Chapter 303

"What did you just say?"

Vanessa Blake's expression darkened. She was about to retort when a familiar voice interrupted.

"Ms. Carter. What a pleasant surprise."

Evelyn Carter arched a brow.

Lucien Dubois?

So they planned this. Did they really follow me all the way here?

Not that it mattered. Evelyn wasn’t one to back down from a challenge.

She offered him a cold smile. "Still haven’t learned your lesson, Mr. Dubois? Looking for a rematch?"

Lucien stiffened at the taunt, the memory of his humiliating defeat flashing in his mind.

"This is a public venue, Ms. Carter. Surely you wouldn’t be so reckless."

He smirked, confident she wouldn’t dare make a scene.

Evelyn cracked her knuckles, the sound sharp in the air.

Vanessa paled.

She’d never witnessed Evelyn’s skills firsthand, but Lucien’s warnings and Dominic Reeves’ fear were enough.

Vanessa forced a laugh. "No need for hostility. We’re all just joking around."

She stepped closer, feigning sincerity. "Evelyn, Lucien came to apologize. We’re all foreigners here. Shouldn’t we stick together?"

Evelyn almost admired the audacity.

One second, Vanessa was sneering. The next, she was preaching unity.

"Stick together with you?" Evelyn scoffed. "I’d rather swim with sharks."

She turned on her heel and walked away without another glance.

"That insufferable witch!"

Vanessa’s fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms as she glared at Evelyn’s retreating figure.

"Relax," Lucien murmured, his gaze calculating. "Her arrogance won’t last."

He gestured around them. "This is Valmont—the heart of perfumery. She’s nothing here."

His voice dripped with disdain.

Vanessa smirked.

Good.

She’d play along—for now.

Evelyn hadn’t gone far when Adrienne Laurent nearly collided with her.

"Evelyn! I checked the restroom—you weren’t there."

"Must’ve missed each other," Evelyn lied.

She had no intention of staying.

"I’m not feeling well. Probably food poisoning. Let’s head back."

Adrienne frowned. "But the organizer just arrived. We should at least greet them before leaving. It’s basic courtesy."

Evelyn hesitated.

Fine.

One quick exchange, then she’d be gone.

But as they turned toward the main hall, a familiar silhouette caught her eye.

Dominic Reeves.

And he wasn’t alone.

Her pulse spiked.

This night just got a lot more complicated.