Chapter 302

"What the hell? Speak of the devil!"

Evelyn hadn’t even spoken Vanessa’s name aloud. She had merely thought of her.

Now, watching Vanessa stride toward her with that infuriating smirk, Evelyn rubbed her eyes and glanced away.

This can’t be real.

She was in Valmont, at the prestigious review banquet for the international perfumery competition. Vanessa couldn’t just waltz in here uninvited.

It must be a lookalike.

Evelyn turned back, scrutinizing the woman before her.

Same sharp features. Same piercing eyes. That same condescending lilt in her voice.

Damn it.

It was Vanessa.

"Well, well," Vanessa purred, tilting her head. "Surprised to see me?"

She was delighted by the shock and irritation flashing across Evelyn’s face.

Did Evelyn really think she was the only one worthy of being here?

Vanessa smirked. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Evelyn scoffed, crossing her arms. "No self-awareness, as usual."

Vanessa’s grin widened.

The more Evelyn bristled, the more satisfaction she felt.

"Did you honestly believe you were the only Veridian perfumer invited?" Vanessa taunted. "Unlike you, I’ve won multiple awards these past few years. I’m more accomplished. More recognized. So if you can be here, why not me?"

She preened, as if her mere presence at the banquet made her superior.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. She wasn’t about to waste breath arguing. The air was already thick enough without Vanessa’s toxicity fouling it further.

"Shameless," she muttered, turning to leave.

Vanessa grabbed her wrist.

"Excuse me?" she hissed. "Who are you calling shameless? You think Phoenix Labs is your golden ticket back into the industry? Please. It’s a nobody company in Veridia. And Veridia?" She smirked. "Irrelevant on the global stage."

The words stung—not because they were Vanessa’s, but because Evelyn had heard them before.

From Lucien Dubois.

And as much as she hated to admit it… he wasn’t wrong.

The world’s elite perfumers came from other nations. Veridia had talent, yes—but most had long since left, seeking recognition elsewhere.

Evelyn’s gaze swept the room.

The banquet was packed. Invitation-only, yet crowded.

And the organizers? Nowhere in sight.

Cannon fodder.

That’s all they were to the competition’s hosts. Either this was all for show… or the real players hadn’t even bothered to show up yet.

Her jaw tightened.

She refused to believe Veridia had no true masters.

They’re just hidden. Like the Hawthorne family.

Evelyn yanked her wrist free.

"Is that so?" she shot back. "If those of us who earned our invitations are nobodies, what does that make you? A parasite, feeding off others’ success?"

Vanessa’s smirk faltered—just for a second.

Then she laughed.

"Keep telling yourself that, Evelyn. But we both know—"

A hush fell over the crowd.

The doors at the far end of the hall swung open.

The organizers had arrived.

And behind them—

Evelyn’s breath caught.

Him.

Alexander Kensington.

The man who had single-handedly redefined modern perfumery.

And he was walking straight toward them.