Chapter 497

Harrison slid into the driver's seat, turning the ignition with trembling fingers. The engine roared to life as he sped toward the airport terminal.

But Evelyn never showed.

...

The memory dissolved as Harrison blinked back to the present. His gaze fell upon Evelyn's sleeping form beside him. A quiet joy filled his chest. After all the storms they'd weathered, she was finally home.

He bent down, pressing his lips gently to her forehead. "Sweet dreams, Evie."

The door clicked shut behind him. In the darkness, Evelyn's eyes fluttered open.

The ghost of his kiss still lingered on her skin.

Staring at the ceiling, fragments of forgotten memories surfaced like bubbles in champagne. Pieces of their shared past rearranged themselves in her mind.

...

Morning light streamed through the curtains, painting golden stripes across the bed.

Evelyn remained tangled in the sheets, having tossed through the night before finally succumbing to exhaustion near dawn.

A soft knock interrupted the silence. "Evie? You awake?"

Harrison's voice jolted her from drowsiness. She bolted upright, momentarily disoriented before recognizing his penthouse.

"Oh! Yes, Harrison, I'm up."

Scrambling from bed, she rushed to the ensuite bathroom. Emerging refreshed, she faced an unexpected problem.

No change of clothes.

Evelyn groaned, pressing palms to her temples. That impulsive decision to stay after last night's cocktails now seemed terribly shortsighted.

Just as panic set in, Harrison's voice carried through the door. "My assistant dropped off some outfits. They're outside. I'll be downstairs when you're ready."

Relief washed over her. "Thanks," she called back, marveling at his thoughtfulness.

Peeking out, she found several luxury shopping bags lined up like soldiers. Inside, every garment fit perfectly.

Selecting a tailored navy dress, she changed quickly. Descending the staircase, she found Harrison plating breakfast.

His eyes lit up when he saw her. "That color brings out your eyes."

Evelyn's cheeks warmed inexplicably. "Oh...thanks. You've got good taste."

Harrison simply smiled, changing subjects. "Busy day ahead?"

"The usual chaos. After losing the Eastwood deal, the board's been insufferable. You saw how they treated me yesterday." She sighed. "At least the Byte collaboration shows promise."

Harrison set a steaming omelet before her. "Eastwood's about to implode. Those directors will thank you for steering clear."

Evelyn froze, fork midway to her lips. "You know something."

A knowing smile played on his lips as he tapped her nose. "Trust me."

The phrase struck a chord.

He'd said those exact words years ago.

Younger Evelyn had mistaken their connection for familial affection. Until last night - the intensity in Harrison's gaze, that earth-shattering kiss - had awakened something primal.

Like flipping through an old photo album, memories came rushing back.

Particularly their parting at Coronia International, when she'd boarded the plane home after graduation.