Chapter 216

If Isabella, who had been her closest confidant for years, reacted with such shock, Evelyn couldn't fathom how the world would respond to this revelation.

It only confirmed one thing—her relationship with Alexander Kensington had to remain a secret for now.

"No!" Evelyn placed both hands on Bella's shoulders, her voice steady but urgent. "Listen to me. You know exactly who he is. If this got out, can you imagine the fallout? Even you struggled to process it—what hope do we have with the public? The scrutiny would drown me. I wouldn’t have the space to breathe, let alone focus on my work."

"It’s not that I can’t accept it," Bella rushed to explain, her eyes wide. "I just never expected—"

"I know," Evelyn cut in gently. "But not everyone will see it the way you do. With his influence, the moment this goes public, we’ll both be under a microscope. I need to stand on my own first. I need to prove I belong in his world before the world decides for me."

Bella exhaled, nodding slowly as understanding settled in. "Evelyn… I believe in you. You’ll get there."

A small, determined smile curved Evelyn’s lips. "I will."

She turned back to the lab bench just as the computer chimed, spitting out the final data results. The air was thick with the delicate, intoxicating fragrance of their creation—a scent that whispered of triumph.

Evelyn bent over the printout, her fingers tracing the numbers with reverence. Behind her, Bella meticulously checked the samples, both women lost in the silent thrill of their breakthrough.

Then—

"Success!" Bella nearly shouted, spinning around with a grin. "Evelyn, we did it!"

Evelyn’s chest swelled with exhilaration. "The data is perfect. The scent profile—exactly as I envisioned." She laughed, breathless. "We actually pulled it off."

This was her first independent formula since leaving DR Holdings. A gamble. A statement. And now, it was real.

"All those sleepless nights were worth it," Bella sighed, already moving to secure their work. "I’ll catalog everything and lock it up. We should get out of here—it’s practically morning."

Evelyn shut down the lab equipment, washing the scent of chemicals from her hands. When she returned, Bella had already sealed the samples away, her expression alight with pride.

They shared a look, the unspoken joy between them brighter than any words.

As they headed for the elevator, Bella pulled out her phone. "It’s late—well, early. Let’s share a cab. Safer that way, don’t you think?"

Evelyn nodded, but her mind was already racing ahead. This was just the beginning.

And the world wasn’t ready for what came next.