Chapter 107

The so-called "new" formulas were disappointingly familiar. At best, they had tweaked the ratios. Nothing groundbreaking—just recycled ideas. Evelyn had hoped for an unexpected breakthrough, but luck wasn't on her side.

"If discoveries were this easy, everyone would be a master perfumer," Alexander remarked, pulling her into his arms. "Have you eaten?"

"I have," Evelyn answered quickly, catching the glint in his eyes. She clarified, "I didn’t touch the kitchen. I left work early and grabbed dinner outside."

His tone turned mock-wounded. "You didn’t wait for me?"

"I was starving," she admitted, suddenly feeling guilty over something so trivial. She fumbled for her phone. "You haven’t eaten? Should I order something?"

"I don’t want takeout. Take me out to dinner."

"But I’ve already eaten!"

"Then keep me company," he countered with a smirk.

She relented, unable to refuse.

At the restaurant, Evelyn had planned to just watch him eat. But the rich aroma of seared wagyu and truffle butter proved too tempting. Before she knew it, she was on her third bite, then her fourth, unable to resist.

Alexander, meanwhile, sipped his wine with deliberate elegance, watching her devour the meal as if he were the one merely accompanying her.

"Another plate?" he offered, feigning innocence.

"No! I’ll explode," she groaned, pressing a hand to her stomach.

"Some yogurt, then? For digestion."

She shot him a glare. "If I’ve wronged you, just say so. No need for this slow torture."

His lips curved. "I only asked for company. If someone couldn’t control their appetite, that’s hardly my fault."

Technically true—but if he hadn’t lured her here, she wouldn’t be in this state. "It is your fault," she insisted.

Alexander nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Then is it also my fault you’re leaving for a business trip without telling me?"

Evelyn froze mid-bite. "How did you—?"