Chapter 936
Evelyn had only been saved twice by Preston out of sheer coincidence. Nathan couldn't fathom what else she saw in him.
Gratitude wasn't love.
He wanted Evelyn to realize that. To not mistake indebtedness for affection.
Evelyn was silent for a beat before her voice dropped low.
"I'm with him because I know who he is. I don't owe anyone an explanation."
Oliver Sinclair's existence could be considered a stain on Preston's past.
But Evelyn had never cared. It only made her heart ache for him.
Nathan's fist clenched, then unclenched.
His voice was rough. "I'd risk my life for you too, Evelyn." The words were almost desperate.
Evelyn's gaze flickered as she regarded him coolly.
"Mr. Blackwood, we've already proven we're not compatible. Stop wasting your time. Let's just keep this professional."
Before she could finish, Preston finally stepped forward. His hand settled on her shoulder, his touch cool.
"The car's here. Shall we go?"
Evelyn nodded, acutely aware of Nathan's icy stare. "Goodbye, Mr. Blackwood."
"You'll regret this, Evelyn."
Nathan's jaw was tight, his usually composed demeanor edged with something darker.
Evelyn frowned, but Preston wasn't leaving without the last word.
He turned, his smile sharp. "No, she won't. Not ever."
Because Preston would spend his life making sure of it. He'd love her fiercely, relentlessly. He wouldn't give her a single reason to look back.
Before Evelyn could react, Preston guided her away.
The driver pulled up, and Preston opened the door for her, his movements precise. He slid in beside her, his expression unreadable.
"Drive."
Evelyn studied him. Something was off.
She glanced at him. "Did you tell Mr. Crest we were leaving?"
Preston nodded. "I did."
Evelyn bit her lip. A strand of hair slipped loose, and as she reached to tuck it back, her fingers brushed Preston's.
He gently fixed it for her, exhaled softly, then laced their fingers together.
His grip was tight. Nervous.
"What's wrong?" Evelyn asked.
Preston's hold tightened further.
His voice was low. "Watching you with him... I regretted letting you come tonight."
He knew how deeply she'd once loved Nathan. Knew how fragile this all still was.
Seeing them together had sparked a fear—what if she changed her mind?
It had clawed at him until he'd acted on impulse, pulling her away.
That fear still lingered.
Evelyn understood instantly.
He was afraid of losing her because she hadn't given him enough security in their relationship.
The irony wasn't lost on her.
She smiled. "Then don't let me go out next time. But Mr. Sinclair, have a little faith in yourself."
If she'd wanted Nathan back, she wouldn't have waited this long.
That chapter was closed. There was no going back.
Preston's grip eased slightly. "No matter what Nathan does, promise me we won't break up."
Evelyn met his gaze, her smile softening.
"Don't worry about him. He doesn't matter."