Chapter 142

When Lily finished showering, she found Jenny asleep. Jenny appeared exhausted, snoring softly. Lily tiptoed over, covered her with a blanket, and silently left the bedroom after turning off the light. She was staying in a small business suite with an adjoining living area containing a sofa, table, and chairs. She moved the supper trash to a corner of the table. She was still wide awake. The day's sampling session had been fruitful. Although there were few differences between the new products, they were consistent with the overall theme.

Frank's perfume particularly intrigued her. She had sampled it earlier. While the fragrance resembled chrysanthemum, a professional perfumer would recognize it as an illusion. Frank had cleverly used a refined spice that mimicked chrysanthemum's scent, a deception unlikely to be detected by the other participants. He probably assumed his superior skill made him undetectable. This suggested a rather arrogant personality. His acquiescence to Melanie and his making her the center of attention were also intriguing.

Lily's phone vibrated. A brief message from Alexander read: "The wolves will eventually eat the naughty shepherd." It took her a moment to understand; he was referencing "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." Lily had promised to meet him when she was free but hadn't, thus becoming the "lying shepherd."

Alexander's threat ("The wolves will eat you!") amused her. His spoiled antics and cryptic message left her dumbfounded, yet also found them adorable.

It was late, but not too late for a date!

She peeked into the bedroom; Jenny slept soundly. Lily smiled as Jenny stirred and murmured in her sleep. She quietly left the room after taking out the trash.

Lily took the elevator upstairs; Alexander was on a higher floor. Under the dim corridor light, she found room 1808.

As she was about to knock, the door opened. She was pulled inside and pressed against the wall. Alexander closed the door with one hand and pulled her closer with the other, leaning in for a passionate kiss.

Panting, Lily said, "When haven't I kept my promise? Look, I'm here now. Aren't you being a little spoiled? Instead of 'the girl who cried wolf,' shouldn't you call me 'Pinocchio's nose'?"

Alexander laughed, smiling dotingly. Lily playfully punched him; he caught her fist and kissed her repeatedly. "I missed you," he murmured.

Lily's heart melted. "I missed you too, very much," she whispered.

They drew closer, their lips meeting in a tender kiss, as if cherishing the most precious treasure.

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