Chapter 353

Evelyn arrived at Blackwood Manor with Rosalind. After introducing Rosalind to the Hudson siblings, they all settled in the garden for afternoon tea.

Evelyn's gaze darted around the terrace, searching for Liam. Victoria noticed her restlessness and said, "He's in the kitchen prepping for dinner."

"Personally handling the preparations?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

"All staff were given leave. He insists on doing everything himself until new hires are vetted," Victoria replied with a meaningful glance.

"I should go help," Evelyn said, rising from her seat.

Victoria stood abruptly, blocking her path. "I wouldn't recommend that," she said with thinly veiled disdain. "You're accustomed to being waited on. The last thing we need is you ruining dinner."

Rosalind's expression darkened at the hostility. Evelyn forced a smile, swallowing her irritation as she returned to her chair.

Footsteps approached. Evelyn turned to see Liam carrying a silver tray, his warm gaze locking onto hers. Her pulse quickened, cheeks flushing as she murmured, "Liam."

His lips curved into that familiar smile. After setting down the tray, he placed a crystal glass of juice before Evelyn. "Freshly squeezed, just how you like it."

"Thank you," she whispered, touched by his thoughtfulness.

The contrast was stark - while Benjamin, Victoria and Rosalind drank soda and beer, Evelyn had hand-pressed juice. Liam's favoritism couldn't be more obvious. He then moved to the stone grill, arranging cuts of meat with military precision.

"Liam, have your men handle that," Benjamin called out.

"My men serve their country, not my personal needs," Liam responded without looking up.

Evelyn admired his principles. Setting aside her phone, she approached the grill. "Let me help?"

Liam turned, his expression softening. He wanted to tell her to just stay by his side, but instead handed her two skewers of jumbo shrimp. "Watch these. Flip every minute until they turn coral."

"I've got this," Evelyn beamed, focusing intently on her task despite the smoke stinging her eyes. Liam leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "Let me take over if it's too much."

Before she could respond, Victoria shoved between them, snatching the skewers from Evelyn's hands. "Ms. Wright," she said with false sweetness, "someone of your... delicate constitution shouldn't be near open flames. What if you burned those perfect hands?"

Liam gave Evelyn's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Go sit. Almost ready."

A bitter taste filled Evelyn's mouth as she watched Liam and Victoria work side by side, Victoria chattering animatedly while deliberately ignoring her.

Returning to her seat, Evelyn slumped into the chair. Rosalind slid the juice toward her, whispering, "General Blackwood adores you. His heart belongs to you alone - no one can change that."