Chapter 436

Evelyn Sinclair ended her call and flipped open her laptop, scanning through the flood of emails in her inbox.

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The sheer volume of documents requiring her attention was staggering. Fortunately, Bennett had already filtered the most critical ones, handling the rest on her behalf.

She shot him a quick message, flagging urgent matters—especially the Kingsley Tech project. She wasn’t entirely convinced Benjamin Carter could manage everything smoothly.

As she worked, Leo, her AI tiger companion, leaped onto her lap. He propped his tiny front paws on her chest, tilting his head with exaggerated cuteness. "Mama, I miss Papa."

Evelyn, who had been about to hug him, froze. Instead, she flicked his nose lightly.

"Why on earth would you miss him?"

Leo twitched his whiskers. "It's part of my emotional interaction protocol—designed by Emily Whitaker."

"I'm programmed to think of Mama and Papa ten times a day to cultivate deep familial bonds."

Evelyn chuckled, running her fingers over his soft head. "Even emotions can be programmed now, huh?"

"Then why not think of others? Like Lucas or my father?"

At the mention of Lucas, Leo's tail flicked smugly. "Grampy says I'm the best-behaved in the Sterling family—way better than that troublemaker Lucas!"

Evelyn laughed. William Sterling never missed a chance to tease Lucas in front of Leo.

Between playful banter with Leo and finishing up work, she began packing for her trip. The light rain from the previous night had cleared, leaving the morning air crisp and sweet. Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the room.

With no pressing meetings, Evelyn slept in, waking naturally past nine. She took her time freshening up, applying light makeup, and dressing leisurely.

Her phone remained silent. She realized belatedly that she hadn’t set a departure time with Nathan or her father the night before.

So she lingered—meditating on the balcony, stretching lazily. By the time she descended the stairs, it was nearly eleven. Voices floated up from below.

"Evelyn worked until midnight and had an early meeting this morning," William was saying, sighing dramatically. "She pushes herself too hard."

Evelyn paused mid-step, guilt prickling her conscience.

Lucas’ amused chuckle followed. Nathan’s voice, smooth and measured, cut in. "Her success comes from both brilliance and relentless effort. That’s why she’s achieved so much."

"Exactly!" William agreed enthusiastically.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Enough with the flattery," she muttered, hurrying downstairs.

Lucas lounged on the sofa, grinning. "Look who finally decided to join the living."

She shot him a glare before freezing at the sight of the full room. "Oh. You’re all here."

Without missing a beat, she added, "I just wrapped up a conference call."

William beamed, clearly buying the lie.

"Good morning, Ms. Sterling!" Theodore "Teddy" Winslow, Nathan’s ever-efficient butler, greeted her warmly.

She nodded in acknowledgment. Oliver Sinclair sat obediently beside Preston, unusually subdued—likely after a stern talking-to. The moment Oliver spotted Evelyn, his eyes lit up. He glanced at his father, staying put but practically vibrating with excitement.

Nathan checked his Patek Philippe. "We should get going."

Oliver sprang up. "Yes! Let’s go! I get to travel with the prettiest lady!"

Nathan’s expression tightened imperceptibly. "You’re coming?"

"Duh!"

Nathan arched a brow. "And your father is fine with you traveling alone?"

Preston sighed, straightening his tie. "Precisely why I’ll be joining as well."