Chapter 368

Nathan's deep voice broke the silence. "Open it."

His chiseled profile looked like it had been painted by an old master, every angle perfect under the soft lighting. That aristocratic aura of his never failed to make Evelyn's breath catch.

She hesitated before lifting the lid. Inside lay a breathtaking piece - the legendary "Moonlight Sonata" bracelet by Laurent Dubois.

Only one existed in the world.

The diamonds caught the light, scattering rainbows across the table. Even more stunning than the magazine spreads.

She'd tried to purchase it last month, only to find it already sold. And now here it was, in Nathan's hands.

He poured tea with those elegant fingers, first for her, then with visible reluctance, for the little boy beside them.

Young Oliver practically vibrated with excitement as he peered at the jewelry. "Hah! Mine's way better!"

The child shot Nathan a superior look. "Old man, you're so cheap! Girls deserve the best, don't they?"

Nathan's eyebrow twitched.

Oliver proudly produced his own velvet box. "For you, my muse!"

Inside sat a chunky gold bangle that could probably stop bullets.

The silence was deafening.

Oliver scooted closer, explaining with the confidence of a seasoned jeweler. "Real ladies love solid gold. The heavier, the better. Take notes, gramps."

Nathan's lips thinned. "Oh?"

Evelyn felt her eyelid twitch. "Did you...buy this yourself?"

While not extravagant by her standards, this was absurd for a child.

Oliver beamed. "Of course! Daddy says I can buy anything for pretty ladies!" He puffed his chest. "We're rich!"

Evelyn frowned. "I can't accept this." The weight surprised her when she lifted it. "Children shouldn't—"

Oliver's face crumpled. "But Daddy said it's okay!"

Ah. So this was Preston Sinclair's way of thanking her for rescuing his son yesterday.

Seeing those big eyes well up, Evelyn sighed. "Alright, I'll keep it."

Oliver's grin returned instantly. "Do you love it?"

"...It's very...substantial."

He pointed triumphantly at Nathan's offering. "Do you love that?"

Evelyn hesitated. "...No."

Oliver's smile could power a small city. He tapped his rosy cheek. "Then I deserve a kiss!"

Nathan's teacup hit the saucer with a sharp clink. That brat was testing his limits.

Eight years old or not, anyone making moves on his woman was dead meat.

Evelyn chuckled at the child's antics. Too adorable. She pressed a kiss to his forehead, ruffling his hair. "Be good now. Adults need to talk business."

Oliver turned scarlet, suddenly fascinated with his shoelaces.

Nathan glared at the wall. He refused to be jealous of a third grader.

Evelyn slid the blue box back. "Keep it."

Nathan froze. "You don't like it?"

He'd seen that spark in her eyes. She'd taken the kid's monstrosity but refused this?

Her lips curved. "I don't want anything from you."

Brutal.

Nathan's jaw tightened. "Your father said we should interact normally. Isn't gift-giving normal?"

Evelyn stood. "Are we discussing Preston Sinclair or not?"

Nathan exhaled. "He's hosting a private dinner next week. Lawrence Whitmore will attend."

Evelyn whistled. "Lawrence moves fast. I need to step up my game."

"How do you know about this?" she pressed.