Chapter 331

Liam pressed his lips together tightly. The corners of his mouth twitched with suppressed amusement as he reached out to tousle Evelyn's hair. "I don't do late-night snacks," he murmured. "You should get some rest."

Evelyn stifled a yawn behind her hand, her voice thick with sleep. "You should go to bed too." She hesitated before adding, "If anything happens, call me immediately. I'll come running."

The notion struck Liam as unexpectedly endearing. Never in his life had he imagined needing protection from this delicate woman who barely reached his shoulders. "Understood," he replied simply.

"Put my number on speed dial," Evelyn insisted, suddenly wide awake again.

Without protest, Liam retrieved his phone and programmed her contact into the emergency shortcut. "Done," he said, displaying the screen. "Satisfied now? Time for bed."

Evelyn chewed her lip, clearly wrestling with another concern. "Don't accept food from anyone else," she blurted out. "From now on, let Rosalind handle all your meals. She's just as skilled as Oliver in the kitchen."

A warm sensation spread through Liam's chest at her earnestness. "Your wish is my command," he agreed, more touched than he cared to admit.

"Goodnight then, Liam," she said with a small wave before disappearing up the staircase.

Liam watched her retreating form with complex emotions swirling in his chest. The truth was, he'd never truly worried about Victoria's schemes or potential drugging attempts. He'd always been several steps ahead of her marriage ploys.

This entire charade served one purpose - to keep Evelyn close just a little longer, to steal more moments in her presence.

Dawn found Evelyn unusually alert, her internal clock reset by recent events. She invaded the kitchen before sunrise, determined to assist Rosalind with breakfast preparations.

No amount of gentle discouragement could sway her. The old Evelyn had never lifted a finger for domestic chores, famously declaring such tasks beneath her genius. But this new version stubbornly chopped vegetables with intense concentration.

Rosalind sighed, wiping flour-dusted hands on her apron. "Evelyn, darling, why don't you go sketch in the garden? Or work on your formulas? This really isn't necessary."

"I want to learn," Evelyn insisted with uncharacteristic determination.

"But why? You have staff for this sort of thing."

"Just... because," Evelyn muttered, focusing intently on slicing mushrooms.

Rosalind's lips curved knowingly. "Is this for Mr. Blackwood, by any chance?"

Evelyn's knife clattered against the cutting board. "Don't be ridiculous!" she snapped, cheeks flushing. "Why would I bother learning to cook for him?"

"Of course, my mistake," Rosalind conceded with poorly concealed amusement.

They worked in companionable silence until Liam descended for breakfast. He settled at the dining table, scrolling through security reports on his phone.

Evelyn emerged triumphantly from the kitchen, balancing a laden breakfast tray. "Morning, Liam!" she chirped, her apron dusted with flour.

Liam looked up, his stern expression softening at the sight. "Good morning, Cassandra," he replied, using her given name with deliberate gentleness.

"I made this for you," she announced proudly, setting the tray before him before taking the opposite seat. She propped her chin on folded hands, watching him with eager anticipation.

"All by yourself?" Liam arched an eyebrow.

Evelyn nodded vigorously.

Liam surveyed the plate - perfectly golden scrambled eggs, roasted cherry tomatoes glistening with herbs, and artfully arranged toast points. The presentation rivaled professional chefs, the aroma promising deliciousness.

Setting aside his phone, Liam sampled the tomatoes first. A slow smile spread across his face as the flavors exploded on his tongue.

"Well?" Evelyn leaned forward anxiously. "How is it?"

"Delicious," Liam confirmed between bites, his usual military precision giving way to genuine enjoyment.

Encouraged, Evelyn dashed back to fetch her own portion. Rosalind remained in the kitchen, steadfastly eating her own cooking and refusing to touch Evelyn's experimental dishes.

Evelyn huffed, determined to prove her culinary skills weren't completely hopeless.