Chapter 23: Goodbye, Miss Perry

"Absolutely, I appreciate it," Charlotte replied with a conviction that seemed to stir the air itself, her voice resonating with a strength that seemed to touch Liam's heart, igniting a restless irritation within him. "And why is that? Because you consider yourself betrothed to me as well?" Caught off guard, Charlotte found herself at a loss for words. Instead, she defiantly held out her plate as if she would wait an eternity for him to serve her if he didn't act promptly. Liam, unable to vent his simmering annoyance, resigned himself to spitefully selecting a piece of garlic bread slathered in butter—the very morsel Charlotte detested most. Her few encounters with Western cuisine had always ended the same way: a battle for breath as nausea took hold, hinting at an allergic reaction. "Eat up," Liam commanded, the glint in his eye betraying his vengeful satisfaction. How could she not see it? Swallowing her fear, Charlotte picked up the garlic bread and, without so much as a chew