Chapter 354

Evelyn took a slow sip of the tangy orange juice, forcing a tight-lipped smile. "I don't mind," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Really?" Rosalind leaned forward, her eyes searching Evelyn's face.

Evelyn's gaze flickered toward Liam and Victoria again. A bitter taste rose in her throat that had nothing to do with the juice. They looked... perfect together. Both prominent figures in Aldenria, sharing the same ambitions and social circles.

"Two of Aldenria's most influential leaders," Evelyn murmured. "With matching ideals and compatible backgrounds."

Rosalind didn't miss the quiet anguish in Evelyn's words.

"Evelyn, are you absolutely certain about this?" Rosalind pressed, frustration creeping into her tone.

Evelyn lowered her head, a humorless smile playing on her lips.

"What are you two whispering about?" Benjamin interjected, his curiosity piqued.

"Nothing important," Evelyn replied with practiced ease.

Rosalind took a long swig of beer and exhaled heavily. Benjamin scooted closer to Evelyn, grinning. "So what should I call you now? Ms. Wright? Cassandra? Or should I stick with Evelyn?"

"Evelyn will do. Cassandra Wright ceased to exist a decade ago."

"Why's that?" Benjamin's eyebrows shot up.

"Solterra doesn't recognize dual citizenship."

"But you're the sole heir to the Wright fortune. Why renounce that? Planning to settle in Solterra permanently?" Benjamin's questions came rapid-fire.

Evelyn offered an awkward smile and busied herself with her drink. Sensing her discomfort, Benjamin smoothly changed topics. "You and Liam seem fated, you know. Even with amnesia, you still ended up married to him."

Evelyn merely smiled enigmatically.

"I heard he's been crazy about you since childhood. True story?" Benjamin pressed.

"Ben, can we not do the relationship talk?" Evelyn pleaded.

Benjamin shrugged. "Fine, no more romance talk."

Just then, Liam arrived with a platter of grilled seafood and meats. Victoria followed close behind, both taking their seats.

"Try our culinary skills," Victoria offered with a bright smile.

Rosalind dug in immediately. "Delicious," she complimented between bites.

Liam carefully peeled two large shrimp and placed them on Evelyn's plate. "These are the ones you like. Try them."

"Thanks," Evelyn said, giving a thumbs-up as she tasted them.

Liam's gaze lingered on Evelyn with unmistakable tenderness. Victoria's smile faltered as she noticed Liam's attention remained solely fixed on Evelyn.

Meanwhile, Benjamin and Rosalind were thoroughly enjoying themselves, savoring the barbecue and beer beneath the starlit sky.

"This beef is amazing," Benjamin remarked, grabbing another skewer. His eyes then caught Victoria's downcast expression and Liam's affectionate gaze toward Evelyn. Clearing his throat loudly, he announced, "Let's play a game!"

"What kind?" Rosalind perked up immediately.

All eyes turned to Benjamin. Spotting a tissue box on the table, he pulled out five sheets. After plucking a blade of grass from the ground, he concealed it in one tissue before crumpling all five into small balls.

"Everyone picks one. Whoever gets the grass blade chooses truth or dare for their punishment."

"Sounds fun! Let's do it!" Rosalind clapped her hands excitedly.

Benjamin scattered the tissue balls across the table. Each person selected one.

"Who's our lucky winner?" Benjamin asked dramatically.

"Not me," Victoria said with a strained smile.

Evelyn unfolded hers to reveal nothing. She peeked at Liam's tissue and couldn't suppress a giggle when she spotted the grass. "Liam, you've got it."

"Truth or dare?" Benjamin asked with exaggerated enthusiasm.

His brow furrowed when he noticed Liam glancing at Evelyn. "Why are you looking at Evelyn for answers?"