"I didn't figure you cared so much about Windy," Karol said, her chin held high. "But alas, you're likely to be let down. Once she's in on this perfume showdown, she'll surely ink the deal with us. Your efforts might just be for naught!"

“Are you absolutely certain?" With a subtle grin, Lilah inquired, "Have you even bothered to ask Windy?"

"I... I haven't, but she's never shown her face at such shindigs before. Now she's agreed to grace mine. Don't you understand what it means?"

"What does it mean?"

Lilah still appeared calm, as though Karol was making a joke rather than making a certain statement.

However, it was indeed true.

She wondered what made Karol so confident. All she knew was that Karol seemed complacent now, but would likely be miserable later.

"The competition is about to start. Is that Effie?" Laura didn't join in their conversation. Instead, she turned to look at the person who was now appearing on stage.

Effie was wearing a dress that fit her perfectly and her hair was neatly curled.

She sang a new song. After she was released from the police station, a renowned producer had reached out to Effie, urging her to perform it.

Feeling uncertain, Effie looked for Lilah's opinion.

Lilah and Gerard checked the producer's background and made sure everything was okay. So, Effie decided to work with him. But they never crossed paths during the process.

Effie effortlessly captivated the audience. A scent was added to the spray to enhance the atmosphere. As the mist spread, everyone was enveloped in the fragrance.

Lilah frowned slightly. Such a strong scent in the air seemed unfair for the upcoming evaluation of the contestants’ perfumes.

Karol was an experienced perfumer. Lilah wondered why she had made such a beginner's mistake.

She suspected Karol might have done it on purpose.

Lilah wondered if Karol was targeting any contestants in the competition to recruit for her company.

"Thank you. I hope you enjoyed the song."

Effie finished her performance and bowed to the audience. Then, the staff guided her off the stage.

Soon after, Effie opened the door to the VIP box.

"I knew you would come, Lilah."

Effie, wearing her high heels, quickly approached Lilah and embraced her tightly without any reservation. "Why didn't Gerard come with you? I'm going to scold him when I get back."

Effie made a face, causing Lilah to laugh. "You're going to scold him?"

Lilah chuckled.