Chapter 126

Vanessa Blake’s dress was far too tight, and with every step she took, the fabric slid lower, dangerously close to revealing the lace trim of her bra.

Her cheeks burned crimson.

Clutching her purse to her chest, she hurried toward the venue, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

Evelyn Carter, meanwhile, was already exhausted.

She had spent the last hour circling the room, exchanging pleasantries with industry peers Victoria Sterling had introduced her to.

Even before the official sampling event began, she was drained.

Socializing was infinitely more exhausting than formulating fragrances.

She retreated to a quiet corner, balancing a small plate of hors d'oeuvres in one hand.

All she wanted was to glimpse the new creations from the masters of the craft—then leave.

Victoria, on the other hand, was in her element.

This wasn’t her first industry event, and she navigated the crowd with effortless grace.

When she turned to look for Evelyn, she found her missing.

It took her a moment to spot her tucked away in the corner, nibbling on a canapé.

Victoria stifled a laugh.

"I brought you here to network, not to raid the buffet," she teased, rolling her eyes as she plucked a flute of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray.

She handed it to Evelyn. "At least hydrate. Those pastries look dry."

"The food is incredible," Evelyn countered, sipping the champagne with a small smile. "You should try some."

"Unlike you, I have self-control," Victoria shot back, though her tone lacked any real bite.

Her opinion of Evelyn had shifted.

She wasn’t the pretentious upstart Victoria had initially assumed.

She was talented, yes—but without the arrogance that usually came with it.

Victoria had misjudged her.

"That woman earlier—Vanessa Blake from DR Holdings," Victoria said, settling beside Evelyn. "She’s the one suing you, isn’t she?"

Evelyn nodded. "I thought you knew her."

"I’ve probably seen her at events, but she’s forgettable."

Victoria tilted her head, considering.

Phoenix Labs and DR Holdings had crossed paths at numerous competitions.

She recognized Dominic Reeves, of course—but Vanessa?

She was always trailing behind him, a shadow rather than a presence.

There were a few DR Holdings fragrances Victoria admired—complex, innovative.

But meeting Vanessa in person?

Nothing about her suggested the mind behind those creations.

Something felt off.

"She stole your work," Victoria said, her lip curling in disgust. "Took credit for your formulas, then had the audacity to sue you. How are you not furious?"

Evelyn set her plate down, her expression turning serious.

"Who says I’m not?"