After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas) novel Chapter 946

Tiana sighed. "Of course we’re worried! What happened? How did you end up with a stomach perforation all of a sudden?"

"It’s nothing, I just had a bit too much to drink," Maria explained, her voice light but tired.

"That’s my fault," Herman interjected, his face filled with concern as he looked at Maria. "I should’ve made sure you ate something."

Tiana’s eyes widened as she turned to her brother. "Wait, you were with her when she was drinking?"

"Yeah," Herman admitted.

Tiana immediately gave him a light punch on the arm. "Why didn’t you stop her? Drinking on an empty stomach is dangerous!"

"It’s my fault," Herman said quietly.

"Stop arguing, I’m fine now," Maria said, waving her hand weakly. "I’ll be more careful next time."

Tiana crossed her arms. "I don’t care. It’s my brother’s responsibility to take care of you until you’re fully recovered. If not, I’ll tell Mom and Dad that he’s been mistreating girls!"

Maria was taken aback. "That’s really not necessary..."

Tiana shook her head. "It’s settled."

She turned to Herman. "Don’t you think that’s the right thing to do?"

Herman nodded. "It’s only fair."

Maria sighed in resignation.

Fine then.

Sidney, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up.

"I’ll take care of her," he said, his tone steady, though his eyes still held a wary look toward Herman.

Tiana quickly interjected, "That won’t be necessary. My brother’s got it covered. You have the studio to manage, so you can’t handle both."

Feeling exhausted, Maria turned to Herman. "Mr. Evans, you should go too. I really don’t need anyone watching over me."

But Herman shook his head. "No, I’m staying. If I leave, Tiana won’t let me live it down. Don’t worry, I’ll be here, but I won’t disturb you. Just rest."

He moved over to the couch, sat down, and pulled out his phone, clearly intent on staying.

Maria, too tired to argue, soon drifted off to sleep.

When she woke again, it was late at night. The room was dark, the quiet almost eerie. She blinked a few times, letting out a soft breath.

"You’re awake?" Herman’s voice broke the silence, his tone low. He turned on the light, illuminating the room gently.

Maria squinted at the sudden brightness. "You’ve been here the whole time?"

"Yeah," Herman replied calmly. "I said I’d take care of you, so I’m staying. What do you need?"