Chapter 127

Tristan Whitmore let out a heavy sigh.

"Well, well. We've completely lost our advantage now."

The legendary Donovan Sterling and Evelyn Sinclair not only knew each other but shared such a close bond!

Donovan's return had been kept strictly confidential—his entire itinerary was classified.

Given his highly sensitive position, it made sense.

They had spent a fortune on the international black market just to obtain details about Donovan's flight, and now, all that effort had gone to waste.

Nathan Blackwood shot Tristan a cold look before walking away without another word.

Meanwhile, Donovan and Evelyn returned to Sterling Manor.

Before they even stepped out of the car, they could hear the commotion inside—Archibald instructing the maids to tend to the garden tomorrow, Lucas's dramatic wailing, and William's furious shouting echoing from the living room.

Donovan paused at the doorway, glancing at Evelyn.

"Find me a place. Somewhere quiet. Preferably with no neighbors."

Evelyn blinked. "A haunted house?"

"That works."

As long as there are no humans around me, Donovan thought.

The moment the door opened, Lucas sprinted toward them, nearly tackling Evelyn.

"You're finally back! Save me!"

Evelyn scoffed, but before she could respond, Lucas froze at the sight of Donovan.

His jaw dropped.

"Donovan?"

A rare smile tugged at Donovan's lips. "Little L."

Lucas's panic vanished instantly. "How many times have I told you guys not to call me that?!"

"It makes me sound like a kid!"

"Who is it?" William's booming voice carried through the hall as he stormed out, baseball bat in hand.

The moment he spotted Donovan, his anger melted into excitement.

"Donovan!"

Donovan endured the enthusiastic embraces from the three men of the family.

Alexander was the most composed, but even he couldn't hide the pleased curve of his lips.

Archibald immediately sprang into action, ordering the staff to prepare a feast and ready Donovan's old room.

After three long years, the Sterling family was finally whole again.

Evelyn frowned at the chaos in the house. "What's going on here?"

At the mention of it, William's temper flared again.

"I asked your brother to cook, and this idiot threw out my prized Alba white truffle! He had the nerve to tell me it was just a deformed potato!"

William grabbed his bat, glaring at Lucas.

"I'm not letting this slide today!"

Alexander remained seated, his gaze steady on Donovan. "You're staying? What's next for you?"

Donovan accepted a glass of sparkling water from Archibald and took a sip.

"National Laboratories extended an invitation. I've decided to accept, but I won't be leaving for another month."

National Laboratories was a top-tier research institute with cutting-edge facilities, a place where even the brightest minds struggled to gain entry.

For Donovan, it had been a long-considered decision.

Alexander nodded in approval.

Evelyn cut in. "Donovan promised he'd help with Kingsley Tech's R&D project this month! That way, we won't let them outmaneuver us—we'll take the lead!"

Alexander's expression stiffened. His stunned gaze flickered between Donovan and Evelyn, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for his brother.

"Then... good luck."

Is a project this small even worth Donovan's time?

This sister really knows how to make the most of everything.

A few days later, once Donovan was well-rested, Evelyn began preparing for their move into Kingsley Tech.

The morning air was crisp, the weather perfect.

Evelyn dragged Donovan out the door, stopping first at her apartment to pick up Leo.

The AI tiger perked up at their arrival, leaping into Evelyn's arms.

"Mama! I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too, Leo. You didn't wreck the place, did you?"

Evelyn glanced around—the apartment was spotless.

This clever little tiger knew how to operate her smart home system.

There were even a few new packages scattered around, likely more gadgets Leo had ordered.

Leo nuzzled into Evelyn's arms sheepishly.

"I... might have used your credit card."

Evelyn burst out laughing.

She turned to Donovan, holding Leo up. "This is Leo. Leo, meet my second brother."

Leo's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Wow! The Great Donovan Sterling! I'm your biggest fan!"

Evelyn immediately clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Stop embarrassing me!"

Donovan studied the AI tiger with mild interest, lifting it with one hand.

"World-class quantum physics system, advanced learning capabilities, adaptive temperature and moisture regulation... Who gave this to you?"

Leo beamed. "Emily Whitaker! The girl who added you on social media! I traded your contact info for it!"

Donovan shot Evelyn a dry look.

"Are you even my sister?"