Chapter 339

The first encounter between James Kensington and Preston Worthington with Evelyn Sinclair was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Evelyn radiated elegance like a rare gem, her maternal aura undeniable as she patiently soothed the mischievous Oliver Kensington.

Dominic Blackwood's gaze had locked onto Evelyn's serene face the moment she appeared, igniting a fiery jealousy in Lillian Prescott.

"Daddy!"

Oliver tugged Evelyn's hand and dashed to his father, wrapping his arms around the man's leg. "Daddy, I met this amazing lady at the observation deck. She's Alexander and Isabella's mommy, and she's so kind. Can you find me a mommy just like her?" He beamed up at James, eyes sparkling with excitement.

James pinched his son's ear playfully. "You little troublemaker. Every mommy I've found for you ran away because of your pranks. What makes you think I'll find another one?"

Oliver pouted dramatically, covering his eyes with his hands. "Daddy, those women were mean and smelled bad. Not like Miss Evelyn. And... and they were all wicked witches! They pretended to be nice when you were around, but the moment you left, they were horrible to me!" His voice cracked with fake sobs. "Boo hoo... my daddy doesn’t love me, and I don’t have a mommy. Nobody wants me..."

Evelyn's heart clenched at the sight of the adorable boy's "misery."

She scooped Oliver into her arms, gently patting his back. "There, there, sweetheart. Isabella is your age, and she doesn’t cry like this."

"I wish you were my mommy," Oliver sniffled, clinging to her neck, his eyes suspiciously dry despite his theatrics.

James sighed. His son was a master manipulator, all noise and no tears. Only someone as kind-hearted as Evelyn would fall for it.

"Miss Evelyn, I don’t want to stay with Daddy anymore. He’s mean! Hmph! I love you. Can I go with you?" Oliver blinked up at her with his best puppy-dog eyes.

Evelyn couldn’t resist his charm. "I’ll take him around the hotel, Dominic. Let me know before you leave?"

Dominic squeezed her hand. "Of course. Call me if you need anything." Then, without hesitation, he pressed a kiss to her lips right in front of everyone.

Evelyn flushed but didn’t protest. She had long given up trying to curb his public displays of affection, though warmth still bloomed in her chest.

"I’m a regular guest here, Ms. Sinclair. I’d be happy to show you around," Lillian offered sweetly, though her nails dug into her palms.

Evelyn hesitated, wary after Genevieve Prescott’s earlier warning about Lillian’s intentions.

Before she could decline, Oliver stuck his tongue out at Lillian. "We don’t want you! You’re an ugly old lady! Only Miss Evelyn can come with us!"

Lillian’s face twisted in fury. Ugly? Old lady?! She was young and beautiful!

Her composure cracked, but Evelyn swiftly intervened, flicking Oliver’s forehead lightly. "That’s very rude, young man. A gentleman should always be polite, especially to women. Understand?"

Oliver nodded, grinning sheepishly. "Yes, Miss Evelyn. I’ll be good."

James nearly choked. Since when did his little demon obey anyone?

Evelyn took Oliver to the hotel’s dazzling circus-themed park, filled with slides, jungle gyms, and a mesmerizing bubble gallery.

Oliver played with unbridled joy, his laughter ringing through the air as he and Evelyn created giant bubbles together.

Unseen, Lillian and Wesley Thornton watched from behind a log cabin.

Lillian forced a smile. "She’s beautiful, isn’t she? Pure and sweet. Want me to help you get her?"

Inside, her thoughts churned violently. She couldn’t stand Evelyn’s existence—not when Dominic looked at her like she was the sun.

Wesley’s gaze flickered to Evelyn, then back to Lillian. "She’s lovely, but right now, I’m more interested in you."

Lillian’s pulse spiked as Wesley stepped closer, his smirk predatory.

She stumbled back. "W-What are you—? If you dare touch me, Wesley, I’ll ruin you!"

His grin widened. "That’s exactly what I like about you. Scream all you want. Let everyone see the real you."

Lillian struggled, but Wesley was stronger.

Before she could react, he clamped a cloth over her nose and mouth.

Her vision blurred.

Then everything went black.