Chapter 6
The figure emerged in a flowing white gown, the spotlight catching every graceful movement as she stepped forward. The simplicity of her attire only accentuated her natural elegance—no jewelry, minimal makeup, yet she commanded the room effortlessly.
"E-Evelyn?!" Dominic's voice cracked with disbelief. His feet moved before his mind could process, closing the distance between them in quick strides. Gripping her wrist, he hissed under his breath, "What the hell are you doing here?"
Evelyn tilted her head, a sly smirk playing on her lips. "Participating in the competition, obviously." She tugged her arm free with deliberate force, stepping past him without hesitation.
"Evelyn!" Dominic's grip tightened, his voice strained. "This isn't the time for games!"
From the VIP booth, Alexander Kensington's gaze sharpened as he watched the exchange, his fingers tightening around his glass.
The next moment, Evelyn wrenched her wrist away, her voice ringing clear across the venue. "Mr. Reeves, if you understand the importance of this event, I suggest you act accordingly." Without another glance, she ascended the stage, leaving Dominic stunned.
Her transformation was jarring. The Evelyn he knew had always been compliant, predictable. Now, she stood before the crowd with an unshakable confidence that unsettled him.
"Good evening, everyone," she began, her voice steady. "I'm Evelyn Carter, lead perfumer at Phoenix Labs, and the creator of Eternal Bloom."
Vanessa Blake's grip on her wine glass turned white-knuckled. She shot Dominic a sharp look, but his attention was fixed on Evelyn, his expression unreadable.
Evelyn continued, unfazed. "The committee informed me of an alleged similarity in our submissions. While I trust the judges' discernment, I welcome any investigation." She stepped back, poised and unshaken, her sincerity undeniable.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Evelyn Carter? Wasn't she that rising star a few years back?"
"Yeah, until that disaster at the Valmont competition. They said she lost her sense of smell."
Vanessa seized the moment, stepping forward with practiced grace. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Vanessa Blake of DR Holdings. I've dedicated years to perfumery, and to have my work stolen—" She paused, feigning distress. "Well, I suppose imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Evelyn met her gaze, unfazed by the venom beneath Vanessa's smile.
The host intervened, "Both sides present compelling arguments. Is this truly a case of plagiarism?"
The crowd erupted.
"Unheard of! The scent is identical!"
"Disgraceful! The industry can't tolerate this!"
Vanessa took the microphone, triumphant. "I despise plagiarism, but I trust the judges will uphold integrity."
"And you, Ms. Carter?" the host pressed.
Evelyn smiled. "I trust my work."
Before the host could conclude, a foul stench cut through the air—rotten, fishy, clashing violently with the perfumed atmosphere.
"What is that?"
Vanessa froze as the crowd recoiled, their disgusted stares locking onto her.
The realization struck like lightning.
The stench was coming from her.
"Evelyn!" Dominic's voice was raw with betrayal. "Why would you do this?!"