Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 457

“But why Lush Dream? My mentor never explained. After it was made, the fragrance was never released, and there’s not even a trace of it on the market.”

Hearing this, Mila felt a twinge of disappointment.

She’d found the scent so unique and alluring that she’d wanted to ask where she could buy it, intending to pick up a few bottles as gifts for Felicity Fontaine. Felicity adored roses—Montgomery Manor itself even had a glass conservatory filled with roses, built especially for her by Conrad Montgomery.

The blooms flourished all year round.

If Mila could give her this fragrance, she was sure Felicity would be delighted.

“You like this perfume?” Johnnie caught the flash of regret on Mila’s face and spoke up, as if reading her mind.

“Yes, it’s beautiful and distinctive,” Mila replied with a smile. “I wanted to ask where I could find it, so I could give it to a relative who loves roses. It’s a shame, really.”

If her mentor didn’t want to sell it, she couldn’t push the matter.

“Oh, that’s nothing,” Johnnie said with a chuckle. “Let me call my mentor tonight. If your friend is as passionate about roses as he is, maybe he’ll agree to let me set aside a few bottles as a gift. Consider it a thank you for Ms. Sutherland’s generosity this evening.”

“You’re too kind—it was just dinner.”

Johnnie smiled. “This is hardly a big deal.”

Later, Mila dropped Johnnie off at the hotel where he was staying during his visit. After a bit more small talk, she took her leave.

…

She watched his car disappear into the stream of evening traffic.

The smile faded from Johnnie’s face, his lips pressed into a thin line, and the sharp, cool lines of his features became even more severe.

He turned and headed for the elevator, riding it up to his room.

He shrugged off his coat, unbuttoning his shirt with one hand. A slim red string, looped through a silver cuff on his wrist, swung gently as he moved. With his other hand, he picked up his phone and dialed a number. When the call connected, his voice was low and even.

“Professor, I met her today.”

“Yes, just as you predicted—she really does love your Lush Dream blend. I think she wants to give it to her relative… Yes, I told her I’d have to check with you first…”

He tossed his shirt aside, revealing sun-kissed skin and a toned, athletic back marked by a few faint scars. Rather than marring his appearance, they lent him a wild, untamed air. Bare-chested, he walked into the bathroom, leaving a trail of discarded clothes behind.

“I understand.”

“I’ll bring those bottles you made yourself and give them to her the next time we meet… I’m sure she’ll love them.”