Chapter 145 You’re Seeing the Result
Julian and Anthea exchanged a look. Their expressions shifted almost at the same time.
But Jeremy was just a child. He didn’t notice anything wrong.
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He held tight to Lucas‘ leg, tilted his tear–streaked face up, and pointed at Riley. “Daddy!” he announced loudly. “That evil crazy! She yelled at Grandma and Grandpa, and I saw her trying to hit them with a whip!”
“What?” Lucas felt blood rush to his head. He instinctively moved Jeremy behind him and looked at Riley with anger. “Rile tried to hurt my parents?”
But Riley didn’t raise her voice. She just asked a simple question. “Lucas, what did Jeremy just call you?”
No screaming or cursing–yet far sharper than any accusation.
Lucas‘ face–red with anger from Jeremy’s tattling–froze solid.
His arms stiffened around Jeremy. Panic flashed in his eyes, then turned into a warning glare–aimed straight at Sophia.
Sophia felt her heart tremble under that look.
They’d all gotten used to Jeremy calling Lucas “Daddy” at home. No one really thought anything of it. But now–with Riley ca but like this–on top of everything that came out today…
Sophia wanted to keep playing dumb.
But Lucas‘ warning left her no choice.
If this blows up any more over a word, I’ll only hurt myself.
And if Riley goes to Caleb with it? Even worse.
So Sophia crouched down and picked Jeremy up from Lucas‘ leg.
“It’s okay, sweetie, don’t be scared…” Sophia’s voice was soft, soothing. “Daddy’s not here”
Jeremy was young, but he was good at reading a room. He pouted, curled into Sophia’s arms, and gave Whey a koos of pure nati
Sophia Carried Jeremy quickly up the stairs
Riley’s icy expression didn’t thaw one bit
“Riley Lucas softened his voice He tried to brush it off as nothing
Jeremy was just scared He’s little he doesn Feelvate w
Riley let out a small laugh
“So, tucas,” she said “in your mind the mess at home tonight the disaster at the banquet all of this outty fault?
She threw the question back at bum
Her voice was calm But Lucas heart sank
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8:03 am P
Chapter 145 You’re Seeing the Result
He felt guilty.
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Lucas avoided Riley’s eyes and looked around at the mess on the floor, trying to change the subject. “Then… why is the house!
this?”
Just then, Anthea–still sweating from the scare–tried to jump in with her side. “Lucas, thank God you’re back! Look at your wi she-”
However, she was abruptly cut off by Riley’s even louder outburst.
“Shut up!” Riley slammed the whiskey glass onto the floor. The crash cut Anthea off mid–sentence.
Anthea’s words died in her throat.
Riley said, “Let me talk first.”
Even Lucas was stunned by Riley’s intensity.
“Mom, calm down,” Lucas said to Anthea. Then he turned back to Riley. “Tell me what happened. Why is the house like this?”
“What happened?” Riley’s voice was flat. “I came home. Your mother saw my diamond necklace and tried to take it. Said I was t one behind the reporters at the banquet tonight.
“I defended myself. They didn’t listen. Said I was disrespectful. Decided to use the whip on me.”
Riley’s cold eyes swept over the shattered glasses on the coffee table, then down to the leather whip on the floor. ‘So, you re seeing the result.”
As Riley spoke calmly, Lucas‘ face got darker and darker.
He knew Anthea was vain. He knew she could be unreasonable. But he never thought she’d go this far.
“Mom!” Lucas said. “Is everything Riley said true?”
Anthea was already feeling guilty. Now her face went pale.
Her earlier arrogance crumbled Her voice turned shaky.
“I–I just mentioned it. What do you mean by ‘tried to take it?” She tried to defend herself. Besides, it was bought with your money anyway, wasn’t it?”
Lucas heard her words. His eyes went to the diamond necklace around Riley’s neck
He’d caught a glimpse of it at the banquet Even from far away, he could tell it was stunning and expensive more expensive than the set he’d had made for Sophia.
But he’d never bought Riley anything like that
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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