Chapter 85

Evelyn smirked at Dominic, her gaze icy. She had zero interest in entertaining him and immediately turned her attention back to her phone.

Dominic clenched his jaw. He knew she was deliberately ignoring him, so he shifted tactics. "Vanessa and I have been doing some serious reflection these past few days," he began, forcing a conciliatory tone. "Our personal issues shouldn’t interfere with business. Honestly, we don’t care who apologizes first. You’ve contributed a lot to DR Holdings, and we’re willing to drop the lawsuit. From now on, you can do whatever you want. Let’s just move past this, okay?"

Evelyn didn’t even glance at him. Instead, she turned to the lawyer beside her. "What do you think, Mr. Whitmore?"

Julian Whitmore had remained silent throughout the exchange, occasionally jotting down notes. At Evelyn’s question, he lifted his head. "Absolutely not, Ms. Carter."

Dominic’s expression darkened. "This is between us. There’s no need for outside interference!" He glared at Evelyn. "Where did you even find this so-called lawyer? He’s clearly unprofessional—probably a fraud. He doesn’t know what’s best for you. You won’t win in court. My offer is your best option right now!"

Evelyn scoffed. "Oh, should I be grateful?" She gestured toward Julian. "This is Phoenix Labs’ legal consultant. You really think he’s a fraud? Look at yourself—a pathetic excuse of a man who steals credit for other people’s work."

Dominic’s patience snapped. "How dare you!" he seethed, humiliation burning in his chest. "Evelyn, you’ve crossed a line!"

"I’ve crossed a line?" Evelyn’s voice dripped with disdain. "You accused me of betraying DR Holdings. You want me to just let it go? Tell me—why should I? When have I ever betrayed the company? I spent years in the lab, running endless experiments, traveling across countries for the best ingredients. DR Holdings profited off my labor. Meanwhile, what did you and Vanessa contribute? Nothing."

Dominic faltered, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

Evelyn’s lips curled in disgust. "Honestly, even the company’s name makes me sick now. I did all the work while you two reaped the rewards. Just thinking about it turns my stomach."

Vanessa finally snapped. "Watch your mouth, Evelyn!"

"What I say isn’t half as filthy as what you’ve done." Evelyn grabbed her bag and stood. "Let’s go, Mr. Whitmore. The air in here is rancid."

Dominic shot up and grabbed her wrist. "Wait! I didn’t call you here to argue. Can’t we at least talk?"

Evelyn froze, then slowly looked down at his grip on her. "No." Her voice was glacial.

Dominic gritted his teeth. "At least tell me—is there really an issue with the formula?" His voice wavered with poorly concealed desperation. If the formula was flawed, it wouldn’t just affect this batch—it would ruin DR Holdings’ future. He had to know, even if it meant groveling.

Evelyn met his gaze. The man who once looked at her with affection now wore nothing but panic. Pathetic. "Haven’t you figured it out already?" she said coolly before wrenching her arm free and walking away.