Chapter 106

Liam's hands covered Evelyn's ears, but fragments of Beatrice's monologue still reached her. The older woman was dramatically recounting exaggerated tales from the past.

"Back when you were all climbing career ladders, I was the one raising these boys. Alexander used to come home crying from school - bullied so badly he'd wet himself. Every night, I'd rock him to sleep with stories."

"Donovan went through that awful phase after his first breakup. The boy nearly jumped off the penthouse balcony! Who talked him down? Me, that's who."

"Sebastian always had expensive tastes even as a child. Designer this, limited edition that - I spoiled him rotten because that's what family does!"

"And let's not forget Liam here - the rebellious phase where he'd skip classes, get into street fights, run with the wrong crowd. Who straightened him out? This woman right here."

Beatrice jabbed a finger toward Liam. "And you, little Liam, refused to wean until you were three. Every morning after Eleanor left for work, you'd toddle after me crying for your bottle."

Liam inhaled deeply, shutting his eyes as if praying for patience. Evelyn bit her lip to suppress laughter. Now she understood why the Blackwood brothers dreaded their aunt's visits.

Their childhood skeletons were being paraded out one humiliating story at a time. It was excruciating.

Beatrice continued with theatrical flair. "Remember when Victoria studied abroad? You were grown men, yet moped around like lost puppies. Started drinking, smoking - completely fell apart."

"I pulled you all back from the brink. And this is the thanks I get? Cold shoulders and ingratitude!"

Richard sighed heavily, having heard these tales countless times. "Beatrice, must we revisit ancient history? The boys are married men now. These stories only embarrass them."

"Married? They'll always be my boys. Do you know why I never married? Devoted my life to raising them! And how do they repay me? Ignoring my carefully selected matches!"

She glared pointedly at Evelyn. "Since you two rushed into marriage without proper courtship, maybe a quick annulment would be best."

Liam pretended not to hear, but Evelyn's smile tightened. She gently removed Liam's hands from her ears.

"Dinner is served," Winston announced smoothly.

Perfect timing. Richard and Eleanor rose gratefully. "Excellent. Let's eat."

Liam clasped Evelyn's hand as they moved toward the dining room, Beatrice's disapproving gaze burning into their backs.

As everyone settled, Genevieve began pouring drinks. When she reached Liam and Evelyn, she offered their glasses with practiced grace. "Liam, Ms. Carter, your wine."

Beatrice beamed. "Such impeccable manners. A true lady."

Liam leaned back, fixing Genevieve with an icy stare. "If you're using my given name, you'll address my wife as Evelyn. Basic etiquette, surely?"

Both women's smiles faltered under his glacial tone. Genevieve forced a strained smile. "Evelyn, your wine."

Evelyn felt warmth spread through her chest at Liam's defense. She nodded acknowledgment to Genevieve, though the meal passed uncomfortably with Beatrice's ceaseless commentary.

The older woman revisited every childhood embarrassment - from first steps to teenage rebellions - with relentless enthusiasm. Each story more cringe-inducing than the last.