The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 1111

"No matter what happens, I will never hand Willa over to Jeffrey," Luke stated firmly.

Max spoke in a slow, deliberate tone. "If you truly want to protect her, then make her a Hawthorne. Our family can legitimately shield her, and Jeffrey would not lay a finger on her."

Shock flashed across Luke's face, his eyes locking onto Max.

"It is merely a suggestion," Max added effortlessly. "Something for you to consider."

Luke lowered his gaze, his hands balling into tight fists as he remained silent.

"It is getting late," Max noted. "Head back and get some rest. You need to pull yourself together."

Luke nodded. He turned and took two steps toward the door before spotting Felicia approaching. She stopped in front of him. "Are you leaving already?"

"Yes," Luke murmured. "Thank you for taking care of Willa."

"Do not worry, I will take good care of her," Felicia assured him. "You must be exhausted. Go home and get some sleep."

"Alright."

Max and Felicia walked him to the door and watched as his car disappeared into the night.

"Let's go back inside," Max said, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. Felicia withdrew her gaze and slowly turned back into the house.

"You should invite Amber and Kate over for tea tomorrow," Max suggested.

Felicia looked up at him. "Does your aunt know about Luke and Willa yet?"

"Luke has not said anything, and I certainly will not be the one to tell them. So, no, they do not know yet."

"What about Daniel?"

"He likely figured it out today."

"And did Daniel say anything?"

"She is just his sister," Max countered smoothly. "The Manning family has no interest in allying with the Hawthornes. Luke felt nothing for Ivy, but Willa is a different story."

Daniel's tone darkened. "Max, do not drag Luke into this mess just to serve your own selfish agenda."

"And what if Luke actually cares about her?" Max challenged.

Silence hung heavily over the line.

"He will explain everything to you tomorrow," Max continued. "Just hear him out and see what he plans to do."

Daniel offered no further argument and ended the call. Just before dialing Max, he had actually received a call from Jeffrey. To Daniel, Willa was nothing more than Jeffrey's mistress, an orphan with a questionable background. He had absolutely no desire to see his brother entangled with a woman whose past could offer him no political or social advantage.

A sudden knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," Daniel called out.

Kate pushed the door open and stepped inside. "Darling."