Taken By My Fiancé's Uncle - Chapter 96: Chapter 96

"Lorraine, are your hands broken? Eugene, he—" Elsie blurted out.
Zackery snapped, "Elsie, what nonsense are you making?" His eyes darted nervously toward Eugene, panic and irritation churning inside him. "Sit down and eat properly! How inappropriate to make such a scene."
"Shut up." Eugene didn't even spare them a glance. The two calm words rolled off his lips like a boulder crashing down, instantly silencing the entire room.
Lorraine paid no attention to what was happening around her. She nibbled on the shrimp with relish, chewing and swallowing in small, deliberate bites. Her rosy cheeks puffed up adorably, making her look just like a cute little hamster.
Eugene was obviously delighted by how obedient and adorable Lorraine was.
Without a care for anyone else at the table, he pulled the plate of prawns closer and began shelling them one by one with complete focus. Then, with a look of pure affection, he personally fed each piece to her.
His slender fingertips brushed against her soft, glistening lips, sending tiny electric currents sparking between them, rippling through their bodies.
His Adam's apple bobbed as his gaze deepened, growing darker and more intense. A flicker of desire ignited deep in his eyes, only to be quietly and imperceptibly suppressed.
Time seemed to freeze. The Shaw family stood frozen, all staring at the scene in utter disbelief, as if under a spell.
Eugene fed Lorraine with effortless grace, while Lorraine ate with serene composure, as if the entire world had shrunk to just the two of them. The three Shaws were practically invisible.
Lorraine felt ill at ease yet strangely content. For the first time, she could sit undisturbed at the Shaw family's dinner table and truly enjoy a proper meal.
Eugene's towering frame leaned in slightly toward her, a faint, refreshing sandalwood scent wafting over and leaving her feeling comforted and secure.
"What's on your mind? You've got food on your nose," Eugene said softly, brushing the tip of her nose with the back of his hand, his voice full of affection. "Have some more."
Lorraine's eyes curved into beautiful crescents as she shyly tilted her head away from the shrimp Eugene offered, a hint of reluctance on her delicate face. "No more, okay? I'm really full," she said softly, her tone a little pleading.
Eugene squinted at her, his gaze drifting slowly down her delicate features before finally coming to rest on her waist. "Are you sure?" he asked.
"I'm really full." Lorraine waved her hands insistently. Much as she loved shrimp, she couldn't possibly finish the whole plate. She shouldn't make this dinner all about the shrimp.
Eugene had already shelled her a mountain of shrimp.
His hands, meant for playing the piano, elegantly raising a wine glass, or even for the art of flirtation, were now slick with shrimp oil and carried that fresh, savory aroma, the warmest scent imaginable. Honestly, his hands were made for everything except this menial task of shelling shrimp.
But he was focused and earnest, just as dedicated as when he was working. Lorraine felt momentarily dazed. Her heart began to bubble and fizz, sending up tiny bubbles of happiness. Her eyes sparkled with contentment.
'If this was just an act, then he was truly throwing himself into the role,' Lorraine thought. He'd promised to pretend to like her, and he was certainly keeping that promise.
But that was all it was—pretend. The happy little bubbles that had just been fizzing inside her popped in an instant, leaving her deflated and hollow.
Even though she knew the truth, Lorraine almost believed him—he was such a good actor. Absentmindedly twisting her fingers, she found herself lost in the sweet illusion of his affection. The unreality of it all tormented her, leaving her throat parched.
She reached out for the glass in front of her and took a sip, thinking it was just water. The moment the liquid hit her tongue, her eyes widened. She jerked her head aside and spat it out.
A sharp, spicy burn exploded in her mouth, making her cough and feel like her mouth was on fire. Tears streamed down Lorraine's face as she gasped for air, frantically fanning her mouth with her hand.
"Why didn't you say you were thirsty?" Eugene handed her a glass of water, his voice tinged with helpless affection. "That was liquor. Couldn't you at least check before drinking?" Besides, Zackery had poured that drink for Eugene; he never intended to touch it.
Holding her water cup, Lorraine took small, careful sips, her cheeks still flushed. She slowly looked up at Eugene and pouted, "I didn't know, okay?". Her tone was more playful and coquettish than truly complaining.
To Eugene, Lorraine's sweet, velvety voice was simply irresistible. With a seductive smirk, he reached out and gently patted her shoulder. "Glad you're okay," he murmured.
Elsie's jealousy had grown like wildfire. Her hand, restrained by Raquel, clenched tightly. Her nails were digging into her palm, but she didn't even feel the pain. 'I wish I could just throw Lorraine out of here,' she thought bitterly, 'so she'd stop being such an eyesore.'
Zackery was clearly displeased, shooting Lorraine several pointed looks. But this time, she didn't even bother to acknowledge him.
Raquel kept her sweet facade intact, but whenever she lowered her eyes, the glint at their corners betrayed her hidden malice.
Raquel thought, 'So we're just completely ignored? In Eugene's eyes, we aren't even worthy of being background characters. Who knew that bitch had such skills to seduce him into lowering himself to serve her like this? It's not like they're performing some silent play.'
Raquel's gaze lingered on the dining table as an idea struck her. Smoothing back her hair with feigned nonchalance, she said sweetly, "Lorraine dear, there are still a few dishes in the kitchen. Why don't you come to help me bring them out?"
