"Sis, I know you''ve been busytely-maybe you haven''t had time for all this.


    Your show wraps up in about two weeks, right? I need you to tell Finnian the truth before filming ends. If you don''t, I''ll tell him myself. I have things to do, so I''ll get going."


    Hogan''s words sounded polite on the surface, but the threat behind them was unmistakable.


    Once he left the lounge, Liliana was alone. Fury shook her whole body; she smashed several sses in quick session, unable to contain her anger.


    There was no way she would tell Finnian the truth. She wanted nothing more than to get rid of Hogan, but she''d already failed once.


    After her botched attempt, Hogan had doubled his security. There was no chance for a second try. She clenched her jaw so hard it hurt, her eyes growing darker with each passing thought. What was she supposed to do now?


    The next two weeks were rough-Liliana couldn''t focus, kept zoning out on set, and ended up ruining take after take for no good reason. She''d always been a consummate professional, so this behavior waspletely out of character. Even Cedric, the director, noticed and pulled her aside for a talk.


    Liliana knew exactly why she was falling apart: Hogan''s threats haunted her. Whenever she thought about what he''d said, the anxiety was paralyzing.


    At least Emma had started visiting her again. Their rtionship had been strained after Emma''s miscarriage, but gradually Emma seemed to let go of her resentment.


    Emma went so far as to find some old home remedies to help Liliana recover, hoping she''d get better soon and maybe even try for another child.


    Of course, Emma had her reasons. If Liliana didn''t marry into the Everly family, Finnian might end up bringing Amara home as his wife—a possibility Emma couldn''t ept under any circumstances.


    One afternoon, Emma stopped by to check on Liliana. Afterward, instead of leaving the studio, she changed course and headed straight for Amara''s dressing room.  s


    Amara hadn''t expected Emma to seek her out, but she greeted her politely. "Is there something I can help you with, Mrs. Everly?"


    Emma nced around the modest dressing room, then fixed her gaze on Amara, her eyes openly disdainful.


    She didn''t say a single word. Her silence was a clear attempt to put Amara in her ce.


    But Amara was unfazed. She said coolly, "If you don''t have any business here, Mrs. Everly, please see yourself out."


    She crossed the room and opened the door, motioning for Emma to leave.


    Emma, who had rarely been treated like this by anyone but Andrew, was instantly enraged. "What is wrong. this how you treat


    with you


    elders? I haven''t even said a word


    and you''re already kicking me out!"


    s


    "And don''t bother with that ''you''re not my elder'' nonsense. You were Finnian''s ex-<fne550> Updates are released by F?ndNovel</fne550>


    wife, after all. Surely you recognize that connection?"


    Amara couldn''t help butugh at the


    contradiction. "You just said it yourself I''m Finnian''s ex-wife, not his current one. So why should. acknowledge any connection to family?"  s


    Qur


    "If I did, then when you''re gone someday, does that mean I get a share of your inheritance?"


    After thest time Emma had berated her, Amara had dropped any pretense of civility. She had no intention of holding back.