Chapter 397

After leaving George's office, Lily went directly to Jenny's. Jenny and Olivia were already waiting, a bottle of champagne and three glasses on the table—a celebratory setup apparently awaiting Lily's return.

"Drinking during work hours? You girls are terrible!" Lily said, shaking her head with a smile.

"Who said we were drinking? We're just toasting!" Jenny corrected, then hushed, "Hurry! Close the door!"

After closing the door and drawing the blinds, the trio felt like conspirators.

"Isn't the celebration after work? What's the hurry?" Lily asked, nonetheless picking up a glass.

"Tonight's celebration is with everyone else," Olivia explained. "This is just us three. It's different!" She raised her glass to clink Lily's. "Congratulations! I'm so happy you won the competition!"

The trio was thrilled, especially Olivia. She had witnessed Lily's gradual success, learning alongside her for years, mastering fragrance mixing, spice analysis, essential oil extraction, distillation, and more. Her own knowledge was extensive, yet never officially recognized. She'd never won an award, despite countless late nights and rewarding results.

Olivia had questioned herself: "Why? Am I willing to accept this?" She believed self-improvement and creating perfect perfumes were their own reward; additional appreciation was secondary, recognition unimportant. She wouldn't fuss over a lack of acknowledgment; if others didn't take it seriously, she couldn't change it, only bear it, silently supporting Lily's continued experimentation.

Finally, Lily's perfume had triumphed. The moment of her standing on the podium, shining above the rest, was joyous and exhilarating. Lily was a diamond, her brilliance undeniable. A fruit plate sat on the table, apparently provided by Jenny.

Taking a sip, Olivia asked with concern, "By the way, what happened when you were kidnapped in Westwood? We couldn't reach you. We were so worried."

"You were kidnapped?!" Olivia exclaimed in surprise.

"Uh, you didn't know?" Jenny asked, surprised in turn. She'd assumed Olivia was aware.

"I didn't know! What kidnapping? How did it happen? Are you okay?" Olivia bombarded her with questions, setting down her glass and scrutinizing Lily. Lily could barely contain her laughter and shock.

"It was a while ago. I'm fine now."

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Olivia thundered, turning on Jenny. "What about you?! You didn't tell me either! Was I the only one who didn't know?!"

Jenny looked helpless. "I only found out later that Lily was kidnapped. Mr. Will called, asking if I could reach her. How was I supposed to know? Didn't I call you, asking if you'd heard from Lily?"

"You asked, but you didn't say she'd been kidnapped!"

"I didn't know she'd been kidnapped then!" Lily gestured for them to stop their bickering. "Okay, whatever it was, I'm here, alright? I'm fine."

"Then tell us what happened. Who kidnapped you? How did you escape?" Both women turned their attention to Lily, who remained silent.