She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 409

Lyra quickly invented an excuse. "Ever since you and Jasmine broke up, people on the internet have been obsessing over that balcony kiss, trying to track down who the woman was. My position is delicate. I was afraid of being exposed, so I've been keeping a low profile."

"Answering a phone call would expose you?" Rowan countered.

Lyra's cheeks flushed slightly as she softened her tone. "I was afraid that if I heard your voice, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from running out to see you. So..."

Rowan dragged a finger along the edge of his teacup, his eyes locked onto her innocent face. A half-smile played on his lips. "You wouldn't be able to stop yourself?"

Lyra nodded shyly, playing the part of a timid, obedient lover to perfection.

Whether Rowan bought it or not, he reached out and grabbed her hand. It wasn't until he heard footsteps coming down the stairs that he finally let go.

It was Delilah carrying the baby, who was still fussing. Kayla had gone out for a rare date with her girlfriends, and despite having a bottle and a fresh diaper, the baby wouldn't stop crying. Delilah and the nanny were struggling to calm him down.

Lyra instantly recognized little Harry. She quickly stood up and carefully took him from her mother's arms. Looking at his teary eyes and chubby little face, her heart ached with adoration. She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and cooed, "Shh, don't cry. We're all right here."

The baby slowly quieted down, his big, round eyes staring up at her as he snuggled securely against her chest. He was incredibly sweet and absolutely adorable.

Delilah smiled. "I think he's starting to recognize people. He always stops crying when you hold him."

Lyra smiled back, taking a tissue from her mother to wipe away the baby's tears.

Rowan, who had been watching the entire exchange, suddenly asked, "Miss Fairchild, when you have your own baby one day, will you love it just as much?"

All the color drained from Lyra's face. She instinctively shot a panicked glance at her mother, completely blindsided that he would ask something like that right in front of her.

Delilah didn't suspect a thing. "She loves kids. When she has her own, I'm sure she'll love them even more."

Seeing that her mother hadn't caught the implication, Lyra let out a quiet sigh of relief, choosing to remain completely silent.

A faint, satisfied smile touched Rowan's lips.

"Mr. Jameson, we appreciate the generous offer, but..."

Rowan cut him off, standing up. "You don't need to give me an answer right now, Caleb. Talk it over with your sister. I'll be taking my leave."

Rowan headed for the door. Behind him, his two assistants quickly packed the documents into their briefcases and followed close behind.

The group walked out of the estate and climbed into the waiting black cars. As the vehicle slowly pulled away, Rowan glanced out the window at the Fairchild mansion.

A dark, heavy shadow settled over his features.

Where did things go wrong?

Remembering that he had a business trip the next day, he pulled out his phone and dialed Josie's number. She picked up almost immediately.

"Come meet me. I have some questions for you."