Chapter 202 - Titan Perfume launch & Japanese Syndicate

AN: Ok. There were too many characters lol. I tried my best to keep it engaging.😬😬

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[Los Angeles – Titan Perfume Launch Event]

[The Beverly Grand Hotel, 8:00 PM]

The entrance glittered with camera flashes, red carpet lights, and velvet ropes holding back a sea of paparazzi. Titan Studios had done it again—this time not with movies or fashion, but with something completely different. The Titan Perfume Launch Gala looked like the Oscars had collided with Paris Fashion Week.

A massive black-and-gold banner hung over the entrance:

"TITAN PERFUME – WHERE POWER MEETS PASSION."

The carpet shimmered under the spotlights as limousines rolled up one by one.

Reporters shouted names. Photographers clicked like their lives depended on it.

"Scarlett Johansson! Scarlett, over here!"

"Angelina, can we get a pose?"

"Halle! Who are you wearing tonight?"

"Evangeline! Over here!"

Angelina Jolie turned slightly, giving her trademark smirk as cameras erupted in flashes. Her gown was a black Versace with silver-thread detailing that caught every bit of light. Halle Berry followed next, in an emerald silk dress that made the crowd audibly gasp. Scarlett Johansson wore a minimalist crimson gown that framed her perfectly—old Hollywood elegance reborn. Evangeline walked in wearing a pure white gown with red lips and a black hat, that made her look hot and regal at the same time.

Then came Max and Caroline.

Caroline dazzled in a shimmering blue dress that matched her eyes, all smiles and energy as fans cheered. Max? She rocked a daring deep red dress with a slit that could start wars, smirking like she owned the night.

"You look like sin on legs," Caroline whispered.

"I know," Max replied. "It's called marketing."

The paparazzi shouted again with cameras flashing.

"Max! You look gorgeous!"

"Caroline, this way! Wow! You are looking breathless."

Max and Caroline did a few poses before moving inside.

Behind them walked Rachel, in a white satin jumpsuit. She was the night's architect—the brains behind the event. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the scent diffusers hidden in the decor, was her doing.

When Alex's car arrived, the energy changed.

The crowd roared louder.

Reporters leaned forward. Cameras turned.

Alex stepped out in a dark tailored suit, shirt open at the collar. Confident, effortless, and dangerous in that quiet, commanding way. Chloe Decker got out of the car with him, looking elegant in a deep navy gown that perfectly matched the LAPD poise she couldn't turn off even at a gala. Then came out Trixie. She held her hand, wearing a white dress and silver shoes, waving shyly at the cameras. The "aww"s from the crowd were instant.

"I'm so freaking nervous right now," Chloe whispered to Alex.

"Take deep breaths," Alex said, holding her hand as he gave a little squeeze. "And just think of it as if you are going inside in a disguise to solve a high-profile case."

"Easy for you to say," She smiled as the camera.

"Look at Trixie, she's on the roll," He said with a little chuckle.

The media asked who the girl beside him was and who that kid was. But Alex, as usual, gave a little pose before moving inside. He simply smiled without answering any questions.

Jeremy Renner and RDJ arrived soon after, laughing and waving to fans. Jennifer Lopez followed in a gold gown that shimmered like liquid fire. The Beckhams made an entrance. So did Beyoncé, Usher, Rihanna, and a young Taylor Swift—barely twenty, smiling nervously as she walked her first real red carpet.

And scattered among the crowd were YouTube reviewers, fashion bloggers, and ten ecstatic contest winners wearing VIP passes around their necks, still unable to believe they were here.

The ballroom inside was pure spectacle.

Titan had transformed it into a fragrance cathedral—giant crystalline displays of perfume bottles, each one glowing under soft golden light. The air itself smelled intoxicating, layered with notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and rose.

A massive projection behind the stage displayed the new lineup:

Titan Perfume Collections First Edition

– "Eclipse" (Regular Use): A blend of bergamot, vanilla, and amber.

– "Midnight Surge" (Party Edition): Spicy undertones, musk, dark plum.

– "Royal Veil" (Ultra Luxury): Oud, iris, and French jasmine.

– "Amour" (Couples Special): Two matching scents designed to intertwine.

