Chapter 124

"Come on, don't be so formal with me. You're nothing like the girl who first walked into Phoenix Labs!"

Victoria Sterling pretended to scowl at Evelyn Carter, shoving the dress toward her. "Just wear it unless you hate it! We're running late—we need to go now."

Evelyn laughed. If they hadn't been in a hurry, she would've asked Victoria to describe exactly how different she was back then.

The same Rolls-Royce from earlier pulled up, and even Victoria froze.

She had been shocked enough seeing it at the airport.

Since when does Phoenix Labs splurge like this? Victoria had traveled extensively for work, but this level of luxury was unheard of. The usual company car was a BMW at best.

Later, she had called Gregory Whitmore to confirm there wasn't some VIP mix-up.

Gregory assured her the company was prioritizing this event—hence the extravagant treatment.

Victoria had assumed the first-class flight and airport pickup were the extent of it.

She never expected the same car would take them to the event.

How much is the company spending on this?

Unlike Victoria's bewilderment, Evelyn remained composed.

This was just another one of Alexander Kensington's little games.

What seemed lavish to Phoenix Labs was pocket change to him.

She had tried calling him earlier, but his phone was off.

Probably in a meeting.

Evelyn blinked, realizing she was thinking about him again.

It hadn't even been a full day, yet he kept slipping into her thoughts.

This quiet longing clung to her like an invisible embrace.

Alexander, I miss you.

"Evelyn, I heard several top perfumers will be at this sampling. Our goal is observation, not pressure. Watch, listen, and speak minimally."

Victoria, ever the seasoned mentor, gave her last-minute advice.

"Got it," Evelyn nodded.

"I'll introduce you to some industry peers later, but don’t take anything personally. Rivalry runs deep in this field. Stay sharp."

Evelyn kept nodding until she suddenly smirked. "Victoria, we're peers too. Does that mean we're rivals?"

Victoria rolled her eyes.

Seeing Evelyn's playful grin, she scoffed. "Please. You’d have to actually be competition first. Not just anyone qualifies."

"Fair point!" Evelyn chuckled.

"Look at you, getting bold now!"

Victoria nudged her, laughing.

It was surreal—just weeks ago, they'd nearly come to blows. Now, they were practically inseparable.

The unpredictability of female friendships.

The event was at The Chateau Royale, Silverpine Valley's most opulent hotel.

Though small-scale, it had drawn a swarm of reporters.

Cameras lined the entrance, capturing every arrival.

Guests stepped out of their cars onto the red carpet, basking in the flashing lights.

But at that moment, Vanessa Blake sat frozen in her car, staring across the street.

She couldn’t bring herself to step out.