Chapter 254

The word "wife" sent Benjamin and Victoria into stunned silence, their faces frozen in identical expressions of shock.

Their scrutinizing gazes swept over Evelyn as if she were some perplexing riddle they couldn't solve.

Benjamin recovered first, his lips curling into an amused grin. "You're Liam's wife? Since when? Why wasn't I informed?"

Evelyn didn't miss the way Victoria's expression darkened at the revelation.

"We signed the marriage papers six months ago, but we skipped the ceremony," Evelyn explained.

"That's impossible. Liam wouldn't get married without telling me—I'm his closest friend!" Benjamin shook his head, still disbelieving.

Evelyn ushered them inside, preparing coffee and setting out snacks with practiced ease.

Victoria's mood was palpable—her silence heavy, her posture rigid. She hadn't said much since arriving, but her disapproval was unmistakable.

Benjamin settled onto the couch. "Is Liam home?"

"No, he's been busy with work. Family matters, too. He stops by occasionally but never stays long," Evelyn replied.

"I always said any woman marrying him would have to get used to solitude. You have my admiration," Benjamin chuckled.

Evelyn flushed slightly but managed a small smile.

Then Victoria pulled out her phone and dialed, her voice softening unnaturally. "Liam, Benjamin and I are back. We're at your place. When will you be home?"

The way she said his name—so familiar, so intimate—sent an uneasy prickle down Evelyn's spine.

Victoria was effortlessly elegant, every movement exuding confidence and grace.

Hanging up, she murmured, "He's on his way."

Then she turned her sharp gaze back to Evelyn. "What do you do for a living?"

Evelyn cleared her throat. "I don't work."

Victoria's lips curled into a thin smile. "No job? Are you pregnant, then?"

Heat rushed to Evelyn's cheeks. "No."

Victoria's tone turned pointed. "Liam has staff for household matters. He doesn't need a housewife. So if you're neither working nor expecting, what exactly do you do all day?"

The question stung. Evelyn fidgeted under Victoria's judgmental stare, struggling to defend herself.

It wasn't that she didn't want to work—but with no formal education or qualifications, what options did she have?

Taking up menial jobs like caregiving or waitressing again would only embarrass Liam. So she remained stuck, directionless.

Benjamin, sensing her discomfort, intervened with a lighthearted smile. "Don't mind Victoria. She's blunt with everyone—comes with working at the Foreign Ministry."

Evelyn forced a nod. "It's fine."

But she knew better. Diplomats were masters of tact—Victoria's hostility was personal.

The woman pressed on. "I've known Liam for years. He's never mentioned you. We were apart six months—how did you two even meet?"

The interrogation made Evelyn's skin prickle. She wasn't used to dealing with strong personalities like Victoria's.

"Through Margaret," she answered quietly.

"An arranged marriage?" Victoria's eyebrow arched.

Evelyn hesitated. She didn’t owe this woman an explanation. If Victoria had questions, she could ask Liam herself.

"Something like that," Evelyn replied.