She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 211

Standing outside the door, Catherine listened with simmering distaste.

Landon clearly favored Harrell's side of the family.

—A child always takes after the one who raises them.

Once Catherine had fully descended the stairs, Luther set his son down. He stepped up to Hilda, gently brushing his thumb beneath her eyes, his voice as tender as if he were still cooing at the baby. "Why are your eyes so red? Can't bear to leave him? If it's really that hard, let's take him back to Alpha City. I'm sure Uncle Harrison and Aunt Catherine wouldn't object. I've always believed it's best if you raise our child yourself."

Hilda slightly turned her face away.

"Let's just leave him here."

Luther chuckled, wrapping an arm around her slender shoulders. "Then we'll hold the wedding as soon as possible and have another baby! Of course, whenever you miss Landon, I'll have him brought over. We won't neglect him. After all, he's our flesh and blood, and I would never play favorites. Whatever you want goes."

Hilda managed a strained, fragile smile.

...

They stayed for lunch at the Judson estate.

Morton Judson still claimed he was feeling unwell and stayed out of sight.

Luther went upstairs to check on the older man, only to be met with a frigid reception. Downstairs, however, Harrison was surprisingly hospitable. He brought out a bottle of vintage scotch, insisting on pouring Luther a glass. Luther glanced at his watch. "My private jet departs at five. I have time for a few rounds with you, Uncle."

Harrison gave his wife a pointed look.

Catherine retrieved two heavy crystal tumblers.

Smiling, Luther poured generous measures for both of them.

It was a phenomenal scotch, the kind that chased away the winter chill and warmed the blood perfectly.

After the first glass, a faint, handsome flush crept over Luther's cheeks. He draped his arm casually over the back of Hilda's chair. For a few quiet seconds, he simply stared at her before seamlessly slipping back into conversation with Harrison. He was completely at ease, carrying himself as if Hilda had always been his wife, as if her marriage into the Judson family had been nothing but a fever dream.

That unshakeable composure sent a chill down Harrison's spine.

—The boy he had watched grow up had turned into something terrifyingly formidable.

Luther smiled pleasantly.

With the slight flush on his face and the veins faintly visible on his neck, he radiated a potent, undeniable magnetism. Harrison kept pace drink for drink until they were both thoroughly buzzed. Clinging to a sliver of sobriety, Harrison finally turned to Hilda.

"Help Luther upstairs so he can rest."

"Leaving the house by three-thirty will give you plenty of time."

Hilda blinked in surprise.

It wasn't even two o'clock yet. They had over an hour and a half until three-thirty.

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