Taken By My Fiancé's Uncle - Chapter 97: Chapter 97

The garden wasn't large. Zackery had planted some rare and expensive flowers to show off his refined taste. In the cool night breeze, the intoxicating floral scent filled the air, leaving one feeling utterly refreshed and at ease.
As they reached the center of the garden, Eugene turned to look at Lorraine beside him. He noticed her cheeks were flushed, giving her an even more delicate charm. The way she bit her lip was especially alluring.
Eugene gently but firmly held Lorraine's shoulders, restraining himself, his thin lips parting slightly. "What's so interesting on the ground? Found a treasure?"
"N-no," Lorraine stammered, nervously twisting her fingers together, her voice trembling.
"Am I that unpleasant to look at?" Eugene murmured, releasing her only to pull her back into his embrace, their bodies pressed tightly together from the neck down. Her soft curves collided with his firm chest, and for a moment, their heartbeats seemed to intertwine audibly.
Lorraine shrank back, trying to put some distance between them as his intoxicating presence made her feel weak in the knees. "No, I mean... let's go back. The others are waiting," she said in a low voice.
"Let them wait," Eugene murmured, tilting her delicate chin upward with his fingertips, compelling her to meet his gaze.
Her dewy eyes were so clear and luminous that he couldn't resist lowering his head to brush his lips against her fluttering lashes. Almost unconsciously, his large hand slipped beneath her coat, perfectly molding to her soft curves as he began a slow, teasing caress.
"N-no... this isn't right. Not here, please..." Her body had grown so conditioned to his touch that even speaking came in breathless trembles, sending heat flooding her cheeks and making her heart race.
"Not good, hmm? So you mean other places would be fine?" Eugene murmured, his lips trailing down to her delicate collarbone, his tongue swirling teasingly against her skin.
Lorraine could never resist Eugene when he was like this. Even though it was nighttime, there might still be people passing through the courtyard. She was afraid that they would be caught off. Gritting her teeth, she finally gave in. "Just... not here, okay?"
A dark glint flashed in Eugene's deep eyes. H hadn't expected this pleasant surprise. Smirking, he pecked her on the lips. "You'd better keep your word."
"Mm," Lorraine murmured through her nose, then hastily pushed Eugene away.
Done teasing her for now, Eugene released Lorraine and turned toward the lush greenery nearby. With a slight tilt of his chin, he said, "Look there."
Following Eugene's gaze, Lorraine looked over at the lush greenery. She recognized most of the plants, but was surprised to spot aloe vera growing there. She'd never noticed before.
Lorraine glanced at the aloe vera plants Eugene pointed out, thinking, 'Is he still holding a grudge from last time? But can he really blame me?
'If he hadn't tricked me, I wouldn't have had to teach him that little lesson.' Pretending not to remember, she said, "What's wrong? These aloe vera look just fine to me."
Eugene saw right through her little secret and, with a teasing smile, said, "Yeah, looks good—and tastes even better."
A faint smirk played at the corners of Eugene's lips, his low voice sending a flutter through Lorraine's heart. Guiltily, she lowered her head.
Eugene chuckled, pointing at the aloe vera. "How about we spice up their meal with some 'special ingredients'? I'm sure it'll make things even more delicious."
"What? No way!" Lorraine jerked her head around, her wide, dewy eyes fixed on Eugene in genuine shock.
Lorraine's mind raced as she thought, 'Seriously, how does he even come up with these ideas? Is he trying to get back at them because he got tricked before? No, that can't be it. Wait, could it be that he's actually doing this to stand up for me?'
A flicker of excitement rose in Lorraine's heart, but then hesitation crept in. "No. What if we get caught?" she murmured nervously.
Eugene tapped her nose, his smile doting with just a hint of sternness. "You little thing, always so fierce at home."
Lorraine's nose tingled with warmth, and her heart swelled with a sudden rush of affection.
Before Lorraine could figure out what he meant, Eugene had already strolled over and effortlessly plucked a few aloe vera leaves.
His hand unfolded, revealing the vibrant green leaves resting quietly in his slightly calloused palm. With a warm smile, he extended them toward her. "Here, this is right up your alley," Eugene teased.
Feeling guilty again, Lorraine pouted slightly, "They'd never eat it. Don't waste your time."
Aloe vera didn't have much taste, but people could still tell if something was off. The Shaws were sharp. If they noticed anything strange, they definitely wouldn't eat it.
"Don't worry," Eugene said with absolute confidence. "If I personally serve them something, even if it's just a plate of dirt, they'd scramble for it. All smiles and gratitude as they eat."
"But..." Lorraine hesitated.
"No buts. Just do as I say. Mix these into those two dishes, then sit back and enjoy the show."
Seeing Eugene so confident, Lorraine felt her inner mischief stir. 'What do I have to be afraid of?' she thought. 'If anything went wrong, Eugene would take the blame.
'If it failed, it wasn't my responsibility; if it worked, all the better. After years of being pushed around, a little payback wouldn't hurt.'
With her mind made up, Lorraine deftly crushed the aloe leaves and blended them into the two dishes, and then let Eugene carry them into the dining room.
The Shaw family, who had been growing increasingly impatient, instantly lit up with excitement when they saw Eugene appear carrying two dishes.
Lorraine followed behind Eugene, her hands completely empty and looking utterly relaxed. This instantly enraged Zackery, who snapped, "How could you let Mr. Moore carry the dishes while you stroll along empty-handed? That's disgraceful."
