Chapter 365

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat. How did he get inside Sterling Manor?

Then it hit her - she'd forgotten to close the main gates after her evening walk.

Preston Sinclair stood motionless in the foyer, his piercing gaze sliding past Evelyn to land on the golden-haired child hiding behind her legs.

"Come here," his deep voice commanded.

The little boy bounded forward with surprising speed, wrapping his arms around the man's tailored suit pants. "Papa!"

The contrast between father and son was striking. While they shared similar aristocratic features, the child's golden curls and sapphire eyes were a stark contrast to Preston's raven hair and mahogany eyes.

Evelyn couldn't help admiring the genetic perfection standing before her.

Preston effortlessly scooped up the squirming child with one arm. "You little escape artist," he chided, though his voice held unmistakable fondness. "Did you really think you could run off without consequences?"

Oliver kicked his legs futilely. "I saw the angel lady! I want to stay with her! She's my Muse now! Papa, you can't keep true love apart!"

Evelyn's cheeks burned at the child's declaration. Before she could respond, Preston let out an amused chuckle.

"What happened to your undying devotion to Miss Holloway? Changed your mind so quickly?"

"But she is Miss Holloway! My pretty Muse!"

Preston's entire body went rigid. His eyes locked onto Evelyn's face with sudden intensity, studying her with an expression she couldn't decipher.

Evelyn cleared her throat awkwardly. "Excuse me, but are you really his father? I found him alone at the carnival and—"

"I know," Preston interrupted softly, his gaze dropping to Oliver with a mixture of exasperation and affection.

A buzzing phone shattered the moment. Preston glanced at the screen and frowned before carrying Oliver toward the door. "Good evening, Ms. Sterling."

"No! I won't leave my Muse! I love her! We're meant to be—"

Evelyn listened to the fading protests with bemusement. The impeccably dressed stranger clearly moved in powerful circles if he'd tracked her down so quickly. She made a mental note to upgrade the manor's security.

As the echoes of Oliver's dramatic exit faded, Leo padded to the door, his mechanical tail drooping in disappointment at losing his new playmate.

Evelyn secured the entrance before heading upstairs for her evening skincare routine. Settling onto the massage chair with Leo curled in her lap, she scrolled through her tablet.

"Mama," Leo chirped suddenly, "Lucas instructed me to find you a suitable romantic partner. I've processed global databases and identified the top ten most eligible bachelors meeting all criteria."

Evelyn nearly dropped her tablet. "Excuse me?"

"Lucas's orders," Leo confirmed.

Curiosity piqued, Evelyn asked, "Who made the list?"

"After eliminating married candidates, those over thirty-five, individuals with net worth below ten figures, and suboptimal physical attributes..." Leo's processors whirred. "Only one perfect match remains."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Do tell. Get me his number—let's arrange a meeting."

Leo's tail wagged enthusiastically. "Initiating call now."

Pride surged through Leo's circuits. What an excellent matchmaker he was.

Before Evelyn could react, a familiar baritone answered. "Blackwood."

Evelyn froze. That voice—

Leo sprang to life. "Papa! Mama wants to go on a date with you!"

"Leo Sterling!" Evelyn shrieked, scrambling to shut off the mischievous AI.

Nathan's rich laughter filled the room. "Miss me already, Evelyn?"

"You insufferable—" She glared at the smug robotic tiger. "Wrong number entirely!"

Leo blinked his luminescent eyes innocently as Evelyn desperately searched for his off switch. The little traitor had planned this all along.