Chapter 300

The entire evening, the group had been pressuring Liam to drink, but he'd remained stoically indifferent. Now, he was stepping in for Evelyn and accepting the drinks himself.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Watching Liam drink was far more thrilling than seeing Evelyn take the shots.

"What's going on here?"

They quickly changed tactics, following Benjamin's lead. One by one, they approached Evelyn with toasts. Unsure how to refuse, she silently relied on Liam to handle the alcohol.

Victoria looked horrified. She grabbed Liam's wrist urgently. "Liam, you need to stop drinking. Nobody asked you to do this for her."

Evelyn sat frozen, watching as Liam's fair complexion flushed crimson. She'd never attended such a rowdy gathering before and felt completely out of her depth.

Benjamin pulled Victoria aside with an amused chuckle. "Let him be, Victoria. When was the last time you saw Liam drink? It's been ages!"

Another guest laughed in agreement. "That's absolutely true."

"Enough." Liam slammed down his glass and glared at Benjamin.

Benjamin smirked unrepentantly. "What? I'm not forcing you to drink. I'm toasting Cassandra."

He handed another full glass to Evelyn. "Cassandra, you're remarkable! First person to ever make Liam lose his self-control. That deserves a toast."

After downing his drink, Benjamin immediately refilled Evelyn's glass.

Liam intercepted the glass, his hand blocking the path. When Benjamin pushed forward, Evelyn's lips accidentally brushed against Liam's knuckles. She recoiled in embarrassment.

Liam confiscated the drink, fixing Benjamin with a dangerous stare. "She. Doesn't. Drink."

"It's just one glass. She won't get drunk." Benjamin laughed and clapped Liam on the shoulder. "Even if she does, you'll be here to take care of her, won't you?"

Liam drained the glass in one swallow. Setting it down firmly, he pulled Evelyn to her feet. "Continue without us. I'm taking her home."

Protests erupted immediately. "You just arrived! Why leave so soon?"

"She hasn't eaten anything yet!"

"Let her stay a while longer!"

Victoria stood abruptly, shooting Evelyn a venomous look. "Liam, I can escort her home."

"That won't be necessary. We're leaving now," Liam stated firmly, guiding Evelyn toward the exit.

Benjamin sighed dramatically. "The night's barely started. Are you really abandoning us?"

Evelyn hurried after Liam, her gaze fixed on their joined hands. His fingers looked particularly elegant tonight, and warmth blossomed in her chest.

"Liam, I can take a cab. You should stay with your friends," she offered hesitantly.

"I'm not going back." His voice was velvet-soft yet final.

Looking around, Evelyn realized with a start that he was leading her toward Blackwood Manor.