Chapter 978

Nathan released Evelyn's hand the moment he heard her answer, a smug satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

Evelyn snatched her hand back immediately. She didn't even bother with formalities - all she wanted was to put as much distance between them as possible.

"That man's mood swings are absolutely insufferable," she fumed under her breath.

At the restaurant entrance, Harrison waited with several takeout containers in hand. The sight made Evelyn pause.

He pressed his lips together before extending the food toward her. "Thought you might get hungry at the office. They'd already served these dishes, so I had them packed."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. The difference in his demeanor before and after resolving his issue was staggering.

She accepted the bag. "Shall we head back together?"

Harrison shook his head after a brief hesitation. "My manager scheduled an appearance. Though I'm not the main attraction, it's still important."

Evelyn nodded in understanding. His management contract wasn't with Horizon Media, after all. Refusing their arrangements wasn't an option.

"Then I'll be going. Contact Dominic if you need anything." With that, she turned toward her car.

Harrison remained until her vehicle disappeared from view. Days later, Lucas casually mentioned Harrison landing a lead role in an upcoming film.

Evelyn frowned during their phone call. "With all his scandals, isn't a leading role too high-profile? Shouldn't he take supporting roles to rebuild his image?"

Lucas chuckled. "Clever thought. But this script is special - low budget, high quality. The protagonist's role could skyrocket his popularity if he delivers. Let's see how it plays out."

"You're amazing, as always," Evelyn praised.

"Cut the flattery. If you're truly grateful, take Natalie and me to dinner. I haven't seen her lately."

"She's clearly avoiding you," Evelyn retorted before hanging up, leaving Lucas speechless.

Back at Sterling Enterprises...

Evelyn had just settled into her office when Bennett arrived with an unexpected delivery - a bouquet of delicate Swiss lilies in an elegant box, their fragrance light and refreshing.

"Who sent these?" she asked, assuming they were from Preston, who'd gifted similar flowers recently.

"Harrison," Bennett answered.

Evelyn's smile froze.

"Since he's Mr. Blackwood's assistant, he didn't just leave them at reception. Insisted they notify me directly." Bennett explained how refusal became impossible.

Nathan had orchestrated this very public gesture - sending flowers through his assistant to broadcast that he hadn't given up on Evelyn. A clear warning to potential suitors.

Evelyn scoffed. "That man's schemes know no bounds."

Bennett hesitantly relayed Harrison's message: "Mr. Blackwood said if you dislike Harrison delivering them, he'll come personally from now on."

An ultimatum. Nathan was forcing her acceptance.

Evelyn initially planned to return the flowers, but the threat of daily Nathan visits changed her mind. "Keep them, but give them away. Don't bring them to me again."

Bennett nodded and exited.

Days later, an unwelcome visitor arrived.

As Evelyn concluded a meeting, Bennett approached. "Isaiah Sinclair has been waiting for some time."

Evelyn's expression darkened. Since Isaiah's initial proposal at Sterling Manor, she'd deliberately avoided responding.

Apparently, his patience had run out.