Chapter 130

The spotlight burned bright against Vanessa Blake’s skin as she stood frozen on stage.

"And your name, miss?" The host’s cheerful voice echoed through the grand hall.

Vanessa blinked, her throat dry.

"Hello?"

The host waved a hand in front of her face, his smile faltering.

She snapped back to reality, fingers tightening around the microphone.

"I—"

Her voice cracked.

Clearing her throat, she forced a smile.

Vanessa wasn’t new to attention. Awards, interviews, public appearances—she had handled them all with grace.

But tonight was different.

Her hands were ice. Her legs trembled.

Evelyn Carter was watching.

One mistake, and she’d be humiliated in front of everyone.

She couldn’t let that happen.

"Looks like our guest is a little nervous!" The host chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "No worries, take your time."

Vanessa cut him off before he could dismiss her.

"Sorry," she said, forcing steadiness into her voice. "Just lost in thought for a second."

She straightened her shoulders.

"Vanessa Blake. Senior perfumer at DR Holdings in Veridian City."

The words came out smoother than she expected.

At least she hadn’t completely fallen apart.

The host grinned. "Ah, Ms. Blake! What a lovely voice. And if I recall, Ms. Carter is also from Veridian City. Seems like your city breeds both talent and beauty!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Vanessa’s gaze flicked toward Evelyn, who sat poised in the front row.

She smiled tightly.

"Yes. Ms. Carter and I went to the same school."

The host nodded enthusiastically. "Wonderful! Now, Ms. Carter’s review was exceptional, so I’m sure Ms. Blake won’t disappoint either."

He turned to the audience.

"Next up, we have a fragrance from another rising star in perfumery. Young, but already a two-time international award winner—and he’s here with us tonight!"

Vanessa’s stomach dropped.

She had planned to improvise—throw around some vague, flattering descriptions. No one would question her too closely.

But the creator was here.

If she got it wrong, she’d be exposed in front of everyone.

Her pulse roared in her ears.

She wanted to run.

But her feet refused to move.

The host laughed. "Don’t worry, Ms. Blake! The creator is very approachable. Let’s take a look at the fragrance first, and then we’ll bring him out, alright?"

Vanessa couldn’t speak.

A staff member placed the perfume bottle on the table in front of her.

It might as well have been a live grenade.

"Whenever you’re ready, Ms. Blake."

She reached for it with numb fingers.

The room blurred.

She could already hear the whispers, the laughter, the pity.

There was no escape.