Chapter 210

The morning sun painted golden streaks across the sky as Evelyn Carter dialed Alexander Kensington's number. Her fingers trembled slightly—she half-expected him to brush her off.

To her surprise, he answered on the second ring, his deep voice smooth and agreeable. No arguments, no hesitation. She blinked, wondering if she had misheard.

But time was slipping away. The experiment demanded her full attention.

Just one more night.

Once the product was finalized, she would finally take a break. A real one. Maybe even steal a quiet dinner with Alexander. The thought made her lips curve as she refocused, meticulously repeating each test step.

Isabella Thornton splashed cold water on her face, the shock jolting her awake. As she stepped out of the restroom, her gaze locked onto a towering figure striding down the hallway.

Two oversized bags dangled from his hands.

"Stop right there!" Her voice sliced through the sterile air. She sprinted forward, blocking his path with her arms crossed. "Who are you? This area is restricted."

The man—easily a foot taller—paused. His sharp jawline and piercing gaze screamed authority, but Isabella wasn’t intimidated. She tilted her chin up, meeting his stare head-on.

He arched a brow, unimpressed. "I’m with DR Holdings."

"Bullshit." Her eyes narrowed. "I know every employee here. Name. Department. Supervisor. Now."

This was the critical phase of the experiment. After the sabotage last month, she trusted no one. Especially not some stranger waltzing in unannounced.

Harrison’s lips twitched. In all his years as Alexander’s right-hand man, no one had dared interrogate him like this.

"I’m here for Ms. Carter," he said flatly.

Isabella’s guard shot higher. "Why? She’s swamped. Whatever you have, say it to me."

Harrison exhaled, fishing out his phone. Then she noticed the bags—snacks, energy drinks, and… clothes?

Her suspicion deepened. "What’s all this?"

He shrugged. "Care package. Boss’s orders."

Isabella’s eyes darted between him and the bags. Something wasn’t adding up.

And she intended to find out what.