Olivia Laurent's face turned ashen.
She bit her lip hard.
After a long silence, she forced out words through clenched teeth.
"I'm leaving."
She turned and walked away.
Her high heels clicked sharply against the floor.
The office door slammed shut behind her.
Ethan Sullivan sat behind his expansive desk.
A black pen twirled between his fingers.
Ink bled across the document beneath it.
His gaze darkened as he stared out the window.
Julian Roscente's words echoed in his mind.
"Just try it."
"You've got nothing to lose at this point."
"Keep Sophia Sullivan at arm's length."
"Let her see what she can't have."
"Make her ache for it."
Ethan's brow furrowed.
He stood abruptly.
The pen was tossed into the trash.
The new product launch meeting was about to begin.
Sophia would be there.
The conference room was packed.
Ethan pushed open the door.
All eyes turned toward him.
Ian Watson hurried forward.
"Sir, weren't you scheduled for Milan this afternoon—"
Ethan raised a hand to cut him off.
"The deal fell through."
He strode to the head of the table.
"Let's begin."
Ian quickly handed him the files.
Confusion churned inside him.
The CEO rarely attended product meetings.
Today was unusual.
Ethan took his seat at the head of the table.
His expression was unreadable.
An icy aura radiated from him.
Sophia glanced up slightly.
A faint woody fragrance drifted through the air.
It was the perfume she'd once created.
Now it clung to Ethan.
Adding another layer of distance between them.
"Begin."
Ethan's voice was cold.
The marketing team leader spoke first.
He wiped sweat from his brow nervously.
"This is the final proposal for Thorned Rose."
The PowerPoint flashed onto the screen.
"We plan to market it with the story behind the scent."
"Our target is independent urban women."
"Those who are strong and brave."
"Who've carved their own path in the city."
The marketing team looked confident.
"We'll launch ads on short video platforms."
Presentations continued around the table.
Soon it was Sophia's turn.
Her hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail.
"Regarding the product launch."
"I have a new idea."
Her voice was clear and steady.
"Thorned Rose shouldn't just define urban women."
"Everyone chasing their dreams deserves it."
She met Ethan's gaze.
"I suggest partnering with Radiant Beauty Group."
"To produce a global commercial."
"Make Thorned Rose our signature product."
The proposal was bold.
The room fell silent.
Then murmurs broke out.
"Ms. Sullivan, the company is just starting out."
"We should secure the A-City market first."
"The investment is too high, the risk too great."
"A signature product sets unrealistic expectations."
"But I believe this perfume has the potential."
"High risk comes with high reward."
Opinions were divided.
Most leaned toward caution.
All eyes shifted to Ethan.
His presence was overwhelming.
Daring anyone to challenge him.
Ethan slowly looked up.
"Approved."