Chapter 71: Settling Scores
The next morning, Catherine’s torment only deepened as she joined the family for breakfast. Zevian and Evelyn were in their little world, lost in a bubble of affection that pricked at Catherine like needles. She had intended to talk to Zevian last night, but they’d returned home late with Kiana peacefully asleep in Evelyn’s arms—the little girl who used to run only to her.
"You’ve got some syrup on your face," Evelyn mumbled, reaching across the table. Before Zevian could react, she wiped the corner of his mouth with her thumb. Then, to everyone’s surprise, she licked it clean, her eyes darting to Catherine with a subtle, knowing gleam.
Avery nearly choked on her water, barely containing her laughter. Catherine, however, paled like she’d just seen a ghost. She looked on helplessly as Zevian’s eyes flickered between shock and amusement, his heart skipping at his wife’s boldness.
"I had to settle scores," Evelyn whispered, wiping Zevian’s lips one last time. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, both recalling how Zevian had done the same to her just a day ago. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, before retreating to his plate.
Catherine’s stomach churned as she caught the exchange. The intimacy. The ease between them. She turned back to her meal, though everything on her plate suddenly seemed tasteless.
"Mommy! Mommy! I’m ready!" Kiana’s cheerful voice interrupted the tension, and the little girl came bouncing into the room, fully dressed in her navy blue uniform.
Catherine’s face brightened, and she stood up, quite sure Kiana would run to her. But the child veered away, rushing straight in Evelyn’s direction across the table.
"I’m hungriee~" Kiana pouted as Evelyn helped her into a chair.
"Aww, I knew you’d be. You didn’t eat much at Grandma’s last night," Evelyn cooed, signaling for the staff to bring food. "Let’s get your favorite—hot chocolate French toast."
"Mummy made them?" Kiana’s eyes sparkled with delight when Evelyn nodded. Catherine stiffened in her seat, watching as Kiana threw her arms around Evelyn in a tight hug. "Mummy’s the best!" Kiana chirped before kissing Evelyn on the cheek.
Evelyn chuckled softly and kissed Kiana’s nose in return. "Eat slowly, sweetheart. We’ve got time before school."