Melanie's heavy dress slipped down after a few steps, nearly exposing the edge of her bra. Blushing, she covered her chest with her purse and hurried to the venue.
Lily, tired from greeting people and meeting colleagues Jenny had introduced, was ready to leave even before the sampling event began. Socializing, she realized, was far more exhausting than product research. Finding a quiet corner, she waited for the event to start, clutching a small tray of snacks. She only wanted to see the new products from industry masters before heading home.
Meanwhile, Jenny, a veteran of such events, effortlessly mingled with her peers. Turning, she noticed Lily was missing. She eventually found her in a corner, happily eating. Jenny couldn't help laughing.
"I brought you here to attend the event, not to eat," Jenny said, rolling her eyes. She casually took a glass of juice from a waiter's tray and offered it to Lily. "Don't just eat; have some juice. Those snacks look dry."
"The food's good. It would be a waste not to eat it," Lily replied, smiling as she sipped her juice. "You should try some, Jenny."
"I'm not as greedy as you!" Jenny said, her opinion of Lily softening. She seemed genuine, talented without being boastful. Jenny realized she'd been wrong about the perfumer. "That woman just now—Melanie Thayer from MN Inc.—she's involved in the lawsuit against you, right?"
Lily nodded. "I thought you knew her."
"I might have seen her, but I don't recall," Jenny said, tilting her head thoughtfully. Rebirth and MN Inc. frequently attended the same competitions and events. She knew Nathaniel; since Melanie was always with him, Jenny must have met her, but she simply couldn't remember.
Jenny acknowledged some MN Inc. products were excellent, showcasing a creative perfumer. Yet, meeting Melanie, she sensed something was amiss. Perhaps she intuitively knew something wasn't right.
"She stole your work, took the credit, and even slandered you. Why aren't you angry?"
Remembering Melanie's earlier behavior, Jenny felt disgusted. Who could be so shameless?
"Of course I am," Lily said seriously, taking a bite of cake and looking at Jenny. "Who says I'm not?"