Chapter 386

Nathan Blackwood entered with deliberate steps, his piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn Sinclair's back. The aquarium staff member quickly stepped aside, making way for their unexpected visitor.

This marked the first time their elusive CEO had personally inspected operations. Oblivious to the presence behind her, Evelyn tapped her chin thoughtfully while examining the display tank.

"Grilled or fried?" she mused aloud. Before Isabella Montgomery could respond, Nathan's rich baritone voice floated over her shoulder.

"Are you that desperate to devour me?"

Evelyn's spine went rigid. She whirled around, shock flashing across her features before settling into familiar irritation.

"You again?" she snapped. "Do I look thrilled to see you?"

Nathan's lips curved into an indulgent smile. "Which part of your expression suggests delight, darling?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Was the man blind?

His attention shifted to the mantis shrimp she'd been observing. "You called me 'baby'," he pointed out with amusement. Though merely a sea creature, the shrimp bore his nickname. By extension, it represented him.

Evelyn scoffed. "I was talking to the shrimp."

Nathan didn't press the argument. She'd never admit it anyway. Meanwhile, young Oliver Sinclair happily explored the aquarium exhibits alone.

Excited to share his discoveries, the boy went searching for his beloved "Muse" - only to encounter that detestable man again. Oliver's face scrunched in displeasure as he stomped over, glaring up at Nathan with undisguised contempt.

"Why are you here?" the child demanded.

Nathan had zero patience for the little nuisance. Oliver grabbed Evelyn's hand, beaming up at her with wide, innocent eyes. "Muse, I want to buy the thirty-meter blue whale from the next exhibit and ship it to Italy. What do you think?"

Evelyn frowned. The massive creature couldn't possibly fit on any plane or ship. Was it supposed to swim across the Atlantic?

Nathan's cold interjection came before she could respond. "No."

His tone turned glacial when addressing anyone other than Evelyn. Oliver crossed his chubby arms in outrage.

"Who says I can't buy it?" Nothing was beyond his father's means! Nathan regarded him with icy detachment.

"Because this is my aquarium."

Oliver's cherubic face cycled through shock, anger, and internal conflict before settling on stubborn defiance. With a dramatic huff, he tugged Evelyn's hand. "Come on, Muse! Let's go!"

"I might consider selling it..." Nathan's playful murmur stopped them mid-step. "...if you call me 'Big Brother'."

Isabella shuddered at the teasing tone.

Oliver froze, mouth working soundlessly. His expressive face contorted with the weight of this moral dilemma - perhaps the most challenging decision of his young life. Even Evelyn pitied his struggle.

The longer the boy hesitated, the darker Nathan's expression grew.

Finally, Oliver squared his little shoulders. Clenching his fists, he met Nathan's gaze with unyielding sapphire eyes. "NO. WAY."

He'd sooner abandon his beloved whale than compromise his integrity. "Daddy says good boys never lie," Oliver thought proudly.

Evelyn and Isabella burst into laughter at his principled stand. The child had spine!

Isabella's mirth suddenly died. "Thank goodness I never asked him to call me 'Muse'," she realized. "I'd be humiliated like Nathan." The thought killed her amusement completely.