Chapter 366

"Thank you," Evelyn responded with practiced grace.

"However, I must challenge some of your earlier statements."

Shifting gears, Harrison continued, "When you claimed brand recognition doesn't influence you, was that genuine conviction or merely rhetoric because you couldn't discern the difference?"

He didn't pause for her reply before adding, "Regardless, your test results were objectively more precise than the others. Your first-place standing remains undisputed."

This was the real reason he'd detained her - the question burning in his mind that he couldn't voice publicly.

"Honestly, we're viewing this from opposite sides. I fundamentally disagree with your premise. The question itself contains inherent contradictions."

Evelyn remained composed as she articulated her perspective.

"Oh?"

Harrison's eyebrow arched, his expression turning mildly affronted.

Clearly, he dismissed her argument as defensive posturing to mask her supposed error.

Truthfully, Harrison had been dissatisfied with the competition's outcome. He'd intended to crown one of his protégés, but their performances fell short of expectations.

Though Evelyn secured top honors, his deep-seated bias prevented him from acknowledging her potential in their field.

"Wasn't your intention to redirect focus onto the fragrance itself, stripping away brand associations and external influences?" she countered.

Harrison hesitated momentarily before giving a slight nod. He couldn't refute that this had indeed been his objective.

A true perfumer should prioritize the essence of the scent above all else.

Yet consumers obsess over labels.

A fragrance bearing a prestigious name commands exorbitant prices and instant acclaim, while innovators struggle for recognition.

Harrison believed this paradigm needed shifting - that creations should stand on their own merit.

"Yet you deliberately marked the sample with your name while instructing us to disregard the perfumer's identity. Isn't that inherently contradictory? You're leveraging your reputation to influence perception while admonishing us against brand bias."

To her surprise, Harrison shook his head.

"You wouldn't have noticed this discrepancy if truly focused solely on the scent's quality. Yet you did."

Though reluctant to admit it, the observation held truth.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "That's not quite accurate. I'm suggesting the creator shouldn't overshadow the creation, not that we should ignore the perfumer entirely. The art and artist are inextricably linked. While we craft diverse fragrances, each bearing unique characteristics, it's the perfumer's distinctive touch that breathes life into them."

Initially poised to rebut, Harrison found himself gradually straightening his posture as she spoke. His subtle nod signaled shifting perceptions.

Studying Evelyn with newfound interest, he remarked, "You articulate your position remarkably well. Care to venture a guess at this perfume's creator?"