Chapter 165

"Alright, your mom’s still sick, so no hugging for now, and it’s too chilly outside. Let’s go check on Little Xiu, see how she’s doing." Lucian Sterling had one arm wrapped around Ariella Rios’s shoulders as they walked, the kids laughing and bouncing around them, heading toward Little Xiu’s room. Nicole Bright had arrived a little earlier. When she walked in, Liam Sterling was crouched by the bed, checking Little Xiu’s temperature. "Second Young Master," she called softly. He looked up. "Didn’t expect to see you here. You came with my brother?" Seeing Nicole, Liam’s tone was easy, warm even—maybe even a little pleased. But not that he’d ever admit to liking any woman. He always kept things vague. "Yeah," she nodded. "Where’s my brother?" "Outside, with Ariella." "Ariella came too?" His voice jumped an octave, a little too obvious. He stood up quickly, suddenly feeling on edge. "I should check in on the other kids. You’re the doc—Little Xiu’s in good hands with you." He made a move to