Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 282

In the helicopter, Julie nestled into Kieran’s embrace, keeping quiet the whole time.

Instead of probing for details about what had happened, Kieran was more concerned about her physical state. Julie, finally regaining her composure, shook her head, “I’m okay.”

The helicopter whirred back to Whispering Pines, landing on the grounds of Noblewood Retreat.

Julien was the first one to meet them, her concern evident as she asked, “Are you hurt?”

Julie shook her head, wrapping Julien in a tight embrace. Although surprised by this sudden intimacy, Julien did not push her away.

Unsure of what to say, Julien decided to break the good news, “Fred’s daughter has been saved. Hayden has assigned people to protect her round the clock. Fred has agreed to treat Sansa.”

Joy brimmed in Julie’s eyes as she released Julien from her grip, “Really?”

Seemingly revived by the news, Julien nodded, “Mmhm.”

Amanda, the matriarch of the family, had already heard about Julie’s disappearance over the phone and had been worried sick.

Julie, noticing Amanda’s concern, sweetly called out, “Grandma.”

“You should have had Bolt with you. You always manage to stir up trouble when you’re on your own.” Amanda tried to sound nonchalant, but her concern was evident as she rushed out to greet Julie.

“I made you worry.” Julie lowered her gaze, her innocent demeanor making one’s heart ache.

Amanda dismissed her with a wave, “The cavalry wasn’t called for you.”

Amanda’s aloofness was typical, but everyone knew she cared.

“Are you here to greet Joyce?” Kieran asked Amanda.

Amanda waved at Basil, “Where’s the car I asked for? I need some fresh air.”

Basil was left dumbfounded; when had she asked for a car? He followed the matriarch out, leaving the rest in the room.

Payne looked at Julie, “Sis, if you hadn’t shown up, my brother would have turned the world upside down looking for you.”

ride home.” Julien

surprise and suspicion on his face, “Me?

you don’t want to, then never mind.” Julien turned away, her aloofness

realizing what was happening, quickly followed her.

changed into clean clothes, and settled beside Kieran on the couch. He

lap. Her pale ankle bore the marks of scratches. As he carefully applied the ointment, he asked, “Are there any other

had insisted on doing it alone.

buy flowers.” He replied, keeping his focus on her ankle.

lips, whispering, “For me?”

“Mmm.”

today…” She pulled back her foot and moved closer to

talk about what happened. He gently held

When Kieran asked,

man, Rowan, wasn’t just an ordinary person. He didn’t tell me his full name, and I didn’t tell him mine. In the end, he

black cellphone, “And this. He left this for me, said I could use it to call for help. But there was no signal on the island, so all

not a single photo or phone number saved. The call history was also clear, making

the phone

sat next to him, quietly asked,

interrupted her words, a fervor that started as intense and deep before softening into tenderness. His embrace was tight at first, before relaxing into a

not have been good with words, but after their lingering kiss, he held her gently and said, “From now on, don’t go looking for me recklessly. I’ll

aback by the

the couch. She lay on top of him, looking down at him as she said, “I don’t want flowers, or surprises. I just want you. To fall asleep

head to kiss him, her lips moving over his in a slow, bone-melting kiss as though she desired to blend him into

to her passion, his hands gently holding her waist, until she finally pulled away. His

had had a long, frightful day, he tried to comfort her,

his body, finally resting

tightening in his throat as he rolled over, pinning the petite

Payne, Julien found herself at a loss for words. The usually talkative Payne was quiet in front of

me look someone up?” she asked,

had been so out of the way, she had needed

forced smile, he asked, “Who?”

Sanches,” Julien

his tongue, “Who?”

to repeat myself?” she retorted, her gaze was icy and devoid