Chapter 589

"The invitation was a fake," Alexander stated.

"It's fake?!" Lily exclaimed, shocked. She had suspected something was amiss, but never imagined the invitation itself was counterfeit.

"But it had the Perfumers' Society seal," she pointed out. "It looked genuine. We could report this to the police."

Alexander nodded. "It's not that simple. The seal is authentic. Someone misused it. The question is, how did they obtain it? And do you know who owns your building?"

"The owner?" Lily replied, puzzled. "How would I know?"

"Have you heard of the Richards family of Kingsland?" Alexander asked cautiously. "Your building belongs to their youngest son, Noah Richards."

"Noah?!" Lily's eyes widened. The name was familiar; she'd met him earlier that day. "Do you know him?" Alexander asked, noting her reaction.

"He was in the Westwood sampling competition," Lily began, recalling their encounter. "No wonder he looked at me so strangely... The courtyard... it was his. Was this all him?"

Alexander frowned. "And what happened when you met him?"

Lily decided to tell Alexander everything. "I met him in a small shop. He said he wanted to compete with me again, because he wasn't convinced he'd lost last time." She paused. "I didn't think much of it then, but now… knowing he orchestrated this… I wonder what his purpose is."

Alexander pondered. "Noah is proud and arrogant. Spoiled since childhood. He dabbles in perfumery, but I never expected you two to meet like this."

Lily noticed Alexander's serious expression. She knew, instinctively, that Noah was not someone to be underestimated. Alexander's usual relaxed demeanor was gone. She herself had heard of the Richards family, though she'd never interacted with them. While not hugely influential in business, their family background carried weight.

"Maybe he just wants to compete," Lily mused. "If so, it's straightforward. I'll compete with him." She paused, however. "But something feels…off."