She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 19

Eleanor insisted on keeping Annie for the weekend.

"Matilda completely adores her. Why don't you two enjoy the weekend just the two of you?"

With Eleanor protecting her, Hilda felt entirely at ease leaving Annie there. It was actually perfect timing, as she had business to handle over the next few days, so she gracefully agreed to her mother-in-law's request.

Before leaving, she kissed Annie's forehead and told her to listen to her grandmother.

Annie planted a loud, wet kiss on her mother's cheek.

Luther stood by, watching with a completely detached expression.

Unexpectedly, Annie ran over and planted an identical kiss on Luther's cheek, cheerfully demanding, "Don't forget to pick me up on Monday, Daddy! I'm going to miss you."

Luther stared at her.

She was incredibly affectionate. Like an eager little puppy.

Annie patted his cheek one last time, then happily grabbed Eleanor's hand to go eat pastries. Nathan had still harbored some lingering doubts, but watching the little girl strut away with that familiar Sanford arrogance, he felt a wave of relief. She had been hidden away for years, yet she was still this bright and full of life. Only a true Sanford could produce a child like that.

With his anxiety fully cleared, Nathan happily followed them out.

...

Luther watched his parents walk away. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

When he turned back to Hilda, his voice had completely returned to its usual icy register. "I'll have my driver take you back to the apartment."

They walked out of the estate together.

Just as they reached the driveway, a sleek corporate car pulled up.

Jolie stepped out, smoothing down her tight pencil skirt. She strutted over on her stiletto heels, approaching Luther with a breathless, casual familiarity. "Mr. Sanford, I desperately need your signature on this rush file."

Luther took the folder, his tone completely neutral. "It's Saturday. What are you doing here?"

Luther reached out, gently brushing his thumb against Jolie's cheek. The absolute picture of a tender, protective lover.

Hilda felt absolutely nothing. She closed her eyes and calmly gave the driver her destination—the Regency Club. The most exclusive, high-end private club in Alpha City.

Yesterday, a respected veteran in the art world had introduced her to a private backer. This arrangement would allow her to focus completely on her exhibitions without the exhausting stress of the commercial market. After careful consideration, she had accepted the meeting.

She arrived at the VIP suite.

She pushed open the heavy mahogany door—and froze.

Harrell Judson sat gracefully at a magnificent agarwood table, a delicate porcelain cup resting in his hand. He was taking a slow, appreciative sip.

Beside him sat a young woman who was clearly his executive assistant.

At the sound of the door opening, Harrell lifted his gaze, a quiet, knowing smile touching his lips. "Surprised?"