Chapter 429

Tristan Whitmore's jaw dropped as he boarded the luxury yacht. His eyes locked onto the fleet of limited-edition Ferraris parked along the dock, including one particular model he'd been trying to acquire for months without success. A pang of envy shot through him.

"Evelyn, did you all arrive in those Ferraris?" Tristan asked, trying to sound casual.

Evelyn Sinclair flipped her long hair over one shoulder, making the diamond studs in her ears catch the moonlight. "No," she said with a playful smirk. "We took the helicopter."

Tristan's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

Nearby, Ethan Caldwell and Adrian Blackwood approached. Evelyn's face lit up as she went to greet them. Adrian glanced at Nathan Blackwood and shook his head in disappointment. "My uncle is hopeless. Even after that accident, he still can't win her back."

Ethan chuckled. "Mr. Blackwood's situation is unique. Any other woman would have melted instantly for a man with his resources and looks." His gaze drifted to Evelyn. "But then again, she's Evelyn Sinclair."

"It's been ages!" Evelyn greeted them warmly. "How have you been?"

Adrian sighed dramatically. "Ever since you left the show, ratings have plummeted. Copycats are everywhere now - my career might be over!"

Ethan simply smiled. "I'm doing well."

Evelyn nodded. "Glad to hear it."

"Did she just ignore me?" Adrian muttered under his breath. "What was the point of my dramatic speech then?"

The trio moved to the deck where the ocean breeze played with Evelyn's hair. The night air carried the salty tang of the sea, mingling with the rich aroma of the cabernet in her glass. Moonlight danced across the dark liquid as she swirled it absently.

Adrian spent the next twenty minutes trying to convince Evelyn to make guest appearances on his show again. His voice grew hoarse from pleading, but Evelyn remained unmoved.

Suddenly, little Oliver Sinclair came barreling toward them. "Muse!" he called excitedly, spotting Evelyn talking to Preston Sinclair nearby.

Evelyn's expression softened as she patted the boy's head. "Oliver, you came too?"

The child wrapped his arms around her legs and began digging through his pockets. "Muse! I brought you a present!"

Evelyn looked down and froze. Oliver was holding three gleaming gold bars that shone brilliantly under the deck lights. The extravagant gift looked absurdly out of place in the small boy's hands.

Her lips pressed together in a thin line. "Where on earth did this child learn such spending habits?"

Adrian and Ethan stood speechless beside her.

Evelyn knelt to Oliver's level. "Sweetheart, next time just bring me white chrysanthemums, okay?" She'd rather receive simple flowers than extravagant gifts from a child.

Oliver tilted his head in confusion. "Don't you like it? You liked the gold bracelet I gave you last time! Nanny said gold bars are more impressive!"

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh. "I prefer flowers, darling."

Oliver's face broke into a determined grin. "Okay!" He dashed off immediately, presumably to search the entire yacht for white chrysanthemums.

Adrian whistled. "Damn, Evelyn. You've even got kids wrapped around your finger?"

She arched one perfect eyebrow. "What can I say? Charm comes naturally."

Their laughter was interrupted when Archibald, the Sterling Manor butler, approached discreetly. "Miss Sinclair," he murmured, "there's a woman insisting on seeing you. She's not among your known acquaintances."

Evelyn set down her wine glass with a frown. "I'll handle it."

Outside, the bodyguards were blocking a frantic Celeste Rousseau. The woman's eyes lit up when she saw Evelyn. "Ms. Sinclair! I've been searching everywhere for you! I need your help!"

Evelyn's expression turned icy. "Ethan Caldwell," she said flatly. "We're not close."

Celeste flushed with embarrassment. "But we've met before! You're the only one who can help me now!"