Chapter 602

Lily was suspicious of Noah’s intentions but didn’t want to linger, so she turned to leave. Two cars abruptly stopped before them. Lily instinctively assumed Noah was responsible and looked at him. He, however, mirrored her surprise, staring at the arriving vehicles. Seconds later, he rushed toward one as its door opened.

An elderly gentleman emerged, his hair gray, a walking stick in hand. Despite his age, he appeared remarkably healthy. He lifted his head, scanning his surroundings before his gaze settled on Lily.

“Mr. Adler?” Lily gasped. She might not know everyone in the industry, but she certainly recognized Lawrence Adler, the country’s foremost perfumer and a leading figure in the field. He had created numerous classic scents throughout his long career; remarkably, even in his seventies, he still produced at least two new fragrances annually, each instantly selling out. He was famously reclusive, appearing only as an advisor to the Perfumers’ Society—a role that commanded respect exceeding even that of the chairman.

Lily knew of his reputation, but she never expected to see him here. “Mr. Adler, what brings you here?” Noah greeted him respectfully, his own high standing in the society not diminishing his politeness.

Another man, appearing equally elderly, exited the second car. Lawrence merely nodded at Noah before approaching Lily. “Are you Lily Christian?” he asked, his eyes taking in her appearance.

“Y-Yes, I’m Lily. Hello, Mr. Adler,” she replied, unsure of his purpose but extending courtesy.

“I understand you rejected Mr. Parker’s invitation, and ours?” Lawrence inquired.

Lily was perplexed. She’d believed the Perfumers’ Society invitation a ploy orchestrated by Noah to lure her here. Alexander had warned her, and Noah himself had confessed his involvement. “I’m sorry, but to my knowledge, the society sent no official invitation. The invitation you mention was a trick used to get me here,” she said, glancing at Noah.

Noah was astonished by her blunt accusation in front of Lawrence. However, Lawrence merely chuckled, shaking his head. “He did use the society’s name, but the invitation was genuine. What if I told you I sent it? Would you reconsider?”

Noah was dumbfounded. He knew better than anyone that he’d misused the society’s name and even its official stamp without authorization. Why was Lawrence claiming responsibility? It was clear they knew about his actions yet chose not to expose him, going so far as to personally appear and take ownership of the invitation. Noah was utterly bewildered by their behavior.