Chapter 117

Vanessa took another glance around the room, but her mind kept drifting to Lucien’s lavish suite. She inhaled sharply before muttering, "It's... fine."

Dominic frowned. "Just 'fine'? You know the price difference is substantial."

"It’s not that different from the others," Vanessa replied dismissively, eager to drop the subject.

Dominic didn’t pick up on her irritation. "Vanessa, our room is hundreds of dors more expensive. We’re doing well, but DR Holdings is in a critical phase. Every penny counts—new hires, market expansion—we have to be strategic. It’s tough now, but for the future—"

"The future?!" Vanessa snapped, her patience snapping like a brittle twig. "You always talk about the future, Dominic! What about now? The present? You dangle this grand vision in front of me like it’s some unattainable dream. I can’t see it! I just can’t!" Tears spilled down her cheeks, hot and unchecked.

Dominic fell silent, stunned. Vanessa had never lashed out like this before. "Vanessa?" he ventured cautiously. "Are you upset?"

"Yes!" she bit out.

"Is it because of me?" He hesitated. "Or did Lucien do something?"

The mention of Lucien sent a guilty pang through her. "That’s your first thought?" she hissed. "Always jumping to conclusions! Let me tell you why I’m furious—I saw Evelyn!"

"E-Evelyn?" Dominic stiffened. "She’s in Silverpine Valley?"

"Not just here," Vanessa seethed. "She flew first class, got VIP treatment, and was whisked away in a half-million-dor Rolls-Royce! Do you hear me, Dominic? Lucien and I got a lousy Mercedes, but Evelyn? A Rolls!" The words tumbled out, her rage simmering into something colder.

Dominic was speechless. This was beyond anything he’d imagined. "Vanessa, I had no idea—"

"Of course you didn’t!" she spat. "After everything she did, she’s living like royalty. Why? I’ll make sure she pays for it."

"What are you planning?"

"She’ll be at the sampling session. I’ll humiliate her."

Dominic’s voice turned urgent. "Don’t act rashly. We need to assess the situation. Evelyn’s under Phoenix Labs’ protection now. She doesn’t answer to me anymore. You—"

"Feeling sorry for her, Dominic?"

"What? No!" he denied instantly. "You’re the only one I care about. Evelyn means nothing. She—"

"Enough. Handle the essential oil issue. I’ll give you good news soon." Without waiting for a reply, she ended the call.

"Vanessa? Vanessa!" His protests were met with silence.