Continue reading She Was Never Just a Pretty Face, starting with Chapter 271, on Swreads.com.
Getting into the car.
Luther gripped the steering wheel with both hands. He turned his head to look at the woman beside him, scrutinizing her face, unwilling to miss even the slightest shift in her expression.
Even after all these years, Harrell Judson remained a thorn in his side.
He was terrified that Joyce Croix might fall for Harrell too.
But Joyce looked completely unbothered.
His voice was gentle as he suggested, "Are you hungry? Let me take you out to eat."
She didn't object. "That works. I actually have something I need to talk to you about."
A hotel suite with just the two of them.
It wasn't exactly the right place to discuss private matters.
Luther stepped on the gas, leaving the thought of Harrell Judson in the dust.
Half an hour later, the car pulled into a secluded, exclusive restaurant.
Luther was clearly a regular.
The moment the car parked, the manager hurried over to greet them.
Luther escorted Joyce out of the vehicle.
The manager smiled warmly. "Lori booked a private room for you earlier and ordered an eight-course meal. Mr. Sanford, would you like to add anything else?"
Luther glanced at the menu.
Lori was thorough; most of the dishes were Hilda's favorites.
Even after becoming Joyce Croix, her tastes hadn't really changed.
Luther closed the menu and said softly, "This is fine. We'll have coconut water to drink."
The manager nodded and led them to their room.
It was less of a private dining room and more of an elegant suite. It wasn't overly extravagant, but every detail exuded refinement. Joyce could tell a meal here wouldn't be cheap, but considering Luther's wealth, she didn't feel burdened by it. She took her seat quietly. Her striking features caught the manager's eye, but he didn't dare stare.
The food arrived shortly after.
Luther was incredibly attentive, taking care of her every need.
Joyce murmured, "I can serve myself."
Luther didn't push it.
The food was delicious, but she only managed a few bites.
Looking at him with utmost seriousness, she said, "Mr. Sanford, thank you for telling me about your wife. You didn't hide anything, and while I don't know exactly why, I know you wouldn't just tell me for no reason. You want to date me, maybe even marry me, don't you?"
She asked the question point-blank.
Her gaze was unwavering.
Luther set down his silverware.
He thought for a second before giving her his answer. "Yes."
Joyce gently shook her head. "I don't want to."
She took a deep breath and looked at the handsome, aristocratic man across from her. "Mr. Sanford, I don't want a complicated life. Your romantic and marital history is far too complex for me. I'm not the right fit. I'd rather find someone ordinary to spend my life with, or simply spend it with Damien. I feel like the life I have with him and Jocelyn is good. I'm happy. You're undoubtedly charming, and any woman would be moved by you, but you're not suited for an ordinary girl like me. Not to mention, you're only using me as a replacement."
"What if you're not a replacement?"
He looked at her quietly, his eyes so dark and deep they felt like they could pull her right in.
But Joyce still refused.
She couldn't afford to play games with rich men!
Having said her piece, she stood up, ready to leave.
"I want to go home by myself."
"You don't need to see me out."


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