– "Heroes & Vixens" (Special Edition – Marvel & DC Inspired):

• Stark Pulse – metallic spice, sharp citrus, and whiskey base.

• Gotham Silk – dark cherry, smoke, and leather.

• Amazon Bloom – wild jasmine and sandalwood.

• Widow's Kiss – red rose and black currant.

At the center stood a circular fountain misting fine vapor infused with Titan's signature scent—Legacy—a unisex fragrance for everyone.

Rachel spotted Alex as he entered the main hall and immediately walked over. "There he is," she said, half teasing, half proud. "Took you long enough."

Alex kissed her cheek. "You've outdone yourself again."

"I usually do," Rachel replied, smirking. "Ready for your speech?"

Alex glanced toward the stage. "As ready as one can be before facing the perfume sharks."

Near the VIP section, the CEOs of Chanel, Dior, and Estée Lauder were gathered, trying to mask their polite unease. They knew Titan's reputation. If Alex Wilson launched something, it wouldn't just sell—it would dominate.

The lights dimmed. The soft hum of the crowd faded into silence.

Spotlights turned to the stage.

Alex stepped up to the podium.

"Good evening, everyone," he began, his voice steady and clear. "Tonight isn't just about perfume. It's about emotion. Every scent here tells a story of confidence, connection, love, power. When we wear something, we carry a memory with it. Titan Perfume isn't about following trends. It's about setting them."

He paused, then smiled slightly. "And if you're wondering... yes, there's a reason the collection includes Marvel and DC editions. Stories inspire us. Heroes and villains remind us that even the smallest spark can become legend. Tonight, I hope each of you finds your scent... Your own spark."

Applause filled the room. Cameras flashed again. Even the rival brand owners had to admit that it was a perfect speech.

Backstage, Scarlett whispered to Angelina, "He's good. Too good."

Angelina smirked. "That's what makes him hot."

Max walked up with two glasses of champagne. "To our hot hunk," she said, clinking glasses with them.

Caroline joined them. "To Titan."

Halle and Evangeline joined in a little later.

Meanwhile, Lucy Chen, Tim, and Nolan were taking it all in, slightly overwhelmed. Nolan muttered, "I thought it'd just be a perfume party. This is like the Met Gala with explosions."

Lucy laughed. "Yeah, but admit it. You're enjoying it."

"Absolutely," Tim said. "Mostly because the open bar has Macallan."

Rachel, ever the queen of the night, began moving through the crowd, introducing influencers, greeting journalists, checking every corner with flawless precision. The event was trending live within minutes. Hashtags were everywhere: #TitanPerfume, #AlexWilson, #PowerInAScent.

Near the end, a soft chime announced the special moment: the unveiling of Legacy.

The stage lights shifted to white as a giant crystal dome rose from the center, revealing the bottle. Sleek, clear glass shaped like an infinity loop. A symbol of timelessness.

The crowd gasped.

Alex took the mic once more. "This… is Legacy. For those who create their own destiny."

The applause roared like thunder.

Max whispered to Evangeline, "Damn, if this were a movie, that'd be the final shot before the credits."

Evangeline smiled. "It kind of is. Titan just dropped another bomb."

Caroline noticed Chloe and Trixie. "That's the detective." She pointed at them with her champagne glass.

"Girls, let's go. It's time to meet the new girl," Max said with a mischievous smile. Her eyes then fell on Trixie, who was holding a glass of fruit juice. "And the cute little angel."

So, the girls gathered around Chloe. And seeing Max's grin, Chloe's left eye twitched a bit. She heard about Max's shenanigans from Alex, and right now, on top of her nervousness... She was surrounded by Alex's harem. 

On the other side, Claire was on a roll. She was already mingling with the media and the celebrities. 

As the evening went on, music played, drinks flowed, celebrities danced, and every single attendee left with one thing on their mind:

Titan hadn't just entered the perfume industry.

Titan owned it.

Outside, paparazzi were already typing headlines.

"Alex Wilson Redefines Luxury with Titan Perfume."

"Hollywood's Golden Night: Titan Does It Again."

And somewhere backstage, Rachel stood quietly, watching the stage lights reflect off the golden bottle. She smiled faintly, pride softening her eyes.

Alex walked over to her and grabbed her hand, "Thank you for making this night perfect."

