Chapter 179

Evelyn walked back into her office with determined steps. She handed off all the less critical projects to Maxwell without hesitation.

Her focus shifted entirely to reviewing the extensive materials for the upcoming fashion exhibition. Time was slipping through her fingers.

As evening descended, the executive floor of Kingsley Industries remained illuminated. The glow from Evelyn's office window cut through the darkness.

Harrison approached with an armful of documents. Through the glass, he saw Evelyn completely immersed in her work. The sight made his expression soften involuntarily.

He rapped his knuckles against the door before pushing it open.

The scene that greeted him was chaotic - design sketches scattered across the floor like fallen leaves. Harrison knelt down, gathering each one carefully.

Evelyn sat chewing her pencil eraser, her forehead creased with frustration.

When she spotted Harrison, her professional facade crumbled instantly.

"What am I going to do? My mind's completely blank - I can't sketch anything worthwhile!" Her voice trembled with stress.

Harrison organized the collected designs before approaching her. "If the ideas aren't coming, you need to step away. Forcing it won't help."

Evelyn bit her lower lip anxiously.

"But I've already wasted an entire day. Only forty-eight hours remain."

Harrison reached out, gently smoothing her hair before taking the pencil from her fingers. He clasped her hand firmly.

"Come with me. Let's get some air."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "What? Where are we going?"

Harrison maintained his mysterious smile as he guided her toward the elevator. Evelyn had to quicken her pace to match his long strides.

They descended to the underground parking garage in silence.

Harrison opened the passenger door of his car. Evelyn hesitated. "Harrison, what's this about?"

"You'll see," he replied, starting the engine with a smooth purr.

As the city lights blurred past the windows, Evelyn felt her tension gradually easing.

The car navigated through downtown before turning onto a charming cobblestone street lined with historic buildings.

Harrison found parking near an impressive neoclassical structure.

Evelyn's eyes widened in recognition. "The Arts District? Why are we here?"

Harrison removed the keys from the ignition. "Inspiration hunt," he said simply.

Though skeptical, Evelyn followed him out into the crisp night air.

The cultural center buzzed with evening activity - couples strolling, street performers entertaining, and families enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Their footsteps fell into sync as they walked along the brick pathway, their silhouettes blending perfectly in the golden streetlight.

"Harrison, look!" Evelyn suddenly gripped his arm, pointing toward a gathered crowd.

Harrison followed her gaze. "Ah, a shadow puppet performance. Want to check it out?"

Having grown up abroad, Evelyn found the traditional art form fascinating. The way the puppeteers manipulated intricate silhouettes against the illuminated screen captivated her.

"How does this work exactly?" she whispered.

Harrison pointed to the artists behind the screen. "See how they control the puppets while narrating the story? They combine folk music with contemporary pop to create something entirely new."

"It's a modern interpretation of traditional Kidhnian performing arts," he explained.

Evelyn nodded, fascinated. "Let's get closer."

They maneuvered through the crowd until they reached the front. The performance was a contemporary retelling of the classic "East Side Story."

Evelyn became completely absorbed. Even after the final curtain, she remained spellbound.

"That was incredible!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with newfound energy. The creative block that had plagued her all day seemed to melt away under the streetlights.