Chapter 909

Preston's gaze burned into Evelyn with such intensity that her cheeks flushed crimson. Her pulse quickened beneath his scrutiny.

Evelyn bit her lower lip, struggling to maintain composure. Without warning, she shoved him away with both hands.

"You can't," she protested.

Did he honestly expect her to cheerfully consent to such a proposition? Preston's infuriating chivalry was both exasperating and endearing.

The moment the words left her mouth, Preston's expression darkened visibly. His Adam's apple bobbed as if swallowing bitter disappointment. The smoldering heat in his eyes extinguished instantly.

Evelyn's heart hammered against her ribs.

Preston lowered his lashes and began retreating.

Then, in a sudden reversal, Evelyn seized his collar and yanked him forward.

Preston froze in surprise. Before he could react, Evelyn closed the distance between them.

Her lips barely grazed his before she pushed him away again.

"But I can," she declared.

Preston's entire demeanor transformed. His eyes sparkled with renewed intensity as he murmured, "Of course you can. You're entitled to do anything you please with your boyfriend."

Evelyn hadn't rejected him. She wasn't retreating.

When their eyes met again, understanding dawned on Preston. He reached out to tuck a stray lock behind her ear, smiling gently.

"It's alright. We'll take this at your pace, Evelyn. I'll give you all the time you need."

Evelyn returned his smile, but before she could respond, her phone chimed.

Preston handed it to her. The caller ID displayed Alexander Sterling. Without asking Preston to leave, she answered. "Big brother?"

After a brief exchange, Evelyn ended the call and blinked in surprise. "Alexander's coming to collect us."

Knowing William Sterling's temperament, no obstacle would deter him when his precious daughter was involved.

Mudslides? Blocked roads? Mere inconveniences.

Upon hearing about Evelyn's sprained ankle, William had immediately dispatched Alexander to retrieve her.

Preston looked genuinely perplexed as he stated the obvious.

"The roads are completely impassable. The only descent route is blocked. Rescue vehicles can't reach us - they'd have to hike up. I've already funded extensive repairs, but clearing the debris will take at least two more days. Is Alexander...?"

"Is Alexander planning to climb the mountain?" Preston wondered aloud.

Evelyn chuckled, about to explain, when the door burst open. Isabella bounded inside.

"Evelyn! We're leaving! Donovan just called - he's arranged a special rescue vehicle that can navigate the terrain. We'll need to transfer to a crane midway, but we're finally escaping this nightmare!"

Evelyn waved her phone. "What timing! My brother just informed me he's sending transportation."

Isabella's eyebrows shot up. "How's he managing that?"

Evelyn answered calmly, "By helicopter. Estimated arrival in twenty minutes. We should prepare."

Isabella's jaw dropped. She'd momentarily forgotten how the typically understated Sterling family abandoned all pretense of restraint when Evelyn was involved.

Donovan's half-day logistical solution had just been rendered obsolete by a single helicopter.

Beside them, Preston registered momentary surprise before accepting this development with quiet resignation. His generous road repair donations would now serve as mere charitable contributions.

Isabella nodded, thoroughly seduced by the helicopter proposition. "I'll tell Donovan to stand down. The perks of wealth..."

It wasn't that her family lacked resources, but they considered such extravagance unnecessary for minor inconveniences.

Donovan likely shared this pragmatic outlook.

The Sterling family operated under different principles.

Had Evelyn requested a helicopter simply for sightseeing, they would have praised her refined tastes - provided she didn't find their enthusiasm bothersome.