Sophia’s words weighed heavily on Leo’s mind as he rushed towards the Golden Leaf Shopping Plaza. He maintained his composure and tried to reassure Sophia over the phone, saying, “Sophia, don’t worry. There’s no problem with the cosmetics produced by Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company. Someone must be sabotaging us from behind. I’m coming to see you right now.”
As Leo headed to the plaza, Alvin called him. Leo answered the call using the car’s hands-free system.
“Mr. Bloomer, something big has happened with our cosmetics…” Alvin began.
Before Alvin could finish his sentence, Leo interrupted, “I already know about the situation. Don’t panic. I suspect that there might be trouble at Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company in the near future. Your job is to inform me promptly and ensure the safety of the factory workers. Remember, don’t engage in any conflicts with the troublemakers.”
Alvin had expected Leo to scold him initially, so he was relieved by Leo’s understanding. “Mr. Bloomer, I’ll follow your instructions. Besides, I can vouch with my life that there is absolutely nothing wrong with Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company’s products.”
“I know that. If I’m not mistaken, someone is pulling strings behind the scenes, and we need to find out which step in the production process was tampered with. Right now, keep the workers at the factory calm, be prepared for anything, and stay flexible,” Leo advised.
“Mr. Bloomer, I understand,” Alvin replied, grateful for Leo’s support.
After ending the call, Leo accelerated his journey to the Golden Leaf Shopping Plaza. He knew that the people who had experienced allergic reactions from using the cosmetics would likely gather at Sophia’s cosmetics company to protest, even though the products were distributed by the Meiran Group. Leo’s priority was to ensure the safety of Sophia’s employees.
At the Golden Leaf Shopping Plaza on the second floor, a crowd had gathered outside Sophia’s cosmetics company, chanting angrily.
“Unscrupulous merchants! Selling low-quality cosmetics without a conscience! Get out!”
“My beautiful face is ruined, and if you, you unscrupulous merchant, can’t restore it, I’ll make sure you suffer too!”
“I heard that the owner of this cosmetics company is a beautiful woman. Her products ruined our faces, so let’s use sulfuric acid to ruin hers!”
Sophia stepped out of her company, trying to address the furious crowd. “Please, everyone, calm down. The final investigation results haven’t come in yet. If there is indeed a problem with our cosmetics, Sophia Cosmetics will provide a satisfactory resolution.”
“We used your cosmetics, and we’ve had severe allergic reactions on our faces. Isn’t it obvious that it’s the cosmetics’ fault? Why bother with an investigation?”
“Bring your company’s responsible person out here right now. If she doesn’t give us an explanation today, we won’t leave!”
“Your company is selling low-quality cosmetics, ruining so many people’s faces, and making dishonest money. Aren’t you afraid of divine retribution?”
The crowd continued to vent their anger and frustration, shouting accusations at Sophia and her company.
Sophia’s appearance only seemed to incite more anger in the crowd, making Sophia feel suffocated. This was the first time she had encountered such a challenging situation.
“I am Sophia Henley, the general manager of Sophia Cosmetics. Please, everyone, let’s not act impulsively. This situation is difficult for all of us…”
Before Sophia could finish her sentence, the enraged crowd almost broke through the security barrier, some even spitting at her.
“Ha, so you’re Sophia, huh? Is it because your useless husband spends too much that you sell low-quality cosmetics to make money!?”
“Marrying a useless man, you’re not much different yourself, no wonder you’d sell low-quality cosmetics with a clear conscience. It’s simply disgusting!”
“Sophia, look at my face now; how do you plan to take responsibility!? If you can’t restore my face to its previous state, I’ll ruin yours!”
Sophia was genuinely frightened by the irrational behavior of these people. She instinctively backed away, fearing they might approach her aggressively.
The collaboration with the Meiran Group was supposed to be a reason for celebration, but she couldn’t have foreseen this turn of events.
Lydia, her secretary, standing beside her, nervously suggested, “Ms. Henley, should we call the police? This could escalate into violence.”
Sophia furrowed her brow and replied, “We can’t call the police yet. I believe our cosmetics are free of any issues. It must be a problem with some other stage of the process. The third batch of cosmetics is currently being retested. Until we have the results, we must stay calm.”
“Could it be another cosmetics company secretly sabotaging us?” Lydia speculated.
Sophia shared the same suspicion. She sighed and said, “Langstel has many cosmetics companies, and it’s impossible to identify the mastermind behind this so quickly. For now, our priority is to appease those who have experienced allergic reactions. If possible, we should find a way to treat their symptoms.”
Sophia, who had regained her composure, seized on the main issue at hand.
“Lydia, please contact Freeman Hospital immediately and request a few doctors to come over. We’ll set up a temporary clinic within the company to treat those who’ve experienced allergic reactions,” Sophia proposed, even though she was unsure if Freeman Hospital would cooperate given the magnitude of the situation.
Lydia expressed her concern, “Sophia, with the situation this severe, will Freeman Hospital agree to send doctors to assist us?”
Sophia considered the possibility of reaching out to Leo. He had successfully treated Harry Toby’s sister’s allergic reaction previously. With so many people suffering from similar symptoms, Leo might have a solution.
“At this point, we have no other option. Please contact Freeman Hospital. I’ll try to calm these people down,” Sophia said decisively.