Chapter 916

Preston Sinclair deliberately looked at William Sterling with confused eyes. As if he hadn't noticed William standing there at all.

Evelyn and William exchanged glances, speechless.

He was right there, alive and well. Was Preston seriously pretending not to see him?

William immediately understood—this was a power play from his girlfriend’s family.

Saving Evelyn’s life had earned Preston gratitude, but if it were just that, William wouldn’t be getting the cold shoulder.

But Preston was planning to take his daughter away. Naturally, the rules of engagement had changed.

Preston smiled, his expression gentle and humble, not a trace of irritation in sight.

"I didn’t want to interrupt, so I stayed quiet. I hope you won’t hold my silence against me."

Alexander Sterling raised a brow. Not many people could handle William’s deliberate indifference with such grace.

William paused, then nodded with a faint smile.

Evelyn quickly interjected, "Dad, if it weren’t for Preston’s quick thinking, none of us would’ve made it out safely."

William arched a brow, studying Preston with renewed interest.

"Mr. Sinclair, you’ve saved Evelyn yet again. I truly don’t know how to thank you."

Preston met his gaze steadily. "It was my honor. Just seeing Evelyn safe and happy is more than enough."

His eyes softened as they lingered on Evelyn.

Alexander’s gaze sharpened. The unspoken tension between them was impossible to miss.

William gave him an inscrutable look before turning back to Evelyn, his tone suddenly stern. "You’re still running around at your age? You got lucky this time with Mr. Sinclair’s help. What if you hadn’t?"

Evelyn flinched, a flicker of fear crossing her face.

William instantly regretted his harsh words. He couldn’t stand seeing her distressed.

With a gruff sigh, he softened his approach.

"You can watch meteor showers anywhere. When we get home, I’ll have Alexander move the entire observatory setup to the estate. Invite your friends, enjoy snacks and music—doesn’t that sound better?"

Alexander barely suppressed an eye roll.

Preston’s lips twitched. He was witnessing firsthand just how spoiled Evelyn was.

A full set of high-end astronomical equipment? That cost nearly nine figures. Even professional observatories didn’t always have that level of tech.

Evelyn’s face brightened instantly. She beamed at Alexander. "Thank you, big brother!"

Alexander rubbed his temples but nodded.

"I’ll have it installed in your study—"

They were already deciding the location.

A phone call pulled Alexander away, and William made it clear he intended to stay and personally oversee Evelyn’s care.

She swiftly shut that down.

After considerable effort, she finally convinced her father to leave. The moment the door closed, both Evelyn and Preston exhaled in relief.

Evelyn offered an apologetic smile. "Since Dad retired, his entire world revolves around us and fishing. He wasn’t always like this."

Preston nodded in understanding. "It’s rare to see a family like yours—no infighting, no selfishness. Your father raised you all well."

Evelyn’s smile deepened.

"Building the company wasn’t easy, but he never neglected us. What’s there to fight over? We’re family."

Preston’s expression shifted, warmth flickering in his eyes.

He’d seen the ugly side of high society—greed, betrayal, endless power struggles.

But the Sterling family was different.

He smirked. "Your father seems wary of me. He’s probably guessed about us."

Evelyn hesitated. "He won’t interfere unless I say something first."

That was William’s way. No matter how he felt, he’d wait for Evelyn to speak up herself.

Preston’s gaze darkened as he studied her. "Then… when will you tell him?"