She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 30

That night, the Alpha City Evening News.

The headline was a gossip piece about Luther and Jolie.

At the banquet, under the dazzling crystal lights, the man wore a classic black suit, while the woman was in a white slip evening gown. Two delicate chains held up the fabric at her chest, presenting a stunning and incredibly alluring figure.

They gazed into each other's eyes, holding glasses of red wine.

The woman looked deeply seductive.

The man's eyes were filled with pure admiration.

Their gazes were tangled in absolute devotion.

Standing next to them was a tall woman, strikingly beautiful with an aura of absolute superiority.

The caption in small print read: *Mokshalia's French representative, Naomi Zeller, engages in a lively conversation with the CEO of Aegis Group.*

Naomi?

Hilda stared at the woman in the photo.

Her fingers reached out to gently touch the screen.

—She grew up so fast.

In truth, Hilda had forgotten that she was only twenty-six herself, barely two years older than Naomi.

She kept her focus entirely on Naomi. The scandalous gossip about Luther and Jolie barely registered in her mind. It wasn't until later, when she went into the walk-in closet after her shower to grab a nightgown, that her eyes landed on Luther's Patek Philippe diamond watch—the exact match to the one Jolie had been flaunting.

She stared at it for a few seconds.

Then turned and walked back into the bathroom.

...

The next day, under Lori's arrangements, Hilda's mother flew to Switzerland.

Hilda couldn't go with her to take care of her.

Because she had to stay behind and continue playing the dutiful wife for Luther.

On the day of the departure, Hilda brought little Annie to see her off.

The moment she saw little Annie, Hilda's mother caught her breath. She threw a cautious, questioning look at Lori. Lori, being a woman of exceptional tact, simply smiled. "I'm sure you have private matters to discuss before parting. I'll step outside so you can chat with Mrs. Sanford."

Lori gracefully exited the room.

Even with her limited mobility, Hilda's mother practically dragged herself to the door to lock it herself. Only then did she turn around and lower her voice. "Is she Luther's biological child?"

Her mother wasn't stupid.

The sordid tales of Luther and Jolie.

—Had long since reached Jadeport City.

She had come to Alpha City for medical treatment, yet her son-in-law had been completely absent. Now, a child had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Hilda's mother came from an aristocratic background; how could she not notice the financial constraints evident in her daughter's everyday attire? It was a far cry from the luxury expected of a billionaire CEO's wife. She was terrified there was a terrible misunderstanding that would ruin her daughter's life, so she had to ask and make sure.

If there was any doubt, she wouldn't go to Switzerland.

She only wanted her daughter to be happy.

It didn't matter if Hilda married an ordinary man.

Lori had been waiting patiently the entire time. Seeing Hilda turn around, she smiled and pulled out an envelope. "Inside is a bank card. You have an $80,000 monthly allowance, Mrs. Sanford. If you have any additional expenses, you can call me, and I will do my best to submit a request to Mr. Sanford on your behalf."

This was Lori's own personal kindness.

Hilda knew exactly how things worked.

She accepted the card.

But she likely wouldn't ever exceed the $80,000 limit.

She and Luther were just a contract couple.

—And this was the agreed-upon price.

...

On the drive back from the airport.

Hilda received a phone call from Harrell Judson.

Harrell was a man of action. In just a few days, he had already secured an office space. The interior was already built out and just needed a few minor tweaks. He was calling to ask Hilda to come take a look. If she was happy with it, they could sign the official lease.

Hilda gave a soft hum of agreement. "Alright, I'll be there in half an hour."

She hung up the phone.

Sitting in the front seat, Lori didn't say a word, but her mind was racing. Why did the voice on that call sound exactly like Harrell Judson? Sure, Harrell was Mr. Sanford's cousin, but he was also the eldest legitimate grandson of the Judson Corporation in Havenworth City. He was incredibly wealthy, extremely arrogant, and kept his circle impossibly tight. There was no universe where he would be casually interacting with Mrs. Sanford.

—But it had unmistakably sounded like Harrell.

Lori quickly brushed the thought away. *Impossible,* she thought. *I must have misheard.*