From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Sebastian’s Markup

Chapter 14 Sebastian’s Markup

Half an hour later, the salesman returned with two velvet key boxes and handed them over respectfully.

Riley took them calmly.

Then, under their expectant gazes, she opened the one with the McLaren key first. Glanced at it. Nodded in satisfaction. Closed the box. Slipped it into her own pocket.

Next, she opened the other box. Pulled out the used Audi key. And–under Lucas and Sophia’s stunned stares–smiled as she held it out to Sophia.

“Sophia. Here’s the key to the used A4.”

Sophia froze.

She stared at the key in Riley’s outstretched hand, disbelief flickering across her face. That carefully curated gentle smile cracked at the edges. “Riley… what is this? Why are you giving that key to me?”

Lucas‘ brow furrowed. His gaze shifted to Riley, disapproval creeping in. “Riley. Enough with the jokes. The sports car was for Sophia. We talked about this.”

“I’m not joking.” Riley’s smile stayed steady.

“Sophia’s about to start at Ashford Group, isn’t she? Taking over my old role? And with her background in entertainment, she’ll be in the public eye constantly. Every move she makes will get picked apart. So really, being low–key is the smarter play. Didn’t she just say she wanted to learn from me?”

She tilted her head slightly. “Or do you think it’s more appropriate for me—the actual Mrs. Ashford–to have driven a modest fifty- thousand–dollar car to work all these years while Sophia, a foster daughter living with us temporarily, rolls up to the office in a million–dollar limited edition?”

She sighed and made a half–hearted move to swap the McLaren key. “If that’s what you really want, fine. I don’t mind switching.”

Lucas stopped her. “No need.” His voice was tight.

Much as he hated to admit it, everything she’d said made sense.

If Sophia showed up at the office in that car, the paparazzi would be camped outside headquarters within a day. The gossip would write itself.

He turned to Sophia, voice firm. “Riley’s right. Given your position at the company, you need something understated.”

Sophia had no room to argue.

She swallowed every bit of resentment and forced a smile. “Of course… Riley’s so thoughtful.”

On the drive back, Riley was in a great mood.

She rolled down the window and let the evening breeze run through her hair.

The setting sun caught the edges of her profile, and the easy smile on her lips stirred something in Lucas he couldn’t name.

1/2

1:12 pm

PP

Chapter 14 Sebastian’s Markup

He kept glancing at her during the drive. Couldn’t help himself.

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They walked upstairs together. The moment they reached the second–floor hallway, Lucas‘ restraint snapped. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close.

His chin rested on her shoulder. Warm breath against her ear. “Are you still mad at me?”

Riley pushed down the disgust crawling up her throat. From the corner of her eye, she caught Sophia approaching the stairs.

She turned smoothly, looping her arms around Lucas‘ neck. Her fingertips traced lightly along his skin. She laughed, soft and suggestive. “Well… you did okay today.”

Her voice, deliberately low, made his eyes darken.

The composed gentleman act slipped. He leaned in, voice rough. “I can do better.”

His lips almost touched hers-

“Lucas!” Sophia’s voice cut through from the stairwell, high and panicked. “It’s Jeremy–he won’t stop crying. He’s asking for you!”

Lucas froze.

Riley took the moment to gently pull away. She smoothed her hair. “Go. The kid comes first. I’ll shower.”

Lucas hesitated. Conflict flickered in his eyes.

Fatherhood won. “Wait for me. I’ll check on him and be right back. He’s still little.”

He followed Sophia down the hall.

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