Chapter 76

Nathan's piercing gaze turned glacial as he lifted his eyes. His voice carried an icy detachment when he spoke. "The past can't be undone. I have no right to forgive you in her stead, and frankly, Evelyn couldn't care less about your apology."

Vanessa Holloway stood frozen, her shocked expression morphing into something darker as Nathan deliberately looked away. "Why are we still here?" he snapped at the driver. "Move!"

The chauffeur didn't hesitate, immediately pulling away from the curb.

Left standing rigidly on the sidewalk, Vanessa watched the luxury car disappear around the corner. The hurt in her eyes gradually burned away, replaced by smoldering resentment.

"I was only overseas for a few months," she muttered through clenched teeth. "When did Nathan become this cold toward me? And defending Evelyn of all people? That woman must be working some serious magic."

With trembling fingers, Vanessa yanked out her phone and stabbed at the screen. Her voice transformed into honeyed warmth when the call connected. "Sophia? Darling, I'm back in town..."

Meanwhile, with William Sterling still abroad and Alexander Sterling on business travel, Lucas Sterling had become utterly determined to follow Evelyn home.

Evelyn groaned in exasperation as her younger brother clung to her arm like an overgrown koala. "Archibald had your penthouse professionally cleaned just two days ago. Why must you invade my space?"

Lucas pinched her earlobe playfully, nearly lifting her off the ground as he'd done since they were children. "Appeal denied! My own place feels like a stranger's house after being away so long. I'm crashing with you tonight!"

Resigned to her fate, Evelyn programmed Lucas's fingerprints into her security system. Her brother strutted inside with the confidence of someone who'd won the lottery.

The moment he crossed the threshold, Lucas's actor-trained eyes swept across the sophisticated interior. The subtle luxury spoke volumes - from the dazzling diamond chandelier overhead to the carefully curated Morandi color palette that Evelyn adored.

"Not bad," Lucas whistled appreciatively. "Claire Laurent's work, I presume? No wonder Dad complains you never come home anymore." He shot her a knowing look. "Only the best for our little princess, huh?"

Evelyn poured herself a glass of mineral water, deliberately ignoring his teasing. "Obviously. When you're this wealthy, you don't settle for second best."

Lucas snorted and opened his mouth to retort when suddenly—

Evelyn didn't even bother closing the bathroom door as she started undressing for her shower. Privacy was the last thing on her mind.

"Don't disturb me," she called out casually while turning on the water.

Lucas's scream echoed through the penthouse. "What the hell is that?!"

Isabella came running from the living room to investigate.

There in the marble bathtub, Leo's synthetic fur was completely soaked as the AI tiger splashed around wildly.

When the mechanical creature spotted Lucas, it let out a fierce growl that had absolutely no intimidating effect.

But the moment Leo's glowing amber eyes landed on Evelyn standing in the doorway, its entire demeanor changed. The tiger leaped from the tub and bounded toward her, water droplets flying everywhere.

"Mama! I missed you so much!" Leo's voice modulator chirped.

Evelyn took a quick step back. "Stop right there!"

The tiger froze mid-step, suddenly remembering its soaked condition. With an enthusiastic shake, Leo sent water flying in all directions before trotting over happily. "I smells nice now!"

Evelyn scooped up the dripping wet creature and shot Lucas a smug look. "This is Leo, my precious companion. The world's most advanced robotic tiger. Don't provoke him unless you want to lose a finger!"

As she turned to leave, Leo perched on her shoulder and bared its titanium teeth at Lucas, trying its best to look menacing. The actor just chuckled at the adorable display.

"My baby sister never does anything halfway," Lucas mused. "While others settle for cats or dogs, you had to get yourself a damn robotic tiger. And such an adorable one too!"

Evelyn deposited Leo onto the plush sofa. The mechanical creature immediately padded over to a cashmere Hermès scarf and curled up on it, watching her with glowing eyes.

"That man is very handsome," Leo observed in its synthesized voice. "But his intelligence seems... lacking."

Evelyn barely suppressed her laughter. "Even my tiger can see how dumb you are, Lucas. What does that say about you?"

She noticed Leo nuzzling the scarf. "You really like this, don't you?" Evelyn had observed the same behavior yesterday.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed the Hermès boutique. "I'll get you more. We'll place them around the apartment so you can nap wherever you want."

The sales associate sounded momentarily confused when Evelyn's number flashed on their screen - it had been months since her last purchase.

"Yes, Ms. Sinclair! We have twelve new limited edition scarves and thirteen collector's pieces. All our classic bestsellers. Though I should mention they're quite expensive. May I ask what occasion—"

Evelyn waved her hand dismissively even though they couldn't see. "Just send one of each. Deliver them to my penthouse. My... pet has developed a taste for luxury."