Lucinda, perceiving his evasion, challenged him directly.


    “Having served in the army, your rheumatism shouldn’t incapacitate you to this extent, confining you to bed for days, reluctant even to descend for meals, opting instead for Violeta’s bedside service.


    ”


    Graham’s gaze drifted away, ensnared in contemtion.


    “Do you believe that by assuming this role, you can evade the conflict between N and myself? Have you considered what truly matters?” Lucinda pressed on.


    Graham’s silence persisted, his hands clenched tightly around the bedsheet.


    Lucinda’s expression turned icy as she rose, smoothing her dress.


    “Consider this.


    If N has no ties to Valerie, then she bears no connection to you.


    However, if the opposite holds true, the burden of choice falls upon you.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    A misstep will not only draw my ire but also that of Hilliard, Cyrus, and the entire Simmons n.


    Violeta, too, will suffer, ostracized alongside you.


    ”


    Lucinda made her stance clear to Graham before she turned to leave the room.


    “Lucinda, I am not avoiding anything.


    I just…”


    However, Lucinda, set in her resolve, twisted the doorknob and exited without a backward nce.


    Graham was left alone, his emotions a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings.


    *


    Descending to the dining room, Lucinda found Violeta and N already seated, engaged in a lively conversation that seemed pleasant.


    Lucinda approached and took her ce at the head of the table.


    N’s smile briefly faltered


    upon realizing Lucinda didn’t save a seat for Graham and had chosen the main seat for herself.


    Nevertheless, she swiftly returned to her amiable facade.


    With everyone gathered, the chefs efficiently presented the meal.


    At the table brimming with an array of enticing dishes, Lucinda found herself gazing at several she barely recognized.


    She turned her gaze to Violeta, inquiring, “Has someone new been cooking for us?”


    “Indeed,” Violeta confirmed.


    “Miss Diaz expressed a desire for Zephyria’s cuisine, leading to the hiring of a chef from there.


    The five dishes before us are his signature creations.


    ”


    With curiosity piqued, Lucinda reached for her fork, delicately picked up a potato ball, and savored a bite.


    “This is quite delightful.


    ”


    N, looking as though thepliment was directed at her, replied with a radiant smile, “Feel free to enjoy more.


    In addition to these unique dishes, we also have roast beef steak with red wine, a specialty prepared individually for us.


    Would you care to try it?”


    With that, she cast a nce at the chef.


    Without hesitation, the chef pivoted and made his way to the kitchen to fetch three tes of the roast beef steak with red wine.