"Come on, don't be so prim and proper! You've changed since you arrived!" Jenny said, feigning anger at Lily. "Just wear the dress, as long as you don't hate it! We're running late. We should leave." Lily laughed. If they weren't in such a hurry, she would have asked Jenny about her first impressions of her.
The Rolls-Royce from earlier arrived, stunning even Jenny. She'd been surprised by the car at the airport; the company was clearly spending big this time! Jenny had spent considerable time with Rebirth and been on numerous business trips, but this was unprecedented. Usually, she traveled in a BMW or Mercedes.
Later, back at the hotel, Jenny called George to confirm there was no misunderstanding, or that the car wasn't intended for other VIPs. George reassured her, explaining the company was taking this event very seriously, hence the preferential treatment for Jenny and Lily.
Jenny had assumed the first-class airfare and airport Rolls-Royce were the extent of this "best treatment," so she was surprised by the same car arriving for the event. How long had the company booked it for?
Compared to Jenny's astonishment, Lily remained calm. This was just one of Alexander's little tricks. While these luxurious accommodations would impress Rebirth's average employees, they were insignificant to him.
Lily had wanted to call him that afternoon, but his phone was off, and she didn't know what he was doing. Perhaps he was in a meeting. Snapping out of her reverie, she realized she was thinking about him again.
She'd only been gone a short time, yet she'd thought of him several times. This longing, silent yet pervasive, enveloped her like an invisible net.
Alex, I miss you a little!
"Lily, I heard several well-known senior perfumers will be attending this sampling session. Our main purpose is observation. Don't get stressed. Just listen and watch more than you speak," Jenny, the more experienced of the two, advised Lily.
"Okay, I understand," Lily replied, nodding.
Jenny continued, "Later, I'll introduce you to some industry peers, but don't take anything personally. There's naturally rivalry in any field. Just keep your eyes open."
Lily nodded throughout. When Jenny finished, Lily suddenly asked, "Jenny, we're also industry peers. Is there rivalry between us?"
Jenny rolled her eyes. Seeing the smile on Lily's face, she knew it was a joke.
Jenny snorted softly. "Well, you're at least qualified to be my rival. Think everyone can say that?"
"That makes sense!" Lily chuckled.
"Look at you, all bold now!" Jenny laughed, gently nudging her.
To think that barely a month ago, they were on the verge of a fight, and now they were practically best friends. The complexities of female friendships were truly unpredictable.
The venue was the Boldon Hotel, Middle Valley's most luxurious hotel. Although a relatively small industry event, it attracted numerous reporters, who arrived early to set up their cameras.
Each car arriving at the event pulled up to the hotel entrance. Guests exited and walked the red carpet.
The lights glittered; the spotlight always held appeal. However, at that moment, Melanie sat in her car across the street, hesitant to have the driver proceed.