Chapter 453

The moment Evelyn finished speaking, Harrison's strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. His warm breath tickled her ear as he murmured, "Alright."

Pressed so intimately against him, Evelyn could feel her heart pounding wildly, its frantic rhythm echoing through her entire body. She squirmed slightly, trying to create some distance between them.

"Where do you keep the first aid supplies? Let me take care of your injury."

"Don't trouble yourself. The physician already treated it."

"But it looks like the wound reopened," Evelyn insisted, already turning to search the room. Her eyes darted around anxiously, fingers twitching with nervous energy.

Harrison watched her frantic movements with amusement before rising gracefully. He crossed to a mahogany cabinet near the window. "The medical kit is here."

Flushing slightly at her own haste, Evelyn accepted the kit from him. "Sit down. I'll change your bandages."

Obediently, Harrison lowered himself onto the plush sofa, his piercing gaze never leaving her face as she worked. Evelyn's hands trembled slightly as she opened the kit and selected the necessary supplies. Her touch was feather-light as she carefully peeled back the soiled dressing, revealing the angry wound beneath.

The laceration appeared to be from some sharp implement - too clean and precise to be accidental. Evelyn's brow furrowed as suspicion prickled at the back of her mind.

"Harrison," she began cautiously, "how did this really happen?"

He offered her an easy smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just a minor mishap. Nothing to concern yourself over."

Recognizing his evasion, Evelyn decided not to push further. "You need to be more careful," she chided gently, dabbing antiseptic onto the wound with meticulous care. "I don't like seeing you hurt."

As she worked, tiny beads of perspiration formed on her forehead, evidence of her intense concentration. When the fresh bandage was finally secured, Evelyn exhaled in relief.

"You'll need to change this dressing regularly for proper healing."

"Your wish is my command," Harrison replied with a playful smirk.

While Evelyn repacked the medical supplies, Harrison seized the opportunity to make a quick call. "My office. Five minutes," was all he said before ending the connection.

Curiosity got the better of Evelyn. "Who was that?"

Harrison's eyes twinkled with secret amusement. "You'll see."

True to his word, the doorbell chimed moments later. Evelyn moved to answer it, but Harrison caught her wrist gently. "No need. He knows his way around."

Before Evelyn could question further, the door swung open to reveal a stern-faced stranger. The man carried himself with military precision, his expression unreadable as he bowed slightly at the waist.

"Miss Carter," he greeted respectfully.

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "You know me?"

Harrison smoothly interjected, "Evelyn, this is Phillip Blackwood, my personal attaché."

"Your attaché?"

"If you ever can't reach me directly," Harrison explained, "Phillip will always know where to find me."

On cue, Phillip produced an embossed business card from his breast pocket. "My direct line, Miss Carter."

Evelyn accepted the card, still processing this development. "Harrison, what's all this about?"

His expression softened as he reached for her hand. "So you'll never have to wonder where I am again."

Understanding dawned, warming Evelyn from within. She'd mentioned her concerns only in passing, yet Harrison had not only remembered but taken concrete steps to ease her worries.

A tender smile curved her lips as she squeezed his hand. "Thank you. I understand now."