Chapter 134

Harrison didn't stop until they reached the far end of the hallway. "Go ahead. Your answers are waiting inside." With a gentle push, he opened the door and stepped through.

"Mr. Kingsley, I've brought Evelyn."

Evelyn gasped. Following Harrison's gaze, she saw Leonard seated in an armchair.

"Grandfather!" Her face lit up with joy as she rushed forward without hesitation, throwing herself into his embrace.

"Grandfather, why didn't you tell me you were coming to Sterling Enterprises?"

Leonard chuckled warmly. "I wanted it to be a surprise."

Beatrice's voice suddenly chimed in, making Evelyn jump. "I was the one who insisted on secrecy."

"Aunt Beatrice! You're here too!"

Beatrice stepped forward and playfully pinched Evelyn's nose. "How could I miss this? We heard all about your electrifying speech to the board!"

Evelyn's cheeks flushed pink. "That bet with Mr. Hawthorne isn't exactly confidential anymore. What's your next move?"

She gave a sheepish grin. "Work harder than ever to reach my target."

"Excellent attitude!" Leonard beamed. "That confidence reminds me of my younger self!"

"Now that Harrison is stationed at Sterling Enterprises too, you two can collaborate closely," Beatrice added. "Any work challenges, bring them to him."

Evelyn turned curious eyes toward Harrison. "So... you're leaving Fulton Group to manage Horizon Technologies here?"

Beatrice nodded. "Our families jointly invested in Horizon. Harrison will take temporary leadership."

Understanding dawned on Evelyn. The name "Horizon" and its initials "HT" suddenly made sense - a fusion of the Hartwell and Whitmore legacies.

Her eyes sparkled. "With Harrison backing me, I'll conquer Sterling Enterprises in no time!"

Harrison met her gaze, his affection undisguised.

When they reentered the grand hall arm-in-arm, every eye followed them. Harrison remained unbothered by the attention as he introduced Evelyn to Horizon's partners.

Since her divorce from Nathan, most of Sterling Enterprises' elite had kept their distance out of respect for the Blackwell family. But with Horizon's endorsement, attitudes shifted instantly. Several lucrative offers came Evelyn's way.

"See?" Harrison murmured in her ear. "These projects should keep you busy through next quarter."

Evelyn laughed softly. "Thank you for this incredible support! My 30% performance boost seems achievable now."

Harrison shook his head with an amused smile. "Aim higher."

"You're right. I've already gone all in - failure isn't an option now."

"Don't worry," he assured her. "With me here, no one can touch your position."

"I'll hold you to that," she teased.

Their easy camaraderie drew envious glances. Among the crowd, one pair of eyes remained fixed on them with unsettling intensity.

Nathan's expression darkened as he recalled being barred from following them earlier. Suppressed rage simmered in his gaze as he drained glass after glass.

The expensive wine tasted like ash on his tongue.

After countless refills, Nathan finally set down his glass with a decisive click and strode toward Evelyn.