She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 132

Hilda was incredibly busy.

Not only was she consulting on Naomi's projects, but her highly anticipated solo art exhibition was also about to open.

The first stop was, naturally, Alpha City.

A sprawling 800-square-meter gallery space.

Sixteen original works by 'The Bibliophile' were set to be displayed.

The biggest surprise was that Zoltan Varga had contributed a brand-new piece to the exhibit.

—A clear, public show of support for his protégé.

For the week-long exhibition, a total of 20,000 tickets sold out in under five minutes.

The Bibliophile was a sensation before the doors even opened.

Rumor had it that the painting 'First Love' was already fetching offers of 26 million.

And the price was still climbing.

At the gallery on Concord Avenue.

Hilda watched the crew hang the final canvas.

Beside her, June cupped her face in her hands, practically squealing in awe. "It's absolute perfection! The curation team has such incredible taste. When we open on Friday, this is going to shake the entire art world."

Hilda offered a modest smile. "Let's not pop the champagne just yet."

June hugged her arm, beaming. "I just know it's going to be a smash hit."

Hilda playfully tapped her on the head.

"Alright, wrap it up and head home."

June gave an enthusiastic nod.

Knowing Hilda was pregnant, she eagerly volunteered to drive her back. By the time they reached the rented apartment, dusk had fallen, casting the sky in a deep, tranquil indigo.

Hilda stepped out of the car.

She told June to take the vehicle home for the night.

June waved out the window. "I'll pick you up first thing tomorrow morning, Director Cassidy!"

Hilda smiled softly.

Walking up the stairs, she mused that June was young and probably had a vibrant social life. It wasn't fair to monopolize her evenings. Besides, as she got further along in her pregnancy, mobility would be an issue. She would need to hire a full-time driver soon.

Lost in thought, she swiped her keycard and opened the door.

To her shock, Luther was inside.

The housekeeper had already left for the day.

It was just him and little Annie in the apartment.

She looked at Luther, a complex array of emotions flashing in her eyes.

Still, she sat down and shared a peaceful meal with him. Honoring her duty as a parent, she refused to argue in front of Annie. Once they finished, she sent the little girl to her room to do her homework while she took the dishes to the sink.

She knew he had something to say.

The night was quiet.

He stood at the kitchen threshold, watching her back.

After a long hesitation, he finally walked over and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Hilda stiffened.

But she didn't struggle. Her voice was entirely devoid of emotion. "Let go, or I'm calling Jolie to come fetch you."

The threat instantly ignited his temper.

He gripped the back of her neck, forced her head back, and crushed his lips against hers.

The kiss was punishing. A jolt of electricity surged through him, making him crave her even more. Pressing one hand against the counter, he reached out with the other and slid the kitchen door shut, locking it—

She was still his wife.

And after spending days watching her get so uncomfortably close to Harrell and Naomi, he was consumed by a burning jealousy.

The kiss grew rougher, heavy with an undeniable assertion of dominance.