Chapter 972
The golden morning light spilled through the curtains.
Evelyn Sinclair jolted awake to her ringing phone.
Only one person would dare call at this ungodly hour - Isabella Montgomery.
Despite the rude awakening, Evelyn couldn't bring herself to be angry.
She swiped to answer. "Do you know what time it is, Bella?"
Isabella's excited squeal pierced through the speaker. "Evie! Dominic Kingsley went all out! My face is plastered across every news outlet in the country!"
Evelyn rubbed her sleep-crusted eyes, voice still thick with drowsiness. "Don't celebrate yet. This much attention is dangerous. You'll have millions judging your every move."
The internet mob would either worship Isabella or wait for her slightest stumble to pounce.
One misstep, and those same well-wishers would become executioners.
"I don't give a damn what strangers think," Isabella scoffed. "I just want that bastard Donovan Pierce to see this and choke on his morning coffee!"
Evelyn stretched while keeping the phone on speaker, beginning her morning routine.
"Wasn't this too extreme? You sabotaged his deal with Kensington Group. That must've stung."
Isabella's laugh turned icy. "He deserved worse. Everything I revealed was true. If he's humiliated, that's his own damn fault."
A woman scorned could be terrifying indeed.
After exchanging a few more words, Evelyn hung up and finished getting ready. As she opened her apartment door, she froze.
Preston Sinclair and little Oliver stood waiting, matching grins plastered across their faces.
"Morning!" they chorused.
Evelyn burst out laughing. "What are you two doing here?"
Oliver barreled forward on stubby legs, wrapping himself around Evelyn's waist like a koala. "I wanna go to work with you today! Please? I'll be super good!"
Evelyn ruffled his wild curls, taking in his cherubic face - all dimples and innocence.
"Not today, sweetheart. I've got back-to-back meetings." She crouched to his level. "Why don't you spend the day with Daddy?"
Oliver's lower lip trembled. This was the first time his beloved Evie had refused him.
His tiny fists clenched with determination. 'I'll grow up fast and make so much money that Evie never has to work again!'
"Fine!" he declared. "I'm going to the library instead! Gotta study hard!"
Evelyn and Preston exchanged bewildered glances. 'What's going through that little head?' Preston wondered.
Preston's lips twitched. "Library after we drop Evie off, champ."
Of course, Preston had no intention of babysitting at the library. Once they reached the lobby, he discreetly texted Oliver's security detail to meet them there.
At Sterling Enterprises' gleaming tower, Evelyn stepped out of the car with a wave.
Oliver pressed his face against the window, watching her retreating form with heartbreaking adoration.
"Someday I'm gonna marry her," he sighed dreamily.
Preston's eye twitched. He fixed his son with a stern look. "Focus on your ABCs first."
Oliver crossed his arms. "She doesn't have a boyfriend, right? Daddy, you have to keep other boys away until I'm grown up!"
Preston barely suppressed a laugh as he scrolled through emails.
"Mmm," he hummed noncommittally, thinking, 'Oh I'll keep her safe alright - by making her mine first.'