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 lingering smell of

wrapped herself in a thick bathrobe, a loud,

getting a full look at who stood outside

"Mm-!"

hard chest. She landed a sharp

before opening the door, and only agreed to

didn't want Finnian thinking she was tangled up with the Everly family, and she'd planned to let him in and

expected him to catch her in a hug the

hadn't even realized she'd used his full name— something she'd never dared

though the robe covered most of her, he couldn't help but notice the gentle curve of her figure, the delicate line of her

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

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

as he listened. When she finished, he stood