Chapter 233

Evelyn blinked, her expression clouded with confusion. "Excuse me?"

Adrian had caught the peculiar tension between Evelyn and Nathan. His voice carried a tinge of resignation as he spoke.

"If you want to return to him, I won't stand in your way."

Evelyn let out a soft laugh. "What's gotten into you? Since when did you become so defeatist?"

Adrian shrugged, his lips quirking into a wry smile. "If I have to lose to Nathan Sterling, that's not exactly shameful."

His expression turned serious. "But Evelyn, you should consider carefully. The past issues still exist. If you two reconcile, those problems need addressing first."

Evelyn's eyes flashed. "Who said anything about reconciliation?"

Adrian's gaze sharpened as he studied her face.

"Evelyn, are you saying—"

She shook her head slowly. "I have no intention of getting back with him. Not now. Maybe never."

Adrian's breath hitched. "Does that mean... I still have a chance?"

Evelyn met his hopeful stare directly.

It was time to set things straight.

"Adrian, are you absolutely certain I'm your destined choice in this life?"

"Without question," he answered instantly. "You're the only woman I want. I was a fool before. Had I known you were my arranged marriage match, I would've never objected. I just want another opportunity."

Evelyn lowered her lashes.

She hadn't anticipated such stubborn devotion. She'd assumed his feelings were fleeting - a passing infatuation.

Now she found herself unable to give him what he sought.

The only solution was complete detachment.

"Adrian, resign from Kingsley Industries. With your capabilities, you're wasted here. You deserve better prospects. Even returning to Prescott Enterprises would be preferable."

Understanding dawned in Adrian's eyes. "Evelyn, are you trying to—"

"It's not personal. Kingsley simply can't provide the platform your talents require."

Adrian remained unfazed. "I don't care about that. Being near you is enough."

"Adrian!" Her voice turned firm. "I'll approve your resignation. This isn't negotiable."

Silence descended upon the office.

Neither spoke for what felt like an eternity.

Finally, Adrian broke the stillness. "If this is truly what you want, I'll comply. But understand this - my feelings won't vanish simply because—"

"If possible, I'd gladly bind myself to you through that arranged marriage. Even if it meant having just a fragment of your life, I'd accept it willingly."

His gaze swept the room, always returning to her.

"Evelyn, if we can't be lovers, let's remain friends. We've known each other since childhood, after all."

After a beat, Evelyn nodded. "Fine."

She didn't realize Adrian was maneuvering the situation.

"All romantic relationships begin as friendships. Evelyn, even if I leave Kingsley and return to Prescott Enterprises, my heart remains with you. Do you understand?"

He continued, "I won't resign immediately. I'll see the Whitmore project through to completion first. But my ultimate goal remains your happiness."

"Adrian—" Evelyn began, but he cut her off with a resigned smile.

"What? Having second thoughts about letting me go already?"