Chapter 119 Seemingly Trapped In A Dead Loop
Concerning the child, Vivian hadn't figured out how to explain to Liam after the abortion, although she had already made up her mind.
However, the potentially flawed formula gave her a chance, an opportunity to conceal the truth of the miscarriage while making Liam feel guilty and sympathetic.
However, before that—
Vivian arranged to meet Rosen at a cafe, a public place where she could feel at ease.
Rosen arrived late, looking a bit off, with droopy eyelids, but at least he showed up.
Perhaps because she was very clear about what kind of person he was, no matter how Vivian looked at him now, she always felt he was on the verge of collapse. But even if he were to die, he should be thoroughly utilized before his death.
"Weren't we supposed to meet less often recently?" Rosen casually picked up a sugar cube and dropped it into her coffee cup, and one after another.
He stopped after placing six cubes and gently stirred with a spoon. "What? Are you missing me so soon?"
A teasing smile played on her lips as she lifted the coffee cup, took a big sip, and then breathed out, looking quite satisfied.
Vivian stared at him without blinking, waiting for him to calm down completely before saying. "Is there a problem with the formula you gave me?"
Her voice was soft, her speech slow, but her eyes were locked on him, staring intently.
"Formula? What formula?" He raised his eyelids as if he had completely forgotten what it was about.
Seeing Vivian tight-lipped and staring at him, Rosen suddenly remembered. "Oh... you mean that thing I gave you last time."
"That was just a little trinket I made on a whim. I haven't tested it yet, so how would I know if there's a problem?" He looked nonchalant, but Vivian was furious. Vivian asked, "You don't know?"
"If you're not sure if there's a problem, why give it to me? Are you intentionally causing me trouble?" Vivian continued.
Vivian was angry, but she couldn't explode. Suppressing her anger, she gritted her teeth and said slowly, "You know that I need these two formulas to win the annual competition this year. How could you treat me like this? I... I've done so much for you!"
"Angry?" Watching her angry expression, Rosen clicked his tongue in disapproval, even smiling. "Look at you, why are you so irritated? It's just a perfume competition, just a small event. Do you have to take it so seriously?"
Vivian was speechless with anger.
Perhaps it was a small matter to Rosen, but to Vivian, it meant something entirely different.
Vivian had previously garnered a number of accolades of varying degrees, thanks to Evelyn's work. However, due to her self-doubt and the fact that Liavian Perfumes lacked the necessary qualifications in its early years, she had not yet managed to secure a national award. This time around, the significance of the award was not just its magnitude, but also the potential elevation of her standing within the fragrance industry. More importantly, it was about gaining visibility and recognition from influential figures like Samuel.
This time, she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity, not only to establish herself firmly in the upper class but also to break free from Rosen's control completely.
Of course, she wouldn't tell Rosen these things. Right now, the most important thing was the issue with the perfume formula.
"I don't care. The formula has a problem now; I didn't get the expected results. You have to help me! Help me adjust the formula. I need to succeed in the competition as soon as possible. This time, I must win!"
Vivian looked out the window, her tone firm.
"OK, no problem. Shall we go to the lab now?" He spread his hands, looking indifferent, surprisingly easy to talk to.
She didn't expect him to agree so readily. Vivian paused, then realized that if he went to the lab, Liam would definitely find out.
Liam already had prejudices against Rosen and suspected their relationship. Wouldn't it attract attention?
"No!" Vivian frowned. "Many people in the lab have seen you. Even if the perfume is successful, when we participate in the competition, someone might use our relationship against us."
After a moment of contemplation, Vivian asked, "Can't we make adjustments without you going? What if I show you the failed test samples?"
"That works, too." Rosen nodded. "But the effect may not be as good. I might find the problem right away, or I might not find it even after several attempts."
She was seemingly trapped in a dead loop!
If she didn't let Rosen go to the lab, the problem with the formula might not be found, the perfume couldn't be successfully developed, and she couldn't participate in the competition, let alone win, and reach the peak of her life. But if she let Rosen participate in the experiments, aside from Liam's suspicion, it might be held as evidenced by the competition, making her lose the qualification to compete.
Vivian propped her nose, feeling irritated.
"Well..." Rosen spoke slowly, looking at her, "I do have a way, but I am not sure if you'd be willing."
"What?" Even if there were a slight possibility, she would want to try.
"If I remember correctly, the lab in your company is under your control, right?"
Vivian nodded. "I'm the director, that's for sure!"
Although she hadn't been there much recently, at least she still held the nominal title.
Rosen smiled faintly, "So when to go to the lab is entirely up to you!"
"You mean..."
"During the day, it's crowded and easy to be discovered, easy to leave evidence. But what about at night?"
He paused there, looking at her with a meaningful smile.
Vivian quickly caught on as if a knot in her mind had suddenly been untied, and her thoughts became clear.
That's right!
During the day, with so many people around, it was impossible to avoid being noticed. But at night, when everyone had gone home, she could take Rosen to the lab alone. Not only could they find the problem, but he could personally make adjustments there.
With his help, success and the prize would be within her reach.
But—
When she met Rosen's gaze, she couldn't help but feel a bit hesitant, a slight tremor in her heart.
"I'm just suggesting, and it's up to you whether you agree or not. Anyway, I'd rather get a good night's sleep." He folded his hands behind his head, looking indifferent. "Oh, by the way! I forgot to tell you. I won't be staying in Lindwood City for too long. I'll be leaving in a couple of days."
"If you need my help, it's better to do it soon!"
Vivian was silent.
Vivian clenched her fingers, weighed the pros and cons, and then nodded heavily. "Alright! Tonight, I'll take you to the lab. You must help me find the problem. The perfume must be successful—it cannot fail!"