Chapter 42
Rebirth, a subsidiary of La Beauté Group, had an ambiguous relationship with its parent company. No one from Rebirth had yet expressed support for Lily, leaving Olivia uneasy. Urged by Nathaniel, Olivia returned to the office to investigate. Meanwhile, Lily officially reported for duty at Rebirth, although their negotiated contract remained unsigned. An appointment had been made for her the previous day.
Alexander believed Lily should familiarize herself with the company before officially starting. Despite her vehement insistence, he largely left her onboarding to Edward Sullivan. Lily, however, anticipated a difficult start.
Arriving at the general manager's office, she found three people waiting: George Will, the general manager (whom she knew); the human resources manager (also known to her); and a stranger.
"Mr. Will."
Lily greeted George and Mr. Thorn, the HR manager. George introduced the woman, Jenny Gray, the project department manager. "She's a formidable businesswoman," he said with a smile. "I hope you two get along well."
Lily greeted Ms. Gray, sensing immediate tension. Jenny merely nodded curtly.
George interjected, "Jenny, the project department may not have a staff shortage, but we need talent! Rebirth is in its early stages, and Lily is exactly that. You should take good care of her—it's an injection of fresh blood!"
Jenny, however, was not easily swayed. "Does she have talent? I've never heard of her."
"Ah, yes," Jenny continued with a pointed look. "There was an infamous 'perfumer without a nose' two or three years ago—Lily Christian. Is that you?"
Lily straightened, meeting Jenny's challenge. "That was me. There was a misunderstanding."
"Oh!" Jenny feigned surprise. "Are standards for 'talent' so low now?"
Lily smiled. "It seems our paths were destined to cross, Ms. Gray."
Jenny's smile vanished. "Destiny, or misfortune," she muttered, then turned to Charles Thorn. "Mr. Thorn, I won't accept someone unqualified, especially one with a pending lawsuit. This is unwise for the company."