Chapter 909

Eloise's recent experiences, culminating in her son and daughter's imprisonment, felt like a devastating blow. The carefully laid plans of half a lifetime—ensuring the Tanner family properties would pass to her children—had crumbled. Alone and disillusioned, she questioned the years of struggle and sacrifice. What had it all been for?

Nathaniel's betrayal, his plotting against his sister, was almost unrecognizable. Eloise lacked the strength to face Arianna; she felt she had failed as both mother and wife. Joseph, meanwhile, had cared for Elizabeth for years, even raising a son with her—a son he'd brought home to attempt inheriting the family business. Eloise possessed only the empty title of his wife.

Her hopes and efforts had yielded nothing; it was all futile.

"No matter how selfish you were," Derrick said, his gaze softening, "you've still cared for Stephanie all these years. The Tanner family is also yours. Even..." He paused, glancing at the gloomy Joseph, then continued, "Even if you're no longer married to Joseph, you'll always be a part of this family."

Tears of gratitude welled in Eloise's eyes. "Thank you, Derrick!"

Derrick cast a meaningful look at Joseph before sighing.

Lily, in contrast, was riding a wave of success. Her collaboration was flourishing, and the positive response to her association with Grandeur was overwhelming. Furthermore, she had received the results of the Perfumers' Society investigation: Lawrence Adler had lost his sense of smell long ago. The news sent shockwaves through various industries, particularly the perfume industry.

How could a perfumer, the president of the Perfumers' Society, judge competitions without the ability to smell? The contestants he'd judged immediately protested, flooding social media with statements. Lawrence's fall from grace was swift and humiliating.

This was human nature: the worship of superiority, followed by swift rejection upon exposure of human flaws. Anger clouded judgment; betrayal was perceived, and retaliation was relentless.

Noah, however, faced hardship. His relationship with Lawrence cost him his position. Significant changes within the Perfumers' Society made the future uncertain. Lawrence's deception, licensing issues, and Lily's high-profile collaboration—a slap in the face to the Society—all contributed to the turmoil. The question of the license’s validity arose, as it was merely a threshold created by the Society, causing many to doubt its significance.