Chapter 90

Breaking out of an uncomfortable hug with so many eyes on you was no easy task. Thankfully, I felt a firm hand pulling me away from my future father-in-law. Lucius gripped my arm, drawing me back, while pushing Liam’s shoulder to create distance.

“Control yourself. Don’t ever put your hands on her again,” Lucius warned his father darkly.

“I was just saying hello,” Liam defended himself, turning to me. “Wasn’t I just saying hello, Marianne?”

“Y-yes, you were…” I stammered, completely thrown off.

“I like you,” he slurred, leaning in closer to me.

The stench of alcohol on his breath was overwhelming, and I wasn’t the only one cringing at his behavior. A quick glance at Lucia and Clara confirmed they were just as embarrassed as I was.

But when I looked at Lucius, I was surprised by what I saw. There was no sign of discomfort or shame on his face—just a cold, long-standing resentment that seemed to have been brewing for decades. It wasn’t something that shocked him anymore; it was som