Chapter 182 The Harrison Group Has No Heir
The next day brought warmer temperatures and crystal-clear skies.
The driver loaded the three ladies' luggage into the trunk, piece by piece.
Today's destination was Springfield, a charming town just over a hundred miles from Emerald City—not too far a journey.
Their annual Harvest Festival was renowned throughout the region, drawing visitors from across the country.
Ruby was evidently worried as she gripped her daughters' hands tightly.
"Even though you're not showing much yet, you must be careful."
"Don't overexert yourselves, stay away from crowded areas, and absolutely no street food."
Evelyn laughed, trying to reassure her. "Relax, Mom. I'm not exactly a foodie—I just need some fresh air."
Emma added gently, "We'll only be gone two days. Nothing will happen."
Daryl affectionately ruffled Nina's hair.
"Look after your sisters, and don't go overboard with the snacks—you'll make yourself sick."
Nina signed earnestly, "Don't worry, I'll take care of them."
Darryl turned to the butler and spoke in an authoritative tone.
"Arrange three bodyguards to accompany them. One-on-one coverage. I won't tolerate any incidents."
The butler nodded respectfully.
Two hours later, their convoy pulled smoothly into Springfield.
The entire town looked like a carefully preserved historical gem, its colonial charm intact and beautifully maintained.
The cobblestone streets had been decorated festively, with tourists already snapping photos throughout the historic district.
Their cars headed straight for the luxurious Grand Vista Hotel—one of the Martinez family's premier properties.
Ethan had reserved a spacious executive suite for them, more than comfortable for the three women.
The penthouse suite, naturally, had been claimed by two particular gentlemen.
After a brief rest, they ventured out to the bustling food court in the afternoon.
The three of them were stunning and their styles were distinctly different, and as they walked together, people couldn't help but stare admirably at them. Their guards were sharp, alert and followed closely.
Nina was like a bird freed from its cage, her spirit completely unleashed.
Everything fascinated her—she wanted to try every treat, darting around with boundless energy.
Seeing this, Evelyn quickly summoned one of the bodyguards.
"Stay close to her."
The guard nodded and sprinted after Nina with impressive speed.
Evelyn and Emma strolled leisurely, each holding a cup of warm bubble tea, their moods lifting.
Evelyn suddenly mused, "If I lived in medieval times, I would have been a manor lady, wouldn't I?"
Emma laughed, shaking her head. "No way. You'd have been a knight—swift with a sword, decisive in action."
Evelyn grinned back. "Then you'd be an all-powerful queen."
Her expression shifted slightly as she continued, "I heard the White family's reunion gala is going to be absolutely extravagant."
"Apparently, they've invited every eligible bachelor of means in the country. It's like a real-life royal matchmaking event."
"And Nicholas is supposedly a prime candidate. Should we strategize?"
Emma's fingers tightened around her tea cup, the warmth seeming to fade beneath her touch.
Her voice turned cool. "Where he goes is his business. If he wants to become the White family's son-in-law, that's his choice."
Evelyn looked at her in surprise.
"He's really going to become their son-in-law? Has he lost his mind?"
That statement made Emma smile and her cold expression softened.
The two walked side by side, unaware of the many pairs of watching eyes behind them.
After dinner, crowds of visitors flocked toward the Town Square.
Tonight, Springfield had organized a special event—the 'Singles' Bouquet Toss'—giving lucky participants a chance at romance.
The rules were quite simple: if a woman catches the bouquet, she'd receive a week of free dining throughout Springfield plus rides in the special "Queen's Carriage" for the full VIP experience.
If a man caught it, he could exchange it for two thousand dollars cash, then return the bouquet to restart the game.
The atmosphere was electric and people's voices rose in excitement.
The gathered crowd was a colorful mix—some wore elaborate masks, others dressed in period costumes, and many others were in knight's armor. The whole scene resembled a vibrant Renaissance fair.
Emma and her companions stood at the crowd's edge, intending not to push through.
Nina was however vibrating with excitement, gesturing animatedly with her hands as her eyes sparkled.
Evelyn seemed to catch the gist. "Catch the bouquet, trade it for ten kebabs—interested?"
Nina rolled her eyes at her.
Emma laughed, explaining, "It's just ceremonial—for fun. Don't worry, we're not actually husband-hunting."
Nina flashed a grin and thought to herself how poorly Evelyn comprehended sign language. Even Ethan understood her better.
Evelyn chuckled, draping an arm around Nina's shoulders.
