Chapter 418

Evelyn Sinclair regarded Nathan Blackwood with cool detachment. "Preston mentioned he uncovered a lead about the vehicle identification. I'm meeting him at the gala tonight."

Nathan's expression darkened instantly, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Be cautious then."

With a curt nod, Evelyn descended the staircase.

Marcus followed closely behind.

Theodore "Teddy" Winslow scrambled after them. "Wait! Ms. Sterling, let me accompany you! I'll be your shadow protector!"

Evelyn hesitated, not wanting to wound his pride.

Marcus rolled his eyes. "Ms. Sterling is perfectly safe with me."

"But I can provide covert protection!" Teddy insisted. "While you're the obvious bodyguard, I'll blend into the background. Double the security!"

He turned hopeful eyes toward Nathan. "Come on, boss! Back me up here!"

Nathan's jaw tightened. "Fine. Take him. If things go south, his survival isn't your priority."

Teddy's mouth fell open.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Whatever."

Upon arrival at the gala venue, Marcus exited first to open her door. The moment Evelyn stepped out, she spotted Preston Sinclair waiting at the entrance.

Preston stood like aristocratic royalty, his presence both commanding and enigmatic.

He approached with measured steps. "No outsiders present," he assured her quietly, implying no security threats.

Evelyn's shoulders relaxed slightly.

They entered together, Marcus maintaining a respectful distance.

Teddy sidled up, whispering, "Who's this VIP?"

"No idea," Marcus muttered, clearly uninterested.

Undeterred, Teddy pressed, "Is he courting Ms. Sterling? You should stay closer! That man looks like trouble."

Indeed, Preston's striking features and regal bearing rivaled Nathan's. Teddy sensed immediate danger.

Marcus ignored him completely.

Teddy huffed in frustration. "Guess I'm on my own then," he muttered, squaring his shoulders as he followed them inside.

The gala buzzed with elegant energy. A live orchestra played as couples twirled across the dance floor. Business conversations hummed beneath the music.

"Apparently Mr. Sinclair only partners with female CEOs now..."

"Don't waste your time. He chose Sterling Corporation over Blackwood Enterprises—that tells you everything."

"Wait...are they involved?"

"Hush! Do you want to get blacklisted?"

Evelyn caught the whispers but dismissed them with an amused smile. The truth behind their collaboration would remain their secret.

Preston caught her questioning glance and silenced the gossips with one icy stare.

Offering his arm like a perfect gentleman, Preston waited. Evelyn placed her hand lightly in the crook of his elbow, sharing an imperceptible smile.

Their seamless coordination only fueled more speculation.

Soon, three familiar figures approached with champagne flutes—the same executives from Preston's private dinner weeks prior.

Sebastian Montgomery of Montgomery Holdings. Gregory Thornton of Thornton & Co. Nathaniel Whitmore from P&K Corporation.

With contracts already signed, formalities melted away.

Sebastian puffed his cigar, eyeing Evelyn with playful intrigue. "Had I known you preferred female partners, Mr. Sinclair, I'd have brought my sister to that dinner."

Preston didn't miss a beat. "Then it's fortunate you didn't."

Sebastian choked on his champagne.