Under the Veil I Rule

Chapter 21

Hogan couldn't believe Amara dared to talk back to him, jumping up in anger. "Why are you being so aggressive? Didn't anyone teach you manners?"

Amara laughed, a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Oh, I've got manners. But you? Seems like nobody taught you how to behave. You're in your twenties and can't even speak decently. I wonder how you were raised."

Her words aimed at both Peter and Bess, but strangely, they seemed not daring fight back even though irritated. Was it because Finnian was standing nearby?

Hogan sensed it too and spat out, "Amara, you're acting all high and mighty because Finnian's got your back, huh? Let me tell you, you're no match for Finnian's ex, Liliana! From head to toe, you're out of your league! One day, Finnian will dump you and bring Liliana back to be my sister-in-law!"

Turned out, Hogan was a big fan of Liliana. Amara didn't know before, but now she did. Not that it helped. Finnian must hold the same idea, she assumed. If she argued back, she might embarrass Finnian, and that was risky territory.

But then, Finnian shot Hogan a cold glare, his eyes dark and brooding.

right. You lack manners. How did you

him, the Everly grandchildren were a disappointment, and Finnian felt it

name.

that. He exclaimed, "Finnian, why are

with a sharp look, the words making

seemed about to speak, Amara jumped in, "An outsider? You mean anyone marrying into the Everly family is an outsider? Imagine how hurt Bess must

a sympathetic glance at Bess,

it like that! My mom's different. Mom, don't get

his expression icy. His mood had evidently darkened, chilling the

in a deep voice, "Get out. Come back when you know

and humiliation rushing through him. All these insults were Amara's doing, and he burned with the urge to lash out at

Finnian seemed bewitched, siding with Amara, the outsider. Unable to defy Finnian, Hogan stomped

was gone, the party resumed, and Amara let out a discreet sigh of relief. It was her first time standing up to an Everly, and though she appeared calm, she'd

a glass of red wine, taking sidelong glances at Amara. He'd always thought of her as gentle, but when someone gave