Chapter 540 The Guest

    Lily was a little too caught up in the fun–her “revenge” had be addictive.

    But she didn’t realize that to a strong, young man like James, her curious little hands wandering lower was nothing short of lighting a fire in a dry field.

    The moment her touch slid across his abs, James could no longer pretend to sleep.

    His eyes snapped open. He rolled over in a swift motion, pinning her beneath him like a predator awakening from slumber.

    “James, you were pretending?”

    Meeting the ze in his phoenix–like eyes, Lily instantly understood.

    And she realized, with a chill of regret, that her teasing was nothing less than self–destruction.

    Nervous, she instinctively tried to wriggle away,

    her nowhere to run.

    iut /ihis kiss fell with consuming force, leaving

    Just when she thought he would drown herpletely, he finally relented.

    Weak, trembling, she tried to slip quietly from his arms–but he only held her tighter. She heard his rough, restrained voice against her ear. “Lily, I’m in pain…”

    She wanted to snap back that it was his own fault.

    Who told him to keep kissing a pregnant woman who couldn’t take too much strain?

    But something in his voice made her heart squeeze. Before she knew it, words tumbled out of her mouth. “Maybe… maybe I can help you.”

    The moment she said it, she regretted it bitterly, wishing she could bite her tongue off.

    But the mes in his eyes red hotter, swallowing her resolve.

    He carried her to the bathroom to wash his hands, thenid her gently back on the bed.

    “Tired? It’s still early–rest a little longer,” he murmured, gaze dropping meaningfully to her hand.

    Mortified, Lily turned away, refusing to speak to him. Shameless man.

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    Yet thinking of the way he had looked at her, the warmth in his voice, the memory left her with a strange softness inside. She couldn’t bring herself to be cold. She just rolled over, back to him, ignoring him.

    He knew he’d pushed too far. With quiet care, he slipped an arm around her from behind, his embrace apologetic, his feelings deep and steady.

    Neither of them could fall back asleep. After lying a little longer, they went downstairs for breakfast.

    There was already a guest waiting.

    On the sofa, a strikingly beautiful young woman clung to Grace with one arm and Nancy with the other,ughing and coaxing affection from them.

    Clearly, she was well–loved by the Luke family. Grace and Nancy beamed at her fondly.

    The moment James appeared, her eyes lit up with a spark of joy. “I’m back!”

    But when she saw Lily at his side, a flicker of disappointment crossed her clear gaze.

    She smoothed it away in an instant, stepping forward with a bright, friendly smile. “This must be sister–inw?”

    “You’re gorgeous! James is so lucky!”

    “Lily, I’m Renee. It’s such a pleasure to meet you!”

    She extended her hand with warmth and confidence.

    Lily didn’t know exactly what Renee’s connection to the family was. From her ease with Grace and Nancy, she guessed she was either a rtive or someone very close to the Lukes.

    Renee’s smile was dazzling. Her eyes shone like stars, polished by fine manners, brimming with friendliness as theynded on Lily.

    And yet… perhaps it was her heightened sensitivity since bing pregnant, but Lily couldn’t shake the feeling that Renee wasn’t as harmless as she appeared.

    Still, one couldn’t reject an outstretched hand. Renee was a guest, and she had taken the initiative. Lily politely sped her hand in return.

    “Lily, Renee is your Aunt Susan’s daughter,” Nancy exined happily. “She’s the same age as

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    apter 540 The Guest

    you. You two should get along well.”

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    The name Susan Lily remembered–Nancy’s dearest friend, no blood rtion, but closer than sisters.

    Back when both the Bale and Luke families were in crisis, Nancy had no time to care for five- year–old James. Susan had stepped in, taking him into the Lynn household for nearly three

    years.

    To James, Susan was like a second mother. He still called her godmother.

    “You don’t need to worry,” Renee chimed in brightly. “I’ve always liked pretty girls. And Lily is so beautiful–I’ll definitely get along with her!”

    She nestled against Nancy’s arm a little longer, then skipped over and clung yfully to Lily’s.

    “Your skin is so fair! How can it be this wlessb?/bb” /b

    “James really struck gold. I’m even a little jealous!”

    “You don’t know how bad his temper was. When we were kids, he was like an iceberg–barely said a word all day long.”

    “I honestly thought he’d never get married, that he’d end up a lonely bachelor forever. Who would’ve guessed he’d marry someone as stunning as you?”