Chapter 145 Being Tracked
Evelyn didn't understand what was going on.
"Cathy hasn't told you yet, so here's the thing: we received an invitation to a perfume-tasting competition, and we want to recommend you." Nasir pushed a purple-red invitation forward.
Evelyn was puzzled. "Perfume tasting competition?"
Evelyn knew about this competition, which was held every two years to select the best perfume makers in the industry.
Since the competition was selection-oriented, established senior perfume makers refrained from participating. However, newcomers who wanted to test their luck or felt they had enough skills could join a recommended company. Most participants were junior to mid-level perfume makers who aimed to gain recognition in the industry.
"Why me?" Evelyn had just joined the company, and there were other perfume makers there, so it seemed a bit unfair to others.
"Because you are the most suitable," Nasir said with a smile.
What Evelyn thought was more complex than it seemed on the surface. Evelyn looked at the invitation in silence.
Cathy didn't understand. "Don't you want to go? This is a great opportunity for you to get noticed in the fragrance industry, and this tasting event is in France, a great opportunity for further training. Don't miss out!"
"So, am I the only one going?" Evelyn asked again.
Evelyn had no doubts about her abilities now. With years of effort in perfume development and experience accumulation, Evelyn even began to wonder if the mistake in that competition years ago was really her fault.
But Evelyn never doubted that there were many capable people in the world. Evelyn was good, but how good exactly? Evelyn needed to prove her capability.
"The company will arrange an assistant to accompany you," Nasir said.
"Cathy isn't going?" Evelyn looked at Cathy, expecting her to accompany her.
Cathy shook her head. "I have work arrangements and can't make it."
"In that case, there's no need to arrange an assistant just for me. Laura can go with me," Evelyn suggested.
Cathy vetoed. "This trip is to France, and an experienced person is needed to handle arrangements there, including accommodation, contacts, etc. Laura hasn't done these before and wouldn't be able to manage."
Evelyn thought it made sense, especially since it was the company's arrangement, so she didn't question further. "When are we going?"
"Next week."
"Next week?!" Evelyn was a bit surprised. It was already Friday today, so next week meant there was little time left. "But what about our agreement..."
"Yes, we can't go now," Cathy said helplessly, "There's a time conflict, so your vacation will have to wait. For the sake of your and the company's development, we'll plan another trip later."
Nasir added, "Yes, when you come back victorious this time, I'll approve a longer break for you."
Upon hearing "coming back victorious," Evelyn felt like she was about to win a battle.
After everything was settled, as they left the office, Cathy patted Evelyn on the shoulder. "This is the company's trust in you. Many people don't even have the qualifications to go, and not every company receives such an invitation."
Pausing for a moment, Cathy leaned in closer to Evelyn and said, "Liavian Perfumes doesn't have that qualification."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, not particularly concerned but a bit intrigued. This opportunity was hard to resist, as she wanted to prove her abilities and see how far her skills in perfume blending and appreciation had reached.
"Alright, I'll go prepare!" Evelyn nodded and replied.
Leaving the company, Evelyn went to the supermarket to buy a bunch of groceries. Samuel's kitchen fridge had been half empty these days, and since there wasn't much to do now, she decided to restock.
After the supermarket, she went to the most famous pastry shop to buy some cakes and desserts before finally taking a taxi back.
The route was a bit roundabout, but because of that, Evelyn noticed that someone seemed to be following her.
With habits from judo training and natural alertness, Evelyn sensed that she was being followed. Initially, she didn't pay much attention. However, after taking so many turns and still not shaking off the person, Evelyn became wary.
It wasn't clear who the person was or what their intentions were, but continuing like this made Evelyn very uncomfortable.
So, as soon as she got into the taxi, Evelyn gave Laura's address.
Since she had to inform Laura about the temporary cancellation of the trip, she might as well visit Laura's new home.
Laura's place was somewhere she had been only once before. Evelyn vaguely remembered it was right across from the alley.
Walking slowly along the alley, she deliberately slowed her pace, then stopped as if to tie her shoelaces, giving the person a chance to attack.
After following Evelyn for so long, the person should have seized the opportunity to strike, but surprisingly, he didn't.
The feeling of being followed persisted, but the person seemed to maintain a certain distance, neither too close nor too far, showing no intention of attacking Evelyn.
Could it be a journalist?
But that didn't make sense. Evelyn wasn't an actress, nor was she that famous. If it was because of Samuel, then they should be following Samuel, not Evelyn.
Moreover, only a few people knew about Evelyn's relationship with Samuel.
Seeing that she was already downstairs at Laura's place, Evelyn looked up, not sure which floor it was. She would have to call, but she needed to gain interest in playing this hide-and-seek game with the other person.
Suddenly, Evelyn sped up a few steps, then abruptly turned around.
Vivian, who had been following behind, couldn't dodge in time. Since it was a narrow alley, there wasn't much room to hide, and she was exposed in front of Evelyn.
"Vivian?" Evelyn was very surprised.
She never expected it to be Vivian!
But considering the clumsy tracking method, it seemed like something other than something a professional would do. It was more like something Vivian, cunning but not very smart, would do.
"Why are you following me?" Evelyn asked.
And Vivian had been following Evelyn all afternoon, quite patiently.
Caught red-handed, Vivian felt embarrassed for a moment but quickly adjusted her flustered emotions and said proudly, "Yes, it's me. What about it?"
Evelyn didn't say anything in response.
"I do things openly and honestly, unlike you, sneaky!" Vivian said indignantly.
Evelyn was puzzled.