Chapter 192

Evelyn Sinclair thought bitterly, Nathan Blackwood is bringing up the lost ring just to twist the knife in my heart, isn't he?

How utterly cruel.

But after enduring so many emotional wounds, my heart had turned to stone.

Nathan's brows furrowed deeper. He opened his mouth to speak when Sebastian Hart came rushing over from across the room.

"My Goddess Evelyn!" The nickname made Evelyn's lips curve involuntarily. The painful memories Nathan had stirred suddenly seemed insignificant.

Not worth dwelling on past sorrows.

Sebastian slipped his arm around Evelyn's shoulders protectively, shooting Nathan a warning glare.

"We're one player short. Saved the spot just for you. Care to join us for a few rounds?"

Ten minutes ago, Evelyn might have agreed. Now, her mood had soured completely.

She forced a faint smile. "No, I'm rather tired. Think I'll head home."

"Let me drive you," Sebastian offered immediately.

Evelyn chuckled. "Don't be ridiculous. It's your birthday - you can't abandon your own party. Archibald will come get me."

"They're not as important as you!" Sebastian insisted, his eyes only for Evelyn.

As Evelyn turned to leave, she suddenly remembered something. Digging into her purse, she pulled out her checkbook and scribbled a figure.

The icy look in Nathan's eyes when she'd turned away softened slightly when she approached him again.

Evelyn shoved the check forcefully into Nathan's breast pocket. "Forty million. Enough for a new car. Now we're even."

Her smile was arctic. More than market value - no need for further complications.

She was sick of Nathan's deliberate provocations, especially after overhearing his conversation with Dominic Kingsley at Kingsley Tech that day.

Remorse? Please. Evelyn turned sharply on her heel.

"Evelyn," Nathan's voice stopped her. "Believe it or not, I didn't lose that ring on purpose."

His face looked gaunt, drained of color.

"As if I'd believe that," Evelyn muttered without turning back, striding away in her stilettos.

Her posture radiated icy detachment. Sebastian escorted her to the door, watching until Archibald's car disappeared.

Back at Sterling Manor, Archibald informed her, "The eldest young master has returned. The family is gathering as per the patriarch's instructions."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh at the butler's awkward attempt at slang.

Leo came bounding toward her the moment she stepped inside. "Mama! I love you!"

Evelyn scooped up the AI tiger, running her fingers over its custom Hermès tiger-striped suit. "My, aren't you fancy today!"

The tailored faux fur outfit hugged Leo's form perfectly. Since when did her AI pet need haute couture?

Leo preened, tilting his head proudly. "Always cool, Mama!"

"Evelyn! You're home!" William Sterling descended the stairs, arms outstretched.

Giggling, Evelyn moved to hug him, only to be waved off.

"Not you!" William said sheepishly. "I want to hold little Leo!"

Evelyn's jaw dropped. Since when was she dethroned as Daddy's favorite?

William cradled Leo like a baby. "Grandpa will take you for walkies!"

Lucas Sterling snorted from the sofa. "Look who's been dethroned!"

Evelyn glared at him. "Still higher than you, bottom feeder!"

Alexander Sterling approached from the bar, nodding approvingly. "Excellent work on the Pacific Heights Project, little sister."

Evelyn tossed her hair proudly. "Naturally! Did you bring me a present?"

Alexander's expression remained stoic. "Diamonds. In your room."

"How many?"

"About two hundred top-grade whites. Uncut - design them as you wish."

Lucas piped up, "The perks of being rich, huh? Where's mine, big bro?"

Alexander rolled his eyes. "You get the leftover diamond bits."

Lucas looked scandalized. "Seriously? Why does everyone treat me like this?!"