Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay. No one understood what Lisa meant or who she was calling.Daisy was even more confused and had a bad premonition about this.After Lisa dialed the number, she put an index finger on her lips, motioning them to be quiet. It was because the speaker was on, and everyone was waiting for someone to pick up the phone call.On the other end of the phone, Lily was studying the piece of wood that Benedict had given her. She was so focused that she did not notice her phone was ringing. When Lily realized it, it had been ringing for a long time. She picked up the phone and realized it was Lisa calling, then she answered it. "Hello, Lisa?"There was a commotion from the crowd. No one thought that woman would be on the other end of the phone, and from the sound of it, she should be a Hylander."Lilsy, I'm calling you to say thank you," Lisa said calmly while looking ahead.She felt so relieved as she could say thank you generously in front of the crow
At this moment, the atmosphere at the scene had reached a climax as everyone was excited to guess it right.Within a few hours after Lily hung up the phone, her name was trending online while the live interview continued.The host noticed the fragrance from Lisa and inquired, "I’ll take the liberty to ask, is the perfume that you’re using now the one in the rumor?""Yes." Lisa nodded."Then..." After a pause, the host seemed to want to embarrass Lisa and said jokingly, "I may speak frankly, but I think that when I’m so close to the fragrance, it does not smell as amazing as rumor said. It's just a normal perfume."It was provocative to say that. After all, Lisa had gained popularity for a few days because of this perfume. If now the host said that the fragrance was just ordinary, it meant that she was overhyping it, and the media was leading it on.Daisy almost stood up, looking unhappy.At first, when Lisa wanted to announce Lily's name, Daisy let it be as Lisa was her boss. But the h
“Brittany, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have said what I said today. Her perfume was exquisite! I loved the smell of it and would love to get a bottle for myself!” The TV host said honestly.It fueled Brittany’s rage, “Go get it then! There are so many world-famous perfumes, but you’re willing to settle for a cheap, brandless one? You’re courageous, huh? You’re not even afraid that it’ll damage your skin!” Her rage shocked the TV host, but he mumbled two seconds later, “Brittany, the perfume is from a branded company too. It’s from La Beaute Group’s Rebirth.”Brittany only glared daggers at him. The TV host immediately quieted down and tried to be more discreet.Brittany was green with envy as she watched Tweets about Lily garner more and more interactions. She had initially planned to hire one of the country’s most famous perfumers to develop a perfume exclusively for her. They were already at the last stages of discussion, and all she had to do was meet with the perfumer to
Lily was surprised that her gesture of gifting her friend a custom-made perfume would cause quite a commotion on the news and social media.Initially, the discussions on social media were about the perfume, but they gradually became about the perfumer, her past, her physical appearance, and even how she sounded in person.Hashtags like “Lily’s custom-made perfume.” “Lily’s heavenly voice,” “Lily the queen of plagiarism,” and “Lily looks like an actress” appeared across Twitter. If these were not hashtags, Lily would have assumed the netizens were using her name to create new catchphrases.Faced with such a situation, Lily did not know how to react. It was a perfect example of unintentionally successful social media marketing.Lily’s Twitter account gained four million followers overnight. She was still not used to this overnight fame, even though she was well-known now. Still, she was unsatisfied with her performance as a perfumer and knew she had a long way to go to become a world
Brittany was surprised when she met the perfumer she had contacted. Firstly, she did not expect ‘him’ to be a woman. Secondly, the perfumer’s information stated that the woman was in her fifties. However, the woman looked like she was in her thirties. If her age was according to the information, then the woman had a great skincare routine.“Hi, Ms. Walters,” Brittany politely greeted the woman.The woman smiled. “I’m Angeline Walters. I prefer people calling me Angeline instead.”“Hi, Angeline. What would you like to have?” Brittany quickly changed how she addressed the woman and sat in front of her.“Anything is fine,” Angeline said. Her eyes studied Brittany closely. It was as if she was checking her from head to toe.Brittany felt awkward as she instinctively grabbed the hem of her blouse.“Relax, you don’t need to be nervous. I’m just studying your character and physical appearance so I can think of a scent that suits you,” Angeline clarified when she noticed Brittany’s awkwa
Brittany was taken aback by Angeline’s sudden rage, “But…” “Perfumes have their own appeal. Each bottle is different and has its own meaning, especially custom-made ones. When others smell it, they will automatically think of you. The smell that is distinctively yours and yours alone, they won’t think of others. That’s the meaning of perfume and its charm. How could you simply use any perfume, even when it’s not suitable for you?” Angeline concluded. When she was talking about perfumes, it was like she was a different person. She was babbling non-stop about it with a dreamy look in her eyes. Her words convinced Brittany as they sounded so persuasive. “You’re right, a custom-made perfume is just what I need. I want people to remember me with a sniff.” ‘Also to be attracted to me…’ she thought. This was what she really wanted. Angeline looked at her with a mysterious smile, “You’re in love, aren’t you?”Brittany was surprised by Angeline’s question, and her face flushe