Rachel simply smiled, tightening her grip on his hand a bit.

[30 minutes later...]

Photographers crowded near the velvet ropes as servers glided between guests with trays of champagne and canapés. The event had hit its crescendo, the room alive with golden light, perfume mist, and chatter that hummed like music.

Jeremy Renner intercepted him first, raising a glass. "Brother, you just dropped a nuclear bomb on the luxury market."

Alex grinned, clinking glasses. "That was the goal. If Chanel doesn't call a board meeting tomorrow, I've failed."

Jeremy laughed. "Trust me, they're already sweating. You could sell bottled air and people would still line up."

RDJ appeared beside them, twirling a glass of whiskey. "Correction. He already is selling air—expensive, intoxicating air." He leaned in with a smirk. "Legacy smells like someone distilled ambition and poured it into a bottle."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Alex said, chuckling. "You should've been on stage. You make everything sound like a trailer."

"Don't tempt me," RDJ replied. "I'll start narrating your life. 'In a world where one man refuses to rest…'"

The three of them laughed. Behind them, the DJ switched tracks, smooth jazz blending into a slow pop groove. The air felt lighter now, less like a corporate launch and more like a celebration.

JLo approached, holding a glass of sparkling wine. "You know, I've done my fair share of press events, but this? This is different. It feels like a movie set."

"That's because it is," Alex said. "Everything we do is cinematic. Our goal wasn't just about selling perfume, but selling an experience."

She nodded approvingly. "Well, consider me sold. And that Marvel-inspired scent lineup? Genius marketing. The fans are going to eat that up."

"Wait until they smell them," Alex said. "This is just the first lineup."

JLo blinked, surprised. "Seriously?"

Alex nodded. "Yup! This is just the beginning... I plan to take the top spot by the end of this year in both the premium and local sections."

She smiled. "I'm pretty sure it's gonna take less than a year to achieve that."

After talking to them for a bit, Alex noticed how the girls nabbed Chloe near the bar and were talking to her, while Max was going around with Trixie, checking the perfumes.

Then he spotted Lucy near the far end of the ballroom, standing by the tall glass windows that overlooked the glittering Los Angeles skyline. Tim and Nolan were beside her, drinks in hand, clearly still taking in the surreal atmosphere. He made his way over, weaving through clusters of celebrities and executives until Lucy noticed him and waved.

"Hey, look who finally made it to the mortals' corner," Nolan said with a grin.

Alex laughed softly. "I needed a breather from the perfume gods."

Tim smirked. "You're the reason they're all here, man. You just hijacked an entire industry in one night."

Alex smiled, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "Titan doesn't do small moves. If we're going in, we go all the way."

Lucy's eyes sparkled with pride. "You're really making this look effortless, Alex. The event, the presentation, everything. It's like a movie premiere but cleaner, more elegant."

"That's all Rachel," he said. "She turned an idea into an empire overnight. I just gave her the sandbox to build in."

Nolan chuckled. "Still, you have to admit, it's wild. This place is packed with people I've only ever seen in magazines. Half of them are wearing suits that cost more than my car."

"Probably true," Alex said with a grin. 

They continued to chat...

On the other side, Rachel received a call. "John..." She listened to him for a moment. "Capture them alive at any cost." 

...

[Meanwhile...] 

John was back on duty. He positioned the guards in perfect spots and installed bomb detectors inside the building. After the last attack, he wasn't going to take a chance. There were snipers assigned nearby. And emergency cars were ready, just in case. Then there were some guards mingling among the guests to keep an eye on Alex's girls.

Plus, the cops were around the building. 

A few blocks away from the building... Inside a building.

The Japanese Crime Syndicate has prepared to attack the place and kidnap Alex Wilson. They got the weapons and cars ready. They have also secured the water route for their escape plan. There were twenty of them inside that building.

"Weapons check," The leader said in a low voice. "Double check... I don't want any hitch during the mission."

However...

The light went off, followed by multiple gunshots and screams. It lasted less than a minute before everything went silent.

A SUV stopped near the door. Six guards got out of the car.

At the same time, John walked out of the building. He was holding two batons, dripping with blood. He looked up at the guards. "Take them to the docks warehouse and clean up the place."

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[5 advance chs] [All chs available for all tiers] [No double billing.]

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