NE scrolled through the countless reports, whether they were true or not. The public’s hatred for one person had grown so intense that even if her perfume smelled divine, people now boycotted the movies she starred in-let alone the perfume.
Susan noticed the hesitation on NE’s face and realized things were falling apart. She spoke up, her tone laced with pleading.
“Marcos, I really didn’t want it to come to this. This mess is all because of Aurora. She hates me, so she deliberately showed you these exaggerated reports. You can’t let these things cloud your judgment of me. I didn’t do any of it.
Honestly, I only took on this endorsement because this perfume reminded me of our past. While we can’t turn back time, memories can remain forever in those moments. Marcos, I believe I’m the most fitting ambassador for this perfume.
Didn’t you once tell me that *First Love* was inspired by our past? Yes, you want to sell it, but more importantly, it’s about cherishing those beautiful memories.”
Susan appealed to both reason and emotion, swaying NE further into uncertainty.
Aurora, who had been listening, noticed Susan’s mention of their so-called past. It was clear the two shared a deep connection. Aurora couldn’t help but wonder-where did the ‘beloved’ Hayden fit into all of this? If Hayden saw Susan speaking so intimately to Marcos and standing so close to him, what would he think?
She imagined how Julian would react if she herself suddenly brought up another man. He’d surely lose his mind. After all, Julian had been livid when she simply helped Ian try on a tie clip. What chaos would ensue if there were suddenly a mysterious “Marcos” in her life?
“This…” NE hesitated, caught between the demands of the market and Susan’s terrible public image.
“Marcos, didn’t you already promise me that I’d be the ambassador?” Susan pouted, launching her charm offensive.
“This is no small matter,” NE began cautiously. “I think-”
“Public attention isn’t as focused as you think,” Susan interrupted, her voice firm. “They’ll forget about me soon enough. When new gossip in the entertainment world surfaces, the public will shift their focus elsewhere.
It’s been days since this all started, and like ripples in water, things are already calming down. What’s there to fear?”
Aurora watched as NE wavered under Susan’s influence, realizing this was a terrible beginning.
“Sure, public attention may have decreased,” Aurora interjected, her voice steady, “but can you guarantee that once she becomes the ambassador, people won’t bring up her scandals again?
When they lash out at her, they’ll also drag the perfume’s reputation through the mud. NE, you’ve worked hard to create this perfume. If it’s ruined because of this, wouldn’t that be a shame?
I think it’s time for you to make a decision. I’ve said my piece, and I’d like to hear your answer.”
NE sighed heavily, clearly conflicted. After a long pause, he finally spoke.
“At the start, I told you-I’m a businessman. I want my perfume to be loved by everyone. As a friend, I feel I should support Susan during this time. Just as she said, this perfume was created for a reason, and I believe women who use it will understand the emotion behind it. She is the best fit as its ambassador.
As for the scandals, I think we can ignore them. The media loves to exaggerate. If they continue writing about her because of the perfume, it’ll actually help us. It’ll bring the perfume into the public eye faster.
In the entertainment world, people will do anything to make headlines. Most of the time, it’s to promote a new movie. We in the cosmetics industry also need promotion and hype. Susan is a hot topic right now. Supporting her helps her, and it helps us. It’s a win-win situation. With her as the ambassador, we’ll achieve maximum exposure with minimal cost.”
It was clear that love had overpowered logic in NE’s heart. The word “love” was something no one could escape, Aurora thought. She had already made up her mind.
“Then I have to tell you,” Aurora said calmly, “if you choose Susan as your ambassador, my company will have to withdraw from this competition.
You’re right-having a controversial celebrity can generate buzz for a perfume. But the kind of scandal surrounding her is enough to keep her out of the public eye for a long time. How many days has it even been since the incident?
Idle people just found their next target. Do you think they won’t focus all their energy on attacking her? Sure, controversy can be used for promotion, but aren’t you worried it could backfire and ruin the perfume’s reputation?
Our company is just a small startup. I’d love to secure your perfume, but I can’t afford to take this risk. That risk could destroy us completely. Even if we have nothing now, it’s better than being utterly ruined.”
Aurora’s words were stern. Since NE had already decided on Susan, she had no choice but to bow out. Men could be irrationally reckless when it came to women.
She wasn’t about to let her company pay the price for their relationship drama.
“Miss Montgomery, you’re quite bold,” Susan sneered, glaring at Aurora. “Do you know how many people are dying to secure this perfume? Your withdrawal is great news for everyone else. Do you even realize how popular Marcos’s perfume is?”
Susan’s voice was filled with mixed emotions-part relief at cutting ties with Aurora and part anger at being looked down on. Who did Aurora think she was to act so self-righteous?
“Miss Montgomery,” NE chimed in, his tone sharp, “have you thought this through? To be honest, if Julian hadn’t spoken up for you, I wouldn’t have even given you this opportunity. Do you know how many companies more qualified than yours are vying for this perfume?”
NE was clearly annoyed. He was used to rejecting others, not being rejected himself. Aurora, this young woman, clearly didn’t know her place. She thought Julian’s support made her untouchable.
“Yes, I know this is an opportunity,” Aurora replied evenly. “But I also know Susan’s scandals have tarnished her image. If she becomes your ambassador, I doubt your perfume will enjoy the same demand it did before.
You’ve been abroad, so you have no idea how much damage those scandals have done to her reputation. For a celebrity, image is everything. Once it’s destroyed, how can people buy into it again?
I admired the businessman in you-the one who puts profits first. But if you let your feelings cloud your judgment, this won’t end well.”
“Enough!” NE shouted, his anger boiling over. “I don’t need a lecture from a little girl like you! If you don’t want it, someone else will. There’s no need for us to work together-ever!”