Chapter 119

Representatives from several perfume companies gathered before the imposing building, visibly awestruck by its splendor.

"Incredible! One glance tells you Charisma Company is under the wing of the renowned Lloyd Group!" one commented, eyes wide with admiration.

As they marveled at the building's lavish design, their curiosity about the elusive Charisma Company intensified. After tirelessly lobbying their companies, they had finally secured the rare privilege of visiting this enigmatic place—a coveted opportunity they were eager to explore.

While colleagues commonly exchanged impressions, partnering with a major player like Charisma inevitably left them on tenterhooks. They began on the ground floor, touring the company; with each step, their astonishment grew.

"The equipment in this laboratory is cutting-edge!" one representative exclaimed, impressed by the advanced technology. "It's leagues ahead of what we have."

At the back of the group, Colton and Melany walked hand in hand, openly displaying their affection. While others marveled at the perfume creations, Melany's attention was elsewhere. Her eyes shone with excitement at the high-tech laboratory equipment. She fantasized about the Stevens Group expanding into the perfume industry and, if they did, securing access to such high-level labs.

However, her smile faltered upon seeing Allison.

"Colton, that's Allison over there. How come she's already working at Charisma Company?" Disbelief tinged her voice.

Not far away, Marc, eager to curry favor with Melany after benefiting from her influence, noticed her displeasure and seized the opportunity. With a sly smile, he chuckled, "Well, well...that's our newly appointed leader. He must be very talented, right?"

The subtlety of his words didn't escape the others. When his gaze fell on Allison, still young and fresh-faced, skepticism arose. Melany's expression shifted.

"So that's why she suddenly joined Charisma Company. It must be because of her 'contacts.' What envy, right? She's the Perfumery Contest champion, but instead of creating new fragrances in the lab, she spends her time lazing around playing with the computer. It must be nice to have such an easy job," he said, his feigned innocence masking a sharp tone. "Getting a promotion so quickly...it's very unfair to those who've worked for years to be promoted," he added, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

Colton, pulling Melany closer, ran his fingers through her hair comfortingly. His laugh, however, was cold. "What does someone who rises through connections have to envy? It's pathetic, really."

Encouraged by Colton's jab, Marc and the others grew bolder, eager to further tarnish Allison's name. Thea, never missing an opportunity, joined in with a mocking laugh.

"Well, let's not jump to conclusions. She must have extraordinary skills, but I agree that promoting her directly to lab manager seems hasty. It doesn't exactly follow the usual promotion process."

"Poor Marc. Oh, it's okay, it's okay. These things happen at work. I've gotten used to it," Marc responded, feigning grace, though his smile betrayed his true feelings. "After all, she has contacts."

Their voices blended in shared sarcasm, creating a tense atmosphere. Uncertain glances were exchanged, then someone hesitantly spoke, "But Miss Clarke isn't just anyone: she's the Perfumery Contest champion and the famous Scarlet Serpent. I doubt she needs contacts. Mr. Lloyd probably invited her personally."

"Please," another scoffed. "Even a genius has to earn a living. It wouldn't be surprising if she pulled some strings." Though they tried to hide it, their disdain for those who relied on connections was evident.

Then, Melany's delicate voice cut through the air as she opened the door, filling the lab with her presence. "Hello, Allison. I didn't expect to find you here." Her words dripped with mocking concern. "This is crossing the line. They make you head of the laboratory—against protocol, I might add—and instead of developing perfumes, you sit here tinkering with the computer. What do you think people will say? This isn't good for your reputation."

Colton's voice, heavy with sarcasm, echoed hers. "And you here, Melany, so thoughtful. She does things like that and you care so much about her reputation."

The two traded barbs, their words laced with thinly veiled jealousy. Their wedding had become a public spectacle, and deep down, they feared Allison might relish their humiliation. So they decided to attack first.