Chapter 28

Chapter 28

DIANA THORTON

"The stinging sensation can happen due to an inflammatory reaction to a skincare product. The skin has nerve fibers that are close to the skin's surface and when certain ingredients are applied, they can activate those nerve fibers, especially on sensitive skin. From the inspection I made earlier, the exfoliating acids are the cause of the burn. Now while it seems that such feeling is a deciding factor of its potency, in this case, it'll result in burn patches and worse."

My eyes land on Alexander. He's watching me with so much concentration. The last time I was in this room was as his secretary and now, I'm the head of Product Development as well as his pregnant wife-to-be.

"Skincare is just like food. Good ingredients affect the taste and flavor. Good components affect the final product. To mark it suitable for all skin types, whether sensitive or not, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or even oat extract can make it hypoallergenic. These have been sent down to the factory and since it's the number one priority, we are scheduled to pick up samples later this evening. We already have three volunteers for product testing"

"And the other products?" Alex asks.

"They are all perfect except the sunscreen. Since our target audience is moms who don't have time for the long haul of beauty rituals, the sunscreen needs to absorb faster into the skin in seconds. I've also sent the required ingredient to add to the factory."

I down the last gulp of juice in my glass before turning around and finding Celeste behind me. She's gawking at me with a smirk. It's really hard to tell if this girl likes me or not.

"Head of Product Development Department, yes? Talk about digging your way up. Oh, someone else did the digging"

I raise a brow in fury.

"Excuse me?"

"Can't take a joke?" She burst out laughing "I was only pulling your legs. It's so good to see you." She pulled me into an embrace.

"It's dark humor by the way. I saw it somewhere. Words have been flying around though. People are tagging your new job, nepotism."

After much persuasion, Alexander was finally able to let me resume in the office only if I accepted his proposed position. I had to.

And after deep thought, I do deserve the job position. I am cut out for it. Yes, I admit that my current situation skyrocketed me but, I deserve it nonetheless.

"Alex wouldn't let me go back as his assistant"

"Wow, you guys are now on a short-name basis" She folded her arms

"He's going to be my husband soon. The sooner we get casual the better."

"Except I know the tea. The two of you don't love each other. Are you really sure you want to do this? It's not too late to change your mind"

And let go of a huge sum of money that's bound to change my life? Even Ceaser won't turn this down.

"You don't know. I am in love with Alex"

"You think we believe the bullshit message you sent to us. The outside world might be oblivious, but we know everything that there is to the two of you."

I watched as all the volunteers started applying the face moisturizer, the words of Celeste playing back in my head.

I adjust my glasses in anticipation of the volunteers' reviews. This was a do-or-die affair and I will die trying.

Everyone is antsy- including Alex. I mean he is a good actor when it comes to hiding his feelings but, I know him to a good extent and can tell his mood.

The atmosphere in the room is buzzing with anticipation as the three volunteers eagerly try out the face moisturizer. Excitement fills their faces as they carefully apply the silky-smooth formula onto their skin, their expressions a mix of curiosity and hope.

They take a moment to let the moisturizer work its magic, absorbing into their skin and leaving behind a sense of hydration and rejuvenation.

I can see their faces light up with delight as they touch their skin, feeling the difference the moisturizer has made.

It's a truly gratifying sight, knowing that our hard work and dedication paid off.

"We want people around your age group to feel the impact our Forever Kit has on their skincare routines. Whether they are home working, at the office, or on a girl's trip, they don't need to do too much to have the perfect skin"

"Oh my goodness! Your face moisturizer is absolutely incredible! I can't believe how soft and hydrated my skin feels. It's like a refreshing drink for my face!" Davina, the first volunteer said.

"I have to agree! This moisturizer is a game-changer. My skin feels so nourished and supple. It's like a spa treatment in a bottle!" The second volunteer reviewed.

"You have no idea what you've put the older ladies on. It's going to be an addiction. I've tried so many moisturizers, but this one takes the cake. My dry patches are gone, and my skin looks radiant. I can't wait to incorporate this into my daily routine to see its long-lasting effect!"

It seems like the face moisturizer was the ace that truly impressed the volunteers. Seeing them rave about how it has transformed their skin, leaving it feeling hydrated, nourished, and rejuvenated made me realize how much of a life-changing experience my beauty brand will give to the community of old adults.

They went on to try the sunscreen and my God, they loved it. With the progression we've made thus far, all that is left is approval from the cosmetic regulatory body, and then we can begin mass production.

I have been doing a good job of not locking eyes with Alexander. We haven't talked about last night. I don't know if we will ever talk about it.

He came back home in the wee hours of the morning. Where he'd gone, I have no idea. All I know is that kissing Maverick got him angry.

The con is, a part of me wants to do it again.