Chapter 558

After a moment's hesitation, Lily strode to the car. The door swung open, and she stepped inside, nodding politely to Eloise. She wasn't sure if Nathaniel's mysterious mother knew about their relationship, but it didn't matter; it was all in the past. Facing this potential mother-in-law, she felt only calm.

Meanwhile, Eloise observed Lily. She possessed a unique youthful energy and smelled lovely—a natural scent, not the strong, fruity fragrance favored by many girls, but with an indefinable trace of something else. The scent calmed Eloise's frustration and anxiety.

"Mrs. Tanner, what do you want to tell me? We can talk now; it's the most suitable place," Lily said, looking out the window.

Eloise smirked. "You're smart." As the most famous actress of her time, even retirement and marriage to a wealthy man hadn't shielded her from the paparazzi. While she'd always been cautious, they were becoming more persistent. This conversation needed privacy.

"Drive slower," Eloise ordered, pressing a button to raise the divider between the front and back seats. Her Toyota Alphard offered ample space. She produced two cans of drink from the mini-fridge, offering one to Lily.

Lily shook her head. "Thanks, I don't need it."

"I know a little about perfumers," Eloise said. "You value your sense of smell. This is just soda water, good for you in moderation. You're not thinking I'll use dirty tricks, are you?" She chuckled.

Lily looked at the soda water, then took it, opened it, sipped, and set it down.

Eloise took a couple of sips from her own can, then said, "Mr. Will told you why I wanted to talk. I want you to create a perfume, exclusively for me. Tell me the cost; I'll ensure you're satisfied."

Lily rejected her instantly. "I can't, Mrs. Tanner. You should find a more skillful perfumer." This was easier than involving her company.

Eloise's gaze flickered. "Why? Do you have ill feelings toward me?"

"Of course not," Lily replied. "A perfumer needs to understand their client's personality, likes, dislikes, and hobbies to create a suitable fragrance. That's essential."

"It's that complicated?" Eloise asked skeptically.

"Creating fragrances may seem easy, but every perfumer has their own approach," Lily explained. "That's why I rejected your offer and suggested you find someone else who might better understand your preferences." She bowed slightly in apology, then set down her soda.

"You have other reasons, don't you?" Eloise asked sharply.