Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 294

“Strike first!” Julie exclaimed, “It’s as clear as day, Daphne. If you don’t want the press misconstruing your relationship with Lionel, why not beat them to the punch with a press release?*

A serious look crossed her face. “I’ve even got the perfect headline, Daphne Expecting Lionel’s Baby, Lionel Responds… Then you can fill the body with the usual stuff – that you’re just friends, the kind of friends who support each other through doctor appointments. You won’t be able to deny the baby’s existence because soon enough, Daphne, you’ll be showing. So, the best you can do is to say that Lionel was there as a supportive friend during the prenatal check-ups.”

Lionel glanced at Kieran, his eyes seemingly asking. Does your wife have something against me?”

Kieran shrugged, his expression clearly stating, You’re blaming my wife when

you can’t handle

your own?’

After giving her advice, Julie turned to Daphne, “But if you release this, you should know that Lionel probably won’t be recognized as the father. The omnipotent media will spin a thousand stories. For instance, I was painted as a cunning woman who used her child to climb the social ladder. They might say Daphne led a tumultuous personal life, and Lionel couldn’t confirm if the child was his, so he’d wait till after the DNA test to accept the child.”

Speechless, Daphne realized that Julie was the hidden scriptwriter.

Julie added, “If you end up together, it’ll be because Daphne, the woman of loose morals, used her baby to reach the top. If not, and you end up in court over the child, it’ll confirm the earlier narrative. So, think about it. Do you want to make your relationship public, or end up on the scandalous news with your child? Personally, I prefer the latter. After all, our Daphne is resilient, right?” Giving Daphne a wink, Julie laughed innocently.

Suddenly, Lionel realized that Julie was helping him.

Daphne rolled her eyes at Julie as she said, “Look at you, acting all wise! Weren’t you just brooding a minute ago? Now, you’re an expert on my life? What big life decision were you pondering over?”

Had her worry been that obvious? Daphne noticed it the moment she saw her?

Julie hesitated, looking at the door to Sansa’s room, “Dr. Brice just told me something about Sansa.”

“What’s wrong? Is Sansa’s condition worsening?” Daphne’s face turned serious, she grabbed Julie’s hand, “Don’t worry, she’s been fighting for so many years, and she’ll be okay!”

Since Daphne brought it up, Julie decided to tell her what Dr. Brice had said.

After hearing it, Daphne said firmly, “If Kyle really might be able to wake Sansa up, we have to try. What’s the point to hesitate about?”

“But Kyle was the one who kidnapped Emily,” Julie responded hesitantly.

“Do you trust Dr. Brice?” Daphne asked.

did trust Dr. Brice, more than she trusted Kyle. Since she met him, he’d proven to be a man

clapped her hand, “You know the answer,

do anything, even if it meant seeking

Kyle was unstable and dangerous, was Sansa any safer lying

I’ve

Daphne patted Julie’s shoulder, then turned towards Sansa’s room

husband, followed her quickly, grabbing Daphne’s arm. Daphne looked surprised, grabbing Lionel’s sleeve, “Lord Lion, I am merely pregnant,

maintaining his grip on her hand.

grabbed Lionel’s arm,

just a nickname. What do you

daughter and have her marry my

would we want our daughter to suffer at the hands of that boy?”

to have a close relationship with your ex-girlfriend’s daughter.” At that, Daphne let go of Lionel’s sleeve, pushed open the door, and entered

and Julie shared a smile.

waved his phone, “Shall we call

took a deep breath, “I’ll do it. Let’s head back to the office

**

Co.’s CEO’s office.

phone, Kyle’s number displayed

phone, unsure of how to begin.

her phone, half

pass me the cup on the coffee table?”

to his direction, placing it on his desk before she was about to turn back, only to have her arm

spin, Jolie ended up sitting in his lap. She attempted to stand, but his arm was

didn’t resist, instead she turned to look at him, a smile on her face. “Tired? Want me to give you a shoulder massage?”

breath tickled her

uncomfortably, then nodded.

from his hold, moved behind him, and began to gently knead his shoulders. Her touch was light,

over him, her expression hopeful,

lips brushing against her soft

the side, increased the pressure on his shoulders, and

avoiding me?” He spun his chair

his lap. His large hand held her neck as he captured her