Chapter 164 Hurry Up and Leave
Catherine, Luke, and Isabella stood beside Daniel as Donovan's group got the call to return. Receiving the news that nothing urgent was afoot, they were preparing to depart again when they spotted Riley and Adam approaching in succession.
"Hey, Mr. Benedict, if that's all, I should head back. My kids are waiting," Riley excused herself politely.
Isabella, a tad surprised, chimed in, "Leaving already? The party's just heating up. Stick around a bit, won't you?"
Riley offered a regretful smile. "I'd love to, but I can't shake off this worry about the kiddos at home."
Understanding Riley's parental duties, the group didn't push her to stay longer. Daniel gestured to Dalton, "It's getting late. I don't feel right letting Dr. Monroe go alone. Dalton, could you escort her back?"
Dalton glanced at Donovan for approval. Seeing Donovan's neutral expression, he was about to agree when Adam interjected, "No need to bother. I need to leave too, for an online seminar, and can drop her off on my way."
Dalton sensed the tension rise and cleared his throat, preparing to reclaim the task, but was cut off by Donovan's cool voice.
"Since Adam's swamped with work, I don't mind taking Ms. Monroe. Plus, I need to check on my daughter at Riley's place," Donovan announced, enunciating slightly louder as if for clarity.
Catherine and Hollis exchanged disappointed looks. They had specifically arranged for Donovan to come with Hollis , hoping that the two would develop some feelings, and also prompting a buzz among the guests. Now, Donovan readily offered to drive Riley home, mentioning Finley, leaving Catherine and Hollis feeling embarrassed.
Hollis went pale, then flushed, visibly holding back her frustration.
"Your daughter?" Adam asked in confusion, wondering about the connection between Donovan's daughter and Riley.
Donovan smirked casually. "My girl's been staying with Riley for a bit. I'm just checking in. Any issues with that?"
His voice carried across the room, attracting attention. The gathering began to murmur. Hollis, caught off guard by Donovan's bluntness, paled, averting her gaze to avoid the prying eyes.
The elder Benedicts were surprised. They knew Donovan cherished Finley, but they hadn't realized the extent of his bond with Riley to entrust Finley to her care.
Dalton, shocked but not entirely surprised, chose to stay silent.
The crowd atmosphere turned awkward. Riley, trying to stay composed, bit her lip, equally shocked by the public disclosure. While others were stunned by Finley staying with her, she was taken aback by Donovan's candid reveal to the audience.
Before she could formulate a response to break the awkwardness, Donovan gripped her wrist.
"Thought you were in a rush? Why the delay?" Donovan's icy tone was abrupt, gripping her tighter.
Riley, snapped to attention, hastily bid farewell to Daniel, bewildered as Donovan whisked her away without explanation.
