Chapter 674

The tension in the room dropped to subzero. Evelyn had no patience left for further conversation. She turned on her heel and walked out.

Lucas followed close behind.

The siblings retreated to Natalie’s quarters. Noticing Natalie’s melancholy expression, Lucas offered, "Let me play you something."

There was a grand piano on the second floor, rarely used. William had placed it there purely for aesthetics—to fill the empty space.

Lucas approached the instrument with effortless grace, seating himself like a prince straight out of a fairy tale. His striking features and regal demeanor could silence any room.

Then, his fingers danced across the keys.

The melody flowed effortlessly—gentle, fluid, mesmerizing. His hands moved with precision, each note resonating with emotion.

On the balcony, Evelyn heard the music and sighed.

Poor Lucas.

Natalie frowned. "Is that Lucas playing?"

Evelyn nodded, raising a brow.

Natalie listened intently, her expression shifting to something more complex. "How can a serenade sound so full of resentment?"

Evelyn was surprised she could detect it.

Charming.

She stifled a laugh. Natalie really is Lucas’s kindred spirit.

Just then, Leo scrambled up from somewhere, his big, watery eyes fixed on Evelyn.

He looked utterly wronged.

"Mama! Mean Emily bullied me!"

Leo can whine now?

Evelyn scooped him up with one hand, stroking his soft fur. "I’m not getting rid of her for you."

"You have to be nice to Emily. She’s family now."

Leo blinked rapidly, his whiskers twitching in protest.

No! I refuse to be stuck with Mean Emily!

Natalie took Leo into her arms, petting him gently.

"He’s so warm—like a real tiger!"

"Aside from not eating, he’s practically the real deal," Evelyn mused fondly.

Leo, however, remained inconsolable. His head drooped as he chanted under his breath.

"Break up! Break up!"

Make them break up!

I don’t wanna be with Mean Emily!

Evelyn and Natalie burst into laughter.

"You asking for trouble, little traitor?" Emily’s voice cut through the air, sharp with irritation.

Evelyn smirked as Leo immediately cowered into Natalie’s arms.

Emily stalked closer, snatching him up with one hand. She glared at him.

"Keep this up, and I’ll turn you into a mouse."

"No, no, no! I don’t wanna be a mouse! Mama, save me!"

Leo flailed wildly, his tiny legs kicking in panic. He looked so pitiful that Evelyn’s heart softened.

She took him back. "Emily, don’t scare him."

Emily pursed her lips. "If you spoil him like this, he’ll develop a full-blown human ego."

No surprise there.

Still, no one had the heart to discipline the little troublemaker.

Evelyn shrugged. "He’s fine."

Emily sat across from Natalie. The two exchanged polite nods.

"Emily Whitaker."

"Natalie Beaumont."

Evelyn watched, amused.

Will they both end up as my sisters-in-law one day?

Fate works in funny ways.

A knowing smile played on her lips.

Emily hesitated, then turned to Evelyn.

"Nikki, the Great God has always been terrible with people. I didn’t even greet the relatives downstairs. They won’t hold it against me, will they?"