Chapter 285 Clara's Purpose
Alexander: [Who are you with at the café?]
Victoria could almost see Alexander's face as he typed. The message was simple, but it carried a hint of something more.
With a playful smirk, she shot back: [Someone who can make you jealous.]
Alexander's reply was almost instant: [Who!]
Just then, Clara's voice broke through her thoughts.
Victoria looked up, her face saying, "Why should I care?" She coolly replied, "Can you get to the point?"
Clara, taken aback by Victoria's calm demeanor, pressed on, "Victoria, I made it to the finals of the International Perfumery Competition."
Victoria snapped back, "Did you not hear me? I'm not here for your nonsense, okay?"
Clara suddenly felt somewhat embarrassed; she had expected Victoria to be surprised or show some resentment, but Victoria remained so composed that even her expression didn't change.
This was Clara's one chance to outshine Victoria.
Sure, Victoria could make perfumes too, but Clara knew she was better.
If Clara could place in the top three and become Deer’s student, she'd finally have the upper hand.
She wasn't about to let this chance slip away.
Ignoring Victoria's dismissal, she continued, "Do you know who the judge for this competition is?"
Victoria stayed silent.
Clara's face lit up. "It's Deer, the top talent in the perfumery world."
So what?
Victoria raised an eyebrow, urging her to go on.
Clara added, "She'll be judging this year and picking one student on the spot."
Victoria didn't recall ever hearing that.
Victoria chuckled, giving Clara a knowing look. "Really? So what? You're still not making any sense."
Clara was momentarily thrown by Victoria's indifference but pressed on, "I'll become Deer's student."
Victoria, seeing Clara's determination, felt a bit sorry for her. She wondered where Clara got her confidence and was a bit curious too.
Victoria asked, "Is it really that big of a deal to be her student?"
Clara didn't hesitate. "Absolutely! She's the best in the perfumery world. She won the competition at thirteen, held the title for six years, and then retired. But she still releases a product every two years.
Deer's perfumes were always top-notch, selling out in many countries and highly sought after. They're limited editions, so they're hard to get. No one knew what she looked like, but that didn't hurt her reputation."
Victoria squinted slightly. She actually saw admiration in Clara's eyes. It was the first time she'd seen Clara look up to someone so much.
If Clara knew the person she admired was actually Victoria, wouldn't she be crushed?
Victoria nodded, surprisingly agreeing. "Yeah, it's an honor. Deer is really talented."
After all, she couldn't downplay herself.
Victoria's sudden friendliness left Clara stunned.
She thought, 'Is Victoria jealous of me?'
If so, she'd work even harder to become Deer's student.
Victoria had no interest in guessing Clara's thoughts, and Clara had no clue what was going on in Victoria's mind either.
"Clara, can you just get to the point?" Victoria said, trying to keep her patience. She'd heard enough.
Even if Clara looked up to her, there was no need to humor her. That admiration would crumble once the truth came out, so why bother?
Besides, Victoria was curious to see Clara's reaction when she saw her on the judges' panel.
Clara didn't push further; she had already achieved her first goal for the day.
"Haven't you always wondered about the truth behind your mom's death?" Clara said with a sly smile. "She didn't die of an illness."
Victoria's face stayed calm, but her eyes turned icy.
Clara didn't spill too much, just enough to bait her. "If you want the details, be at this place tomorrow at 2 PM. Someone will give you what you need."
She pulled a piece of paper from her bag and placed it on the table. "And come alone," she added, a hint of warning in her voice.
Victoria glanced at the address. In the next second, Clara snatched it back, tore it up, and tossed the pieces into the trash.
She knew Victoria had a good memory and wasn't worried about her forgetting.
Meanwhile, Alexander, not getting a reply from Victoria, was getting restless.
Victoria's phone, which she had set aside, started ringing.
Clara, about to leave, noticed the caller ID: "Honey."
Victoria answered the call.
Alexander's deep, magnetic voice came through, "Where are you?"
Surprised, Victoria asked, "You're here?" She instinctively looked towards the café entrance and saw Alexander's familiar figure.
Alexander's sudden appearance caused a stir in the quiet café.
Dressed in a black coat, Alexander stood tall at the entrance, holding his phone. His striking features drew gasps from the women around.
He scanned the room, locked eyes with Victoria, and walked towards her, putting his phone away.
His face could make hearts race, but his cold demeanor often kept people at a distance.
Still, the women couldn't help but whisper about him.
"He's so handsome."
"How did I not know there's such a charming man in the entertainment industry?"
"Oh my God! That face, that body, who wouldn't be impressed?"
"He looks familiar."
"Isn't that Alexander, the CEO of Vertex Holdings Group?"
Hearing this, those who had thoughts of pursuing him instantly gave up.
Alexander was married, and his wife was the beautiful Victoria.
Everyone's eyes followed him as he walked.
Clara also looked and saw the incredibly handsome Alexander approaching.
It wasn't Clara's first time seeing him, but knowing his true identity made it different. No man could compare to him. He was a distinguished, mature, and composed man, exuding the charisma of a leader, epitomizing the ideal husband for many women.
But this perfect Alexander had married Victoria.
Clara's vanity and jealousy flared up.
She realized that no amount of awards or honors could compare to being Alexander's wife.
At this moment, Clara's gaze was firmly fixed upon Alexander. But Alexander's eyes were fixed on Victoria, who looked a bit puzzled.
'I haven't replied for a few minutes, and he shows up in person?' Victoria thought.
Seeing Alexander's slightly displeased expression, she stood up and greeted him with a smile.
The first thing Alexander said when he reached her was, "Where's the person making me jealous?"
Victoria was momentarily speechless.
This sounded familiar.
Wasn't this what she had just said?
Was this still the aloof Alexander?
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