Chapter 443

The security guard gave a polite but firm response. "I'm not privy to Mr. Whitmore's personal affairs. But miss, let me warn you - Mr. Whitmore isn't someone to be taken lightly. I'd advise against getting any ideas about him."

Evelyn stood speechless.

Just as she was about to respond, the sharp honk of a car horn interrupted her thoughts.

Turning around, Evelyn spotted Nathan's sleek black Mercedes parked at the curb. The door swung open and he emerged, his long strides carrying him toward her with purpose.

"Evelyn? What brings you here?" His deep voice held a note of surprise.

"That's my line," she countered smoothly.

Nathan had been driving past when he caught sight of her familiar silhouette. His gaze lifted to the gleaming sign above them - "Horizon Technologies" - and something dark flickered in his eyes.

"Are you here to see Harrison?" The question came out sharper than intended, jealousy coloring his tone as he searched her face for answers.

But Evelyn remained impassive. "Mr. Sterling, that's my personal business and none of your concern."

One sentence. That's all it took to draw an unmistakable line between them.

Undeterred, Nathan pressed on. "It's getting late. Let me drive you home - it's not safe for you to be out alone."

Evelyn instinctively shook her head, jingling her car keys. "No need. I have my own transportation."

She turned toward her vehicle, but Nathan caught up in two quick strides.

"Evelyn, do you despise me that much?"

A careless smile played on her lips. "Mr. Sterling, you're imagining things. I simply don't wish to inconvenience you."

With that final dismissal, she walked away without looking back.

Nathan stood rooted to the spot, watching until her taillights disappeared around the corner.

Moments later, his phone buzzed violently in his pocket. The call lasted less than a minute, but by the time he hung up, his expression had turned thunderous.

"I'll handle this personally."

The twenty-minute drive to Sterling Manor took him eight. Tires screeched as he pulled into the circular driveway.

"Mr. Sterling, you're home!" A flustered housekeeper rushed to greet him.

"Where's my mother?" The ice in his voice made the woman shrink back.

"Madam is... upstairs."

Nathan stormed past without another word.

Upstairs, Eleanor heard the commotion below. She stepped out of her suite just as Nathan reached the landing.

"Nathan! You're back early. Have you eaten? I'll have the kitchen—"

"Save it." The words cut through her greeting like a knife.

Eleanor froze, suddenly aware of the dangerous energy radiating from her son.

"Well... if you're not hungry, you should rest. It's been a long day." She turned to retreat to her room.

"Wait!"

The single word stopped her cold. A shiver ran down Eleanor's spine.

"Y-yes? Was there something else?" Her voice trembled.