Chapter 952

Amelia Sinclair rose gracefully from her seat, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Evelyn's already pushing herself too hard. Don't you think it's time you shared some of her burdens?"

Evelyn Sinclair nodded solemnly, her fingers tightening around the pen in her hand.

Alexander Sterling shot her an impassive glance. "Experience builds character."

Evelyn's lips twitched in silent protest.

The office door clicked shut behind Amelia and Alexander, leaving Evelyn alone with her towering stack of documents.

She exhaled sharply and returned to her paperwork.

Moments later, Bennett's familiar knock sounded at the door.

"Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Sinclair is here—"

Evelyn's brow furrowed. 'Three hours. That's all the time we've been apart. Isn't this getting excessive?'

"Send him in."

Though Preston Sinclair was now her boyfriend, their relationship remained undisclosed. Even Bennett remained unaware, assuming their meetings were strictly professional.

Preston entered with a warm smile, carrying an unmistakable food container from that exclusive private kitchen.

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with recognition. 'The one with the truffle risotto?' "Finished your meetings already?"

He set the container on her desk with practiced ease.

"Nothing takes priority over your meals," he chuckled. "I knew you'd skip dinner if left to your own devices. Try this—"

Evelyn had planned to grab a protein bar, but Preston's thoughtfulness changed her mind. 'If I'm working this hard, I deserve proper meals.' "Did you eat already?" She accepted the fork he offered.

Preston nodded. "Business lunch at the restaurant. Ordered this for you on our way out."

Evelyn didn't mind the convenience. The container held her favorites—honey glazed salmon and truffle mashed potatoes. Perfection.

Despite her delight, years of etiquette training kept her movements measured. She chewed slowly, maintaining perfect posture.

Preston watched her with quiet amusement before speaking. "Did you meet with Mr. Blackwood today?"

Evelyn paused mid-bite. "Isabella tried sabotaging Donovan Pierce's deal with Blackwood Industries. Didn't expect Nathan to show up."

Preston's expression darkened. "He didn't cause trouble, did he? After last night..."

Evelyn shook her head. "Nathan's too calculated for that. He won't risk damaging both families' reputations."

The fragile truce between the Sterlings and Blackwoods couldn't withstand another scandal. Nathan's self-interest guaranteed his restraint.

Preston's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Good."

But his raised eyebrow betrayed his thoughts. 'Calculated, yes. Decent? Hardly.'

As Evelyn finished eating, Preston checked his watch. "If you're free, come to the airport with me?"

Evelyn blinked. "Airport?"

"Oliver's flying in for vacation. Wants us to meet him in Montecito."

"What time's his flight?" Evelyn's fork clattered against the plate. 'How could Preston keep this from me?'

"Should've landed twenty minutes ago."

Evelyn shot to her feet. "You're just telling me now? He'll be waiting forever!"

Preston calmly packed the empty container. "He's got Susan and security. He'll survive."

Regret twisted through Evelyn. 'Should've eaten faster—'

"Leave that for Bennett! We need to go!" She practically vibrated with impatience.

It had been months since she'd seen little Oliver. The ache of missing him surprised her.

Preston chuckled at her urgency. "He'll be thrilled to see you. Far more than me, I'm sure."