"Look at us three—one divorced, one widowed, one never married. If we actually caught it, who knows? We might find true love. We have nothing to lose!"
"Jump high for me later."
Nina nodded enthusiastically, apparently convinced.
With a loud fanfare, an ornate bouquet was launched high into the air.
The crowd erupted, countless hands reaching skyward.
The bouquet rolled and tumbled over the sea of hands as everyone scrambled chaotically for it.
"Here it comes!"
"Go, go!"
Evelyn yelled encouragingly to Nina.
Nina was light on her feet as she darted forward with impressive speed—apparently quite motivated by the prospect of ten kebabs.
As the crowd surged more violently, Evelyn instinctively protected Emma, pulling her backward.
She suddenly froze, having spotted a heartbreakingly familiar silhouette through the crowd.
She quickly told Emma, "I need to find a restroom."
Without waiting for a response, she pushed toward that figure.
The man wore a golden mask, his tall frame unmistakably commanding.
He was naturally detached and his sharp jawline looked strikingly similar to Hawk's.
Another wave of people swept through, and she lost sight of him completely.
The festivities intensified around them, and someone accidentally shoved her hard.
She stumbled, about to fall backward.
Just then, a strong arm caught her securely around the waist.
The bouquet happened to fly their direction, with the crowd surging after it.
The man pulled her closer, lifting her completely off her feet to avoid the human stampede, then carried her safely away from the chaos.
Evelyn lay stunned in his solid embrace, her heart hammering so hard she thought it might burst from her chest.
That familiar feeling nearly stole her breath away.
Still holding her, he retreated to a quieter area away from the crowd.
He showed no intention of setting her down.
Possessed by some reckless impulse, Evelyn boldly reached up and yanked away his mask.
Beneath the mask was a devastatingly handsome face that she didn't recognize.
She immediately realized that this person wasn't Hawk.
She'd seen that video of Theo shooting Hawk in the face.
She'd never dared look beneath Hawk's mask, terrified of seeing horrible scars.
This man was definitely not him.
The heat in her eyes instantly cooled, replaced by polite distance.
"Please put me down."
Luke finally lowered her to the floor, his deep voice rumbling, "My apologies. The crowd was too dense."
Evelyn stared, noticing that his voice was also eerily similar to Hawk's.
She managed a courteous smile. "Thank you for helping me."
He continued, "It was nothing. May I escort you back to your friends?"
His gaze inadvertently dropped to her slightly rounded stomach, lingering only a moment.
She smiled again. "That's not necessary. I can find them myself."
She turned and walked away without a backward glance.
Luke remained where he stood, watching her resolute departure, the warmth slowly fading from his eyes.
Her sweet scent faintly lingered around him and it was strangely intoxicating.
Meanwhile, Emma had also been separated by the crowd.
Suddenly, a firm hand captured her wrist, pulling her free from the pressing masses.
"Let go of me."
Emma jerked away, his burning touch still tingling on her skin.
How did he get here?
Nicholas's spoke gently, but he smelled a bit like alcohol.
"Do you like bouquet tosses? I'll catch one for you."
Emma glared up at him, her voice arctic. "Don't trouble yourself, Mr. Harrison."
He recognized that Emma's anger hadn't subsided.
He quickly softened his tone and said warmly, "Don't be upset."
"If I've done something wrong, you can hit me, yell at me—just don't strain yourself getting angry."
Emma stared at his handsome face, fury building with every second.
"We have nothing to discuss."
She turned to leave, but Nicholas wrapped his arms around her from behind. He pressed his solid chest against her back and his familiar scent completely enveloped her.
"Emma."
His chin rested gently in the hollow of her shoulder and his warm breath tickled her ear.
"Tell me why you're angry. Let's talk this through."
Just then, Charlie appeared beside them, holding an enormous cotton candy shaped like a pink rabbit that glowed whimsically under the festival lights.
Sensing the tension between them, Charlie hesitated.
"Mrs. Harrison, would you like some cotton candy?"
The frustration Emma had been suppressing finally exploded.
"Mr. Harrison, aren't you supposed to be in Empire City for Ms. White's reunion gala?"
"Instead of wasting time here, you should be building a relationship with Ms. White. You might actually succeed in becoming the White family's son-in-law."
Charlie's cotton candy wobbled. Turns out Emma was jealous after all.
Nicholas paused as he tightened his arms around her. He actually sounded hurt as he spoke.
"You don't love me anymore, yet you won't let me become the son-in-law of the White family? Do you want Harrison Group to have no heir?"
Emma was struck speechless by his response.