Chapter 21

14:14 Wed, 31 Jan DE.

Julian preemptively turned the microphone to his side.

“Of course, it’s not really stealing. Seraphina is a member of our company, anyway. She has been working as Ms. Garcia’s assistant over the years, so she was involved in developing perfumes more or less. I don’t want to define this as stealing or plagiarism. All I can say is that there are too many temptations in our industry. It is understandable that some people can’t resist it. We are willing to give Seraphina a chance and hope. Prosperian Company can bring more and better works to society in the future.”

It had to be said that Julian had a lot of experience in socializing and dealing with media over the years.

His words struck a balance between humility and confidence, exuding sincerity. He portrayed Prosperian Company as a reputable establishment that not only protected its employees but also empathized with their motivations, even in cases of betrayal.

The reporters were moved by his stance and viewed Seraphina with contempt.

They thought, ‘Now it’s clear that Seraphina was dissatisfied with her role as an assistant, so she stole the company’s work and sold it to another company. She intended to join their ranks, but this incident unraveled her scheme. Yet, Prosperian Company is still willing to retain such an employce.”

However, astute individuals noticed some inconsistencies and posed a question, “But Seraphina previously stated that she was not an employee of your company and had not signed any contracts.”

Julian had likely anticipated this question. He smiled serenely and responded, “Yes, I acknowledge that it was an oversight on our part. We didn’t intentionally forego at contract. But, perhaps you’re not aware that Scraphina and I go way back, as far as our college days. We were friends back then, and so, didn’t bother with formalities when we started out. As for her pay, I’d been personally taking care of it. I fully accept my accountability in this regard, and we’ve since rectified the situation by drawing up a firm contract. We believe this misunderstanding will only make Prosperian Company stronger in the future!”

His words were met with hearty applause from the crowd, and Julian, relieved and. satisfied, allowed himself a light-hearted moment of victory.

Julian thought, ‘Fortunately, I came up with a solution in time, otherwise things could have gone wrong.

However, his triumph was short-lived. Just as he was beginning to loosen up, another reporter sprang up to ask, “Ms. Jones, doesn’t public sentiment warrant an apology from |||

0 14.14 Wed, 31 Jan DG ·

64%-

you? And what about Aroma Delight? Are they fully in the picture about the whole scenario? If they’re not, how are you planning to clarify things to them? In their shoes. wouldn’t this count as deception?

Can they file a lawsuit against you?”

The reporter’s questions hit hard and fast, and the reporter stared accusatorily at Seraphina.

Julian, momentarily taken aback and rendered speechless, stuttered, “Well…”

But before Julian could gather his thoughts. Seraphina seized the microphone, maintaining an unfazed composure, she stood up to address the room.

She began. Those are great. not something that I deem necessary nor first query, about my apology or rather the lack of it, let me just say that an something I plan on offering”

The room fell pin-drop silent as her bold words echoed. The collective gasp from the audience was almost audible.

The bystanders had initially bought into Julian’s smooth talk and readily accepted his explanation as truth. But hearing Seraphina’s steadfast refusal to offer an apology, they misconstrued it as her reluctance to admit her faults. Unsurprisingly, this led to a general air of contempt against her.

The whispers of distaste spread like wildfire. “How audacious can she be!”

“Can you believe she said that?”

“Unbelievable!”

Though these were mere murmurs, Seraphina caught wind of the chatter. However, she merely tightened her grip on the microphone, determined not to let their disdain faze her. Calmly surveying the room, she added, “Please allow me to shed light on two crucial points. Firstly, ‘First Love’ is a creation that I. along with my assistant, painstakingly developed over three months. Secondly, aside from ‘First Love, the vast majority of fragrances by Prosperian Company are indeed my creations. There you have it.”

The assembly of reporters perked up with anticipation. Having absorbed Julian’s discourse and witnessing Seraphina’s gentle acquiescence, they believed the matter had. reached its end with nothing further to offer. They hadn’t anticipated Seraphina’s dramatic twist which left Julian exposed.

Turning the tables, Seraphina had now put Julian in an uncomfortable spotlight, much to the delight of the people present. The now somber Julian served as a stark counterpoint against Seraphina’s tranquil demeanor, inciting an eager flurry of cameras focusing on their disparate expressions.

OX 64% A mean? I’m afraid I don’t follow. Could you elaborate, please?”

The crowd palpitated with excitement, making sure to have their cameras and recorders at the ready for capturing every detail.

At this juncture, the thoughts among the reporters were unanimous, “This is going to be one interesting fight!”