Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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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. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
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.
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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
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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.”