Chapter 295

Evelyn suddenly remembered Natalie's warning from last week.

A deranged stalker had been targeting lone female students near Harvard's backstreets, with two reported incidents already.

Her fingers tightened around her backpack strap.

Footsteps echoed persistently behind her, maintaining a deliberate distance.

Evelyn's hand slid toward the pepper spray in her bag.

A habit she'd developed since living alone—now proving necessary.

The footsteps abruptly closed in.

A chill crawled down her spine as warm breath grazed her neck.

Just as she prepared to whirl around—

"Evelyn!"

Ethan's voice cleaved through the darkness.

He stood beneath a streetlamp, a black umbrella shielding him, his gaze razor-sharp as it locked onto the shadow behind her.

The footsteps froze.

Then came the frantic sound of retreating footsteps.

Ethan strode forward, his expression softening instantly. "You're safe now."

Only then did Evelyn realize her legs were trembling.

Steadying her with one hand, he dialed his phone with the other. "Charlie, check campus surveillance near Academy Road—we've got a stalker."

His voice held terrifying calm.

Evelyn's lips parted soundlessly.

His jacket, still warm from his body, enveloped her drenched shoulders.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

She nodded.

The umbrella tilted slightly, shielding her completely.

They moved through the rain in silence.

"How did you—"

"Lab lights don't turn off till ten." Ethan cut her off. "I timed it."

Evelyn froze.

He'd waited nearly three hours in the rain.

"Worth the wait." His lips curved slightly. "Finally got to play hero."

Her nose stung.

"Thank you."

"Try another word."

"Like what?"

Ethan halted abruptly.

Raindrops shattered like crystal against the umbrella's edge.

"Like..." His gaze dropped to her faintly reddened eyes. "Let me walk you home every night from now on."