Chapter 13
Edward's grandson, Jayce Caldwell, was a close friend of Henry's. He had come to check on Jayce and didn't expect to see this. He immediately approached her.
The mask's fall sent Victoria into a panic. Without a second thought about what had just hit her, she scrambled to pick it up. Once she secured the mask back on her face, she felt relieved.
However, as Henry stepped closer, she nearly screamed in terror. In a panic, she wondered, "Did he see me without the mask? What will I do if he did?" Victoria was completely frazzled.
Breathing heavily, she looked at Henry, who remained expressionless. Her panic eased slightly.
"He didn't recognize me. If he had, he would have questioned me," Victoria thought, letting out a quiet sigh of relief as she glanced back at the room.
Henry said, "You seem quite afraid of me. If I'm not mistaken, this is our first meeting."
By this point, Victoria had regained her composure and replied, "You approached silently. Anyone would be startled by that."
"Is that so?" Henry replied lightly, taking a step closer. "Ms. Aroma, why did you decline my offer? You've been absent refuse for five years; surely you want your aromatherapy to gain more exposure upon your return. Partner with me, and you'll achieve that quickly."
Victoria maintained her icy demeanor, saying, "I'm busy. You can discuss cooperation with my assistant." With that, she turned to enter the room.
Henry grasped her wrist, saying, "Don't go in."
Victoria turned to look at him, her eyes cold beneath the golden butterfly mask. "Let go."
Henry released her wrist, momentarily dazed by the familiarity she exuded. This familiarity seemed etched deep into his memory.
"Sorry," he said.
Victoria ignored him and pressed on to check on Jayce. The room was pitch black, and it took her a moment to adjust her eyes. Gradually, she discerned blurry outlines.
Suddenly, a gruff voice cut through the silence. "Get out."
"Sir Caldwell mentioned your insomnia. I can help you sleep. Want to give it a try?" Victoria offered.
"Get out," the voice repeated.
Instead of leaving, Victoria rummaged through her bag, pulled out a bottle of perfume, and sprayed it into the room multiple times. Afterward, she quickly stepped back and closed the door.
Henry observed her actions, noticing how she swiftly capped the perfume bottle and tucked it away, seemingly holding her breath the entire time.
"What was that?" Henry asked.
Victoria replied, "I've developed a new fragrance with a higher concentration that's effective for severe insomnia cases."
Henry's interest was piqued.
"Ms. Aroma, you can name your price. I want that bottle of perfume," he said.
Victoria met his gaze and smiled. "I told you, discuss cooperation with my assistant."
She thought, "He wants my perfume? Sure! But it won't be that easy!"
About ten minutes later, Victoria opened the door again. Stepping inside, she found that the man inside no longer insisted she leave. She approached the window and opened the curtains, finally able to see the room clearly.
On the bed lay a man deeply asleep. His face was pale from years without sunlight, but he was undeniably handsome, albeit gaunt.
Seeing this, the servant gasped in shock.