Chapter 612 Merely Another Pawn

"Mr. Lowell, I couldn’t tell when you were telling the truth or lying to me. Were you just talking to another woman, hmm?"

"No, I swear. You’re the only woman in my heart."

Tobias leaned close and kissed the strands of her hair.

The woman turned, hooking her finger under his chin. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Tell me, Mr. Lowell. Do you want me for my money or for my influence? Tell me the truth."

Tobias held her hand and pressed his cheek into her palm, nuzzling against it like a spoiled puppy. His smile was dreamy. "Can’t I be greedy? Can’t I want it all?"

She laughed softly. "You are a perfect lover. Even knowing what you’re after, I still find myself willing to give everything to you."

She traced his face with her fingers, her touch slow and lingering. "Out of all the men I’ve been with, you’re the most dangerous. I’ve always known a man like you could never be tied down forever. One day, you’ll break free and leave me."

"At least you’re mine for now." Her lips curled into a smile. "That’s enough for me. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. Just fuck me hard and give all the pleasure a woman could ask for!"

Her gaze burned with desire as she pulled him closer. She felt the wetness between her thighs.

For a brief, unsettling moment, Tobias thought he saw Tilda’s face instead of hers.

It flickered in his mind like a flash of light, gone before he could catch it.

Tobias blinked, breaking under the woman’s hungry gaze. His mind snapped back to reality.

Tilda… She would never look at me that way.

A crooked smile tugged at his lips. I must be losing it—thinking about Tilda, even now.

The next second, Tobias swept the woman into his arms and carried her straight into the bedroom.

Kyla had no idea she was nothing more than a pawn in Tobias’s game.

When she went home, she paused at the door and took a deep breath before stepping inside.

"Kyla, you’re home?"

Blair had just finished her rehab exercises. Darell and the others were at her side, handing her towels and fruit to help her recover.

When Blair saw Kyla, she smiled warmly and waved at her daughter.

Kyla moved closer and took Blair’s hand as she knelt by the wheelchair. Blair reached out and held her hand gently.

Behind them, the brothers seemed uneasy. Their expressions were slightly off.

Kyla noticed it all.

In the past, Kyla might have felt crushed when her brothers pulled away from her.

But now, with Tobias standing behind her, she didn’t feel so alone.

His presence gave her a shield, and because of that, their coldness no longer cut her so deeply.

"Did you have fun today, Kyla? You should go out more. You’ve been stuck at home for so long; I’ve been worried sick about you."

Blair’s voice was full of concern. "What happened wasn’t anyone’s choice, but at least we’re still alive. Life has to move forward. Keep a good positive outlook on life and work together with the doctors. That way your face will heal faster, you understand?"

Blair’s worry for Kyla’s state of mind never stopped.

She had been watching her daughter’s moods every day, afraid the girl would sink too deep.

Still, no matter how much she tried, it wasn’t enough. This kind of wound needed strong willpower to get through.

Today, though, Kyla had asked to go outside on her own. That was something. Blair’s heart lifted.

At least it was a sign her daughter was willing to step out again.

"I know, Mom. These past weeks I made you worry. I’m so sorry."

Kyla’s voice broke as she started to sob again. Her eyes were red; tears flickered in her eyes.

"Silly child," Blair said, stroking her daughter’s head with affection. "You’re my angel. You don’t ever have to apologize to me."

Darell and the others remained silent when they heard that.

If Mom ever found out the truth about what Kyla had done…

Just the thought of it made their stomachs drop.

Should we let Mom learn about the truth?

If she did, she would lose her mind.

Watching her now, so tender and loving, these thoughts swirled in their minds.

Kyla, please, don’t do anything foolish again. Don’t disappoint the family any more than this.

But Kyla’s face showed a storm of thoughts she kept hidden.

Blair noticed at once. "Kyla, did something happen when you went out today? Look at your brows, all tense. Did someone hurt you? Tell me, and I’ll make it right for you!"

"No, Mom. It’s nothing, really."

Kyla forced a weak smile to hide her thoughts, but she suddenly gasped in pain.

"Kyla, what’s wrong?!"

Blair’s voice shot up, panic breaking through.

Then she saw a dark purple bruise spreading across her daughter’s foot.

"Kyla, your foot! What happened to you?!"