Chapter 419

The remaining two men couldn't help but chuckle. Nathaniel Whitmore gave Sebastian Montgomery's shoulder a friendly pat. "If you don't mind that this would be my third marriage, maybe you could introduce me to your sister?"

Sebastian rolled his eyes so hard it looked painful. His jaw clenched. "Hilarious."

Gregory Thornton laughed from the sidelines, raising his champagne flute. "Regardless, Sterling Worldwide truly deserves this contract. Congratulations."

Evelyn Sinclair arched one perfectly sculpted eyebrow and lifted her own glass in response. "Thank you, Mr. Thornton."

Gregory's gaze flickered with something unreadable. "I heard Mr. Blackwood was injured. Nothing serious, I hope? We had golf plans last week, but his assistant canceled last minute. I meant to visit, but work has been..." He waved a hand vaguely.

"I wouldn't know," Evelyn replied smoothly.

The truth about her caring for Nathan was known only to the Sterling family. The last thing she needed was gossip spreading through Montecito's elite circles like wildfire.

Gregory chuckled, the sound oddly sharp. "Ah, right. How silly of me to ask. You wouldn't know about Mr. Blackwood's condition now that you're... what's the term? Estranged?"

Evelyn's smile froze. Her eyes turned arctic as they swept over Gregory's smug face.

Though he played it off as casual conversation, the barb was deliberate - calculated for maximum impact in this very public setting.

Gregory's gaze darted between Evelyn and Preston with exaggerated surprise. "Wait... Mr. Sinclair, don't tell me you're unaware of Ms. Sterling's history with Mr. Blackwood?"

The other two businessmen exchanged uncomfortable glances. The sudden shift in conversation was as awkward as it was inappropriate.

If there was something between Evelyn and Preston, bringing up her ex-husband now could only cause tension.

Preston's voice was deceptively light when he spoke. "Mr. Thornton, while I appreciate your... concern, Evelyn's past relationships are hardly relevant to our current discussion." His phone chose that moment to chime. With an apologetic nod, he stepped away. "If you'll excuse me."

Left alone with the three men, Evelyn maintained her polished smile as if nothing were amiss.

"So, Ms. Sterling," Gregory pressed, leaning in slightly. "You and Mr. Sinclair go way back?"

Evelyn arched a brow. His interest was bordering on obsessive. "Wouldn't you like to know."

Gregory's smile stiffened. Evelyn turned on her heel, scanning the room for an escape.

Suddenly, Theodore "Teddy" Winslow materialized beside her, dressed like a nouveau riche caricature - complete with a rose tucked haphazardly into his suit pocket. "Ms. Sterling! I've done my research—"

Evelyn nearly choked on her champagne. For a wild moment, she considered pretending not to know him.

But Teddy, blissfully unaware of social cues, plopped down beside her. "About Preston Sinclair," he continued in a stage whisper. "He's Montecito-born but spent years overseas expanding his empire. And get this—no serious relationships despite being one of the most eligible bachelors in—"

Evelyn cut him off. "Your point being?"

Teddy leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. "A man that powerful, that attractive, with zero romantic entanglements? I'm ninety percent certain he's batting for the other team."

Evelyn massaged her temples. "He has a son, Teddy."

"Ah!" Teddy waggled his fingers. "But have you seen the boy? No resemblance whatsoever. Even if Preston isn't gay, I'd wager that child isn't his." He sighed dramatically, propping his round face in his hands. "Meanwhile, our Mr. Blackwood? Spotless reputation. No scandalous love children. Completely devoted to you. The man's practically a saint in comparison..."