Chapter 414

Genevieve raised her hand as if to smack Dominic's head, exasperated by his lack of foresight.

"You're the legal representative of DR Holdings. Your position in this scandal is critical!"

Her voice sharpened. "There's no escaping your involvement now. No matter what you do, you're trapped."

"If you publicly stand by Vanessa, people will question your integrity. If you abandon her, they'll call you heartless for turning your back when she needed you most."

Dominic's face darkened.

"So I lose either way?"

"Exactly!"

Genevieve's patience frayed. "This mess is entirely your fault! The situation should have been handled discreetly, but you couldn't keep your mouth shut. The more you say, the worse it gets."

She jabbed a finger at him. "And stay out of the clubs. No more drunken scandals. Do you want to ruin yourself completely?"

Dominic ducked his head, shame burning his cheeks. "I—I'm sorry."

Genevieve exhaled sharply. "You need to position yourself as the victim. Didn’t you claim Vanessa was involved with Lucien? Leak that through online trolls—not yourself. Stay silent publicly. Let the narrative paint you as the wronged party."

Dominic jerked his head up, horrified. "You want me to air our dirty laundry for the world?"

The idea repulsed him. His pride recoiled at the thought of public humiliation.

Genevieve scoffed. "What matters more—your pride or your career?"

Sometimes, she wondered if he’d inherited any of her strategic mind.

"People pity the vulnerable. If you say nothing, they’ll assume the worst about Vanessa and sympathize with you. Sympathy is power—use it."

Understanding dawned in Dominic’s eyes. "I... see."

Under her guidance, the path forward became clear.

"Thank you, Mother." His voice softened. "I didn’t think you’d... care enough to help."

Genevieve sighed. "You’re still my son. I won’t watch you drown."

She straightened, shifting focus. "Beyond damage control, you need skilled perfumers. DR Holdings can’t survive without talent. My advice may save you now, but what about next time?"

Dominic grimaced. "I’ve tried recruiting, but top-tier perfumers won’t join us. The novices aren’t good enough."

"Stop aiming for perfection," Genevieve snapped. "Hire mid-tier candidates with potential. Raw talent matters more than experience. Understood?"

Dominic opened his mouth to argue, then caught her warning glare.

"...Fine."

He had no room for pride anymore. Right now, competence—any competence—would have to suffice.