Chapter 817

The wait for the lab report felt like a century to Damian, though it was only a single day. Joseph felt the same, his restlessness manifesting in repeated trips to his office window. Despite his son's assurances that nothing was amiss with the perfumes, uncertainty gnawed at him. He'd already dispatched someone to find the perfumer.

A positive report would be welcome news, but a negative one would place the blame squarely on the perfumer. Around lunchtime, Arianna knocked, carrying a plastic bag containing a document.

"Dad?"

"So?" Joseph leapt to his feet, his anxiety evident.

Arianna looked conflicted, closing the door and blinds. Joseph's unease grew.

"Ari, what are you doing?"

"Dad, you need to prepare yourself," she said quietly, handing him the document. "The report's in, but…"

Joseph's fingers trembled; he hoped she was wrong. He withdrew the report, his heart sinking as he read it.

"No! This is impossible! There's no f*cking way!"

"I wish it weren't true, Dad, but I'm sorry. There's something wrong with the perfumes," Arianna said anxiously, her face drawn. "The report indicates they contain a prohibited ingredient—a flavoring agent. It gives perfumes a unique aroma and can create addiction, boosting sales, but it can also easily cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin."

In other words, Naomi Schiffer hadn't framed them; the problem lay with their perfumes.

"Flavoring agent?" Joseph stared at the report, surprised. "Why was this added? The raw materials are fragrant enough, aren't they? Is the perfumer stupid?"

A thought struck him. "That's it! The perfumer! Damian knows nothing about perfumery; this isn't his fault. The perfumer must have done this behind his back!" He desperately sought to exonerate his son.

Arianna sighed, shaking her head. "Dad, Damian found the perfumer. Mr. Hall and I advised against using someone unknown; we have many capable perfumers domestically who could be hired long-term. A contract would ensure steady work. But Damian insisted on an international perfumer without a long-term contract. That perfumer…" She paused, remembering something. "Oh, yes, we must ensure he remains where he is. He might hold the answers."

"I've already sent someone," Joseph replied, "but this report…"

Even after the long wait, the report remained difficult for Joseph to accept.