Chapter 853

Evelyn remained silent, considering the situation carefully.

"The lawyer from my company hasn't arrived yet—he's stuck in traffic. Let's reschedule the signing for another time."

At this point, signing the contract wasn't urgent anymore.

Without another word, Evelyn turned and walked away.

Preston gave a slight nod and followed her, deliberately avoiding the gaze of the couple behind them.

Inside the elevator, Evelyn's expression darkened.

"Mr. Sinclair, who do you think is lying?"

Preston didn't know what Seraphina had said, but he had seen her fleeing earlier with the child in her arms. He recognized her from the celebration party.

Preston narrowed his eyes, hesitating for a brief moment before answering with certainty, "Both of them."

Evelyn looked at him in surprise. Preston offered a faint smile, dispelling the tension that had weighed on her.

It was like a gentle spring rain, soothing her nerves.

Evelyn smiled back.

The elevator reached the lobby, where only Bennett remained waiting. "Where's Seraphina?"

Bennett shook his head. "She ran off. I couldn't stop her."

Seraphina hadn't even bothered to thank them, but Evelyn didn't care.

Bennett glanced at Preston and nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Sinclair."

Evelyn frowned in suspicion. Preston smiled warmly and explained, "I was here discussing business and happened to pass by. Bennett asked for my help."

That made sense. Preston had already saved her twice—it would be rude not to treat him to a meal.

"Let's have dinner together?" Evelyn suggested.

Preston agreed without hesitation. "Of course."

On the way, Evelyn called Alexander and filled him in on Vincent's situation.

Alexander didn't know much about Vincent personally—their relationship had been strictly professional.

After hearing the story, Alexander fell silent for a moment. "You did the right thing. Don't sign anything until everything is clear."

Too many business leaders had destroyed their companies due to moral corruption. And this involved Seraphina, a public figure, along with allegations of abuse—a despicable act that would enrage anyone.

While business required some level of social maneuvering, certain lines couldn't be crossed without risking the company's reputation.

Preston chose a quiet, elegant restaurant.

Bennett joined them. The meal was pleasant, free of awkwardness. Afterward, Preston suggested they visit Kingsley Tech to review the project's closing work.

Evelyn had been meaning to check on the progress, so she agreed immediately.

Dominic Kingsley was occupied, so Emily Whitaker accompanied them instead.

Emily, being more familiar with the research progress, delivered a concise and efficient presentation.

Evelyn was sipping her coffee when Emily suddenly lunged toward her. Evelyn barely managed to dodge.

"Emily, calm down!"

Emily froze, then grinned sheepishly. "I haven't seen anyone outside the company in ages!"

Evelyn frowned. "No breaks?"

Emily glanced at Preston, then greeted him before tugging Evelyn's arm.

"Don't even ask. Mr. Blackwood recruited a few genius-level researchers from Denmark. Everyone's still adjusting. They work like machines—we can't afford to fall behind. National pride is at stake!"

Emily even raised a determined fist. Evelyn couldn't help but laugh, though she still felt a pang of sympathy.

"It's been a while since you've seen Donovan, hasn't it?"

Emily flushed, looking away. "Yeah. The Great God Donovan is buried in a classified national research project. He's way busier than I am."

Evelyn had heard Donovan mention he'd be in isolation for at least two months.

Still, she felt bad for Emily.

She grabbed Emily's hand, lips pursed in a pleading pout.

"Emily, you can't break up with him just because you don't see him often!"