Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover novel Chapter 525

Jacob's expression stiffened. He had brought Lisa along, thinking they could just breeze through without any hiccups. He assumed everyone would turn a blind eye to the situation, never expecting Neil to come right out and ask him such a direct question. Saying yes would be a blatant lie, and if Neil ever uncovered the truth, it could spell disaster.

As Jacob hesitated, unsure how to dodge the question, Lisa suddenly stepped forward. “Mr. Neil, I’m the baby you saw all those years ago. My name’s Lisa, and I must say, you look a lot younger than I pictured,” Lisa chimed in.

Neil studied the girl standing before him. Gone was the overwhelming connection he felt more than two decades ago. Back then, seeing that tiny baby swaddled in blankets had softened his heart, bringing him to tears despite himself. He had known the emerald pendant was a family treasure, meant for his darling daughter, Willow. But he had given it to that child instead. His Willow was gone, and he had longed for that baby to be his own.

Now, looking at the girl with a smile laced with what seemed like flattery, he felt none of that old sentiment—in fact, he could hardly stand her. Naturally, Neil understood—she was just a newborn back then. Maybe he had simply projected all his longing onto her. There’s no such thing as a connection that lasts a lifetime at first sight. Over the years, he frequently recalled the baby’s smile, like a beacon of light. But now, that light seemed snuffed out.

Even though the girl before him wasn't what he had imagined, Neil didn’t let his disappointment show. After all, she was merely a child from his imagination; he couldn’t expect her to live up to those fantasies. Neil was gracious as he said to Lisa, “You’ve got quite the sweet tongue, haven’t you?”

“Dinner’s ready; let’s head to the dining room,” Neil announced. Jacob nodded eagerly, rushing to agree, and courteously gestured for Neil to lead the way.

As Neil walked ahead and turned back, he instructed, “Mr. Jacob knows the old story. To spare my wife any heartache, there’s no need to bring up anything from over twenty years ago around her.”