Chapter 425

Nathan's fingers clenched around the edge of the table, his chest rising and falling in barely restrained frustration.

Every meticulously planned gesture—ruined by a child's careless handful of diamonds?! How could Preston Sinclair raise such an outrageously spoiled son?! Evelyn's lips parted in stunned silence.

These weren't just any gems—they were flawless, rare stones that belonged in a vault, not tossed around like candy by little Oliver Sinclair. She exhaled sharply, torn between amusement and disbelief.

"You should put these back where they belong. I can't accept them." Oliver wriggled in protest, his tiny fingers clutching Evelyn's wrist.

"Pretty Lady, don't you like them?" His lower lip jutted out. "I have even shinier ones at home!"

Evelyn bit back a laugh. How did one explain the concept of priceless jewels to a five-year-old? With a resigned sigh, she tucked them into her clutch.

"I do like them," she admitted, ruffling his hair. "But next time, ask your dad before giving away treasures, okay?" She'd return them to Preston later. Oliver beamed, triumphant.

"Nanny said diamonds make ladies happy!" He grinned up at Nathan. "Right, Mean Mister? Boys shouldn't be stingy!"

Nathan's jaw tightened. Was this brat mocking him? He'd bought an entire restaurant for Evelyn—planned to name it after her—and now he was being called cheap?!

Oliver preened under Nathan's glare. Mean Mister was still a villain, injured or not. No one stole his Pretty Lady!

The dinner, once romantic, now felt like a battlefield. Even the carefully rehearsed lines Nathan's assistant Teddy had prepared were useless against this tiny, diamond-wielding saboteur.

When their food arrived, Evelyn happily cut Oliver's steak, their laughter grating on Nathan's nerves. After ten unbearable minutes, he finally snapped.

"Evelyn." His voice was tight. "I'm upset."

Honesty was key, Teddy had insisted. But Evelyn merely blinked before smiling.

"That's a shame. Oliver and I are having a lovely time, though."

Nathan's heart cracked audibly.

Oliver giggled into his juice.

Later, as they dropped Oliver at The Grandeur, Preston was waiting in the lobby. He chuckled at his sleeping son before lifting him gently.

"Apologies for the trouble, Ms. Sinclair."

"None at all. He's delightful." Evelyn smiled.

Nathan, still fuming in the car, thought, Delightful? That demon child ruined everything!

Preston's gaze flickered to Evelyn's clutch. "Ah. I see he shared his treasures."

Evelyn quickly produced the diamonds. "He doesn't understand their value. Please take them back."

Preston waved her off. "If I return them, he'll disown me." With a nod to Nathan, he added, "Goodnight, Mr. Blackwood. Ms. Sinclair."

Nathan ignored him.

As Preston walked away, Evelyn stared at the glittering stones in her palm.

So this was where Oliver learned his absurd generosity.