Chapter 367

The grand entrance of the Montecito Convention Center gleamed under the afternoon sun.

A sleek black Maybach pulled up to the curb, its tinted windows hiding the precious cargo within.

Inside the vehicle, little Oliver Sinclair clutched his carefully selected gifts, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. The nanny adjusted his tiny bowtie while the bodyguard handed him the final item.

"I can do this myself," Oliver declared, puffing out his chest. "Big boys don't need escorts."

The nanny exchanged amused glances with the security detail. "Very well, young master."

With a bouquet of pristine white chrysanthemums in one hand and a velvet jewelry box in the other, Oliver marched through the automatic doors.

The receptionist's heart melted at the sight of the impeccably dressed child. "Hello there, sweetheart! Who are you looking for?"

Oliver beamed up at her. "I'm here to see my Muse!"

Just then, the elevator doors parted to reveal Evelyn Sinclair and Nathan Blackwood emerging together, maintaining a carefully calculated distance between them.

Oliver's face lit up when he spotted Evelyn. He dashed forward and wrapped his arms around her legs. "Muse!"

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "Oliver? What are you doing here?"

The child's long lashes fluttered as he shyly extended the flowers. "These are for you."

Evelyn's smile faltered slightly when she recognized the funeral blooms. Her gaze darted between the white chrysanthemums and Oliver's hopeful expression.

"I picked them special!" Oliver announced proudly. "They're the prettiest flowers for the prettiest lady!"

Nathan's jaw tightened at the sight of the inappropriate bouquet. His fingers twitched with the urge to confiscate the offending arrangement.

"Who's this?" Nathan asked through gritted teeth.

Oliver turned his angelic face upward. "Good afternoon, Ancient Sir!"

Nathan's eyebrow twitched. Ancient? When the boy had just called Evelyn 'Muse'?

Evelyn bit back a laugh at Nathan's thunderous expression. "We met yesterday at the charity gala."

Nathan checked his platinum watch. "The meeting's concluded. Shall we discuss the Pacific Heights project over tea?"

"Absolutely not," Evelyn said immediately.

Nathan smirked. "I have Preston Sinclair's itinerary."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Fine. Tea it is."

She turned back to Oliver. "Where are your parents, sweetheart?"

Oliver shook his head vigorously and grabbed Evelyn's hand. "I'm coming with you!"

The child's instincts screamed danger - this old man was clearly trying to steal his Muse away.

"No," Nathan stated flatly.

Oliver's lower lip trembled as he gazed up at Evelyn with puppy-dog eyes. "Muse, I love tea parties..."

Evelyn's resolve crumbled instantly. "Of course you can join us!"

Oliver shot Nathan a triumphant look as they walked to the café, swinging their joined hands. "Muse smells like sunshine and happiness!"

Nathan muttered under his breath, "That child is a menace."

Evelyn gasped. "Nathan Blackwood! How dare you speak that way about an angel?"

Oliver stuck his tongue out at Nathan when Evelyn wasn't looking.

The exclusive tearoom Nathan selected was all gilded mirrors and white linen. Oliver positioned himself protectively next to Evelyn, eyeing Nathan with suspicion.

Nathan produced a Tiffany blue box with a smug smile. "I had this specially commissioned in Paris. It's perfect for you."

Evelyn didn't even glance at the offering. "Keep it."

Oliver suddenly remembered the velvet box still in his pocket. As he reached for it, Nathan smoothly changed the subject.

"The contract details can wait until after tea," Nathan said pointedly.

Oliver huffed but settled back in his chair, already plotting his next move in this unexpected battle for his Muse's attention.