In the lavish dining hall, a long table was set with exquisite silverware. Marcellus sat at the head of the table, radiating an air of authority. To his right sat Elias, lounging casually, with a hint of a smile. Alia was seated to Marcellus's left, with Lianna beside her, and directly across from Lianna was Adrian, who looked uneasy, his posture tense.
Alia couldn't help but sigh internally, thinking, "Rich people's meals are such a hassle." In her previous life, meals were simple and quick. Now, sitting in such a grand setting, she felt strangely out of place, but the food seems good.
The table was laden with an array of delicacies. First, a creamy lobster bisque, with tender lobster meat perfectly infused with rich, buttery flavors, practically begged her to take another sip. Then came golden-brown lamb chops, exuding the earthy aroma of herbs, with juices oozing out at every cut. Alia couldn't help but be impressed by the quality of the food.
There were also colorful salads, artfully crafted desserts, lots of fruits and a chilled seafood tower overflowing with oysters, prawns, and clams, all looking irresistibly fresh.
Her eyes widened in delight, feeling lucky to finally enjoy a feast after days of bland recovery meals. She never had the chance to enjoy such things when she was Alia. She found herself smiling, grateful for the chance to indulge.
As the meal progressed, Alia cut into her lamb chop and savored each bite, momentarily forgetting the need to maintain a ladylike facade. Her hearty appetite caught the attention of the others, who paused in surprise, observing her with raised eyebrows.
Lianna was the first to break the silence, asking curiously, "Livia, I thought you didn't eat lamb?" Her gaze shifted back and forth between Alia and the lamb on her plate. To Lianna, it was unexpected since her sister had always declined lamb.
Alia froze, mentally chastising herself for not checking with Elise on Livia's dietary habits. Quickly, she masked her blunder with a polite smile, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "Since waking up, my appetite's been much better. I suppose my body needs more protein and nutrients to recover properly. I thought I'd try something new for a change."
At the head of the table, Marcellus raised an eyebrow, a faint glint of surprise in his eyes. He'd already noticed certain differences in "Livia" since her recovery, and seeing her, previously dainty and delicate, now devouring lamb with such vigor, intrigued him.
Elias chuckled softly, his eyes full of unreserved admiration, as though anything Livia did was captivating to him. "Livia, enjoy yourself. I think this recovery has made you even more lively."
As Alia nodded and was about to reply, she noticed a flicker of recognition cross Lianna's eyes. Lianna immediately began doting on Elias, piling food onto his plate, as if trying to win his favor.
"Elias, you simply must try this cod—it's delicious," she said, then added a piece of foie gras to his plate, smiling brightly. "You work so hard, barely having time for a proper meal. Tonight, you should indulge a little."
Watching Lianna eagerly serve Elias, Alia felt an odd pang of jealousy, a reaction that took her by surprise. Reminding herself that it was merely a lingering trace of Livia's feelings, she forced herself not to care too deeply.
Marcellus, however, noticed Lianna's excessive attentiveness to Elias. His brows knit slightly, though he maintained a neutral expression as he redirected the conversation to Lianna and Adrian. Casually, he asked, "So, have you both thought about studying abroad, or perhaps staying here to assist your father? Or even, if you'd like, come work with me."
Lianna was about to respond, but Elias interjected with a mocking tone, "Oh? I didn't realize you cared about your wife's siblings. Maybe focus on your wife first?"
Marcellus's face turned cold, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "Livia's well-being doesn't concern you, Elias. And I don't need your interference in my family matters."
The atmosphere at the table grew tense as everyone paused, subtly lowering their utensils. Alia observed the silent rivalry between the two men, feeling a flicker of amusement. For all the elegance and grandeur of the setting, this dinner was rife with unspoken tension. She turned her attention back to her plate but kept an eye on the unfolding power play.
However, just as she was savoring the moment, Elias's voice cut through, cold and accusing. "If you'd shown even a hint of care for Livia," he said icily, "she wouldn't have been so easily targeted and left bedridden for an entire month. Someone is trying to kill her."