Chapter 882

Evelyn didn't mind. It was merely a way to pass the time.

Preston guided her into the theater. The entrance was dimly lit, making it difficult for Evelyn to see clearly. She followed closely behind him. "Are our seats in the front or back?" she asked.

Preston remained silent.

When they reached the screening area where the light was better, he pulled out a thick stack of tickets from his pocket.

Evelyn gasped in surprise.

"Take your pick," Preston said casually. He had bought out the entire theater.

Seeing Evelyn's shocked expression, Preston's gaze softened. "I was concerned about potential misunderstandings if people saw us watching a movie together. So I thought it best to ensure complete privacy. I'll wait until you're comfortable being seen in public with me."

No matter how indifferent or unreasonable Evelyn acted, Preston always accommodated her concerns.

He had anticipated every unspoken worry she might have.

Evelyn lowered her eyes, feeling particularly guilty for suspecting Preston had ulterior motives earlier. 'Preston is genuinely kind. How could I think he would use me? I'm the one with the twisted thoughts!'

Her nose tingled unexpectedly as she looked up at him.

"Has such a considerate Mr. Sinclair really never had a girlfriend before?" Preston froze momentarily before chuckling. "Don't believe me? My thoughtfulness comes from having an extra mischievous child most people don't have to deal with."

Evelyn smiled. "Oliver makes a convenient excuse, doesn't he?"

"I should protest," Preston said, "but I'm secretly pleased you care about my past relationships." His smile radiated warmth, his refined features calm and gentle.

Evelyn found herself momentarily stunned by Preston's gaze. She quickly turned away and headed for the back row - the best viewing spot. Preston followed closely.

The movie began.

The title "Curse of the Mourning" appeared in blood-red letters dripping across the screen.

Evelyn frowned, turning to Preston. "A horror film?"

'Why do men always choose horror movies? Is it to showcase their bravery in dark spaces?' Evelyn hadn't expected Preston to be so predictable.

Preston looked genuinely surprised. "Isn't this a Japanese cultural film? The ticket agent said it promoted traditional mythology..."

'Elegant international cultural exchange would suit our image perfectly. What the hell is this horror nonsense? This isn't what I wanted!' Preston thought.

Realizing Preston had been duped, Evelyn couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, technically he wasn't wrong. It is a Japanese horror film..." She found Preston's reaction more entertaining than the movie itself.

Speechless, Preston stood up. "I'll exchange it for something else."

Evelyn caught his sleeve. "Don't bother. Let's just watch this."

Preston sat back down reluctantly, muttering, "This is ridiculous. Women get frightened by films like this. No wonder this showing was empty. That clerk..."

Evelyn noticed Preston's unusually flustered behavior and found it amusing. Her eyes crinkled with suppressed laughter.

What an unexpectedly sensitive soul...

As the eerie soundtrack played, Evelyn focused on the screen.

An innocent-looking girl entered a bathroom.

Suddenly, the lights flickered violently before exploding.

Tense music accompanied the girl's growing panic.

Evelyn watched anxiously.

The screen went black. Three seconds later, bloodcurdling screams erupted as the girl desperately tried to open the locked door.

At that moment, a dark shadow passed behind the remaining light source. The terrifying silhouette made viewers' skin crawl.

How ridiculously fake!