Chapter 116
Chapter 116:
Xavier trailed two steps behind, clutching a tablet to his chest like a shield. He looked resigned rather than terrified. He had seen this look in Elias’s eyes before—usually preceding a hostile takeover or the acquisition of a rare manuscript.
“Sir,” Xavier whispered, dodging a shopper with a Pomeranian. “Another anthropological study? Or are we diversifying the portfolio into retail? You hate crowds. You hate… scents p>
Elias ignored him. He adjusted his cufflinks, his eyes scanning the sprawling cosmetics floor with the same intensity he used to analyze a hostile takeover target.
“Research requires fieldwork, Xavier,” Elias stated flatly.
He stopped in front of a high-end cosmetics counter. The display was a kaleidoscope of reds, pinks, and corals.
Jenny, a sales associate with heavy contouring and a name tag that sparkled, spotted him. Her eyes widened. She recognized him instantly—Elias Thorne, the recluse billionaire, the most eligible bachelor in the city.
She quickly adjusted her blouse, pulling the neckline lower, and rushed over.
“Mr. Thorne!” she breathed, her voice dripping with sugary artificiality. “Welcome. What an honor. Are you looking for something special today p>
Elias looked at her. Or rather, he looked through her. He stared intently at a row of lipsticks, frowning in concentration.
“I require information on… color theory,” Elias said, his voice serious.
Jenny blinked. “Color… theory p>
“Yes. For a complexion that is…” Elias paused, searching for the words. He closed his eyes for a split second, conjuring Aurora’s face. “Pale, but with warm undertones. Like porcelain in candlelight p>
Jenny’s smile faltered for a second, jealousy spiking. He was buying for someone. But she recovered quickly. A commission was a commission, and maybe she could charm him in the process.
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“Oh, I see,” she giggled, leaning over the counter, invading his personal space. “Well, for that, you want something bold. Like this p>
She grabbed a neon pink tube. “This is our bestseller. It’s called Electric Lust p>
Elias recoiled slightly. The scent of her perfume—something floral and cloying—hit him like a chemical weapon. He wrinkled his nose. It was nothing like Aurora. Aurora smelled like rain, like old books and faint, clean citrus.
“Too aggressive,” Elias muttered, dismissing the pink stick. “It lacks… sophistication p>
Jenny pouted. She decided to be bold. She swatched a deep red shade on the back of her own hand and reached out to hold it next to his suit jacket.
“How about this one? It would look amazing against your… fabric p>
Her fingers brushed his sleeve.
Elias took a sharp step back, his eyes narrowing. It was a physical rejection, swift and brutal. He looked at the spot where she had touched him as if she had smeared toxic waste on his arm.
“Do not touch the merchandise,” he said, his voice dropping to a glacial temperature. “Or the customer p>
Jenny froze, her face flushing red. “I… I was just p>
Elias turned away, dismissing her existence. He walked with purpose toward the handbag section across the aisle.