Although Irene Gallagher was ugly, she at least did her work conscientiously.
Refreshed and relaxed after a spa afternoon, Chris went back to his office in time to prepare for the dinner event.
He nodded in approval when his white suit came back to his office without wrinkles. Additionally, it carried a subtle but pleasing scent.
"I took care to spray it with a choice perfume from Primavera," Irene told Chris with a smile. "I believe that this was a signature perfume blend that became popular in the market two years ago thanks to your extensive effort."
Chris' head was quick to swell.
The man raked his fingers through his dark brown curls and flashed Irene a haughty grin.
"You have done your research," he praised.
"Of course," came the reply.
Irene's lips curled up in a smile.
She did do her research, but she did not have to do anything to know all about Chris' so-called effort with this perfume blend.
It was one of her creations that he and June had covertly stolen behind her back and later presented as their own after they got rid of Amalia Jones.
Grandpa Henderson built Primavera from scratch. He had always been critical of the growth of the company.
By wearing a perfume blend that he allegedly created, Chris indirectly expressed that he had contributed to Primavera, and would contribute more in the future. As opposed to the youngest uncle Damien Henderson, of course.
That would increase his chance by twofold, no, threefold!
Chris admired his elegant self in the mirror. He looked so handsome, practically an Adonis on earth. His arrogant smile receded when he caught sight of Irene's reflection in the mirror.
The well-dressed man looked Irene up and down.
"As my secretary, you naturally have to come as well," he barked. "But you look so hideous right now, no offense. A makeover is too late right now. Skip the event today. Next time I expect you to be ready on your own."
Chris Henderson rolled with his eyes and turned back to look at the mirror.
"Yes, Sir," Irene said politely.
What was Chris Henderson thinking?
Why would Irene miss the event?
She had to be there to ruin Chris' chances!
The event started at 7 PM sharp.
Chris and June came in time, strolling into Grandpa Henderson's mansion like a picture-perfect couple.
Both of them were attractive by nature, and they had always taken good care of their appearance. Once Chris was elevated to the position of general manager of Primavera and his wife from a mere secretary to a general manager's wife, though, onlookers could detect a huge change.
Changes like the brand of the suits and dresses that they wore. Or the magnificent lady bags that dangled from June's arm. Or the expensive watch around Chris' wrist.
The position of general manager must have paid very well!
One by one, the guests made their entrance. They usually came in pairs, so those who came alone quickly attracted the butler's attention.
Irene Gallagher removed all the disguises when she wanted to be pretty.
Her beautiful blond hair cascaded down her back like a river of molten gold. Her emerald eyes bewitched everyone who dared to look at them too long. Her sensual pair of red lips were full of blood and seductive.
Draped in a white designer dress with tiny diamonds sewn into the seams, she looked like Venus incarnate.
A lot of men, including those who came with companions, could not help but gape when they looked at this ethereal beauty.
Chris too, as a mortal man, fell victim to Irene Gallagher's amazing entrance.
"We should say hello," Chris told his unhappy wife. "She must be a model. She can be Primavera's brand ambassador."
If there was anything that June loved to hear, then it would be how to use someone for her benefit. A gracious smile spread on the dark-haired woman's face as she squeezed into her husband's arm.
"Chris, you are so intelligent. I love that the most about you. Let's go and talk to her," she complimented Chris who quickly puffed out his chest from pride.
Irene Gallagher was meanwhile surrounded by single men who did not bother concealing their interests. These men considered themselves lucky for not coming with pesky women to get rid of in order to approach Irene.
As soon as they saw the grandson of Mr. Henderson Sr. approaching, though, they quickly scattered while harvesting promises from Irene's lips to "catch up later".
Irene Gallagher stood with her back straight and her head up. A complete opposite of herself back then.
In front of her were her two nemeses. The two people who destroyed her life and had not tasted a single spoonful of retribution for their irrevocable and unforgivable sins.
It was rather ironic that all three of them were wearing white but none of them were pure. Chris and June were devils incarnate that wandered on earth to ruin people's lives.
On the other side, Irene was not sure that she was any better. Her old self Amalia had sullied her hands with the blood of many people to get to where she was. To become an Irene Gallagher.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson," Irene greeted them with a sultry voice. "The both of you look mesmerizing tonight."
June flashed Irene her signature gracious smile. Only Irene knew the meaning behind the smile. June did not really smile. She was actually showing her teeth at her unaware prey.
"You are absolutely stunning yourself," Chris responded. "And what's with this heavenly whiff...?"
Chris leaned in and inhaled a sweet scent that emanated from Irene's self, completely oblivious about the displeasure that grew in June's heart.
Irene gave him a startled look.
"Oh, this scent? I made it myself some time ago, a blend of lavender and fresh lemon."
The beautiful woman took out a tiny, brandless perfume bottle from her tiny silver handbag.
"Would you like to give it a try?"