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Chapter 4 Are You Ready?

Evelyn looked at Vivian, putting on her best innocent face. "Can't I come with you?"

Vivian hesitated. "Well... sure. But you never liked these events before. Weren't you always more into your perfume research?"

Liam jumped in, "Yeah, Evelyn, you always hated these things. Remember two years ago? You swore you'd never go again. You've been cooped up in the lab for ages. You should just chill at home tonight. Vivian and I will bring back the trophy for you."

Evelyn watched their little act with real disgust but played along. "Alright then, just make sure to take lots of photos for me. I want to see 'First Love' winning an award."

Liam nodded. "No problem. Where's the info on 'First Love'? I need it."

Evelyn replied, "It's in the lab. Send someone to get it. I have a backup on my computer."

"Are your samples ready?" Vivian asked.

"Don't worry, everything's set. You'll definitely shine tonight," Evelyn said, her words carrying a hidden meaning they didn't catch.

Vivian and Liam grinned like they were already holding the trophy.

Evelyn felt a wave of nausea but kept her cool. Tonight, she would make them pay for all the honors and fame they had stolen from her. It was going to be a night they wouldn't forget.

"I'll head to the lab to prep," Evelyn said, turning to leave.

Liam nodded. "Alright, get the samples and info ready. No mistakes, got it?"

Evelyn gave a cold smile as she left the office. Her assistant, Laura, rushed over, looking worried. "Evelyn, are you okay? What did Mr. Scott want? He seemed really mad."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "It's nothing. Did you get the info I asked for?"

Laura nodded. "It's ready."

Evelyn instructed, "The final version of 'First Love' still needs a tweak. Add some rosemary."

Laura looked confused. "Why? I thought you were happy with it. Why add rosemary?"

Evelyn smiled. "Just trust me, okay?"

Laura nodded. Evelyn knew she could count on her.

"Good. Add the rosemary and take the sample and info to Liam. Tell him it's the final version of 'First Love'."

Laura was puzzled but did as she was told. She didn't understand perfumery and just handled admin work for Evelyn.

After giving the instructions, Evelyn checked her watch. It was already 4:30 PM. She needed to head to the Seraphian Group building, where her new husband was waiting for her.

She didn't know what would happen next, but as long as she could make Vivian and Liam pay tonight, it would all be worth it.

The Seraphian Group building was a city landmark, a massive structure that screamed power and money. The whole place belonged to the Seraphian Group.

Evelyn drove up, made a few turns, and parked in the lot. As soon as she stepped out, she spotted Kyle Collins waiting by the elevator. He was Samuel's assistant, someone she had met earlier that morning.

Kyle greeted her with a respectful nod. "Ms. Taylor, please follow me. Mr. Whitman is waiting for you upstairs."

Evelyn nodded back, grateful. She had a lot on her mind about tonight. She couldn't just ask Samuel directly since it was a minor issue for him. So she turned to Kyle. "How are the preparations for tonight?"

Kyle got what she meant. "The perfume has been sent to the project department. Tonight, 'First Love' will compete with two other perfumes from the Seraphian Group."

Evelyn knew Kyle was keeping it short, but she understood it wasn't that simple.

The other entries were the result of hard work by dedicated perfumers who had put in countless hours. The other two perfumes were crafted by Seraphian Group's own perfumers, who had likely poured their hearts into them, hoping for recognition. Now, with "First Love" in the mix, those perfumers were probably not too happy.

She was jumping in late, and she wondered if those perfumers saw her as a roadblock to their success. Working with them in the future could get tricky.

Every perfumer treated their creations like their own children, fiercely protective. Now, she was barging in through connections, and who knew if those perfumers would give her trouble later on.

Samuel, being the boss, must have used his authority to keep things in check. Otherwise, for such a big competition, the research and project departments would be at each other's throats.

Evelyn felt a wave of gratitude towards Samuel. Tonight, she couldn't afford to lose. She had to win, and win big.

She was betting everything on tonight and "First Love." If she failed, she'd let Samuel down.

So, losing wasn't an option.

The elevator ride up felt like forever. This was her second time in this office. The first time, she was Liam's girlfriend. Now, she was Samuel's wife.

What awaited her behind that door? Danger? Surprise? It felt like opening a mystery box. She knocked and heard a deep, smooth voice from inside.

Evelyn pushed the door open and saw Samuel behind his desk, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, focused on some documents.

From the doorway, she watched him, head down, totally absorbed in his work. He looked so serious and dedicated, it was kind of mesmerizing.

She couldn't help but think back to the night before when she had shown up looking a mess. He had offered his hand and asked if she needed help.

She smiled to herself. She had turned him down then, and now here she was, walking into his office, claiming to be his wife.

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