Chapter 26

"It's for a friend," Dominic said without glancing up from his task.

Evelyn pulled up a chair beside him, her curiosity piqued. "What friend? Tell me everything."

The delicate wristwatch in his hands was unmistakably feminine - far too elegant for Dominic's usual minimalist style.

Dominic Kingsley wasn't known for having close female acquaintances. Why would he be purchasing such an obviously feminine timepiece?

Evelyn's instincts tingled with suspicion.

Setting down his tablet, Dominic finally met her gaze. "Harrison Whitmore asked me to pick this up for Aunt Beatrice."

"Harrison Whitmore?" Evelyn blinked rapidly, trying to place the name.

"You've met him before. Does it ring any bells?"

Evelyn nodded slowly, then shook her head. "The name sounds familiar... but I don't think we ever really connected."

Her fragmented memories painted Harrison as someone raised solely by his mother. He'd taken over his father's empire while still in his early twenties.

His serious demeanor had always made him seem older than his years, creating an invisible barrier between them.

The study door swung open abruptly. Walter stood at attention. "Sir, Mr. Sterling of Sterling Enterprises is here to see you."

Evelyn scoffed under her breath. Just as she'd predicted, Nathan had reached his breaking point.

"Did he honestly believe I'd meet with him when even Adrian Prescott failed to change my mind?" Dominic's voice dripped with icy disdain.

"Send him away."

"But sir—"

"But what?"

Walter hesitated before delivering the bombshell. "Reginald Prescott is with him. He's requesting an audience as well."

Dominic could dismiss Nathan Sterling, but refusing Reginald Prescott wasn't an option.

With visible reluctance, he rose from his chair. "Escort them to the drawing room. I'll be there shortly."

Turning to Evelyn, his expression softened slightly. "Stay here. I'll handle this."

Evelyn gave a tight nod, watching as her brother strode out with purposeful steps.