Chapter 918

Evelyn Sinclair had the final say—she was the boss, after all.

Bennett Sterling gave a brief update on Sterling Enterprises' recent developments before excusing himself.

As he stepped out, he nearly collided with the impeccably dressed Preston Sinclair, who nodded politely.

Bennett returned the gesture. "Mr. Sinclair, please take good care of Ms. Sterling."

"Of course."

Preston's voice was smooth, devoid of any pretension. Bennett left after the exchange.

The moment he turned away, his expression shifted.

What did "of course" mean?

Preston wasn't part of the Sterling family, yet here he was. The implications were obvious.

Having worked closely with Evelyn for years, Bennett knew a PR storm was brewing.

He could already picture Nathan Blackwood's reaction—pure, unbridled fury.

Downstairs, Bennett was about to get into his car when a portly figure came barreling toward the building.

Squinting, Bennett recognized the man—Nathan's butler, Theodore Winslow.

He immediately texted Evelyn. Only after receiving her curt "okay" did he start the engine and drive off.

Evelyn set her phone down, her mood visibly cooling.

Preston noticed the shift. She'd been in high spirits after Bennett left—what changed?

Then, a knock at the door.

Preston moved to answer, but Evelyn spoke first, voice icy. "It's Nathan's butler."

Nathan must have heard about her injury. Sending Theodore was his way of checking in—without showing up himself.

Good. She wasn't ready to explain Preston's presence to Nathan yet.

It wasn't necessary.

Preston's smile faltered as he studied her. "You don't want to see him?"

Evelyn met his gaze. "I assumed you wouldn't."

Three seconds of silence passed before Preston's lips curved into a slow, knowing grin.

His girl was already picking sides—and protecting him more fiercely than he'd expected.

"While I'd rather not deal with him, he's not here for me. And it's not like I need to hide." He shrugged. "See him if you want to."

Preston didn't fear Nathan Blackwood—much less his errand boy. Why would he care?

Evelyn arched a brow. She'd been considerate of his feelings, and he couldn't be bothered? "Fine. Open the door."

The knocking had persisted for a full minute now. Impressive dedication.

Preston obliged.

Theodore beamed, lifting a thermos. "Ms. Sterling! I came to—"

His grin froze when he spotted Preston. For a long moment, Theodore just blinked, processing.

Preston stepped aside politely. "After you."

Theodore didn't move.

Evelyn frowned. "Theodore. Are you coming in or not?"

The butler shuffled forward mechanically, eyes still locked on Preston.

Preston smirked. "Don't recognize me? Should I introduce myself?"

As if Theodore wouldn't know Preston Sinclair—the thorn in Nathan Blackwood's side.

Evelyn's patience thinned. "Stop staring. State your business."

Theodore forced a smile. "I didn't realize you had company. I would've come another time—"

Nathan had sent him to check on Evelyn.

If Nathan knew Preston was here, he'd have helicoptered straight from his mountain retreat.

Evelyn's voice turned glacial. "Get to the point."

Preston glanced between them, making no move to leave. Instead, he wandered to the balcony—close enough to eavesdrop, pretending to admire the view.