She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 216

Right before lunch.

Luther brought Hilda back to the Sanford family estate.

Nathan and Eleanor treated Hilda just as warmly as they always had. They gave her generous holiday envelopes stuffed with checks, and handed an equally thick envelope to little Annie. They had even prepared one for Landon. Deep down, the older couple missed the baby terribly, but they respected Hilda's choice. The Judson family was practically their own flesh and blood anyway, so they knew the boy was in good hands.

Throughout the entire day, Luther hovered attentively around Hilda and Annie, playing the role of the perfect, devoted husband and father to absolute perfection.

In private, Eleanor pulled Nathan aside.

"It looks like Luther has finally settled down."

"He's treating Hilda and the girl so well now."

"Let's have Annie move in with them after the holidays. If they have another baby together, raising the kids will really solidify their bond. As for Harrell... we just need to make sure he's well taken care of. Luther owes him that much. Nathan, Harrell is my own nephew. It breaks my heart every time I think about him. And Hilda must be suffering even more. As a woman, I understand exactly how she feels. Honestly, it might be easier on her if she just lived on her own."

Nathan didn't know what to say.

He simply patted his wife's shoulder in quiet comfort.

Lunch was a relatively casual affair, as the true centerpiece of the holiday was the New Year's Eve dinner. They had even sent a car to bring Gardenia over to celebrate with them. Luther shared several glasses of vintage scotch with his father, while the women enjoyed the wild-foraged delicacies. After eating, little Annie pressed her face against the floor-to-ceiling glass, her voice small. "Mommy, it's raining outside."

The little girl looked completely crestfallen.

She had been desperately looking forward to going outside to release a floating wish lantern.

She wanted to send a wish lantern up to the sky so Harrell would wake up.

Luther glanced over at the little girl. After a moment, he walked over and gently ruffled her hair. "Then we'll go as soon as the rain stops."

Annie wasn't close to him.

Once upon a time, she had followed him around like an eager, affectionate puppy.

But her father hadn't liked her.

And now, she didn't like her father either.

Luther was perfectly aware of the girl's feelings, but as an intelligent, calculating man, winning over a child was child's play for him. He crouched down, kissed her soft cheek, and like magic, produced an exquisitely wrapped candy from his palm. When Annie peeled back the wrapper, her eyes went wide.

Inside was a massive, flawless gemstone.

It was just as dazzling as the ruby Harrell had given her.

She looked up at Luther, her soft, round face full of innocent confusion.

Luther scooped her up into his arms and planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

He glanced back at Hilda.

Her expression was completely flat.

She always seemed so distant these days.

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