Chapter 647

"Evelyn, give him a chance."

Isabella's words made Evelyn freeze mid-step. Her best friend leaned in closer, whispering conspiratorially, "Those punks don't stand a chance against him. Just relax and let the man show off!"

Evelyn frowned.

Before sixty seconds passed, the situation completely reversed. The rainbow-haired thugs were howling in pain. Some scrambled away while others screamed for the police.

"First day on the job?" Evelyn muttered. "Since when do gangsters call the cops?"

Isabella wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Gangsters these days are getting softer. What kind of wimps join gangs nowadays?"

Preston Sinclair still looked every inch the polished Wall Street tycoon, though his slightly rumpled clothes gave him a dangerous edge. The usual refinement had given way to something wilder, more unpredictable.

Isabella waved enthusiastically. "You okay there, handsome?"

Preston flashed that trademark enigmatic smile. "Perfectly fine." His gaze locked onto Evelyn as he picked up her discarded phone, handing it over with a rueful expression. "Screen's cracked. I'll replace it."

Evelyn examined the damaged device. The screen was shattered, completely unresponsive. "That's unnecessary, Mr. Sinclair. You've already done more than enough tonight."

She had spare phones at Sterling Manor anyway. No need for immediate replacements.

"Nonsense." Preston rolled up his sleeves casually, revealing toned forearms that caught the streetlight just right. The usually immaculate businessman looked almost... rugged. "Getting to play hero for two beautiful women? That's reward enough."

His warm eyes crinkled at the corners, dispelling the night's chill. "I was fortunate enough to hear your song choice at Velvet Lounge earlier, Ms. Sterling. Excellent taste. My friends and I were so engrossed, I nearly missed seeing you off."

Evelyn's cheeks burned. "How long were you there?"

"Since before you arrived." His amused gaze told her everything.

Evelyn wanted to vanish into the pavement. That mortifying moment when she'd entered like some gauche socialite flaunting her wealth... Her carefully cultivated ice queen image—shattered.

If only she'd known acquaintances were present...

Preston gestured to a sleek car idling nearby. "Allow me to escort you ladies home."

Evelyn opened her mouth to refuse, but Preston turned his charm on Isabella. "What do you say, gorgeous? Give a guy a break?"

Isabella arched a brow and dragged Evelyn forward. "Since you're friends, no need for formalities!"

Evelyn shot her traitorous friend a glare but followed anyway. The moment they settled into the luxurious interior, Isabella rattled off her address—clearly angling to give them privacy later.

Preston gave Isabella a grateful look, his large hands flexing on the steering wheel as he fielded her increasingly personal questions with effortless grace. Isabella's gossip radar was practically vibrating.

While interrogating Preston, Isabella fired off texts to Evelyn: [How well do you know this guy???]

Evelyn replied: [You know him too. Oliver's father.]

Isabella's mouth fell open. "Holy sh—" She caught herself, clearing her throat loudly. "Mr. Sinclair, your fighting skills back there were impressive!"

The car fell silent for a beat.

So the smooth-talking billionaire playboy was actually a single dad? Isabella's eyebrows nearly hit her hairline.

They reached Isabella's apartment too soon. She hesitated at the curb. "Text me when you get home!" Her protective glare at Preston said everything—she didn't trust this "older man with a kid" alone with her best friend.

Evelyn saw right through her. "Goodnight, Bella."

The moment the door closed, Preston chuckled. "That neighborhood's gotten rough lately, Ms. Sterling. Maybe avoid solo visits."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "I'll be more careful."

She'd never run into trouble before—probably because she usually traveled with an entourage. Sebastian would have been there, making her untouchable.

Preston considered this before offering, "Next time you want to go, call me." His tone left no room for argument. "Any time."