Chapter 154

Vanessa hadn’t anticipated Victoria’s sharp retort. To make matters worse, Evelyn remained composed, offering no reaction, which only fueled Vanessa’s frustration.

Her temper flared. "You think Phoenix Labs is so impressive?" she sneered. "It’s nothing more than a minor branch of Celestia Group—hardly superior to DR Holdings. And let’s not forget, no one in Celestia, let alone your little company, can hold a candle to Mr. Dubois."

Vanessa clung to Lucien’s arm, her voice dripping with arrogance.

Lucien, though silent during their exchange, radiated disdain. "Vanessa, we’re wasting time. Let’s focus on why we’re here."

"You’re right," she huffed, waving a hand in front of her nose as if repelled by an invisible stench. "This place reeks. Let’s go."

Victoria gaped as Vanessa strutted away. "What a piece of work," she muttered to Evelyn. "She starts the fight, then acts like she’s too good for this place. How were you ever friends with her?"

Evelyn sighed. She had been fooled by Vanessa’s act once, blind to her true nature. "Let’s not dwell on her. It’s pointless," she said, steering Victoria toward the entrance. "Aren’t you thirsty?"

"Oh, right!" Victoria groaned. "She got me so worked up I forgot!"

Meanwhile, Vanessa and Lucien made their way to the nursery, but her mind was elsewhere. If Evelyn and that insufferable Victoria were here, did that mean Phoenix Labs was also sourcing materials?

A wicked thought crossed her mind—she could return, discover what they needed, and buy it all before they had the chance.

The idea gnawed at her. Why did Evelyn always land on her feet? Even after being forced out of DR Holdings, she had Phoenix Labs, and she seemed… happy.

The lawsuit, the online smear campaign—none of it had broken her.

Why?

Vanessa clenched her fists. She would outshine Evelyn. She would be more beautiful, more dazzling—she would make sure of it.

"Vanessa, what’s on your mind?" Lucien’s voice snapped her back to reality.

She forced a smile. "I was just thinking… they must be here for supplies. I wonder if they’re after the same thing we are."