Chapter 105

Dominic Reeves had been preoccupied with resolving the essential oil crisis, leaving him no time to concern himself with Evelyn Carter or the lawsuit. Meanwhile, Evelyn had already moved on to a new work schedule.

Compared to the internet uproar that had preceded it, DR Holdings withdrew from the lawsuit with surprising quietness.

Netizens who had been eagerly awaiting a dramatic resolution were disappointed when the matter simply fizzled out.

Debates raged online. Some speculated that DR Holdings had backed down because they were guilty, choosing to release Evelyn under public scrutiny. Evelyn’s only response on her Twitter was a simple yet powerful statement: "Truth always prevails. I have no interest in this."

Those few words earned her a wave of new admirers. But Evelyn wasn’t concerned with managing her growing fanbase—she wasn’t a celebrity, after all. Her focus remained on her craft, on creating new and exquisite fragrances.

Early that morning, Victoria Sterling called Evelyn into her office. "Evelyn, do you have any pressing matters at home in the next few days?"

"N-No, nothing in particular," Evelyn answered, caught off guard by the sudden question.

Victoria nodded. "Good. If there’s anything you need to handle, take care of it quickly. I’m taking you on a business trip."

"A business trip?" Evelyn blinked. She had only just started at Phoenix Labs—being sent on a trip so soon was unexpected.

"Silverpine Valley." Victoria slid an invitation across the desk. "There’s a perfume sampling conference there. Plus, the environment is unique—plenty of natural ingredients for material collection."

Evelyn didn’t immediately agree. She wanted to visit Silverpine Valley, but she needed to discuss it with Alexander first. She’d be gone for several days.

"Evelyn?" Victoria’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Are you alright? Don’t you want to go?"

"It’s not that," Evelyn shook her head. "I wouldn’t want to miss such an incredible opportunity. But I’m still new to the company. Aren’t you worried I might mess this up, Ms. Sterling?"

Victoria scoffed. "It’s just a conference. How could you mess that up? Besides, I see potential in you. Experience matters, but talent is irreplaceable. Not everyone can excel in this field."

She wasn’t wrong. The Project Department was filled with employees, but only a handful could truly call themselves perfumers. Apart from Victoria, no one else in the department had made a name for themselves.

Globally, only a select few perfumers ever reached the top. But Evelyn was different—she had raw talent. Victoria had initially disliked her, assuming she’d only gotten into the company through connections. But Evelyn had proven her wrong with every task she’d been given.

"Ms. Sterling, thank you for your confidence in me," Evelyn said sincerely.

Victoria waved her off. "Save the gratitude. I’m bringing you because I have something important to handle. Pack quickly—we leave the day after tomorrow."

"S-Sure." Evelyn was startled by how soon the trip was, but these events were planned months in advance. Dates weren’t flexible.

With preparations to make, Evelyn left work early that day. The house was quiet when she arrived—Alexander was still at the office. Slipping into a pair of cozy slippers, she turned on the stereo, letting soft music fill the space.

Then she brewed a pot of fragrant fruit tea, savoring the peaceful ambiance.