Chapter 724

Evelyn's brows knitted together as she reluctantly agreed to return home.

After bidding farewell to Isabella, she headed straight for Sterling Manor.

Preston was in the parlor with Lucas and William. William had always admired Preston's composed demeanor - that rare combination of humility and quiet confidence that made him seem utterly dependable.

The moment Evelyn stepped inside, little Oliver came dragging his miniature suitcase down the stairs, his eyes rimmed red with unshed tears.

"Pretty Lady..." Oliver rushed forward and threw his arms around Evelyn's waist, his small frame trembling with emotion.

Evelyn hugged him back tightly, an unexpected pang of sorrow gripping her heart.

Oliver had lived at Sterling Manor long enough to become family. Yet everyone understood Preston's bond with the boy ran far deeper.

Preston rose gracefully, offering Evelyn a warm smile.

"The academic calendar abroad couldn't be postponed further. Oliver's missed too many classes already with our extended stay. The new term starts soon."

William sighed heavily nearby, his reluctance palpable.

"Plenty of excellent schools here. Must he study overseas?"

Preston explained patiently, "His curriculum was specially designed by top educators abroad. That level of customization isn't available here, and Oliver's already adapted to their accelerated pace. Switching systems now would set him back tremendously."

Every aspect of Oliver's education had been meticulously planned by world-renowned specialists. Preston had secured tutors no ordinary school could hope to match.

William gazed at Oliver mournfully. The boy obediently went to him, wrapping small arms around his neck.

"Uncle William, I'll visit often! I'll finish all my lessons quickly, inherit Daddy's entire fortune, then return in grand style to stay with you forever! No one will separate us again!"

Preston inhaled sharply. Such ambitious words might as well have been wishing for his early demise!

Amused, William comforted the boy before escorting them to the entrance.

Preston lingered by the car, his gaze lingering on Evelyn as if wanting to say more, but the presence of others held him back.

Finally, he simply lowered his lashes and smiled. "Goodbye, Evelyn."

She nodded, then suddenly remembered. "Wait!"

Rushing upstairs, she returned with a bank card, discreetly pressing it into Preston's hand when Oliver wasn't looking.

"What's this?"

Evelyn grinned. "Oliver's back-to-school gift. Don't refuse - it's tradition here to give an allowance for new terms!"

Preston looked baffled. "He's supposed to take a bank card to school?"

He suspected Evelyn's idea of an allowance differed greatly from most.

Tilting her head playfully, Evelyn said, "We Montecitans are generous people. Let Oliver's international friends witness our hospitality."

William nodded approvingly. "Just take it. It's nothing significant anyway."

Reluctantly, Preston accepted on Oliver's behalf.

He couldn't help feeling Oliver had gained far more than mere affection during his stay with the Sterlings.

After farewells, Preston had his assistant check the account balance from the car.

$900 million!

Instantly, he recalled that $880 million black pearl necklace.

Evelyn had even included an extra $20 million as thanks.

Preston didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. His eyes darkened with unreadable emotion.

Evelyn truly refused to owe anyone anything.

But there would be other opportunities. The game was far from over.

Oliver remained despondent, mourning the impending separation from his beloved Pretty Lady.

"Daddy, what did Pretty Lady give you?"

Preston arched a brow, pocketing the card. "She bought you study materials and asked me to deliver them."

"Oh...but I don't want them..."

At that moment, Oliver's melancholy threatened to consume him entirely.