Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 282

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.”

home.” Julien turned to Payne.

mix of surprise and suspicion on his face,

never mind.” Julien turned away, her aloofness back in

realizing what was happening, quickly followed

couch. He held a tube of ointment and a towel,

onto his lap. Her pale ankle bore the marks of scratches. As he carefully applied

help her bathe and check for injuries, she had insisted on doing it alone. She shook her head, then asked, “Where were you this

to buy flowers.” He replied,

pursed her lips, whispering, “For

“Mmm.”

pulled back her foot and

into his arms, realizing she was ready to talk about what happened. He gently

collect her thoughts. When Kieran asked, she told him

ordinary person. He didn’t tell me his full name, and I didn’t tell him mine. In the

He left this for me, said I could use it to call for help. But there was no signal on the island, so all I could do was wait. Rowan was taken away

clean, not a single photo or phone number saved. The call history was also clear, making it seem like a brand new

he put the phone

next to him,

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

words, but after their lingering kiss, he held her gently and said, “From now on, don’t go looking for

at him, taken aback by the warmth in his words.

She lay on top of him, looking down at him as she said, “I don’t want flowers, or surprises.

to kiss him, her lips moving over his in a slow,

away. His thumb gently traced circles on her waist as

he tried to comfort

body, finally resting on

in his throat as he rolled over,

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

you help me look someone up?” she asked, out of the blue.

sank. No wonder her detour had been so out

forced smile,

Julien answered.

almost bit his

her gaze was

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