She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 84

That incident felt like a minor interlude.

It didn't seem to disrupt Hilda's life at all.

For the next two weeks leading up to the holidays, Jolie didn't appear in her life again. Luther didn't receive late-night calls from the woman. That night seemed to have been a final goodbye. Luther appeared to have made a clean break with Jolie. He was usually home by 8:00 PM, spending time with his daughter and occasionally bringing Hilda along to social events.

The entire affair slowly faded from memory.

As for Yorick, he had taken Luther's advice. He trusted Luther's judgment; in their circle, Luther was known for his foresight.

He restructured his family's assets, shedding the dead weight to move forward.

Kindergarten was on break.

Hilda wanted to take Annie to the office with her.

But Eleanor had already picked the little girl up.

This gave Hilda time to focus on her painting.

Over those couple of weeks, she managed to finish four oil paintings.

She was particularly fond of one titled *In the Rain*.

It depicted a gray, misty drizzle with a red umbrella lying on the ground.

It was highly evocative.

Harrell also believed this painting would be the centerpiece of the upcoming exhibition.

Right before the holidays, Hilda had originally planned to fly to Switzerland, but Luther asked her to attend the Aegis Group annual company gala, stating it was part of her duties as Mrs. Sanford. So, Hilda pushed her itinerary back until after the holidays.

...

Winter in Alpha City was exceptionally brutal.

Temperatures had plunged to freezing point over the last few days.

Hilda wanted to buy a wool dress for the gala.

Something she could just throw an overcoat over.

Halfway through her shopping, she unexpectedly received a text from Luther—

[Buy me two shirts and a tie.]

[AUS brand, size 44.]

...

In the past, Lori handled these things.

She couldn't help but sigh—

The billionaire lifestyle was truly extravagant.

The manager personally carried the bags to the parking garage.

"Mrs. Sanford, let's exchange contact info!"

"When we get new arrivals, please come shop with us again."

Hilda was never one to turn down a polite request.

They quickly exchanged numbers.

Hilda got into the car, swapped her shoes for flats, and was just about to drive home when her phone buzzed. It was a text from Luther.

[All done?]

Hilda thought for a moment and took a photo of the shopping bags in the passenger seat.

[Besides the shirts and ties, I got you two sweaters.]

[They look nice.]

[As long as you like them, Mr. Sanford.]