Chapter 182

"That's—That's not it. Working with you in this industry has been one of the greatest joys of my life! I've learned so much from you, and experimenting with fragrances is something I truly love."

"Then..." Evelyn Carter paused, considering her words carefully. "If I'm not mistaken, the company should automatically terminate your employment thirty days after you submit your resignation, regardless of Dominic Reeves' approval. The deadline is approaching."

Legally, Dominic couldn't force Sophia Grant to stay, no matter how much he wanted to.

"Yeah, it's almost time." Sophia sighed, her fingers tapping restlessly against the armrest. "The problem is... my mother won't let me resign."

Evelyn hadn’t expected Sophia’s mother to be involved. "Why wouldn’t Mrs. Grant—?"

"Dominic came to my house recently. He met my mom. She trusts him completely—thinks he’s an amazing boss and that I’m being ungrateful for the opportunities he’s given me. And then he gave me a raise, which only made her more insistent that I stay at DR Holdings."

Sophia leaned back in her seat, tilting her head up to the sky. The night was thick with clouds, not a single star in sight. "I’ve thought about it. Maybe I’ll just stay. It’s not like I’m actually working hard anyway. If he’s willing to pay me for doing nothing, isn’t that a win for me?"

"Sophia, you can’t think like that." Evelyn’s voice was firm. "Stagnating like that will only hurt your career in the long run."

To outsiders, it might seem like Sophia was lucky—getting paid without effort. But time wasted was time lost. All the experience she had built would mean nothing if she let herself rot in a position with no growth.

That was why Evelyn had been trying to bring Sophia to Phoenix Labs. She considered Sophia a true friend and wanted the best for her.

"My mom won’t let me leave..." Sophia trailed off helplessly.

Evelyn arched a brow. "You don’t strike me as the type to blindly follow your parents’ wishes without knowing what you want."

The situation was simple. Sophia’s mother likely opposed her resignation because DR Holdings seemed like a stable company with good benefits and a reliable boss.

But if Sophia joined Phoenix Labs, her career could skyrocket. With proper communication, Evelyn was sure Mrs. Grant would understand.

Sophia stared at Evelyn for a long moment before suddenly bursting into laughter. "I was joking! I don’t actually want to leave."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "Why not?"

Sophia had always insisted she’d follow Evelyn anywhere. They were a team. It had only been a few weeks—Evelyn refused to believe Sophia had changed her mind. And it certainly wasn’t because of Dominic’s raise.

"Because I think I can help you more by staying here than by being at your side," Sophia explained.

Evelyn frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Vanessa Blake has been unstoppable since she and Dominic returned from Silverpine Valley. She finalized two perfume formulas effortlessly, and the labs are working overtime to produce them. Dominic is convinced they’ll be a massive success." Sophia straightened, her expression serious.

"And how does that help me?"

"I want to find out just how good these perfumes are—and what else they’re planning. If they’re scheming something against you again, I’ll be in the perfect position to warn you in time."

Sophia had spent days thinking this through. Staying at DR Holdings wasn’t about comfort or money. It was about being Evelyn’s eyes and ears where she needed them most.

Instead of standing beside her, Sophia would stand guard.