Chapter 663

Evelyn twirled little Oliver in her arms until her arms ached. She set him down gently, fingers combing through his soft curls. "Oliver, go greet your father."

The boy nodded obediently. He toddled over to Preston, cupping the man's face before planting a sloppy kiss on his cheek.

"Daddy, I missed you." His tone lacked conviction. Preston's strained smile suggested he knew it too. This ungrateful child, he thought wryly.

"Since it's New Year's, I'll let it slide." He pinched Oliver's chubby cheeks, chuckling. The boy immediately scampered back to Evelyn, grabbing her delicate hand while squinting mischievously.

"Pretty Lady, I have a surprise for you! Coming soon!" Evelyn blinked. "I've got something special for you too!"

William ended his call and waved them inside. "Enough standing around. Don't let Oliver catch a chill!" The forgotten Evelyn rolled her eyes. Lucas bounded over gleefully. "Looks like you've been replaced!"

"Says the jealous one," she shot back. Lucas froze, itching to retaliate.

As they entered, Preston greeted William politely. The older man nodded curtly, then froze when his gaze landed on Evelyn's mouth. "Evelyn, what happened to your lip?"

The question drew everyone's attention. Evelyn's lips pressed together as she glared at Lucas, who smirked. "Just... bumped into something."

"Really?" Lucas' eyes darted meaningfully between Evelyn and Preston. "That excuse seems thin."

William kicked his son's shin. "Watch your mouth!" Lucas raised his hands in surrender. "Sorry, Dad!"

Evelyn stormed inside, mentally cursing Nathan Blackwood a thousand times over.

William's expression darkened as he studied Preston. The Wall Street tycoon kept his gaze lowered. Little Oliver puffed out his cheeks, glaring at his father. "Daddy, if you hurt Pretty Lady, I won't forgive you!"

Preston gaped. "Whose side are you on?"

"Justice doesn't pick sides!" Oliver declared haughtily.

The butler ushered them inside, tactfully avoiding comment on Evelyn's swollen lips. "Miss Sinclair, your usual coffee?"

"Yes, thank you."

"And for you, Mr. Sinclair?" Preston nodded. "Same, please."

William cleared his throat. "Mr. Sinclair, here to collect Oliver?" Preston's lips thinned. "Yes. We shouldn't impose on your New Year's Eve."

Oliver's face crumpled. He didn't want to leave—this was his first New Year's with Evelyn. William's conflicted gaze mirrored the boy's longing. Keeping Oliver meant keeping Preston. Their relatives would arrive soon, and rumors would spread about another man counting down with them. Not ideal for Evelyn's reputation.