Chapter 332

Evelyn picked up her fork, only to find Liam had already finished his entire breakfast.

Liam dabbed his lips with a napkin. "The meal was exquisite," he murmured.

With such high praise, Evelyn grew genuinely curious about the taste.

She speared a roasted tomato and popped it into her mouth.

An overwhelming sweetness exploded across her tongue, making her wince. The tomato wasn't terrible, just excessively sugary.

She must have mistaken sugar for salt. And used far too much of it.

The buttered toast proved equally sweet, as did the scrambled eggs.

With each bite, her embarrassment grew. She kept her gaze firmly downward.

Liam's lips curved. "It's truly delightful. I enjoy it."

His words brought her some comfort. Slowly, she set down her utensils - the cloying taste was simply too much.

Changing subjects, she asked, "Liam, what's your schedule today?"

His expression darkened. "No official duties. Donovan's been discharged from hospital. I'm visiting him."

Evelyn's hands tensed against the table. "I haven't seen Donovan since he woke. How is he recovering?"

Liam's jaw tightened at her evident concern. "Would you like to accompany me?"

"Absolutely," Evelyn answered without hesitation. Protecting Liam meant staying close.

"After breakfast then," he said.

Evelyn touched her disheveled hair, glancing at her casual attire. She hastily removed the apron. "Wait for me, Liam. I need to change."

She dashed upstairs.

Liam leaned back, his stormy gaze fixed on the table. Evelyn's enthusiasm about seeing Donovan unsettled him.

Ten minutes later, Evelyn descended the stairs where Liam waited.

Her hair was now in a sleek bun, wearing a crisp white blouse and fitted jeans - the picture of effortless elegance.

"Ready," she announced, skipping down the steps. "Let's go, Liam."

Though displeased, Liam managed a tight smile.

On the final steps, Evelyn's foot caught. "Ah!" she cried, pitching forward.

Liam's arms shot out, catching her firmly.

She landed against his chest, his hands securing her waist. The thin fabric between them did little to mute the electricity of their contact.

Both froze. Their gazes locked, intensity crackling between them. Hearts pounded wildly despite their stillness.

Their faces hovered inches apart, sharing each other's breath.

"Ev-" Rosalind, preparing the car, entered and immediately pivoted on her heel upon seeing them.

Liam swallowed hard, carefully righting her. He averted his eyes, voice rough. "Watch your step."

"Thank you," Evelyn breathed, cheeks flaming as she stepped back. "Let's go," she mumbled, brushing past him with lowered head.

Liam adjusted his tie, composing himself before following.

Behind Blackwood Manor's main residence stood a summerhouse nestled within the pine arboretum.

The secluded structure was surrounded by whispering conifers and...