Chapter 181 The Child is Innocent
Donovan vaguely heard the news broadcast coming from inside and knew that Riley had already been briefed. He furrowed slightly as he studied her expression, but saw no trace of emotion.
After a moment, he spoke in a deep voice, "I'm here to see Finley. How is she?"
Riley stepped aside to make way. "She's upstairs. Just as well, I have something to discuss with you about Finley."
The two walked into the living room one after the other. Riley let Donovan sit on the couch while she sat on a single chair to avoid any awkwardness.
Olivia quickly served them coffee and, seeing that they had something to discuss, left promptly.
"What is it?" Donovan asked, his heart sinking at Riley's expression.
Riley said calmly, "I agreed to let Finley stay here because of her condition. In the past few days, she's improved a lot and has even started to speak a little. Compared to before, that's significant progress. I believe she no longer needs to stay here."
The implication hung heavy—an unspoken request for Donovan to reclaim his daughter.
At this, Donovan's expression shaded with concern. "Given her progress under your care, perhaps extending her stay could aid in her full recovery. If it's not too much of a bother..."
Riley interrupted Donovan without hesitation, "Sorry, but Finley is your daughter. I think she would recover better with her father than with a stranger like me."
Donovan's brows furrowed tightly. Seeing her determination, he asked in a deep voice, "Why the sudden change? Weren't you taking good care of her before?"
Riley met Donovan's gaze and curled her lips in a mocking smile. "Because I don't feel obligated to raise someone else's daughter. We share no ties anymore, and burdening me with your daughter's care isn't warranted."
After speaking, Riley glanced at the still-broadcasting TV and added coldly, "Besides, I have no interest in getting involved with someone who has a wedding plan. I don't want to be called a mistress one day."
Donovan followed Riley's gaze to the TV but couldn't find the words to refute her.
Until Donovan resolved the unwanted engagement, he had no right to argue.
Seeing Donovan almost tacitly acknowledge the news, Riley's tone grew even colder. "Moreover, my own work has been overwhelming lately. Taking care of your daughter only adds to my burden. I don't want to push myself, so please, Mr. Wilder, don't make things difficult for me. Take your daughter back as soon as possible."
Riley finished speaking without any expression and looked away indifferently, clenching her hand at her side.
She had made this decision hastily upon seeing Donovan's face.
Donovan and Hollis's engagement was a done deal. If Finley continued to stay with her, Donovan would inevitably keep coming over.
What would that make their relationship then?
Rather than causing unnecessary misunderstandings later, it was better to cut ties with Donovan now.
Donovan naturally understood Riley's implication and his face darkened. "Didn't you say that the child is innocent?"
Riley was noncommittal. "I won't stop Landon and Winston from being friends with Finley. If Finley wants to come over to play with them, I won't refuse."
However, Riley herself would try to avoid meeting Donovan as much as possible.
