She was fed up with Frederick rejecting her, with the dismissive shake of their heads and the cold deration that they didn’t love her, seemingly despising her to their core.


    She refused to be hurt again, preferring to beat them to the punch and leave first.


    At least that way, she wouldn’t look too pathetic in their eyes.


    ??? ?? ? ?? ??? ???


    As for Maurice, she never intended to seek his help.


    The pain in her eyes softened his heart. He was beginning to regret his harsh words and, with a tone tinged with concession, he sighed faintly, “Alright, I’ll give you a trial period, but if you don’t meet my expectations, you’re out!”


    Marguerite remained silently stoic, while Miley, impatient on the sidelines, quickly clutched her shoulder, speaking on her behalf, “Deal Mr. Winston, you can count on us. With me backing Marguerite up, how could she possibly fail to meet your standards?” Despite her words, Miley knew all too well what Frederick was really thinking.


    After all, when Marguerite joined LuxeScents International three years ago, Robert had mentioned simr demands from Mr. Winston.


    And yet, hadn’t he ended up keeping her on the team?


    Frederick and Marguerite, each more stubborn and prideful than the other. What a pair!


    But Marguerite’s heart was filled with irritation. Frederick’s reluctant offer to keep her felt like charity, which was thest thing she wanted.


    Her displeasure was clear and her words still sharp, “I don’t need your trial period, and don’t act like you’re all that. At Poppy Petal Fragrances, you’re just a small-time director!”


    Frederick’s brows furrowed, his voice involuntarily rising a notch, “What got into you today? Have a bee in your bo?”


    Miley and Robert exchanged a knowing look, both silently facepalming. Trouble was brewing!


    Frederick was headstrong and fiery, responding to softness but not to force. And Marguerite was all pride, never backing down, always charging straight into the fray.


    When these two shed, it was like aet smashing into the neither willing to give an inch.


    But this couldn’t happen! Miley and Robert had worked so hard to bring them together, from the acquisition of LuxeScents International that left Marguerite jobless, to getting Frederick on board at Poppy Petal Fragrances.


    Now, with the two finally set to coborate again, any hup could ruin all of Miley and Robert’s efforts.


    Thinking this, Miley jabbed Marguerite in the ribs and quickly threw in a couple of exaggerated praises for Frederick, “Don’t talk nonsense! He’s not just a director at Poppy Petal Fragrances, but also the king of Stonebridge City! The king, I tell you!”


    Marguerite was still fuming, “Then I’m even more confused. Why would you leave your own big empire to meddle in someone else’s business? Is the king of Stonebridge City really so idle?”


    Hearing Marguerite’s retort, Robert nearly burst outughing.


    In this world, perhaps only Marguerite had the nerve to belittle a man of Frederick’s stature.


    She might know he was powerful, but his influence was far beyond her wildest dreams.


    Robert cleared his throat, hands in his pockets, and met Frederick’s gaze with azy yet teasing look, “And why do you think that is? Back in the day, even if someone begged him, a big shot like him wouldn’t step foot in my humble abode. Isn’t that right, Frederick?”