Under the Veil I Rule
Chapter 96

Although the little knot was still there, as long as no one poked at it, she could barely feel it.

Amara had calmed down, but the rest of the folks at the Everly family dinner were anything but composed.

Kevin, in his agitation, completely forgot about his cane and shot up from his chair, gripping the table as he bellowed, "What are you doing here? Who gave you permission to barge into our house? And you, you little rascal!"

His eyes flashed with fury as he turned to Hogan.

"Amara is right here, and you dare call some woman of dubious character your sister-in-law? You bring her here, in front of your real one, to disgust her? Do you have any conscience left?"

Kevin's words were harsh, showing just how furious he was. But he wasn't just venting; he was also making sure Amara heard him loud and clear.

Hogan had pulled quite the stunt, and Finnian seemed to be doing nothing about it. If Kevin didn't publicly denounce Liliana, it would look like the Everly family was complicit, and Amara's heart would freeze over completely.

Unbeknownst to Kevin, Amara's heart had already hardened. She watched everything unfold as if it were a play with no connection to her.

Meanwhile, Liliana, being called a woman of "dubious character", didn't lash out. Her smile faded slightly, and she looked a bit hurt. Her eyes, filled with unshed tears, were fixed on Finnian.

Though Hogan had brought her here, she knew Finnian was the real power in the room. She hoped he would step up to defend her.

"Why are you here?"

As if sensing Liliana's gaze, Finnian approached her, his expression callous as he made the question. Kevin's words had been harsh, and despite himself, Finnian felt a twinge of something. But the fact remained, he and Amara were still married, and Hogan's actions today were over the line.

However, Liliana was carrying his child. He couldn't just turn his back on her. So, he asked the question.

"Finn, Hogan brought me here," Liliana replied, biting her lip, looking vulnerable.

"I ran into Hogan earlier today, and we stopped for a coffee and chatted for a bit. Hogan mentioned it was Peter's birthday and said the family was celebrating. I immediately bought a gift, asking him to give it to Peter.

Hogan insisted that since I had a gift, he'd buy me a dinner, and he insisted I should come to the estate. I

didn't feel like coming over, reckoning it's inappropriate for my status, but..."

Liliana hesitated, her expression conflicted as if she was torn by continuing with the rest words.

Hogan stepped up immediately,

puffing out his chest like a knight in shining armor as he stated

righteously, "She didn't want to come, but I insisted! Don't worry, I'lI

take full responsibility for Wor.net"

swnove!.

Finnian, she's carrying your child. She's been living alone, feeling all sorts of lonely and miserable. If we don't

let her be a part of family events, how much more isolated will she feel?

So, I brought her here! She's part of our family, and it's only right she joins us in celebrating my father's birthday!"

Hogan's words were full of conviction, and he stood protectively in front of Liliana, as if ready to shield her from any storm of disputes.

The rest of the Everly family wasn't sure what to make of Hogan's motives. Maybe he was just caught up in his own chivalrous fantasy, or maybe there was something else at play, but either way, Peter and Bess were fuming.