Chapter 129

The tension in the room lingered like an unspoken threat.

To Evelyn's relief, Nathan Blackwood didn't press the matter further. The discussion shifted to finalizing the project's direction.

The meeting dragged on for over an hour. By the time it concluded, rain had begun pelting against the windows.

As attendees rushed to their vehicles, they discovered the entrance steps had become a shallow pond from the downpour.

Evelyn hesitated at the threshold. Her custom Laurent Dubois heels, dazzling with embedded diamonds, weren't meant for wading through puddles.

The Sterling Corporation's Rolls-Royce waited just beyond the flooded area, the driver unable to maneuver closer through the downpour.

Donovan Sterling noticed his sister's predicament. With only one umbrella available, he automatically positioned it over Evelyn's head. "Shall we?"

Evelyn bit her lip, pointing her toes experimentally. "These diamonds will tarnish if they get wet."

Donovan's gaze swept over her outfit - the chic mini dress that made traditional carrying positions impossible without risking indecency.

Without hesitation, he shrugged off his tailored jacket and tossed it onto the flooded steps. Holding the umbrella steady with one hand, he extended the other. "Problem solved. Let's go."

Evelyn sighed dramatically but accepted the compromise.

She placed her hand in Donovan's, stepped delicately onto the sacrificed jacket, and slipped into the waiting car.

The driver witnessing this exchange mentally calculated his job security. Two other observers had very different reactions.

Dominic Kingsley shook his head in disbelief. "Now I understand what real diva behavior looks like! That woman probably complains if her champagne bubbles aren't perfectly symmetrical, yet you treated her like yesterday's news!"

Nathan's stormy gaze followed the departing vehicle, his jaw tightening. He knew exactly who Donovan Sterling really was.

Even world leaders vied for that man's attention, yet here he was playing footman to Evelyn. Their relationship clearly transcended professional boundaries. Just how close were they?

"Nikki!" A familiar voice cut through the rain.

Emily Whitaker came bounding toward them, Leo the mechanical tiger clutched in her arms. Evelyn brightened immediately, whispering to Donovan, "That's Emily Whitaker. She's brilliant but...enthusiastic."

Donovan barely had time to frown before Emily skidded to a stop before them. Her eyes widened comically when she recognized him.

"Holy mother of silicon chips! The Tech Titan!" Without ceremony, she dumped Leo in a puddle and launched herself at Donovan.

The renowned scientist turned sheet-white as Emily wrapped herself around him like human ivy.

"Unhand me this instant!" Donovan peeled her off with visible distress, his ears turning pink. "Have you no sense of personal space?"

Emily, starstruck beyond reason, barely registered the rejection. She gazed up at her idol with undisguised awe. "I'm Emily Whitaker! You've mentored me through seventeen failed prototypes!"

Donovan gave her a withering once-over. "Yes. The one who couldn't differentiate between binary code and baking instructions."

As Emily's face fell, Evelyn pinched Donovan's arm sharply.

He amended grudgingly, "Though Leo shows promise. Durable construction. Decent AI framework."

Emily's smile returned full-force. "He's just a prototype! I can make him smarter!"

The soggy mechanical tiger swiped at her ankle. "Smarter than you, meatbag!"

Emily ignored the insult, turning excitedly to Evelyn. "You know The Tech Titan? Is he your-"

"Friend," Evelyn interjected smoothly, linking arms with Donovan. "Be nice. She's my friend, not one of your unfortunate graduate students."

Donovan exhaled through his nose but remained silent.

Emily practically vibrated with excitement, shooting Evelyn a meaningful look.

Evelyn added, "He'll be consulting on our project. Emily, make sure he doesn't intimidate the entire R&D department."

Emily's jaw dropped. "The Tech Titan...taking orders from me?!"

Noting Emily's overwhelmed expression, Evelyn leaned close. "His involvement stays confidential for now."

Emily nodded dumbly.

As they prepared to leave, Evelyn's skirt caught in the car door. She yelped in surprise.

Donovan abandoned the umbrella without hesitation, kneeling to carefully free the delicate fabric. Noticing Emily's stunned expression, he said coolly, "Dispose of that for me," nodding toward the discarded jacket.

Before Emily could respond, Donovan slid into the car and shut the door, leaving her standing in the rain.

From his puddle, Leo grumbled, "Somebody remember the AI tiger?!"