Chapter 568

Sterling Manor.

Evelyn Sinclair sipped her morning tea while scrolling through her phone. Nathan Blackwood's message made her choke on her drink.

"Damn it!" She coughed violently, tea spraying across the table.

Lucas Sterling barely glanced up from repairing Natalie Beaumont's jade pendant. "Must you always act like a commoner? Where are your high society manners?"

Before Evelyn could respond, William Sterling frowned from across the room. "Careful, darling. Don't hurt yourself."

Lucas rolled his eyes, realizing he'd been outmaneuvered again.

Evelyn laughed and immediately locked her phone screen. Some messages weren't worth the retinal damage.

She studied Lucas carefully as he hunched over his work, watching tutorials while piecing together the delicate jewelry.

"Piece of cake. I'm practically a master now."

William snorted. "This idiot already destroyed half my study's jade collection with his 'repairs'."

Evelyn couldn't help but chuckle at the revelation.

"Lucas, do you still have feelings for Natalie?"

The thought of Natalie becoming her sister-in-law made Evelyn giddy with excitement.

Lucas froze mid-movement before shooting her a warning glare. "Don't be ridiculous."

William's ears practically perked up at the potential gossip. "What do you mean 'still'? I always thought Natalie would suit Alexander better."

Alexander Sterling nearly dropped his coffee cup while petting Leo. "Father, we've barely spoken!"

Lucas suddenly looked panicked. "They're completely incompatible! Alexander's practically asexual! Natalie would be miserable with him!"

William blinked slowly before turning to Evelyn.

Evelyn cleared her throat delicately. "Father was just making conversation. Why so defensive?"

Realizing his outburst, Lucas muttered, "I'm not!" before returning to his work.

Evelyn smirked. "Want me to help you win her over?"

Lucas's ears turned crimson. "No. We've already established we're not right for each other."

Evelyn feigned disinterest. "True. Your little black book could wallpaper Manhattan. Someone like you could never deserve our Natalie Beaumont."

Lucas's expression cycled through several emotions before settling on resignation. He simply lowered his head and continued repairing the pendant.

Early next morning...

Preston Sinclair never called before noon. This unprecedented dawn summons meant trouble.

"Good morning, Ms. Sterling."

Evelyn rubbed sleep from her eyes. "Mr. Sinclair. This must be urgent."

"Kingsley Tech's joint project has been suspended indefinitely. R&D timelines are tight enough without delays. Ms. Sterling, is there something I should know about Pacific Crest's financial situation?"

Evelyn's hand froze mid-sip of her morning milk.

Suspended? Since when?

"Mr. Sinclair, I'll investigate immediately. This won't affect our partnership."

After hanging up, Evelyn dressed quickly and headed straight to Kingsley Tech headquarters - unannounced.

Benjamin Carter, her mole at Kingsley Tech, hadn't sent any warnings.

This silence spoke volumes.

Evelyn strode through the corporate lobby in a tailored dress, heels clicking purposefully toward Benjamin's office.

Benjamin shot up from his chair in shock. "Ms. Sterling?"

She didn't bother with pleasantries. "What's happening at Kingsley Tech?"

Benjamin shook his head. "Nothing unusual."

"That joint venture with Mr. Sinclair - why was it suspended?"

Another head shake. "I haven't heard anything about that."

Evelyn's gaze darkened. The game had changed.