Chapter 254

The distance between two people can change irrevocably in a single moment.

Just that evening, she had been on his arm as his date at the Design Institute's year-end party.

But now, Evelyn Carter found the man before her utterly unrecognizable.

Peter Harrison still wore his camel-colored overcoat, the scarf draped casually over his shoulders, every inch the refined gentleman.

Who would have guessed that hours earlier, he had stood by and watched as a drunkard harassed her—his eyes glinting with calculation?

"Peter," she said softly.

"Hmm?" He turned, his gaze tender as he adjusted her collar. "Why aren't you dressed warmer?"

He unwound his gray-checked scarf and wrapped it gently around her neck.

The cashmere felt soft and warm, just like the perfect persona he'd carefully crafted.

"You went out for roasted sweet potatoes this late?"

He smiled. "I remember you love them. Get in the car—it's cold."

Evelyn remained rooted in place, her eyes locking onto his.

"What's wrong?" He touched his face. "Do I have something on me?"

"Nothing."

The car door opened and closed.

Peter started the engine, the wipers sweeping lightly across the windshield. "It's raining. The roads are slippery."

"Drive carefully."

He hummed in agreement, glancing at the paper bag in her hands. "Not hungry?"

"Not really."

A sigh filled the car. "About earlier... I messed up. Are you angry with me?"

Evelyn turned to face him. "Do you think I should be?"

"Mrs. Hamilton's people stopped me..." His voice trailed off. "Never mind. No excuses. I was weak—couldn't even protect my own girlfriend."

Evelyn laughed suddenly.

"What's so funny?" He chuckled along. "Did I say something ridiculous?"

"No." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "You're anything but foolish. Getting into the Design Institute without connections, earning Mr. Harrison's favor—how could you be foolish?"

Peter scratched his head. "My mom always said I only knew how to study. As for Mr. Harrison... maybe he just likes hard workers. You know how complicated things get in state-owned enterprises..."

"Right," Evelyn murmured. "Mr. Harrison has excellent judgment."

"It's all about mutual benefit." He turned the steering wheel. "I'm glad you're not upset. After all... your ex-husband is Alexander Hamilton. I've always felt... unworthy of you."

"Peter," Evelyn cut in abruptly, "can I ask you something?"