Chapter 119
The representatives from various fragrance companies stood in awe before the majestic building, their admiration evident in their widened eyes.
“Remarkable! Just one glance and you can tell Charisma Company is backed by the prestigious Kingsley Group!” one of them exclaimed, shaking their head in amazement.
As they took in the opulent architecture, their curiosity about the elusive Charisma Company only grew. After relentless efforts to secure this rare opportunity, they had finally been granted a tour—a privilege they intended to savor.
It was common to exchange pleasantries with colleagues, but collaborating with an industry giant like Charisma for the first time left them on edge.
They began on the ground floor, exploring the company’s facilities, and with each step, their astonishment deepened.
“The equipment in this lab is state-of-the-art! It’s years ahead of what we’re using,” one representative murmured, visibly impressed by the cutting-edge technology.
At the back of the group, Ethan Blackwood and Sophia Kensington strolled hand in hand, their affection on full display.
While the others marveled at the perfume displays, Sophia’s attention was elsewhere.
Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she took in the high-tech lab equipment. She couldn’t help but imagine the Blackwood Group expanding into the fragrance industry. If they did, she was determined to get her hands on some of these advanced tools.
But her smile faltered when she spotted Isabella Sinclair.
“Ethan, that’s Isabella over there. How is she already working at Charisma Company?” Her voice carried a note of disbelief.
Not far away, Marcus Wainwright, eager to curry favor with Sophia after benefiting from her influence, noticed her displeasure and seized the opportunity.
With a sly grin, he chimed in. “Well, well,” he chuckled, his tone dripping with mischief. “That’s our newly appointed lab manager. She must be exceptionally talented, don’t you think?”
The subtle jab didn’t go unnoticed. When the others turned to Isabella—young and fresh-faced—skepticism flickered in their eyes.
Sophia’s expression darkened. “So that’s how she got into Charisma Company. Must be her connections. How enviable, right? She won the Perfumery Contest, yet instead of crafting new scents, she’s glued to her computer. Must be nice to have such an easy job.” Her voice was sweetly venomous, the sharpness unmistakable.
“Getting promoted so quickly… It’s unfair to those who’ve worked for years to earn that position,” she added, her lips curling into a bitter smile.
Ethan pulled her closer, running his fingers through her hair in a gesture meant to comfort—though his touch was cold. “Why envy someone who climbed the ladder through connections? It’s pathetic, really.”
Encouraged by Ethan’s disdain, Marcus and the others grew bolder, eager to tarnish Isabella’s reputation further.
Tabitha Redford, never one to miss an opportunity, joined in with a mocking laugh. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. She must have some talent, but promoting her straight to lab manager does seem… rushed. Not exactly standard procedure.”
“Poor Marcus,” Sophia sighed dramatically.
Marcus waved a hand, feigning grace. “Oh, it’s fine. These things happen in the workplace. I’ve learned to live with it.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“After all, she has connections,” someone muttered under their breath.
Their voices blended into a chorus of thinly veiled sarcasm, thickening the air with disdain.
A hesitant voice piped up. “But Miss Sinclair isn’t just anyone—she’s the Perfumery Contest champion and the Scarlet Serpent. I doubt she needs connections. Mr. Kingsley probably invited her personally.”
“Please,” another scoffed. “Even geniuses have to eat. Wouldn’t be surprised if she pulled some strings.”
Though they tried to mask it, their contempt for those who relied on connections was written plainly on their faces.
At that moment, Sophia’s saccharine voice cut through the murmurs as she pushed open the lab door, her presence filling the room.
“Hello, Isabella. Didn’t expect to find you here.” Her words oozed false concern.
“This is crossing a line. They make you lab manager—against protocol, I might add—and instead of developing perfumes, you’re playing on the computer. What will people think? This isn’t good for your reputation.”
Ethan’s voice, thick with sarcasm, echoed hers. “And here you are, Sophia, so thoughtful. She pulls stunts like this, and you’re worried about her reputation. The two of you competed against each other, yet you care so much.”
Their wedding had become a public spectacle, and deep down, they feared Isabella took pleasure in their humiliation.
So they struck first.
