From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193 A Son’s Cold Shoulder

Chapter 193 A Son’s Cold Shoulder

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As she spoke, she shot a sideways glance at Harvey before turning back to her son with a gentle explanation. “So, Mommy found you a really tough bodyguard. From now on, with him watching over you, nobody will dare pick on Jeremy anymore.”

Only then did Jeremy cautiously peek out from behind Sophia, studying Harvey with a mix of curiosity and unease.

But Harvey’s appearance wasn’t exactly welcoming-his features were hard, his eyes carried a rough intensity, and for a boy used to someone as polished and gentle as Lucas, it was all a bit too much.

The child’s lips drooped into a pout as he shrank back again, tugging lightly at Sophia’s sleeve. “Mommy… when is Daddy coming home?”

For a heartbeat, Harvey nearly blurted out, “I’m your real dad!” But he caught himself, knowing full well Jeremy meant Lucas.

His throat tightened as he swallowed back the sour swell of bitterness and anger, forcing what he hoped was a warm, approachable smile onto his face.

Like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat, he produced a neatly wrapped gift box from behind his back and held it out toward Jeremy. “Look what I brought you, buddy-a present.”

Inside was a plush teddy bear, neatly packaged.

Jeremy, however, who’d been raised surrounded by the finest everything the Ashfords could provide, barely gave it a glance before wrinkling his nose in clear disapproval.

The toys he owned-the ones he played with and slept beside-were all high-end imports. He could tell in an instant that this bear was made from cheaper materials and lacked the craftsmanship he was used to.

“It doesn’t look nice,” he said, turning his face away. “It’s not one of the brands I like.”

The words hung in the air, leaving Harvey frozen once again.

He knew his son lived in luxury now, but hearing that casually dismissive tone from the boy’s innocent voice-that bitter, jealous ache-cut deeper than he expected.

“Alright, time for you to head out,” Sophia chimed in, noticing the awkward tension. She was also growing uneasy at the thought of someone spotting Harvey if he lingered too long. “Go on now. I’ll call if anything comes up.”

Harvey’s gaze drifted from his son’s unimpressed expression to Sophia’s figure, her curves accentuated as she leaned over. A flicker of hunger passed through his eyes, brief but unmistakable.

He gave a stiff nod, offered no farewell, and turned to leave.

But the moment the elevator doors closed behind him, he pulled out his phone and fired off a text to Sophia.

“We already have a kid together. How about you let me sleep with you a few more times? Just say when.”

Her phone buzzed in her hand. Sophia read the blunt, crude message and felt her brow furrow instinctively.

Logically, she knew she should be offended-disgusted, even.

But for some reason, a faint, traitorous thrill flickered within her.

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Chapter 193 A Son’s Cold Shoulder

After all, Lucas had barely touched her lately.

And Harvey-rough around the edges, from a world so different from hers-was fierce between the sheets. Once you’d had a taste, it was hard not to crave more.

After a brief pause, Sophia’s fingers tapped lightly across the screen.

She replied with five carefully chosen, coy words, “That depends on your behavior.”

Riley spent two perfectly peaceful days settling into her new place.

There was no trace of the Ashfords here. Even the air smelled like freedom.

Over those two days, Lucas threw himself into his role at the hospital, playing the part of the devoted, doting father to the hilt.

He’d called Riley twice in between, his tone awkward and almost eager to please, but she’d brushed him off with a few clipped words each time.

She didn’t want to hear his excuses, and she couldn’t bring herself to care how things were going with him and Sophia’s son.

Come Monday, Riley arrived right on time at her office in Ashford Group.

Lucas and Sophia hadn’t shown up yet.

She’d just poured herself a cup of coffee when the internal line rang.

It was Aiden, announcing an urgent video conference to discuss the project kickoff.

The call connected, and Aiden’s visibly irritated face filled the screen.

Seeing only Riley in the room, he got straight to the point. “Where’s Lucas?”

Riley kept it simple. “Mr. Ashford hasn’t arrived yet, Mr. Quinn. Perhaps you wouldn’t mind waiting a little longer?”

Aiden clearly had no patience for delays. His expression darkened immediately.

He muttered something under his breath, then ended the video call without another word-clearly planning to call Lucas directly and read him the riot act.

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