Chapter 573

The tension between Preston and Evelyn gradually eased as they changed topics.

Preston shared updates about Oliver's recent antics.

When Evelyn mentioned sending the boy an entire crate of practice exams, Oliver had thrown such a tantrum that he'd cried himself to sleep. Not even Preston could calm him down.

Their conversation flowed naturally now, the earlier stiffness forgotten.

Laughter bubbled between them when a waiter's cheerful greeting abruptly cut through the moment. Seconds later, an icy presence prickled Evelyn's spine.

Before she could turn, a firm arm draped possessively over her shoulders. Nathan slid into the booth beside her, his grip unyielding as his fingers dug into her waist.

Evelyn stiffened. Nathan's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his darkened eyes. "What a coincidence, darling."

The endearment dropped the temperature around them to subzero.

Evelyn met his gaze coolly. "Remove your hand."

"Nathan!" Preston interjected sharply, breaking the tension. "This is a public place. Show some respect."

Nathan had arrived with a group of associates, though his attention had immediately zeroed in on Evelyn and Preston the moment he spotted them.

His jaw clenched. He couldn't afford to make a scene—not when it would only make Preston look like the reasonable one. Reluctantly, he withdrew his hand.

"Mr. Sinclair," Nathan bit out, "I see you're neglecting your business to focus on matters that don't concern you."

Preston's smile remained pleasant, though his eyes glinted with equal frost. "I could say the same about you, Mr. Blackwood. Shouldn't you be attending to your guests?"

The unspoken challenge hung between them. Both men knew they were on equal footing when it came to Evelyn—and neither intended to back down.

Nathan's chest tightened at the thought of Preston having dinner with Evelyn's family. The idea of them dining alone together now was unbearable.

He turned to his assistant. "Harrison, take everyone ahead. I'll join you shortly."

Once the group had been ushered away, Nathan's gaze flicked between Evelyn's indifferent expression and Preston's composed demeanor. His temper flared, but he directed it solely at Preston.

Leaning closer to Evelyn, he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear with exaggerated tenderness. "Eat something first. I'll be right back."

The gesture was performative, and Evelyn saw right through it.

His acting had certainly improved.

She ignored him entirely, focusing instead on the dessert in front of her.

Nathan's expression darkened. He shot Preston a warning glare before stalking off.

Preston watched him leave, thoughtful. "He seems... different."

Evelyn glanced up. "Or just agitated."

Preston chuckled knowingly. Something had clearly shifted between them.

Nathan returned after a perfunctory toast with his associates, too distracted to stay away any longer.

The sight of Evelyn and Preston laughing together sent a sharp pang through him.

Does she really consider me insignificant?

The bitter thought twisted in his chest.

And yet, I haven't even begun to fulfill my role.