Chapter 191

"What are you talking about? Who is he? Tell me his name—maybe I know him."

"You'll find out soon enough!" Evelyn Carter raised her hand and gave Sophia Grant's shoulder a playful pat.

Evelyn stood abruptly, shifting the subject. "Bella, this new formula is going to be tricky. The workload is about to triple."

"You make it sound like our past projects were a walk in the park." Sophia grinned. "Don’t stress. Just focus on the creative direction—I’ll handle the groundwork."

Evelyn’s lips curved. "That’s why you’re the best assistant I could ever ask for."

Back in the lab, Evelyn inspected the latest batch of extracted samples. Just as she’d feared—they were nowhere near the desired profile.

High-grade ingredients were non-negotiable, but the real challenge lay in the extraction and refinement process. The scent they were chasing required layers of meticulous purification, repeated trials, and relentless precision.

Launching a new fragrance wasn’t just about inspiration—it was grueling labor. And those who stole others’ formulas? Despicable.

"Another failure." Sophia sighed, frustration flickering in her eyes.

Evelyn smirked. "Since when did we ever succeed on the first try? This ingredient is volatile—it’s going to fight us every step of the way." She nudged Sophia. "What, are you giving up already?"

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Please. If it were easy, I’d be bored. Bring on the challenge."

As Sophia prepped for another round, Evelyn stopped her. "Let’s call it a night. We’re not on a deadline."

Alexander Kensington had texted earlier, insisting she come home before dark. His protectiveness should’ve been suffocating—but secretly, she loved it.

"Fine," Sophia relented. "But I’m brainstorming improvements in my sleep."

They changed and headed for the exit—just as Victoria Sterling burst in, her expression grim.

"Victoria?" Evelyn frowned.

Victoria barely glanced at her before locking eyes with Sophia. "You can’t work here anymore."

Silence.

"What?" Sophia’s voice was sharp.

"DR Holdings sent a cease-and-desist. They claim you signed a non-compete clause—barring you from the industry for a year post-resignation."

Victoria thrust the document at them. Sophia’s face paled.

"I—I never signed this!"

"Of course you didn’t." Evelyn scanned the paper, jaw tightening. "Dominic Reeves is retaliating."

Non-competes weren’t unheard of—but they were reserved for executives with access to proprietary formulas. Sophia had been a junior researcher.

This was sabotage. Pure and simple.