Chapter 33
Evelyn Carter offered a faint smile as she studied Vanessa Blake. "Are you certain that's what you want? Should I reveal the truth right here?" Her calm demeanor sent a ripple of unease through Vanessa.
What was Evelyn scheming? What did she truly want? She had laid all her cards on the table, and now there was no turning back.
Vanessa clenched her teeth, forcing herself to sound composed. "Don't embarrass yourself, Evelyn. I've done nothing wrong."
She straightened her shoulders. "I may not be the most naturally gifted in this industry, but no one can deny my dedication. Everyone knows how much I've contributed to DR Holdings over the years."
Her voice hardened. "You can't just waltz in here and spread baseless accusations."
"Vanessa." Dominic Reeves stepped closer, his fingers brushing her forearm in silent support.
He turned back to Evelyn, clearing his throat. "I apologize. The purpose of this press conference was to clarify matters with the competition committee and our valued consumers."
His tone turned diplomatic. "However, we didn’t prepare adequately, and Ms. Blake wasn’t given enough time to process these unexpected allegations."
Evelyn cut him off. "Do you want proof?"
Four simple words, and every camera in the room snapped toward her.
She lifted her phone, her expression unreadable. "Since everyone demands evidence, here it is."
A reporter leaned forward. "Ms. Carter, what exactly is this proof you're referring to?"
The tension in the room thickened. Neither side was backing down, and the reporters were caught in the middle, unsure whom to believe.
"The evidence is—" Evelyn began, but Vanessa abruptly stood, her chair scraping loudly.
"Every employee at DR Holdings can vouch for me!" Vanessa declared, her voice sharp. "They know exactly who created those perfumes!"
Her eyes burned with defiance. "I tried to spare you the humiliation, Evelyn, out of respect for our past. But you’re too arrogant to admit your own mistakes."
She snatched up her purse. "I won’t entertain your games any longer. See you in court."
With that, she flung the microphone onto the table and stormed out.
The room erupted in murmurs. No one had expected such a dramatic exit.
Even Dominic was caught off guard. He reached for her, but she was already gone.
The reporters' gazes flicked between him and Evelyn, waiting for his next move.
He exhaled sharply. "My apologies. This concludes today’s press conference."
With a stiff nod to the crowd, he shot Evelyn a glare before striding after Vanessa without a backward glance.
Evelyn remained standing, the sole focus of the room.
Dominic had left her to face the media alone—just as she always knew he would.
"Ms. Carter," a journalist called out, "it seems Ms. Blake intends to sue you."