From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 12

r 12 The Damaged Car Arrives

Chapter 12 The Damaged Car Arrives

Anthea’s words landed hard–almost like she’d read Sophia’s mind.

But Lucas shut it down without hesitation. “No. Not yet.”

Anthea gave him a curious look. “What, you’re seriously thinking about giving her that house on the westside?”

Lucas didn’t answer.

Instead, an image flashed through his mind–Riley walking through the door earlier, pale and exhausted.

Something about it unsettled him. “I know what I’m doing,” he said flatly. “Stay out of it.”

Then he turned and followed Riley upstairs.

Sophia’s hands curled into fists.

Resentment burned in her chest. Face dark, she retreated to her room.

+30 Free Coins

Inside, Jeremy was just waking up in the big bed. He rubbed his eyes and looked at her with a pitiful, tear–streaked face. “Mommy… my tummy really hurts…”

Sophia’s expression softened into something almost tender–but twisted.

She sat beside him and pressed a hand to his forehead. “I know, baby. Just hold on a little longer, okay?

“Mommy’s doing this to get rid of the bad woman who’s always around your daddy. If she stays, your daddy will never be completely ours. So you have to stick with Mommy, Jeremy. We handle her together.”

Jeremy nodded, eyes still wet, though he only understood half of it.

A flicker of something ruthless passed through Sophia’s gaze.

At the ladies‘ luncheon, she’d made sure the setup was airtight. She’d fed Jeremy chestnuts even though she knew he’d already eaten cake–deliberately triggering an allergic reaction. He’d spent the whole night throwing up, curled up on the bathroom floor.

The Ashford bloodline had no history of chestnut allergies.

Sophia had resented that once–a mark on her son that set him apart, that proved he didn’t fully belong.

But now? She’d use it. If it meant taking Riley down, she’d use anything.

Still, she hadn’t counted on Riley having video evidence.

Her meticulously planned public meltdown had almost backfired entirely.

Meanwhile, back upstairs, Riley had barely settled in before pulling out her phone and texting Sebastian. “Mr. Torres–can you tell your assistant not to fix my car? Just have it sent back to me the way it is. Damaged.”

Sebastian’s reply came fast and direct. “Why?”

Then another message popped up. “Or I could just buy you a new one. Pick whatever you want. I’ll have someone order it today.”

1/3

1:11 pm

1. PP.

Chapter 12 The Damaged Car Arrives

Riley declined. “Not necessary. I think someone else should be paying for this one.”

This time, Sebastian didn’t push. “Alright.”

Just then, Riley caught the sound of Lucas‘ footsteps climbing the stairs.

+30 Free Coins

She slid the phone under her pillow, turned on her side, and closed her eyes–breathing slow and even, the picture of someone completely worn out.

The door opened quietly. Footsteps stopped beside the bed.

He seemed to hesitate. Like he wanted to say something. “Riley?”

Her breathing stayed steady. She didn’t move.

Standing there, watching her curled up beneath the sheets, guilt hit him again.

He wanted to comfort her. Had no idea where to start. In the end, he just stood there like an idiot for a moment before quietly turning and heading to the study.

The door clicked shut. Riley opened her eyes. Wide awake.

It took a while before she finally drifted off.

She slept from early afternoon until the roar of a massive engine shook the house.

Riley got up and walked to the window. A flatbed tow truck was parked right at the villa’s front gate–hauling her wrecked Audi.

Sebastian really came through.

She’d asked for the car back in its damaged state, and he’d made sure it arrived with maximum drama. No way the Ashford household could miss this.

Downstairs, the servants were already buzzing.

By the time Riley made it down, Lucas was standing in the driveway, staring at the mangled car.

He turned when he saw her, his usually composed face creased with concern. “Riley–what happened?”

She let a shadow of gloom settle over her features. “Got distracted while driving yesterday. Crashed.”

Lucas‘ chest tightened.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify