Chapter 44

The door creaked open as Lucas Bennett peeked inside. "Mr. Reeves, Sophia Grant is here."

Dominic Reeves barely glanced up from his desk. "Send her in."

Sophia shoved her phone into her pocket, forcing a tight smile as she stepped inside. Better assess the situation before telling Evelyn.

"Mr. Reeves," she greeted stiffly, then stood in silence, waiting. Truthfully, Sophia couldn’t stand Dominic. She’d spent years working alongside Evelyn in the lab, witnessing firsthand the relentless dedication Evelyn poured into her work.

Sophia had always prided herself on being diligent—top of her class, first in, last out. But Evelyn? She was on another level. There were nights Sophia had collapsed onto lab benches from exhaustion, only to wake hours later and find Evelyn still bent over her notes, analyzing data with bloodshot eyes.

And for what?

For him.

The man who’d thrown Evelyn’s devotion back in her face. Sophia clenched her fists, biting back the insults simmering on her tongue.

"Sophia," Dominic began, his voice dripping with false warmth. "Just back from vacation? How was it?"

Her smile turned brittle. "Cut short, thanks to you. According to my schedule, I still had half a day left."

Dominic’s jaw twitched, but his tone remained smooth. "We appreciate your flexibility. An urgent matter came up. Once resolved, I’ll triple your remaining leave."

"Triple?" She scoffed. "You’re joking."

"Of course not." He leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "But first, I need a small favor."

Vanessa Blake, lounging in the plush chair beside him, swung her legs lazily, the chair tilting with her movements. Sophia ignored her, keeping her gaze locked on Dominic.

"A favor?" Sophia arched a brow. "What could I possibly do for the great Dominic Reeves?"

Whether he missed the sarcasm or chose to ignore it, he pressed on. "Testify."

"Testify?"

"Yes. You’ve worked on DR Holdings’ perfumes for years. Your contributions have been invaluable." He nodded, as if praising a well-trained dog. "Once this case is settled, consider yourself promoted."

"Gee, thanks," she deadpanned. "But you still haven’t told me what I’m testifying about."

Dominic’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "I need you to confirm Vanessa is DR Holdings’ true perfumer—that the recent bestsellers were her creations."

Sophia’s nails dug into her palms. "And what about Evelyn?"

The room went still.

Vanessa stopped swinging her legs.

Dominic’s expression darkened.

Sophia tilted her head, feigning innocence. "You know, the woman who actually made those perfumes?"

Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating.

Then Dominic leaned back, his voice dropping to a dangerous murmur.

"Choose your next words carefully, Sophia."