Under the Veil I Rule

Chapter 385

Hogan's heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of his throat. He jumped to his feet, scrambling to explain. “Finnian, I don't know what you've heard, but I was drugged that night! Someone tricked me into that room-Amara was there too—but nothing happened between us, I swear! If you don't believe me, you can ask Amara yourself!"

Finnian hadn't attended Emma's party tonight-he'd had no interest in the event- but just now, someone told him that Emma had stumbled upon a scandal: his ex- wife and his younger brother caught in bed together.

The moment he heard that, he nearly lost his mind. He'd immediately called Emma, who confirmed the story in a flat, unwavering voice. Without another word, Finnian had come straight to find Hogan.

Now, hearing Hogan insist that nothing had happened between him and Amara, Finnian regained a sliver of composure. He looked him dead in the eye, voice clipped, "Are you telling the truth?"

"Of course! Both of us were set up, but Amara never lost her head-she was clear the whole time. That's why nothing happened." Hogan rushed to reassure him, voice shaking with urgency.

Finnian lowered his hand, studying Hogan's face for any sign of a lie. Finding none, he shot him a cold, hard look before turning away and leaving without another word.

Back at home, Amara wasted no time. She stripped off her cocktail dress, tossing it straight into the trash. The whole night had been a mess-someone had tried to use her, and they'd dragged Hogan into it as well. Just thinking about it made her skin crawl.

shower, scrubbing away the

from the party. As she wrapped herself in a thick bathrobe, a loud, insistent

getting a full look at who stood outside

"Mm-!"

nose nearly collided with a hard chest. She landed a

peephole before opening the door, and only agreed

exactly why he was here. She didn't want Finnian thinking she

in a hug the

state, she hadn't even realized she'd used his full name—

though the robe covered most of her, he

his eyes for a moment, steadying himself, and when he spoke, his voice was calmer. "What

to sit, and poured two glasses of water. She took a slow sip, then recounted the night's events

as he listened. When she finished, he stood abruptly.