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Melodie’s tone was gentle as she talked about Austin Institute, full of nostalgic memories. She chuckled and said, “Speaking of
which, my husband and I actually met at Austin Institute.”
With that, she looked up at Darrin with an affectionate smile, and Darrin responded with a grin.
Freya’s gaze briefly flickered as the conversation wrapped up. She pulled Radley aside, away from Darrin and Melodie. Far from
the couple, Freya’s expression turned serious. Things have gotten more complicated.”
–
Melodie, or rather, Danna, wouldn’t be foolish enough to fabricate details about her school. While identities could be falsified, an
institution like Austin Institute had numerous students and faculty. Darrin couldn’t possibly ensure that everyone who attended
with her kept silent. Moreover, Austin Institute was a renowned school with a diverse student body. It wasn’t just Florinians who
studied there; it attracted elites from various countries. Darrin couldn’t possibly silence all of them.
So, there was only one possibility-Melodie had genuinely attended Austin Institute, and the stories about the ivy-covered
walkways and the like were true.
Freya sighed and massaged her temples. “Danna has been missing for a long time. Someone must have helped her along the
way, enabling her to attend school, undergo plastic surgery, and alter her voice.”
Was this series of actions orchestrated by Darrin?
Radley stood by Freya’s side. “Let me investigate this. Don’t worry. Even if I can’t find anything, I’ll make her disappear.”
Freya shook her head. She used to harbor a deep hatred for Danna. Even though time had passed, she still held a strong
aversion toward Danna. However, she no longer felt the kind of heartache that would prevent her from thinking rationally. “No
need. Our goal today is about Wonder Aroma. I need evidence. As for Danna, we don’t need to deal with her right away.
If Danna intended to settle in Caltun, there would be plenty of time for further investigation.
Freya scanned the room, recalling that Helga had arrived late to the annual meeting. However, the seating arrangements made
by Donnelly Group were based on status.
Freya and Radley were seated in the middle of the first row, while Helga occupied a corner in the last row.
As soon as Freya spotted Helga, she walked over briskly.
Helga was holding a glass of champagne, attempting to converse with a wealthy young man Her smile looked somewhat forced.
Helga jumped in surprise, then turned around to see Freya. She furrowed her brows and cast an arrogant glance at her. “Miss
Kaufmann, what can I do for you?”
Now that Freya was suspected of plagiarizing her Bitter Blossom fragrance, Helga felt she had the upper hand and naturally
adopted a more aloof attitude. Moreover, she had the Donnelly Group backing her; things were different from the past now.
Freya went straight to the point with a smile. “Helga, it’s been a while. You still enjoy socializing as much as before, I see
Helga knew that Freya had noticed her earlier attempt to strike up a conversation with someone, and in the past, when she was
working on TV shows, she had tried to get close to Freya to leverage the Kaufmann Group’s influence. However, Freya had
never given her the chance.
Helga chuckled. “Who do you think you are to still talk to me like this, Kaufmann? I thought you were here to plead for your
brand. Since you’re not, step aside. I don’t have time for idle chat with you.”
She attempted to push Freya away, only for her hand to be grabbed by Freya. Applying subtle pressure, she held Helga’s wrist
firmly, causing Helga’s hand to tingle. Helga glared at Freya.
“What, are you going to fight me here? Aren’t you afraid I’ll call for help? There are plenty of media reporters around!”
Freya glanced at the reporters on the edge of the event and suggested, “Let’s find a more private place to talk then.
“I don’t want to talk with you. Let go of me!” Helga retorted.
At this moment, their argument had attracted the attention of a sharp-witted reporter.
The reporter picked up a camera and discreetly aimed it at Freya and Helga.
Freya squinted at Helga and said, “Are you feeling guilty? Helga, if you had nothing to hide, why wouldn’t you talk to me? Don’t
worry, I won’t resort to violence.
Helga clenched her teeth and said, “We can talk whatever you want to talk about right here!”
Freya’s eyes gleamed faintly as she replied, “About reconciliation, of course. Are you sure you want to negotiate the terms
here?”
Helga’s eyes lit up. The Wonder Aroma product launch was approaching. Is Freya attempting to bribe me, seeing she’s at her
wit’s end?
Helga’s mind started to work quickly. The Kaufmann Group and the Monaghan Group were both influential and wealthy. Even if
she demanded a substantial sum, they could afford it to protect Freya’s reputation. However...
reputation in the industry had been tarnished. The Fragrance Lab’s perfume sales had plummeted in the past few months, and
despite the outward appearance of success, she felt empty inside.
Helga wanted to ruin Freya even in her dreams, but the latter was the heiress of the Kaufmann family and also Professor Harlan.
Freya had an impeccable reputation, received official commendations, and even though she couldn’t provide any evidence to
support her claims of Fragrance Lab copying her Wild Wood formula, the public. overwhelmingly sided with Freya.
It was an utterly unfair situation!
Helga fixed her gaze on Freya. She wanted the money, and she wanted to destroy Freya too.
Thinking about the items she had brought in her bag. Helga nodded. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”
The two women crossed the banquet hall, and when Freya saw Radley about to follow them, she shook her head at him.
They found a quiet room on the first floor that appeared to be a dressing room near the ball. The dressing room was relatively
small, making it obvious to people outside whether it was vacant or not, and clearly devoid of any cameras.
Freya nodded toward Helga, saying, “Have a seat.”
Helga sat down and discreetly turned on the recording device hidden in her handbag. “Freya, did you call me here to settle
things privately?”
“Yes,” Freya replied, sitting down on the chair opposite Helga.
There was only a small round table between them with some jewelry displayed.
Helga raised her chin. “What are your terms for settling?”
Freya quirked a brow. “That depends on your intentions. The Wonder Arorna product series launch is approaching. What are
your conditions? Go ahead and state them.”
Excitement bubbled within Helga as she saw Freya step into her trap, and she said, “I want 500 million.”
Freya nodded. “Okay.”
Helga’s grip on her handbag tightened. “I also want you to issue a public apology.”
Freya frowned, then let out a mocking laugh. “An apology? How should I apologize? ‘I, Freya Kaufmann, apologize to Helga for
plagiarizing her ingredient list? Is that how you want me to apologize?”
Helga nodded.
Freya sneered, “Helga, it was you who stole my ingredient list, and I’m burdened by my habit of keeping my spice recipes in my
head. Still, you know full well who the thief is!”
A ruthless smile appeared on Helga’s face. Do you think it’s still important who the thief is? People will believe that you are the
disgraceful plagiarist.”
Freya crossed her arms. “I must be really unlucky to have you steal my ingredient list, and now I have to give you 500 million.
Don’t be ungrateful. You also want me to apologize? Are you not ashamed of your wickedness?!”
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