Lorraine hung her head, her hands clasped tightly together without a word of protest, looking just like a meek little lamb that had been wronged.
"It's no trouble. My visit was rather sudden anyway," Eugene said smoothly, placing the two dishes right in front of the Shaw family.
"Do enjoy them. I insist you eat heartily." With that, he guided Lorraine back to their seats, settling in to watch the Shaws eat with subtle amusement.
"Mr. Moore, of course, we'll finish every dish you personally served," Zackery said with a flattering smile. "But... you haven't eaten much yourself yet."He swallowed hard. With Eugene not even starting to eat, they dared not go first.
Eugene said with a gentle smile, "My stomach hasn't been feeling well these past couple of days, so I'll just have some plain oatmeal. Don't mind me. Hurry up and eat while it's still warm, or it won't taste as good once it's cold."
The Shaw family had never seen Eugene act so warm and friendly before. At his words, they quickly picked up their forks, helping themselves to the dishes with obvious enthusiasm.
The three of them moved their fork in perfect unison toward the two dishes Eugene had brought over. Watching this, Lorraine felt a little thrill of anticipation, her bright eyes shimmering with barely concealed delight.
Lorraine gripped the hem of her dress tightly. Out of the corner of her eye, Lorraine caught the delight on Elsie's face, and the corners of Lorraine's mouth couldn't help but curl up.
Raquel was the first to notice something off about the dishes, her hand gradually slowing to a stop. Eugene's eyes fixed on her, his voice icy. "What's wrong? Doesn't the food I brought taste good?"
"Of course, not. It's wonderful, really," Zackery mumbled as he stuffed food into his mouth, shooting Raquel a warning glare. In his eyes, whatever Eugene served them, even if it was poison, they'd just have to take it with a smile.
Elsie seemed completely oblivious, shoveling food into her mouth, stealing glances at Eugene as she wolfed it down without even tasting it.
Lorraine watched as Zackery, who usually lorded it over her, now wore a fawning, obsequious expression. Turning to Eugene, their gazes met. His deep eyes held a faint, tender smile that sent a warm current surging through her heart, leaving her feeling utterly comforted.
Under the table, Eugene reached out and took Lorraine's hand, his thumb lightly tracing circles on her palm.
The teasing touch tingled up her spine, making her shiver. She tried to pull away, but he only tightened his grip. Their hands engaged in a silent tug-of-war beneath the tablecloth.
Zackery set down his fork and gazed at Eugene with fawning admiration. "Mr. Moore, these dishes you brought are simply divine. Honestly, this is the best meal I've had in decades," he gushed.
"Glad you like it," Eugene said, the corners of his lips curling slightly.
"The dishes Eugene brought are—" Elsie had barely begun to compliment Eugene when she suddenly doubled over, clutching her stomach, her face contorting in pain. Then, to everyone's shock, she let out an unmistakable sound, followed by an odor that made the whole room freeze in awkward silence.
The sound was so loud that everyone at the table heard it. Elsie's face turned beet red, her expression horrified. "I-I'm so sorry... I need to step out for a moment," she stammered, quickly getting up from the table.
Right after that, Elsie stood up, clutching her stomach with her legs pressed tightly together as she rushed out. Raquel stole a nervous glance at Zackery's stormy expression, about to smooth things over, when a sudden cramp twisted her own stomach.
Her face went pale, and before she could say a word, she bolted up, clutching her belly and practically sprinted out, her chair toppling over behind her in the scramble.
Zackery's face turned livid with anger at Raquel's rudeness. Glancing at the impassive Eugene, he forced an awkward smile and apologized. "Mr. Moore, please forgive my wife and daughter for their improper behavior."
Before Eugene could respond, Zackery suddenly felt an ominous churning in his gut. His whole body tensed up in alarm. He managed to say, "Mr. Moore, if you'll excuse me for just a moment..."
Waiting to see Zackery embarrassed, Eugene gave him a dismissive sidelong glance and said coolly, "What kind of host abandons his own dinner table before everyone else?"
Eugene's cool, detached voice, though devoid of emotion, still sent a shiver of fear through Zackery. His legs were no longer clamped shut, and he nearly lost control. With an awkward look, he turned to Lorraine and said, "Lorraine, stay here and keep Mr. Moore company, will you?"
"Okay." Lorraine turned to look at Zackery's strained attempt at maintaining composure, and then nodded gently in response.
Seeing that Eugene wasn't stopping him anymore, Zackery quickly made his exit, struggling to maintain his composure.
"Why did you let him go?" Eugene knew Lorraine was just too soft-hearted. She was easily bullied; even when pushed to the edge, she wouldn't really bite back. He thought he still had to teach her how to stand up for herself.
"This is enough," Lorraine said gratefully. She knew Eugene was standing up for her, but if Zackery actually lost it in the living room, that would be a sight she'd rather not witness.
Elsie staggered in, clutching the doorframe, her pretty face pale as a sheet. No sooner had she slumped into the chair than another wave of cramps wracked her stomach, and with a gasp, she bolted out again.
"Feel better now?" Eugene asked, his handsome face softened by a gentle, doting smile as he gazed at Lorraine.
Lorraine nodded, her dewy eyes brimming with gratitude.
Eugene reached out and gently tousled her soft hair again. "You're already satisfied with just this?" he murmured.
Just as Elsie reached the doorway, she caught those words. Her hand clamped onto the doorframe with such force that her knuckles turned bone-white.