Chapter 100

Leonard Kingsley and his three grandsons had been seated in the parlor for nearly an hour when the Whitmore family arrived.

The news broadcast had initially brought them relief, seeing their beloved Evelyn safe. But as the details sank in, questions began forming in their minds.

How had Harrison Whitmore and Evelyn already been portrayed as a couple across social media?

Julian Hartwell clenched his fists, regretting his decision to take an earlier flight to meet friends in Darai instead of accompanying his sister home.

Arthur Whitmore entered first, his arm linked with his wife Beatrice. "Harrison, greet Mr. Kingsley properly."

Harrison stepped forward with perfect posture. "Good evening, Mr. Kingsley."

Leonard adjusted his navy suit jacket. Though silver-haired, his piercing gaze remained sharp as ever.

Dominic Kingsley exchanged a brief nod with Harrison. As former classmates at Harvard, they shared mutual respect.

Elliot Kingsley studied Harrison analytically, already considering hacking into the Fulton servers for background checks.

Julian's glare could have melted steel. No one would take his sister away again.

"Evelyn is resting upstairs," Harrison informed them calmly.

"You don't get to call her that!" Julian's outburst earned a warning look from Leonard.

Turning to Harrison, Leonard demanded, "These media reports about you and my granddaughter - what exactly is happening?"

Beatrice clapped her hands excitedly. "We'd be delighted to welcome Evelyn into our family! The wedding arrangements should begin immediately."

"When Harrison heard about Evelyn's plane incident, he commandeered a helicopter to reach her," Arthur added proudly.

"I want to hear this from the young man himself," Leonard stated firmly.

The Kingsleys had come seeking answers. Harrison's presence at the chaotic airport despite his limited interactions with Evelyn raised questions.

Leonard's sharp eyes assessed the young CEO who'd built an empire before thirty. Even Dominic vouched for his character.

Perhaps Evelyn's failed marriage had been Leonard's oversight. But if Harrison had genuine feelings...

"We shouldn't rush this," Harrison said carefully.

Leonard arched an eyebrow. "Do you think my granddaughter isn't good enough because she's divorced? She has no shortage of suitors!"

"Harrison doesn't care about past relationships," Beatrice interjected, nudging her son forward.

Under the collective scrutiny, Harrison remained composed.

"I've admired Evelyn for years," he confessed. "Beneath her strength, she's still healing. She may only see me as a friend now. I ask that you give her time to know the real me."

Leonard's expression softened visibly.

Even Evelyn's protective brothers couldn't fault Harrison's sincerity. His respect for Evelyn's healing process contrasted sharply with Nathan Sterling's behavior.

Beatrice and Arthur exchanged proud smiles.

Outside the doorway, Evelyn pressed a hand to her chest. The self-pity she'd felt at the airport now seemed ridiculous.

Her entire family - and Harrison - only wanted her happiness. Why should she remain chained to the past?

With renewed determination, she returned to her room where a maid presented a new phone.

"Ms. Kingsley, you have a call."

Lying across her bed, Evelyn glanced at the screen and waved dismissively. "Block it."

Across the ocean in Frenda, Nathan Sterling stared at his phone's rejection notification.

"Simon!" he barked. "Give me your phone!"