Chapter 397

The moment Evelyn stepped out of Gregory's office, she headed straight for Victoria's workspace.

Victoria was already waiting, champagne bottle uncorked and three crystal flutes arranged neatly on the desk. Isabella stood beside her, grinning.

Clearly, they had prepared a private celebration.

"Celebrating with alcohol during office hours? You two are incorrigible," Evelyn teased, shaking her head in mock disapproval.

Victoria scoffed, waving a hand. "This isn’t drinking—it’s a toast to victory! Now shut the door before someone sees."

Once the blinds were drawn and the door securely closed, the trio exchanged conspiratorial glances, feeling like rebels in their own workplace.

"Isn’t the official celebration tonight? Why the rush?" Evelyn asked, though she still picked up her flute with a smile.

"Tonight is for everyone else," Isabella countered, clinking her glass against Evelyn’s. "This is just for us. It’s special."

"Congratulations!" Victoria beamed. "I knew you’d crush the competition."

The air buzzed with excitement, especially from Isabella. She had watched Evelyn’s journey from the very beginning—the late nights in the lab, the meticulous blending of fragrances, the relentless pursuit of perfection. She had learned so much just by standing beside her.

Yet, despite their breakthroughs, recognition had always been elusive. Awards slipped through their fingers, and credit was often redirected elsewhere.

Isabella had once wondered if it even mattered. Wasn’t the real reward in the craft itself?

But deep down, she knew Evelyn deserved more. She was a diamond—brilliant, unbreakable, and impossible to ignore forever.

A platter of fresh fruit sat nearby, likely Victoria’s doing.

Taking a sip of champagne, Victoria’s expression turned serious. "By the way, what really happened in Laurentia? We couldn’t reach you for days. It was terrifying."

Isabella nearly choked on her drink. "Kidnapped?!"

She whirled toward Evelyn, eyes wide. "You were kidnapped and didn’t tell me?!"

Victoria blinked. "Wait, you didn’t know?"

"No, I didn’t!" Isabella set her glass down with a sharp clink. "Who took you? How did you escape? Are you hurt?"

The rapid-fire questions made Evelyn exhale in exasperation. "It was weeks ago. I’m fine now."

"Why didn’t you tell me?!" Isabella’s voice rose, then she rounded on Victoria. "And you! You knew and kept it from me?"

Victoria threw her hands up. "I only found out after it happened! Preston called me asking if I’d heard from her—how was I supposed to know the details?"

"You could’ve mentioned the kidnapping part!"

"I didn’t know there was a kidnapping part!"

Evelyn held up a hand. "Enough. Whatever happened, I’m standing here unharmed, aren’t I?"

The two women fell silent, then pointed accusingly at her in unison.

"Explain. Now."

Evelyn sighed.

And then said nothing.