Chapter 279

Harrison's piercing gaze sharpened. With a quick gesture, he motioned for Evelyn to remain frozen in place.

He moved cautiously toward the driver's side.

The figure slumped over the wheel wore a hospital gown - a frail woman with matted hair stained crimson. Her body lay unnaturally still against the leather seat.

When Harrison rolled her over, recognition flashed across his features.

"It's her."

Evelyn's breath hitched as she glimpsed the driver's face.

Rosalind Blackwell.

"How did she escape? Did she just—"

A terrifying possibility took root in Evelyn's mind.

"Was this meant to be my execution?" The words slipped out in a horrified whisper.

The truth crashed over her like icy water. No accident. A calculated murder attempt.

Had Rosalind truly intended to kill her?

Fear coiled tight around Evelyn's throat. The near-miss left her trembling.

Without Harrison's lightning reflexes to shove her to safety, she would've—

Evelyn shut down the thought, but terror lingered in her widened eyes.

Harrison read her expression effortlessly. He closed the distance between them, his voice steadying. "You're safe. I've got you."

His presence alone calmed the storm inside her.

Emergency responders swarmed the scene within minutes - police establishing perimeter tape, firefighters assessing vehicle damage, paramedics rushing to the unconscious woman.

As Kingsley Industries' representative, Evelyn gave her official statement at the precinct.

Harrison remained her silent shadow through every question.

Only afterward did Evelyn notice the dark stain spreading on Harrison's sleeve. She gasped, grabbing his arm.

"Harrison! You're bleeding!"

He attempted to shrug it off. "Just a scratch."

But Evelyn wouldn't be dismissed. "That's no scratch! You've lost a patch of skin!" Her fingers trembled near the wound. "Hospital. Now."

Harrison opened his mouth to protest, but the genuine distress in Evelyn's eyes disarmed him completely.

He surrendered with a nod.

"Doctor, please treat this immediately." Evelyn's voice held barely contained urgency.

Dr. Matthias Whitmore adjusted his glasses, blinking at the coin-sized abrasion. His professional mask slipped when he recognized his patient.

Harrison Whitmore?

The doctor's jaw nearly dropped.

Before Matthias could blurt anything, Harrison gave a subtle shake of his head.

Understanding dawned. Matthias' gaze flicked to Evelyn's worried expression, then back to Harrison. He played along.

"Miss, your boyfriend's injury appears quite severe." His tone turned grave.

Too preoccupied to notice the odd phrasing, Evelyn pressed, "Please doctor, treat him quickly."

Matthias offered reassurances. "No need for alarm. He's in excellent hands."

Then his eyes twinkled at Harrison.

"Miss, you've landed quite the catch. Handsome. Wealthy. The complete package."

Evelyn's brow furrowed. "How would you know he's wealthy?"

Matthias froze mid-sentence.

A cough covered his stumble as he finally took in Evelyn's features. "Wait...you look familiar."

Evelyn tilted her head. "Have we met?"

Recognition flashed across Matthias' face. "Evelyn Carter! Of the Kingsley family!"

Evelyn searched her memory frantically but came up blank. "Do I know you?"

Behind her, Harrison cleared his throat. "Matthias Whitmore. My college roommate. You met him at my graduation party."