Chapter 270

A sharp knock shattered Harrison's contemplation.

He blinked, realizing he'd been lost in thought for too long.

...

Seeing Evelyn still peacefully asleep on the couch, Harrison moved silently toward the door. He intercepted the team that had come for their scheduled meeting.

"Let's take this to the conference room," he murmured.

The executives exchanged puzzled glances but followed without question as Harrison led them away.

When Evelyn finally stirred awake, the expansive office stood empty. As she sat up, the cashmere throw draped over her slipped to the floor.

She reached for it just as the door swung open. Harrison entered, their eyes locking instantly.

"Awake at last," he said, his voice rich like melted chocolate.

Evelyn smoothed her hair self-consciously. "How long was I out?"

"Not terribly long."

Harrison approached with that faint, mysterious smile of his. "Care for a tour?"

Evelyn's eyebrows lifted. "Really? I'd love that."

"Then come."

As they walked through Horizon Technologies' headquarters, Evelyn marveled at the scale. It seemed impossible this empire had been established in mere months.

Every employee moved with precision, a well-oiled machine under Harrison's command.

He introduced department heads and key teams until they reached marketing.

"Ms. Carter, who's that with Mr. Whitmore?" a junior associate whispered to Diana.

Diana's gaze darkened when she spotted Evelyn. "That's Ms. Kingsley. One of our directors."

"The same one he mentioned at the all-hands meeting?"

"They look awfully close. Do you think...?"

"Must be his girlfriend. When has Mr. Whitmore ever personally escorted anyone?"

"Exactly! He doesn't even keep female assistants. We all wondered if he was..."

"Shh! But look at them now. He's clearly saving himself for someone special."

Diana's nails dug into her palms. She'd been Harrison's only female executive assistant before being transferred. All because of...

"Enough gossip!" she snapped. The team scattered instantly.

Once she left, the whispers resumed. "Notice how obsessed she is with Mr. Whitmore's business?"

"Way beyond professional interest..."

"Unrequited love, maybe? Shame - he's clearly taken."