She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 32

Luther returned from Newcrest City.

Just in time to see Harrell dropping Hilda off.

Luther pushed his car door shut, narrowing his eyes at the man and woman smiling at each other. Even the little one was holding Harrell's hand, looking incredibly affectionate.

Luther frowned slightly—

Since when were Harrell and Hilda so close?

At that moment, Hilda noticed Luther. Her smile faded. She said goodbye to Harrell and walked over, leading Annie by the hand. When Annie saw Luther, she affectionately called out, "Daddy!" Not wanting to embarrass the little girl in front of others, Luther offered a reluctant hum of acknowledgment.

Feeling the cold shoulder.

Annie's lower lip pushed out in a pout.

Harrell walked over and patted the little girl's head. "Ran into them on the road, so I gave them a lift back."

Annie widened her eyes.

Harrell shook her little hand—

"I'll hang out with you next time, kiddo."

With that, he smoothly departed.

Watching his cousin get into his car, Luther couldn't help but recall that night at the club. It was also because of Hilda that Harrell—who usually avoided drama—had nearly beaten Mr. Whitman to a pulp.

—Maybe he was just overthinking it?

How could Harrell possibly...

On the way upstairs.

In the elevator, Hilda managed to exchange a few polite pleasantries with Luther.

Annie, however, couldn't fake it at all.

The little girl clung tightly to her mother's hand.

Refusing to waste her warmth on a cold wall.

Upon entering the apartment, Luther handed his luggage to Hilda and headed straight to the study to work.

Hilda patted the little girl's head, sending her to her room to read her fairy tales. She carried the luggage into the walk-in closet to unpack. After a few days on a business trip, the clothes were all worn. She needed to sort them out so the housekeeper could send them to the dry cleaners tomorrow.

Accidentally, Hilda felt a box of condoms in the pocket of his suit jacket.

Ultra-thin 001s.

Extra-large.

But for some reason, they were unopened.

Hilda held the box, staring blankly. Suddenly, Luther's deep, raspy voice sounded right by her ear. "The large size is too tight for me. This is my regular size. Don't buy the wrong one again."

She froze, looking up at him.

Luther leaned against the doorway of the closet.

Luther nodded.

He quickly followed up, "My father just called. He said they want to throw a big celebration for my grandmother's birthday next month. He wants you to host it. First, to lift her spirits, and second, to formally introduce Annie to our relatives and friends. I think it's a good idea, just to make her happy... What do you think? Of course, I know this is extra work. I'll compensate you separately."

Hilda paused slightly.

Have her host it?

The Sanfords were the most prominent family in Alpha City. How many eyes would be watching Matilda's birthday banquet? They would undoubtedly try to pick it apart. Hilda's background wasn't bad, but a small place like Jadeport City couldn't compare to Alpha City. Plus, she had zero experience.

Seeing her hesitation, Luther suggested—

"How about I have Jolie handle it? She's organized plenty of large-scale events."

"No! I can do it."

Hilda rejected the idea outright.

How could she let Jolie handle it?

She didn't care about Jolie and Luther's clandestine affair.

But she had to be the one to host this birthday banquet.

This was about her and her mother's dignity.

But Luther couldn't comprehend her underlying sorrow.

He simply thought Hilda was trying to compete with Jolie.