Chapter 638

Nathan knew Evelyn must be trying to drain Preston dry with this opportunity.

He glanced at Preston and said coolly, "Mr. Sinclair, I'll transfer you the money later."

Evelyn froze.

Preston's brows furrowed. "Unnecessary. Since it's an event, fairness should prevail."

Alexander frowned, wanting to point out Evelyn and Preston weren't a couple and thus ineligible.

But Preston lowered his gaze with a dark chuckle.

His voice turned dangerously smooth. "Besides, I should be covering her bills."

Preston had been praying for this chance.

Both Evelyn and Alexander fell silent.

Just then, Bennett entered with dishes tailored to the three executives' preferences.

Mid-meal, Evelyn excused herself for an urgent call.

Left alone, Preston and Alexander exchanged tense stares. Neither had much appetite facing the other, yet courtesy kept them seated until their plates were clean. Both maintained perfect civility despite the tension.

Alexander broke the silence first. "Mr. Sinclair, you seem particularly hostile toward Mr. Sinclair?"

Preston dabbed his mouth with deliberate elegance.

"There are always flies buzzing around Evelyn with ill intentions. Someone has to keep watch."

'And swat them when necessary,' Preston thought.

Alexander chuckled inwardly. 'Straight to the point.'

"My sister's beautiful, wealthy, and brilliant. Naturally, she attracts admirers."

Pride colored Alexander's voice as he emphasized their sibling bond.

Preston's eyes darkened, lips curling into a frosty smile.

"Exactly why she needs guarding."

Alexander's smile stiffened. 'He wants to stand guard? Until every suitor flees?'

"Of course. Given our companies' unprecedented collaboration, we should look out for each other."

The meal dragged on awkwardly, though both men had endured worse social tortures.

Had Alexander not been his brother-in-law, Preston would've walked out long ago.

Afterward, Alexander politely escorted Preston out without a single misstep.

"Mr. Sinclair, we should play golf sometime."

The invitation was pure formality.

Preston paused. "Certainly... Big Brother."

Alexander's face twitched before forcing a laugh. "Since you call me that, remember Evelyn's your sister too. Bear with her if she ever offends you."

Preston choked. His smile turned strained.

Alexander waved. "Goodbye."

——

Inside his car, Preston's driver studied his expression carefully.

"Back to the office, Mr. Blackwood?"

Preston closed his eyes with a terse "Mm."

An ill-timed call interrupted.

Preston answered without checking ID.

Tristan's sympathetic yet amused voice made Preston itch to punch him.

"Still not reconciled, huh? 'Unprecedented cooperation'? Evelyn's a genius—saved millions in endorsements and marketing. Think she'd model our products too?"

Preston's expression blackened. He wiped his lips. "Seeking death?"

Through the phone, Tristan could visualize Preston's thunderous face.

He hastily backtracked.

"Women are impossible. Vivian promised to marry me, now she's blocked me. How's that fair?"

Preston hung up mid-rant.

After a moment, he dialed an international number, voice turning lethally calm.

"Compile a full report on Preston Sinclair's current projects."