Chapter 924

Preston Sinclair let out a quiet sigh. His stormy gray eyes studied Evelyn Sinclair with silent intensity.

"I only wanted to look after you personally. To be near you, I tried purchasing every property adjacent to yours."

Evelyn hesitated briefly, pressing her lips together. "Will you return to Pacifica once the Kingsley Tech project concludes?"

His chiseled features tensed before softening into a smile.

"Don't worry about distance. Montecito holds tremendous potential. Why would I leave?"

She arched an eyebrow but didn't press further. Continuing would make it seem like she wanted him to stay.

Just as Preston opened his mouth to speak, his phone buzzed.

Seeing the caller ID, his brow furrowed before answering.

He made no effort to step away. The sharp angles of his profile turned icy as his voice dropped to a dangerous register.

After hanging up, he turned back to her. "An urgent matter requires my attention. Call if you miss me."

Evelyn blinked. "Understood. I won't walk you out."

Preston chuckled despite himself. He reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear before striding away. The lingering warmth of his presence made her cheeks flush. She inhaled deeply.

Days later, an invitation arrived for a high-society gala. Evelyn hesitated about attending since she'd already made plans with Preston. As she debated, his text came through - a photo of the same invitation.

"Shall we relocate our date?"

Evelyn smiled. Always so thoughtful. "Absolutely!"

Their relationship was growing more comfortable by the day.

Blackwood Industries Headquarters

Nathan Blackwood had been constantly on the move. After returning from the mountains, he'd embarked on back-to-back international trips without pause. Yet every night without fail, he sent Evelyn a "good night" message. Each one disappeared into the void.

Still, the fact she hadn't blocked him thrilled the ruthless CEO. His standards had sunk remarkably low.

Now seated in his office, Nathan finished reviewing department reports with cold efficiency before fixing his assistant with a stare.

Harrison looked exhausted but delivered his report professionally.

"Sir, Blackwood Industries' relief supplies received unanimous praise from officials. Viral posts have generated tremendous goodwill. Previously stagnant inventory sold out overnight."

"Our tech and PR teams collaborated seamlessly. The reputation boost has already doubled first-half profits."

All thanks to one powerful image: Nathan standing knee-deep in mud, his expensive shoes ruined, cradling a rescued child. The stark contrast between his usual polished appearance and this moment of vulnerability sparked massive public empathy.

The PR team's prepared statements became unnecessary. Blackwood Industries dominated the news cycle effortlessly, rendering other companies' donations mere footnotes.

Nathan tapped his desk impatiently. "And Evelyn?"

Harrison hesitated.

"The Sterling family donated generously, but our additional funding kept Blackwood Industries in the spotlight. The Sterlings have remained deliberately low-profile - likely because Ms. Sterling's dramatic rescue already drew significant attention. Further publicity might backfire."