Chapter 284

The golden sunlight danced across the ocean waves, while a gentle sea breeze carried the scent of salt and freedom.

Perfection. That's what this moment felt like.

Evelyn Sinclair sat between her two brothers, laughing at some private joke when an unexpected knock interrupted them.

Donovan Sterling, ever the dedicated scientist, excused himself immediately. "Physics equations won't solve themselves," he murmured, retreating to his room.

Lucas Sterling stayed put, his protective instincts flaring as he studied their visitor.

Adrian Blackwood stood framed in the doorway, his aristocratic features illuminated by the afternoon light. The cream-colored tracksuit beneath his slate gray coat accentuated his effortless elegance.

Every inch the modern gentleman.

"Eve, you're finally awake!" Adrian's voice wrapped around her like warm honey, his concern evident in those piercing blue eyes.

Lucas rolled his eyes dramatically. "Spare us the theatrics."

Evelyn couldn't help but smile. Seeing Adrian safe and healthy lifted an invisible weight from her shoulders.

Their bond had been forged in fire during those harrowing days on Pacifica Island. Near-death experiences had a way of creating unbreakable connections.

"Worried? Really?" She tilted her head, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You've clearly been eating well, Adrian. I can see the evidence in your cheeks."

Adrian's hand flew to his face in mock horror. "Lies!"

Then Evelyn's expression shifted. She arched one perfect eyebrow. "Speaking of lies... care to explain why you never mentioned being Nathan Blackwood's nephew?"

Adrian had the decency to look sheepish. He rubbed the back of his neck, offering her a charming, slightly guilty smile.

"In my defense, I saw the divorce headlines right before our trip. Was terrified you'd ditch me if you knew."

Lucas snorted. "Smart man."

But Adrian just grinned, moving closer with that irresistible Blackwood charm. "Evelyn would never be that cruel."

The ocean continued its eternal dance outside, waves crashing in rhythm with the unspoken truths between them.

Evelyn Sinclair felt a firm tug on her wrist as Lucas Sterling positioned himself protectively in front of her.

His chest puffed with unmistakable pride as he declared, "Our Evie's an absolute angel."

Then his expression darkened as he turned to face her fully. "But if you ever pull a stunt like this again—"

His voice cracked with emotion. "You let others take the bullet for you. Not the other way around. My baby sister doesn't play bodyguard for anyone!"

Evelyn's vision blurred unexpectedly. She drew a shaky breath.

Before she could respond, Adrian Blackwood thumped his chest dramatically. "Won't be a next time! From now on, I'm Evie's human shield. We're family now!"

Evelyn's head snapped toward him in surprise.

Lucas looked equally stunned. "The hell we are!"

Adrian merely grinned, undeterred. "Evie promised to take care of me forever. That makes us family." He leaned in conspiratorially, resting his head against her shoulder with a playful wink.

Their proximity was suddenly interrupted by a familiar towering presence. Nathan Blackwood materialized like a storm, yanking his nephew away by the collar.

"Back. Off." The glacial command left no room for argument.

Adrian yelped, rubbing his neck indignantly. "Uncle Nate! Is this how you treat your favorite nephew? You're already disowned and owe me five billion dollars!"

"Worst investment of my life," Nathan deadpanned, his lethal gaze making Adrian shrink despite their mere five-year age difference.

Adrian straightened defiantly. Youth was on his side. So was his newfound friendship with Evelyn.

He'd play this advantage for all it was worth.

"Let's not discuss debts," Adrian began smugly, only to be cut off by Nathan's withering glare. The unspoken threat hung heavier than any spoken word.

Evelyn watched the exchange with growing amusement. The Blackwood men's theatrics never failed to entertain.

Adrian might be reckless, but his heart was in the right place. And Nathan—well, his protective instincts were as relentless as ever.

The standoff continued, charged with unspoken challenges and familial tension. Evelyn bit back a smile.

This was her life now. Chaotic. Dangerous. Unpredictable.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

"Whatever the cost, I'll pay it." My voice trembled with urgency as I gripped the edge of the polished mahogany desk.

The banker's calculating gaze flickered between me and the documents spread before us. His gold-rimmed glasses reflected the dim office lighting, obscuring his expression.

Across from me, Evelyn Sinclair straightened her posture, her emerald eyes flashing with determination. The scent of her Chanel No.5 mingled with the sterile office air.

"Evelyn will cover it for me." I turned toward her, my pulse racing. "Isn't that right, Evelyn?"

She didn't hesitate. "Of course." Her manicured fingers tapped a rhythm on her designer handbag. "Every last cent."

The banker cleared his throat. "This is quite an unconventional request, Ms. Montgomery."

I leaned forward, my silk blouse sticking to my skin. "We're aware. But we're prepared to meet whatever terms you require."

Evelyn's phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up with a message from Nathan Blackwood. She flipped it face down without reading.

"Let's discuss collateral," the banker suggested, opening a new file.

I exhaled sharply. This was happening. The deal was moving forward. Evelyn's steady presence beside me gave me courage.

"Whatever you need," Evelyn said smoothly. "We have properties, investments, connections."

The banker's pen hovered over the paperwork. "And if repayment becomes... problematic?"

Evelyn's lips curved into a confident smile. "It won't."

I reached for her hand under the table, squeezing it tightly. Her fingers were warm and steady against mine.

"Then we have an agreement," the banker concluded, extending his hand across the desk.

As we shook on it, I caught Evelyn's eye. The unspoken promise between us was clear - no matter the cost, no matter the risk, we would see this through together.