Chapter 699

The Sterling siblings were impossible to miss.

News traveled fast. Within minutes, the deserted airport transformed into a chaotic scene. Evelyn hadn't anticipated this level of attention.

Lucas glanced back, signaling Natalie to slip away unnoticed. His protective instinct left Evelyn exposed in the center of the storm.

Perfect.

Just what she needed.

"Ms. Sterling! What's your response to Nathan Blackwood's public confession? Will you reconsider?"

"Don't you feel guilty seeing how heartbroken Mr. Blackwood appears?"

"Is this all just clever marketing for Sterling Enterprises' new product line?"

"Will Lucas be endorsing your family's jewelry collection?"

The barrage of questions trapped Evelyn in place. Her temper flared. This was entirely Lucas's fault. She stepped back sharply, grinding her heel into his designer shoe.

Lucas didn't even flinch. With practiced charm, he deflected: "You'll have to ask Nathan about his marketing strategies. He started this game. As for Evelyn's feelings... let nature take its course. She's not part of our world. Why not ask about my love life instead?"

The crowd erupted in laughter. "You've been single forever, Lucas! When's the wedding?"

Lucas pretended to consider. "Soon."

"That's what you always say!" reporters chorused.

Evelyn's smile stiffened. Her thoughts drifted to that anonymous male celebrity nearby - how she envied his anonymity.

"Ms. Sterling, any business plans for the new year?"

This one Lucas couldn't answer for her.

Evelyn swept her hair aside, deliberately flashing the Solitaire ring. "Thank you for your interest. But if I share details, won't that just create more... unnecessary hype?"

The crowd chuckled while the reporter flushed. "Stay tuned," Evelyn concluded.

At the exit, she spotted the unrecognized celebrity - mask removed, surrounded by indifferent bodyguards. The absurdity almost made her laugh.

Once safely in the car, both siblings exhaled.

Lucas loosened his collar with a grin. "Took me two Oscar wins to get that kind of frenzy. Who knew my baby sister could trend harder than me?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"Aren't you going to check on Natalie?"

Lucas froze. He'd completely forgotten. Scrambling for his phone, he dialed frantically. Evelyn shook her head.

By afternoon, #SterlingSiblings dominated social media again. The Solitaire ring's public debut sparked intense speculation.

Sterling Enterprises' strategy was ruthless: no pre-orders, limited quantities, strict release windows. Textbook scarcity marketing.

Yet demand already outpaced supply. Every sales channel buzzed with anticipation.