Chapter 771

The moment Preston Sinclair arrived, the atmosphere in the Sterling Manor shifted dramatically.

William Sterling let out a derisive snort. His anger toward Preston for involving his daughter in this scandal still simmered beneath the surface.

Yet recalling how Preston had saved Evelyn's life recently, William restrained himself from throwing the man out. Besides, Preston might be just another pawn in this twisted game.

Lucas gestured impatiently. "I'm certain Preston came to explain everything. Let him in already."

"Dad, he did save Evelyn's life. Even if you're furious, you need to tolerate this..."

William rolled his eyes before settling into his chair with forced composure. "I know!"

Lucas chuckled while Evelyn remained impassive.

Having confirmed Sterling Enterprises' stocks remained stable, Evelyn couldn't care less about the online uproar. Public condemnation wasn't new to her. What strangers thought of her image mattered little.

When Preston entered, he noted all Sterlings present except Alexander and Donovan. William and Lucas wore thunderous expressions. Only Evelyn offered him a faint smile.

"It's pouring outside. Mr. Sinclair is drenched. Archibald, fetch him a towel."

The butler hurried off and returned with a plush towel, which Preston accepted without using. His stormy gaze remained locked on Evelyn, heavy with guilt.

For several agonizing seconds, Preston struggled to begin. Terrified Evelyn might believe the vicious rumors, yet more terrified she wouldn't even bother asking for the truth - which would mean she didn't care.

Lucas's daughter shattered the tense silence. "Mr. Sinclair, you've had quite the eventful day, haven't you?"

Preston snapped back to reality, his smile strained yet polite. When his eyes met William's, they turned solemn with remorse.

"My deepest apologies for dragging Evelyn and the Sterlings into my mess. I've already arranged for this matter to disappear by morning. It will never resurface." His tone left no room for doubt.

William's expression softened slightly. "Mr. Sinclair, we consider you family and don't believe those vile rumors. Thank heavens Evelyn's thick-skinned enough to ignore this nonsense. Otherwise, how could she endure such internet vitriol?"

Preston's intense gaze swept over Evelyn. His usually composed features tightened. "Evelyn's the true innocent here. I'll issue a public statement clearing her name immediately. This... has been a painful lesson."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow, her smile never reaching her eyes. "The gossip means nothing. But these coordinated attacks target you specifically. Any idea who's behind them?"

Clearly someone wanted Preston destroyed. Who had he crossed in Montecito?

Preston's expression darkened. After a weighted pause, he murmured, "Blackwood Industries orchestrated this."

His words detonated like a grenade in the room. Nathan Blackwood?

"I learned Lucas helped suppress the trending topic this morning. Initially, I dismissed it as tabloid nonsense. But this afternoon, my PR team discovered someone paid the woman who accused me. They instructed her to create this scandal specifically to force me out of Montecito."

Watching William and Lucas's fury mount brought Preston no comfort. He'd never imagined Nathan could sink so low as to use Evelyn as a human shield.

Yet the investigation results lay indisputable before him. 'Has Nathan always been this despicable? I've gravely overestimated his character.'