Chapter 19

Evelyn Carter drove straight to Phoenix Labs after leaving DR Holdings. The research facility was located miles away from corporate headquarters. Evelyn and Isabella "Bella" Thornton focused solely on R&D, ensuring products underwent rigorous testing before mass production.

Dominic Reeves, however, operated differently. He demanded immediate results, pushing untested formulas into production. "The market waits for no one," he'd argue. "If we delay, competitors will steal our ideas." His obsession with speed over safety constantly clashed with Evelyn's scientific approach.

As lead researcher, Evelyn could only voice objections. Dominic would dismiss her concerns with a condescending smile. "Leave the business decisions to me, darling. Just focus on creating pretty perfumes." His patronizing tone made her blood boil.

The traffic light turned red. Evelyn slammed the brakes, her knuckles whitening on the steering wheel. She needed to stop thinking about Dominic. Their relationship was over. She had sacrificed everything for that man - her career, her reputation, even her family's approval. And for what?

When Evelyn arrived at Phoenix Labs, she immediately sensed trouble. The usually bustling facility felt eerily quiet. Bella wasn't at her workstation. Instead, Evelyn found her assistant cornered in the archives room by three unfamiliar men in suits.

"E-Evelyn!" Bella's face lit up with relief. "Thank God you're here! They're trying to confiscate our research!"

Evelyn sized up the intruders. Their expensive suits couldn't hide their thuggish demeanor. "Who authorized this?" she demanded.

"Mr. Reeves' orders," the tallest one sneered. "We're your new lab partners. Starting today."

Evelyn's stomach twisted. So this was Dominic's move - sending goons to monitor her work. Did he really think she'd continue business as usual after yesterday's betrayal?

"If you're here to assist," Evelyn said icily, "why aren't you in the lab? What's your interest in confidential files?"

Bella trembled beside her. "They demanded all R&D documents and the archive keys!"

Evelyn stepped between her assistant and the men. "Our research is proprietary. You have no clearance."

"Mr. Reeves said—"

"Enough!" Evelyn cut him off. "If Dominic has demands, he can tell me himself. For all I know, you could be corporate spies." The men exchanged uneasy glances. "Now get out before I call security."

The lead thug's smirk faltered. "This isn't over, Ms. Carter. Mr. Reeves won't tolerate disobedience."

Evelyn held the door open. "Tell Dominic he'll have my resignation by noon if this harassment continues."

As the men slunk away, Bella collapsed into a chair. "What do we do now?"

Evelyn's fingers hovered over her phone. Every instinct screamed to call Dominic and unleash her fury. But revenge would come on her terms. She scrolled past his contact and dialed a different number - one she hadn't used in years.

"Julian? It's Evelyn. I need your help."