"I didn't involve you in it for your own sake." Yvonne smiled and met Katie's gaze. "It's just as you said: we're sisters. If I'd worked with you for this collaboration, how would Muguet's staff look at you? What if they assumed that I could only make perfume due to family connections or that you used your younger sister to climb up?"

Katie was instantly stunned.

Based on Yvonne's words, she might even have to compliment her on clearly separating her personal and professional lives.

Peter suppressed his urge to laugh. Then he immediately cleared his throat and said bossily, "Yvonne's right. Muguet doesn't allow family connections. She's thought this through and protected your reputation. Shouldn't you thank her?"

Katie had no choice anymore. She muttered through gritted teeth, "Thank you."

"There's no need to thank me." Yvonne smiled, feeling great about how it had worked out. Katie downed her champagne in anger and left.

Yvonne and Peter looked at each other and smiled. The perf