Chapter 15
"What ridiculous lies could they have possibly fed you?" Evelyn jerked her arm free from Dominic's grasp and stepped closer to Vanessa. "I'm dying to hear what you imagine they told me."
Under Evelyn's piercing stare, Vanessa looked away. "How would I know their exact words? But I'm guessing they tried to poach you despite knowing you're with us. They probably trash-talked DR Holdings while praising themselves. Evelyn—" She paused, feigning sudden realization.
"Did they offer you more money?"
"More money?" Evelyn blinked, her expression deliberately blank. "What exactly would qualify as 'more' to you?"
Vanessa barely concealed her disgust. This idiot doesn't even understand salary negotiations. How did she get involved with Phoenix Labs? Someone must've orchestrated last night—probably manipulated her.
"Evelyn, I'm just concerned." Vanessa forced concern into her voice, seizing Evelyn's arm.
Vanessa stood taller, forcing Evelyn's arm upward uncomfortably rather than adjusting her posture.
Evelyn tilted her head up, studying her so-called best friend of years. How did I not see through this act before?
Perfume research had consumed Evelyn, leaving little room for socializing. She'd believed a few genuine friendships were enough—only to realize some saw her sincerity as stupidity.
Evelyn tightened her grip, yanking Vanessa down to eye level. "Is this how I'm speaking now? Funny, I don't recall changing. Oh wait—are you upset because I claimed Eternal Bloom as mine?" Her tone dripped faux innocence. "But it is my creation. You said we might lose the competition, remember? I didn’t want you taking blame for my work. Yet yesterday, you accused me of stealing your formula. Interesting shift, don’t you think?"
Vanessa winced at the pressure on her arm. Flustered, she shot Dominic a pleading look.
"Evelyn, we all said things we didn’t mean in the heat of the moment," Dominic interjected smoothly. "You pushed us to that point too. Let’s move past this." He rested a hand on Evelyn’s shoulder. "Vanessa and I searched everywhere for you last night. You never came home. Can’t we talk this out? I worry someone’s exploiting your naivety."
"You searched all night?" Evelyn laughed, twisting Vanessa’s arm sharply as she turned. Vanessa gasped. "E-Evelyn—my arm—"
"Oops." Evelyn released her with exaggerated apology. "Didn’t realize your arm was trespassing in my space."
Vanessa’s frown deepened at the barb.
Ignoring her, Evelyn locked eyes with Dominic. "Funny—Ms. Blake collapsed yesterday, didn’t she? Remarkable recovery speed for someone who supposedly scoured the city all night. I’m touched."
Vanessa’s nails dug into her palms. "Evelyn, we’re friends! You and Dominic have years of history. Don’t let outsiders poison that." Her smile strained. "But last night’s stunt hurt DR Holdings—and him. What did Phoenix Labs really promise you?"
Dominic’s gaze sharpened. Yes—what had changed Evelyn so drastically?