Chapter 438

Evelyn studied Preston's outstretched hand for a brief moment before fastening her seatbelt. A soft smile played on her lips. "Mr. Sinclair, aren't you neglecting your responsibilities by taking this much time off?"

Preston's expression remained unreadable. "Dominic isn't even in the country. Should I stay behind to entertain Victor and Benjamin? I've put the project on hold temporarily—let them handle the preliminary research."

His gaze flickered toward her. "By the time we return, we'll see what progress they've made."

Heat crept up Evelyn's neck. Guilt prickled at her conscience—she hadn't been pulling her weight at Kingsley Tech lately.

Preston adjusted his cufflinks. "Oliver insisted I come along. He's still sulking over last night's scolding."

At the mention of Oliver, Evelyn's smile widened. "So that's your real motivation? You're quite the doting father, Mr. Sinclair. He adores you."

What a heartwarming father-son bond!

Preston's lips twitched but he said nothing.

Adores me? That little schemer just wants early access to my trust fund. Secretly, he'd already instructed Oliver's tutors to triple his assignments. This vacation wouldn't be all play for the young master.

From several rows back, Nathan observed their easy banter through narrowed eyes. An unfamiliar tightness coiled in his chest—something he'd been ignoring was becoming impossible to disregard.

Beside him, Teddy shifted uncomfortably. The tension was palpable. He couldn't stand Preston Sinclair—the man's subtle yet unmistakable favoritism toward Evelyn was glaringly obvious.

With years of matchmaking experience, Teddy was 90% certain Preston harbored feelings for Evelyn. That simply wouldn't do. Clearing his throat, he leaned forward.

"Ms. Sinclair, perhaps we should switch seats? The view here is spectacular."

Evelyn frowned but before she could respond, Oliver's piping voice cut through the cabin. "Muse is trying to sleep! Stop bothering her!"

Teddy's mouth snapped shut.

Evelyn suppressed a laugh. Bless that clever boy.

Oliver preened. If William hadn't dragged him to the front row, he'd be sitting with his Muse right now. Uncomfortable leaving her beside the "grumpy mister," he'd strategically enlisted his father as a placeholder.

Evelyn didn't inquire about their destination. Soon, the helicopter's gentle hum lulled her to sleep. Unconsciously, her head found its way to Preston's shoulder.

Hours later, small hands shook her awake. Oliver's excited face filled her vision. "Muse, look! A real-life castle!"

Dusk had fallen. Through the window, Evelyn saw rolling emerald hills framing an illuminated manor—grand, imposing, and shrouded in mystery like something from a Gothic novel.

The helicopter descended onto a private helipad. After being cooped up for hours, Oliver burst out the moment the doors opened, William hot on his heels.

Preston rose gracefully, then extended his hand toward Evelyn with practiced elegance. Before she could accept, Teddy wedged himself between them. "Allow me! I'll assist Ms. Sinclair."

His protective stance blocked Preston completely.

Evelyn rolled her eyes and descended unaided. Crisp night air greeted her, the sky ablaze with stars. A team of butlers approached briskly.

Teddy froze—Nathan still hadn't disembarked. Flushing, he turned to Evelyn with an awkward smile. "Ms. Sinclair, perhaps you could help Mr. Blackwood?"