Chapter 317

Victoria approached with a small bowl, intending to share the beef noodle soup between Liam and herself. Evelyn felt a sharp pang in her chest. She discreetly nudged Rosalind and murmured, "Let's switch seats."

Liam's eyes darkened as he watched Evelyn deliberately distance herself during their seating rearrangement.

Rosalind had chosen fried chicken, and when Evelyn handed her the plum juice, she eyed it suspiciously. "Why not get me a soda? What's with this sour stuff?" she questioned.

Evelyn remained silent as she twisted off the cap and took a sip, her face immediately scrunching up. "It's refreshing," she countered. "The tartness cuts through the grease of your chicken perfectly."

After setting down the bottle, Evelyn picked up her fork with deliberate calmness.

Victoria divided the noodles and pushed the larger portion toward Liam. "Liam, you should eat more."

Liam noticed his bowl overflowed with tender beef slices while Victoria's contained mostly broth with sparse noodles. Having known Victoria for years, he was well aware of her obsession with beef. Today's behavior struck him as peculiar.

Sliding his bowl toward her, he insisted, "Take some meat."

Victoria shook her head, though her hungry gaze remained fixed on his bowl. "You've been working too hard lately," she said sweetly. "You need the protein more than I do."

Noticing her barely concealed longing, Liam simply transferred several beef slices to her bowl.

Victoria's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Thank you, Liam," she cooed. "You always know how to take care of me."

Evelyn suddenly found her food tasteless, the atmosphere stifling.

Meanwhile, Rosalind tore into her fried chicken and asked bluntly, "Why are you two sharing one order? Broke or something?"

Victoria smiled demurely. "I'm watching my figure. Can't have full portions."

Rosalind snorted. "Then order a half portion. Don't shortchange General Blackwood."

Victoria turned wide, innocent eyes toward Liam. "Is this enough for you, Liam?"

"It's fine," he replied evenly.

Rosalind frowned, analyzing Victoria's performance before shifting her gaze to Liam. The gears turned in her head.

Liam was famously perceptive. How could he possibly miss Victoria's transparent act? It was practically a Broadway production!

Her attention shifted to Evelyn with newfound sympathy.

No wonder Evelyn wasn't eating. The plum juice wasn't just a drink choice - it was a coping mechanism for this jealousy-inducing spectacle.

Rosalind returned to her chicken with renewed vigor, savoring each crispy bite.

After lunch, they resumed their journey. Within minutes, Victoria succumbed to drowsiness and let her head fall onto Liam's shoulder.

Evelyn caught the intimate scene in the rearview mirror. A lead weight settled in her chest. She turned toward the window, resting her chin on her folded arms as melancholy washed over her.

Her thoughts swirled chaotically. She'd rejected Liam's advances. She had no right to feel this burning resentment, this acidic jealousy, this overwhelming urge to claim him.

"Rosalind," Liam called softly.

"Yes, General Blackwood?"

His voice remained gentle. "Pull over up ahead. I'll take the wheel."

Rosalind protested immediately. "We can't possibly let you drive, sir!"

Evelyn subtly elbowed her in understanding.

Liam caught the movement, his lips quirking slightly. "Let's stop here," he suggested.

Rosalind glanced at Victoria, now peacefully nestled against Liam's shoulder, and comprehension dawned.

"Understood, General Blackwood. Thank you for taking over."