CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN – INVESTORS MEETING.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time.
The black dress was simple but elegant, paired with gold earrings and a touch of my own creation a warm, smoky perfume that clung to my skin like courage.
"Mama, you smell like cake," Isla said sleepily from the couch, hugging her blanket.
"Not cake," Lila corrected, serious as always. "Mama smells like the flowers in Mrs. Patel's shop."
I smiled, smoothing my dress. "Wish me luck, little ones. Today's a big day."
The investor meeting was held in a sleek, glass-walled co-working space in the heart of Arden City. My palms were sweating as I entered, clutching the box of sample oils I had prepared.
There were four investors sitting at the long table, two women and two men. Liora had promised to watch the girls and meet me later, so I was completely on my own.
The air smelled of polished wood and fresh coffee sterile, professional, intimidating.
I took a deep breath, just as I had practiced.
"Good morning," I began, my voice softer than I intended. I cleared my throat and tried again. "Thank you for meeting me today."
One of the women smiled encouragingly. "We've heard a lot about your work from the boutique owner in Calderhallow. We're excited to see what you've brought."
I nodded, carefully laying out the samples. There were four:
Dawnlight: crisp and citrusy, inspired by early mornings with my daughters.
Hearth & Home: warm and spicy, like fresh-baked bread.
Midnight Bloom: a rich jasmine-amber blend, soft but magnetic.
Solace: lavender, sandalwood, and vanilla, the scent of quiet evenings.
They leaned in to smell, passing each glass vial around.
"These are unique," one of the men said thoughtfully. "You're not just mixing scents you're telling a story."
"Yes," I said, heart racing. "Each perfume was inspired by a part of my life small, ordinary moments that felt… extraordinary when I slowed down to notice them."
The woman who had smiled at me nodded. "There's depth in these blends. We can feel it."
The conversation turned practical: production costs, scalability, branding. I kept my answers honest my business was small, my reach limited, but I had a clear vision.
When they finally stood to leave, one of the men offered his hand.
"We'd like to discuss terms," he said. "Your concept has potential."
My breath caught. "You mean…?"
He smiled. "We think your work deserves a larger audience."
When I stepped outside, the city seemed brighter, the air sweeter.
I had done it.
It wasn't a signed contract yet, but it was a beginning a door that had been locked for years, now cracked open.
Liora was waiting with the twins at a nearby café. The girls jumped up and ran into my arms, nearly knocking me over.
"You look happy!" Liora said, grinning.
"I am." My voice trembled a little. "I think… this is really happening."
Liora raised her coffee cup in a mock toast. "Here's to you, Rina Hale. May Arden City fall in love with your perfumes."
And for the first time in years, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, she was right.