Chapter 81

Evelyn smiled mysteriously, her lips curving into a playful smirk. Victoria raised an eyebrow but decided not to pry further. "Alright then, Miss Mysterious! Since your knight in shining armor is picking you up, I won’t play chauffeur today. See you tomorrow!"

Evelyn nodded, waving as Victoria pulled out of the parking lot. Just as Victoria was about to turn onto the main road, she glanced back—only to see Evelyn sprinting in the opposite direction. Curiosity got the better of her, and she slowed down, watching as Evelyn dashed toward a sleek black sedan and slipped inside. The windows were tinted too dark to reveal the driver.

"God, I’m such a gossip," Victoria muttered, shaking her head with a laugh. But as she pressed the accelerator, the sedan overtook her in a blur. Her breath hitched. "Wait—was that a Maybach?"

Inside the car, Alexander Kensington reached out, fingers brushing through Evelyn’s damp hair. "You smell incredible. Just showered?"

"Mm-hmm," she hummed, leaning into his touch. "Three times. Wanted to make sure I got all the lab chemicals out."

Alexander shifted, letting her nestle against his shoulder. He lifted a strand of her hair, inhaling deeply. "Perfect," he murmured.

Evelyn beamed. "I passed my evaluation. Officially a Phoenix Labs team member now."

Alexander frowned. "I thought Gregory already confirmed your position."

"It’s not about the title," she explained. "It’s about proving I belong there on my own merit." Since leaving DR Holdings, she hadn’t made many allies in the industry. The lawsuit and relentless media scrutiny had worn her down. But Alexander had been her anchor through it all.

His thumb traced the rough patches on her fingers—evidence of long hours in the lab, handling volatile compounds. "DR Holdings is about to have some trouble," he said casually.

"What kind?" she asked, letting him toy with her hand.

"Essential oil contamination in their latest fragrance line. Failed quality checks. They’ve even recalled staff from vacation to fix it."

Evelyn’s lips twitched. "That explains it."

"Explains what?"

"Nate and Vanessa called. Wanted to meet in person. Probably about their little oil crisis."

Alexander’s grip tightened slightly. "You didn’t agree, did you?"

"Of course not," she scoffed. "I’m the defendant, they’re the plaintiffs. We shouldn’t even be speaking outside court. Besides, I’m done cleaning up their messes."

Her lips, still flushed from her shower, pursed in irritation. Alexander smirked, captivated by her defiance. He cupped her chin, pulling her in. "Good answer," he murmured before closing the distance between them.