She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 15

Nighttime, at the villa.

The master bedroom was brightly lit.

Hilda was packing her luggage. Annie was being incredibly sweet, bustling around the room to help her mom gather things. Once they were mostly done, she tilted her head back and asked curiously, "Mommy, are we really going to live with Daddy?"

Hilda crouched down slowly. She gently stroked Annie's hair. "Yes, sweetie. We're going to stay with Daddy for a little while. But as soon as Mommy's career takes off, I might take you to live in Havenworth City. We'll have your grandmother with us too."

Fifty million dollars could change everything. Hilda would never have to undersell her paintings again.

At 8 PM, 'The Bibliophile' account officially announced a pause on private commissions to focus entirely on an upcoming gallery exhibition. Pieces she had sold in the past had already tripled in value on the secondary market. Anyone with a shred of industry knowledge knew it was only a matter of time before The Bibliophile became a massive name in the art world.

But Annie had someone else on her mind. "What about Soren?"

Just as the words left her mouth, there was a knock at the door.

Soren stood casually in the doorway, dressed in a sleek racing jacket, looking young and impossibly handsome. He leaned against the frame and waved at the little girl.

Annie immediately shrieked with joy and practically tackled him.

Soren adored her; he ruffled her hair before shifting his gaze to the duffel bags by Hilda's feet. He pulled out a bank card and held it out to her.

"Three years' rent, one hundred and twenty thousand."

"Pin is 123456."

"Are you seriously getting back with him? I saw him with some other woman just a few days ago. They looked pretty damn cozy. Does that really not bother you? If it's about the money, just stay with me. I can take care of you both. You'll never go hungry. I'm flying to France tomorrow for a race—just wait for me."

Soren spoke with a reckless, careless grin, playing the role of the arrogant playboy.

But Hilda knew his heart was softer than he let on. She gently pushed the card back. "I need a lot of money, Soren."

He frowned. "How much?"

He didn't have any romantic history with Hilda. Maybe it was just because Annie was so sweet, or maybe living in the same house gave him a sense of the family warmth he craved, but he genuinely cared. If she needed a fortune, he'd sell his cars. If that wasn't enough, he'd swallow his pride, go back to the old man, and inherit the family empire.

Hilda shook her head, a bitter smile touching her lips.

"I signed a contract. I got fifty million. From Luther."

She used to love Luther with every fiber of her being, and looking back, it terrified her.

Luther had seized absolute control of a corporate empire at twenty-six. Now at thirty, he was completely ruthless.

Soren was too young, and he didn't have the backing to survive a war with Aegis Group. She refused to drag him into her mess.

Finally, she whispered, "Take the money back. Find a nice place to rent."

Soren's gaze darkened.

...

The following afternoon.

"I'll handle my own meals."

"As for the housekeeper, Monday through Friday is fine. I'd prefer our privacy on the weekends."

Lori was slightly taken aback. Hilda seemed like an entirely different person. She was decisive, grounded, and completely stripped of that suffocating desperation she used to have for Mr. Sanford.

Always the consummate professional, Lori smiled smoothly. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements. I'll report back to Mr. Sanford now."

Hilda gave a polite nod.

Once she was alone, Hilda surveyed the massive bedroom. It was extravagant, but it felt cold and staged, like a sterile showroom.

Rapid little footsteps echoed down the hall. Annie ran in, clutching her bunny, practically glowing with excitement. She asked when Daddy was coming home.

Hilda crouched down, tapping her little nose with a gentle smile. "Daddy is very busy. But when you wake up tomorrow morning, he'll be right here."

Hilda was exceptionally pragmatic now.

This was nothing more than a transactional agreement. She wasn't here to play house.

After finishing her unpacking, she took Annie by the hand and walked to the upscale grocer down the street. She picked up fresh produce, milk, and household essentials. When she finally reached the checkout aisle, her eyes locked onto the family planning display.

On their wedding night, Luther had barely touched her, yet it had been enough to completely alter her life.

Hilda refused to risk another pregnancy. She quickly grabbed two boxes of large-sized condoms and placed them on the counter.