Chapter 273

The afternoon light was fading when Evelyn finished speaking. She rose from the chair beside Dominic's hospital bed, smoothing her skirt. "We'll continue this conversation after you've recovered," she said firmly. "For now, focus on healing."

As she turned to leave, a sudden thought made her pause. She glanced back over her shoulder. "Oh, and forget about Vanessa." Her tone left no room for argument.

Dominic remained silent. The room plunged into stillness, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of medical equipment.

The next morning, Vanessa arrived bearing a thermos of soup and freshly baked pastries from Magnolia Grove's finest bakery. Since the accident, they'd fallen into an uneasy routine - she played the dutiful caretaker, he tolerated her presence. Neither mentioned their fractured past, maintaining a fragile ceasefire that felt more ominous than peaceful.

Vanessa went through her usual motions - feeding him breakfast, tidying the bedside table, helping him wash up. Only when these tasks were completed did she settle into the visitor's chair, clearing her throat.

"I visited DR Holdings yesterday," she began. "Operations are running smoothly. The new hires have adapted well, though the junior perfumers still need more training. We might need additional staff." She delivered the corporate update with practiced efficiency.

Dominic nodded. "I reviewed the organizational chart adjustments you emailed. Good work." His compliment was professional, detached. The mention of restructuring brought unwelcome memories, making his jaw tighten.

Vanessa recognized the shift. She didn't press. "Just doing my job. The company comes first." Every word emphasized her indispensable role at DR Holdings - and by extension, in his life. The unspoken message: You can't dismiss me.

A tense silence followed. Vanessa rummaged in her purse, popping a piece of mint gum into her mouth. "By the way," she said casually, "Phoenix Labs submitted their entry for the annual competition."

"Expected," Dominic replied flatly. He suspected she was filling airtime to avoid uncomfortable silences.

"Interesting that Evelyn prepared the formula herself. Does Celestia Group really trust her that much?"

Dominic's patience frayed. "Get to the point, Vanessa."

Perhaps his mother's words had gotten to him. Suddenly, Vanessa's circuitous approach grated on his nerves. Why couldn't she just say what she meant?

"I'm just... surprised," Vanessa continued, gazing at the ceiling. "Since leaving DR Holdings, Evelyn's transformed completely. Who knew she had this in her? Joining Phoenix Labs, gaining real influence..." She shook her head. "What's her secret?"

Dominic didn't respond, but the question lingered. How had Evelyn - no Hawthorne family connections, no powerful backers - landed at a prestigious subsidiary like Phoenix Labs? Celestia Group's standards were notoriously high.

The mystery of Evelyn Carter deepened.