Chapter 593: "What if I'm not interested?"

Noah was taken aback. "Are you sure?"

He understood Lily's desire to explore international opportunities. Yet, she'd refused Wesley's invitation, prioritizing domestic career development. Since she chose to remain in Sapphine, the Perfumers' Society, the nation's most influential industry body, presented a compelling opportunity. Noah wondered why she showed no interest. Was she playing hard to get?

"Mr. Richards, is this why you orchestrated my visit? You must have spent a fortune. A phone call would have sufficed."

Lily decided to be direct, conserving her energy.

"Orchestrated?" Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "I sincerely invited you. And aren't you enjoying your stay? Membership in the Perfumers' Society offers Kingsland residency, access to unimaginable raw materials, and substantial member benefits. It surpasses anything Rebirth offers."

"Mr. Carter, are you aware of my Rebirth compensation package? How can you be certain the Society offers something better?" Lily asked indifferently, smiling.

Noah paused, understanding her point. "Yes, I know an ordinary perfumer wouldn't receive much from Rebirth. However, as the future wife of La Beauté Group's CEO, monetary compensation wouldn't be your primary concern."

Leaning closer, he continued, "While money may not matter to you, as a professional perfumer, you surely desire access to superior materials and advanced research instruments. We offer everything La Beauté Group provides—and more!"

He spoke with pride.

Lily remained silent. Noah was right. While she cared little for other perks, top-tier raw materials were essential to her career. La Beauté Group's resources could provide everything, but it would require significant effort on their part. The Perfumers' Society, however, offered a robust support system with nationwide branches—a network of industry professionals.

Despite this, Lily remained uninterested.

Shrugging, she said, "It sounds wonderful, but I'm still not interested. If there's nothing else, I'll get some sleep. I stayed up late last night."

Noah was speechless.

Before he could respond, she added, "Oh, and I'd like to return to Sapphine this evening, if possible. Thank you for your hospitality these past two days!"

"Lily, you'll regret this!" Noah exclaimed, watching her leave. He rose to his feet, agitated by her repeated refusal.

"Perhaps," Lily replied, her face showing no hesitation. "Not now, though."

Noah hadn't anticipated such a rejection. He'd entered confidently, unprepared for refusal, never imagining she would decline. He'd envisioned her joyful gratitude. This was completely unexpected.

As Lily disappeared down the hallway, he left the building. Pausing in the yard, he surveyed his surroundings. Beyond the diverse flowers and a single, tall, lush green tree in the center, the high walls resembled a prison. Since the door was undamaged, he concluded that scaling the wall was her only means of escape—an impossibility.