Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 234

Gideon pushed back defensively. "You can't look at it that way. 'Astray' was by far the most coveted fragrance yesterday. To be perfectly candid, Blackwood Group isn't my only option.

Several other major players have reached out to me, including the Harper family, who currently dominate the domestic fragrance industry. I'm giving you the priority out of respect."

"Fair enough. I have one final question, then."

Gideon sneered inwardly. He couldn't fathom what this billionaire CEO was thinking, sending a naive little girl to negotiate a multimillion-dollar deal.

"Ask away, Ms. Hawthorne."

Stella delivered her final test. "Could the raw materials you listed be swapped out for more standard, cost-effective botanicals? For instance, using lemon, lily, cedarwood, and regular jasmine?"

Gideon waved his hands frantically. "Absolutely not. I see what you're getting at, but we cannot compromise the integrity of the scent just to cut costs.

Doing so would completely alter the fragrance profile and destroy the very soul of the perfume. I am confident that a corporation as prestigious as Blackwood wouldn't risk its sterling reputation by substituting premium ingredients for cheap alternatives."

"Understood. Thank you for your time, Mr. Kaye."

She turned to Julius. "Mr. Blackwood, I have no further questions. I will draft a comprehensive proposal for your review shortly."

Julius nodded and addressed Gideon. "We'll wrap it up here for today. Thank you for coming in."

Gideon stood up, looking eager. "It was my pleasure, Mr. Blackwood. And regarding our potential partnership...?"

"I need time to review the proposal. My secretary will contact you once a decision is made."

"It's simple. First, when I asked him to justify the astronomical price point, he deflected and threw out corporate buzzwords. He never actually answered the question. The only reason a fragrance would cost that much to produce is if the core ingredient is incredibly difficult and dangerous to obtain.

Second, he wants half the profits but refuses to surrender the formula. That proves there's something illegal or highly unethical hidden in the composition.

Third, the standard botanicals I suggested can absolutely be used as substitutes in normal perfumery. But he immediately shot the idea down. Why? Because altering those specific base notes would interfere with the chemical reaction required when adding the human extract.

And fourth, I already suspected the corpse oil yesterday, but being in close proximity to him today... the man himself carries a repulsive, unnatural odor.

Put it all together, and there's no doubt. The perfume is tainted, Gideon is dirty, and there is likely a much darker, larger syndicate operating behind him."

Julius nodded in agreement. "Your logic is sound. Now, tell me about this 'Siren's Scent' you mentioned last night."