Remembering his fever from that morning, Amara instinctively studied his face. He looked pale but otherwise fine. Had the fever broken?


    Finnian walked to her bedside, his handsome face as impassive as ever, his presence radiating a cool intensity, as if the morning''s events had never happened. "Is your foot feeling any better?"


    "Much better," Amara replied, and it was true. Her ankle had improved since yesterday; she could even take a few steps without crutches.


    From her chair, Elysia shot Amara a look, silently asking if she should leave.


    Amara understood instantly. The thought of being alone with Finnian made her nervous, and she gave a slight shake of her head. Elysia took the cue and settled back in her chair, perfectly content to stay and observe the dynamic between the two of them.


    Finnian nced at Elysia, a silent question in his eyes-how could she just sit there so calmly? Had she no sense of asion?


    Elysia caught his gaze and, far from feeling awkward, shed him a cheeky grin. Finnian looked away.


    Turning back to Amara, he said, "I''ve had Will start an investigation into the kidnapping. We should have results soon, so you don''t need to worry."


    "Mr. Everly, you don''t have to trouble yourself," Amara said quickly. "I can have my own people look into it."


    They had no real connection anymore, yet every time something happened, Finnian was the first to step in, and he always got results. He spared no effort when it came to her. But they were divorced. He had no obligation to do any of this, and it made her feel indebted.


    "It''s a small matter," Finnian said. "And I''m not investigating it personally. You don''t need to feel awkward about it."


    But that wasn''t entirely true. Even if Finnian wasn''t doing the legwork, his men were, which meant he was still expending his own resources. Seeing his determined expression, However Amara decided not to argue.


    "By the way, Mr. Everly, you had a fever this morning, didn''t you?" she asked trying to sound casual tisa mentioned it when she called How are you feeling now?"


    At the mention of his fever, Finnian''s lips thinned. He looked tense, almost unhappy. After a moment''s silence, he said, "It broke this afternoon. I''m fine now."


    The fever reminded him of her pregnancy, which in turn brought back the things she had said that morning. The memory was painfu but he didn''t want to show it He quickly changed the subject.


    "How do you n to raise your child?" he asked.


    Amara refused to tell him who the father was, and since there were no other men in her life, Finnian assumed she didn''t intend to co-parent.


    "I''ll raise the baby myself," she said. "I can certainly afford to support one child."


    Finnian fell silent. Amara couldn''t read his thoughts, and the quiet that settled between them grew heavy and awkward.


    Just then, another knock came at the door. All three of them turned as Elysia stood up. "Who is it?" she called out, walking over to open it.


    ***