Chapter 348
Edward and Sophia Roland exchanged a knowing glance.
Sebastian Valdemar's movements were effortless, as if caring for Evelyn had become second nature.
A complex emotion surged in Edward's chest. He should be happy his daughter was being so well taken care of. So why did his heart feel so heavy?
The dinner table for eight hummed with unspoken tension.
Bianca Savigny bit her chopsticks to suppress a giggle. Sebastian's attention to detail was impeccable—even removing the scallions and garlic Evelyn disliked.
"Try this, Master." Bianca placed a piece of sweet-and-sour pork on Evelyn's plate, not to be outdone.
Alexander Roland quickly followed. "Sis, I've deboned the fish for you."
Evelyn's bowl overflowed. She shook her head in amusement. "Do you all think I'm a pig?"
Amid the laughter, Isabella Langley stabbed her rice repeatedly.
Sophia placed a piece of fish on her plate. "Eat more."
Oliver Valrose was too busy cracking crab legs to notice, his fingers glistening with grease. He finally glanced up at Isabella's reddened eyes. "What's wrong?"
"N-nothing." Isabella forced a smile.
"Too spicy?" Oliver pushed his half-drunk water glass toward her. "Here."
Isabella stared at the smudged rim, stomach churning.
"I'm full." She set down her chopsticks, her voice barely audible.
Oblivious, Oliver stuffed a piece of braised pork into his mouth. "The chef's amazing!"
Bianca nearly choked on her soup, covering her mouth with a napkin.
Sebastian's deft fingers extracted flawless crab meat, placing it on a small plate. He slid it to Evelyn. "Eat it while it's hot."
Sophia nudged her husband's elbow at the sight.
Edward cleared his throat. "Don't let the food get cold."
Oliver finally sensed the tension, wiping his hands awkwardly. "Um...Miss Langley, want some crab roe?"
Isabella's nails dug into her napkin. Across the table, Sebastian leaned close to Evelyn, his gaze unbearably tender.
Meanwhile, her date couldn't even crack a crab shell properly.
"I need the restroom." Isabella stood abruptly, her chair screeching.
Oliver blinked. "Want me to come?"
"No!" She fled before he could finish.
In the restroom mirror, she glared at her bloodshot eyes and splashed icy water on her face. It did nothing to extinguish the fire in her chest.
Why? Why did Evelyn have everything?
Her fist slammed against the marble counter. The pain brought momentary clarity. After reapplying her makeup, she returned just in time to see Sebastian wiping sauce from Evelyn's lips.
That untouchable man handled her like she was made of glass.
Isabella lingered in the shadows, her nails drawing blood from her palms.