Chapter 69

Laboratories were typically situated far from bustling city centers.

The reasons were practical.

First, they required expansive spaces that came cheaper in suburban areas.

Second, researchers needed undisturbed environments for precise experiments.

Additionally, sourcing raw materials proved easier outside urban congestion.

During Evelyn's tenure at DR Holdings, their facility had also occupied the city's outskirts.

But Dominic's limited budget only afforded half of a rundown factory building.

She remembered how he'd personally handled raw material procurement back then.

Dominic would always beam with pride at their finished products, spinning dreams of their future together.

Empty promises, all of them.

The address Victoria had provided was remote, yet accessible by cab.

What greeted Evelyn wasn't the expected factory, but an entire office tower.

While architecturally unremarkable, its presence in this desolate area surprised her.

"Ms. Sterling, I've arrived," Evelyn announced, standing before the secured entrance.

The building boasted tight security - guards and electronic access systems.

This was clearly Phoenix Labs' headquarters.

"Five minutes," came Victoria's clipped response before the line went dead.

Evelyn surveyed the barren surroundings.

Few residences dotted the landscape.

This was nothing like the makeshift lab she'd worked in with Dominic.

But backed by the mighty Celestia Group, Phoenix Labs would never settle for such ramshackle quarters.

Their old factory could've been mistaken for an auto parts workshop.

True to her word, Victoria emerged five minutes later.

Gone was the polished executive - now she wore a lab coat with hair tucked under a surgical cap.

After swiping her access card, Victoria fixed Evelyn with an icy stare.

"Follow me. Speak only when spoken to. Understood?"

Evelyn nodded. "Understood."

The elevator ascended to the seventh floor.

An attendant immediately provided Evelyn with protective gear - coat, cap, and shoe covers.

She donned them efficiently, completing the required sanitation protocol.

The unscented disinfectant soap confirmed this was indeed a perfumery lab.

While perfumers didn't require hospital-level sterility, basic hygiene standards were mandatory.

But upon entering, Evelyn realized this was no ordinary laboratory.

The overwhelming stench assaulted her senses, triggering her gag reflex.

She fought to keep her stomach contents down as her eyes watered.

Victoria showed no reaction to the foul odor.

Instead, she watched Evelyn's struggle with grim satisfaction.

"Ms. Sterling...is this my second test?" Evelyn guessed between controlled breaths.

Victoria's lips curled slightly. "Does it frighten you?"