Chapter 256

Evelyn's voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Would you prefer me to leave you alone?"

Victoria shot her a dismissive glance. "Current affairs clearly aren't your strong suit. Reality TV and soap operas seem more your speed, am I right?"

Suppressing the sting of the remark, Evelyn drew a slow breath. She hovered uncertainly, torn between staying and risking overhearing something confidential. Never had she expected Victoria to paint her as ignorant so blatantly.

Liam's brow furrowed as he fixed Victoria with a piercing stare. "What's gotten into you? Must you always be so abrasive?"

Benjamin cleared his throat nervously, forcing a conciliatory smile. "Liam, Evelyn, don't take it to heart. Victoria's just gone through a messy breakup."

Liam looked genuinely surprised. "Victoria was in a relationship?"

Victoria turned her face toward the window, neither confirming nor denying.

Benjamin added, "Yes, and it's not her first failed romance either."

Victoria's expression darkened visibly. She stood abruptly. "Let's have dinner here tonight. What would you like? I'll start preparations now."

This was typical of Victoria. Whenever she visited, she insisted on cooking herself.

Benjamin suggested, "It's been forever since I've had Aldenrian beef stew."

Liam replied, "Anything's fine."

Victoria turned her sharp gaze on Evelyn, disapproval evident in her tightened lips and narrowed eyes.

Feeling uneasy, Evelyn murmured, "I'm not picky."

Victoria let out a derisive chuckle, planting her hands on her hips. "Really, Evelyn? This is your home. Normally, hosts prepare meals for their guests."

"Are you seriously going to sit there while I cook for you?"

Evelyn felt suffocated by Victoria's domineering presence, as if facing an overbearing sister-in-law. Even Richard and Eleanor had never made her feel this inadequate.

In a small voice, she admitted, "I don't know how to cook."

Victoria countered, "Can you at least wash and chop vegetables?"

"I can wash them, but I'm not good with knives."

Liam took Evelyn's hand and stood, his displeasure palpable. "Neither of you needs to bother. Abigail can handle it."

Victoria remained firm. "You know I never eat food prepared by others."

Leaning close to Evelyn, Liam spoke softly, "Stay here with Benjamin. If you're tired, rest in our room."

Evelyn nodded obediently.

Liam rolled up his sleeves as he joined Victoria. "You stay put."

At that, Victoria finally cracked a smile, mischief dancing in her eyes as they walked toward the kitchen together. "You're always so busy, barely stopping to breathe."

"Unlike your delicate wife who can't even wash vegetables. Planning to spoil her completely?"

Liam ignored her jab.

Meanwhile, Evelyn sat dejectedly on the sofa, fidgeting with her sleeve hem. A gnawing worry consumed her - that Liam might eventually find her worthless.

She couldn't cook. She lacked social graces. She preferred solitude. She felt like a dull, useless presence.

Benjamin sipped his coffee, observing Evelyn's melancholy. "Don't mind Victoria. We've known Liam since childhood. Sometimes we forget to filter our words."

Evelyn forced a tight smile. Noticing how casually Victoria treated the surroundings, she ventured, "Where do you all live?"

Benjamin gestured toward the balcony. "Just across the street at Hudson Manor."

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

Of course. Friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Their effortless closeness suddenly made perfect sense.