Chapter 12: Ethan West

Breathable yet water-sealing…

Wasn't that basically the perfect moisturizer?

Though Elias Crane worked in the design department at MH Cosmetics, he was still familiar with basic principles of skincare products. After all, top-selling women's beauty products typically targeted three main concerns:

Brightening.

Anti-wrinkle.

Moisturizing.

Currently, no moisturizer on the market provided truly "absolute" or long-lasting hydration. To keep skin dewy, many people layered multiple products—toner, serum, lotion, cream. It was heavy, time-consuming, and not always comfortable for the skin.

Yet this new chemical compound discovered by Professor Ethan West could revolutionize moisturizing. Its properties offered a flawless solution to many of the issues current creams faced.

If MH Cosmetics managed to incorporate that compound into a new brand line—particularly their upcoming Rhine series—this could blow all competing moisturizers out of the water, effectively monopolizing the market.

"I see now," Elias murmured.

"If we secure rights to that compound for use in our skincare, it'd upend the entire industry. At least for moisturizers, we'd stand alone."

"Exactly."

Miranda Harrington nodded.

"These days, every major beauty company worldwide has offered Professor West huge sums—some in the millions of dollars just for a usage license."

Elias let out a low whistle. Millions of dollars for licensing? It sounded astronomical, but as an industry insider, he knew West's discovery was worth that—or more. In the right hands, it could dominate the moisturizer market.

"Frankly, MH's offer tops them all," Ms. Harrington admitted with a rueful smile.

"But Professor West won't even speak to us. The only silver lining is—he won't speak to anyone else, either. We still have a chance."

She glanced around the bustling gala. "Come on, Elias. Let's at least say hello."

***

Elias followed Ms. Harrington to the far side of the grand hall, each holding a glass of wine. Professor West, as soon as he spotted them, looked ready to slip away.

"Professor West," Ms. Harrington said warmly, stepping forward. "It's been a while."

He half-turned, offering a reluctant smile.

"Congratulations on your achievements," she continued, raising her glass. "That new compound is truly groundbreaking. If applied correctly, it could shine in the field it's best suited for."

But Ethan West didn't meet Ms. Harrington's toast. Instead, he lowered his gaze, laughing bitterly.

"That 'groundbreaking' failure? I've heard enough jeers," he muttered.

"It's not a failure, Professor," Ms. Harrington insisted. "You should take pride in your research—"

"Ms. Harrington."

West raised a hand, cutting her off. His expression turned serious.

"It's nice to see you here supporting scientific endeavors. If you want to donate to real research, I'll happily toast you all night."

He lifted his glass briefly.

"But if you're here for any other reason… I'm sorry, but I can't help you."

Elias narrowed his eyes as West strode off. The man was clearly not interested in cooperating with Ms. Harrington—or any corporate figures, for that matter.

Ms. Harrington exhaled slowly. "There you have it, Elias. That's how he always is. Tonight, he's actually being polite."

Elias nodded. Before, he'd assumed Ms. Harrington was unflappable in any setting, but even she had her struggles—chasing after West's prized "failure," smiling and bowing to a man who gave her the cold shoulder. Still, that was business. To keep MH Cosmetics thriving, to feed her team, she had to negotiate deals, even if it meant swallowing her pride.

Ms. Harrington was only 26, a woman of striking elegance and poise. She carried herself with an effortless grace, the kind that wasn't just learned from etiquette classes but ingrained in the way she moved, the way she owned any room she stepped into. Her long, chestnut-brown hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, framing a face that could easily belong to the cover of a luxury magazine—high cheekbones, almond-shaped green eyes that gleamed with quiet intelligence, and full lips naturally painted in a shade of rosewood.

Her beauty wasn't just about symmetry or features—it was the kind of allure that made people stop mid-conversation, made them wonder if she was born to lead or if she had forged herself into the woman she wanted to be. There was a quiet fire behind her gaze, a blend of ambition and control, making it clear that despite her elegance, she was not to be underestimated.

In less than two years, she had built MH into a formidable player in the beauty industry—a field where established giants reigned supreme, and newcomers rarely lasted long. No doubt her background and family connections helped, but it was still remarkable.

Elias found himself wondering why she hadn't simply inherited a family empire. With her presence, charm, and business acumen, she could have seamlessly stepped into any boardroom she pleased. Instead, she had chosen to carve out her own legacy, striking out into the world on her own terms.

Perhaps there was something she was chasing—or something she was running from.

He supposed everyone had their hidden motives, some more obvious than others.

***

"If he's short on research funding and better lab facilities, you'd think he'd trade that 'failed product' for money," Elias mused aloud. "Then he could build a proper lab and keep working. Maybe eventually find real success."

Ms. Harrington set aside her wine glass, letting out a mild laugh. "I guess it's pride, or stubbornness. He's been failing for so long, scorned by so many, that he can't bear to sell his 'mistake'—he likely views it as a humiliating scar. Every mention of it just twists the knife."

She folded her arms, turning to face Elias. "You graduated from Hudson University as well, yes? Maybe you can find a way to connect with him."

"Me?"

Elias blinked, momentarily picturing an old cartoon scenario where a clueless sidekick is sent on an impossible mission.

I'm no miracle worker. If Ms. Harrington—plus half the major companies out there—couldn't sway him, how would he do any better?

Still, he managed a tentative nod. "I can look into it, I guess."

He realized Ms. Harrington might've brought him tonight hoping he could play the "alumni" angle to build rapport with West. Possibly she was overestimating him—maybe impressed by how well Rhine Cat had turned out, convinced Elias had boundless resourcefulness.

But that cat design was stolen straight from Elias's nightly dream.

He thought wryly: Could I also 'steal' West's research from that dream world?