From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 103

Chapter 103 Bargaining Chips

Chapter 103 Bargaining Chips

+35 Free Coing

As for what Sophia was saying, Lucas saw it as an excuse from a manager who couldn’t lead and couldn’t earn respect.

A truly capable leader would’ve seen efficiency and sound planning in Riley’s arrangement–not this so–called “losing face.”

Still, even though he’d already made up his mind, Lucas kept his expression neutral.

Sophia was, after all, the director he’d personally promoted. No matter what, he couldn’t tear her down in front of the whole department.

That wouldn’t just hurt Sophia’s authority. It would also reflect poorly on his own judgment as CEO.

He listened patiently as Sophia finished her tearful complaint.

Riley looked back at him calmly, her expression open and untroubled.

“Sophia,” Lucas said, his tone unreadable. “Riley has always worked this way.

“The company brought her back precisely because of that. You’re the department head. You should be learning from her, not wasting energy on pointless conflicts. Now–go do your work.”

Sophia’s face went from flushed to pale.

She’d thought Lucas would back her up, at least say something to put Riley in her place. But instead, she got this–almost blatant favoritism wrapped in corporate speak.

“Yes… Mr. Ashford.” She forced the words out through clenched teeth and lowered her eyes, backing down.

But she wasn’t ready to slink off just yet; she wanted to salvage one last shred of dignity.

She looked up at Lucas again, hopeful. “Mr. Ashford… why did you come down today? Was there something you wanted to discuss with me?”

Lucas didn’t hesitate for even a second. “No.”

It was short and blunt.

He added, “I came for Riley. There’s something urgent i need to go over with her.”

Sophia felt her vision go dark. Her ears started ringing.

“Alright, then,” she said, almost in a whisper.

She clutched her folder and shuffled back into her office.

Lucas turned his attention to Riley. “So? Are you settling in okay?”

Riley shifted slightly, avoiding his intense gaze.

Settling in? What do I need to settle into?

Sophia’s stupidity? Or his guilty, scheming ways?

1/2

7:44 pm

ppp.

Chapter 103 Bargaining Chips

+35 Free Coms

*What did you need to see me about?” Riley changed the subject, crushing the little spark of warmth he’d just tried to create.

Lucas choked on her words, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face.

But he quickly regained his CEO composure. “This isn’t the place to talk. My office.”

With that, he turned and strode out.

Trevor caught on immediately and held the glass door open for him.

Riley didn’t refuse or argue. She followed, expressionless.

“Tomorrow, you’re coming with me to the suburbs,” Lucas said once they were in his office, no more beating around the bush.

“There’s a golf course out there,” he continued. “There’s a project I want you to help me negotiate.”

Riley’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Lucas had never been into golf. He always said it took too long.

“Be more specific,” Riley said, looking straight at him. “What kind of project requires a trip to a golf course?”

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