Lorraine turned to stare at Raquel's hypocritical smile, pursing her lips but making no move to stand up.
'Since when is the Shaw family short of servants? If they really needed help, why not ask Elsie? This is such an obvious ploy to get me out of the way and give Elsie a chance with Eugene,' she thought.
"Didn't you hear her?" Zackery snapped, seeing Lorraine's lack of response, quickly backing Raquel up.
"Zackery, you and Elsie stay here with Mr. Moore," Raquel said, placing a restraining hand on Zackery's thigh to calm him down.
She knew he was seething with anger tonight. "Lorraine and I will go bring out the dishes. Mr. Moore hasn't eaten much, and the food's getting cold. We'll also prepare some of his favorite dishes in the kitchen."
Raquel's last words got to Lorraine. She glanced at the precarious mountain of untouched dishes piled before Eugene and bit her lip. He had been shelling shrimp for her and hadn't really eaten. Then she stood up and quietly followed Raquel out.
As Raquel left, she deliberately gave Elsie a meaningful glance and a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Elsie's lips curved into a knowing smile. She understood exactly what was expected of her.
The kitchen was separate from the main residence. Raquel and Lorraine walked in single file for over a minute before Raquel suddenly stopped.
She glanced at the main house; the malice on her heavily made-up face was unmistakable. Hissing venomously, she warned, "Listen here, you little bitch. Eugene belongs to Elsie. You'd better behave yourself."
"I've heard this crap from you a thousand times. Hurry up and get to the kitchen. Do you really want to keep Eugene waiting?"Knowing Eugene backing her up, Lorraine was no longer timid with Raquel. She thought this borrowed confidence felt pretty damn good.
"You—" Raquel's hand shot up, ready to strike, but froze mid-swing. Gritting her teeth, she slowly lowered her arm and smoothed her clothes. "Fine, you're right." She forced out through clenched teeth. "We'd better hurry."
Lorraine was startled by Raquel's sudden change. Looking up, she noticed the awkward look on Raquel's face. Just then, she heard steady footsteps approaching from behind. Turning toward the sound, it all made sense. Eugene had shown up.
Raquel called out brightly from a distance, "Oh dear, Mr. Moore, you must be getting impatient. We'll bring out the dishes right away. Please just go back inside and wait."
Eugene strolled over to them unhurriedly, his tone cool and detached. "No need. The dining room is too stuffy. I just came out for some air. You go back. She can handle it alone."
"Well..." Raquel hesitated.
"Problem?" Eugene arched an eyebrow, a mere hint of his intimidating aura making Raquel unable to utter a word in protest.
"N-no problem. I'll head back now," Raquel stammered, taking reluctant steps backward.
Lorraine couldn't help laughing at Raquel's frustration, her voice ringing bright and clear.
Eugene glanced at Lorraine, his eyes softening with a gentle, doting warmth. "Come on. Let's go get the dishes," he said, and then reached out and took her hand, leading her toward the kitchen.
Elsie rushed to the living room entrance and grabbed Raquel's arm tightly. "Mom, why are you back alone? Where's Lorraine? And the food?"
Raquel scolded, "Look at what you've done! How could you let Mr. Moore leave? Now, I'm afraid—"
"I have to see Eugene!" Elsie cut in, her panic rising at Raquel's words. She tried to dash off, but Raquel seized her arm in a vice-like hold, refusing to let go.
Raquel ushered Elsie back toward the living room, whispering urgently, "Elsie, now is not the time for a tantrum. Losing your composure in front of Mr. Moore is a big no-no.
"If your father finds out, you'll be in serious trouble. Trust me; just go back." She craned her neck for one last look, but Eugene was nowhere to be seen.
In the kitchen, the chefs were bustling around. Eugene had hoped for a quiet moment alone with Lorraine, but seeing the crowd, he just casually grabbed two dishes and headed out.
With her hands free, Lorraine trailed right behind Eugene.
The garden lights had flickered on unnoticed. Their warm amber glowed piercing the darkness and bathing everything beneath them in a dreamy, ethereal haze.
As they passed by the garden, Eugene caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye and came to an abrupt halt. Lorraine, caught off guard, bumped right into his back.
Clutching her nose, she shot him a reproachful look. "Couldn't you at least warn me before stopping like that?" she complained irritably.
"It hurt?" Eugene turned and caught her expression. A faint, amused smile tugged at his lips.
"Are you made of steel or something?" Lorraine grumbled, rubbing her nose. "That really hurt."
Eugene arched an eyebrow, his smoldering gaze locking onto hers. "You know exactly what I'm made of," he murmured, his voice dripping with innuendo. "Especially that part you love most—harder than stone."
Lorraine frowned and rubbed her nose, deliberately ignoring him.
Eugene set the two dishes down on the stone ledge beside the garden. His long arm reached out, pulling Lorraine tightly against him.
Gazing down at her lovely, delicate face in the soft glow of the garden lights, he thought she looked even more beautiful. "Does it still hurt?" Eugene asked.
"It's fine now," Lorraine said, giving her nose a quick rub. "A little bump won't break me. I'm not made of glass."
"Good. Time for something fun," Eugene smiled, his lips brushing against her ear as he exhaled a warm, tantalizing breath. With a suggestive smile, he took her hand and led her into the garden.
Lorraine's whole body instantly tensed up. She exclaimed in her heart, 'Wait... is he actually thinking about doing that right here?'