Chapter 255

Victoria's voice was laced with venom. "I never thought Liam could craft such a romantic facade while treating marriage like a casual fling."

Benjamin's expression darkened. "Victoria, what's wrong with you today? Why so bitter?"

Evelyn felt an uncomfortable tightness in her chest, abruptly ending the conversation. She stood gracefully. "Excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Please make yourselves comfortable."

"Don't trouble yourself, Evelyn. We know this place well enough," Benjamin reassured, checking his watch. "Liam should be returning soon."

As if on cue, the sound of tires crunching on gravel echoed through the manor.

Benjamin turned toward the entrance. "That must be him now."

Victoria practically leaped from her seat, rushing toward the door. Evelyn remained frozen, an odd heaviness settling in her chest as she watched Victoria's eager departure.

When Liam entered, Victoria practically threw herself at him. A fond smile touched his lips at the sight of her.

"Liam, it's been too long," Victoria purred, extending her hand.

Liam grasped it warmly. "Indeed it has, Victoria."

Benjamin strode forward with open arms, grinning broadly. "Welcome home, brother!"

Releasing Victoria, Liam embraced Benjamin tightly.

"Half a year apart and you've gone soft," Liam teased, playfully punching Benjamin's chest before turning serious. "Neglecting your training, I see."

Benjamin slung an arm around Liam's shoulders, steering him toward the sitting area. "Let's talk about you instead. Getting married without telling your best friend? Some friend you are!"

Liam's gaze shifted past Benjamin, landing on Evelyn standing rigidly in the parlor, her displeasure evident.

Extricating himself from Benjamin's hold, Liam approached Evelyn. His intense gaze softened as he murmured, "Sweetheart, come meet my friends."

Evelyn replied coolly, "We've already been introduced."

Victoria sauntered over then, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Liam, I remember how you despised people without ambition."

"Yet here you are, keeping some pampered mistress in this grand manor. Do you view her as some sort of pet?"

Evelyn's breath caught. So Liam despised the unambitious?

A wave of insecurity crashed over her. What value did she hold in Liam's eyes? Was she worth less than the household staff? Should she seek employment?

Liam's expression darkened as he finally understood Evelyn's discomfort. Guiding her to sit, he gestured to the others. "Please, have a seat."

Benjamin and Victoria settled opposite them.

Benjamin forced a smile. "Ignore her, Liam. She's not herself today."

Liam fixed Victoria with a stern look. "Victoria, Evelyn's situation is complex. Her current lack of employment doesn't define her worth, especially considering the emotional support she provides. Mind your words."

Victoria laughed lightly. "Can't take a joke anymore?"

Benjamin interjected, "Perhaps you should speak less. Every word seems to offend someone. I wonder how you function at the Foreign Ministry."

Liam turned to Benjamin with concern. "How did the negotiations go? Six months is a long time. Any progress?"

Benjamin ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. "It's a disaster. They're all opportunistic thieves."

"How much?" Liam asked.

"600 billion dollars per unit," Benjamin replied.

Liam exhaled sharply, leaning back against the sofa. He noticed Evelyn's earnest attempt to follow the conversation.

Gently squeezing her hand, he explained softly, "Benjamin is Director of Defense Procurement. He's spent the last six months negotiating for advanced fighter jets overseas."