Chapter 284

Evelyn Carter exchanged polite smiles with Vivienne Chambers, though her gaze kept drifting toward Harrison Whitmore.

"I must say, Mr. Whitmore, we're honored by your personal attendance this visit. Sterling Enterprises extends its warmest welcome. The journey must have been exhausting - shall I escort you to your accommodations first?"

Harrison's expression turned stormy. "Appreciated, Ms. Chambers," he replied curtly.

Two sleek black limousines pulled up abruptly. Vivienne gestured toward Evelyn.

"After you, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn gave a slight nod. As she slid into the plush leather seat, Harrison immediately claimed the space beside her.

Turning to Vivienne, he stated firmly, "Ms. Carter and I will share this vehicle."

Vivienne's jaw tightened.

Her smile faltered momentarily before she regained composure. "Of course, Mr. Whitmore. I'll follow in the second car."

The door clicked shut as the limousine glided away.

Evelyn bit her lip playfully. "Harrison, Ms. Chambers clearly wanted to ride with you. Aren't you worried about bruising her ego?"

Harrison turned, his fingers brushing through her silken hair.

"What nonsense fills that pretty head of yours?" His voice held amused exasperation.

Evelyn suppressed a giggle. Seeing Harrison so serious was a rare sight.

Teasingly, she pressed further. "But Vivienne's stunning. Doesn't she... affect you at all?"

"Not even slightly," came his immediate, icy response.

Evelyn's heart soared. Suddenly even the breeze through the window felt sweeter.

Her good mood evaporated upon reaching the hotel. The building's faded grandeur suggested better days long past, its decor frozen in time a decade ago.

Vivienne emerged from the trailing vehicle. "Mr. Whitmore, Ms. Carter, shall we?"

Evelyn prided herself on adaptability, but Vivienne's next words stunned her.

"This is our region's finest establishment. We hope you'll find it comfortable."

Finest? This?

Evelyn questioned every life choice that led her here.

Harrison noticed her hesitation. "Unacceptable?"

She shook her head. Business trips required flexibility, even when standards fell short.

Her optimism shattered upon entering the assigned room.

A sagging wooden bed dominated the space, its yellowed linens faintly musty.

Evelyn felt her composure cracking.

"Ms. Carter, here's your key card," Vivienne said sweetly, then turned to Harrison. "Mr. Whitmore, your suite is on the penthouse level. Allow me to show you."

Harrison gave Evelyn a reassuring glance before following Vivienne out.

Alone, Evelyn conducted a thorough inspection.

The yellowing wasn't limited to the bedding - curtains bore water stains, windows showed weather damage.

"Just a few nights," she muttered, taking deep calming breaths.

"Right this way, Mr. Whitmore." Vivienne led Harrison to a sprawling penthouse rivaling Kingsley Industries' corporate suites.

Facing the opulent space, Harrison's eyes darkened dangerously. "Is this your idea of equitable hospitality, Ms. Chambers?"

His tone carried unmistakable accusation.

Vivienne's smile never wavered. "We only maintain two premium suites, Mr. Whitmore. I'm occupying the other."