Chapter 757

Evelyn's concern was genuine.

Her worry for Preston came from a place of sincerity.

This realization made her reflect on her previous prejudice against him.

She had always treated all her suitors with cold indifference.

It was a defense mechanism against the unknown.

But with Preston, it felt pointless.

That car accident had subtly shifted their relationship.

Yet she couldn't quite define what had changed.

Preston was determined to break down the walls between them. It wasn't easy, but he refused to give up.

He wanted more with her. He wanted to take the lead.

So he noticed every slight change in Evelyn's attitude toward him.

Hearing her concern, Preston felt a pang of bittersweet emotion, but he managed a smile. "Then getting hurt was worth it."

Evelyn's smile faltered slightly. Preston continued, "Did Mr. Blackwood tell you why he punched me?"

He was curious what Nathan would say to her. Evelyn shook her head. "No."

'Who knows?' She couldn't tell Preston that Nathan had said "he deserved it," so she stayed silent.

Preston smirked, a hint of smugness in his expression. "Because he's jealous of me!"

For the first time, Preston was glad he got punched. Nathan's irritation made him feel hopeful.

Evelyn froze as Preston's smile deepened. His gaze was intense as he looked at her.

"For the first time, I feel useful to you. And this time, I'm closer to you than Mr. Blackwood."

Evelyn looked up and was instantly drawn into Preston's dark, endless eyes—like staring into the cosmos.

His voice was warm. He wanted to share more of himself with her.

"Since I was a child, I avoided any risk because of my blood type. I learned to be selfish and detached—because one wrong move could mean I wouldn't survive."

"This time, I'm grateful for this blood type. Evelyn, don't rush to thank me. I won't stoop to emotional blackmail to make you commit to me. I just want you to be fair—don't push me away with a simple 'thank you.'"

For a moment, Evelyn's heart trembled. A part of her began to soften.

The icy walls she had built had been hurting Preston.

She had thanked him countless times, afraid he would use his feelings to trap her. But now, he outright said he wouldn't.

Instead of relief, Evelyn felt heavier.

"Mr. Sinclair, you must know what happened between me and Mr. Blackwood—it's all over the internet. I poured everything into loving him, and now I'm exhausted. Even if I like someone in the future, I won't love like that again. It wouldn't be fair."

Her words were blunt.

Evelyn wouldn't be a moth to a flame again.

She still believed in love's beauty—but she wouldn't burn herself alive to feel it. That kind of sacrifice only destroyed her.

Preston was different. He raised a child that wasn't his. Outwardly, he seemed calculating, but deep down, he was kind and generous.

Evelyn couldn't bear to hurt him.

Preston studied the faint smile on her lips, then lowered his gaze briefly before meeting her eyes again.

"Don't decide so soon. How will you know if you don't try?"

Evelyn frowned. Preston pressed on, "And how do you know the other person won't accept the imbalance? What if he’s willing?"