Chloe Evans clutched the severed lock of hair, her eyes instantly welling up with tears.
"That was too cruel. She did it on purpose."
Her voice trembled as her fingers shook uncontrollably.
She had invested countless effort into maintaining this long, silky hair to uphold her gentle image.
Now it lay in uneven, jagged strands.
"She wanted to kill me. That murderous intent was real."
Tears streamed down Chloe's face, her delicate features twisted in distress.
This statement held partial truth.
She had indeed sensed that bone-chilling killing aura.
That woman was undoubtedly insane.
Liam Winston patted her back gently, his brows furrowed tightly.
"It was just coincidence. She doesn't have that capability."
Though his words offered comfort, cold dread crept through his veins.
That sudden gust had carried tangible bloodlust.
For a terrifying moment, he'd felt certain the blade would pierce his heart.
This eerie premonition left him drenched in cold sweat.
Chloe continued sobbing, refusing to let it go.
"She went too far today. I don't blame her, but she shouldn't have humiliated you."
"After being married to you, how could she not understand your struggles?"
"And now Mr. Sullivan misunderstands too. What about the collaboration?"
Already agitated, Liam grew more irritable at her words.
"Enough," he snapped impatiently. "Ethan Sullivan means nothing. The Winston Group thrives without him."
He paused abruptly, remembering something important.
"Next month is the Fourth International Perfumery Competition, hosted by Radiant Beauty Group."
"I'll make connections there. Opportunities abound."
His expression softened slightly as his tone mellowed.
"Forgive me, Chloe. I'm just in a foul mood today."
Gently, he wiped away her tears.
"You suffered today. I'll make it right for you."
Chloe nodded obediently, nestling into his embrace.
"I'm not upset. I just ache for you."
Liam pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Chloe, you were once a perfumery champion."
"You remember."
"I remember everything about you."
Before Chloe could feel pleased, he continued.
"Will you compete in this tournament for me?"
"Just reach the finals, and we'll secure Radiant Beauty's sponsorship. Maybe even meet their CEO."
Chloe lowered her lashes, their delicate flutter betraying her unease.
Under Liam's tender gaze, she nodded absently.
"I'll try."
Memories surfaced of her first international competition.
Submitting anonymously, her carefully crafted perfume hadn't even made the finals.
Later, she'd miraculously obtained the base notes of champion Crimson Serpent's perfume.
It took two years to replicate just eighty percent of its brilliance.
Rumors said Crimson Serpent was an elderly man who'd disappeared in recent years.
Some claimed he'd passed away.
So she'd boldly modified Crimson Serpent's formula and won her championship.
With the original creator gone for so long, borrowing once more couldn't hurt.
"You're my lucky star. With your talent, you'll surely win again."
Liam tightened his embrace, a satisfied smile curving his lips.
Even without Ethan Sullivan, he'd still conquer Radiant Beauty.