Alexander acted on his ideas as soon as he voiced them. Within a week, he prepared everything for Lily after their conversation the other day. Not only did he provide her with a personal lab, but he also made sure she had enough staffing and the proper facilities to assist her. According to Alexander, she only had to think about her brand name and when to officially introduce her brand to the public. Her brand would still be under the Rebirth umbrella, as Rebirth’s reputation was increasing. It had been recently chosen as the leading branch under the La Beaute Group brand. Lily had been really busy with this new project of hers, and even though she was enjoying it, it was still tiring. Her new workplace was quite far from Rebirth but there was a garden nearby. Alexander specifically selected this area because he was sure that Lily needed a place where she could quickly assess different kinds of materials as well as draw inspiration from them. Alexander was always thoughtful a
Lily laughed while hugging the bouquet of roses. Alexander did not feel any sense of accomplishment, and he noticed that her laugh was not because of receiving flowers from him. Instead, it felt more like she was mocking him. His face darkened, and he grabbed her on her waist and pulled her closer, “You don’t like them?”“Of course I do. They’re beautiful!” She laughed and nodded. “Are you sure?” He questioned again. “Yes, why?” She nodded more convincingly this time.“Then, what are you laughing at?” Lily only laughed louder when she heard him ask. “Stop laughing!” Alexander demanded and kissed her full on the lips. This was the best way to end her mocking laughter. He was a bit annoyed with himself. A wave of helplessness rushed over him, and although they were only getting started, it did not seem to be going well. Should he continue with his plan? Alexander was regretting his decision now. He should not have taken advice from Edward. That guy had no experience wi
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, “There’s something I find strange.”“What is it?” Mike asked after comforting his son.“Instead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldn’t we reach him?”After some thought, Mike answered, “There are two possibilities. It’s probably due to poor signals, or he doesn’t want us to contact him.”The two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.‘Why can’t we contact Ross? Is he planning something?’…Three days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queen’s leg and looked up at her, saying, “You should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, it’ll take some time before you can stand.”Suddenly, Lily chuckled.“Why are you laughing?” Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”“That’s… quite a pity,” the queen murmured thoughtfully.“Well, there’s a price to pay for everything. That’s how the world balances itself,” Lily continued, “I can’t stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I won’t witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isn’t something you’ll regret.”Lily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasmin’s legs. “Your Majesty, those needles—”The queen waved dismissively. “It’s okay. Lily will remove them later.”Even so, Rick was wary. “You’re being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that woman—”“She wouldn’t,” Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.“Tell me. What do you want?” The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lily’s request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you don’t punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasn’t sure if you’d blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didn’t you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.“That’s it?!” Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.‘I haven’t felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldn’t mind waiting for three more days.’“Are you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?” Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, “I can’t guarantee that you’ll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you haven’t used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, you’ll recover slowly.”Yasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
“Because only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I… don't trust anyone." Yasmin’s expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? You’ve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Aren’t you tired of living a lonely life?”Lily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasmin’s back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, “Sightsee, huh? I’ve forgotten what that’s like.”Yasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lily’s suggestion.Lily asked, “What if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldn’t bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father who’s willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you— Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.“However, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""You…" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, “Bring Lily over. I’d like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.”"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must you—"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, “Her Majesty wants to see you.”Lily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. “You stay.”"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesn’t wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queen’s attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, “If any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They won’t do that to me. It’s natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. I’m the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.”After a short silence, Lily said, “You’re right.” She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, “Me too.”Dominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, “Thanks, you guys!”"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and don’t be rash like you promised," Aust