Chapter 105

William Sterling cursed under his breath as he strode through the airport, his irritation simmering beneath the surface.

It did nothing to ease his frustration.

As he and Evelyn stepped out of the VIP area, Alexander approached, his posture confident, his expression unreadable.

"What are you doing here?" William grumbled.

"I was concerned," Alexander replied smoothly, taking the suitcase from his father's grip. His gaze shifted to Evelyn. "Brace yourself. The press caught wind of your arrival. There's a swarm of them at the exit."

Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smirk. "I'm not afraid of them."

William ruffled her hair affectionately, pride flickering in his eyes.

His daughter was no coward.

"Stay behind me," he ordered gruffly.

Let them try to get past him.

Alexander remained vigilant, positioning himself protectively beside Evelyn and lacing his fingers through hers. The moment they stepped outside, a barrage of camera flashes assaulted them.

Evelyn instinctively turned her face away, but to the reporters, it looked like she was seeking refuge against Alexander's chest.

One headline blared: Evelyn Sinclair Spotted with Lucas Sterling—Romance Brewing?

Another followed instantly: Evelyn Meets the Sterling Family—Is Marriage on the Horizon?

"Evelyn, are you and Alexander Sterling involved?"

"What's your relationship with actor Lucas Sterling?"

Alexander shielded Evelyn's eyes from the blinding flashes, his arm tightening around her shoulders as he guided her forward with unwavering determination.

"Evelyn, will you be marrying into the Sterling family?"

"How does it feel to be chasing wealth for the second time?"

"Are you proud of having so many men wrapped around your finger?"

"Is Sebastian Hart just another backup plan?"

The questions were relentless, each one laced with venom, as if the rumors circulating online were undeniable truths.

"Mr. Sterling, what do you think about Evelyn's scandalous past?"

Even William wasn't spared. The reporters acted as though his opinion would determine Evelyn's fate.

William's expression darkened further.

He didn't dignify them with a response, striding forward without hesitation. Alexander remained silent as well, while their bodyguards formed an impenetrable barrier.

Evelyn walked calmly in her sleek black dress, her chin lifted.

She wouldn't explain herself.

The truth would come out eventually.

Then—

A water bottle flew from the crowd, striking the back of Evelyn's head.

She flinched at the impact.

Alexander's gaze turned glacial as he snapped, "Bennett, find whoever did that. Call the police."

"Yes, sir."

The bodyguards tightened their formation, blocking any further attacks.

The Sterlings slipped into their waiting car, which smoothly merged into traffic. They had prepared decoy vehicles, making it impossible for the press to track them.

Once inside, Evelyn exhaled shakily.

Alexander gently rubbed the spot where the bottle had hit, his voice low. "Does it hurt?"

She shook her head. "No. Just startled."

William poured himself a glass of red wine from the mini-fridge and downed it in one go.

"The Blackwoods have gone too far," he growled. "If they dare lay a finger on my daughter, they'll regret it."

Alexander nodded. "They'll face consequences. But we'll strike when the time is right."

"Don't waste your anger on them, Dad," Evelyn murmured. "They're not worth it."

A bitter ache settled in her chest.

Her family shouldn't have to endure this humiliation because of her past mistakes—because she had once been foolish enough to trust the wrong man.

I brought this on myself.

William sighed, stroking her hair gently. "What matters is that you've learned. It's never too late to start over."

Evelyn nodded, her eyes stinging.

The moment they left, photos of the Sterlings at the airport exploded across social media.

[Look at William Sterling's face! He clearly doesn't approve of Evelyn. Her gold-digging dreams are over!]

[How could Alexander Sterling fall for someone like her? She must have him under some spell!]

[I need to learn Evelyn's tricks—how does she do it?]

Then, William's phone rang.

He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening as he answered.

"Chairman Blackwood. To what do I owe this call?"

"William, I just saw the news. Welcome back! How about we meet for drinks tonight?"