Chapter 378

Nathan Blackwood's breath hitched.

They were complete strangers before tonight. So why was Preston Sinclair looking at Evelyn Sinclair with that peculiar expression?

Why would Preston hand over such a lucrative deal so casually? The lost contract didn't trouble Nathan.

Blackwood Enterprises spanned countless industries.

This project, though substantial, was merely a drop in the ocean. He'd sacrifice a hundred such deals rather than witness Preston's unsettling interest in Evelyn! Evelyn herself felt disoriented, as if floating through a dream.

Preston's expression held no trace of amusement. Why? A thousand questions swirled in Evelyn's mind. Yet her face remained an unreadable mask, betraying nothing.

"Because of young Oliver?" Preston concluded the dinner with brief remarks, sending guests filing out. What began as a formal gathering ended with seismic shockwaves.

Only Evelyn and Nathan remained - she seeking answers, he refusing to leave her alone with Preston. The tycoon chuckled at their stubborn presence.

"Ms. Sterling, I imagine you're brimming with questions. My offer stands - my team will contact Sterling Corporation for details."

"I don't understand," Evelyn cut straight to the point. Her previous attempts to reach Preston had failed spectacularly. Why this sudden change?

Preston tilted his head, considering his words carefully. "I didn't choose Sterling Corporation."

His gaze softened with genuine warmth as he declared, "I chose you." The tenderness held no ulterior motives, pure as morning light. Evelyn's pulse stuttered.

"Because I retrieved Oliver from the amusement park?" She could conceive no other explanation. Preston's laughter rang clear. "Certainly not."

"That clever boy would never endanger himself." Nathan's voice emerged like gravel, his piercing glare boring into Preston. "I'm equally curious about your sudden interest in Evelyn."

Preston studied Nathan with knowing amusement. "Mr. Blackwood, I expected you'd recognize the reason." Nathan's brow furrowed. "What reason?"

"Originally, this project belonged to Blackwood Enterprises. But Ms. Sterling's appearance changed everything. She's the perfect candidate." Preston signaled a bodyguard, who hurried off.

"Wait here."

Moments later, the guard returned bearing a leather-bound album. Preston extracted two photographs, handing one to each. The moment Evelyn's fingers touched the image, her entire body locked in shock.

The nightmare scene from three years ago materialized before her eyes - the European terrorist attack that haunted her dreams. Flames licking buildings, panicked screams, bullets whizzing past faceless crowds. Then the bomb.

She'd been fleeing when she spotted him - a golden-haired boy, no older than five, frozen in terror. Without thinking, she'd changed course.

As she dove to shield him, the world exploded in fire and shrapnel. Then - impossibly - an unyielding body covered hers completely. When the dust settled, Evelyn found herself unharmed beneath a bloodied stranger whose face she'd never forget.