Chapter 125

Vanessa Blake had spent hours perfecting her look—her crimson dress hugged her curves, the hem teasing just above her thighs, and her three-inch heels elongated her already slender legs. Her makeup was flawless, her hair styled to perfection. Yet, despite all the effort, she hesitated at the car door, fingers tightening around her clutch.

DR Holdings was nothing in this sea of industry giants. If only Lucien Dubois were here—his presence alone would have given her an edge. But he had made himself scarce, ignoring every one of her calls.

"Ms. Blake, we're running late," the driver reminded her, voice cautious.

She shot him a glare. "Since when do you dictate my schedule?"

Just as she considered dialing Lucien again, her gaze snagged on a sleek Rolls-Royce gliding toward the hotel entrance. A smirk curled her lips. "Follow them," she ordered. "But keep your distance."

Her car rolled forward, stopping just as the Rolls did. Vanessa stepped out, timing it perfectly—Evelyn Carter was exiting her own vehicle, dressed in an off-the-shoulder black gown, her hair swept into an effortless updo. The dress accentuated her sharp collarbones and graceful neck, exuding understated luxury.

Photographers swarmed, flashes erupting as Evelyn and Victoria Sterling moved toward the red carpet. Vanessa clenched her fists, then forced a bright smile. "Evelyn!"

The cameras swung toward her voice.

Evelyn barely spared her a glance but paused, aware of the press. Vanessa closed the distance, heels clicking sharply against the pavement. "What a surprise seeing you here," she purred. "Phoenix Labs must really value your contributions to send you to an event like this. All that effort jumping ship paid off, didn't it?"

Evelyn's lips curved into a cool smile. "Phoenix Labs has vision. Unlike some companies, they recognize talent." She tilted her head. "But then again, I was never under contract elsewhere, so 'jumping ship' doesn’t quite apply, does it?"

Before Vanessa could retort, Evelyn continued, "Unless you're referring to all those favors I did for DR Holdings over the years? Consider it a parting gift between old classmates. I wouldn’t fuss over a few bottles of perfume."

She turned to Victoria. "The air out here is stale. Let’s go inside."

Victoria smirked, brushing past Vanessa with a look of pure disdain.

Vanessa's nails bit into her palms. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. She had meant to twist Evelyn’s words for the press, to paint her as ungrateful. Instead, Evelyn had turned it around effortlessly.

And now the cameras were still rolling.