From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 112

Chapter 112 Look at That Attitude!

• 15 Free Com

“Riley, where did you go? Your phone’s been dead. I called you several times.” His voice carried a hint of impatience–less about worrying for her safety, more about fearing what consequences her disappearance might bring

Riley held up her phone. The screen was dark.

“Battery died,” she said flatly. “I just found a park and walked around. Honestly, the phone dying was kind of nice–peace and quiet.”

She didn’t give Lucas a chance to keep asking. She changed the subject. “By the way, how did your meeting with Terrence go?”

Lucas‘ face visibly stiffened. Before he could answer, Anthea cut in from the couch, her tone sharp.

She sneered, “Went fine, of course! Did you really think Lucas and Sophia couldn’t handle things without you? The Ashford family is old money in Havenbrook. People show us respect whether you’re there or not.”

Sophia took her cue and added a pointed comment. “Riley… are you feeling guilty about what happened with Mr. Torres today? Is that why you didn’t answer your phone–because you needed some time alone?”

She looked up, her eyes glistening. “I know you take your work seriously. You probably feel bad that you couldn’t help…”

Those words sounded comforting, yet every line implied that Riley was to blame for the failed meeting.

“Guilty?” Riley repeated the word with a sarcastic smile. “Why would I feel guilty?”

She tilted her head slightly toward Lucas. “I went today because Lucas asked me to. He should have expected things might go wrong. If you think the meeting didn’t work out because of me, don’t blame me. Blame him–not thinking it through and insisting on taking me to see Terrence.”

Sophia’s tears froze. She stood there, unable to retort.

She wouldn’t dare blame Lucas.

Lucas quickly cut in, his voice low and sharp, “Enough! Didn’t I say not to bring this up again?”

He shot Sophia a glare, annoyed that she was stirring up trouble.

Sophia immediately went quiet, looking hurt, and lowered her head.

Lucas took a deep breath to steady himself. “Tomorrow is the Quinn family’s banquet I’ll find another chance their

Riley’s eyes flickered at his words.

She put on a tired, defeated expression, like what had happened today really got to her

Then she said, “If my presence is really that embarrassing if it might affect Mr Torres opinion of Ashford Group or mess up your

deal..

“Then I won’t go tomorrow. I’d hate to cause the Ashford family any more trouble Lucas, you can take Sophia F’m sure she it help you save face.”

This was a classic move–retreat to advance. On the surface, she was thinking of the family in reality, she was hitting Lucas night

8:07 am PP

Chapter 112 Look at That Attitude

where it hurt

She knew how much Caleb valued her Lucas wouldn’t dare go against Caleb’s wishes.

if she really didn’t show up. Lucas would be the one facing Caleb’s wrath.

Sure enough, as soon as Riley finished speaking, Lucas‘ face changed.

He answered without hesitation, “No!”

Lucas walked quickly to Riley’s side and spoke gently, trying to calm her down. “Riley, don’t overthink it. What Terrence said t was harsh, I admit. But he’s an elder–I couldn’t exactly argue with him in front of everyone. You know that wasn’t about you.

take it to heart.

“Just come with me tomorrow. Besides, Amanda and the other women will probably be there, too.”

No matter what Lucas said, Riley had already seen through his hypocrisy and selfishness.

“Fine,” she said flatly.

Lucas saw she wasn’t refusing anymore and felt a small sense of relief.

He let out a breath and put back his usual warm demeanor. “Good. Tomorrow-”

“It’s late. I’m tired,” Riley cut him off. “I’m going upstairs to rest.”

Without looking back, she turned and walked away, leaving the three of them in the living room with her indifferent figure.

Anthea watched Riley disappear up the stairs and let out another snort. She turned to Lucas and whispered, “Look at that attitu Acting like she’s doing us a favor–like the Ashford family needs her!”

Lucas rubbed his temples in frustration. He glanced at Sophia, who looked like she wanted to say something, and felt anger rise inside him.

He shouted, “Mom! Sophia! What the hell is wrong with both of you?”

His voice was sharp and sudden. Both Sophia and Anthea froze.

Lucas continued, “I made it clear when I got home! I told you not to say that to Riley Why can’t you just listen? Grandpa specificall said she has to be at the Quinn family’s banquet. He has his reasons if you provoke her, and she refuses to go tomorrow, how am supposed to explain that to him?”

2.2