Chapter 649

Preston Sinclair cooed softly. "Don't worry, you don't have to go, sweetheart. Go upstairs and rest."

Little Oliver nodded obediently and settled down. Preston lifted his son into his arms. As Oliver rested his head against his father's shoulder, he pointed toward the staircase.

"I want to sleep in my own room!"

Preston nearly rolled his eyes. "Must you be so obvious when pretending?"

Evelyn chuckled at Oliver's dramatic performance. The entire Sterling household fell silent, afraid to disturb the "sleeping" child.

No one seemed to notice the boy was faking it. Preston stiffened, carefully carrying his son upstairs with Lucas leading the way. When they reached Oliver's room, Lucas watched as Preston expertly tucked the boy in.

"Fatherly love," Lucas murmured with a sigh.

Preston froze momentarily. After Lucas turned away, Preston lightly pinched Oliver's cheek. "Little actor." Oliver immediately rolled over, clearly uninterested in his father's commentary.

Returning downstairs, Preston found the three Sterling men chatting and laughing. Evelyn said something that made William lose his temper, grabbing a nearby pillow to hurl at Lucas's head.

"Preston gets to show fatherly love, but what about us?" Lucas complained dramatically.

William looked ready to throttle him. "You destroyed my prized jade collection and still expect affection? I ought to beat you senseless!"

Preston cleared his throat to announce his presence. William immediately composed himself and exchanged pleasantries. "It's getting late. I won't impose any longer. Chairman Sterling, thank you for looking after Oliver. I'll visit again soon."

"Think nothing of it. This house could use a child's laughter. I've raised three sons and none bring me joy. Feel free to leave Oliver here anytime!" After a few more words, Preston departed Sterling Manor.

Evelyn headed upstairs as well, the wine from earlier finally making her dizzy. Lucas followed her. "Should I check on Natalie?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "No. You both need space. Keep bothering her and she'll only resent you more." Better to let Natalie enjoy her time with Adrian Prescott without interference.

Lucas studied her face. "You're right."

As winter deepened toward the New Year, at Blackwood Industries...

Nathan Blackwood leaned back in his leather chair, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. His sharp eyes held an icy glint. "Well? Any progress?"

Theodore Winslow trembled in his seat, clutching a book titled "100 Ways to Win Back Your Ex-Wife." After accidentally killing several batches of Nathan's prized fish, Theodore had been reassigned as Nathan's permanent shadow.

Initially confident about reconciling Nathan and Evelyn, Theodore now despaired. The man refused to follow advice, the woman saw through every ploy. "M-Mr. Blackwood...perhaps I'm not cut out for this. Maybe I should quit."

Nathan's cold snort sent shivers down Theodore's spine. "Would you prefer swimming with the fishes in River Aurora?"

"I believe I have one last strategy!" Theodore forced a smile. Survival took priority. After days of research, he'd devised a foolproof plan. "Mr. Blackwood, you must cultivate an image of restrained longing. Don't seek her out, but let your melancholy be visible. Make her come to you!"

Nathan stroked his chin. "How melancholy?"

The following evening, Preston arrived punctually at Evelyn's office under the pretense of visiting Oliver. Evelyn couldn't refuse and even offered dinner to thank him for his help the previous night. Preston eagerly accepted.