Chapter 923

Some people took silence as admission.

That's how Lucas found himself "forced" into a relationship with Jacqueline.

Eventually, he couldn't take it anymore and ended things. Jacqueline left for Europe to film an Oscar-bait movie, and their agency seized the moment to announce the "breakup."

Just like that, Jacqueline became Lucas Sterling's ex.

Everything had been fine until now. Why was she suddenly back and looking for Natalie?

Lucas didn't need to think twice—Jacqueline was definitely up to no good.

His relationship with Natalie was already hanging by a thread. Jacqueline's reappearance would only make things worse.

Furious, Lucas slammed down what he was holding, ready to confront her.

Preston's slender fingers rinsed vegetables under the tap, methodical and precise.

A calm, deep voice cut through the tension. "Lucas, I have dirt on her. Want it?"

Lucas froze mid-step, then turned to see Preston smiling innocently.

"Friends don't owe friends explanations."

Lucas couldn't help but laugh. Preston was no harmless lamb. For Evelyn's sake, he'd dug up everyone's secrets.

What kind of man had his sister fallen for?

From the living room, William called out, "Need any help?" He still had another son, after all.

Lucas glanced around, then grinned, snatching the vegetables from Preston's hands. "Nope. My future brother-in-law and I have this kitchen under control!"

Evelyn slipped in quietly, watching them joke while washing vegetables. She blinked in disbelief. Hadn't Lucas disliked Preston? Since when did they get so chummy? Men's friendships were truly baffling.

Less than thirty minutes later, everyone gathered around the unfamiliar dining table.

Five dishes and a soup steamed between them, vibrant and aromatic.

It looked like restaurant-quality food. William's gaze softened when it landed on Preston. Alexander tasted each dish with his usual stoic expression before nodding approval.

"Damn, my future brother-in-law's skills are insane!" Lucas grinned. "Preston, you could give Michelin chefs a run for their—" His face twitched as Evelyn elbowed him sharply. Brother-in-law?

Preston, however, looked thoroughly pleased by the title.

Evelyn wanted to melt into the floor.

William chewed thoughtfully. "Impressive. Did you learn this for Oliver?"

Preston's eyes flickered, but he didn't evade. "Yes. Oliver was a picky child. After a few... incidents when we traveled, I started cooking myself."

William nodded. A man only learned to cook midlife for two reasons: his wife or his kids.

"Oliver's mother—" William pressed on. "Did she pass or did you divorce?"

The table went dead silent.

Evelyn shot her father a desperate look.

William ignored her. "May I ask?"

Preston set down his spoon. "She passed away."

William accepted this with a nod and changed the subject.

The collective relief was palpable.

Preston caught Evelyn's worried glance and winked—I'm fine.

After dinner, Evelyn shooed her family out. William left reluctantly with Alexander and Lucas in tow.

Preston helped clean up, took out the trash, and returned with a bag of fresh fruit.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Mr. Sinclair, last I checked, your penthouse wasn't in this building."

He smiled. "That place left a bad impression. Sold it."

"So that's why you made me move. Planned this all along?"