Chapter 402

Harrison Whitmore departed with Evelyn Carter without waiting for Nathan Sterling's response. In an instant, Nathan found himself standing alone in the cavernous lobby.

He resembled a solitary vessel adrift on endless waters, still searching for his true course.

After what felt like an eternity, Simon approached cautiously. "Mr. Sterling, are you quite alright?"

Nathan's distant gaze sharpened as he spoke slowly. "Simon... tell me honestly. What was I like before?"

The secretary pressed his lips together. "Sir, are you thinking about Ms. Carter again?"

Having served as Nathan's personal assistant for years, Simon had witnessed every interaction between Evelyn and his employer over the past three years.

Though he hadn't known Evelyn's true identity initially, their daily exchanges revealed Nathan treated her differently from all others.

The irony was Nathan himself remained oblivious to this fact.

"Mr. Sterling, you've always shown Ms. Carter special consideration. Yet even now, you don't fully understand why."

Simon's words plunged Nathan into deeper contemplation.

The assistant sighed quietly. Outsiders always saw the truth more clearly!

——

Evelyn rode away with Harrison.

The moment their car doors closed, Evelyn turned eagerly to Callum Blackwood. "What did you discover?"

Callum deferred to Harrison. "All the information has been transferred to Mr. Whitmore. He can explain better."

Evelyn's brow furrowed as she faced Harrison. "What's this about?"

Harrison produced a dossier. "You asked Callum to investigate Juliette Blackwood's connections. He found someone significant."

"Who?"

"Juliette's childhood friend, Adelaide Montgomery. They were inseparable - practically sisters."

Evelyn flipped through the documents, her eyes catching on a photograph of a young woman.

"The strange part? They severed all contact after that car accident five years ago." Harrison pointed to a crucial detail. "She's a single mother now, running a bookstore near Coronia University."

Evelyn nodded decisively. "Let's meet her."

She needed to understand Juliette's past. What could have driven such close friends apart?

There had to be more to their sudden estrangement.

Their vehicle glided smoothly toward the university district. Callum drove with precision, bringing them to a perfect stop before a quaint storefront.

"We're here," he announced.

Exchanging glances, Evelyn and Harrison stepped into the charming bookstore. The interior boasted vintage decor with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and an adjacent coffee bar.

"Welcome," called a voice. "What can I get you?"

Evelyn immediately recognized Adelaide from the photograph - Juliette's closest confidante.

Noticing new customers, Adelaide launched into her standard introduction. "We carry an extensive collection. If you can't find something, just ask - I'll check our database."