Chapter 955

Preston Sinclair frowned slightly. He noticed Evelyn's confused expression and explained, "Isaiah Sinclair is my second uncle and the heir to the Sinclair family."

Evelyn nodded. Preston had never mentioned the Sinclair family to her before. Now that they were in Montecito, she figured he would eventually tell her more about them.

Oliver Sinclair clenched his little fist. "He's also a total jerk!"

Evelyn arched a brow. 'Seems like the Sinclair family isn't exactly harmonious...'

She chuckled but kept her thoughts to herself. If she had known earlier, she would’ve had Bennett dig deeper into their affairs.

They sent Oliver home to rest. Evelyn didn’t linger long before receiving a call from William.

William sounded unusually tense. "Evelyn, we have guests. Come home now."

Then he added pointedly, "Alone."

His tone made it clear—she wasn’t to bring anyone with her.

Evelyn murmured an acknowledgment and bid Preston and Oliver goodbye.

Sterling Manor

The butler, Archibald, opened the door for Evelyn as she stepped out of the car. "Who’s here?" she asked quietly.

Archibald shook his head—he didn’t know either.

Inside, Evelyn found William sitting stiffly, his expression grim. Across from him was a man in his thirties with a polished but insincere smile. On the opposite side of the table, Lucas lounged casually, his sharp eyes flicking toward Evelyn as she entered. "Evelyn, you're back!"

She smiled and approached. "Dad, Lucas, who is—"

The man in his thirties exuded the air of a shrewd businessman, his cold gaze calculating. Before William could speak, the man stood.

"Ms. Sterling, this is our first meeting. I’m Isaiah Sinclair, President of Sinclair Corporation."

Isaiah extended his hand. Evelyn gave a polite smile and shook it, though her eyes flickered with recognition—she’d just heard his name moments ago.

Lucas added dryly, "Evelyn, he’s also Preston’s second uncle."

Evelyn smiled. "Yes, Preston mentioned that."

Isaiah raised a brow. "How surprising. I didn’t expect him to bring me up in conversation with you."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Mr. Sinclair, what brings you here?"

Isaiah’s sharp eyes gleamed with something unsettling—like a predator circling its prey.

"I’m here to propose a partnership with Sterling Enterprises."

Evelyn kept her tone light. "What kind of partnership did you have in mind?"

She already suspected it wasn’t that simple. If Isaiah were here with a genuine business opportunity, William wouldn’t look so displeased.

Besides, discussing business at their home was unusual.

This was about leverage.

Isaiah exhaled slowly. "Preston Sinclair’s AI collaboration with Sterling Enterprises was… discreet. The Sinclair family wasn’t pleased to learn of it. You should know that Sinclair Corporation’s core business is artificial intelligence. Whether it’s sales, research, or overseas connections, we’re a hundred times more capable than Preston alone."

He leaned forward slightly. "If Sterling Enterprises is willing to terminate its agreement with Preston, Sinclair Corporation will dedicate all our resources to expanding the project’s research and production. We’ll also triple the initial investment."

Silence settled over the room. No one spoke.

Lucas barely suppressed a scoff—he had no interest in this discussion and disliked Isaiah’s slimy demeanor.

William was visibly repelled by the offer.

Preston had a good relationship with the Sterlings, and William respected him. But this man? A scheming fox, through and through.

All Isaiah talked about was severing Preston’s ties with his own family. 'What kind of vipers is Evelyn getting involved with?' William thought grimly.

He was thinking long-term.