Chapter 67

The International Perfumery Awards commenced as scheduled.

The world's top perfumers gathered under one roof, the air thick with an intoxicating blend of fragrances.

Sophia Evans entered gracefully on Victoria Roscente's arm. Her white sundress accentuated her slender waist, the oversized sunglasses only adding to her allure. All eyes turned toward them.

"Oh my God! It's Sophia Evans!"

"She's even more stunning in person. Though quite thin."

"I heard Mr. Roscente invested in medical research just for her condition."

Amid the whispers, Sophia removed her sunglasses with practiced elegance, revealing her signature gentle smile.

Victoria wore a confident smirk. Hidden in her bag was the stolen Cloudtree essence, and she'd already bribed three judges. Victory was assured.

Suddenly, Victoria's expression froze.

"What's wrong?" Sophia followed her gaze.

A statuesque woman stood at the center of the room. Her tailored black suit hugged every curve, the icy perfection of her features radiating an unapproachable aura.

An inexplicable irritation prickled Sophia's chest.

"That troublemaker from the boutique." Victoria's eyes narrowed. "I'll handle this."

Clicking her heels, Victoria blocked Vivian Laurent's path. "How did an amateur like you slip into this elite event?"

Vivian didn't even glance up.

"Playing hard to get?" Victoria raised her voice. "Here to steal my techniques before I win?"

Vivian finally met her gaze, eyes sharp as daggers. "Your perfumes don't interest me."

"Sour grapes. You didn't even qualify to compete, did you?"

"You'll see soon enough." Vivian turned away, posture straight as a pine.

Victoria clenched her fists. Just wait until the awards ceremony—we'll see who's laughing then.

The competition began. Each perfumer worked in isolated booths, their creations to be judged blindly.

As a guest judge, Vivian sampled the entries. When she inhaled the seventh fragrance, her eyes turned razor-sharp.

She took the sample bottle and strode toward the judges' chamber.

During the break, Victoria scanned the room but found no trace of Vivian.

"Ran away already?" She smoothed her dress, awaiting her moment of triumph.

Samuel Garten took the podium.

"After rigorous evaluation, the gold medal goes to—" He paused. "Victoria Roscente for 'Whispers of Spring.'"

Victoria's victorious smile bloomed.