Chapter 329 You Already Have a Fiancée
Riley took a sec to chill out before snapping back, "Winston's health ain't your business, Mr. Wilder. I'll handle my kid. Instead of worrying about him, maybe you should focus on your fiancée. Looks like Ms. Sutton's pretty banged up and shouldn't be left alone."
Donovan shot her a look that was hard to read. Locking eyes with him, Riley felt a bit of tension, not sure what he was thinking. She kinda felt like he was blaming her for what she said. But what did she say wrong? She was just laying out the facts.
Riley kept her cool and stared right back at him.
After a bit, Donovan forced a softer look and explained, "Hollis has a busted arm and has been in the hospital for a few days. She's good now and doesn't need much help. I came to check on Winston 'cause I know he's tight with Finley. If Finley asks about him, at least I won't be totally clueless."
He knew that with Riley and the kids' attitude towards him, if he didn't mention Finley, they probably wouldn't tell him squat. Thinking about the time Finley stayed at Riley's place, Donovan felt all mixed up, not getting how things got so messed up.
When he brought up Finley, Riley's face softened a bit, but something else he said caught her attention. Hollis had been in the hospital for days, so Donovan must've been with her the whole time. Otherwise, how would he know so much about her condition?
Riley decided to tell Donovan about Winston's condition in the end, but her tone was ice-cold. "If Finley asks, you can tell her Winston caught a cold swimming. It's no big deal, just needs some meds. That's it."
Hearing Winston's illness wasn't serious, Donovan felt a wave of relief. He didn't know why, but despite the boys' obvious dislike for him, he couldn't help but care about them. It was like he owed them something.
"I've told you about Winston. If there's nothing else, I'm taking the kids home." Riley nodded coldly at him and started to lead the kids past him.
Just as she walked by, Donovan's voice stopped her. "Are you in such a rush to avoid me?"
His words hit a nerve, making Riley pause and tighten her grip on the kids' hands.
Donovan's intense gaze was all over her face. Riley pressed her lips together and turned slightly, reluctantly admitting, "Mr. Wilder, you and I are different. I have kids, but I'm still single, while you have a fiancée. In this situation, it's only right to avoid suspicion, but since you don't seem to get that, I have to do it for you. Hope you understand."
Donovan's throat tightened, and he furrowed his brows, wanting to say something. But Riley's blunt tone left him speechless.
As they stood there in a standoff, Winston's little voice broke the silence. "Mommy, my tummy hurts. I wanna go home and rest."
Saying this, Winston gently tugged on Riley's arm. Riley turned back, softly agreeing, and said goodbye to Donovan before heading downstairs with the kids without looking back.
