Chapter 626

Preston Sinclair gave a wry smile, the corner of his lips lifting slightly.

"Can't believe I fell for that scam. It's humiliating." For a Wall Street tycoon like him, the realization stung.

Evelyn Sinclair laughed, the sound lightening the tense atmosphere in the car.

She pulled out her iPad. "Let me brief you on the speech topic." This meeting was primarily a high-level market research exchange. Its significance lay not in the event itself, but in the influential attendees—people who could sway stock prices and reshape market dynamics.

A major project, one Sterling Enterprises had been developing for months, would be unveiled today.

Preston immediately shifted into serious mode, his expression focused yet composed. His refined demeanor carried an understated confidence, devoid of arrogance. Unlike Nathan Blackwood, Preston exuded a quiet charm—subtle, magnetic, but never aggressive.

At first, Evelyn did most of the talking. Soon, Preston joined in, their discussion measured and insightful. Both maintained cautious optimism about the project's potential.

Evelyn had declined the invitation to speak on stage. The recent chaos on her variety show set had left her too emotionally drained to trust her composure.

The car ride was smooth. Though Evelyn had visited this city before, she'd never had time to explore. Glancing out the window, she noted how much the skyline had changed.

Preston broke the silence. "How's Oliver settling in at Sterling Manor?"

Evelyn stiffened. Guilt pricked her—she'd been so preoccupied with filming that she'd barely checked on the boy she'd left in her father's care.

Before she could answer, Preston chuckled.

"Though from what I hear, Alexander Sterling adores him. When Oliver video-called me yesterday, he was teaching me how to fish. Sounded like a pro."

Evelyn grinned. "Dad probably sees a future angler in him." She just hoped Lucas wasn't corrupting the kid with his actor's antics.

Preston's eyes crinkled with amusement as the car stopped at the convention center entrance. He stepped out, opening Evelyn's door with effortless grace. She thanked him, and they walked in together.

Coincidentally, their seats were adjacent. The placard beside them bore Nathan Blackwood's name—but it was swiftly removed. Clearly, he had no intention of attending.

Evelyn exhaled. Good. One less complication.

Bennett arrived just in time to handle her hotel arrangements. His message pinged her phone:

[City-wide LED displays booked for one minute—$68 million. PR and media coordination complete.]

Evelyn smirked, typing back:

[Excellent. Make sure the follow-up is flawless.] If she was spending that kind of money, the impact had to be undeniable.

The conference began with opening remarks before passing the mic to industry leaders. Each speaker seized the opportunity to pitch their ventures, eager to attract investors and partnerships.

Some spoke with such fervor that spittle flew. The audience reacted variably—some attentive, others dismissive.

But Evelyn and Preston listened intently, occasionally exchanging quiet commentary. To onlookers, the aloof heiress of Sterling Enterprises and the elusive Wall Street prodigy appeared unexpectedly close.

Someone discreetly snapped photos of the pair.

Those photos would soon find their way to Nathan Blackwood.