?Chapter 487:


    Araceli responded to Marissa’s question with a somber expression. “I’ve had a difficult history with the Hinks family. Back in my school and junior high school days, Emilee and her friends bullied me relentlessly.”


    Araceli continued, “Emilee was maniptive and prone to jealousy, skilled in tormenting her ssmates. The psychological scars from those experiences haunted me for years, affecting my self-esteem.


    Fortunately, we weren’t in the same high school, and I could finally experience normal campus life. My confidence gradually returned. Otherwise, I might not have made it to college.”


    Marissa listened intently, her expression grim. Silver Fox had confided in Marissa that Emilee was actually the same age as her. This revtion suggested that Silver Fox’s father had been unfaithful to her mother, resulting in Emilee’s birth.


    After Emilee was born, she was an illegitimate child and had to live in hiding with her mother for several years to avoid public exposure. Following the passing of Silver Fox’s mother, they eventually moved into the Hinks household, where Emilee gained status as ady in an affluent family.


    Perhaps she was inherently malevolent, or perhaps her character became warped during the years of being illegitimate. Emilee exhibited a cold, calcting mind from a young age, deriving pleasure from bullying others with a vicious and ruthless demeanor.


    When Silver Fox was young, Emilee consistently set her up, leading her father to misunderstand and increasingly dislike her. Silver Fox endured countless usations and punishments as a result.


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    Araceli sighed heavily and added, “You know, Tiffany? When Emilee was young, she had an older sister whom she relentlessly bullied with deceitful tactics, ultimately driving the girl to run away from home. Her sister’s whereabouts have remained unknown ever since.”


    Marissa sneered silently, her contempt evident. Silver Fox hadn’t run away herself; rather, she was abandoned on the streets by her father after falling ill, persuaded by Emilee and her mother.


    The Hinks family remained unaware that Silver Fox had been taken in by her maternal grandmother. Publicly, they imed she had run away due to rebellion and had not returned.


    Both Silver Fox and Marissa had endured simrly bleak childhoods, surviving against the odds, which cemented their close friendship.


    While Marissa was lost in her memories, Araceli continued, “I always believed I couldn’t measure up to Emilee because of her constant humiliation and torment. Now, Tiffany, you’ve said that Hinks Perfumes doesn’t deserve me. I’m thrilled.”


    Araceli looked at Marissa with a sweet smile. “Emilee is the chief perfumer at Hinks Perfumes. Thatpany doesn’t deserve me. It means I’ve surpassed her, right? Hahaha…”


    “Exactly,” Marissa affirmed with a nod. “You have indeed surpassed Emilee.”


    After a brief pause, she continued, “Araceli, you have a natural talent for perfuming. If you’re open to bing the apprentice of a renowned perfumer, your skills will undoubtedly flourish. In time, you could achieve great recognition yourself.”


    Marissa’s words caught Araceli off guard, prompting her to cover her mouth in surprise. “Tiffany, did I hear you correctly? Could I really be a famous perfumer someday? Are you serious?”


    “No jokes,” Marissa assured her. “Would you consider it?”


    Araceli appeared surprised, her enthusiasm tempered with hesitation. “I’m not sure if I should. I’ve never considered it before. Besides, how would I even find a fair perfumer to apprentice under? I don’t have the connections for that.”


    Marissa smiled reassuringly. “Take your time to think about it.”


    Araceli nodded, chuckling lightly without dwelling too much on the idea. Currently, her dreams centered around dating Ernst, marrying him, and starting a family. Marissa understood everyone had different aspirations and respected Araceli’s perspective, choosing not to persuade her further.


    The car ride proceeded in silence until they reached the venue for the perfume contest. Upon exiting the car, they made their way to thepetition hall. As they walked, Araceli briefed Marissa on the contest’s structure.


    “Tiffany, thepetition unfolds in three stages. First, contestants sign up and pass the initial screening. Then, they present their perfumes and face questions from the judges. The final phase culminates in thepetition and award ceremony. Today’s event is the second phase, and Ernst has already cleared the initial screening.”


    Marissa listened attentively.


    Suddenly, Araceli pointed towards a slender man nearby. “Tiffany, look! That’s my boyfriend, Emst!”


    Marissa followed Araceli’s gaze


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