Chapter 152

"I'm not sure."

Evelyn's vague response made Victoria sigh. She tried a different approach. "Alright, then. What kind of scent are you looking for?"

"I can't put it into words." Evelyn's answers were frustratingly elusive, but Victoria had learned to decipher them over time.

Still, this was one thing Victoria couldn't assist with.

The car from the research facility arrived shortly after, though it wasn’t the same young man who had dropped them off earlier. This driver was far more animated. "Tired? You two went farther out than most. Visitors usually don’t stay more than an hour."

He continued cheerfully, "We have the freshest samples here—picked and shipped the same day. We even rotate them daily, so you don’t have to worry about wilting affecting your judgment. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll handle the rest."

As he drove, Evelyn gazed silently at the rows of flowers lining the nursery. The air was thick with overlapping fragrances—each distinct, yet none quite right. She inhaled deeply, eyes closed, sorting through the scents effortlessly.

"You’ve got a massive operation here. Must be hard to maintain?" Victoria asked.

The driver chuckled. "It’s challenging, sure, but it’s our passion. Seeing these blooms thrive under our care? Worth every effort." He glanced at them in the rearview mirror. "We’re always short-staffed, though. My brother’s handling another pickup, so I had to step in. Once I drop you off, I’ve got deworming solutions to prep."

Evelyn murmured an apology, but he waved it off. "No trouble at all. You’re our guests."

His easygoing nature kept the conversation flowing. "How many visitors do you get daily?"

"Plenty during peak season, but it’s been slow lately. Though with that perfume sampling event these past few days, we’ve seen more traffic. You two were the first today, but expect a crowd this afternoon."

They arrived at the facility, and the driver gestured toward the main hall. "Go on in and rest up. I’ve got to head to the shed."

"Thanks, we’ll manage," Evelyn said.

Victoria nudged her as they walked. "We should move fast. Once the others arrive, the best materials will be picked over."

Evelyn wasn’t worried. Perfume-making wasn’t about grabbing the most popular ingredients—it was about finding the perfect ones.

"I’m parched," Victoria muttered. "Hope they have iced water inside."

Evelyn reached for the door just as it swung open from within.

"Evelyn?!"

Vanessa’s sharp voice cut through the air. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Of all people, she hadn’t expected to run into her again. What kind of twisted joke is this?

Victoria’s expression darkened. She recognized this woman from the past two days—the same bold, entitled attitude.

Vanessa, of course, barely registered Victoria’s presence. Her focus was entirely on Evelyn. She raked her gaze over Evelyn’s flushed, sweat-dampened face and sneered.

"What the hell are you doing here?"