Chapter 332

"I'm swamped. Plus, I have a business trip coming up," Alexander Kensington said flatly.

"You're seriously going to ignore my sister's safety just because you're busy?" Sebastian Winslow's voice crackled through the phone, sharp with frustration.

Alexander scoffed. "Funny. You're the one who keeps reminding me she's your sister."

A beat of silence passed before he continued, his tone clipped. "She's not a child anymore. Maybe you should tell her to stop dropping by my office unannounced. Gossip spreads fast—it won’t do her reputation any favors. And honestly, shouldn’t she be on set filming right now?"

Sebastian’s breath hitched as realization struck.

"You’re avoiding her, aren’t you?" His voice dropped, accusatory. "You know how she feels about you. My parents would be thrilled if you two got together. What’s the problem? Just tell me straight—are you seeing someone else?"

Alexander exhaled slowly, the silence stretching between them.

"Cassandra is your sister. To me, she’s just a kid I grew up with." His tone brooked no argument. "I’ve got to go. Find her yourself."

Without waiting for a response, he ended the call and immediately dialed another number.

"Book me the earliest flight to Laurentia. I want to leave today."

For the first time in years, work felt unbearably dull.

Life is colorless without her around.

The Veridian City Perfumery Competition wouldn’t begin until evening, leaving participants the morning to rest.

While others scrambled with last-minute preparations—cramming theory, refining techniques—Evelyn Carter chose to meditate, her breathing steady, her mind clear.

Her assistant, Adrienne Laurent, however, was a bundle of nerves.

Adrienne had spent the morning pacing, making frantic calls to DR Holdings’ executives, her gaze flickering to Evelyn every few seconds as if waiting for a meltdown.

Evelyn suppressed a smile. She knew exactly what Adrienne was thinking: Why isn’t she panicking? But the poor woman was too afraid to voice it, lest she jinx Evelyn’s focus.

Amused, Evelyn let her stew.

Near midday, Victoria Sterling called.

"The competition’s tonight, right?"

"Cut to the chase," Evelyn teased, glancing at Adrienne, who was now wringing her hands.

Victoria groaned. "I know you’re not nervous, but could you at least pretend for Adrienne’s sake? She’s been blowing up my phone all morning. The woman’s a wreck."

Evelyn bit back a laugh. "I’m not—"

Then, noticing Adrienne’s wide-eyed stare, she straightened, adopting a convincingly tense tone. "Okay, fine. I am nervous. But I’ll manage. Don’t worry—I’ll make Celestia Group proud."

Adrienne’s shoulders sagged in visible relief, her clenched fists finally loosening. Evelyn barely stifled a chuckle.

"Thank you," Adrienne breathed, rushing over to massage Evelyn’s shoulders. "You’ll do great. The company chose you because they believe in you. Winning would be amazing, but even if you don’t—"

She cut herself off, superstitious.

"—just relax! No pressure!"

Evelyn blinked. She’s been dying to say that all day, hasn’t she?

Still, she played along. "You’re right. I feel better now."

Adrienne beamed, oblivious to the fact that Evelyn had never been nervous at all.