Chapter 181

The night passed in deep slumber for Evelyn, who didn't stir until midday sunlight streamed through the office windows.

A sharp knock shattered the silence.

Evelyn stirred, the silk blanket slipping from her shoulders as she blinked at her unfamiliar surroundings. The realization hit her - she'd fallen asleep in her Kingsley Industries office again.

"Come in!" she called out, hastily straightening her blouse.

The door swung open to reveal Maxwell, balancing a breakfast tray with practiced ease. "Good afternoon, Ms. Carter," he said with a respectful nod.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow in silent question.

"Mr. Whitmore's orders," Maxwell explained, setting down the tray. "He's quite attentive when it comes to your needs."

A flush crept up Evelyn's neck as she spotted the handwritten note beside her coffee.

Morning, Evie. Made sure Max brought your favorite. Don't skip breakfast again.

The signature was accompanied by a ridiculous doodle of a winking face.

Evelyn's lips twitched despite herself. Harrison's boyish charm never failed to amuse her.

The rest of her day disappeared in a blur of fabric swatches and design sketches. By evening, her portfolio case bulged with completed drafts.

As her Porsche purred to life, a familiar silver Bentley accelerated from across the street, matching her turn onto the freeway.

Evelyn's grip tightened on the wheel when she recognized the license plate in her rearview. She slammed the gas pedal, but the Bentley maintained perfect distance behind her.

After twenty minutes of this cat-and-mouse game, Evelyn jerked the wheel, screeching to a halt on a deserted service road.

The Bentley pulled up alongside her.

Evelyn stormed out, heels clicking against asphalt as she rapped sharply on the tinted window. "Nathan Sterling, explain yourself."

The window lowered to reveal Nathan's chiseled profile. "Vanessa left Kingsley University," he said abruptly. "She won't trouble you again."

Surprise flickered across Evelyn's face before she schooled her features. "Your family matters don't concern me, Mr. Sterling."

Nathan exited the car in one fluid motion, his towering frame dwarfing hers. "She's facing consequences for her actions."

Evelyn's laugh held an edge. "And what about your consequences? Shouldn't a grown man know better than to stalk his ex-wife?"

Nathan's jaw clenched, his Adam's apple bobbing. "You and Harrison - how serious is it?"

The question caught Evelyn off guard. "You've been following me?"

"No."

The truth was simpler - he'd been parked outside Kingsley Industries for two days, gathering courage. Two days of watching Harrison come and go at all hours. Two nights of seeing the lights burn late in Evelyn's office, with Harrison's silhouette keeping watch beside hers.