Chapter 956

Evelyn Sinclair studied Isaiah Sinclair with a faint smile. The man truly lived up to being a Sinclair—generous with his offers, yet dripping with condescension.

There was something repulsive about the way he carried himself, so unlike the humble and courteous Preston.

While Evelyn analyzed him, Isaiah did the same to her.

Lucas Sterling couldn’t hold back any longer.

"Abandon Preston just to partner with Sinclair Enterprises? That’s a chaotic move. You’re his uncle, aren’t you? Isn’t this just digging your nephew’s grave?"

His bluntness made the air tense. Isaiah chuckled. "More or less."

"Mr. Sinclair, I don’t quite follow."

Why did Isaiah speak of Preston and the Sinclairs as if they weren’t connected?

Evelyn’s gaze remained indifferent. She suddenly recalled Oliver Sinclair’s earlier words.

"He’s a scumbag too!"

"Ms. Sterling, it seems Preston hasn’t told you much about the Sinclairs. I heard he’s been pursuing you. Now, I see his feelings aren’t very sincere either."

Isaiah shook his head. "That’s just how he is. Always hiding behind a mask so no one sees his true thoughts."

William Sterling stood abruptly, his patience wearing thin. "Evelyn, you handle this. I’m going upstairs to rest."

Evelyn nodded. "Of course, Dad. Get some rest."

Only three remained in the grand living room.

Lucas had no intention of leaving. This concerned his sister’s happiness—he needed answers.

"Mr. Sinclair, you arrived unannounced. You haven’t met Preston yet, have you?"

"I’ll see him soon enough. This trip to Montecito is for business and to bring Preston home."

Isaiah smiled, then added, "Actually, I’ll need your cooperation for that, Ms. Sterling."

Evelyn’s lips curved slightly. Archibald brought her coffee.

She took a slow sip before setting it down. Isaiah’s expression tightened—her calm indifference wasn’t what he expected.

After a beat, he continued.

"Perhaps you’re unaware, Ms. Sterling. Preston once insisted on marrying his brother’s woman and raising his brother’s child as his own. In our family, that’s treason. Because of it, he left the Sinclairs, cutting all ties."

Evelyn lowered her lashes, smiling serenely. "I know."

Isaiah stiffened. She knows? Preston actually told her everything?

Lucas gaped. "Wait—what?! Preston married his brother’s woman? That kid isn’t even his?"

Evelyn shot him a disdainful look. Pathetic.

Isaiah smirked. "Correct. Not his child."

Lucas frowned. "Then why didn’t he say so? Before, he even—"

"Shame, probably." Isaiah cut in. "Marrying your brother’s wife isn’t exactly honorable. Admitting the child isn’t his would only tarnish his reputation further."

His gaze slid to Evelyn. "I’m surprised Preston confessed all this to you."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Preston was protecting the child. He didn’t want them hurt when the truth came out."

Lucas blinked—the two explanations couldn’t be more different.

Isaiah’s eyes darkened. "But he must’ve omitted how he abandoned his mother. After leaving, he never visited. Now his father—my brother—is critically ill. I’m here to bring Preston home."

He leaned forward. "Most of Preston’s investments are tied to Sterling Enterprises. If you sever ties, he’ll have no choice but to return."

Lucas scoffed. "And go bankrupt in the process, right?"