Chapter 664

Preston Sinclair hesitated, torn between decisions when his phone rang.

His expression shifted the moment he saw the caller ID.

Excusing himself, Preston stood and stepped out to take the call.

Evelyn Sinclair remained composed, her thoughts distant, oblivious to William Sterling's internal struggle. Lucas Sterling, equally unaware, sipped his tea quietly.

Less than thirty seconds later, Preston returned, his demeanor softening as he motioned to Oliver Sinclair.

"Sophia wants to speak with you."

Oliver frowned. "Why didn't she call me directly?" He glanced at his bare wrist.

Right. His smartwatch had taken an unexpected swim earlier.

The boy followed Preston out. When he reached for the phone, Preston withheld it, his smile fading slightly.

"An $880 million international transaction just went through under your name. What did you buy?"

Oliver narrowed his eyes. "You tricked me out here just to ask that?"

Preston arched a brow. "Isn't that amount worth questioning?"

Oliver shrugged. "Just a New Year's gift."

Preston's lips twitched. "For me?"

The boy grinned slyly. "What do you think, Daddy?"

Obviously not.

Preston exhaled, exasperated.

"It's for Evelyn, of course!"

At the mention of her name, Preston's expression softened instantly. "What did you get her?"

Oliver's eyes sparkled mischievously. "A black pearl necklace."

Preston froze.

"So you're the mysterious tycoon?"

$880 million for a single necklace. The numbers matched perfectly.

The infamous black pearl piece that had dominated auction headlines—snatched by an anonymous overseas buyer who outbid even Nathan Blackwood.

Preston never imagined that buyer would be his own son.

Oliver blinked. "Mysterious tycoon? I'm a tycoon just for buying jewelry?"

Preston's face contorted with disbelief.

He’d been outplayed—by a child.

"Using my money to impress a woman. What a devoted son."

But since it was for Evelyn, he couldn’t complain. He’d planned to gift it to her himself.

Oliver had simply beaten him to it.

Preston sighed.

After a pause, he crouched to Oliver’s eye level. "I have to leave for Pacifica before New Year’s. Do you want to come or stay here?"

"Obviously, I'm staying!" Oliver declared without hesitation.

Preston should’ve known.

He walked back inside, shamelessly asking the Sterlings to host his traitorous son.

William nearly leapt at the opportunity. "Absolutely! We’ll take excellent care of him!"

Preston smiled. "Thank you, William."

His gaze lingered on Evelyn, tender. "I’ll see you after the holidays."

She nodded. "Next year, then."

It struck her then—Preston had raised Oliver abroad. New Year’s wasn’t the grand celebration it was in Montecito.

To them, it was just another day.

Oliver plopped beside Evelyn, waving cheerfully. "Bye, Daddy! See you next year!"

His grin was downright smug.