She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 276

The atmosphere was heavy with melancholy.

Lori smoothly interjected, "Dinner is ready!"

Gardenia suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing she was still gripping her hand.

She let go, though completely reluctant to do so.

But her heart was still aching.

Her Hilda had forgotten absolutely everything.

This was her own daughter, yet moving forward, she had to treat her like Luther's girlfriend. She had to carefully monitor her own boundaries. It was her Hilda, but Gardenia had to swallow all her pain. If she wanted her daughter to be happy, and if she wanted to see her on a regular basis, she had no choice but to endure it.

During dinner.

The driver retrieved a crate of premium liquor from the trunk of the car.

The incredibly expensive kind.

Gardenia stared at Luther.

Luther took a bottle himself, popped it open, and offered a faint smile. "It's rare that we're all together. Mom's in a great mood today, and it's cold out. A drink will help warm everyone up."

She had her daughter back.

Even if there was an invisible wall between them, she was undeniably overjoyed.

He handed her a small shot of liquor.

Gardenia took it, hesitated for a split second, and then downed it in one go.

She truly was so happy.

A happiness deeply intertwined with bitterness and agony.

But at least her Hilda wasn't hurting anymore.

And that was all that mattered.

That glass was a silent toast, wishing her daughter a bright, beautiful future.

It was a drink filled with the burning sting of mixed emotions—joy and profound sorrow.

As she finished it, tears shimmered in her eyes again.

Watching from the side, Lori felt her own heart twist. She was dangerously close to crying herself. To cover it up, she stepped forward to pour another glass for the older woman, whispering gently, "Just two small glasses, alright? Too much will hurt your health."

Gardenia patted her hand. "You should sit down and eat with us."

She knew Lori had always been good to Hilda.

Over the years, she had helped her daughter both openly and behind the scenes.

Lori agreed softly and took a seat.

She poured herself a glass and tossed it back.

A toast to the reunion of her boss and Hilda.

Seeing everyone else drinking, Joyce felt she should join in for the occasion. But the moment her fingers grazed her glass, the man beside her snatched it away.

He gave her a side-eye. "You're driving us back."

Joyce was speechless.

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