Chapter 277

Harrison let out a cold chuckle. "That depends on who arrived first and who came later."

A flicker of doubt crossed Nathan's piercing gaze.

"What exactly are you implying?"

Harrison didn't mince words. "It's been three years, Nathan. This time, I won't let Evelyn walk back to you."

His declaration hung in the air. Evelyn looked up, sensing she'd missed some unspoken history between them.

Nathan's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Do you really think you stand a chance? Who do you imagine holds the power here, Whitmore?"

Harrison remained unshaken. "Perhaps it was the Sterling family in the past. But times have changed. Test me if you dare, Mr. Sterling."

The tension between them crackled like live wires, each man sizing up the other.

Nathan gave a slow nod, exhilaration flashing in his eyes. It had been years since he'd faced a worthy adversary.

"You want to challenge me? I've never lost anything I set my mind to. I'll take Evelyn back and teach you your place."

Harrison smirked. "That remains to be seen."

Both men turned their attention to Evelyn, waiting for her decision.

Nathan made the first move. "Evelyn, come with me."

Harrison stayed silent, giving her space to choose.

"Mr. Sterling," Evelyn said firmly, "I'm not some trophy to be won. I'm a person—with my own will. Maybe I once cared for you, but those feelings are gone now."

Her gaze shifted to Harrison. A single look conveyed everything.

He would never force her hand.

The childhood promise they'd made—he'd taken it seriously when she'd thought it mere play. Harrison lowered his lashes, hiding the disappointment in his eyes.

Then, unexpectedly, Evelyn stepped toward him.

Gathering her courage, she spoke softly. "Harrison, let's go home."

His head snapped up. The shadows in his eyes cleared as he searched her face.

The girl who'd once followed him everywhere had grown into a strong, independent woman.

And somewhere along the way, his affection for her had taken root and flourished.

"Alright," he said, voice thick. "Let's go home."

He took her hand, holding it like a lifeline, and walked past Nathan without a backward glance.

"Evelyn!" Nathan called after her. "Are you certain about this?"

She didn't respond, her steps growing more resolute with each passing second.

Nathan's fists clenched at his sides. His chest felt hollow.

In the car, Evelyn fidgeted, studying Harrison's profile. Finally, she broke the silence.

"Harrison, about what happened back there—"

"Evie," he interrupted gently, "do you remember what I told you on your eighteenth birthday?"

The question caught her off guard.

Memories surfaced, and a soft smile touched her lips. "You said I never needed to pretend with you. That I could always be myself."

She took a deep breath. "But Harrison, I need you to know—right now, I'm not ready for a relationship."

She couldn't lie to him.

Of all people in the world, he was the last she'd ever deceive.

"I know," Harrison replied, his tone even.

"Don't feel pressured, Evie."