Chapter 824

Preston chuckled lightly, his tone playful.

"I won't be returning to Pacifica anytime soon. My friends warned me that living in a hotel long-term makes dating impossible, so I bought a place here."

Evelyn's cheeks warmed. Was Preston serious about pursuing her? Buying a house in Montecito suggested he planned to stay.

Silence settled between them during the drive to Highland Estates.

The driver turned on a classic tune to fill the quiet. The car was too still.

"We've arrived, Mr. Sinclair. Visitor vehicles aren't permitted beyond the gate," the driver informed him.

Preston smiled, his expression warm yet reserved as he turned to Evelyn.

"Are you avoiding conversation with me?"

Evelyn blinked, then shook her head. "No..."

Preston asked, "Would you like to come inside?"

Anticipating refusal, he quickly added, "Oliver asked me to bring you something from overseas. I haven't had the chance to give it to you yet. You could take it now."

Evelyn hesitated. "What is it?" If it was jewelry, she'd decline.

Preston's smile deepened. He cleared his throat. "He made it himself. Not valuable, but one-of-a-kind."

Children loved crafting gifts.

Preston hadn't planned to give it to her—he didn't know how—but it was the only excuse to invite her in. Evelyn nodded. "Alright."

She thought, It must be something heartfelt! I'll cherish it.

Preston greeted the security guard, and the car glided through the gates. Evelyn remembered something. "Did Oliver get into trouble at school?"

Preston arched a brow.

"He competed in a youth intelligence contest, mouthed off to a boy five years older, and got punched."

Evelyn's heart clenched. "They were jealous of his brilliance!"

Preston's lips twitched. "That's exactly what Michael said. Which is why he got hit."

Evelyn winced. "Was he hurt?"

Preston's expression cooled. "He's fine. I disciplined him."

"He was telling the truth! The teacher overreacted by calling parents..." Evelyn muttered.

Preston gave her an exasperated look. He hadn't expected her to be so protective.

She really adored Oliver.

"The school called me because they wanted the other boy to apologize in front of his parents. Instead, Oliver hired his bodyguard to pose as his father. The teacher caught on. Then he paid a street vendor near the school to play the role—exposed again. Finally, he recruited a man from a fast-food joint, who turned out to be the teacher's father. The teacher lost it, dug up my secretary's number from the registry, and that's how I found out."

Evelyn's jaw dropped. Oliver's usually so clever! Why did his brain short-circuit when it mattered?

He should've hired someone from across town! Still too green.

The car stopped.

Preston opened her door like a gentleman. Evelyn stepped out, surveying the grounds.

Fresh air, manicured lawns, a vibrant yet peaceful semi-open layout. Clearly an elite neighborhood.

Preston walked beside her, chatting casually.

"I know you prefer living in your penthouse duplex. I asked the developer, but the units above and below were already sold. No price would convince the owners. So I settled for this place. It's close to your office."