Liam Winston's face turned pale.
He tried to plead his case.
Julian Roscente raised a hand to stop him.
"The competition is over," Julian said with a gentle smile. "An apology is one thing. Disqualification is another."
His tone remained soft.
Yet Liam felt as if he'd been plunged into an icy abyss.
"Radiant Beauty Group doesn't collaborate with those of questionable character."
Julian's smile never wavered.
A chill ran down Liam's spine.
He hadn't expected Julian to be so unyielding.
Not even the slightest consideration given.
"Mr. Roscente, this must be some misunderstanding—"
Liam attempted to explain.
Julian simply summoned security.
Two burly men stepped between them.
"Unauthorized personnel must leave the lounge immediately."
Liam and Chloe Evans were escorted out.
Humiliation burned through them both.
Isabella Robinson burst into laughter.
"Quite the compliment, Mr. Roscente." She arched an eyebrow. "'Transcendent' means you wanted to punch him?"
Julian responded smoothly, "It means Miss Robinson has an admirably direct nature."
"Silver-tongued devil."
Sophia Sullivan observed with mild surprise.
Julian was more approachable than she'd anticipated.
"With the competition concluded, please join me in the penthouse lounge."
Julian gestured gracefully.
Bodyguards ushered the group toward the elevators.
The penthouse reception area exuded understated luxury.
Sophia settled onto a plush sofa.
Her gaze met Ethan Sullivan's across the coffee table.
"Thank you for speaking up earlier, Mr. Sullivan."
Ethan's expression softened slightly.
"Hardly worth mentioning." His dark eyes held hers. "I hadn't realized Miss Sullivan was the legendary perfumer."
Sophia's pulse quickened.
She hadn't expected Ethan to be the man she'd been searching for.
The trail to Breeze Perfumes lay right before her.
But now wasn't the time for questions.
Ethan continued, "Have you given any thought to my earlier proposal?"
He referenced his niece's situation.
"The child actually smiled when she heard about a potential new teacher."
Emma Sullivan lived with autism.
Her world existed within the confines of pottery.
Sophia considered this carefully.
Her greater interest lay in Ethan's secrets.
The poison she'd administered in Potter's Town remained active.
Julian chose that moment to rise.
"Miss Robinson, would you care to sample the desserts?"
Isabella caught his meaning instantly.
"Perfect timing—I'm famished."
They exited with practiced ease.
Isabella shot Sophia a meaningful wink before leaving.
Sophia shook her head in amusement.
Those two seemed far more suspicious.
"Business can wait." Sophia turned back to Ethan. "I'm more interested in Breeze Perfumes' origins."
Ethan showed no surprise.
"My grandmother taught me the formula."
Sophia's heartbeat accelerated.
"Is Mrs. Sullivan still—"
"Diagnosed with Alzheimer's six months ago." Ethan's tone remained even. "Her memories fade daily."
Disappointment flickered across Sophia's features.
"What a loss. I'd hoped to learn from her."
Ethan's gaze sharpened.
"Most seeking my grandmother now have ulterior motives."
The elder Mrs. Sullivan's status made her a target.
Many sought to exploit her vulnerability.
"Only family may visit currently."
Suddenly Sophia smiled.
She extended her hand toward Ethan.
"Then we'll consider this a partnership. As your niece's teacher, I'll practically be family."
A mischievous glint entered her eyes.
"When Mrs. Sullivan improves, perhaps she'll indulge my perfume questions."