SWNOVELS Chapter 127: You Can't Win
It was Friday, inside the Ensford High School auditorium, the venue brimming with anticipation and an eclectic crowd. Many had come enticed by the viral news of Tina's bold challenge against the renowned "Perfume Prince" on the day Sean had visited to speak. The atmosphere was charged, spectators gathered to witness this fragrant duel unfold.
As Tina approached the entrance, a face plastered with schadenfreude greeted her abruptly. "Miss Reed," the voice called out with a tone heavy with mockery.
"And you are?" Tina furrowed her brows slightly, initially unable to place the heavily made-up woman before her.
"We met at Jared's house," Linnet Sinclair said with a forced smile.
Recollection dawned on Tina, dismissing her as inconsequential and she continued towards the hall.
Linnet's features momentarily twisted in distaste but quickly reverted to a mocking pride. "Miss Reed, have you seen Marie? She invited me here today," Linnet dabbed her lips theatrically, feigning concern, "Just don't lose too embarrassingly, Marie already dislikes you enough. Losing face for the Farrell family might make it worse-"
"Tina!" The voice cut through Linnet's words as Marie approached energetically, maintaining her nobility even as she hastened.
Jared Farrell was engaged in pleasantries with some acquaintances, lagging a few steps behind.
"Hi," Marie nodded at Jared, then turning back to Tina with warmth, "Can I stand closer to you during the challenge?"
Jared looked on helplessly, aware of Marie's peculiar hobbies, like her fascination with antique perfumes, but did not realize the extent of her passion until now.
As the trio entered the auditorium, oblivious to Linnet Sinclair still standing beside, she felt her face burn with embarrassment recalling her earlier provocations. "Marie!" Linnet called out, not ready to give up.
Marie turned, puzzled, "Linnet? What are you doing here?" As Linnet contorted her face in mingled shades of anger and embarrassment, she hastily turned away. "What's her problem?" Marie muttered, clearly baffled but unbothered, as they proceeded inside.
Inside, many attendees greeted them-perfume enthusiasts, Sean's followers, and those drawn by the Farrell family prestige. Yet none were there for Tina alone. Sean was a celebrated figure, and Tina, merely seen as the fiancee of Jared Farrell, wasn't expected to genuinely compete against him.
Only the students from Class 22D, whom Tina taught, showed up to support her, having been granted special permission due to their personal connection with their lead teacher.
As Tina took the stage under Sean's disdainful gaze, cheers from below surged up. "Miss Reed, you got this!" She looked down to see Albert Sitwell, Velma Lehman, Shonna Woodham, and Hendrik Stiller at the forefront, waving excitedly. Beside them, Amber looked on darkly.
Amber, since becoming one of Sean's own students and briefly enjoying the adulation that brought, sent a hateful glance towards Tina, mouthing fiercely, "Tina, you're doomed to lose."
Tina calmly walked to her position at the scenting station, a setup professionally divided with clear acrylic to prevent scent interference. Besides jurors mentioned by Jared, three internationally renowned fragrance experts were present. "Miss Reed," Sean began before the challenge, with an air of confidence, "since it's a challenge, how about we raise the stakes?"
"What do you propose?" Tina responded coolly.
"I am quite interested in the perfume formula left by your mother," Sean asserted, confident of his victory. "If I win, I'd like to exchange it for a rare antique formula from my collection."
"You won't win," Tina replied, every word deliberate, dismissing his offer outright. The audience gasped, sensing her audacity, and murmurs of overconfidence filled the hall, predicting her potential downfall.