Chapter 456

Nathaniel's voice was cool and detached. "No, the food just arrived."

Samuel flashed a knowing smile. The table fell into focused silence as everyone began eating.

Amelia beamed with delight. She carefully sliced a portion of foie gras onto her plate, then lifted it tenderly toward Nathaniel's lips. "Darling, you must try this," she cooed. "It's far superior to what we had in Almeria last month. The texture is absolutely divine - like velvet dissolving on your tongue!"

"Not interested. Enjoy it yourself."

Nathaniel didn't even glance her way. His attention remained fixed on cutting his steak with surgical precision, savoring each bite with deliberate concentration.

Amelia's smile faltered. Her outstretched hand hovered awkwardly in midair.

Retracting the offering would appear childish. After a calculated pause, she used her knife to transfer the morsel to the edge of Nathaniel's plate. "Just one bite? I promise you won't regret it."

A noncommittal hum was his only response. The foie gras remained untouched as Nathaniel continued methodically consuming his rare steak.

Samuel's expression darkened witnessing his sister's unreciprocated affection. The sight of Amelia's forced cheerfulness twisted something in his chest.

He hated seeing her diminished like this, yet understood her devotion to this emotionally unavailable man was unshakable.

Masking his irritation, Samuel intervened smoothly. "That foie gras looks incredible. Mind if I try some?"

Amelia's tension visibly eased. She brightened immediately, serving Samuel a fresh portion. "Here, brother. Tell me what you think."

Samuel made a show of enjoying every bite. "Exquisite. Nathaniel, you're missing out."

The pointed comment carried an edge beneath its pleasant tone. How hard was it to humor Amelia with one polite taste?

Nathaniel remained unmoved, ignoring both the food and the subtle challenge. He set down his utensils with finality. "Samuel, let's discuss whatever brought you here."

Samuel's jaw tightened imperceptibly. He turned to Amelia instead. "Sister, I brought those lemon cheesecakes you adore from Patisserie Royale. They're in the car - why don't you fetch them?"

He pressed his keys into her palm.

Amelia understood the dismissal instantly. Her protective older brother wanted privacy with Nathaniel.

Samuel had always championed her happiness. After learning she'd never consider another man, he'd reluctantly supported her pursuit of Nathaniel despite his reservations.

This conversation could only mean one thing - Samuel was strategizing how to secure her future with Nathaniel.

"Of course," she agreed readily. "Nathaniel, we'll have dessert together when I return. Their lemon cheesecake is heavenly."

Nathaniel offered only a curt nod, his expression as inscrutable as ever.