Chapter 908

Isabella rushed over and plopped down like an eager student. "Stop teasing us and spill it already!"

Evelyn took a deliberate pause before answering.

"There's not much I can offer him in return, so I'm giving him my heart instead."

The words hit like a pebble tossed into still water—ripples of shock spread instantly.

Isabella looked more thrilled than Evelyn herself. "We had a bet earlier! I swore you'd hand over Sterling Enterprises before you'd ever give yourself to him. What were you thinking?!"

Evelyn glanced at Natalie, who simply smiled back, serene and knowing. Then she turned to Isabella. "What exactly did you bet?"

Isabella groaned. "That you'd never surrender to him, but Natalie guessed you would. I told her she'd lose!"

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry, but you lost."

Isabella rolled her eyes, torn between irritation and delight. Everyone shot down my idea when I suggested it earlier! Why does it come true the second I doubt it?

Natalie settled beside them, her expression warm with genuine happiness. "It's a fresh start, Ev. He's a good man. You've got excellent taste."

Evelyn nodded, her gaze drifting to the window where Preston was enthusiastically sharing the news with Sebastian.

Sebastian, still reeling, had covered his ears in protest—but reality couldn't be ignored. The sight made Evelyn chuckle.

Soon, Isabella and Natalie couldn't take it anymore and went to rescue Sebastian, while Preston strode back inside, his smile radiant. His composure had returned, but his eyes burned with tenderness. "I've adjusted to this new role. As your boyfriend, you can ask me for anything."

Evelyn arched a brow. That was fast. I expected at least a few days of awkwardness. "I want to go home as soon as possible. Can you make that happen, boyfriend?"

Preston hesitated. "It's not impossible, but it'll take time."

He moved closer, fingers twitching as if to brush her hair—then changed course, capturing her hand instead.

Evelyn lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on. Preston didn't flinch. His eyes held hers, unashamed. "You're my girlfriend now. That means I can hold your hand openly. And also—" His voice dipped lower, rougher. "Kiss you."

The storm had passed, leaving the sky clear and the sun blazing. The air itself felt warmer, charged.

Evelyn studied his striking features, listening to that deep, gravelly voice, and suddenly her cheeks burned. I was the one who agreed to this. So why does he suddenly have the upper hand?

Then, without warning, his palm cradled the back of her head, his face closing in.

The scent of him—warm, intoxicating—flooded her senses.

Evelyn froze, but then caught herself. Isn’t this normal for couples?

Yet his lips never touched hers. Instead, she found herself staring at his face, close enough to feel the tension in his breath.

Preston was holding back. Afraid one wrong move would ruin everything.

He loved her too much to risk seeing even a flicker of discomfort in her eyes.

But there was none.

His thumb traced the curve of her bottom lip, his voice a rough whisper. "May I?"

All he wanted was to kiss her—an obsession finally within reach, yet he was paralyzed by it.

Evelyn almost scoffed. If you want to kiss me, just do it. Why the hesitation?

It had been too long since she’d paid attention to men. Now, she had no clue what went on in their minds.