Chapter 93

Vanessa glanced at the flashing screen displaying Dominic's name. She shot Isabella one last icy look, thrust the test tube back into her hands, and hissed, "Choose your next words carefully. Don't embarrass yourself further!" With that, she spun on her heel and marched away.

"Where the hell have you been?" Dominic's voice crackled through the phone, sharp as shattered glass.

"I was at the lab," Vanessa snapped, bristling at his tone. "Trying to salvage this disaster since Evelyn refuses to lift a finger. DR Holdings is our company too, Dominic. Or have you forgotten?"

"Stop being dramatic. Nobody's sinking. Get your things - I'm picking you up in five," he barked before abruptly ending the call. Vanessa stared at her phone, then at the lab doors. No point begging Isabella again. Time for Plan B.

When Dominic's car screeched to a halt outside Phoenix Labs, Vanessa had already perfected her distressed damsel act - tousled hair, red-rimmed eyes, the whole pathetic package. "Dom, I—"

"What the hell happened to you?" He recoiled. "I said be ready, not look like some lab rat's chew toy."

Vanessa climbed in, bottom lip trembling. "I've been working nonstop. While you've been brooding, I've been testing every variable—"

"Any breakthroughs?" The hope in his voice made her stomach twist.

She shook her head mournfully. "The formula's too volatile. One wrong component and..." Her voice cracked artfully. "It's not just ingredients, it's—"

"Enough." Dominic gripped the steering wheel. "Evelyn wouldn't be so cocky if this were simple. There's someone who might help."

"Who?" Vanessa perked up.

"First, fix your face. We're making an impression." His critical once-over made her cheeks burn.

"Yes, of course." She fastened her seatbelt with exaggerated care, watching Dominic's expression soften. Good. Men always fell for the wounded bird routine.

Dominic's fingers suddenly gripped her chin. The kiss was more possession than passion, teeth clashing as he poured his frustration into it. When they broke apart, Vanessa's pulse raced - not from desire, but calculation.

Meanwhile, across town, Evelyn adjusted her rearview mirror, steering toward Crestview Heights. Donovan's unexpected appearance had changed everything.