Chapter 450

The photograph captured the misty ambiance of a light drizzle.

Preston Sinclair and Evelyn Sinclair stood without umbrellas, their hair and clothes lightly dampened by the fine spray of rain.

The background blurred softly, leaving the two figures in sharp focus.

After Teddy stormed off in a huff, a noticeable gap remained between Evelyn and Preston.

They stood with regal poise, their postures effortlessly elegant.

Their gazes met, and the warmth in their smiles illuminated the frame. The image was breathtakingly harmonious.

"Not bad, is it?" Preston stepped closer, glancing at the phone screen.

Evelyn hummed in agreement. "Mm. Even a candid shot looks good when the subjects are photogenic." She saved the picture to her own phone.

It had been a while since she last updated her social media. With a quick tap, she posted the photo with a simple caption:

A moment worth remembering.

Within seconds, Isabella and Natalie had already liked it. Even Tristan Whitmore reacted almost instantly.

Evelyn rolled her eyes and tucked her phone away, handing Marcus his device with a polite smile. Marcus accepted it wordlessly and retreated to his original position.

The brief interruption was quickly forgotten.

Teddy tried to wedge himself between the two again, but Marcus caught him by the arm.

"Let me go! I want to stand with them!" Teddy wriggled, attempting to use his bulk to break free.

Marcus tightened his grip effortlessly, immobilizing him.

"Stay here," Marcus said flatly.

"Why?" Teddy pouted.

"Because I don’t want to see that eyesore again."

As Evelyn’s bodyguard, Marcus had to walk behind her. Teddy barging into his line of sight was nothing short of torture.

Teddy huffed, crossing his arms. "I thought we were friends!"

Marcus gave him a deadpan look. "Absolutely not."

Evelyn and Preston strolled leisurely out of the campus, drawing admiring glances from passing students. Their striking looks and aristocratic bearing naturally commanded attention.

"So, Teddy was sent by Mr. Blackwood?" Preston’s tone was light, almost indifferent. "He must care for you a great deal."

Evelyn arched a brow. "My father probably asked him to tag along out of concern for my safety."

Preston chuckled. "A father’s love is indeed thoughtful."

"Though it’s unfortunate that Nathan’s carefully arranged trip was ruined by the rain. He even fell ill because of it. I suspect this outing will be cut short." Her voice was cool, detached.

Preston smirked. "Not necessarily. It seems Mr. Blackwood is quite determined to create opportunities with you."

"Pointless," Evelyn said flatly. "As long as my father is pleased, that’s all that matters."

Her tone was firm. She knew the difference between love and gratitude. Right now, all she felt toward Nathan was the latter—along with a lingering guilt.

She hoped those buried emotions would never resurface.

Preston’s sudden question didn’t irritate her. Perhaps it was because of their recent encounters, their shared connection with Sebastian Laurent.

"My apologies," Preston murmured. "I didn’t mean to upset you." His voice was as soft as the drizzle around them.

Evelyn smiled faintly. "It’s fine. Whether you bring him up or not, he still exists."

Preston studied her profile for a long moment before speaking again.

"This might be presumptuous of me, but there’s something I’ve been curious about. You don’t have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable."

Evelyn tilted her head. "Go ahead, Mr. Sinclair."

She answered only what she chose to, anyway.

"Ms. Sterling," he began, his gaze steady. "Do you still have feelings for Mr. Blackwood?"

The question was blunt, direct—because he wanted the truth.

It was the question everyone wanted answered.

Evelyn’s jaw tensed slightly. She didn’t respond immediately, but the shadows in her eyes deepened.