Chapter 379

This memory was buried so deep in Evelyn's soul that she had locked it away, terrified of reopening old wounds.

The mere thought of that moment made her pulse quicken with emotions she'd sworn to forget.

She had been so afraid that remembering would weaken her resolve, that she might fall for Nathan Blackwood all over again.

Evelyn didn't know who had captured the exact moment she threw herself over the little boy.

The acrid scent of gunpowder still haunted her senses, chilling her to the bone. Preston Sinclair's sudden laughter snapped her back to reality.

Tears glistened in her eyes as she lifted her gaze, immediately meeting Nathan's intense stare. His dark eyes swirled with unreadable emotions, threatening to pull her under.

Her breath caught when she saw his expression.

The bloodied, determined face from her memories superimposed perfectly with Nathan's chiseled features now.

His aristocratic bone structure looked even more striking in the dim lighting, like a masterpiece carved from marble. The photo in Nathan's hand showed the exact moment he'd lunged at Evelyn.

Smoke and shadows intertwined in the image, both their figures frozen in protective stances. Evelyn had never wanted him to know about this incident, but the truth was undeniable now.

Though covered in dirt and debris, their faces were unmistakable. The blonde-haired boy she'd shielded was little Oliver Sinclair.

Oliver still had those same golden curls and delicate features, though he'd grown taller in the past three years.

Back then, the child had gotten a clear look at the beautiful woman who saved him - just as Evelyn had clearly seen Nathan rushing to protect her.

Preston cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Forgive me, Mr. Blackwood. I've known your true identity all along," Preston said with a slight cough. "That's precisely why you were my first choice this time. Though I could never uncover Ms. Sinclair's role until recently, when my son accidentally reunited with her in Montecito."

His voice grew solemn. "You both saved Oliver's life, but I owe an even greater debt to Ms. Sinclair. Had she not acted first..." Preston's shoulders tensed, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.

"My wife wasn't as fortunate as Oliver. She was still in the car when..." He trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavily between them.

Evelyn's stomach dropped as the final piece of that tragic puzzle clicked into place.

Preston continued smoothly, "I hope you won't take offense at my decision to work with Sterling Corporation."

Nathan's voice was rough with emotion. "Of course not."

Bathed in the golden light, Nathan looked every inch the powerful CEO - yet his usual composure seemed shaken. When his gaze met Evelyn's, she saw storms brewing in those dark depths.

Regret. Shock. Yearning.

If only he'd recognized her sooner. They could have avoided so much pain, so many misunderstandings.

Their fates had been intertwined long before that fateful night at the underground fight club. Evelyn had always known the truth, while he remained oblivious.

He should have known. The realization left Nathan reeling.

Sensing the tension, Preston turned to Evelyn with an apologetic smile. "Ms. Sinclair, I hope you'll forgive my abruptness in revealing this."

Evelyn forced a calm smile. "There's nothing to forgive. The truth was bound to come out eventually."

She could no longer deny it - this had been their first meeting. The moment her heart first stirred for Nathan Blackwood.

As dinner concluded, Preston escorted them to the entrance. Little Oliver came barreling down the stairs, wrapping his arms tightly around Evelyn's legs.

"Pretty Lady!" he begged with wide, hopeful eyes. "Stay with us tonight! I want you to tell me bedtime stories!"