Chapter 189 A Tempting Invitation
Evelyn grinned. "No need to guess. Those two perfume styles are obvious—bold and rich with bluegrass notes."
She paused, looking intently at Matthew. "Just like your perfume."
"So, what's your answer?" Matthew asked, poker-faced.
"Both are yours," she said confidently.
"Are you sure?" he raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Most people say that, but you wrote down that the perfumes are quite different."
"Yes, I'm sure," she nodded. "They are different, but their undertones are similar. One is an older work, and the other is newer with some tweaks."
"As perfumers, we constantly refine our work. No matter how perfect, we always aim to improve. Our ideas evolve with time and experience, so it's normal to see such changes," she explained.
Matthew's expression shifted slightly. "Have you studied my work?"
"Yes," she nodded. "You're a top perfumer. It's essential for newcomers like me to understand your work."
"What's your favorite and least favorite of my creations?" he asked with intrigue.
Evelyn didn't mind the discussion and ended up chatting with him for a long time.
Time flew by until someone knocked on the door. "Mr. Thompson?"
Matthew frowned. "What is it?"
The person peeked in hesitantly, saying, "Someone's here to pick up Ms. Taylor."
He checked the time, a bit annoyed. It was late, and he hadn't enjoyed a conversation like this in ages.
All of his previous doubts and disdain vanished. He now looked at Evelyn with genuine appreciation.
"Evelyn," he said directly. "Your insights and understanding of perfumery are impressive. Would you join my team?"
She was surprised by the offer.
Getting an invitation from him was a huge honor and recognition, but she hesitated.
As a perfumer, she wanted to create her own outstanding works. In recent years, her creations had been credited to others, making her miss out on a lot.
Though the offer was tempting, she declined. "I appreciate it, but I want to keep growing at Vistalia. I think there's still a lot for me to learn there. However, thank you for the recognition!"
Matthew was taken aback by the rejection.
Over the years, no one had ever turned him down.
"You know, Francis is the birthplace of perfumes. Not to knock Vistalia, but it hasn't produced top perfumers in ages. Staying there is a waste of your talent," he said.
Evelyn's expression grew serious. "I disagree. Vistalia has talented perfumers, but many join foreign teams and labs. I'm facing that choice now; that's why I want to stay. I hope one day people will recognize Vistalia for its top-notch perfumers and best-selling perfumes."
He sighed. "Alright, I respect your decision. But if you change your mind, reach out anytime."
"Thank you!"
"I see why Lisa enjoys your company so much."
She smiled. "Maybe it's because I'm honest."
Pleased, Matthew escorted Evelyn outside.
She saw the car picking her up and knew it was Samuel.
After saying goodbye to Matthew, she got in the car and saw him, but Olivia was missing.
"Where's Olivia?" she asked.
"I sent her away."
"Really?" she was surprised.
Olivia was usually persistent, especially after Evelyn's kidnapping. She wouldn't leave just because Samuel told her to.
"I'm her boss. Why wouldn't she listen to me?" Samuel said arrogantly.
She laughed at his attitude but didn't believe him. "She's stubborn and protective of me. Don't bully her!"
After the kidnapping, she felt sorry for Olivia and saw her as a friend.
"You're protective of others," Samuel said in jealousy. "I had Nasir call Olivia for an emergency at the hotel. Everything here is sorted."
She admired how he got Olivia to comply.
"Did she believe it?"
"You know Olivia. She follows orders and won't leave until she sees the company's car and confirms it," he pointed to the car they were in.
Since Evelyn was chatting with Matthew earlier, she had missed the calls on her phone.
She checked her phone and saw a long message from Olivia, full of instructions to ensure her safety.
Reading the message, she felt grateful for the warmth and care from those around her.