

"Ms. Taylor, please follow me," Kyle said.

They took the exclusive elevator, and Kyle quickly explained the current situation to her.

"The information and samples have already been given to the project department. This perfume will be competing tonight with two other fragrances from the Seraphian Group," he said.

"Thank you," Evelyn nodded.

Samuel had already demonstrated his support by making this possible. Liavian Perfumes had been preparing for the competition, from selecting the theme to planning, for three months prior to its commencement.

Introducing a new product at the last minute would necessitate careful evaluation of the associated risks.

Kyle spoke about it so casually, but Evelyn guessed that the people from the Seraphian Group might not accept it so easily. They probably had to wield their power to make it happen.

Tonight, she had to win!

…

Upon entering the office, Evelyn saw Samuel sitting behind a large desk. There were thick stacks of papers on both sides of him, which he was reviewing.

Perhaps hearing the sound, he looked up.

At that moment, Evelyn felt a little nervous.

"Come over here." He put down his pen.

Evelyn obediently walked over.

He looked her up and down, narrowing his eyes. "Are you injured?"

Being reminded, Evelyn recalled the cut on her foot from the broken glass. She was about to say it was nothing when he picked her up in his arms.