Chapter 12
Victoria and Diana stepped into the elevator, just as the doors were about to close when a hand suddenly reached in. The doors opened automatically.
Henry's strikingly handsome yet aloof face appeared. The receptionist greeted him respectfully, "Mr. Harrison, will you be joining us?"
Henry stepped in. Although the elevator wasn't crowded, it felt uncomfortably tight and stifling.
Victoria clenched her fists in horror, thinking, "What is he doing here?"
She lifted her gaze and saw her reflection on the elevator wall. The golden butterfly mask concealed her face, and she felt a bit calmer.
Thank goodness for the mask and the voice-altering pill she had taken; he wouldn't recognize her.
As the elevator doors slowly closed, Henry turned toward Victoria and said, "Hello."
Victoria maintained her distance, replying, "Hello."
Her voice was soft and pleasant-definitely not one he was familiar with.
Henry was all too familiar with Victoria's voice; it had stirred his desires in bed.
"She's not Victoria, just someone who resembles her," he thought, feeling an inexplicable irritation.
The elevator ascended slowly as Victoria remained uneasy.
Suddenly, Henry asked, "Are you Ms. Aroma?"
"Yes," Victoria answered, keeping her aloof demeanor; Ms. Aroma never engaged in casual chatter.
"I want to discuss a collaboration with you. Do you have time later? We can go over the details," Henry said.
"Sorry, I'm busy," Victoria refused decisively.
Internally, she rolled her eyes, thinking, "He can discuss business anytime; why won't he just divorce me?"
Henry was surprised by her direct refusal, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Just then, the elevator doors opened. Diana stepped out first, followed by Victoria.
As she brushed past him, a faint fragrance wafted into his nostrils, mingled with something familiar.
He stared at her retreating figure, lost in thought. There was something about her that felt too familiar. It was too coincidental and too unusual.
Once no longer feeling Henry's gaze, Victoria breathed a sigh of relief. She whispered to Diana, "I thought he recognized me."
Diana replied coolly, "Don't worry. He won't. He'll just be confused about why you rejected him. You shouldn't have turned him down."
Victoria blinked. "Why?"
Diana explained, "It's a chance to make money."
That made sense. She needed to consider Diana's suggestion seriously.
Victoria went to see Edward first. He was thrilled to see her and praised the remarkable effects of her aromatherapy.
Near the end of their conversation, Edward said, "Ms. Aroma, I'll be blunt.
Can you do me a favor? My grandson is suffering from severe depression and can't sleep. Is there any way you can help?"
"Can I meet him?" Victoria asked.
Edward replied, "Of course. I'll arrange for someone to take you there. Be careful; he's emotionally fragile right now."
"Yes, I will," said Victoria.
Victoria followed the servant to an upstairs room. As she opened the door and stepped in, a sudden object flew toward her. She couldn't dodge in time, and it hit her directly in the face. Her mask tumbled to the floor.
From the corner of the stairs, Henry slowly ascended and caught sight of Victoria's face.