Chapter 27 Alaric's Considerate Acting
Kevin's voice was the first thing Cordelia heard from the doorway, and she couldn't help but frown.
Kevin was just as annoying to Cordelia as Julian.
Guys like them were definitely not good enough for Evelyn.
A flash of worry crossed her eyes, genuinely concerned that Bobby might pair them up recklessly. She immediately turned her gaze to Bruce, who was standing next to Bobby.
Bruce was the only man Cordelia knew who had dated Evelyn.
Alaric glanced sideways and noticed her staring at Bruce. He gently pinched her waist and pulled her closer, his deep eyes showing a hint of displeasure.
Cordelia withdrew her gaze and looked at Alaric, confused.
Alaric just gave her a warning look.
Bobby noticed Alaric's action and smiled knowingly.
It was Alaric's first time bringing his wife to Bobby's place, so Bobby naturally paid more attention to Cordelia.
His impression of Cordelia was still from years ago, when she was the Crybaby protected by Evelyn and Donald.
Cordelia felt uneasy under Bobby's gaze and nudged Alaric.
Alaric smiled slightly, but he didn't let go of her.
Kevin strode over and noticed Alaric's gaze on him, carrying a hint of hostility.
Thinking back, Kevin realized he hadn't offended Alaric, so he put on a smile and sat next to Evelyn.
"Evelyn, we meet again."
Evelyn nodded slightly, acknowledging the greeting.
The long sofa they were sitting on became crowded with four people. Evelyn discreetly moved closer to Cordelia.
Cordelia had no choice but to move closer to Alaric.
Alaric held Cordelia tightly, and she felt that if she moved any closer, she'd practically be sitting in his lap.
Kevin and Evelyn finally had a tiny bit of space between them.
Evelyn naturally stood up from the sofa and walked over to sit next to Bruce.
Bruce remained indifferent, never casting an extra glance at Evelyn.
Kevin didn't seem upset by Evelyn's distance and continued to smile.
"Mr. Adams, are you trying to set Evelyn up with someone? How about me? Do you think I'm a good match for Evelyn?"
Bobby maintained his charitable smile as he looked between Kevin and Evelyn, noting the hint of detachment in Evelyn's eyes.
"Kevin, you're a promising young man, certainly a good match for Evelyn. Evelyn is outstanding, and naturally, she has many admirers. I'm getting old, and you young people now value free love, so I won't interfere."
Bobby was clearly just being polite and had no intention of seriously pairing them up.
After all, Kevin had a notorious reputation as a playboy in Shadowpine, while Evelyn was the heir to the Stone family, a respectable family. Bobby wouldn't harm Evelyn.
Cordelia noticed Bruce sitting next to Bobby, unmoved, and took a deep breath, cautiously glancing at Evelyn.
Evelyn remained composed.
"Mr. Adams is still young, not old at all."
As they chatted, the kitchen had already prepared dinner.
Bobby invited everyone to the dining room.
Alaric was particularly attentive to Cordelia in Bobby's presence, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Kevin sat next to Evelyn, smiling as he brought up the land issue.
In Bobby's presence, Kevin didn't dare to be too arrogant.
Bobby played the mediator, mindful of Alaric's presence.
Bruce had barely spoken since Evelyn arrived at The Adams Villa. Once gentle and elegant, his expression was now deep and unreadable.
Cordelia couldn't help but glance at Bruce several times. After all, Bruce had once loved Evelyn so deeply, and now he seemed so indifferent. Cordelia found it hard to believe.
Alaric placed a piece of food in Cordelia's bowl, his gaze unfriendly. Her frequent glances at Bruce were making him very displeased.
Cordelia quickly withdrew her gaze and pressed her lips together.
After dinner, Bobby called Evelyn, Kevin, and Bruce into his study for a talk. Alaric and Cordelia waited in the living room.
Cordelia watched Evelyn nervously as she entered the study. Evelyn gave her a reassuring look before going in.
Half an hour later, Bruce was the first to come out of the study, looking upset. He grabbed his coat from the sofa and left.
Alaric glanced at Bruce, raising an eyebrow. Cordelia frowned slightly, and a few minutes later, Kevin and Evelyn emerged from the study.
Kevin was still smiling. Evelyn's expression was calm, revealing little emotion.
Bobby followed them out of the study, smiling kindly, and looked at Alaric and Cordelia. "I'm going to rest now. You all should get some rest too. Alaric, bring Cordelia over more often."
Alaric nodded in response. They left The Adams Villa together. Alaric led Cordelia to the car, opening the passenger door for her. Cordelia's gaze remained fixed on Evelyn and Kevin.
Although Kevin had agreed to give up the land in the western suburbs, he used it as an excuse to keep pestering Evelyn for a chance, claiming it was his ticket to pursue her.
"Evelyn can handle it," Alaric said, blocking Cordelia's view and motioning for her to get in the car.
Cordelia withdrew her gaze, bent down, and got in, sitting down. Alaric closed the door and walked around to the driver's side. They were sitting close to each other, and Cordelia, who usually sat in the back seat, felt a bit uncomfortable.
Alaric drove them back to The Hughes Manor.
Cordelia paused, seeing the car parked in The Hughes Manor's garage, pressing her lips together.
For the past three years, Alaric had refused to stay at The Hughes Manor. Even when Ruth tried her best to persuade him, he would leave once Ruth went to bed.
This time, Ruth had asked them to stay at The Hughes Manor to keep her company. Cordelia hadn't expected Alaric to comply so readily. She pressed her lips together and looked at Alaric beside her.
After turning off the car, Alaric unbuckled his seatbelt and, seeing her looking at him, reached over to unbuckle Cordelia's seatbelt. The seatbelt came off, and Alaric gave her a cold look, noticing she seemed reluctant to get out of the car.
"If you don't want to stay here, tell Grandma yourself," he said.
Cordelia remained silent. This was probably his true nature. His caring and gentle behavior earlier at Bobby's place was just an act.
Men in their position always liked to create an image of a harmonious family, free of worries, in front of others. But she had been deeply moved by Alaric's considerate performance.