Chapter 53

Victoria Sterling smirked when Evelyn Carter agreed without hesitation. Though Phoenix Labs was newly established under Celestia Group, its team consisted of the industry's finest. That was precisely why Victoria resented Evelyn's unorthodox hiring. Now, she finally had the perfect excuse to remove her from the team—and the company entirely.

"Don't you dare back out of our deal. I despise people who go back on their word," Victoria added sharply, fearing Evelyn might change her mind.

"Relax, I won’t. Just like you, I can’t stand dishonesty," Evelyn replied with a nod.

Victoria arched a brow and gestured toward the table. "Come here."

Evelyn rose and approached. The moment she entered, she noticed three identical fragrance bottles placed before Victoria. Their liquid levels matched perfectly—a telltale sign of product testing. In the fragrance industry, new lines underwent rigorous stability checks, and a perfumer’s expertise determined their success.

Evelyn waited silently as Victoria finally spoke. "These were rejected by the company. Tell me why they failed to meet standards." She tilted her chin toward the bottles. The others exchanged glances but stayed quiet, intrigued by the unfolding challenge.

Evelyn blinked, almost amused. That’s it?

Victoria ignored her reaction, reclining in her chair with a smug expectancy.

Without hesitation, Evelyn picked up the center bottle, studying its contents before moving to the next. She didn’t uncap them—just observed each one with deliberate focus. The room buzzed with silent judgment, their stares sharp with disdain.

News of Evelyn’s controversial hiring had spread. To them, she was a traitor—someone who’d betrayed her former employer’s secrets for a position at Phoenix Labs.

Evelyn ignored the hostility. Confidence was her armor now.

After a thorough inspection, she set the bottles back in place and met Victoria’s gaze.

Victoria sipped her tea, waiting for Evelyn to admit defeat. When no such confession came, she scoffed. "That’s it? You’re giving up already? Fine, I won’t humiliate you further—"

"Ms. Sterling, you must be joking," Evelyn interrupted, catching Victoria off guard.

Victoria’s lips parted mid-sentence.

"Why would the company reject these?" Evelyn continued smoothly. "They’re not failures—they’re the newly launched line, aren’t they? Released barely two weeks ago and already selling out."

A stunned silence followed.

Victoria’s smirk faltered.

Evelyn’s lips curved. "Unless, of course, this was never about the fragrances at all."