Chapter 298

Lucien smirked, but Vanessa paid no attention as she cut straight to the chase.

"I have a business proposition for you."

"A proposition? From you?"

Lucien chuckled dismissively, his disbelief evident.

"If memory serves, you're hardly in a financial position to discuss business with me. And what could you possibly offer? You couldn't even keep your last promise."

His patience was wearing thin.

The old Vanessa would have softened her tone, attempted to flatter him, maybe even begged.

But now, with nothing left to lose, she stood her ground.

"You didn't keep your word either," Vanessa countered sharply.

"You promised to get me into this year's perfume championship and secure the trophy. Yet the application form you provided had multiple errors!"

"I fixed that for you, didn't I? What more do you want?" Lucien snapped back.

"Fixed it? You ruined me! Now that Dominic knows about us, he's cast me out of DR Holdings! How am I supposed to enter the competition now? How can I build my perfumery career? This is entirely your fault!"

She glared at him with barely contained fury.

Lucien remained unfazed, his lips curling into an amused smile.

"Vanessa, darling, let's be honest - our arrangement was mutually beneficial. As for my promise, didn't I deliver the corrected form? With that, you're qualified for the championship. And I've heard DR Holdings' registration was already approved. The judging is all that remains. If Dominic won't credit you, take it up with him."

"Don't worry, I'll deal with Dominic. But after everything I've done for you, don't I deserve compensation?" Vanessa's voice turned calculating.

Lucien studied her through narrowed eyes. "What exactly are you after?"

"There's a major perfume exhibition in Laurentia next week. I want you to take me."

She'd learned this exclusive event would host executives from major corporations and renowned perfumers.

Evelyn would be attending as Phoenix Labs' representative.

While not as prestigious as the annual championship, this gathering carried significant weight in industry circles, with stringent participation requirements.

Vanessa burned with envy. Why did Evelyn get all the opportunities while she had nothing? She refused to accept this injustice!

Lucien burst into laughter, cigarette ash scattering across the table.

"Vanessa, are you drunk? Do you understand the caliber of attendees? With your current standing, you think you can waltz in?"

His mocking tone deepened. "Let's be realistic - barely any perfumers from this country qualify."

"I know that! But you're qualified, so bring me as your guest!"

Vanessa met his gaze unflinchingly.

Lucien had considerable industry clout. His exact international standing remained unclear, but she knew he'd received an invitation.

Stubbing out his cigarette, he considered her. "True, I'm invited. But why should I bring you? Give me one compelling reason."

"Evelyn's attending," Vanessa paused dramatically. "It's difficult to touch her here, but abroad? Different rules apply. I can help you get revenge - guarantee she won't escape unscathed."

Lucien studied her as he weighed the proposal. The idea held undeniable appeal.

After a long moment, he extended his hand. "Deal."