Chapter 369

Nathan Blackwood smirked. The invitation had already been delivered to her.

Evelyn Sinclair was stunned.

Her pulse quickened. Sterling Corporation and Blackwood Enterprises were both key stakeholders in this deal, equally matched in influence.

There was no logical reason for Preston Sinclair to invite Blackwood Enterprises and exclude Sterling Corporation.

Had Preston already made his decision?

Seeing Evelyn's troubled expression, little Oliver Sinclair tugged at her sleeve.

"Pretty Lady, if you want to go, I can invite you!"

His voice was bright with childish enthusiasm. "It's Daddy's party, so I can bring my own guests, right?"

Nathan arched a brow, amused by the boy's boldness.

Such confidence for a little squirt.

Evelyn didn’t take him seriously, assuming he was just trying to cheer her up. She ruffled his hair affectionately before turning back to Nathan with a cool, unreadable gaze.

"Mr. Blackwood, is this your way of gloating?"

Nathan’s expression darkened slightly. "I could take you as my plus-one."

Evelyn set down her teacup with deliberate calm. "No, thank you. I’ll find another way."

Being Nathan’s date might be the simplest solution, but it would put her at a disadvantage—something she refused to accept.

She stood, and Oliver immediately latched onto her hand. "Pretty Lady, can I come to your house to play?"

She smiled. "Of course."

Nathan watched as the boy eagerly pulled Evelyn toward the door. His jaw tightened, a flicker of conflict crossing his sharp features.

For a moment, he considered giving her the opportunity outright.

But pride held him back.

The moment they stepped outside, Oliver’s earpiece crackled with his bodyguard’s voice.

"Young Master, don’t forget—invite her to dinner. A gentleman never lets his lady go hungry."

Oliver grinned and tugged Evelyn’s hand. "Pretty Lady, let’s eat first! I’m starving!"

Evelyn chuckled. "What do you want?"

His eyes sparkled mischievously. "Ice cream!"

She laughed. "You really are a kid."

"Fine, ice cream it is."

Her earlier frustration melted away as she indulged the little charmer.

They ended up at a high-end bistro nearby. The waiter couldn’t resist cooing over Oliver.

"Miss, is this your little brother? He’s adorable!"

Oliver scowled and crossed his arms. "I’m not her brother. I’m her boyfriend."

His attempt at sounding mature only made him more endearing.

Evelyn bit back a laugh. "He’ll have the kids' meal. And two parfaits, please."

Oliver pouted. "I don’t want a kids' meal! I’m not a kid!"

Evelyn smirked. "Then what do you want, boyfriend?"

Oliver’s cheeks turned pink. He fidgeted with his tiny suit sleeve, suddenly shy.

Pretty Lady called me her boyfriend!

Heart racing, he mumbled, "You pick. Ladies first."

Evelyn winked at the waiter and stuck with the original order.

The waiter stifled a grin. This kid is something else.

Evelyn nibbled on her parfait while Oliver devoured his meal with the appetite of a growing boy.

When the bill arrived, Oliver slapped his custom-made Rolex against the payment scanner before Evelyn could react.

Beep. "Payment confirmed: $790. Thank you."

Evelyn blinked. That watch probably cost more than her purse.

Oliver smoothed his sleeve with an air of nonchalance.

Clearly, Preston Sinclair was no ordinary man.

Evelyn studied the boy. "Oliver… who is your father?"