Chapter 61

The night deepened as Vivian Laurent's phone screen lit up.

Amy's voice came through the receiver, brimming with barely contained excitement.

"Viv! We've broken all sales records!"

"Julian Cortez's fans went wild. They cleared out our entire inventory, even the other product lines."

Her excited breathing crackled over the line.

"Vine Perfumes had a terrible day. Our store had lines around the block while theirs was deserted."

Vivian chuckled softly and shook her head.

Amy suddenly lowered her voice. "Two VIP clients placed massive orders."

"A Ms. Garnache and a Mr. Roscente."

Vivian's fingers stilled.

Ethan Roscente?

She narrowed her eyes. What was the Roscente heir playing at now?

"Ms. Garnache paid cost price. Mr. Roscente offered 50% above retail."

Amy gasped. "Isn't that... excessive?"

"Take it or leave it," Vivian said coolly.

To everyone's surprise, Ethan immediately wired the deposit.

Amy sounded stunned on the other end.

Changing topics, she mentioned the International Perfumery Awards invitation.

"The organizers want you as a judge."

Vivian hadn't participated since winning seven consecutive championships years ago.

"Not interested," she declined flatly.

Those predictable fragrance formulas couldn't hold her attention.

...

Tension hung thick at Vine Perfumes headquarters.

Victoria Roscente's office lay in shambles, littered with broken glass.

Her assistant timidly offered a tablet. "The negative reviews are multiplying—"

"Shut up!" Victoria slapped the device away.

Her flawless makeup had smudged, eyes bloodshot.

The assistant ventured carefully, "But you made the competition finals..."

"If you win gold—"

Victoria's head snapped up, her expression venomous.

"Yes! I'll prove myself through talent!"

She grabbed a perfume bottle and hurled it against the wall.

As glass rained down, Victoria bared her teeth in a savage grin.

"Just you wait, Vivian Laurent."