Chapter 102

Liam froze mid-step when he heard the question. After a brief hesitation, he responded smoothly, "Thought it might help with those tears of yours."

A gentle voice suddenly cut through their moment. "Are my flower arrangements ready yet?"

Evelyn scrambled back to her workstation, grabbing her shears. "Nearly finished, Eleanor."

Eleanor entered and saw the untouched flowers. Empty vases still littered the floor, waiting to be filled.

She turned to Liam with confusion. "Liam, didn't you say you'd—"

"Mother, you should rest. We've got this covered," Liam interrupted loudly, deliberately cutting her off.

He swiftly guided Eleanor out with an arm around her shoulders. When he returned, Evelyn was meticulously trimming stems.

Liam picked up another pair of shears and sat opposite her. He studied her technique before silently joining in. The fragrant, peaceful atmosphere made time slip away unnoticed.

Evelyn glanced up and spotted Liam's completed arrangement. A smile tugged at her lips.

The deep crimson roses stood in perfect military formation, as precise as his soldiers' parade lines. The rigid symmetry amused her.

Noticing her suppressed laughter, Liam's mood lightened. "That bad?"

Evelyn resumed her work. "Your mother would love knowing you did this."

"Think it's passable?"

She nodded. "It's actually quite striking."

Liam studied her rosy cheeks, realizing she outshone the blooms. For the first time, he found flower arranging unexpectedly engaging.

Later that evening, Liam stood on his balcony after showering, dressed in relaxed gray loungewear. The night sky stretched clear above him.

The door creaked open. Evelyn entered quietly, closing it behind her before turning to face him.

Despite the spacious room, their gazes connected instantly. Liam immediately sensed her tension.

He stepped inside from the balcony, closing the distance. Evelyn's pulse quickened with each of his steps.

She blurted out, "Everyone seems nervous about your aunt's return tomorrow. Shouldn't you leave for Blackwood Manor like Gregory and the others?"

"Aren't you afraid of her?" Liam countered.

"I've never met her. Why is everyone so terrified?"

"She's not frightening—just insufferably meddlesome," Liam explained.

"Worse than Victoria?" The words escaped before Evelyn could stop them.

Liam stiffened, and Evelyn immediately backtracked. "Sorry, shouldn't have mentioned your childhood friend like that."

Shoving his hands in his pockets, Liam sounded almost amused. "After what she did to frame you, I'd expect harsher words than 'annoying.'"

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard by his reaction.

"Oh," she mumbled awkwardly, instinctively stepping back.

Suddenly, Liam advanced, planting a hand against the door beside her head. Evelyn flattened against the wood, breath catching as she stared up at him.