She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 62

Night fell, and the city lights flickered on.

The Sanford Estate was brilliantly illuminated.

Hilda had divided the banquet into two areas. One was an outdoor Western-style dining section draped in Matilda's favorite blue and purple irises, all flown in fresh that morning. The table settings were exquisite, with top-tier wine, private chefs, and a world-class string quartet creating a massive budget. Inside the estate's floral hall was the main banquet area, designed for Matilda to enjoy an intimate, heartwarming birthday dinner with her closest family and friends.

Nathan Sanford was thoroughly pleased with the arrangement.

He praised Hilda highly in front of his wife.

Eleanor, zipping up her elegant dress and adjusting her jewelry in the mirror, smiled softly. "Matilda has a great eye; the girl she backed wouldn't disappoint. I've watched her work these past few days—she's incredibly organized. Even Sophie's quiet daughter, Rebecca, has been whipped into shape under her guidance. She knows how to run a household. Luther treats her differently now, too. After all, they have a child together; they're finally learning how to live as a family."

Nathan leaned in and teased, "It's all thanks to your good coaching."

Eleanor preened, flashing a stunning smile.

...

Luther's car slowly pulled into the estate.

The moment they entered, the musical fountain lit up as bright as day. Crystal-clear water arched gracefully from the stone goddess statues, while the live violinist played a sweeping, romantic melody. It perfectly framed the handsome man and the breathtaking woman in the car.

Luther stepped out and opened the door for her.

He offered his hand.

Hilda sat in the car, looking up at him.

Taking a step closer, Luther grasped her hand and helped her out. The early arrivals watched the scene with a sense of awe, particularly Yorick Lynn, who shook his head slightly. "I really never thought Luther would still end up with Hilda."

Zane Ziegler chuckled beside him. "Is it that surprising?"

To him, it wasn't surprising at all.

—Hilda was beautiful.

She was a stunning woman with an elegant, elusive charm.

A beauty like that didn't even have to try; men of all kinds would throw themselves at her. Let alone Luther, who slept in the same bed as her every night. To say he wasn't tempted would be a lie. It was just a matter of whether he was playing around or finally ready to commit.

It wasn't just Luther.

Hadn't Harrell felt the same?

Even Yorick's attitude had been increasingly ambiguous lately.

—It was really quite fascinating.

Luther guided Hilda around to greet the guests before standing at the entrance to welcome the rest. Everyone attending was incredibly wealthy or powerful. They all took a good look at Hilda, especially the society wives, who were already calculating how to win favor with the newest queen of Alpha City's elite.

Hilda disliked socializing.

But she played the role of Mrs. Sanford flawlessly.

He memorized how radiant and stunning she looked in this moment.

Hilda smiled faintly. "Thank you, Harrell."

Beside her, Luther frowned. He took the items, handed them to Rebecca, and then cupped Hilda's cheek. His dark eyes held a profound depth as he slowly leaned in. Hilda's heart fluttered with unease. Luther had never shown her affection in public like this. She whispered uncomfortably, "Luther."

He supported the back of her neck.

His handsome lips captured hers.

—No matter who he ended up with in the future, Hilda was his woman. He was even giving her dignity and publicly validating little Annie. These were all bonuses. He was a businessman; he didn't give things away for free. He wanted Hilda's body, but he still felt she was beneath him. Once Matilda passed away, they would sign the divorce papers, and he could keep her tucked away abroad, flying out to see her once a month until he grew tired of her. As for the little girl, he'd provide for her too. It didn't matter if she called him Dad.

This was Luther's latest plan for Hilda.

—To make her his favored mistress.

Kept luxuriously overseas.

But this disgraceful arrangement looked like a fiercely loving marriage to the outside world. Everyone envied Hilda. Even Harrell thought Luther had truly fallen in love. Only Hilda knew that he was just driven by lust, willing to pay a high price to keep her as a pet.

Just as Luther was kissing her.

A slender figure slowly walked up the steps.

—It was Jolie Lovell.