She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 36

Annie was incredibly persuasive.

The moment Luther showed a hint of kindness, she demanded he drop her off at preschool, claiming all the other dads drove their kids to school.

Initially, Luther wanted to refuse.

—It wasn't his kid; there was no need to put in the effort.

But his gaze landed on Hilda's face.

She was looking down, eating her breakfast.

Her red lips were intensely alluring.

Bringing back vivid memories of their intimate encounter the night before.

Luther was a pragmatic man. Money could make Hilda lie rigid in bed, but Annie was her weakness—she would willingly do anything for the girl. And since he was thoroughly satisfied, he agreed. The moment he nodded, Annie half-kneeled on her dining chair and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek, smearing milk foam onto his face.

Luther's expression darkened.

Annie simply kissed his other cheek.

Luther was speechless.

Hilda smiled softly.

She pulled Annie back and gently scolded her, "Eat your breakfast properly."

Annie instantly quieted down.

Luther realized Hilda had actually raised the little brat quite well.

He couldn't help but look at her again.

Then, his gaze uncontrollably dropped to her lips, savoring the memory of the night prior. He wasn't entirely uncurious about going all the way. He'd just have to wait. Once his grandmother's birthday was out of the way, he'd clear his schedule for a few nights and truly enjoy himself.

…

8:00 AM.

Luther headed downstairs.

Annie quickly followed.

The little girl, wearing her preschool uniform skirt and tiny leather shoes, had a bright, radiant face. Her tiny hand clutched her dad's as she practically skipped along. Luther's face remained expressionless, but he didn't shake her off.

Hilda trailed behind.

Carrying Luther's suit jacket.

No matter how you looked at it, they resembled a picture-perfect, happy family.

The atmosphere was shattered when they reached the ground floor.

The driver was waiting downstairs.

But he wasn't alone.

Jolie was there too.

—And it was all for Hilda's little bastard?

She wanted to argue, but the driver, Clark, interjected, "Ms. Lovell, you should head back. I'll take Mr. Sanford to the office."

Jolie's pretty face flushed with utter humiliation.

Luther ignored her, pulling open the rear door of his black Ghost to let Hilda and the child in before sliding in himself. The door slammed shut, cutting off Jolie's view. He knew she would be upset, but he had to teach her boundaries. Without an official title, acting too intimately in certain situations was crossing a line.

The morning sun beat down on Jolie.

Highlighting her flawless makeup.

But she couldn't smile.

She faintly sensed that Luther had changed.

Just a few days of living with Hilda, and his attitude had shifted.

He was even starting to dote on that little bastard.

How could this happen?

And then there was Matilda's birthday banquet—an event of critical importance to her. Yet Luther actually seemed inclined to let Hilda host it. He was no longer unconditionally biased toward her.

Was it because of Hilda's body?

Because Hilda had slept around.

—And picked up a few tricks?