Chapter 105

"Guess where I've been? Over fifteen countries this trip! Absolutely spectacular!" A woman in her early fifties gushed with unrestrained enthusiasm.

Her animated chatter filled the room like a bustling marketplace. Evelyn approached the gathering hesitantly. Liam noticed her discomfort and patted the empty space beside him on the sofa.

Grateful for his thoughtfulness, Evelyn settled next to him. Her gaze immediately caught on an elegant young woman seated opposite - poised, refined, and studying Evelyn with intense scrutiny.

During those first awkward minutes, Evelyn observed the entire Blackwood family enduring the middle-aged woman's endless monologue with practiced patience.

The woman, adorned in expensive jewelry that clinked with every movement, exuded wealth. As she casually sipped her water, her eyes landed on Evelyn beside Liam.

Her perfectly manicured eyebrows shot up. Without waiting for introductions, she gestured dramatically toward the young woman beside her.

"This is Genevieve Prescott, from the distinguished Prescott family. My goddaughter, and the perfect match I've selected for Liam," Beatrice Thornton announced proudly.

Evelyn felt the air leave her lungs, though no one else seemed surprised by the declaration.

"You know the Prescotts, don't you? Real estate moguls, old money. But let's focus on Genevieve here. She's the complete package - cultured, educated, accomplished."

"Graduated top of her class from Cambridge. Fluent in four languages. Hosts the most exquisite dinner parties in the city."

"And personality? Impeccable. Makes that Victoria Dawson look like common trash in comparison."

"So Liam, darling, aren't you thrilled with the bride I've chosen for you?" Beatrice trilled, oblivious to the tension thickening the air.

Liam finally seized the opportunity to speak. Leaning slightly toward Evelyn, he said firmly, "Aunt Beatrice, allow me to introduce my wife, Evelyn Carter."

Beatrice's expression transformed instantly, her face freezing in shock before twisting into displeasure.

Turning to Evelyn, Liam continued, "Evelyn, this is Beatrice Thornton - my father's younger sister."

"Pleasure to meet you," Evelyn offered politely.

Beatrice scoffed, crossing her arms as her critical gaze swept over Evelyn from head to toe.

"Is this some joke? Why wasn't I informed about this marriage? Living together before proper wedding arrangements? She doesn't even look like she comes from good stock," Beatrice sneered.

"Liam, you should really get to know Genevieve instead." Beatrice launched into another monologue, completely disregarding the uncomfortable atmosphere.

Richard Blackwood finally intervened. "They're legally married, Beatrice. The civil ceremony was two months ago."

Genevieve's carefully composed mask slipped, revealing her displeasure.

Beatrice gasped dramatically. "What? A secret wedding? First Gregory, then Sebastian, now Liam? Am I already dead and nobody told me?"

"I've handpicked every single one of these goddaughters as perfect wife material! Richard, Eleanor, this is completely unacceptable!"

Eleanor quickly interjected, "Beatrice! Liam's grandmother chose his bride. We couldn't interfere."

"Mother's been ill for years! She's lost her senses. Can she even judge character properly anymore? Have you all gone mad too?" Beatrice produced a lace handkerchief and dabbed at nonexistent tears.

Evelyn watched the theatrics unfold with fascination. Liam sighed deeply, anticipating what would come next. Suddenly, warm hands covered Evelyn's ears from behind.

Her heart stuttered at the unexpected contact, her body tensing at Liam's proximity. He didn't want her to hear Beatrice's inevitable cruel remarks about their marriage.