The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 746

Chapter 746: Jealousy

Everyone was invited to lunch at the Rainiers’ estate, where Gwen had prepared a grand feast. Aaron and the others arrived, welcomed warmly by the sight of a well-prepared table.

Erin entered the foyer, descending the grand staircase, and spotted her brothers who had just arrived with the rest of the guests.

Rowan smiled at her, giving her a gentle pat on the head. "Did you rest well?"

She nodded, noticing his gaze shifting to someone behind her. She knew he must be looking at Lucian, who was also coming down the stairs.

"I hope no one troubled you," Rowan added, a hint of protectiveness in his tone.

Worried her brother might say more, Erin quickly said, "I’m starving. Shall we eat?"

Rowan nodded in agreement just as Lucian reached them. Lucian greeted everyone politely, and together, they made their way toward the dining room. As they walked through the corridor, they noticed a middle-aged man and a young woman in a simple dress being led by a servant toward the guest area.

Lucian noticed them too but didn’t pay much attention—it was his father’s responsibility to attend to any new arrivals at the estate.

At the dining table, before Erin could sit next to Aaron, Lucian gently held her hand and guided her to the chair on his right, while he took the seat at the head of the table.

Erin shot him a glare, only for him to respond, "This is the most comfortable seat for you."

She glanced at Aaron, who gave her an understanding smile. "Please, make yourself comfortable," he said.

Reluctantly, Erin took the seat Lucian had chosen for her, knowing it was traditionally reserved for the lady of the household. She kept quiet, realizing that if she argued now, Lucian might announce in front of everyone what he’d told her privately upstairs.

She could almost hear him saying, ’You’re sitting in the right place, as you will be the lady of this estate.’

Just then, Gwen entered, having instructed the servants to bring in the food. She didn’t seem surprised to see Erin seated beside Lucian.

"I hope you all enjoy the meal," Gwen said warmly, smiling at everyone.

"Where’s Father?" Lucian asked.

"We have a guest, so your father and I will dine later with them," Gwen explained. "The guest is someone who worked for your father and managed to survive Luis’s actions twenty years ago. He’s here with his brother’s daughter. His brother was the estate’s treasurer and was killed by Luis. Though the other family members were killed, the girl was saved by her uncle, and they’ve been in hiding ever since. Now they’ve returned, knowing you’re in charge of the estate. Your father believes we should help those who suffered back then."

Lucian nodded thoughtfully as the servants began serving the food. Wishing them a good meal, Gwen excused herself to attend to the guests.

"Returned with a young woman?" Rowan remarked with a smirk. "Seems like our Lord Rainier may soon start receiving marriage proposals. Won’t it be exciting to be a Lord of those lost families and now they come offering their daughters to the great Lord, their saviour."

Lucian met his gaze steadily. "Everyone will receive the help they need, but they don’t need to be anything more to me than people I’m responsible for protecting."

"Who knows," Rowan teased. "Lord Rainier might change his mind."

"I’ve made up my mind..."

"Could you both start eating instead of arguing?" Erin interrupted, her tone displeased. "Or I’m leaving." She was worried about what might Lucian end up saying as he always said what’s on his mind.

The two men exchanged a look and fell silent. Others at the table hid their smiles, pretending not to notice the exchange.

Lucian quietly added food to Erin’s plate. "This will help you fend off the cold."

"I can serve myself," she replied curtly. "Focus on your own meal."

"I don’t want you getting sick," he replied evenly.

"It doesn’t concern you."

"You’re living in my home, so it certainly does," Lucian responded calmly. "But, I’m used to taking care of people when they’re ill, so you don’t need to worry."

Erin shot him a glare. "That won’t be necessary. If I fall sick, my brothers and Aaron are here to take care of me." She looked over at Aaron, who returned her gaze. "Aaron, you’d take care of me, right?"

Aaron glanced between his brother and Erin before nodding, feeling caught between them as usual. He wished Lucian would handle things directly soon.