Chapter 1

Lily Christian woke up with a headache and a dry mouth in the middle of the night. She was elated; she had finally perfected the "First Love" formula, the perfume she'd been developing for years. Winning the upcoming competition would pave the way for her wedding to Nathaniel Hall.

The couple, university sweethearts, had known each other for five years and dated for three. Lily had sacrificed everything to focus on her perfume formulas, ultimately helping Nathaniel expand his company. Lost in thoughts of their bright future, she'd indulged in a bit too much to drink.

Rubbing her temples, she reached for some water. However, strange noises from the adjacent room stopped her. Lily lived alone in a rented apartment. Nathaniel occasionally stayed overnight, but usually slept in the other room.

The noises worried her. Was he unwell? As she approached, she heard a woman's voice: "Nate, won't Lily hear us?"

The voice was muffled, but Lily recognized it instantly. A wave of despair washed over her. Years of intense research had given her insomnia, and her reliance on sleeping pills had dulled their effect.

Then she heard Melanie Thayer, a college friend, say, "I'll be a top perfumer tomorrow after my new product wins. It'll secure my status, and you'll have tons of investment opportunities. You can hire anyone you want! How could Lily compare to me?"

Lily's fists clenched. It was Melanie, having an affair with her fiancé. She'd heard rumors, but refused to believe them. Now, the truth was a crushing blow.

Nathaniel replied, "I even named the company after us. Can't you see how much I love you? Lily's just a stepping stone. Do you think I'd have tampered with Lily's perfume formulas in the amateur competition if it weren't for you?"

"I don't want to hear her name. I only want to know if you love her or me," Melanie purred, her voice sensual and high-pitched. To Lily, it grated.

Lily's eyes widened, her teeth gritted. She wanted to see them, but the sounds that followed made her nauseous. She clenched her fists until her nails drew blood, preventing herself from bursting in. Her hard work, all for this?

Three years ago, Lily had won the regional perfumery competition, rocketing to fame. She'd received numerous offers, including one from La Beauté Group, a major industry player, but rejected them to support Nathaniel's fledgling business.

Two years later, sabotage had marred another major competition. She'd been ridiculed, branded a perfumer with no sense of smell. Nathaniel, ostensibly concerned, suggested she work behind the scenes while Melanie took the spotlight.

Lily believed they were a team, but she was just a pawn. Nathaniel’s company, MN Inc., he’d claimed, was named with random letters. Lily had believed him, but the initials were Melanie and Nathaniel's.

The couple's callous displays of affection while Lily tirelessly helped Nathaniel were sickening in retrospect. Her initial fury slowly subsided, replaced by a cold calm. After a sleepless night, she finally heard them leave at dawn.

She quickly found a gold-printed business card – Alexander Russell, CEO of La Beauté Group, from three years prior. Her hand trembled slightly as she dialed the number. "Mr. Russell, I am Lily Christian." He didn't hang up, so she continued, "We met at the regional perfumery competition three years ago. You gave me your card."

"I remember that," his deep voice calmed her.

"I have a business proposal," she said.

After a pause, he replied, "Meet me at my office at 9 a.m. tomorrow."

Lily stopped him. "W-Wait, Mr. Russell, tomorrow might be too late. Could we meet today? Somewhere else?"

Her words tumbled out anxiously. La Beauté Group dominated the beauty industry, holding over 67% of the market share. Alexander Russell was a legend. It was a miracle he'd even agreed to meet, yet she dared to negotiate. She had no choice.

The product launch and competition were that night; meeting Alexander tomorrow would be too late. Going to his office risked unwanted attention.

Her grip tightened on the phone. Silence stretched for three minutes. Just as she feared rejection, he said, "Okay. Meet me at the cafe on Gardens Road in thirty minutes. Bring your passport."

"T-Thank—"

"Remember your passport," he interrupted, then hung up.

Lily wondered if she'd misheard, but she had no time to dwell. She quickly dressed and left. Gardens Road wasn't far. As she approached the cafe, a man called out, "Ms. Lily Christian? Mr. Russell is waiting." He gestured towards a Lincoln limousine.

She understood. She walked to the car; the driver opened the door. She glimpsed long legs in polished leather shoes. Stepping inside, the cold air made her shiver. "Good morning, Mr. Russell. I—"

"Get straight to the point," he cut her off, his tone short and indifferent.

Lily paused, studying his face.