Chapter 500

Evelyn Sinclair didn't trust Preston Sinclair's smooth words.

She wasn't the type to be swayed by empty promises.

Preston met her gaze directly. "Less than a year," he admitted.

"But every day since I met you, I've been grateful to discover you're single. Evelyn, let's start fresh."

He took a deep breath before continuing. "My name is Preston Sinclair. I was widowed three years ago, and I have a son." His lips curved into a self-deprecating smile. "I know that doesn’t sound ideal, but I do have considerable wealth."

He shrugged lightly. "I don’t know the exact amount offhand, but if you’re curious, I can have someone calculate it—though it might take a while. I’ve lost track of some assets."

Then his expression turned serious, his warm gaze intense. "Oliver isn’t actually my biological son."

Evelyn stiffened.

"Due to certain family traditions and religious beliefs, I had to marry his mother so her family would allow the pregnancy."

The weight of his confession settled between them. Evelyn didn’t know how to respond. The vulnerability in his eyes left her speechless.

This was a secret few knew—yet he had just entrusted it to her.

Her heart ached for Oliver. The revelation left her emotions tangled.

Preston exhaled slowly. "I’m telling you this because it’s the most guarded part of my life. I don’t want you to feel burdened by it."

He hesitated. "I planned to tell Oliver when he was older."

Evelyn bit her lip. She had unintentionally brushed against his pain. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry."

The truth left her unsettled.

Preston had laid himself bare—but she wasn’t ready to reciprocate. She wasn’t prepared for a new relationship.

His smile softened. "I just wanted you to know me better. I don’t want you to think I’m only drawn to your beauty."

Evelyn relaxed slightly.

After a moment, she excused herself to the restroom.

Nearby, Tristan Whitmore and Gregory Thornton watched the couple intently. Their chemistry was undeniable, their striking looks making them seem like a perfect match.

Tristan checked his phone anxiously. Still no reply. He had messaged Nathan Blackwood earlier—but there was no response.

Was Nathan on his way to commit murder?

They couldn’t wait any longer.

Seizing the moment while Evelyn was gone, they approached Preston.

"Mr. Sinclair?"

Preston raised a brow, acknowledging the strangers.

Tristan forced a polite smile. "I’m Tristan Whitmore from Whitmore Holdings. This is Gregory Thornton of Thornton Enterprises."

Preston nodded.

Though Preston maintained a composed demeanor, Tristan couldn’t shake the resemblance to Nathan. The difference? Nathan’s intensity was unrestrained, while Preston’s was carefully veiled.

Tristan hesitated but pushed forward—for Nathan’s sake.

He casually took the seat beside Preston. "Was that Evelyn Sinclair sitting here earlier?"

Preston’s eyes darkened, but he nodded.

Tristan chuckled nervously. "Just making conversation."

Evelyn returned, her sharp gaze landing on them.

Tristan stood abruptly, his smile strained. "I was just greeting Mr. Sinclair."

Evelyn’s voice was icy. "If I end up in the tabloids, Tristan, you’ll be the headline."

His face paled.

She sat across from Preston, her tone cutting. "Did Nathan put you up to this?"

Tristan hesitated. "Of course n—"

The lie died on his lips.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Divorced? Strong-willed? Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?"

Tristan’s mind blanked. Did I say that out loud?

Gregory wisely stayed silent.

Evelyn smirked. "If you know so much about me, why stop at telling one person? Go straight to the press. Wouldn’t that be more effective?"

Tristan choked. "I wouldn’t dare!"

Gregory stayed quiet—he didn’t have blackmail material hanging over him like Tristan did.

Because if Evelyn ever released Tristan’s compromising photos?

He’d never show his face in public again.

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