She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 4

The car had driven quite a distance. Jolie glanced at Luther.

He was clearly in a foul mood. Was it because he saw his wife?-

She asked softly, "Where are we heading now?"

His tone was detached. "Colin Sutton's estate. He recently acquired a few oil paintings he's quite fond of, and he's invited some business associates over for a private viewing."

Jolie smiled subtly.

Colin Sutton was a major shipping magnate from the south. But the Sanford family still reigned supreme. Aegis Group, under Luther's control, boasted a market cap in the trillions, with Luther's personal shares alone valued at a staggering seven hundred billion. He was the undisputed king of Alpha City's elite.

Sadly, her illegitimate status made it difficult for her to marry into such power.

But thankfully, she had a 'good' stepsister.

If Hilda hadn't saved his life all those years ago, Jolie would never have been handed this golden opportunity.

She gently placed a hand over his, flashing a confident smile. "I know you work closely with Mr. Sutton. I'll make sure to leave a good impression on him. I know a thing or two about art. Don't worry."

He glanced down at her hand resting on his. "Jolie, this isn't appropriate."

She gave him a radiant, coy smile. "I know, Luther."

Leaning back in her seat, she admired his aristocratic profile, her heart swelling with sweet triumph. She knew he had brought up the divorce for her sake.

Yet, she couldn't understand why he absolutely refused to cross the physical line. They had gone on several private business trips, and late at night, she had been desperate to break boundaries and truly be with him.

She wanted him so badly it ached!

...

Half an hour later, the car pulled up to a sprawling estate.

The Sutton residence featured classical architecture, its grey and white tones looking incredibly atmospheric amidst the twilight rain and the warm, amber glow of the lights.

The Bentley came to a smooth stop.

Colin Sutton personally came out to greet them.

"I've been waiting for you, Luther."

"Hurry inside and take a look at my new acquisitions."

"Harrell happens to be in Alpha City for a business trip, and he's already in there admiring them."

His tone was chummy, showing clear favoritism toward the younger man.

Luther casually buttoned his suit jacket, his stunning features looking even more chiseled under the porch lights. Though young, he was a seasoned shark in the business world, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the older shipping tycoon with effortless grace.

He turned with a polite smile. "This is Mr. Colin Sutton, president of Zenith Marine."

"Mr. Sutton, this is Ms. Jolie Lovell, my executive assistant."

Colin merely smiled. He had heard the rumors about Luther's messy personal life. Specifically that this assistant was actually his sister-in-law.

Jolie could sense the older man's underlying disdain for her status.

But she was confident she could change his mind. Compared to the painfully average Hilda, she spoke four languages, excelled in everything, and held the secret formulas for the Cassidy family's legacy fragrance business—a market Luther planned to dominate. She was the perfect candidate for Mrs. Sanford.

The group stepped inside.

Despite the early hour, the parlor was buzzing with energy. Colin had invited a handful of prominent business figures.

He had every right to be arrogant. As the eldest legitimate grandson of Havenworth's Judson family, he barely spared a glance for top-tier socialites, let alone an illegitimate daughter like Jolie.

Of course, he despised Hilda just as much. To him, she was nothing but a useless pretty face.

Harrell walked out to the driveway. The rain had stopped.

Parked next to his car was a black Cullinan. The backseat window was half-lowered. Inside, there was actually a child's car seat.

A beautiful little girl with a jet-black bob haircut and chubby cheeks was sniffling. A young man stood outside, practically begging her.

"Let's just grab a quick bite and then leave, okay?"

"Annie wants Mommy."

"Half an hour... Ten minutes?"

"Annie wants Mommy... Waaah..."

"Alright, alright! I'm taking you home."

Defeated, the young man climbed back into the driver's seat, peeling out in the Cullinan.

As Harrell was about to leave, a maid rushed out, looking frustrated at the departing tail lights.

"Soren finally comes home, and he runs off without a word again. Mr. Sutton is going to be furious."

Harrell frowned. That was Colin's only son? Then who was the little girl?

A sudden realization hit him. The child had looked exactly like someone he knew.

Hilda.