Chapter 668

Evelyn Sinclair rolled her eyes at Lucas. "She's coming soon." Lucas regained his spirits and became even more eager to return to his kitchen duties.

Leo, their AI tiger companion, was draped in an expensive silk scarf from Laurent Dubois. A luxury watch Lucas no longer wanted adorned one of its legs.

The little tiger pranced around Sterling Manor with a smug grin. Hearing William Sterling's booming laughter outside, Evelyn froze for a second before stepping out to investigate.

Her second brother, Donovan Sterling, had returned.

And he wasn't alone.

Emily Whitaker stood beside him, their fingers intertwined. The way they looked at each other left no doubt about their relationship. Evelyn clicked her tongue. "I always thought Donovan would die single. Yet here he is, the first one to bring home a girlfriend?"

Lucas wiped his hands and joined them outside.

The sight hit him like a punch to the gut.

William ordered everyone to gather at the entrance. Evelyn and Lucas exchanged glances before obediently taking their positions. Even Alexander Sterling, who had been working in the study, was summoned.

Leo sat at Evelyn's feet, tail wagging, as it stared up at Emily. "Mean Emily!"

Emily flushed but quickly composed herself, offering a bright smile. "Hello, Uncle William. Hello, Alexander. Hello, Lucas. Hello, Evelyn!"

'Is this really happening? Donovan moves faster than I expected.'

Donovan adjusted his glasses, his usual composed demeanor softened. "Let me introduce my girlfriend, Dr. Emily Whitaker. We plan to marry next year. Your objections won't change that."

Emily bit her lip, clearly embarrassed by his bluntness.

William, Alexander, Lucas, and Evelyn stood speechless.

William recovered first, ushering them inside with a warm smile. As a seasoned businessman, he already knew Emily's background. After Evelyn's disastrous marriage, he had grown wary of anyone getting close to his children.

But Emily was different.

She was a renowned physicist, respected in academic circles. Her family might not match the Sterlings in wealth, but William didn't care. He wanted his children to marry for love, not connections.

"Emily, from today onward, you're family," William declared. "No need for formalities."

Emily blinked, surprised by how welcoming this powerful family was.

Lucas shot Evelyn a glare.

She had to rub salt in his wound. What kind of sister was she? His expression darkened. "I checked. Adrian Prescott is abroad for a fashion show. That means Natalie is alone."

Evelyn winced. She really had neglected her best friend.

With an apologetic smile, she pulled out her phone. "I'll call her. Don't worry, I'll bring her here."

The call connected.

"Natalie, come to Sterling Manor for New Year's Eve!"

"No, thanks. I'm going abroad."

Evelyn sighed. "Don't lie. The first day of the year is your mother's death anniversary. You won't leave. We're having relatives over—you won't be the only guest. I'll pick you up."

Silence.

Then, a quiet, "Fine. I'll come myself. No need to fetch me."

Evelyn hung up and exhaled sharply.

For years, Natalie had spent New Year's with her grandmother. After the old woman passed, she was left completely alone. William often urged Evelyn to invite her, but ever since Natalie and Lucas broke up, she had refused every offer.

That failed relationship still haunted her.