She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 262

Joyce drove with Annie in the passenger seat.

Annie sat in the car, looking perfectly content.

She touched this and traced that.

Ah, she used to sit in this exact same booster seat.

Even though she was quite envious of Jocelyn, as long as her mother was alive, that was all that mattered. She had spent years growing up by her mother's side, and her younger siblings needed their mother too. Annie thought very sensibly; just being able to ride in her mother's car and drink the milkshake her mom had bought her was enough to fill her with absolute bliss.

She could tell her mom didn't like her dad.

But her mom loved her and Landon.

It had to be the blood connection.

Family ties were the only real thing in this world.

Men were completely dispensable.

(At least, that was how it always played out on TV.)

Ever since Joyce appeared, Annie's personality had brightened up significantly. She used to be so withdrawn and quiet, but now she was talkative again.

As dusk fell.

A white BMW pulled into the Silverlake Villa. For Landon's birthday today, the central fountain was turned on. The goddess statue bathed in the evening breeze as music played and water danced, breathing a touch of lively joy into the estate that had been dead quiet for years.

By the time the car parked, Landon was already waiting.

As soon as Joyce stepped out, he clung to her.

The four-year-old boy threw his arms wide open, demanding to be picked up.

Joyce bent down to scoop him into her arms, magically producing a gift from her hand. It was an action figure the little boy adored. Landon tore it open, totally captivated. He almost called her 'Mom' again, but he held it back, offering her a sweet, sloppy kiss instead.

Joyce found the little guy incredibly affectionate.

—Not like Luther at all.

Annie stepped out after her.

The eight-year-old girl was already growing into a graceful young lady.

Wilma hurried out from the house, beaming. "Young Landon has been looking forward to this all morning! He was so worried you wouldn't come, Ms. Croix! Thank goodness Miss Annie managed to invite you over. Dinner is all set, and Mr. Sanford ordered the cake himself. After we eat, you can help the kids cut the cake and celebrate. It's truly been ages since this house felt so full and lively."

Joyce's heart skipped a beat.

She couldn't help but think of that nightmare again.

But then she quickly dismissed it, thinking she was just overthinking things.

What you think about by day, you dream about by night.

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