Chapter 203

The sound of ideas was always beautiful. Melanie wanted to do the experiment herself, but became nauseous after being enclosed in the lab for too long. She felt this was understandable, and forgivable, because she was pregnant. She prepared a cup of coffee and supervised from outside. She knew that excessive coffee consumption during pregnancy was bad for the fetus, a fact she considered while contemplating whether to keep the baby.

After weighing the pros and cons, she decided against having the child—at least, not now. Nathaniel, however, greatly desired it. An abortion would undoubtedly strain their relationship.

"What a tough decision!"

Her phone vibrated. Melanie thought it was Nathaniel asking about her whereabouts, but the call was from Frank. Inexplicably flustered, she quickly glanced around, relieved to find herself alone. She set down her coffee cup, stood up, and moved to a secluded spot in the corridor.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Babe, did you miss me?" Frank's teasing voice held a mischievous tone. Melanie paused. "Yes, of course I do! I wish you were here. Though I know I can't stop you from pursuing your art, so I can only miss you silently." She knew what Frank wanted to hear.

"Really?" He sounded pleased. "What are you doing now, then?"

"I'm in the lab. The formula is crucial, so I have to do it myself. I couldn't let you down." Having appeased him, she subtly added, "I believe these two products will be a hit, and we can enter them in the annual perfume competition. By the way, will you be there?"

Frank laughed. "Are you trying to find out if I'll be a judge? Isn't that right?"

Melanie was silent. He'd exposed her intentions, so she admitted, "Yeah! I wonder if there's a chance to bribe the judges?"

"Do you really want this opportunity?" Frank asked sarcastically. Her eyes flashed. "Really? Are you going to be a judge?"

The annual perfume competition was notoriously strict. To ensure fairness, judges were recruited internationally and locally. Their identities were confidential until the competition began.

Therefore, bribery in advance was impossible. She was taking a long shot, but she hadn't expected success. If Frank were a judge, however, winning would be a certainty. With his formula, his vote, and his influence over other judges, first place would be a foregone conclusion.

Melanie's mind raced. She'd already considered all the possibilities. She felt the gold award was within her grasp. Her smile was radiant.

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