Chapter 297

The moment Vanessa stepped out of Mercy General Hospital, she received the devastating news—Dominic had revoked her position as director of DR Holdings.

Even while hospitalized, his orders were executed with ruthless efficiency. Her office had been cleared out before she could even return.

Everyone at DR Holdings knew Vanessa was the CEO's fiancée. Yet no one expected this humiliating blow.

Before she could officially become Mrs. Reeves, her title vanished overnight.

Though the staff avoided direct comments, their sidelong glances spoke volumes.

Vanessa burned with humiliation. How could Dominic be so heartless? Without another word, she gathered her belongings and stormed out.

At The Chateau Royale, Preston, Dominic's secretary, made the call. "Mr. Reeves, Ms. Blake came by the office but left immediately after realizing her position was terminated."

"Good. Let her go," Dominic replied coolly.

Despite their past, he couldn't allow sentiment to cloud judgment. Vanessa was unfit for the role.

Keeping her as director would only burden the company.

Besides, he knew her ambitions ran deeper.

If she could betray him for Lucien Dubois, a mere directorship would never satisfy her.

Vanessa craved fame—to be hailed as the world's greatest perfumer.

She'd discard Dominic the moment a better opportunity arose.

But ambition without talent was a dangerous delusion.

In perfumery, skill was non-negotiable.

Hanging up, Dominic dialed another number. "Do you have the results I requested?"

Meanwhile, Vanessa marched into Lucien's suite at The Chateau Royale.

He should've left Veridian City by now, but his injuries delayed his departure.

The moment Lucien saw her, he yanked her inside, slamming her against the doorframe as his mouth crashed onto hers.

Vanessa shoved him back hard. Not this time. She wouldn't play his games anymore.

Lucien staggered, eyes narrowing. "What the hell?"

"I just had surgery. I'm not recovered," she snapped.

"Bullshit."

Lucien cared only about his desires. Her condition meant nothing.

The man was an animal, driven by primal hunger.

Vanessa swiftly dodged his grasp, pulling pepper spray from her purse. "Touch me again, and I'll blind you! I came to talk, not fuck!"

For the first time, Lucien hesitated. This fiery defiance was new.

Amused, he lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly. "Fine. What do you want? Clearly not a romantic reunion."