What gift? This was nothing more than him sending two people to watch her, just to make sure she didn’t actually do anything to Amara.

Did Finnian intend to keep her shut up at home now, never letting her out again?

Emma was furious. Even though Finnian was her own son, she wanted nothing more than to march over there and slap him across the face.

But as soon as she raised her hand, the two bodyguards stepped in to stop her.

Finnian shot her a cold, indifferent look before striding into the elevator without hesitation, leaving the apartment behind.

Emma returned to the living room, still fuming over Finnian’s decision to have her watched. Even smashing her newest, favorite set of teacups wasn’t enough to relieve her anger.

Hearing the noise, Liliana hurried out of the small bedroom. “Mrs. Emma Everly, what’s wrong? How did your conversation go?”

Emma’s apartment was extremely soundproof, so Liliana hadn’t heard what was said between Emma and Finnian. But seeing the shattered teacups on the floor and Emma’s face twisted with rage, she could guess things hadn’t gone well-and her heart dropped.

Emma slammed her hand down on the sofa, her voice blazing with anger. “That brat won’t listen to me! He still wants to be with that little tramp and even wants to keep her baby. It’s driving me crazy!”

Liliana felt her heart sink even deeper.

Finnian really wanted to marry Amara? But would Amara agree?

As much as she hated to admit it, the thing she wanted most-marrying Finnian— was exactly what Amara seemed most determined to avoid.

So as long as Amara continued to refuse, the two of them probably wouldn’t be together any time soon.

Catching sight of Liliana’s anxious expression, Emma patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to make sure you marry him.”

“But from now on, you need to behave yourself. No more sneaky tricks or underhanded schemes. You see for yourself-he’s lost all affection for you now.”

Although she had angrily reprimanded Liliana yesterday, and was furious about the whole fake pregnancy fiasco, a night’s sleep had changed Emma’s perspective.

Amara already had Finnian wrapped around her finger. And now that he knew the child was his, he’d value her even more.

If Amara married into the Everly family under these circumstances, she’d end up impossibly arrogant-and there was no way Emma would allow that.

But Liliana, she was truly satisfactory in every way.

Coming from a modest background, Liliana was someone Emma could easily influence-there was no need to worry about her family pushing back. She was glamorous, beautiful, poised and intelligent.

weetly, had always

spoke good manners, and treated Emma with genuine respect and deference.

Emma thought Liliana was the perfect candidate for a

daughter-in-law. That was why, after thinking it over, she decided she could forgive Liliana’s lie about being pregnant, it was done only to be with Finnian, nothing else. Content”

Emma had called Liliana after sorting out her emotions, but she needed to make one thing clear: never again could Liliana pull something like that. If she did, she would not be forgiven.

Liliana nodded, putting on a face of gratitude. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Everly. I’m so lucky to have you-otherwise, I honestly wouldn’t know what to do.”

“I can’t thank you enough. Please don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you from now on, and I’ll never make a mistake like that again.”

Outwardly, she was the picture of obedience. But in her heart, she was already cursing Emma.

She would never forget the

humiliation of Emma publicly slapping her yesterday. For now, she’d play along with this old witch. Once she secured her position as Mrs. Everly, she’d have no shortage of ways to put Emma in her place.