Chapter 8 Mutual Interests

Inside the car, Harrison glanced sideways, briefly sweeping his eyes over Serena. "Where to?" he asked casually. "Shiwa Law Firm," Serena replied softly. Harrison's brows furrowed slightly when he heard the name. However, he said nothing, only signaling the driver with his eyes. The driver immediately started the car engine, and the two fell silent in turn. About 20 minutes later, the black Cayenne pulled up steadily in front of Shiwa Law Firm. "We're here." Harrison's deep, magnetic voice echoed in the confined space of the car. Serena heard him but merely glanced out the window, making no move to get out. She suddenly called his name, "Mr. Spencer." He turned his head at the sound. She hesitated momentarily before carefully reaching out and tugging at his sleeve, her eyes hinting at a plea. "Could you... come up with me?" Her voice was tight, trembling slightly. Harrison looked down at the hand gripping his sleeve, then back at her face. There was a fleeting trace of warmth in his deep gaze—so subtle it was almost imperceptible. His silence made her feel unsettled. After an internal struggle, she finally decided to tell him the truth, "Actually, I married you with a purpose." His brow arched slightly, his expression unreadable. "Before my grandfather passed away, he secretly left me a will, giving me an 18% share of Linden Group..." Despite her nerves and turmoil, Serena forced herself to continue, "But to inherit it, I have to get married first, so—" "So, you used me as a stepping stone?" Harrison cut her off, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. His directness made her panic. "I..." Her words got stuck in her throat, and her grip on his sleeve loosened. Ultimately, she could only say, "I'm sorry." She knew the kind of man Harrison was. Now that he realized she had been using him, he was surely furious. However, she had no choice. If she didn't come clean now, she would never be able to reclaim what was rightfully hers. Besides, she still needed Harrison's influence to deal with Jeremy. Otherwise, she wouldn't make it through the night. If that were the case, she would take her chances with Harrison instead. Harrison studied her intently. He saw fear and a tangled mess of emotions that he couldn't quite decipher in her eyes. Was she really that afraid of him? Was he that terrifying? He cleared his throat, and without realizing it, his tone softened. "I had my own reasons for marrying you too." For a split second, Serena thought she was hallucinating. For the first time, she caught a glimpse of something in his eyes—something almost gentle. He looked away, his expression unreadable. "My grandmother has been pushing me to get married. I agreed to this arrangement to keep her off my back." Hearing that, Serena let out a quiet sigh of relief. The weight on her chest lightened considerably. She nodded, understanding dawning on her. So, they each had their own motives. That made things easier. Still, to show her sincerity, she made him a promise. "Since you helped me this time, I'll play my part in front of Mrs. Spencer Senior." Harrison gave a soft hum, adjusted his suit, and urged, "Let's go. Time is valuable." With that, he pushed the car door open and stepped out. Not wanting to keep him waiting, she quickly followed. As he walked ahead, he kept Serena in his peripheral vision. Noticing her slightly hurried steps in high heels, he instinctively slowed his pace. Just as she caught up and walked alongside him, she suddenly stumbled. He reacted instantly, his arm wrapping securely around her waist, steadying her with ease. They were closer than ever before, so close they could hear each other's breathing and feel each other's heartbeat. Serena found herself in Harrison's arms while fully conscious for the first time. Her heart was in complete chaos, pounding uncontrollably against her chest. Harrison's gaze lingered on her, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. The air between them shifted, charged with something unspoken. Snapping back to reality, Serena quickly stepped away, her movements flustered and shy. His hand hovered in mid-air for a split second, his fingers curling slightly as if lingering in the warmth of that brief moment. Her face burned, and her eyes darted everywhere but at him, avoiding any direct contact. Harrison slipped his hand into his pocket and said calmly, "Watch your step." Serena nodded quickly. "Got it."