Chapter 171

Liliana was dressed in a pale beige suit, her long hair casually tied back in a low ponytail.

Her delicate, oval face was bare of makeup, but a small bite mark on her lip added a sensual touch that sparked the imagination.

Just as she reached him, she stopped abruptly and turned back to grab a white towel.

"The snow is coming down hard today. The forecast is calling for a blizzard tonight."

She stood on her toes to brush the snowflakes from his hair.

As she stretched, her top rode up slightly, revealing a sliver of her fair, slender waist. That glimpse of pale skin didn't escape Cedric Forrest's deep, watchful eyes.

He remained perfectly still, watching her fuss around him, busying herself with the task.

"There."

After clearing the snow from his hair and shoulders, Liliana's arms felt a little sore. But she ignored it, setting the towel aside for a moment to help him out of his coat. Cedric stood motionless, his arms slightly spread, allowing her to move around him. Once she had hung up his coat, Liliana picked up the towel again and put it back where it belonged.

Erma brought the last dish, a soup, to the table. As she untied her apron, she said, "Young Master, I bought some extra groceries on my way here today. The roads are getting bad with the snow, so I won't be coming in tomorrow."

"You can stay here tonight."

Cedric glanced outside; the snow was already heavy.

"With this weather, you and the missus won't be able to get to work tomorrow anyway. I won't stay and get in your way."

As she spoke, Erma gave gone.

knowing smile and glanced in the direction Liliana had

The look sparked a sense of mockery in Cedric.

Was this Liliana's idea?

She was the one who insisted he hire a housekeeper.

And now she was the one trying to get some time alone with him, arranging for Erma not to come tomorrow.

He could always see right through her little games.

When Liliana returned after putting the towel away, she immediately sensed that the atmosphere had shifted.

"Missus, I'll have to leave you to clear the table. I'm heading out now."

Erma put on her coat, ready to leave.

Liliana walked Erma to the door. When she opened it, an icy wind blasted in, cutting right through her thin clothes.

She shivered from the cold.

"Erma, the roads are already getting treacherous. You should stay the night."

She had tried to convince Erma to stay earlier.

But Erma insisted. "The car is waiting. Old Lynn is a very steady driver, so don't you worry."

Erma stepped out and, as she turned to close the door, patted Liliana's hand. "The dinners I've been making lately are all meant to be... restorative. I know it's a lot for you, but the dowager is anxious lease bear with it a little longer."

She was referring to the broken skin on Liliana's lip and the mottled bruises on her neck.

Their 'battles' weren't just intense; they were brutal.

Realization dawned on Liliana, and she quickly raised a hand to cover her neck.

She'd chosen her most conservative loungewear, but it clearly hadn't been enough to hide the marks.

"Erma..." Her expression was complicated.

She wanted to tell her to stop with the special meals.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with Cedric's health.

But Erma didn't give her the chance

"It's

out. You should get back The Young Master is waiting.

e off." Content belongating.

Liliana's lips parted slightly as she watched Erma hurry away, and she couldn't help

but let out a heavy sigh.

She had thought Dowager Forrest had forgotten about the whole affair.

But as it turned out, Erma had been following the 'restorative' menu for dinner all along.

She closed the door and went back inside, just as Cedric was coming down the stairs.

He had changed into a set of pure white pajamas, which softened his usual sharp

aura.

He walked straight to the dining table and sat down.

Liliana followed, taking a seat beside him. "Are you going to the office tomorrow?" she asked.

Tomorrow was the first of the month, and as usual, Cedric would give her an allowance.

If he was going to the office, she would bring it up tonight and see if she could get him to add another hundred thousand to the usual five hundred thousand. fo

Usual