Chapter 547

The golden chrysanthemum had a small emblem engraved at its base.

It was clearly a custom piece—extravagant, bordering on gaudy.

Evelyn's heart skipped, but she kept her smile steady. "This is too much..."

Compared to the diamonds Oliver Sinclair had gifted her before, this was nothing.

But what kind of child casually handed out gold and diamonds?

She was completely caught off guard.

Preston noticed Evelyn's stunned expression and chuckled.

"I only found out about his flower choice when it was too late to change it. At least the design isn't terrible. It'll make decent decor."

He added thoughtfully.

A solid gold chrysanthemum was still better than a bouquet of real ones, after all.

Evelyn laughed softly and nodded in agreement.

"Oh, I prepared something for Oliver too."

She signaled Bennett to bring the package downstairs.

Tapping the box that reached her waist, she grinned.

"Legos?" Preston guessed, raising a brow.

Evelyn shook her head.

"Since he's learning new languages, I got him some practice exams."

The stack inside was thick enough to last him through his entire academic career.

Preston froze for a second before bursting into laughter.

"Ms. Sinclair, with this gift, Oliver will definitely study harder."

"Poor kid's going to hate me," Evelyn teased.

Preston could already picture his son's horrified face when he realized who'd sent the mountain of papers.

As they spoke, a man approached from behind.

"You two are blocking the entrance. My employees don’t know whether to come or go."

William Sterling feigned sternness.

Evelyn arched a brow and linked arms with him affectionately. "Dad, did you come all this way just to pick me up?"

William rolled his eyes and glanced at Preston.

Preston greeted him with genuine warmth, his demeanor respectful yet relaxed.

"I just got back from fishing with a friend. There’s a private restaurant nearby—let me treat you to dinner with today’s catch."

William gestured toward the adjacent building.

Alexander Sterling, usually composed, quickened his pace to join them.

"Mr. Sinclair."

Preston acknowledged him with a nod.

William insisted, "Come with us. The view’s excellent, and the food’s even better."

Evelyn hesitated, expecting Preston to decline. But he simply smiled. "I’d be honored."

William wasn’t surprised.

Soon, the four of them were seated at the restaurant’s top floor.

The breeze was light, the cityscape sprawling beneath them.

Dinner was served swiftly—fresh seafood, fine wine, easy conversation.

Evelyn relaxed when she saw Preston fitting in effortlessly with William and Alexander.

William observed his daughter’s reaction, then turned to Preston.

"You’re young to already have a son. Bring him by the manor sometime. Lucas adores kids."

Lucas, who notoriously avoided children, sneezed violently at home.

Preston chuckled. "I’ll apologize in advance for any chaos Oliver causes. He’s quite taken with Ms. Sinclair."

Evelyn shot her father a warning look.

She knew exactly what he was implying by mentioning Oliver.

William had noticed Preston’s particular interest in Evelyn.

For most, Preston’s status was unattainable. But the Sterlings had the luxury of choosing.

A child was a complication—one William wouldn’t overlook.

Bringing up Oliver was his polite way of drawing a line.