Chapter 166

Liam found his thoughts drifting to Victoria, who always had her nose buried in books. To her, literature wasn't merely information - it was nourishment for the soul.

Evelyn spoke softly, not wanting to disturb him. "E-readers are so convenient these days, and many classics are available for free. You should rest more. I'll be quiet."

His fingers slowly uncurled from hers. A storm of emotions raged within him. Though he cared deeply for Evelyn, memories of Victoria lingered like stubborn shadows.

Unconsciously, he'd begun blending the two women in his interactions with Evelyn. Shaking off these thoughts, he closed his eyes.

Evelyn rose from the bed and selected a novel from the shelf. She settled into an armchair and began reading as Liam rested. The peaceful atmosphere in the bedroom deepened the sense of tranquility.

Occasionally, Evelyn couldn't resist stealing glances at his relaxed sleeping face. Just watching him filled her with warmth and joy. These stolen moments felt like pure happiness, making her heart swell with contentment.

After four hours, Liam stirred awake to find Evelyn dozing at the desk. Checking his phone, he quietly slipped from bed and approached her. With gentle care, he lifted her slight frame and carried her to the bed.

He tucked the blanket around her shoulders, then propped himself up on one elbow. Gazing at her serene expression, he tenderly brushed a lock of silken hair from her forehead.

After freshening up in the ensuite bathroom, Liam stepped into the hallway to a cacophony of raised voices.

He followed the commotion downstairs to find Evelyn's parents and brother making themselves at home in the living room with shocking disregard for decorum.

"Bring Evelyn down here immediately! How dare she marry without our permission? Does she think we're dead?" Vincent Carter, Evelyn's father, spat with barely contained rage.

Dominic lounged with crossed legs, eyeing the decor with greedy appreciation. "Dad, Evelyn's got good taste in rich men. This place must have cost millions."

Vincent sprawled across the sofa, arms spread arrogantly. "Marrying money means nothing! She's just like her mother - completely useless."

"She's been married before but never shared a cent with me. I'll teach her some manners soon enough."

Eleanor Blackwood recoiled at the visitors' vulgarity, discreetly ushering her daughters-in-law and grandchildren to their rooms. Only Richard remained with the unwelcome guests, his expression stony.

When Liam descended the staircase, Richard looked visibly relieved. "Liam, your in-laws have arrived. Would you handle this? I have matters to attend to."

After Richard's hasty exit, Liam approached the trio with a stern gaze. Though the Carters recognized him as their son-in-law, his commanding presence made them shift uncomfortably.

Dominic uncrossed his legs and sat upright, shooting nervous glances at his parents. Vincent struggled to maintain his bravado under Liam's piercing stare.

Dorothy, however, beamed with false warmth. "You must be Evelyn's husband! What a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Dorothy Carter, Evelyn's mother. This is her father Vincent, and brother Dominic. We just wanted to visit our dear daughter."

Vincent exploded with rage. "You stupid woman! Don't you understand social hierarchy? He should be groveling to impress us!"

"Born trash, raising trash - that's all you've ever done!"

Dorothy rolled her eyes at Vincent's habitual vulgarity, worsened by his drinking problem. Old habits died hard, and Vincent had already begun his tirade during their first visit to their son-in-law's home.

Liam's hands clenched into fists, his expression darkening like gathering storm clouds.