:

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“Liliana, I did register. I even checked my namest night–it was there. You’re the organizer, so tell me, why is my name missingb?/bb” /b

At Caitlin’s direct question, Liliana’s eyes flickered with a trace of mockery. She turned to her assistant. “When you submitted the applications, did you see Odessa’s name?”

The assistant replied smoothly, “Yes, we received her application, but unfortunately, it came toote. By then, submissions were already closed. That’s why her name wasn’t added.”

Liliana nodded, then looked back at Caitlin with an apologetic shrug. “I’m really sorry, but your registration missed the deadline. It’s a pity, but we can’t let youpete this year. However, we’ll host anotherpetition next year–you’re wee to try again then.”

With that, Liliana slipped her sunsses back on, lifted her chin, and swept into the venue.

Caitlin stood outside in silence. Zinnia slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t let it get to you, Caitlin. We’ll find another way.”

“Forget it. We’ll regroupter,” Caitlin said calmly. She hadn’te just for thepetition, but it was bstill /bfrustrating to lose an easy chance to connect with the Jonathan family.

As they headed out, Caitlin brushed shoulders with a man in a dark suit.

“Sorry,” she said politely, lowering her gaze.

But the man looked at her sharply, his hands stuffed into his pockets. He backed up a couple of steps, eyes narrowing. “Wait… you look so familiar. Let me think…”

Caitlin gave him a quick nce. Slicked–back hair, polished smile–she dismissed him and walked on.

But he hurried after her. “Odessa! You’re Odessa, aren’t you? I remember you!”

Caitlin stopped, turned, and studied him with no recognition. “You are…?b” /b

“Here’s my card.”

The man smiled broadly, pulling a card from his pocket, Caitlin epted it and read the name: Carson Jonathan.

Her eyes flicked back up. “Carson? Vice President of Thompson Global Ventures?”

“That’s me,” Carson said with a practiced grin, brushing a hand through his styled hair.

He remembered her from thest perfumepetition–one glimpse of her had left him smitten. He’d evene today hoping to see her again. To run into her at the entrance? Fate, surely.

Caitlin, meanwhile, felt a spark of opportunity. Carson wasn’t just anyone; he was Hector’s grandson, the Jonathan heir apparent, born into privilege and sshed across tabloids for his endless string of flings and

b18:46 /bbMon/bb, /bbSep /bb22 /bT

scandals.

…

:

“You’re here for thepetition?” Carson asked. “That was fast. Already finished?”

“No. I wasn’t allowed in.”

Carson raised a brow. “Impossible. Who would dare say you can’tpete?”

“I registered, but was still turned away.”

Carson saw his chance. “Hold on. Don’t leave. I’ll talk to the organizers. You’ll be in, trust me.”

Caitlin gave him a small smile. “That’s kind of you. Thank you.”

Carson strode back to the entrance and called for Liliana.

Liliana emerged, arms crossed, her expression cool. “Carson, why are you calling me out here?”

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“Why is Odessa being barred? Didn’t she register?” Carson’s tone was polite—Liliana might be younger, but she was still his aunt by blood.

Liliana’s eyes flicked to Caitlin, who stood waiting outside, and she let out a short, derisiveugh. “She missed the deadline and didn’t pass the preliminary round. I removed her name. That’s standard.”

Carson pressed, “I see. But can’t you make an exception? She came all this way. She’s… well, she’s my goddess. You can’t just send her home.”

“Why should I? She’s nothing to me. Why would I make exceptions for her?” Liliana’s voice was sharp.

“Come on, for my sake. At least for my father’s sake. I’m still VP of TGV–I do have some say.”

Carson’s father, Fletcher, was Hector’s eldest son and now a sitting senator. Between politics and business, the Jonathan reach was nearly absolute. Carson himself had little real power in thepany, but his name alone carried weight.

Liliana, however, was unmoved. “Sorry, Carson. It’s not about you or Fletcher. Thispetition was my idea. I intend to keep it fair. If I start opening back doors, there’s no point in holding it at all. Even if you take it to Fletcher, it won’t matter–I’m in charge here.”

Her tone was final. Carson couldn’t push further.

When he returned, his face showed regret. “I’m sorry. She won’t bend. But if you like, I’ll call my dad. As CEO, he has the authority”

Caitlin stopped him with a gentle smile. “No need. Thank you for trying, but it’s fine. I didn’te here just for thepetition. I’d rather enjoy Regalis–maybe hire a guide, do some sightseeing.”

She didn’t mind ying along. Getting close to Carson might be a smoother way into the Jonathan circle than thepetition ever was.

Carson perked up immediately. “A guide? Perfect. I’ll show you the city myself. My car’s right outside–it’ll be

fun.”

“Then thank you, Mr. Jonathan,” Caitlin replied.

:

Just as they were about to leave, Liliana’s voice rang out behind them.

“Carson, aren’t you supposed to be working? Where are you running off to now?”

“Odessa is a friend of mine. I’m just keeping herpany,” Carson said.

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Liliana’s lips curled. “You always say that when chasing a girl. Let me give you some advice–don’t chase every woman you see. Especially not married ones.”

“What?” Carson blinked, confusion in on his face.

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