Chapter 17
Carter pulled his thoughts back to the present.
He glanced at Eva across the table.
She was dressed simply, her shoulder-length hair casually tied behind her ears and her face bare without makeup, offering a kind of pale beauty that invoked a sense of compassion. Carter knew that he was no match for Adrian.
When the Hansen family went bankrupt, he sought help far and wide, but to no avail due to his lack of influence.
A CEO even told him directly, “Carter, you’re talented, and I see great potential in you. You’re welcome to join my company. I believe you’ll choose wisely p>
Many people, rather than offering help, sought to entice him away.
“The Hansen family won’t rise again. Even if someone were to help now, they’ll never recover their former glory p>
“Think about your future. You’re not part of the Hansen family. There’s no need for you to struggle on their behalf p>
Carter felt chilled to the core, and on his way back, he seriously considered his options.
He called Eva and offered to pick her up.
But when he arrived, he saw several children of wealthy families verbally insulting her.
“Ms. Hansen, when your family was prestigious, you dismissed my advances. Now that it’s fallen, I wonder if you’ve maintained that pride. I’d like to help, but everything comes with a price. How about spending a night with me?” His friends burst into laughter.
Carter was a breath away from brawling with them.
All thoughts of his future vanished in that instant, leaving only one resolve.
He couldn’t abandon the Hansen family.
He couldn’t confront those men because he wasn’t in a position to do so, so he could only take Eva away.
Not long after, word got out that those men were beaten up. Their family businesses were affected, and their parents forced them to apologize to Eva.
It was Adrian’s doing.
And it was also Adrian who pulled Eva out of adversity.
But the recent events plunged her into another predicament.
Carter spoke softly, “I’m not here to lecture you. I just think there are things you need to consider and plan ahead p>
Just as Eva was about to speak, her phone vibrated.
It was a message from Adrian, “Jenny said you went out p>
The message was sent via WhatsApp with the same casual tone as usual as if he had just noticed her absence and was inquiring casually. Eva simply replied, “Hmm p>
Adrian, probably watching his phone, replied quickly, “When are you coming back p>
Their conversation was innocuous. He didn’t mention her message from yesterday or his absence overnight.
And she, too understanding, didn’t ask as if nothing had happened.
Eva replied, “After work p>
Adrian didn’t message again.
Eva pocketed her phone and said to Carter, “I understand p>
Carter’s gaze lingered on her phone. “Adrian p>
Eva paused, then nodded.
The two finished their meal in silence, and Carter escorted Eva back.
When Eva entered the elevator, Carter followed, and she looked at him questioningly.
Their offices were not in the same place.
Hand in pocket, Carter raised an eyebrow. “I’m going to see Mr. Blackwood for an update p>
After exiting the elevator, Carter glanced at his watch, then frowned, “It’s ten minutes before work. Maybe I shouldn’t bother Mr. Blackwood just yet.” Eva offered, “Come to my office p>
“Alright p>
By the time they arrived, Jenny had already started work and immediately got up to make coffee for them.
“Thank you.” Carter took the coffee and asked Jenny, “Was Mr. Blackwood here p>
Jenny seemed a bit surprised but nodded. “Yes p>
Carter raised an eyebrow. “Did he come alone p>
Jenny fell silent.
Eva sipped her coffee without saying anything.
The atmosphere became eerie.
After ten minutes, Carter put down his cup. “I’ll go see Mr. Blackwood p>
He got up and headed towards the door but suddenly turned back to look at Eva.
“Eva, I need your assistance with the project. Let’s go together p>
Eva instinctively furrowed her brows.
Carter repeated, “Eva p>
Eva snapped back to reality and nodded. “Coming p>
She didn’t feel like showing up in front of Adrian and Vivian, but Carter wasn’t giving her that opportunity.
She knew he was trying to force her to face the reality.
As they approached Adrian’s office, Carter knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Adrian’s cold voice came from inside.
Carter smirked and pushed the door open.
As the door swung open, Adrian looked their way, and a flash of displeasure crossed his eyes.
“Mr. Blackwood.” Carter walked forward. “I’m here to report on yesterday’s work p>
“Hmm.” Adrian nodded with a cold expression.
Eva stood behind Carter, watching them discuss work.
Adrian at work was completely different from his private self.
While working, he was rational and aloof.
His hands were clasped together on his knees as he listened to Carter.
But from time to time, his gaze shifted from Carter to her.
Eva didn’t know if it was her imagination, but Adrian’s gaze felt chilly.