Chapter 1288

Lily, engrossed in laboratory research, had dismissed a royal family order without much consideration. After washing her hands and pouring a glass of water, she found Olivia watching her with apprehension.

"What's wrong?" Lily asked.

"The royal family… I'm afraid rejecting them isn't so simple," Olivia replied. It wasn't just any nobleman; this was Yudonia's royal family. Even from a different country, refusing their commission felt inappropriate.

"So what if they're royalty? We're running a business. Tell them I'm unavailable for this order," Lily stated firmly. She had no intention of expanding into Yudonia, much less making it her primary focus. The royal connection only added complexity. Rejecting the job was the best course of action.

"Okay," Olivia agreed. Glancing at the security monitor, she added, "Who's that? He looks suspicious."

Lily peered at the screen, recognizing the man's silhouette. "I saw him earlier. I thought he was just passing by, but he hasn't left. Now he's lingering by your car. A carjacker?!" Olivia exclaimed, "How brazen! Stealing a car in broad daylight!"

Lily sipped her water, tilting her head. "He seems harmless, but appearances can be deceiving. Should we call the police?"

The man on the screen leaned against the car window, one hand shading his eyes, seemingly peering inside.

"He's a carjacker!" Olivia declared, already reaching for her phone. "I'm calling the police!"

"No!" Lily stopped her. The man straightened, his face briefly visible. "He's not a carjacker."

"You know him?" Olivia asked, sensing Lily's recognition.

"I do," Lily replied, a subtle curl to her lips. She approached the microphone and spoke into it.

Austin, a Kingsland native, was intrigued by the newly renovated perfume studio. The old shop lot, now modernized, caught his eye. However, his attention was drawn to the striking red sports car parked outside. He recognized it from his granduncle's house two days prior, prompting him to wonder about the owner's presence. He'd only seen a back view then, and today he hoped to identify the person who captivated his usually unyielding granduncle.

He leaned closer to the car window, but found it unoccupied. Looking around, his gaze settled on the perfume studio, where he heard…