Chapter 4

Alexander settled Evelyn onto the plush sofa before turning to retrieve the first aid kit. His movements were precise as he selected the antiseptic and a tube of healing ointment.

The cut on Evelyn's ankle had already stopped bleeding during their drive to Celestia Group headquarters. Still, Alexander meticulously cleaned the wound before applying a thin layer of the cooling salve.

Evelyn watched him, mesmerized by the way his dark lashes cast shadows over his sharp cheekbones. His expression remained unreadable, yet his touch was unexpectedly gentle.

Dominic had never tended to her like this. Not once in all their years together.

"Something on your mind?" Alexander's deep voice pulled her from her thoughts as he recapped the ointment.

"N-No," she stammered, quickly lowering her feet to the floor. "Thank you."

A faint smirk touched his lips. "No thanks necessary between husband and wife. Though there is one thing you should remember."

Evelyn nodded, bracing herself.

"The past doesn't concern me," he said, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "But now that we're married, there will be no blurred lines with other men."

"I wouldn't!" The words burst from her before he could finish. "You have my word—I'll honor this marriage completely. I expect the same from you."

Alexander's eyebrow arched in amusement. Few dared make demands of him.

"Our arrangement benefits you, I know," Evelyn continued, lifting her chin. "I don't pretend to understand your reasons, but I have one condition—if you ever want out, we'll divorce cleanly. But cheating?" Her voice turned to steel. "That I won't tolerate."

Not again. Never again.

"How fortunate," Alexander murmured, that infuriating smirk returning. "Neither will I."

For a heartbeat, Evelyn forgot to breathe.

This man was dangerous perfection—a razor-sharp mind wrapped in devastating beauty. What had begun as a business alliance now felt like standing at the edge of a precipice.

At precisely seven that evening, they arrived at the competition venue. Evelyn hadn't expected Alexander to accompany her personally—this provincial contest was beneath Celestia Group's usual international showcases.

Just as their car pulled up, Dominic's sleek black sedan arrived. He stepped out in a tailored navy suit, every inch the dashing CEO before turning to assist Vanessa with theatrical care.

Evelyn's lips curled into a bitter smile. How had she ever been blind to their shamelessness?

"Ready?" Alexander's fingers brushed hers.

"Not yet."

Part of her longed to stride in on Alexander's arm and watch their faces crumble. But that would be too merciful. No, she wanted them to fall from much greater heights.

Inside, the judging was already underway. Three hours earlier, representatives had submitted their fragrances anonymously. Now, industry experts evaluated each scent's complexity—top notes, heart, and lingering base.

Evelyn and Alexander observed from a private VIP suite through a live feed. On screen, Dominic and Vanessa preened like peacocks, already celebrating their assumed victory.

Let them enjoy their moment.

As the lights dimmed for the awards ceremony, the host's voice turned solemn. "Before announcing winners, I must emphasize—this competition values integrity above all. Plagiarism will not be tolerated."

Evelyn's grip tightened around her champagne flute.

Dominic, ever the showman, seized the microphone. "DR Holdings may be small, but we pride ourselves on originality! Plagiarism tarnishes our entire industry!"

Vanessa nodded vigorously beside him. "As a perfumer, I believe in honest craftsmanship above all!"

The audience applauded politely while Evelyn's knuckles turned white.

Then the host delivered the hammer blow: "We have an unprecedented situation—two identical submissions, even in name."

All eyes swung to Dominic as the implication sank in. His smile faltered for the first time all evening.

Evelyn leaned forward, her pulse racing. The trap was sprung. Now, let them writhe.