Chapter 58

Victoria Roscente's gaze settled on Vivian Laurent, her brows slightly furrowed.

The woman's unnaturally perfect features triggered her instincts.

"Boss, this customer claims our perfumes are overpriced and questions their quality," the clerk whispered.

Victoria smirked. "Oh? What's wrong with our perfumes?"

Vivian had recognized this as Victoria's store immediately. Back when she was married to Ethan Roscente, his cousin had never treated her kindly.

"Your perfumes aren't worth their price tags," Vivian stated directly.

Victoria signaled a clerk to bring their bestsellers. "These are our top sellers. Enlighten me about their flaws."

Vivian sampled each one and shook her head. "All subpar."

"Nonsense!" The clerk bristled. "We use premium organic herbs grown on our own estates!"

"The ingredients are decent," Vivian tapped a bottle lightly. "But can you guarantee these contain only what's listed?"

Victoria's pupils contracted.

"Your repeat customers come for the special additives, don't they?" Vivian's voice carried just enough for nearby shoppers to hear.

Victoria forced composure. "Please leave. We don't welcome troublemakers."

"In a hurry to kick me out before someone discovers your illegal ingredients?"

"That's slander!" Victoria's voice cracked with tension.

Vivian lifted one bottle. "Cloudtree essence. A banned addictive plant. Where did you source it?"

Victoria paled. She'd used triple-layered fragrance notes to mask the Cloudtree's scent.

"And this calming mist?" Vivian shook another bottle. "Actually contains stimulants, doesn't it?"

"Security! Remove them!" Victoria barked before forcing a smile at onlookers. "This is malicious slander from competitors. Everyone gets a complimentary new fragrance today."

Emily Garnache trembled with rage as they were shoved out. "I'm reporting this fraudulent store!"

Vivian stopped her from reaching for her phone. "Patience."

She watched the panicked Victoria through the display window, lips curving slightly.

"The real show has just begun."