Chapter 131

The spotlight burned hot against Vanessa's skin.

Every eye in the audience was fixed on her, waiting. She couldn’t back down now—not with the cameras rolling, not with the whispers already beginning.

She forced herself to focus.

This wasn’t just about identifying a scent. It was about precision, about not making a fool of herself on live television. One wrong word, one misstep, and the internet would never let her forget it.

Her fingers trembled as she held the test strip.

She inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance settle on her senses. Light. Elegant. Something floral, but not overpowering.

She had to say something.

"Ms. Blake?" The host’s voice cut through her thoughts.

Vanessa straightened. "I adore this fragrance," she said, her voice steady despite the racing of her heart. "It’s the kind of scent that belongs in a quiet garden at dawn—soft, serene, untouched by noise."

She hesitated. Was she right?

"There’s a hint of chrysanthemum, isn’t there?" she ventured. "Perhaps an essential oil derived from dried petals?"

The words sounded uncertain even to her own ears.

The host paused, and Vanessa’s pulse spiked.

Then—relief. "I can’t confirm the ingredients," the host said with a smile, "but Ms. Blake’s description certainly makes it sound enchanting! Why don’t we bring the creator out and let him settle this?"

Vanessa barely had time to brace herself before the crowd erupted in applause.

She didn’t dare look.

Instead, she kept her smile fixed, her posture perfect. Whatever happened next, she wouldn’t falter.

"Please welcome the mastermind behind this fragrance—Mr. Lucien Dubois!"

Vanessa’s breath caught.

She turned—and there he was.

Lucien.

His familiar smirk sent a jolt through her.

He took the microphone, his voice smooth as he addressed the audience. "First, my thanks to the organizers for this honor. Though I was raised in Laurentia, the artistry of Veridian perfumery has always inspired me."

His gaze flicked to Vanessa.

"This scent," he continued, "was born from a memory. A quiet moment shared with someone who understood beauty in stillness."

A pause.

Then, with a slow smile—"And yes, Ms. Blake, you were absolutely right."

He stepped forward, took her hand, and lifted it to his lips.

His blue eyes locked onto hers.

"Thank you," he murmured, just for her, "for seeing what others missed."