Chapter 99

Evelyn accepted the documents with a puzzled frown, flipping through the pages until she spotted the insurance endorsement. It was a policy for her nose—with herself listed as the beneficiary. The coverage amount made her breath hitch. She glanced up at Alexander, eyes wide. "Isn't this... excessive?"

"Hardly." He arched a brow, leaning against his desk. "For a perfumer, your nose is your greatest asset. Talent can't be replicated, but protection? That’s just good sense."

It was true. A master perfumer’s ability to distinguish hundreds of scents was irreplaceable. Yet, only the elite in the industry bothered with such precautions. Evelyn hesitated. She wasn’t some renowned name—just an up-and-coming talent. Did she really warrant this?

Alexander stepped closer, pressing a pen into her hand. "Everything about you is necessary to me. Sign it."

Her chest tightened. The gesture was more than financial security—it was a declaration. She scrawled her signature, then met his gaze. "Thank you."

His lips curved. "Don’t thank me. Repay me."

Evelyn rose onto her toes, arms looping around his neck as she kissed him—slow, deliberate, pouring every ounce of gratitude into it.

Meanwhile, at Sapphine International, Vanessa adjusted her oversized sunglasses with an impatient huff. "Dominic, if you don’t tell me who we’re waiting for in the next five seconds, I’m leaving."

He barely glanced at her, scanning the crowd. "Someone important. Be patient."

Vanessa scoffed. Important? They’d been standing here for nearly an hour, and Dominic had been cagey the entire time. She’d dressed to impress—new designer outfit, flawless makeup—only to play guessing games.

Dominic’s phone buzzed. No answer—again. His jaw clenched. Things had spiraled since Evelyn’s transformation. She’d become stubborn, defiant, and Olivia—no, Isabella—had followed suit. The woman was practically begging to be fired, dragging her feet on every task.

His thoughts snapped back to the present as a tall figure strode past—gold-rimmed glasses, sharp features. Dominic’s pulse spiked. He fumbled for his phone, pulling up the reference photo.

That was him.

"Mr. Dubois!" Dominic called, grabbing Vanessa’s wrist and dragging her forward. "Wait—Mr. Dubois!"

Vanessa stumbled, heels clicking against the marble. "Who the hell—?"

But Dominic was already sprinting, desperation lacing his voice as he chased after the retreating figure.