Chapter 532

Evelyn froze as Preston's gaze flickered. "Oliver hasn't stopped talking about you."

His deep voice carried a hint of amusement. "Why don't you cook for him as a thank you?"

Relief washed over her. "Of course!"

Little Oliver practically vibrated with excitement when he heard the news.

The nanny hesitated. "Shouldn't we wait at the hotel?"

The bodyguard crossed his arms. "Absolutely not. Leaving two adults alone together? Something will happen."

Oliver nodded vigorously, insisting on tagging along to the supermarket.

The moment he stepped out of the car, he spotted Evelyn and Preston standing close, laughing. Preston casually bought an ice cream and handed it to her. She accepted with a smile, taking a bite before nodding in approval.

The nanny sighed dreamily. "Such a perfect pair—talented and gorgeous."

The bodyguard shot her a glare. "Whose side are you on? The young master suits her better!"

Oliver beamed. "Exactly!"

He dashed forward, burying his face in Evelyn's arms. She smells like sunshine and vanilla.

"Miss Evelyn, did you miss me?"

Her heart melted at the sight of his fluffy curls. She ruffled his hair, grinning. "Of course I did. So much."

Satisfied, Oliver peeked at his father, eyes gleaming with mischief. See? You can't do this.

Preston's jaw tightened. He reached out, yanking his son away.

Daddy’s jealous! Oliver stuck out his tongue. "Miss Evelyn likes my hugs!"

Evelyn laughed. Their bickering was endlessly entertaining.

"Alright, let’s go. What do you want to eat, Oliver?"

He scrunched his face in thought. Something too simple wouldn’t impress her, but too complicated might backfire. Tricky.

Evelyn, meanwhile, scanned the aisles nervously. It had been ages since she cooked. Too easy, and it wouldn’t show sincerity. Too hard, and she might ruin it. Ugh.

Their presence in the mall drew stares.

"That man is devastatingly handsome. What a picture-perfect family!"

"The little boy looks mixed—adorable!"

"That woman seems familiar. Stunning, really."

Preston’s expression softened slightly at the murmurs. His dark eyes lingered on Evelyn, patient and warm.

Oliver huffed. Family? Please. Miss Evelyn and I are the real pair. Daddy’s too old for her!

In the meat section, Evelyn hesitated. Preston noticed instantly.

"Steak sounds good," he suggested smoothly.

She exhaled in relief, glancing down. "Oliver?"

He grinned. "Love steak!"

After gathering ingredients, they returned to Preston’s hotel suite.

Oliver happily devoured his ice cream in the living room while Preston took a quick work call. When he finally joined Evelyn in the kitchen, she was focused on seasoning the steak, unaware of his approach.

Rolling up his sleeves, Preston moved beside her. "I’ll handle the sides."

His usual icy demeanor was gone, replaced by effortless charm.

Evelyn’s breath hitched.

Distracted, she didn’t notice the sizzling oil until it splattered onto her wrist. She gasped, stumbling back—right into Preston’s firm embrace.