"Why would I be afraid? I hired them all," Olivia said. After a moment's thought, she realized there was nothing to fear; in fact, it was quite promising. Lily shook her head, sat cross-legged, and sipped her juice.

"What are you mixing, Lily? The smell is incredibly complex. Don't tell me you're creating something new—this new product is… unique," Olivia commented, having tried to analyze the scent since getting into the cab. It was too blended to decipher, the strong fragrance overwhelming any individual notes.

"I haven't even considered it. It's just an experiment," Lily said, shaking her head thoughtfully. Initially, she'd mixed some spices and essential oils on a whim, without a clear goal. However, Olivia and Jenny's comments had sparked an idea: she could create something truly unique.

All smells, from perfumes to essential oils, are unique. Nature provides a vast array of aromas, and each combination yields a different scent—light, strong, fresh, or seductive. Who could say it wouldn't appeal to someone?

"Actually… I think you should shower first," Olivia suggested. It was crucial to wash off the scent.

Mid-conversation, they heard a car outside. Olivia rose from the sofa. "Mr. Russell's back; I should go."

"Why are you so nervous? He's not a wild animal," Lily said, gesturing for Olivia to sit. She set down her juice and went to greet him.

"You're early today," Alexander said, pausing and turning to face Lily.

"Achoo… ah…" Edward, behind him, sneezed twice before forcibly covering his mouth and nose to stifle a third. Lily's eye twitched. Was the scent that strong? Or had she simply become accustomed to it?

"Did you…" Alexander looked at Lily. "Go to the lab again today? Any new products?"

"Just an experiment," Lily shrugged. "What do you think?"

Alexander nodded. "It's… impactful."

Olivia, standing aside, subtly tipped her hat. Alexander truly was the most eligible man; his exceptional emotional intelligence was evident in his response. He also acknowledged Olivia with a cordial nod, noticing her presence amongst the other guests.

"Nice to see you, Mr. Russell!" Olivia's body tensed as she stood at attention.

Lily chuckled. "We're not at the office. Must you salute your superiors?"

"It's a habit," Olivia replied.

Even after Lily's reassurances, Olivia remained involuntarily nervous around Alexander. He wasn't unkind, but his commanding presence made others tense. Olivia admired Lily's composure; not everyone could remain relaxed around him.

"I should go, Lily. It's late," Olivia said, grabbing her bag.

"It's late. Why don't you…" Lily began, but was interrupted.

"Edward," Alexander said.

Edward immediately understood. "Let me drive you home, Ms. Hart."