Chapter 411

"Enough," Eloise said. "It's just the annual perfumery competition. So what if you get disqualified this year? You'll have another chance. What are you so worried about?"

Nathaniel's brows furrowed in annoyance. "But we're not going to make it!"

How could he not be worried? The competition was only two months away, and he'd already submitted their entry. If he could amend it, MN Inc. needed time for research and development to create a new, successful product. Even if they did, he couldn't guarantee it would win.

Most importantly, a criminal's name was attached to his two new products, undoubtedly affecting both the perfumes and MN Inc.'s reputation. He needed damage control to save his company's reputation and carefully craft an explanation for the board of directors. His biggest concern was the company's profit margin. Too many problems overwhelmed him.

After a pause, Eloise said, "It's not impossible. We could still change the list of participants a month before the shortlist. As for your company's troubles, I'll help you."

Hope shone in Nathaniel's eyes. "Do you mean that?"

Eloise had never offered help before. Her principle was to keep their parent-child relationship secret; Nathaniel couldn't use her connections. He had to build his business independently. Only if he became successful would she consider revealing their relationship. Otherwise, she would take the secret to her grave. That's why he'd never asked for her help. Her offer shocked him.

"Don't get too excited yet," Eloise said thoughtfully. "Tell me, how was your company's profit margin in the past two seasons? How much did your two new perfumes contribute to the total profit? I hear they're doing well."

"About that" Nathaniel began.

"There's more," Eloise continued. "Are you still profiting from Lily's older products? How much do they contribute to your profits? Have you compared the profitability of your older and newer products? Does your company have a list of regular customers? Do you have good relationships with them? Could they increase their orders? How many perfumers do you employ? Are any particularly talented?"

Eloise bombarded him with questions.

"I—" Nathaniel stammered. He'd been slacking off, confident the board was satisfied with profits and expecting Melanie's products to win awards. Even if she didn't win personally, he was sure her products would, based on quality and market reception. He thought he could earn respect and profit, and then win Lily back. That would secure his future.

But it was all a dream. He hadn't expected Lily to be with Alexander, nor Melanie to have police troubles. His world felt like it was ending.

"Why are you stuttering?" Eloise reprimanded him heatedly. "What have you been doing all these years? How can you not know these things? Do you still need me to teach you? How can you be so inattentive to your company's profit margin and customers?"