Chapter 369

"You took your time in there," Alexander remarked, leaning against the car.

Evelyn had lingered far longer than expected. By the time she emerged, the other contestants had already dispersed.

She gave a small nod.

"Mr. Whitaker wanted to talk. It took a while."

"What about?"

Evelyn hesitated, recalling Harrison’s words. A flicker of emotion crossed her face. "He invited me to join his team."

Alexander arched a brow, lips curving. "That’s high praise. You should be flattered."

"I turned him down."

Evelyn turned her gaze to the window, watching the city lights blur past.

Laurentia at night was breathtaking. The streets glittered like scattered gemstones, alive with the pulse of romance and artistry. It was the heart of perfumery, the birthplace of legendary fragrances.

And she had just walked away from a golden opportunity.

"You refused?" Alexander’s voice held genuine surprise. "Why?"

He tilted his head, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Afraid you’d miss me too much?"

Evelyn shot him a look. So full of himself.

"I want to build my own legacy," she said firmly. "A brand that earns its place in the Perfumer’s Hall of Honor."

Her eyes burned with determination, brighter than the stars above.

Alexander studied her face, struck by her beauty—not just in features, but in spirit. It was her fire, her unshakable will, that had drawn him in from the start. Even when life had knocked her down, she rose, relentless and radiant.

"I believe in you," he murmured, pulling her close. "You’ll make it happen."

Evelyn melted into his embrace, warmth spreading through her. There was no greater comfort than his arms around her, his faith unwavering.

Then—

"Wait!"

She jerked upright, fixing him with a sharp look.

"Something strange happened today. Vanessa never showed up."

Alexander shrugged. "Maybe she realized she couldn’t win and quit. Not everyone makes it to the end."

Evelyn shook her head. "No. That’s not her. She fought tooth and nail to get here. She wouldn’t just walk away." A frown creased her brow. "Unless something happened. Do you think she was—"

Kidnapped?

The odds were slim, but…

Her gaze narrowed. "Did you…?"

They’d discussed Vanessa before. Evelyn suspected her of orchestrating past troubles, though proof was scarce.

Given Alexander’s temper—and what she’d told him—she wouldn’t put it past him to retaliate.

Alexander raised his hands in mock surrender. "I didn’t lay a finger on her. She’s not worth the effort."

His expression was unreadable, but his words rang true.

Vanessa meant nothing to him. He wouldn’t waste his time.

Evelyn exhaled, still puzzled. "Then where is she?"

After the competition, Adrienne had left for urgent business back at Celestia Group, leaving Evelyn and Alexander free to enjoy Laurentia—just the two of them.