Chapter 53

“Nyla? What kind of name is that?” Ria asked me angrily.

“It’s her mother’s name,” Rowan growled at her.

She fixed her face immediately and grinned at him. “Oh, how wonderful. I didn’t realize it had some sentimental importance to her.”

I swallowed a chuckle. Ria was such a class act. She had let her mask slip in front of her son and now she was trying to backtrack shamelessly.

“I think you should all excuse us now. My family and I would like a few moments of privacy,” said Rowan.

Ria was shocked. “Your family? Are we not your family anymore?” She asked and swept her hand across the room to indicate Rowan’s siblings who were also present.

“You know what I mean,” he replied.

“Of course,” she said, smiling. “Come on, darlings. Let’s give the new family some space.”

They all filed out but not before Ria shot a deadly look at me. I could feel the heat of her hatred for me across the room. It bothered me but I didn’t want to mention anythi