Chapter 897

The weight on Evelyn's shoulders lightened slightly, though the situation wasn't fully resolved yet.

Preston's lips curved into a warm smile, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "I'll be patient," he murmured.

With no other competitors in sight, he had all the time in the world to win her over.

Soft music played in the background.

Evelyn found herself relaxing more than she had in weeks during the car ride.

When they reached Isabella's office building, Preston leaped out before Evelyn could touch the door handle, opening it with a gentlemanly bow.

Evelyn laughed as she stepped out, matching his playful energy.

His eyes sparkled with mischief. "Should I pick you up later?" He was already settling comfortably into his new role as her boyfriend.

Surprisingly, it felt natural.

Evelyn's cheeks flushed pink. "No need. This meeting will take a while."

Preston raised an eyebrow but nodded. After a lingering glance, he forced himself to look away. "I'd love to meet your friends properly, but I suppose now isn't the time. See you soon."

"Bye," Evelyn waved, still processing how one simple lunch had shifted their dynamic.

Somehow, without realizing it, the distance between them had narrowed.

Yet the thought of officially dating still made Evelyn's pulse race.

Her phone buzzed in her bag.

Isabella's name flashed on the screen.

"I'm downstairs," Evelyn answered.

Isabella's teasing laughter came through. "I can see that from my window. Are you two done being lovebirds yet?"

The comment dissolved Evelyn's lingering tension, replacing it with embarrassment.

Evelyn glared up at the building before hanging up and marching inside.

Isabella must have witnessed Preston's chivalrous display.

Thanks to prior arrangements, the receptionist waved Evelyn through without question.

She stormed into Isabella's office, tossing her bag onto the sofa with a dramatic sigh.

"You should feel honored that I chose to visit you—"

Evelyn's words died as a man emerged from the private lounge.

Her jaw dropped.

It took a second to recognize Donovan Pierce.

Donovan barely glanced at Evelyn as he shrugged on his jacket, planted a kiss on Isabella's lips, and headed for the door.

He nodded politely as he passed Evelyn.

She stared after him, then turned to Isabella with wide eyes.

Isabella didn't look the least bit embarrassed. "Oops, forgot he was napping in there."

"You two—?" Evelyn hesitated.

"Number one-twenty in my little black book," Isabella announced proudly. "Handsome, generous, and not clingy. I might just keep this one."

Evelyn was speechless.

She'd expected Isabella to be heartbroken after Alexander chose Amelia.

Evelyn had avoided calling, fearing to reopen fresh wounds.

But judging by their familiarity, this affair had been going on for months.

Had Evelyn been mourning Isabella's heartbreak alone?

Isabella looked radiant, her usual vivacious self fully restored.

Reading Evelyn's thoughts, Isabella squeezed her hand. "Stop overthinking. Heartbreak is like getting hit by a pebble—hurts at first, then you move on. Why mourn one tree when there's a whole forest waiting?"

"You're impossible," Evelyn groaned.

Isabella winked. "Want to borrow him for a weekend?"

Evelyn recoiled. "Absolutely not!"

Something about Donovan set off warning bells—too calculating, too controlled to be led around by anyone.

Was he really smitten?

Isabella leaned closer. "So you prefer Preston Sinclair's type? Are you two official now?"

Evelyn froze.

The blunt question caught her off guard. "It's complicated."

"I saw how you couldn't tear yourselves apart downstairs. Don't lie to me."

Isabella always saw through her.

After a long pause, Evelyn confessed everything.

Even love-expert Isabella looked stumped afterward. "These aren't ordinary men playing by normal rules."

Both Preston and Nathan operated on another level entirely.