Chapter 53
Victoria took a deep breath and focused on the documents. Henry's condition was quite complicated. But then again, managing such a large corporation wasn't an easy task.
Just then, the door to the meeting room swung open, and Barrett walked in with a big smile. "Henry, as soon as I arrived, Grace told me you were meeting Ms. Aroma here, so I rushed over."
He casually took a seat and turned to Victoria. "Hi, Ms. Aroma, I'm Barrett, a friend of Henry."
Victoria felt a jolt of unease as their eyes met. Something about Barrett's gaze felt off. Diana raised an eyebrow and shot Barrett a warning look. Barrett chuckled and said, "Honestly, I'm really curious about what you look like. Has Henry seen your face?"
"Yeah," Henry replied nonchalantly.
Barrett's heart raced. He thought, "Henry has seen her face? Really? If that was the case, why is he so calm? Under that mask is Victoria's face."
Barrett glanced between Henry and Victoria, feeling utterly confused by the situation. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "This might be a bit forward, but can I see Ms. Aroma's face?"
Diana's voice was icy as she replied, "You're definitely being forward."
Barrell winked at Diana.
Diana was speechless. Victoria then removed her mask and said, "I'm okay as long as you're not scared."
"Not at all. Why would I be scared? I..." Barrett shook his head as he spoke, but when he finally saw her face beneath the mask, he couldn't help but gasp. His shock wasn't due to the burn scars on her face but rather Victoria's audacious move.
He was certain that this person was Victoria. And she had changed her appearance. How could that not shock him?
Diana frowned at him, her stunning features now tinged with coldness. "Are you satisfied now?"
"I'm sorry for being so forward. My bad," Barrett quickly apologized to Victoria as he came back to his senses. He was desperately trying to calm his racing heart.
He couldn't help but glance at Henry and felt an involuntary pang of sympathy. He thought, "How much does Victoria despise Henry to go so far as to ruin her image just to keep her identity hidden from him?"
Henry shot him a cool look and said, "I think you've been too idle lately. Should I have a word with Sir Lynch about getting you some real experience here?"
Barrett jumped up quickly. "No need for that. I'm actually quite busy right now. I should get going."
He hurriedly exited the room but not before casting one last lingering glance at Victoria and Diana-his gaze lingering on with added significance. Diana kept her eyes downcast and didn't look at him.
Victoria stood up and said, "Mr. Harrison, I've got the basic information now. I'll head back to do some research."
Henry replied softly, "Thanks for your help, Ms. Aroma."
Victoria smiled and shook her head playfully, "My honor. One bottle of fragrance costs five million dollars."
Henry raised an eyebrow and met her clear eyes. He thought, "She seems quite at ease now-perhaps she has learned how to adapt."
As Victoria stepped out of the Harrison Group, she let out a huge sigh of relief and touched the mask on her face. "I need to take Evie out for dinner-a feast."
But Diana seemed distracted. Victoria quickly asked, "Diana, what's wrong?" Snapping back to reality, Diana replied, "I need to use the restroom. You go ahead and get in the car." The car was parked across the street. Victoria nodded and walked over.
Meanwhile, Diana hurriedly approached another car and climbed in. "Diana, this is your favorite coffee." Barrett eagerly offered her a cup.
Diana didn't take it. Her expression remained frosty as she asked, "What are you playing at today?"
Barrett smiled charmingly, "I heard Victoria was coming today. I wanted to make sure everything went smoothly in case you needed my help."
"But you almost put us in danger." Diana shot back. If Henry had suspected his reaction today, they wouldn't have left unscathed.
"It was my mistake. Please don't be mad at me?" Barrett said cautiously while observing her closely. "I just didn't expect you guys would come up with such a brilliant plan-it's really impressive." Diana's expression softened slightly.
Diana thought, "Good-he has a clear understanding of himself."
Her demeanor relaxed further as Barrett leaned closer with eager eyes. "Diana, if you don't drink your coffee soon, it'll get cold." Diana reached out and accepted it. Barrett grinned as he watched Diana's cold yet beautiful face beside him-he felt delighted.
"Victoria, what are you doing here?" Just as Victoria was about to open the car door to get in, a familiar voice called out suddenly.
She instinctively turned but caught sight of her reflection in the car window-her mask clearly visible-and forced herself to hold back. She continued reaching for the door.
"Victoria, I'm talking to you. Didn't you hear me?" The voice. grew colder and more irritated.
Finally turning around with confusion in her eyes towards Jennifer standing not far away, she asked politely, "Excuse me? Are you calling me?"
Jennifer hadn't expected this person wasn't actually Victoria. Having recognized her from behind earlier without realizing it now made Jennifer realize she had mistaken someone else. Jennifer's expression softened slightly as she said, "Sorry, I mistook you for someone else."
But Jennifer stepped forward again and asked curiously, "Are you Ms. Aroma?"
With her golden butterfly mask-the signature of Ms. Aroma- she was known among high society circles due to collaborations between the Caldwell family and the Harrison family. They were well-connected families who praised Ms. Aroma after she attended Edward's birthday party.
Victoria nodded affirmatively. "Yes, that's me."
Jennifer smiled warmly. She looked well-preserved for someone who seemed barely over thirty-radiating elegance that softened her features further.
She said, "I've heard so much about you. I've always wanted to meet you. What a surprise to run into you here. Do you have time later? I'd love to treat you to coffee."
Victoria found it curious. After five years of marriage to Henry and numerous visits to Harrison Villa, Jennifer had never shown such warmth towards her before.