Chapter 499

Dominic Kingsley couldn't force a smile, the tension in the air was palpable. Nathan Blackwood's piercing gaze locked onto Preston Sinclair's arrogant stare, neither man backing down.

"Some people clearly lack self-awareness." Nathan's voice dripped with icy contempt.

"If you don't have any, why should I?" Preston shot back with equal venom before turning on his heel.

Nathan's bitter laugh echoed through the suddenly frigid lobby of Kingsley Tech. His expression was a dangerous mix of arrogance and barely contained fury.

Evelyn Sinclair stood framed by the floor-to-ceiling windows, phone pressed to her ear. The sunlight caught the golden highlights in her hair as she smiled faintly at whatever was being said on the other end. One hand held her coat draped casually over her shoulder.

She ended the call when she noticed Preston approaching. "Mr. Sinclair, was there something else?"

Preston slipped his hands into his tailored pockets. "Only the most urgent matter of taking you to lunch." His second invitation that day left little room for refusal.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Very well, though it should be my treat this time." She'd only declined earlier to avoid sharing a table with Nathan. Without his presence, she had no objections.

Their departure didn't go unnoticed. From his vantage point upstairs, Nathan watched them leave together, his entire body radiating cold fury. The sight made his chest constrict painfully.

Dominic cleared his throat awkwardly. "Leaving together doesn't necessarily mean anything." The weak consolation did nothing to ease Nathan's stormy expression.

Why hadn't Nathan appreciated Evelyn when they were married if he cared so much now?

The private restaurant Preston chose was nestled in a picturesque suburb, its exclusivity guaranteed by a strict reservation policy. Regular patrons frequented the establishment for its exquisite cuisine and tranquil atmosphere.

Evelyn had visited before with Isabella and friends, but never with Preston. The place was unusually crowded that day, forcing them to navigate through several acquaintances - including Tristan Whitmore and Gregory Thornton.

After brief acknowledgments, they settled in a secluded corner. Preston handed Evelyn a warm towel with practiced grace. "I get the sense my earlier confession made you uncomfortable."

"Mm, somewhat." Evelyn never saw the point in pretense. Anyone would be affected by such a declaration.

Preston chuckled ruefully. "My apologies for being so abrupt, though it achieved the desired effect."

"I don't wish to waste time on meaningless relationships, though I appreciate your intentions, Mr. Sinclair."

"May I ask why you rejected me so decisively? Do you find me lacking in some way?" His sincerity disarmed her slightly.

Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "Not at all. For a marriage alliance, you'd be an ideal partner. But I can create that value myself without selling my hand."

Understanding dawned in Preston's eyes. If his interest was purely transactional, Evelyn remained unmoved. She wasn't some commodity to be traded for profit.

The silence stretched between them until Preston rubbed his temples, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur. "I've considered this poorly. My pursuit isn't about alliances."

He leaned forward slightly. "What if I told you my reasons were entirely selfish? That I've admired you for far longer than you realize?"

Evelyn's hands stilled over the teapot. A few drops spilled as her pulse jumped unexpectedly. The momentary warmth spreading through her chest startled her almost as much as his words.

She recovered quickly, her tone several degrees cooler. "Beyond business, we're practically strangers. So tell me, Mr. Sinclair, exactly how long is this 'far longer' you speak of?"