Chapter 362

Maxwell Donovan glanced at his watch, the polished surface reflecting the afternoon sun.

"Ms. Carter, the ferry departs in fifteen minutes," he said, frowning at the tickets in his hand. "Only three seats remain. The security team may need to wait for the next vessel."

Evelyn Carter tilted her head. "When's the next departure?"

"One hour."

She plucked the tickets from Maxwell's grasp. "We'll proceed ahead. It's merely an inspection. What could possibly go wrong?"

"But Mr. Kingsley insisted your protection detail accompanies you everywhere." Maxwell's fingers twitched nervously, his gaze darting toward the industrial docks. The unspoken dangers of their destination weighed heavily on him.

As he hesitated, Harrison Whitmore emerged from the crowd, his tailored suit cutting an imposing figure against the bustling pier.

Evelyn's face lit up. "Harrison! Over here."

Maxwell exhaled in relief. The presence of Fulton Group's CEO changed everything. Where Harrison went, safety followed.

The trio boarded with minutes to spare. Evelyn rarely traveled by sea, and the rocking motion made her grip the railing tighter than necessary.

After seventy turbulent minutes, Azure Bay Industrial Zone came into view. Strangely, though the ferry had been packed, only their group disembarked.

Maxwell frowned at his phone. "That's odd. No signal whatsoever."

Evelyn exchanged a knowing glance with Harrison, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. Together, they stepped onto the creaking dock.

Two men in ill-fitting suits waved a sign reading "Kingsley Industries."

Maxwell approached with practiced professionalism. "We're from Kingsley Industries. Here for the factory inspection."

The men's eyes slid past him to Evelyn. Their sudden grins revealed yellowed teeth. "This way, this way. Boss has been expecting you."

Something prickled at Maxwell's neck. "Ms. Carter, perhaps we should—"

Evelyn cut him off with a raised hand. Recognition flashed in her eyes. "You're Damian Castillo's men from the bar." Her lips curled in cold amusement. "Where is your cowardly boss hiding?"

The men's faces darkened instantly. "You've got nerve coming to our turf, little miss. Today's the day you meet your end!"

Maxwell's blood ran cold. "Ms. Carter, these are the traffickers?" He fumbled with his dead phone. "We're outnumbered three to—"

Laughter erupted around them as figures materialized from shipping containers. Maxwell moved to defend, but Evelyn's grip on his arm stopped him.

Her calm voice cut through the tension. "Enough theatrics. Take me to Damian."

"Bold words." The lead thug gestured, and four men advanced with ropes.

They never reached her.

Harrison moved like lightning. One moment he stood composed; the next, the would-be captors lay groaning on the asphalt, clutching broken limbs.

Not a single hair on Harrison's head had been disturbed.