Chapter 376

Evelyn didn’t despise Olivella Soap, but she found it disingenuous to disguise corporate gifts as personal ones.

"Seems this gift isn’t impressive enough for you," Alexander remarked, catching up to her effortlessly and blocking her path. "No matter. I have others."

Evelyn had no choice but to stop, glaring at him as he stood in her way.

"Another corporate gift in disguise?" she challenged.

Businessmen never missed an opportunity to turn everything into profit. Even during what was supposed to be a casual outing, Alexander Kensington couldn’t resist weaving business into it.

"Of course not!"

She studied him for a long moment before finally extending her hand. "Fine. Where’s my gift?"

He handed her the small bag he’d been holding, amusement in his eyes. "I thought you didn’t want it."

"I changed my mind."

Opening the bag, she examined its contents.

Unlike commercial soaps laden with synthetic fragrances, these carried only the faintest trace of vegetable oil. No matter their shape or hue, their scent remained identical—only the intensity varied.

Earlier, she hadn’t fully grasped his meaning, but now, it clicked.

"You want me to create essential oils to blend with Olivella Soap," she deduced. "That way, each bar can have a unique fragrance, making them more appealing to consumers. Expanding the market."

What set Olivella Soap apart was its pure vegetable oil base—primarily olive oil—which gave it a high moisturizing quality. But its natural scent was overpowering, leaving little room for other fragrances. As Nathaniel Blackwood had pointed out, despite the intricate designs, the soap was easily replicated.

Most customers didn’t scrutinize craftsmanship. Without innovation, the market would inevitably shrink.

In business, stagnation meant regression.

The slightest hesitation could mean being overtaken.

Blackwood Enterprises understood this—striking before competitors could seize the advantage.

It was a shrewd move.

"You’re brilliant," Alexander praised without restraint. "That’s exactly why I trust you with this project."

"And what makes you so sure I’ll succeed?" Evelyn countered. "Olivella Soap has existed for centuries. If no one’s managed this before, isn’t it possible they all failed? Are you certain I can pull it off?"

It was a challenge, and she loved challenges. But personal interest was one thing—business was another. Failure here carried consequences.

"I believe in you," he said, unwavering. "You’ll have my full support. More importantly, I know you can do it."

His confidence left little room for refusal.

"I won’t guarantee success," she warned after a pause.

"That’s fine," he replied smoothly. "You’ll never discover how many ways there are to fail if you don’t try."

Well, if the CEO himself was this optimistic, why should she hesitate?

As he said—there were countless ways to fail.

She might as well test just how many.