Chapter 648

Evelyn Sinclair arched an eyebrow. "Mr. Sinclair, I never pegged you as the bar-hopping type."

Preston Sinclair frowned. "Do I really give off such a stuffy vibe?"

"You just seem more like the symphony-and-wine kind of man."

Preston narrowed his eyes. "Are you implying I'm boring?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together to suppress a smile. "Don't put words in my mouth."

Preston exhaled sharply, but the tension dissolved when they both burst into laughter.

Ten minutes later, the car pulled up to Sterling Manor. Isabella must have called ahead—Lucas was already waiting at the entrance, shivering in the cold. The butler opened the gates, and Preston drove straight through.

Lucas sneezed dramatically as he opened Evelyn's door. "You're back late. And you've been drinking?"

Evelyn smirked and turned to Preston. "Come inside for a bit. Oliver should still be awake."

After everything he'd done for her tonight, it would be rude to send him away now.

Preston hesitated, then nodded. "If it's not too much trouble."

Inside, William Sterling lounged in the living room with Leo cradled in one arm and Oliver nestled against his side. The scene was oddly domestic. Preston hadn't expected his son to adapt so seamlessly to this household.

Oliver wore tiger-striped pajamas. When he spotted Preston, he waved sleepily. "Hi, Daddy!"

Preston sighed.

William stood with a warm smile. "Mr. Sinclair, thank you for bringing Evelyn home. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Preston inclined his head politely. "Just passing by." His gaze lingered on his son, torn between amusement and exasperation.

"I appreciate you looking after him. He hasn't been too much trouble?"

William chuckled. "Oliver? He's an absolute delight—well-mannered, bright, and utterly charming."

Preston watched as Oliver preened under the praise, wriggling happily in William's arms. That little manipulator. No wonder everyone doted on him.

Evelyn settled onto the sofa, wrapping herself in a cashmere throw. The butler handed her a heated stone, which she cradled gratefully. "Really, Mr. Sinclair, Oliver's welcome here anytime. We adore having him."

Oliver shot Preston a triumphant look. See? Pretty Lady likes me.

Preston's jaw twitched.

"I think we've overstayed our welcome. Oliver, time to go back to the hotel."

Oliver immediately burrowed deeper into William's embrace. "No! I wanna stay!"

William patted the boy's back soothingly. "Poor thing. Hotels are so impersonal for a child. He should stay here. You're welcome to visit whenever you like."

Preston stiffened. Had his son been badmouthing their living arrangements?

The butler arrived with steaming mugs of cocoa. "This will warm you up, Mr. Sinclair."

Preston accepted one, watching as everyone sipped theirs—except Oliver, who'd already dozed off. Lucas scooped him up effortlessly.

Preston stood abruptly. "I'll take him—"

The moment he touched Oliver, the boy whimpered and twisted away. "No... don't wanna leave..."

Preston rolled his eyes. The little actor wasn't fooling anyone.