Chapter 170

The grand hall fell into an abrupt silence.

Evangeline turned, startled, locking eyes with Adrian's tender gaze.

That single utterance of her name—"Evangeline"—made Damien's expression darken further.

Ezekiel glanced between his daughter and Adrian, his expression unreadable. A faint smile played on his lips as he remarked, "So Adrian went out of his way to fetch Evangeline? How thoughtful of you."

"Mr. Ezekiel, no need for formalities."

Benedict elbowed Cassian beside him and whispered, "Cassian, when did Evangeline and Mr. Adrian get so close? How come I didn’t know?"

"Do you need to know everything about Evangeline?" Cassian replied coolly.

"You knew about this?"

"Obviously."

"Ugh! You’re just showing off now!"

"I asked Adrian to pick her up."

Benedict gasped. "Cassian, how could you just hand our sister over to another man? You can’t judge someone by their looks alone—what if he has ulterior motives? What if he tried something inappropriate on the way?"

"Ulterior motives are to be expected. No man, no matter how perfect, could resist Evangeline’s charm. As for the latter," Cassian’s lips curled slightly, "if Adrian were that kind of man, do you think he’d still be standing here unharmed?"

Exactly.

While other girls their age were still playing with dolls, Cassian and Elias had already been teaching Evangeline self-defense.

Truthfully, Cassian had his own reasons for this arrangement.

Dominic had occupied thirteen years of Evangeline’s life. Though she was fully awake now and had erased him from her heart, the scars he left behind ran deep.

Someone needed to fill that void.

Her brothers couldn’t, but perhaps Adrian could.

After the families exchanged pleasantries, the men remained in the living room discussing business, while the three women dragged Evangeline into the garden for interrogation.

"Evangeline, be honest—what’s going on between you and Mr. Adrian?" Seraphina asked bluntly, looping an arm around Evangeline’s waist.

"We’re just friends," Evangeline answered plainly.

"Boyfriend?" Seraphina pressed eagerly.

"Male friend!" Evangeline rolled her eyes.

"Ha! There’s no such thing as platonic friendship between a man and a woman. If he’s not your boyfriend now, he will be soon!"

Seraphina pinched her waist. "Remember when your father was ambushed by business rivals in the northern district? I saved him. He said he just wanted to be friends too—look at us now! The only thing missing is a child!"

Evangeline was speechless, utterly defeated by Seraphina’s shamelessness.

Lillian and Genevieve exchanged amused glances.

Without Seraphina’s intervention back then, Ezekiel might not have survived.

Even now, Seraphina bore the scars from the bullet wounds she took protecting him.

"Evangeline, it wouldn’t be bad if you ended up with Mr. Adrian," Lillian mused dreamily. "Your families are well-matched in status and wealth. Mr. Geoffrey and your father get along well. If you married into the Chambers family, they’d treat you right."

"Plus, Mr. Adrian is gorgeous. Your children would be stunning."

"Wait—how did we jump from friendship to children? What kind of logic is this?" Evangeline felt like the conversation was spiraling out of control.

"Lillian, we can’t just consider appearances when it comes to Evangeline’s future," Genevieve interjected rationally. "From what I know, Mr. Adrian just returned from abroad and holds minimal shares in the Chambers Group. His position isn’t stable. His mother was sent overseas under the guise of recuperation and has no influence. If Evangeline marries him, it might seem like an equal match, but in reality, she’d be lowering her status. He might even be eyeing her dowry to strengthen his own position."

"Oh! That makes so much sense! We can’t rush this!" Seraphina immediately switched sides.

"Evangeline, even when shopping, we compare three stores—let alone marriage. Either don’t marry, or marry someone perfect! Or… maybe reconsider Damien?"

Evangeline groaned, covering her face.

Too many mothers were a headache. Once these women started, there was no stopping them.

Ah! Her temples throbbed.

Dinner passed smoothly, with everyone enjoying Ezekiel’s aged wine and exquisite dishes in perfect harmony.

In truth, this meal was just two old friends catching up—no different from twenty years ago.

The only difference? Now they had children.

And this time, Geoffrey had an agenda—finding wives for his two unmarried sons.

Damien sat across from Evangeline, while Adrian was seated right beside her.

The table was absurdly long. Those opposite her were at a clear disadvantage.

Damien watched, seething, as Adrian doted on Evangeline, his fork bending under his grip.

This entire operation was a disaster!

His damn brother had stolen every advantage!

He knew Evangeline adored seafood—crabs and prawns were her weakness. She could eat them endlessly if given the chance.

Adrian barely touched his food, meticulously peeling shrimp for her, constantly refilling her plate.

Everyone noticed.

Evangeline, completely at ease with her family, indulged without restraint.

Adrian’s gaze remained lowered, a faint smile on his lips as he deftly peeled each shrimp before placing it on her plate.

For someone of his status, this behavior was unusual.

Yet he seemed entirely absorbed, as if no one else existed.

Evangeline didn’t refuse, accepting his attentions without hesitation.

Had they been alone, she would’ve declined.

But with Geoffrey present?

A golden opportunity to expose Damien’s hypocrisy. She wouldn’t waste it.

Damien scoffed inwardly as Adrian wiped his fingers meticulously after each shrimp.

His brother was a notorious germaphobe—he wouldn’t even rewear clothes. Yet for Evangeline, he’d tossed his principles aside.

All to compete with him. Desperate.

"Our daughter can be quite willful. My apologies, Geoffrey," Ezekiel said awkwardly.

"Ezekiel, don’t be ridiculous! We’re practically family—no need for apologies! Evangeline’s sincerity reminds me so much of you in your youth. It’s endearing. I’d love to welcome her into the Chambers family as our daughter-in-law!"

Geoffrey, silent all evening, finally revealed his true intentions.

Ezekiel chuckled noncommittally.

By now, Evangeline was full, covering her mouth as she stifled a burp.

Adrian turned, his warm gaze lingering on her.

"Wipe your hands." He handed her a napkin discreetly.

"Thanks." She accepted it with a smile, dabbing her lips elegantly.

"Ms. Evangeline, you’ve quite the appetite tonight," Damien remarked with a polite smile.

"My apologies. The food was too delicious to resist."

"No, no—I didn’t mean it negatively. I admire your authenticity. You’re nothing like the socialites I know. I find it… charming."

Did eating heartily make her authentic? Did the women he knew not eat?

Evangeline bit back a sarcastic retort, replying instead, "Thank you, Damien."

"You haven’t had much to drink. Let me pour you some wine."

He stood, reaching for the decanter.

Adrian chuckled softly. "Seafood pairs with strong liquor or white wine—never red. Didn’t you know? How… impractical of you."

Damien’s grip tightened.

Adrian’s smirk deepened.

The battle lines were drawn.