Chapter 469

Oliver Sinclair stared at the enormous husky that stood nearly as tall as him, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "Pets aren't allowed on planes!"

Nathan Blackwood smirked, adjusting his cufflinks. "My jet makes its own rules."

Oliver's jaw dropped slightly before he recovered with an indignant huff. He grabbed Evelyn Sinclair's hand with sudden determination.

"My Muse," he declared, puffing out his chest, "when we get home, I'll commission a solid gold plane encrusted with diamonds for you! I won't let Mean Mister tempt you with his boring jet!"

Evelyn's lips twitched as she fought back laughter. "That's sweet, Oliver, but I don't care for private planes."

Oliver's shoulders slumped dramatically. Another failed gift attempt for his beloved Muse.

As their group exited the hotel, the husky suddenly barked. Standing shivering in the morning chill was Victoria Ashford, wrapped in Tristan Whitmore's suit jacket.

Victoria looked heartbreakingly fragile, her designer dress wrinkled from last night's rain. The husky sniffed the jacket hopefully before realizing Tristan wasn't present and retreated behind Teddy.

When Victoria spotted Nathan, her face lit up - until she noticed Evelyn behind him. She froze mid-step, uncertainty flashing across her features.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly. So Reginald Ashford was still pushing his daughter at Nathan.

William Sterling frowned at the unfamiliar woman. "Who's this?"

Nathan's expression turned glacial. Teddy quickly interjected, "No idea! Never seen her before!" His frantic tone made it obvious they all recognized her.

Victoria bit her lip, her wounded gaze fixed on Nathan. "Mr. Blackwood...your grandfather invited me to San Francisco. He suggested I travel with your party..."

Nathan's face remained impassive. After a tense silence, Evelyn suddenly smiled. "What a coincidence. She can come with us."

Taking Oliver's hand, Evelyn headed toward the waiting cars. William followed without comment.

Nathan took several steps with his cane before stopping abruptly. Without turning, he ordered Teddy in an icy voice: "Book her a commercial flight."

"Yes, sir!" Teddy barked. Victoria turned deathly pale, humiliation washing over her like a physical blow. Evelyn could ride in Nathan's private jet, while she was relegated to economy class.

Teddy quickly summoned the hotel manager. "Get Ms. Ashford a ticket to San Francisco," he instructed before practically diving into the car.

On board the plane, Evelyn and William discussed business across from each other while Teddy tended to the husky. This left Nathan facing Oliver in the plush cabin.

A flight attendant served Nathan coffee and brought Oliver milk. She couldn't resist cooing, "What an adorable little gentleman!"

Oliver scowled. "We're both men! Why does he get coffee?" Spotting Evelyn without a drink, he cleared his throat importantly. "Bring me coffee. For my Muse." He nodded sagely. "Nanny says all ladies like sweets."

Nathan chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Light on the sugar. She prefers it bitter."