Chapter 283

Isabella's eyes sparkled with sudden inspiration. "Tell me, darling. Do you have any brilliant plans?"

The man loomed over her, pressing her into the mattress as his voice dropped to a seductive whisper. "If you want my secrets, you'll have to earn them first."

What followed was another hour of passionate moans and tangled sheets.

At dawn, Evelyn had already packed her luggage. Just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed with Dominic's call.

"Evie, I heard you're heading to Dunhill."

Evelyn sighed, knowing her brother's intelligence network was impeccable. "Yes, Harrison's coming with me."

"I've got a contact there. Call him if you need anything."

She hummed in response. "Thanks Dom, but I'm not your little girl anymore. I can handle myself."

Dominic's protective instincts kicked in. "Is Maxwell joining you?"

"He's taking the later flight with the team. We'll regroup tomorrow."

This seemed to reassure him somewhat. With Harrison and Maxwell watching over her, the risks were manageable.

"Listen," his voice turned serious. "I know you've always been independent. But Dunhill's security is questionable. I'm increasing your protection detail."

"I know, Dom."

As she spoke, Evelyn spotted Harrison approaching in the distance.

She waved at him before continuing. "Relax, Harrison's got this. Talk later." Hanging up, she hurried toward the waiting billionaire.

"Harrison."

With practiced ease, he took her suitcase, passing it to his assistant before interlacing their fingers. They boarded the private jet together.

Five hours later, the plane touched down at Dunhill Airport. The local partners from Sterling Enterprises had arranged for their reception.

Emerging through VIP security, they were greeted by a group holding a massive sign in Kidhnian: "Welcome to Dunhill, Ms. Carter & Mr. Whitmore!"

Evelyn approached, conversing fluently in Eliganese. "Sterling Enterprises?"

A young man in his twenties brightened. "Ms. Carter?"

At her nod, he guided them through a private corridor. "I'm Colton, assistant to Director Chambers. She's been waiting in the car. We'll take you to the hotel first to recover from jet lag. Business meetings can wait until tomorrow."

Evelyn approved of the arrangements.

Exiting the airport, they spotted a striking blonde in a tailored pantsuit. The woman's blue eyes skimmed over Evelyn before locking onto Harrison with predatory interest.

"Mr. Whitmore, what an honor."

Evelyn might as well have been invisible.

Harrison's eyebrow arched. He deliberately stepped closer to Evelyn. "This is Ms. Carter, President of Kingsley Industries and lead on our joint venture."

Only then did the woman acknowledge Evelyn's existence. "Vivienne Chambers. A pleasure."

"The pleasure's mine," Evelyn replied coolly, already disliking the woman's calculated smile.