Chapter 373

Oliver Sinclair's cheeks flushed pink as he shyly lowered his gaze while walking with Evelyn toward the grand banquet hall entrance.

The moment they stepped inside, an atmosphere of refined elegance enveloped them.

Evelyn immediately sensed this was no ordinary gathering. Her sharp eyes caught sight of Nathan Blackwood across the room.

She froze mid-step, her expression shifting subtly.

Noticing her hesitation, Oliver tugged at her hand. "Muse, why are we stopping? Daddy's waiting for us inside!"

Evelyn's grip tightened around the boy's small hand. "Your father...what's his name?"

Before Oliver could answer, an older man flanked by two others approached them abruptly. "Identify yourselves!" His booming voice cut through the air.

Evelyn turned to face the intruder. The man's eyes raked over her designer gown with visible disdain.

"How dare you steal the mistress's dress? Gold-diggers aren't welcome here! Leave immediately!"

Evelyn's blood boiled at the accusation. Only when she recognized the two men behind him - Lawrence and Damian Whitmore - did realization dawn.

This wasn't just a child's party.

Oliver positioned himself protectively in front of Evelyn. His voice, though young, carried his father's commanding tone. "You will not speak to my guest that way!"

The butler faltered under the boy's glare. "Young Master, you can't just bring uninvited guests to such an occasion! This isn't some public—"

Evelyn cut him off with a cold laugh. "Who exactly are you calling uninvited?" She never tolerated disrespect.

The butler spluttered until Lawrence intervened hastily. "This is Evelyn Sinclair, CEO of Sterling Worldwide."

Shock transformed the butler's face.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Interesting. I wasn't aware servants held such authority here." Her icy gaze pinned him in place. "Unless you're the master of this house?"

Though head butler to Preston Sinclair, the man knew better than to antagonize powerful guests. He swallowed his retort with visible difficulty.

Turning to Oliver, he said stiffly, "Young Master, you know the rules. No uninvited guests permitted."

Oliver crossed his arms, his small frame radiating authority. "Since when do you give orders to me?"

"But Young Master, Mr. Sinclair's direct orders—"

"Muse is here with Daddy's permission!" Oliver's voice rose with indignation. "How dare you insult her?"

Evelyn's breath caught at the name 'Sinclair.'

Preston Sinclair? The elusive tycoon who'd ignored all her meeting requests? The man who'd appeared at her home was Oliver's father?

A waiter approached with a bow. "Young Master, Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Sinclair requests your presence."

Oliver shot the butler a withering look before taking Evelyn's hand. "Don't mind him, Muse. I'll have Daddy replace him tomorrow."