Chapter 869

At Sterling Enterprises.

Evelyn Sinclair stared at the embossed invitation in disbelief.

Blackwood Industries had been unusually quiet lately. What prompted this sudden grand celebration?

The gilded cardstock felt heavy in her hands—more extravagant than their annual gala invitations.

Something wasn't right.

Her instincts screamed warnings, but she couldn't pinpoint the source.

The phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.

"Your brother's home early with his girlfriend!" William Sterling's voice boomed through the receiver. "Come for lunch immediately!"

Evelyn blinked. Alexander Sterling wasn't due back from his two-week vacation for five more days.

Relief flooded her. Managing the company alone had left her exhausted, dark circles forming under her eyes.

"I'll be right there," she agreed, already reaching for her car keys.

Freedom was finally within reach.

But if Alexander brought Amelia Sinclair home... that meant things were serious between them.

Poor Isabella Montgomery.

Yet every relationship had its own destiny. She should be happy for her brother.

The Sterling Manor gates swung open as Evelyn's car approached. The butler practically skipped to her door.

"Master Alexander brought his lady love home!" he chirped. "The Chairman hasn't stopped smiling all morning!"

Evelyn chuckled. "You look positively giddy yourself."

"I've watched you children grow up," he confided. "Always prayed some of Lucas's charm would rub off on your eldest brother..."

The entire household buzzed with excitement. Evelyn found the trio in the sunroom—Alexander and Amelia laughing with William Sterling.

Love had transformed her serious brother. His eyes sparkled in a way she'd never seen before.

"Look what your future sister-in-law picked for you," Alexander announced, waving her over.

Amelia flushed but stood gracefully. "Actually, your brother chose this to thank you for holding down the fort."

Evelyn accepted the gift. "Between the two of you, does it matter?" she teased.

Alexander pulled Amelia close. "Told you she'd love anything from you."

Lucas Sterling chose that moment to enter, dessert plates in hand. He groaned dramatically. "Must you torture us singles? There are three lonely souls in this room!"

William kicked his youngest son's shin. "At your age, I already had two children!"

Lucas clutched his chest in mock pain.

Alexander pointed at him. "Our resident critic. Feel free to ignore him."

"Now I'm doubly wounded," Lucas lamented, sinking onto the couch.

Amelia giggled. "I think we broke Lucas."

Evelyn bit back laughter as the butler announced lunch would be served shortly.

Though poised, Amelia's nervous glances at Alexander betrayed her anxiety. He squeezed her hand reassuringly—a silent conversation passing between them.

The sweetness made Evelyn's teeth ache.