Chapter 364

Evelyn Sinclair's heart softened at the sight of the lost little boy. His wide, frightened eyes reminded her of a stray kitten she'd once rescued.

She led him straight to her office at Sterling Corp. "Bennett," she called to her assistant, "take Oliver's picture. We need to contact the authorities to find his family."

The child - Oliver Sinclair - clung to her hand with surprising strength. His tiny fingers wrapped around hers like a lifeline.

Just as they were leaving, two unwelcome figures appeared in the hallway. Lawrence Whitmore and his son Damian strode toward them, smug satisfaction radiating from every pore.

"Ms. Sterling," Lawrence purred, stopping directly in their path. "I heard about your little amusement park excursion. Quite the busy day, wasn't it?"

Evelyn arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow. The man had spies everywhere.

Lawrence's smile turned predatory. "No need to waste your energy, my dear. Damian here will be handling the negotiations with Preston Sinclair. It's for Sterling Corp's benefit, after all. You'll always be William Sterling's daughter, regardless."

Damian chuckled behind his father. "Exactly! Even if you're not CEO, you still hold majority shares!"

Their confidence was almost comical.

Evelyn let out a dry laugh. "Best of luck to you both then."

She didn't waste another word, guiding Oliver away from the toxic pair.

"Pretty Lady," Oliver piped up in his adorable voice, "you don't like them?"

The boy had clearly caught Preston Sinclair's name being mentioned. That's my daddy! he thought but didn't say.

Evelyn snorted. "They're like mosquitoes at a summer picnic. Sooner or later, I'll swat them away."

"Then I don't like them either!" Oliver declared with childish fervor. "Whoever Pretty Lady doesn't like, I don't like!"

Evelyn ruffled his hair affectionately. "Mm."

Returning to Sterling Manor, they found the house unusually empty. Even Archibald, the family butler, had accompanied her father on his business trip.

For now, Oliver was entirely her responsibility.

Meanwhile, at The Regal Grand's presidential suite...

A bodyguard and maid stood trembling before a massive oak desk. The air was thick with tension as they watched the man behind the desk flip through documents with terrifying calm.

An older gentleman - clearly the head butler - approached after ending a phone call. "We have news! Young Master was taken by some woman. I'll dispatch security immediately to retrieve him and have that kidnapper arrested!"

"Wait-" The maid interjected, watching their employer's expression carefully. "Perhaps... perhaps Young Master went willingly?"

The butler scoffed. "He's just a child! What does he know? That woman clearly took him for ransom! Mr. Sinclair, we can't let this stand!"

The maid exchanged nervous glances with the bodyguard, both hesitating to speak.

The man at the desk - Preston Sinclair - finally looked up. His piercing gaze could freeze lava. "The truth. Now."

Under that stare, all resistance crumbled. They spilled everything in one breath.

"Mr. Sinclair, Young Master wouldn't let us follow! He said... he said he liked that pretty lady and wanted to go home with her..."

Silence. Heavy, suffocating silence.

"I'll handle this personally," Preston finally said.

He knew his son. If Oliver hadn't wanted to go, no force on earth could have moved him.

But "pretty lady"? What fresh hell was this?

"Should we punish the woman?" the butler pressed.

Preston's glacial stare shut him down instantly. "Do as you're told."

The butler stiffened. "Yes, sir."

Back at Sterling Manor...

Evelyn watched as Oliver played with Leo, her AI tiger companion. The pair were rolling across the plush carpet, the boy's laughter ringing through the grand foyer.

She was heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner when the front door swung open.

Turning, Evelyn found herself face-to-face with a stranger. The man in the doorway had features carved from marble - all sharp angles and unyielding lines. His presence filled the space like a thundercloud, every bit as commanding as Nathan Blackwood's.

Her brow furrowed. She'd never seen this man before in her life.

"Who are you?" she demanded, instinctively stepping between him and Oliver.