Chapter 107

Beatrice couldn't stop boasting about how she single-handedly raised the Blackwood brothers.

A sudden commotion outside drew everyone's attention. Gregory, Maxwell, and Sebastian rushed in with their wives, faces etched with concern.

"Where's Father? Is he alright?" they demanded urgently.

Beaming, Beatrice answered, "Your father's right here, enjoying his lunch."

Richard looked puzzled at his sons' anxious expressions. "What's all this about?"

Gregory shot Beatrice a furious glare. "Aunt Beatrice told us you'd suffered a stroke and died at home."

Richard slammed his fist on the table. "Bea! Must your jokes always sound like curses? Wishing death upon me now?"

Beatrice hurried to Richard's side, clutching his arm. "Richard darling, it was just harmless fun. Don't be cross with me."

An uncomfortable silence fell over the room. Eventually, everyone was reluctantly seated for lunch.

Beatrice proceeded to criticize each Blackwood family member as "ungrateful wretches."

Evelyn grew weary after just two rounds of these accusations.

She couldn't fathom how many times the Blackwoods had endured Beatrice's tirades to become so fearful of her.

After the meal, Beatrice forbade anyone from leaving, herding the entire family into the living room for forced conversation.

Sitting close to Liam, Evelyn whispered, "Is it true Beatrice raised you and your brothers?"

Liam leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Not exactly. Our family's always had staff since Grandmother's time."

"As children, each of us had our own nanny. Aunt Beatrice never worked - she just... observed us growing up from the sidelines."

"Your father certainly indulges his sister," Evelyn remarked.

"That he does," Liam agreed.

Evelyn playfully whispered, "Are you pleased with the bride she chose for you?"

Liam's brow furrowed. "Don't take it seriously. This is her fifth goddaughter. She's determined to matchmake all of us."

Their intimate exchange didn't go unnoticed. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, whispering like lovers, they presented a picture of marital bliss.

Yet everyone knew Evelyn and Liam's marriage lacked genuine affection and was headed for divorce.

Their sudden closeness baffled the room. The couple seemed oblivious to the attention they'd drawn.

A flash of jealousy crossed Genevieve's face before she forced a sweet smile. "Liam and Evelyn seem so close suddenly!"

Evelyn immediately put distance between them, cheeks flushing at the realization of their proximity.

Beatrice gave Evelyn a disdainful look. "What's so special about it? Liam's heart belongs to Victoria Dawson."

"I don't even know where this woman came from. Mother bungled the match - they'll be divorced soon enough."

Liam's expression darkened at Victoria's mention, making Evelyn uneasy.

The family's unanimous expectation of their impending divorce cast a shadow over Evelyn.

Isabella sneered, "Beatrice, you don't know the half of it. She's just the nurse who cared for your mother. Her background is-"

Before she could finish, Liam cut in sharply. "Isabella, who gave you permission to disrespect my wife in my presence?"