Chapter 57

Emily Garnache clung to Vivian Laurent's arm, her eyes sparkling.

"Viv, I actually wanted to visit a perfume shop today."

"Oh?" Vivian tilted her head.

"Do you know who my celebrity crush is?" Emily shook her phone excitedly.

Vivian shook her head.

"Julian Cortez!" Emily whispered dramatically. "He never does endorsements, but he's making an exception this time! The internet's going wild."

Vivian arched an eyebrow. The endorsement contract was still under NDA.

"I have to check out that perfume shop." Emily tugged her forward. "When it's officially announced, I'll buy a bottle for everyone at the company!"

They stopped before an opulent storefront. The Vine Perfumes sign glittered in the sunlight.

"That's Victoria Roscente's shop." Vivian narrowed her eyes.

The store was packed. Emily pulled Vivian inside. "Help me pick something out."

Vivian picked up a test strip. Notes of rose and sandalwood drifted up.

"This is our signature scent, Mademoiselle Rose." A sales associate approached. "Pure floral notes. Limited edition."

"How much?" Vivian asked casually.

"Ten thousand." The associate lifted her chin.

Vivian nearly laughed. The production cost couldn't exceed a hundred.

"Too expensive?" The associate glanced at the AN Atelier across the street. "That place is more... affordable for you."

Vivian's gaze turned icy.

"Is this how you treat customers?" She waved the test strip. "The scent is passable, but the longevity is terrible. Gone with the wind—just like your pricing."

The associate's face darkened. "Don't cause trouble if you can't afford it!"

Emily stepped forward. "Who says we can't?"

"Suit yourselves." The associate smirked. "When Julian's endorsement drops, fans will be fighting over these."

Even Emily looked stunned.

The click of heels approached. Victoria Roscente glided over gracefully. "Is there a problem?"