Chapter 189

"Sorry, I overslept." Evelyn glanced at Isabella with an apologetic smile. "Though I suppose introductions aren't necessary between you two."

"Starting today, we're a team! No need for formalities," Victoria chimed in, draping an arm around Isabella's shoulders with effortless warmth.

"Vicky, you're playing favorites!" Evelyn rolled her eyes dramatically. "You weren't nearly this welcoming when I first joined."

"That's because I thought you got in through connections," Victoria teased, giving Isabella's shoulder a playful squeeze. "But I approved of Bella the moment I saw her work."

"Double standards much?" Evelyn laughed before clapping her hands together. "Alright, now that you're here, let's get started. Perfect timing too—I'm itching to finalize the new product's formula."

"Go ahead and dive in. You can handle the onboarding paperwork later this week, right? Just swing by HR when you're ready," Victoria said, her gaze lingering on Isabella for confirmation.

"No problem at all," Isabella replied smoothly. Paperwork was the least of her concerns—what truly mattered was the team dynamic and work environment. As she stepped into the lab, her eyes widened appreciatively. "This setup is impressive! You've got even more equipment here than at our old lab. Wait—is that the new chromatograph?"

Evelyn was already slipping into her lab coat. "Phoenix Labs might be smaller, but with Celestia Group backing us, we don't skimp on resources. Ms. Sterling said we can request anything else we need too."

"Big corporate perks—told you jumping ship was the right move." Isabella tied back her hair, scrubbing her hands at the sink. "Speaking of which... Dominic didn't give you trouble when you resigned, did he?" Though Isabella seemed relaxed, Evelyn couldn't shake her concern.

"Didn't even see him." Isabella waved a dismissive hand. "Labor laws are on my side. Besides..." She leaned in conspiratorially, "I've already moved to a new place near the lab. Two birds, one stone."

"You relocated already?" Evelyn's brows shot up.

"Mm-hmm." Isabella nodded. "Mom's too soft-hearted—if Dominic kept showing up, she might've caved. This way, I'm closer to work and out of his reach." She flashed a triumphant grin. "Had my eye on a place in Magnolia Grove for weeks. Called the agent the second I accepted this position."

"That's... remarkably efficient." Evelyn shook her head in admiration before turning to their workstations. For the next hours, they fell into their familiar rhythm—Evelyn outlining formulations while Isabella prepped ingredients with precision. Their partnership had always been seamless, with Isabella's meticulous note-taking complementing Evelyn's creative process.

Perfumery was a dance of trial and error. Countless samples would be crafted, each variable meticulously recorded. A single alteration could transform an entire composition.

Night had draped the sky in indigo by the time Evelyn emerged from the lab, rolling her stiff shoulders. Isabella appeared moments later with two steaming mugs. "Perfect timing. Coffee break?"

Gratefully accepting a mug, Evelyn sank onto the lounge sofa.

"Long day?" Isabella's voice softened as she noticed Evelyn's tension. Before Evelyn could respond, Isabella set down her coffee. "Turn around. You need this." Her hands settled on Evelyn's shoulders, kneading the knots with practiced ease.

Evelyn sighed as the tension began to melt. "Remind me why we ever worked anywhere else?"

Isabella's laughter was warm against the hum of the lab equipment. "Because we hadn't found our way here yet."

The words hung between them, brimming with unspoken promise—of new beginnings, of creations yet to be born. Outside the lab windows, the city lights glittered like scattered constellations, mirroring the sparks of possibility igniting between them.