Chapter 204

"If you truly desire it, you must grasp every opportunity!" His voice carried a weight of implication before the line went dead.

Vanessa didn’t comprehend Lucien’s cryptic message until her phone buzzed with an address. It was in Veridian City—not far from the lab’s location.

In a heartbeat, realization struck. Lucien was already on his way. Her fingers trembled around the phone. She hadn’t expected his return so soon. Clearly, this was meant to be a clandestine meeting.

A part of her wanted to refuse. This wasn’t Silverpine Valley—this was Veridian City. The risk of being recognized was high, especially with Dominic lurking nearby. If anyone saw them…

Her pulse hammered in conflict. Lucien had spoken casually, his tone almost indifferent. But the decision was ruthless.

Declining meant rejecting him—and with it, any leverage she held in the annual perfume competition’s judging panel.

Vanessa had already taken the first step. There was no turning back now. No matter the cost, she would push forward. She just needed to find a way to survive this—before her body gave out entirely.

After a tense moment of deliberation, she made her choice.

She hurried downstairs, hailed a cab, and gave the driver the address. A hotel. Of course. Lucien never stayed anywhere for long. A few days, then he’d vanish again.

She had no idea where he went after leaving Veridian City, nor did she care. She only needed him for one thing.

Vanessa kept her head low, avoiding the security cameras as she adjusted the scarf wrapped tightly around her face. The elevator ride felt endless. When she reached the correct floor, she hesitated only a second before knocking.

The door swung open—but not to the embrace she’d anticipated.

Lucien barely glanced at her before turning away, leaving the door ajar.

He hadn’t even bothered to change. His shirt hung half-buttoned, his hair disheveled.

Unease prickled down her spine as she stepped inside, locking the door behind her. She removed her sunglasses and scarf, then approached him cautiously.

Wrapping her arms around his waist from behind, she murmured, "What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to see me?"

He patted her hand absently before pulling free and sinking onto the couch. His gaze flicked up at her, sharp but distant, before he reached for a slender tube on the table.

Only then did Vanessa notice what lay scattered across the surface.

She’d seen it in films—never in person. A cold dread slithered through her.

"Lucien, you—"

He ignored her, closing his eyes as he leaned back. The world around him dissolved. Nothing mattered. Nothing existed beyond the haze he’d willingly surrendered to.

Vanessa could only stare, frozen in shock.