Chapter 262: Final Round Of The Competition

They entered the R&D department, where various employees were busy with their tasks. "I like what I’m seeing," Cathy commented, looking around. "The more I see, the more I want to work here."

"Don’t get too excited," Mia said. "I, the CEO of this company, have yet to approve you."

"You will," Cathy replied confidently.

"First, I need to evaluate your performance," Mia said.

"Be ready, then," Cathy smirked at both Mia and Natalie. "I’m sure after what I do, you two won’t dare doubt me."

Natalie ignored her and went to start preparing for the next day’s competition.

"What’s the theme for tomorrow?" Mia asked Natalie.

"No theme is given," Natalie answered. "We have to create something unique and explain the theme ourselves."

"Can you finish it today?" Mia asked worriedly.

Natalie hummed in agreement. "Now, both of you, don’t disturb me."

"We’re just standing here to watch our beautiful friend work," Cathy said, grinning. "Trust me, you looked damn sexy on the screens while making perfume. I’m not missing this chance to see you work live and up close."

Natalie sighed and shook her head as she started her work.

Cathy turned to Mia and said, "This girl looks absolutely perfect while working, as if she was born to create perfumes. I could watch her all day."

Mia hummed. "Can’t argue with that."

"If I were a man, I’d have fallen for her already. But damn, I’m straight," Cathy added with a chuckle.

"I’m not the only one thinking this way," Mia commented, smiling.

"You two, make sure to never say this in front of her my husband if you want to continue to be my friends," Natalie warned.

"Oh, that reminded me to ask who are you married to huh?" Cathy asked.

"Why do you want to know everything at once?" Mia interrupted, "Let her focus on work."

"Alright. Anyways I am more interested in her work that her husband," Cathy replied.

While Natalie focused on her work, Mia and Cathy continued to explore other parts of the department, chatting and spending time together. After nearly two hours, Natalie finished her work and returned to Mia’s office, holding a few papers in her hand.

"Done?" Mia asked.

Natalie looked exhausted. She stretched her neck and sat on the couch, placing the papers in her hand on the center table. Cathy, who was already sitting on the couch, shifted closer to Natalie. "Let me help you with that," she said, gently massaging Natalie’s neck.

Mia picked up the papers and asked, "So this is the one for tomorrow’s competition?"

Natalie hummed in response.

"Looks like a great combination," Mia said, skimming through the formula.

Cathy grabbed the paper from Mia and examined the formula herself. Her expression grew serious as she remarked, "Even though I left R&D and moved into marketing, I can still tell this one is going to be a bomb."

"You look like you’re already drooling over it," Mia said with a frown. "Just don’t steal it. These days, too many people are after my darling’s hard work."

Cathy smirked playfully. "I’m definitely here to steal it. What will you do if I do?"

Mia glared at her. "I can see myself going to jail for killing my own friend."

Cathy laughed, her tone teasing. "That won’t happen. I can’t let my lovely Mia turn into a murderer." She put the papers back on the table and turned to Natalie. "You look tired. You should go home and rest."

Natalie hummed softly and soon left.

----

The next day marked the final round of the competition.

Briena was grinning as she sat inside her car, holding a piece of paper in her hand with a perfume formula written on it.

"Mom, you were right. Grandma is truly incredible," Briena said. "Once again, Natalie Ford will be proven a plagiarist. But this time, it’ll destroy her completely. No one will forgive her like last time, thinking she’s just a young, naive girl."

"Forget about her," Clara said. "Have you practiced well on how to prepare it?"

"Yes, Mom," Briena replied, her gaze fixed on the formula. "I must admit, that bitch is truly skilled. If she hadn’t burned her work at Ivan’s company, I would have already used those formulas to create many perfumes. I couldn’t do anything back then, but this time, I’ll make her pay for it."

Both mother and daughter exchanged wicked smirks.

Meanwhile, Natalie had arrived at the competition venue, where Mia and Cathy were waiting for her. They were there to cheer on their friend on one of the most important days of her life.

In the waiting area behind the stage, Mia and Cathy stood by Natalie’s side.

Briena arrived with her mother. The moment she spotted Natalie, Briena smirked to herself.

Her gaze shifted to Cathy, and she offered a smile, which Cathy returned with one of her own.

Mia noticed it immediately. "Did you just smile at her?"

"She smiled at me, so I did the same," Cathy retorted playfully. "I only frown at you, so let me smile a little."

"Go to her, then," Mia said angrily.

Briena, noticing the exchange, deliberately approached them and addressed Cathy. "I’ve heard about your achievements. How about working at Ford Industries? I can promise you a salary beyond your expectations."

Cathy smiled back at her. "Really? I might give it a try, then."

"You’re always welcome," Briena said before walking away with a wicked smile.

Mia glared at Cathy, who quickly defended herself. "Hey, in the business world, I have to be polite to everyone. You never know when someone might be useful to us."

"Fuck off!" Mia snapped, frowning, before turning to Natalie. Unlike her two bickering friends, Natalie was calm and composed, silently observing them with an amused expression.

The announcement for the participants to take the stage interrupted them. Mia and Cathy hugged Natalie.

"All the best," they said in unison.

Natalie thanked them and made her way to the stage.