Chapter 7

The crowd gasped in shock. Almost no one had heard from Evelyn Carter since she vanished from the industry, much less about her connection to Dominic Reeves.

The reporters were practically vibrating with excitement. What they thought would be a routine coverage of tonight's event had suddenly exploded into a scandal involving intellectual property theft and betrayal. Their fingers itched to start typing.

Evelyn remained composed as Dominic approached her with feigned disappointment. "You were part of DR Holdings family. When did you become so ambitious that you'd jump ship without notice?" His voice carried clearly through the microphone. "And take our product with you?"

Murmurs spread through the audience like wildfire.

"So she's the traitor. That explains the plagiarism claims," someone muttered.

"The media hyped her up too much when she won that Best Innovator award. Look at her now," another scoffed.

"This is corporate espionage! Someone call the authorities!"

"Not only has she lost her sense of smell, but her morals too. Pretty face, ugly soul."

The venomous comments kept coming. Dominic struggled to hide his satisfaction. Though confused by the situation, he'd successfully diverted attention from his company's crisis.

Turning to Phoenix Labs' representative with false magnanimity, Dominic declared, "Clearly your company was misled. This is all a misunderstanding. While you're not at fault, everyone knows intellectual property belongs to its original creator. Eternal Bloom is DR Holdings' creation."

"Mr. Reeves," Evelyn's calm voice cut through his speech, "you claim I worked for DR Holdings?" Her serene smile unnerved him inexplicably.

Dominic straightened his tie. "Not anymore, obviously. Today's events are regrettable."

Evelyn chuckled. "Was I ever officially employed by DR Holdings?" Before he could respond, she continued, "Show me the contract. The pay stubs. Any proof of employment."

"Proof? Our entire staff can vouch for you!" Dominic countered.

"So that's a no?" Evelyn's simple question silenced him.

He'd exploited her loyalty, avoiding formal contracts to maintain control. Her sporadic income came through his discretionary payments for her apartment and expenses - a calculated move that now backfired spectacularly.

"Regardless, we're not obligated to provide documentation here," Vanessa Blake interjected haughtily from the audience. "This isn't your stage. As your former friend, I suggest you leave quietly."

Vanessa's words sparked an idea. Dominic grabbed Evelyn's wrist, hissing through clenched teeth, "We'll discuss this privately later." His grip tightened in silent warning.

Evelyn effortlessly freed herself. "Mr. Reeves, why wouldn't you defend your rights when the committee has identified you and Ms. Blake as victims of plagiarism? I trust the judges will be fair."

She turned to the host. "We've submitted Eternal Bloom's complete research data and samples. We have faith in the committee's impartiality."

"Wait!" Dominic raised his hand. "Since Ms. Carter had access to our research, identical submissions prove nothing! How can the committee determine the truth?"

Sweat beaded on his forehead. The identical data was problematic - after all, Evelyn had created the original formula.

With his options narrowing, Dominic pivoted to damage control. If he couldn't stop Evelyn, he'd paint her as the villain to salvage DR Holdings' reputation.

The host received a message and straightened. "Mr. Reeves, rest assured - while the submissions are similar, the judges found critical differences."

Dominic paled. Vanessa began fidgeting, catching whiffs of an odd scent that made nearby attendees subtly edge away.

"The judges declare Phoenix Labs' Eternal Bloom the winner!" the host announced.

Dominic's face contorted. "Impossible! We developed Eternal Bloom over years! The resources we invested—this is corporate favoritism! Celestia Group's influence can't justify crushing smaller companies like ours!"

His impassioned plea resonated with many independent perfumers in attendance.

"This is outrageous! If the formulas are identical, why did Phoenix win?" someone shouted.

"Daylight robbery! Call the police!"

Evelyn watched Dominic's performance with amusement. "Since you insist on evidence..." She accepted two small vials from a Phoenix Labs associate.