Chapter 32

4.62%

Mia’s eyes gleamed with contempt as Seraphina accepted the challenge without hesitation. Though Aroma Delight was a relatively young enterprise, it was backed by the mighty Apex Corporation, which guaranteed top-tier, talented personnel at every level. This confidence fortified Mia’s disdain towards Seraphina.

Finding a way to extricate Seraphina from the team without causing a ruckus had kept Mia restless.

Now, with this gamble, she saw a tactical exit strategy.

“Don’t go back on your word! I despise individuals who don’t honor their word!” Mia emphasized, leaving no room for backtracking or second thoughts.

Seraphina affirmed without faltering, “I share the sentiment.”

Skeptical, but unyielding, Mia beckoned to Scraphina from her chair. “Come here.”

Rising to her feet, Seraphina approached Mia. With her background in the aroma. industry, she had immediately recognized the three identical perfume bottles arrayed. on Mia’s desk. Identical in their appearance and seemingly identical in the liquid they held, she deduced they were new fragrances under examination.

Understanding that each new product underwent rigorous scrutiny to ensure stability. and identify flaws, she knew the task at hand would call for a perfumer’s delicate. discernment.

Silently standing before Mia, Seraphina awaited her instructions.

“These three products were phased out by our company. I need you to identify why,” Mia instructed, tipping her head towards the bottles. The room fell silent, the expressions around the table a mix of surprise and comprehension. Each one watching. as Seraphina looked at Mia, her eyes radiating confidence, and Mia, in return, doing nothing but waiting for the show to unfurl.

Carefully, Seraphina picked up one of the bottles and scrutinized the liquid within before moving on to inspect the others. Her initial evaluation was purely visual, as if trying to unlock a secret in the perfume’s appearance. She was in no rush, and everyone. in the room watched her, most eagerly anticipating her impending embarrassment.

Rumors about Seraphina had already made rounds in the company, painting her as someone who stole confidential information from her past enterprise in attempts to climb up the ladder at Aroma Delight. The general impression was far from favorable.

Seraphina felt the air of hostility but was unfazed-she chose to trust herself. After a thorough visual inspection of each sample, she returned the bottles to their original spots and backed off. She stood up straight, looking at Mia calmly, her hands no longer interacting with the bottles.

III 9K 62%

Mia savored her coffee, calmly waiting for Seraphina’s next move. Her patience to witness Seraphina’s struggle and inevitable surrender was vast. Yet, much to her surprise, Seraphina looked content, with no further attempt to interact with the samples.

Flashing a mocking smile, Mia suggested, “So, giving up already? Alright, then. Since you can’t…”

“Hold on, Ms. Lawson, Seraphina interrupted, causing Mia to hold her words mid-

sentence.

“These are not phased-out products; these are new ones. They mustn’t be older than a fortnight, and are ripe for promotion, Seraphina stated boldly.

A collective surprise echoed through the room as everyone wondered who had leaked. this information to her. While Mia remained stoic, Seraphina continued, “The three are strikingly similar, with only a slight variation in one spice, thus classifying them as three distinct perfumes.”

“Are you certain about this?” Mia chuckled, more in disbelief than amusement.

Unmoved by Mia’s skepticism, and with an unwavering conviction Seraphina. responded, “Yes! The different spice in each variety makes them distinct. Although not perceptible to a layperson, a habitual perfume user can tell them apart. Besides, these nuances become more apparent with time.”

Having made her analysis, Seraphina reached out for the far-right bottle, holding it delicately. “This one is my choice-it’s superior and should be tailored for young ladies. aged eighteen to twenty-three.

It was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

No one told her whether she was right or wrong.

Mia still looked at her with a half-smile and said jokingly, “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure!” Seraphina nodded affirmatively without hesitation.

Mia pursed her lips. Her eyes deepened to a thoughtful hue as she remained uncharacteristically silent.

“I know this is a test, and if you’re not satisfied with my answer, I can also tell you all the spices used in it,” Seraphina offered, and she started to list them.

Moments ago, much of the room was dubious about Seraphina’s abilities, yet now, more than half seemed swayed. This was no small bit of trickery. Here was a room filled. with industry professionals, and yet many of them failed to discern the distinctions that 14:18 Wed, 31 Jan DS Seraphina did so swiftly. Even more surprising, she did it with grace under the deliberate adversarial pressure from Mia.

Some covertly signaled their admiration for her with a thumbs up. Even so, Seraphina remained emotionless. From the beginning, no significant emotional shifts painted her face, regardless of the situation.

As far as challenges went, this one was rather simple in Seraphina’s view and she had doubts Mia was going to let her succeed that easy.

“You’re right,” Mia conceded, her voice more subdued than before, “Your answers were accurate. You are indeed competent. However…”

She gestured towards one of the bottles, her gaze sharpening, “You never once uncorked the bottles.

How did you discern so much without even smelling them? Who’s been feeding you insider details?”

The room held its breath as Mia pointed her accusation of cheating towards Seraphina.

For the first time, Seraphina chuckled. “Are you suggesting I’m a psychic, Ms. Lawson? Your test was impromptu. How could anyone prepare me for it?”

Her explanation seemed logical, earning several nods from those present. Mia eyed her briefly before responding, “Fine.”