She locked eyes with Fiona for a few seconds, neither of them backing down, before she turned on her heel and walked away.


    Although Elowen didn''t get the punishment she deserved, Larry had her locked up, so she wouldn''t be causing any trouble for a while. With her crisis averted, Amara was in high spirits and decided to treat Elysia and Keith to dinner.


    Amara chose a restaurant that was understated yet luxurious-a ce that whispered sophistication. The three of them settled into a cozy booth by the window. Amara let them order while she gazed out, lost in thought.


    Once they''d finished ordering, Amara nced at the menu and realized they''d chosen all her favorite dishes. She chuckled and added a few of Elysia and Keith''s favorites before handing the menu back to the waiter. They began to eat, savoring the moment.


    Elysia and Keith asked a few questions about the Sullivan family. The conversation drifted to other topics, and they chatted leisurely for over half an hour. Elysia excused herself to go to the restroom and, on her way back, crossed paths with a woman.


    The woman had voluminous waves, red lips, and was wearing a sultry red dress -it was Liliana.


    Elysia rolled her eyes dramatically, clearly showing her disdain, and walked past her.


    But Liliana called out, "Ms. Moon, a moment?"


    Elysia stopped in her tracks.


    She was right by the table now, and Amara turned her head, matching Elysia''s cold gaze at Liliana.


    With a smile that didn''t reach her eyes, Liliana approached Amara. “Amara, I heard the person who harmed you has been caught. Congrattions on getting through the crisis."


    Amara wasn''t interested in engaging, so she cut straight to the chase, "I don''t need your congrattions."


    Liliana wasn''t fazed by Amara''s bluntness. She flipped her hair and said, "I heard it was your stepmother who did it, and your face... well, it''s a shame really. They say you were quite the beauty as a child. Such a pity."


    Her tone was faux sympathetic, but the jab was clear. Amara''s eyes turned icy. Elysia was ready to p Liliana, but Amara stopped her.


    "Yeah, it''s your


    in bringing it up? Are you


    the end pity, isn''t it? So, what''s


    to see me down?" Amara


    Pas


    stood, her words as sharp as ss.


    Lilianaughed, "Oh,e on, Ms. Sullivan, why assume the worst about people?"


    Assume the worst?


    Ha.


    "Only a fool or a viin would bring up someone''s scars like that. Since you''re saying you''re not a viin, then what does that make you, a fool?"


    Liliana was at a loss for words, her smile faltering.


    “Save it,” Amara interrupted. "Get out of my sight. I don''t want to see you."


    In the past, Amara had been wary of Liliana because she was Finnian''s woman, taking silent blows to avoid conflict. But recently, Amara realized Finnian wouldn''t truly harm her in fact, he seemed concerned for her safety. With Finnian no longer a threat, she had no reasomto fear Liliana.


    Seeing Amara stand her ground, Elysia and Keith were relieved and praised her once Liliana left.


    Meanwhile, Liliana stormed out of the restaurant, her heels clicking angrily on the pavement, and mmed her hand against her car door in frustration.