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.”

give you a ride home.”

mix of surprise and suspicion on his

to, then never mind.” Julien turned away, her aloofness back in full force.

was happening, quickly followed her.

clean clothes, and settled beside Kieran on the couch. He held a

down, he gently lifted her leg onto his lap. Her pale ankle bore the marks of scratches. As he carefully applied

his offer to help her bathe and check for injuries, she had insisted on doing it alone. She shook her head, then asked, “Where

replied, keeping

lips,

“Mmm.”

today…” She pulled back her

she was ready to talk about what

thoughts. When Kieran asked, she told him what happened in the

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

returned, handing Kieran a black cellphone, “And this. He left this for me, said I could use it to call for help. But there was

It was wiped clean, not a single photo or phone number saved. The call history was also

the

to him, quietly asked,

passionate kiss from him 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 gentle hold. She felt cherished, like a precious gem in his hands.

said, “From now on, don’t go looking for me recklessly. I’ll always come

taken aback by the warmth in his

she said, “I don’t want flowers, or surprises. I just

kiss him, her lips moving over his in a slow, bone-melting kiss as though

passion, his hands gently holding her waist, until she finally pulled away. His thumb gently traced circles on her waist as he whispered, “Get

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

body, finally resting on

tightening in his throat as he rolled over, pinning the petite woman beneath him.

with Payne, Julien found herself at a loss for words. The usually talkative Payne was quiet in front of her. After a while, he finally managed to say,

someone up?” she asked, out of

No wonder her detour had been so out of

forced smile, he asked, “Who?”

Sanches,” Julien

bit his tongue, “Who?”

I need to repeat myself?” she retorted, her gaze