Chapter 278

Harrison's knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel. His jaw was clenched tight, but his voice remained steady.

"Listen to your heart, Evelyn. Even if you only see me as a brother, that's perfectly fine. Never force yourself into something you're not comfortable with."

Evelyn felt her throat tighten. No one understood her like Harrison did.

She couldn't bear to hurt him.

Maybe it was time to take that leap of faith.

"I understand, Harrison."

A relieved smile tugged at his lips. "I'll have Horizon Technologies send their Dunhill project representative to Kingsley Industries tomorrow. We can sign the contract then."

Evelyn blinked at the sudden shift in conversation.

"Absolutely! I look forward to our partnership, Mr. Whitmore."

The next morning, Horizon's representative arrived at Kingsley Industries before the morning coffee run.

By 10 AM, the contract was signed with elegant fountain pens.

"Mr. Whitmore," Evelyn said with a professional smile, "consider our companies family now. We'll need to support each other through this venture."

Harrison's intense gaze never wavered. "Naturally, Ms. Carter. The Dunhill project requires significant capital and long-term commitment. When shall we schedule our first site visit?"

Evelyn had anticipated this.

"Next week works perfectly. My assistant has already blocked my calendar. Does that suit your schedule?"

Harrison pretended to consider. "I believe I can make that work."

Their shared smile held unspoken promises.

As they stepped out of the conference room, Evelyn couldn't resist. "Harrison, has anyone ever told you how dangerously attractive you look when you're being all businesslike?"

"Flattery won't get you out of doing your job properly, Evelyn."

She nodded enthusiastically. "You can count on me, Mr. Whitmore."

Evelyn personally escorted Harrison through the lobby. At the building's entrance, he stopped abruptly. "Go back inside. No need to walk me out."

"Until next week then," Evelyn agreed, giving a small wave.

Her attention was completely focused on Harrison's retreating figure when the screech of tires shattered the moment.

Evelyn spun around to see a black sedan careening toward her. Her body froze in shock.

"Evelyn! Move!"

Harrison lunged, tackling her to the pavement. They tumbled across the concrete just as metal crunched against stone.

The car plowed into a light pole with a deafening crash. Shattered glass rained down like deadly confetti.

"Screams erupted around them."

"Someone call an ambulance!"

"The driver's trapped inside!"

"Move! Get help!"

Chaos erupted around them. Evelyn lay dazed, the world spinning violently.

"Evelyn! Are you hurt? Talk to me!" Harrison's frantic hands checked her for injuries.

She shook her head weakly. "I'm okay, Harrison."

He helped her up carefully as a crowd gathered.

The scene was catastrophic - twisted metal, broken glass, and smoke curling from the wreckage. The car's front end was completely demolished.

Evelyn frowned at the vehicle. "Harrison... I think I recognize that car."