Chapter 54

Jenny remained silent as the others in the room stared in shock. They turned to one another, questioning who had leaked the information to Lily.

Lily looked at Jenny's composed face. "These three fragrance lines—or should I say, they're all from the same line—each contains one ingredient distinct from the other two. Therefore, they differ only slightly. Of course, you could argue they're different lines, since they're not identical."

"Really?" Jenny smirked wryly, trying to convince Lily she was wrong.

Lily remained unfazed. "Yes! These three fragrances contain only one different ingredient each, and the average consumer wouldn't notice. However, regular perfume users would detect the difference. In time, the distinctions will become more noticeable."

Lily pointed to the bottle on the right. "I believe this would be the most popular fragrance among female consumers aged 18 to 23."

The room was silent. No one confirmed or corrected her.

Jenny glanced at her with an unreadable expression, then asked condescendingly, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure!" Lily nodded firmly. Jenny smacked her lips, saying nothing. Her disdainful expression softened; she seemed lost in thought.

"I know this is part of my test, and if you're unsatisfied with my performance, I can also list the ingredients" She then proceeded to list the ingredients.

By the time Lily finished, she had won over most of those who had doubted her. It wasn't just her skill—most in the room couldn't pinpoint the differences between the fragrances. Yet, someone as seemingly ordinary as Lily, embroiled in controversy and a lawsuit, could identify them immediately.

Jenny had deliberately put Lily in the spotlight. Despite this, Lily rationally examined and investigated the fragrances. Some discreetly gave her a thumbs-up, their opinions of her improving.

Lily, however, showed no joy. She remained calm, having achieved an easy victory, but she knew it was too easy. She understood Jenny wouldn't let her off the hook so quickly.

"Well done," Jenny finally said. "You're right. Your list of ingredients was accurate. It seems the rumors are wrong; you're quite capable." She paused, then added, "Still, you didn't even smell the bottles. I wonder how you knew the ingredients with such detail unless someone told you?" Jenny touched a bottle and looked sharply at Lily, clearly accusing her of cheating.

Lily finally smiled. "Ms. Thorn, you're so funny. You set up the challenge. Besides, our wager wasn't planned. Who could have predicted the future and given me that information?"

Lily looked around the room; heads nodded in agreement. Jenny gave her a meaningful glance. "Okay, then."