Chapter 225 Participating in the Perfume Competition
"Not him," Grace said, sure these flowers weren't from Xavier.
"Then which Mr. Montgomery?" Angela asked, confused.
Grace pulled the card from the roses, ignoring the message, and focused on the name: Ryan Montgomery.
Angela was surprised. "Ryan sent you roses?"
Grace remembered Ryan's confession the day before and smirked, thinking this was his way of wooing women. He probably thought flowers and gifts would win her over.
Grace found it outdated. She handed the card back and told the delivery guy, "Sorry, return these flowers. I won't sign for them. If you can't, just toss them. Thanks."
She shut the door without taking the flowers.
"Grace, what's going on? Ryan..."
"He's lost it," Grace interrupted.
"What?"
"Does Xavier know?" Angela asked.
"Angela, Xavier and I aren't what you think. We're not in a relationship, just bed partners," Grace replied.
"Grace, you see it clearly, but what if Mr. Montgomery doesn't?" Angela said, thinking Xavier wouldn't treat just anyone so well.
"Angela, you told me not to fall for Xavier. You said it would be exhausting. Isn't it better this way?" Grace asked.
"That's not what I mean. I want you to be happy. If Mr. Montgomery likes you, you must be happy, right?"
Grace shook her head. "It would be tiring."
Being with Xavier took courage, with many eyes watching and enemies to face.
Angela nodded. "True, this is best for now."
For the next two days, Ryan sent more gifts—flowers one day, jewelry the next. Grace refused them all.
She couldn't understand Ryan's behavior. It felt like a cruel joke. She had called off the engagement and didn't want to marry him again. Despite her refusals, the gifts kept coming.
Grace finally called Ryan. "Stop sending me things. I don't want them!"
Ryan chuckled. "Grace, you finally called. It's good to hear your voice."
Grace paused, then firmly said, "Ryan, stop. If you keep this up, I'll call the police for harassment!"
"Grace!" Ryan snapped. "You will be my wife sooner or later."
"In your dreams!" Grace retorted, but his certainty unsettled her. She pondered, 'Why was he so sure?'
"Let's wait and see."
Grace hung up, but his words haunted her. Their engagement was over, and they had no relationship. Why was Ryan so confident? A sense of unease crept over her, as if a storm was coming.
Ryan was used to Grace hanging up on him, but this time he just smirked. She'd beg to marry him eventually.
Grace was swamped. Between work, studies, and prepping for the World Perfumery Competition, she barely had time to breathe. She had planned to visit her mom to share the news about breaking off the engagement, but the competition was looming, so she delayed her visit to focus on her perfume.
Just before the deadline, Grace submitted her perfume and the formula online.
Madison was keeping a close eye on things, especially on Grace and Iris. As the competition deadline approached, she noticed their names were missing from the participant list.
She couldn't believe Grace would even enter, let alone win. But Iris usually submitted early, and there was no sign of her this time. Was Iris skipping the competition?
Madison hoped so. If Iris didn't compete, her chances of winning were much better. Daniel had promised to help her win an award. Iris had always been the star, but if she was out and with Daniel's support, Madison could easily take the top spot.
Winning would clear her name from any plagiarism accusations Grace had made. Madison planned to use this victory to teach Grace a lesson.
With one minute left, if Iris didn't register, Madison would be number one. She kept telling herself, "I'll be number one!"
Time ticked by, and Madison anxiously refreshed the page. At the last second, Iris's name appeared.
Madison was crushed but not ready to give up. She needed a plan to still come out on top.
She picked up her phone and messaged Daniel: [Honey, the registration for the perfumery competition is closed.]
Since Daniel had made her call him that in the restroom at the fashion show, she had taken to using the intimate adressing frequently.
She knew he liked it and the more affectionately she addressed him, the more advantages she reaped.
Daniel replied: [Baby, don't worry. I'll make sure you get a place.]
Madison: [Iris registered too. Honey, is there any way I can be number one? If I surpass Iris, I'll be famous. I want to be number one.]
Daniel: [Baby, you know Iris's reputation. It's a bit difficult.]
Madison sent a voice message, whining, "I don't care, honey. You're the best. Please, if you can help me win first place in the World Perfumery Competition, I'll do anything you want. You can play however you like, okay?"
On the other end, Daniel was already excited just hearing her voice. He immediately started a video call, eyes filled with lust. "Baby, play with yourself for me."
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