Chapter 962

Bennett watched Evelyn Sinclair's expression shift with surprise.

Her voice remained light, almost indifferent. "Since this information was deliberately erased, it means only the Sinclairs know the truth beneath it all. Preston will tell me when he's ready."

Evelyn wasn't foolish enough to assume her importance guaranteed Preston's full transparency.

Some secrets weren't hers to dig into.

And frankly, she didn’t care enough to pry.

Bennett sensed the shift in her mood and took the file back with a nod.

"Understood, Ms. Sinclair."

Evelyn stood and poured herself a fresh cup of coffee. Bennett checked her schedule.

"There’s a gala tonight. Mr. Sterling was invited, but he requested you attend in his place."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Why wasn’t I invited directly?"

Bennett frowned, equally puzzled.

Since Evelyn had reclaimed her position at Sterling Enterprises post-divorce, most business events extended invitations to her as a matter of course.

So why the sudden deviation?

"I heard Cassandra Blake will be there," Bennett added. "The event is in her honor."

Evelyn smirked.

Of course. The woman probably still held a grudge after Evelyn had her committed to a psychiatric facility last time. Serves her right.

A wicked thought crossed her mind.

Cassandra gave the invitation to Alexander because she didn’t want me there? Because she can’t stand the sight of me?

Perfect. Then I’ll make sure she suffers through every second of it.

"I’ll go," Evelyn decided. "And bring Harrison Blake with me."

Harrison was Sterling Enterprises' newest brand ambassador. If they were paying him, he might as well earn his keep.

Bennett nodded and immediately contacted Harrison’s manager.

The manager didn’t hesitate—despite Harrison’s packed schedule—when he heard Evelyn wanted him as her plus-one.

Given Harrison’s recent scandals, the manager had been terrified Sterling would terminate his contract. Without endorsements, Harrison’s career was hanging by a thread.

Twenty minutes later, Evelyn found Harrison waiting downstairs, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.

Tall, lean, and effortlessly elegant, Harrison had the kind of striking features that cameras loved.

Though he’d debuted around the same time as Julian Moreau, Harrison was older—his sharp, brooding gaze a stark contrast to Julian’s perpetually sunny charm.

Years of bad luck and industry blacklisting had left Harrison jaded, his expectations nonexistent.

When he spotted Evelyn, his expression barely flickered. A curt nod was his only acknowledgment.

His manager nudged him sharply, forcing an ingratiating smile.

"Thank you for the invitation, Ms. Sinclair! Harrison’s just a bit reserved, but he’ll make a stunning companion. We’ll prioritize this event above all else."

Evelyn’s patience thinned. Bennett stepped in smoothly.

"We’re on a schedule. Harrison, the car’s ready."

The manager scrambled aside as Harrison ducked into the vehicle without a word.

The interior was silent, save for the faint hum of the engine and the subtle scent of Evelyn’s preferred perfume.

As they pulled up to the venue, Evelyn’s phone buzzed sharply.

Distracted, she reached for it—only for the device to slip from her grasp and clatter to the floor.

She frowned, bending to retrieve it—

But someone else’s hand got there first.