Chapter 477

"Harrison, do you ever wonder if I made the right choice not investing in that waterfront property?" Evelyn's fingers tapped nervously against the car window.

Harrison kept his eyes on the road but his grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Second thoughts already, Evelyn?"

She sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's just...their arguments were compelling. If we—"

"Trust your instincts," Harrison interrupted. "That deal smelled fishy from the start."

Evelyn's gaze snapped to him, curiosity sparking in her hazel eyes. She leaned closer, the scent of his cologne wrapping around her. "You know something I don't?"

The corner of Harrison's mouth lifted as he glanced at her. In the reflection of her wide eyes, he could see the streetlights dancing like fireflies. "No inside information. Just common sense. That project moved suspiciously fast."

His fingers drummed against the leather steering wheel. "Since when does coastal development get approved overnight? Red flags everywhere."

Evelyn chewed her bottom lip, considering his words. "You're right. But what's the catch?"

The car fell silent except for the hum of the engine.

Harrison shook his head with a soft chuckle. "Stop overanalyzing. The truth will surface soon enough."

As they exited the highway, Evelyn blinked at the familiar gated community. "Harrison, why are we at your penthouse?"

"Dinner plans," he said simply, parking in his private garage.

Evelyn's heels clicked against the marble floor as Harrison guided her inside. The staff bowed respectfully.

"Welcome home, Mr. Whitmore and Ms. Carter," the head housekeeper greeted.

"Everything prepared, Beatrice?" Harrison asked, shrugging off his suit jacket.

The older woman's eyes twinkled. "The kitchen is fully stocked, sir. I'll take my leave now."

Evelyn caught the knowing look Beatrice gave them before disappearing down the hall. "What exactly—"

Harrison silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Relax. Watch some terrible reality TV." He tossed her the remote. "I'll call you when it's ready."

Before she could protest, Harrison had tied an apron around his waist and vanished behind the kitchen's frosted glass doors.

Curiosity got the better of her. Evelyn tiptoed closer, peering through the gap in the doors. The sight of Harrison chopping vegetables with practiced ease made her breath catch. The rhythmic sound of knife against cutting board mingled with the sizzle of something in a pan.

A warmth spread through her chest that had nothing to do with the penthouse's climate control. This domestic version of the powerful CEO was somehow more intoxicating than any boardroom victory. She pressed a hand to her suddenly racing heart, unaware of the smile blooming on her lips.

The simple intimacy of the moment felt more precious than any five-star restaurant.