She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 18

Luther casually wrapped a protective arm around Hilda's waist. "Hilda and I had a bit of a misunderstanding. But I've brought her home now, haven't I?"

In the past, Hilda could never have pulled off an act like this. She had been entirely too sincere in her love for him.

But now, she treated it exactly like clocking in for a shift. She flashed his parents a picture-perfect, serene smile. "Dad, Mom."

Nathan Sanford stared intensely at Annie, analyzing her features as if searching for a flaw. Eleanor, completely overcome by the power of being a grandmother, reached out and gently took the girl from her son's arms.

"Grandma is going to take you to see Great-Nana," she choked out tearfully. "Seeing our precious Annie is going to make her so happy, I bet she'll be half-cured on the spot."

Annie was incredibly affectionate. She had the warm, eager energy of a golden retriever puppy.

She cupped Eleanor's face in her tiny hands and planted a soft, damp kiss on her cheek. "Don't cry, Grandma."

This sudden display of pure sweetness completely disarmed a high-society matriarch like Eleanor.

She looked at Hilda, torn between overwhelming joy and a need to scold her. "Why did you keep a child this old a secret? Luther should have brought you both home ages ago. We've missed out on years of family joy, and the poor old lady has been worried sick about you."

The words twisted like a knife in Hilda's chest. Matilda had always treated her with genuine kindness.

But the truth was a nightmare she couldn't speak of. She simply offered a faint, graceful smile.

With Eleanor leading the way, the group headed upstairs to present Annie to the matriarch.

The moment Matilda laid eyes on the little girl, she bolted upright in bed, staring with wide, shocked eyes. Was this real? Was this truly Luther and Hilda's child?

Her eyes weren't playing tricks on her—that little face, that unmistakable Sanford arrogance—it was undeniably Luther's blood.

"How old are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm four!"

Annie's voice was impossibly soft and sweet.

While Eleanor busied herself, Nathan walked into the room, leaning against the edge of an armchair, watching his wife. Finally, he couldn't keep his thoughts to himself. "Eleanor, something doesn't feel right to me. I told Luther to bring Hilda over to put on a show for his grandmother. I never expected him to produce a four-year-old child out of thin air."

Eleanor was still riding the high of absolute bliss. She continued sorting through her velvet boxes.

"What's wrong with a child? Annie is an absolute angel."

Nathan sighed heavily. "You're completely blind to the reality of the situation! First, this child appears out of absolutely nowhere. Second, don't you think Hilda is acting incredibly strange? She used to look at Luther like he hung the moon. Now she looks at him the same way his secretary does—like a mindless corporate drone clocking in for a shift."

Eleanor scoffed. "You're too used to being a ruthless capitalist. You think everyone is a mindless corporate drone."

Nathan remained uneasy. "Should we do a paternity test?"

Eleanor's face darkened instantly. "Nathan Sanford, if you dare, I'm leaving. Harrell is in Alpha City right now anyway. I'll go stay with him and take Annie with me."

Nathan immediately backed down.