Chapter 9 Just the Beginning

To everyone's surprise, she actually admitted it herself, leaving everyone, including Liam, stunned.

"Mr. Scott, since you are so convinced that 'First Love' was completely developed by Ms. Reed herself, why not let her explain what changes I made to the formula? What parts did I modify?"

"I..." Vivian's face turned pale.

Vivian had hardly been to the laboratory in the past two years. Even if she hadn't forgotten everything she had learned before, each different perfume had its own distinct formula, ingredients, and proportions. Didn't she have to worry about these data every day?

She instinctively held onto Liam's clothes tightly, biting her lip.

Liam noticed her nervousness and took a step forward, naturally shielding Vivian behind him. "Since you made the changes, how could Vivian possibly know? Since you have already admitted it, I don't think there should be any dispute about this matter. Why don't we—"

"I admit that I changed the formula, but I didn't admit that I stole it. The formula is my own, so I can modify it as I please. Shouldn't Vivian, who is so familiar with 'First Love' and claims it as her creation, know it better than me?

"Or is she lying to us? Is Vivian the one who stole someone else's formula and achievements?"

Evelyn exposed her without any courtesy, straightforwardly and without showing her any respect.

Being exposed in front of everyone, she couldn't refute and didn't know what to do. Vivian was both angry and frustrated, pointing at Evelyn and saying, "You're slandering me—"

Before she could finish her words, she fell straight back.

"Oh my god!"

"Vivian!"

Liam, who was closest to her, exclaimed and caught her falling body.

"I'm sorry, but due to Ms. Reed's condition, our representatives from Liavian Perfumes will have to leave first," Liam said to the host.

Although his tone was polite, it was also rigid. Then, he looked at Evelyn and coldly said, "But we won't let people randomly accuse us of things like this!"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow as she watched him carry Vivian and quickly leave the venue. She thought, 'Ah, Vivian is so cunning. She can't defend herself or find evidence, so she resorts to fainting.'

Although her trick was cliché, it had to be admitted that it was quite effective. At least for now, she had temporarily gotten through the current predicament.

After Liavian Perfumes left, the whole commotion came to an end. The awards ceremony continued, except for the "First Love" award which couldn't be presented due to the controversy.

Although Evelyn was mentally prepared, she was still surrounded by journalists when leaving the venue.

"Ms. Taylor, was today's incident deliberately arranged by you?"

"For the past two years, you have disappeared from the world of perfumers. Is it because of the competition two years ago?"

"Ms. Taylor, how did you sign with Neogenito Fragrances? Mr. Scott just said that you were an employee of Liavian Perfumes. Did you switch jobs or breach your contract?"

"Ms. Taylor, there are rumors that you and Mr. Scott from Liavian Perfumes are in a romantic relationship. Is this revenge on your part?"

The questions became sharper one by one, but Evelyn maintained a faint smile on her face, not avoiding these malicious inquiries.

"Time will give you the answers," she said succinctly, before getting into the car under the escort of the people from Neogenito Fragrances.

As the car door closed, the light and noise from outside were instantly shut out.

The air conditioning inside the car was strong, causing her to shiver involuntarily. Subsequently, she put on a jacket that still retained some body heat.

"You're still here?" Evelyn was somewhat surprised; she thought he had already left.

"How could I leave before watching such an exciting drama." Samuel retrieved his hand and sighed lightly. "Unfortunately, the outcome is a bit disappointing."

Evelyn shook her head. "The outcome hasn't been reached yet; this is just the beginning."

"Oh?"

"This is my life's work, and I won't give up easily."

In the past, she was foolish, sacrificing everything for love, even betraying her family. Despite giving her all, she received no reciprocation, only being seen as a fool.

Until today, she harbored expectations for Liam, but his recent behavior shattered the illusions in her heart. Liam knew the significance of her "First Love." She had forsaken numerous awards and honors for it, yet now he regarded her as a "thief," willing to do anything for Vivian!

Her phone kept vibrating in her pocket. Upon retrieving it, she noticed an incoming call from Laura and promptly answered, "Laura."

After exchanging greetings, cheerful laughter came from the other end of the phone.

"That was amazing! Hahaha, it's so uplifting! Evelyn, you're incredible! Tonight was truly satisfying, haha!"

The laughter from Laura on the other end made the phone vibrate, causing Evelyn to slightly move the phone away. She glanced at Samuel, coughed lightly in embarrassment, "Laura, you are really excited."

"Of course!" Laura said with a smile, "I thought you were going to be controlled by Liam for the rest of your life. I didn't expect you asking me for ingredients would have this effect... Vivian's reaction when she took the samples from me was too much, I was so happy to see her embarrassed!"

Laura was overjoyed, talking non-stop, leaving Evelyn with no room to interject.

"But Evelyn, if you've fallen out with them, does that mean you're not planning to stay at Liavian Perfumes anymore? I heard you're going to Neogenito Fragrances? When did you decide to go? Is it reliable? Have you finalized the terms?"

Evelyn's cheeks flushed slightly.

Although Samuel wasn't looking at her when she made the call, he had been gazing out of the window the whole time, surely hearing their conversation.

"Perhaps it's fate."

She remembered the first time she met Samuel, his willingness to help her, and then their whirlwind marriage.

"Laura, let's discuss this another time. Liam will definitely come to you about today's events. If he asks, just say you don't know and shift the blame onto me, got it?"

Laura wasn't worried, "Don't worry, I'm not afraid of him. If need be, I'll resign."

She had long been fed up with Liam's incessant demands, but she chose to remain silent because Evelyn never complained.

"But what about you? You've fallen out with him, he's bound to cause you trouble. Why don't you stay at my place tonight, it'll be safer."

Before Evelyn could respond, she saw Samuel suddenly looking at her, his gaze sharp.

She hurriedly said, "No need, I have other arrangements. Let's reconnect tomorrow."

With that, she quickly hung up the phone.

If it weren't for Laura's reminder, she would have almost forgotten that tonight was their wedding night.