Chapter 106

Evelyn had never mentioned to Alexander that she thrived in solitude rather than the constant buzz of crowds. She'd imagined someone of his stature would have an army of staff bustling through his home.

To her surprise, the house stood nearly empty except for the weekly cleaning service. The silence wrapped around them like a warm blanket, and she discovered Alexander even cooked his own meals. Though the space felt almost too still, Evelyn found comfort in the undisturbed peace.

A pot of citrus-infused tea steeped on the counter, accompanied by delicate lavender shortbread cookies arranged on a porcelain dish. When Alexander firmly barred her from the kitchen, she surrendered with a playful pout, settling obediently onto the sofa.

Before her lay seven miniature perfume bottles, their caps still sealed with factory freshness. After preparing a bowl of water, fresh mint sprigs, and linen napkins, Evelyn sat motionless. The recent turmoil with Dominic and others had left her creatively paralyzed, her usual spark extinguished.

This couldn't continue. If Evelyn kept draining herself dry, she'd become a hollow shell, her well of inspiration running barren. Victoria's proposal of a business trip suddenly seemed brilliant - a chance to breathe new air and rediscover her muse.

Evelyn's eyes fluttered open, focusing on the adorable bottles. She reached for a blush-colored one, bringing it to her nose.

The scent assaulted her senses before the cap even came off - cloyingly sweet, nearly chemical in its intensity. Disappointed, she returned it untouched.

These weren't prestigious brands but niche creations. Sometimes the most unexpected inspiration came from obscure sources rather than famous houses.

Though she'd set the bottle down, the fragrance clung to her fingertips. After washing her hands thoroughly, she selected another vial, her notebook ready to capture any fleeting inspiration. The familiar ritual brought her comfort.

When Alexander's key turned in the lock, a bizarre olfactory assault greeted him before he crossed the threshold. He retreated three steps, sneezing violently on the porch.

"You're home!" Evelyn's voice trilled as she bounded toward him.

Arms outstretched for an embrace, she forgot her perfume-testing hands. Alexander wanted to reciprocate, but his nose rebelled, triggering another sneezing fit. Evelyn froze mid-step, then sniffed her own sleeve.

"Too strong? I'll wash it off!" She spun on her heel, vanishing into the house.

Alexander waited until the air cleared before entering. He found Evelyn meticulously wrapping each tiny bottle in tissue before discarding them, then securing the trash bag with decisive knots. "Conducting experiments?" he asked, throwing open every window.

"Market research," she corrected, fanning the air. "Trying to understand current trends."

"Any revelations?" He dabbed his nose with a handkerchief, feeling the onset of a scent-induced cold.

"Only that they're repackaging the same tired formulas," Evelyn sighed, shoulders slumping. "New bottles, old tricks. Nothing groundbreaking at all."