?Chapter 490:


    It’s often said that children who have endured bullying carry a wounded child within them forever. Even when they grow strong, they still find themselves at a psychological disadvantage when facing their old tormentors. This is a deep, lingering scar that many never fully escape.


    In this moment, Araceli embodied that very struggle. Confronted by Emilee’s taunts, she felt nothing but seething, helpless rage. Marissa continued to watch in silence, withholding her support for Araceli.


    She felt that Araceli wouldn’t wake up and rid herself of Emst, the sweet poison, until she had endured enough humiliation and real anguish. Now, it would be pointless if she assisted Araceli in letting out her rage.


    Araceli was not respected by Emilee, nor by the girls who had just given Emilee admiration. They all saw Marissa as Tiffany and showed her a simrck of respect.


    Although Remy had boldly dered at the masterpiece appreciation event that anyone who crossed Tiffany would answer to him, his words carried limited weight, resonating only within that specific circle. Beyond it, they scarcely made a ripple.


    Emilee and her little clique typically ignored the world of fine arts and were oblivious to the goings-on in that realm.


    Compared to Emilee’s dominance, Araceli appeared isted and vulnerable. Emst, Araceli’s boyfriend, chose not to defend her. Instead, he smiled and asked the girls, “What were you saying about the cooperation with Minty Fragrances and Perfumes?”


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    The girl closest to Emilee quickly responded, “Oh, Emilee’s family’spany, Hinks Perfumes, is nning to coborate with Minty Fragrances and Perfumes.”


    Emst’s eyes lit up with excitement. He turned to Emilee. “Your family is going to coborate with Minty Fragrances and Perfumes?”


    “Yes,” Emilee replied haughtily. “A new branch of Minty Fragrances and Perfumes is set to open in Blebert. Several perfume firms are fighting for the chance to work with them, and Hinks Perfumes is already in talks.”


    Marissa couldn’t help but smile at this. She questioned Emilee’s source of boldness in telling such a lie. Unless Silver Fox had gone insane, Minty Fragrances and Perfumes would never consider Hinks Perfumes, even if they were desperate enough to coborate with the worst perfume firm in the world.


    If Minty Fragrances and Perfumes were ever to engage with Hinks Perfumes, it would be in one way only—by acquiring Hinks Perfumes outright.


    The reason for Silver Fox’s decision to build a branch in Blebert, and even assume the position of president in the branch, was to acquire Hinks Perfumes, recapturing everything that had previously belonged to her mother.


    Emst was visibly thrilled by Emilee’s words. In an attempt to be a perfumer for Minty Fragrances and Perfumes, he waspeting in the perfumepetition, but hecked the confidence in his abilities to secure a top-three finish.


    He wasn’t guaranteed a contract with Minty Fragrances and Perfumes, even if he ced in the top three. In order to sign a contract with Minty Fragrances and Perfumes, contestants had to clear an interview with the president of the Blebert branch, even after being ced in the top three.


    However, his prospects of getting a contract would improve significantly if he could get a powerful person to suggest him to the higher-ups.


    Emst’s eyes zed with newly discovered affection for Emilee at this point. Emilee noticed Emst’s sudden shift in demeanor and couldn’t help but smirk with pride.


    At that point, someone inquired, “Emilee, if your family is going to coborate with Minty Fragrances and Perfumes, why are you participating in the perfumepetition?”


    With an air of superiority, Emilee responded, “Once ourpanies start coborating, I’ll be working for Minty Fragrances and Perfumes for a while.


    Thispetition is just a stepping stone to boost my reputation. To ensure my sess, my parents have already arranged for Elin to be my mentor.”


    Marissa couldn’t help but find this statement amusing. Elin was Silver Fox! It was absurd to think that Emilee’s parents had managed to get Elin to serve as her mentor. How dare Emilee make such a lie! Silver Fox would want to tear her apart if she ever met her again


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