So it was Edith and Emma teaming up to attack her. That was no surprise-by now, those two probably hated her with a passion.


    Finnian hesitated for a moment and asked, "Are you sure you don''t want my help? People online are saying some really awful things."


    Amara shook her head firmly. "No need. Let them say whatever they want. I have a clear conscience—I''ve got nothing to fear.”


    Finnian shot her a nce, seeing that she was resolute and showed no sign of wavering. It was obvious she had no intention of trying to suppress the trending topics. “Alright then, I''ll get going.”


    He was careful to keep his distance when dealing with Amara now, leaving promptly after speaking. He hadn''t even met her eyes during their conversation.


    Amara watched him turn and walk away so decisively, and for a moment, she was taken aback. She hadn''t expected Finnian to be so considerate.


    But after a few steps, Finnian stopped and added, "If you ever change your mind and want those posts taken down, just let me know. I have contacts in that field-it''s


    just a phone call for me, no trouble at all. I''ve done the same for Hogan before."


    "


    35


    There it was again-he brought up Hogan.


    It seemed like Finnian felt the need to remind her every time that he only saw her as a sister.


    Amara felt more awkward than ever. She didn''t look at Finnian, just said, “Okay, I understand."


    Finnian nodded and left.


    Back in her room, Amara finally let out a sigh of relief.


    Ever since the talk they''d had that day, things between her and Finnian had changed. There was a barrier there now; the warmth and subtle intimacy from before had disappeared, reced by a distant, almost formal politeness.


    In theory, this kind of rtionship was for the best. But Amara couldn''t help feeling ufortable, as if both of them were wearing masks when they spoke. Maybe it would be better to avoid talking to each other as much as possible from now on.


    As Finnian was leaving Amara''s room, Tina happened toe out of the kitchen and saw him.


    Instinctively, she watched Finnian''s retreating back, then saw him pause, And say a few more words


    Amara before finally leaving.


    She hid herself in the corner, making sure Finnian and Amara wouldn''t notice her.


    She bit her lip tightly, torn with indecision.


    The truth was, she hadn''t told Amara everything that day.


    A few months ago, on the night Finnian had his ident, after Amara left his room,


    someone else slipped in quietly-it was Liliana.


    About


    hourter, Liliana and


    Finnian came out together, with


    Liliana wearing Finnian''s


    The


    two of them looked not quite right


    A monthter, news broke that Liliana was pregnant.


    ???


    Tina had done the math. If Liliana really was pregnant, it must have happened that night in Finnian''s room But the one who''d gone in first was clearly Amara


    So it was obvious—Amara had been the one who saved Finnian that night, but Liliana had taken all the credit.


    She was afraid that Finnian still believed it was Liliana who had saved him, not Amara. What should she do?


    Tina really liked Amara and didn''t want to see her good deed stolen by someone else.


    But now Finnian was about to marry Liliana. If she told the truth and ruined the wedding, what if Liliana med her?


    She was just a maid-how could she possibly stand up to someone like Liliana?


    She couldn''t take that risk. That was why she hadn''t said everything that day.