Chapter 262

"What matters most in today's world? Connections and influence. Do you honestly believe you can succeed without them or a powerful mentor? Sure, your new fragrance was a hit, but what happens when doors start closing? Do you really think they'd let an outsider win the annual Perfume Championship?" Lucien Dubois sneered, his voice dripping with condescension.

Evelyn Carter met his gaze with icy detachment. "Get to the point."

His lips curled into what he thought was a charming smile, though the pain from his earlier injuries made it more of a grimace. "A woman as clever as you should recognize opportunity when it's right in front of her. I'm offering you a chance. The choice is yours."

Evelyn glanced around mockingly. "Funny. I don’t see any opportunities here."

"Aww," Lucien cooed, stepping closer—so close he could reach out and touch her. "Sometimes you just need to look in the right place. This time, your chance is standing right before you. All you have to do is—OW! OW!"

Before he could finish, Evelyn seized his uninjured arm and twisted it sharply.

Crack.

This time, it wasn’t a fracture—just a clean dislocation.

"You—you witch!" Lucien howled, his facade of charm shattering. "Who the hell do you think you are? Mark my words, I’ll ruin you in this industry. You’ll never work as a perfumer again!"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Is that so?" She took a deliberate step forward.

Lucien scrambled back, panic flashing in his eyes. "Stay away! Don’t you dare—!"

She let her gaze drift pointedly downward. With both arms now useless—one fractured, the other dislocated—his legs were the only things keeping him upright.

A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. "I-I’m a judge for the championship! If you lay a hand on me, I’ll—"

He didn’t wait to finish. Spinning on his heel, he bolted.

Evelyn exhaled, rolling her shoulders to ease the tension. She hadn’t intended to hurt him badly—just enough to make him think twice before harassing her again.

What a disgrace.

How someone like Lucien Dubois could be considered a respected perfumer was beyond her. No wonder Alexander Kensington had warned her to stay away from him.

But the real problem wasn’t over yet.