Chapter 9

To everyone's shock, including Dominic Reeves, Vanessa Blake stepped forward and confessed.

"Since Mr. Reeves insists that Ms. Blake was the creator of Eternal Bloom, she should know every detail of it," Evelyn Carter said coolly. "So, Ms. Blake, why don’t you tell me the difference between these two samples? What exactly did I alter in the formula? Which note did I change?"

Vanessa paled. She hadn’t set foot in a lab in two years. Even if she remembered the basics, each perfume had its own unique formula, measurements, and raw materials.

While Evelyn had been buried in her work perfecting Eternal Bloom, Vanessa had been busy clinging to Dominic’s arm. Why bother with tedious formulas when she could secure fame and fortune just by being his chosen one?

Her fingers tightened around the hem of Dominic’s sleeve, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Dominic noticed her distress and instinctively moved to shield her. "You’re the one who tampered with the formula. How would Vanessa know what you changed? You’ve already admitted to sabotaging DR Holdings’ perfume. This farce should end now—"

"I admitted to altering my own formula, not stealing it," Evelyn cut in sharply. "The formula belongs to me. I can modify it as I please. But if Vanessa truly created Eternal Bloom, shouldn’t she recognize every detail? Or is this a case of the thief accusing the victim?"

The accusation landed like a slap. Vanessa, caught off guard, could only stammer, "Y-You’re lying! You—"

Before she could finish, she swayed dramatically and collapsed.

"Vanessa!" Dominic lunged forward, catching her before she hit the ground. He shot a glare at the host. "Due to Ms. Blake’s condition, DR Holdings must withdraw from the event."

Then, his icy gaze locked onto Evelyn. "But this isn’t over."

Evelyn watched, unimpressed, as he carried Vanessa away.

How predictable. When cornered, play the fainting damsel.

The scandal forced the committee to withhold Eternal Bloom’s award, though the rest of the ceremony continued.

As Evelyn left the venue, reporters swarmed her.

"Ms. Carter, did you plan today’s confrontation?"

"After disappearing from the industry two years ago, was this your revenge for being framed?"

"Rumors say you and Dominic Reeves were involved. Is this personal?"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "You’ll get your answers soon enough."

With that, she slipped into the waiting limousine, shutting out the flashing cameras.

The moment the door closed, the noise vanished. The cool air inside made her shiver—until a warm jacket draped over her shoulders.

"You’re still here?" She turned, surprised to see Alexander Kensington.

"Would I miss such an entertaining performance?" He leaned back, sighing. "Though the ending was… unsatisfying."

Evelyn smirked. "This isn’t the end. Just the beginning."

Alexander arched a brow. "Oh?"

"I won’t let thieves keep what’s mine."

Her phone buzzed. Isabella "Bella" Thornton’s name flashed on the screen.

Evelyn answered, only to be met with wild laughter.

"That was brilliant! I’ve never seen Vanessa so humiliated!" Bella cackled. "When you told me to tweak their sample, I didn’t expect this! She looked like she’d swallowed a lemon on live broadcast!"

Evelyn glanced at Alexander, who was pretending not to listen. "Bella, tone it down."

"Tone it down? Never! But wait—you’re leaving DR Holdings, right? You’re with Phoenix Labs now? When did that happen? Are they treating you well?"

Evelyn’s cheeks warmed. "We’ll talk later. Dominic will come after you. Deny everything and blame me, understand?"

Bella scoffed. "Please. I’ve dealt with worse. But you—he’s going to be furious. Stay at my place tonight. I’ll protect you."

Before Evelyn could reply, Alexander’s sharp gaze pinned her in place.

"N-No need," she stammered. "I’ve got it covered. Talk tomorrow." She hung up quickly.

Right.

Her wedding night.

She’d almost forgotten.