Chapter 4
Alexander laid Lily on the sofa and retrieved some ointment and alcohol swabs. He cleaned Lily's wound and carefully applied the medicine. The small cut had already stopped bleeding on the way to La Beautรฉ. With the ointment applied, Lily's skin felt icy cool.
Lily watched the man before her, his head lowered, focused on applying the ointment. Alexander's impassive expression belied the act. Nathaniel, in contrast, had never shown such care during their years together; he had simply never cared.
After applying the ointment, Alexander looked up and saw Lily's pensive expression. "What is it?" he asked.
"N-Nothing" She shook her head and quickly lowered her feet. "Thank you."
"You're my wife; no need for thanks. However, there's something I want you to remember," Alexander said, screwing the cap back onto the ointment tube.
"Please, what is it?" Lily nodded.
"I don't care about the past, but now that we're married, you can no longer be involved in ambiguous relationships"
"I won't!" Lily interrupted before he could finish. "You don't have to worry. In this marriage, at least, my loyalty is guaranteed. I expect the same from you."
Alexander raised an eyebrow, surprised by her boldness.
"I know this marriage benefits you. While I don't know your motives, I hope we can maintain certain principles. If you fall in love with someone else, I can accept a divorce, but I have zero tolerance for infidelity." She had experienced betrayal once and would never allow it again.
Alexander raised a brow. "What a coincidence; likewise."
Seeing his grin, Lily fell into thought. This man is God's greatest masterpiece, she mused. Not only is he extraordinarily sharp in business, but his appearance is also impeccable.
Initially, Lily had only intended to cooperate with Alexander; she hadn't expected to marry him. Perhaps years of misfortune had finally yielded to a change in fate.
At precisely 7 p.m., Lily arrived at the venue with Alexander. She hadn't expected his personal attendance; this competition was insignificant for La Beautรฉ, whose products typically competed internationally.
Upon arrival, she saw Nathaniel's car parked at the entrance. He was impeccably dressed in a dark blue suit. Looking handsome, he immediately turned to help Melanie out of the car, his attentiveness palpable.
A sarcastic smile played on Lily's lips. She laughed at her former blindness.
"Shall we go?" Alexander asked, taking her hand and turning to her.
Lily shook her head. Exiting the car hand-in-hand and encountering the shameless couple would undoubtedly shock them, but it wasn't enough. She wanted far more; she wanted recompense for years of hardship. While not a major competition, it followed a specific procedure.
Judges, industry experts from various provinces, ensured fairness and impartiality. Three hours before the competition, company representatives submitted their entries in person. During those three hours, judges assessed the fragrance's quality, top, middle, and base notes.
The results were in, though unannounced. Lily and Alexander remained in the exclusive VIP room, watching the proceedings on a large projection screen. Nathaniel and Melanie basked in the apparent glow of victory.
Lily watched silently. Laugh and smile all you want. These days will soon be over, she thought.
The hall lights dimmed, signaling the imminent announcement. The socializing guests turned their attention to the stage. The ceremony began with minor awards, which Nathaniel disregarded; MN Inc.'s lack of wins didn't concern him. He stood confidently, hand in hand with Melanie.
"We will now announce the first, second, and third place winners," the host cleared his throat. "Before we do, let me emphasize this competition's fairness, justice, and openness. Regardless of company influence, participation is permitted provided requirements are met. We also warn against plagiarism; a perfumer's character is paramount, and we will strictly investigate any suspected plagiarism!"
In the VIP room, Lily tightened her grip on her wine glass, watching Nathaniel and Melanie on the screen, her lips pursed.
Neither Nathaniel nor Melanie noticed the host's pointed remarks. They even led the applause.
"That's right! Though MN Inc. is a small company, we are committed to originality and innovation. Plagiarism is shameful; even an unsatisfactory product is preferable to such behavior!" Nathaniel declared righteously.
Seizing the moment, Melanie added, "Yes. While only an intermediate perfumer, I strive for diligence and practicality to build a brand our country can be proud of."
Applause erupted; reporters snapped photos. The host, however, maintained a stern expression. "Does MN Inc. guarantee the originality and authenticity of its entries?"
"Of course!" Nathaniel replied confidently.
He soon sensed something amiss. His company had participated in numerous competitions, but the host had never directly questioned them like this. He hesitated, despite Lily, not Melanie, having created the perfumes. His confidence, however, returned.
"Hmph," Lily snorted quietly. "He sounds righteous."
The host looked at Nathaniel, then at the audience, stating solemnly, "A unique situation has arisen. Two companies submitted identical products, even with similar names."
Though not explicitly naming Nathaniel, the host's prior questioning had already implicated MN Inc. The identity of the other company, however, remained unknown.
Nathaniel's expression shifted. Plagiarism would be far more humiliating than simply losing. The judges' insinuation of dishonesty before numerous companies and media would irrevocably damage MN Inc.'s reputation.