?Chapter 498:


    Encouraged by Marissa, Araceli set aside her sadness and poured all her energy into figuring out how to participate in the perfume contest. Perfuming had already be a passion of hers, as she had once dreamed of bing a perfumer.


    However, Ernst constantly undermined her confidence, making her doubt her potential to pursue such a career. But now, Marissa’s unwavering support and affirmations were helping Araceli see her path. She was beginning to feel spirited and self-assured.


    When Marissa said she could have E as her mentor while Emilee couldn’t be Elin’s apprentice, Araceli was so shocked that her mind wentpletely nk. Marissa, remaining calm, cast her an amused nce.


    “As it happens, I know both Elin and E.”


    Araceli was even more bewildered. “Tiffany, you can’t be serious, can you?”


    Marissa’s amusement grew. “I once painted portraits for both Elin and E. We’ve been friends for years.”


    I?t€$? ￠н?ρ?ε?? ?и g??l??ov?l??.??om


    Admiration filled Araceli’s eyes. “You are incredible, Tiffany. It’s an honor to know even one of them, but you know both.”


    “So, don’t worry,” Marissa said. “I won’t let Elin be Emilee’s mentor, but E will be yours.”


    Araceli rejoiced at the prospect. Marissa gave her a knowing look and a reminder. “Since you’ll be E’s apprentice, you must aim for the first prize. You can’t afford to let her down.”


    “Okay!” Araceli nodded vigorously. “I’ll do my absolute best.”


    She hesitated again after she had made the vow. “Tiffany, I cannot afford E’s tuition fees.”


    In a lighthearted reply, Marissa said, “Thepetition is to choose talent for Minty Fragrances and Perfumes. E will tutor you at no cost.”


    With the burden of tuition lifted, Araceli felt a wave of relief and renewed determination.


    As they discussed the contest details, they made their way back to Daniels Group, heading for the Research and Development Department. Seeing their return, Franco immediately reprimanded Marissa, “You’re the administrative director.


    How can you take off on personal errands during work hours? Look at Rita; she’s been working non-stop for hours.”


    Tilting her head, Marissa nced into her office, observing Rita juggling a phone call, printing documents, and asionally typing on herptop.


    It was clear Rita was swamped with work. Marissa, however, didn’t exhibit the guilt Franco expected. She merely cast him a quick nce before stepping into the administrative office.


    Instead of helping Rita, Marissa settled into her chair and ordered, “Rita, I need a ss of water and some snacks.”


    “Okay, boss,” Rita responded promptly, fetching the water and snacks.


    As Marissa sipped her water and munched on snacks, Rita resumed her typing. Franco, gritting his teeth, turned to Araceli. “See that? Your dear friend is a tyrant who treats her employees like dirt. Don’t get too close to her.”


    Araceli, puzzled by Marissa’s behavior but still holding her in high regard, shrugged and mumbled, “There must be a reason for her actions.”


    “Nonsense!” Franco exploded. “Being close to her will only lead you astray.”


    “Bullshit,” Araceli snapped back. “Tiffany helped me see Ernst for who he is, and I broke up with that jerk. She also encouraged me to enter the perfume contest, and I agreed. To ensure I do well in the contest, Tiffany even asked E, one of the top perfumers, to be my mentor.


    With E’s guidance, I’m confident I’ll win and secure a spot at Minty Fragrances and Perfumes.”


    She raised her chin proudly. “Franco, Tiffany has transformed my life. In my eyes, she’s wless. Spare me your so-called advice.”


    Franco was taken aback. “Did you really break up with Ernst?”


    Araceli nodded nonchntly.


    Franco studied her for a few moments. “Aren’t you upset?”


    “I was, but that’s over now.”


    “What do you mean, that’s over?”


    “I meant I was sad when I broke up with him, but after a talk with Tiffany on the way back, I don’t feel sad anymore. Understand?”


    .


    .


    .