From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 225

Chapter 225 Chasing Shadows

Chapter 225 Chasing Shadows

Riley simply offered a faint smile and stayed silent.

She knew this old fox wouldn’t fold so easily.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Devin let out another heavy sigh.

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“Ms. Harper, your proposal is truly outstanding-I’m personally completely on board, one hundred percent. But… well, you know how things can be in a town like ours. The situation’s a bit delicate.”

His eyes drifted toward the direction of the old town hall.

“I may hold the title of mayor, but when it comes to big decisions that touch on local history and tradition, I’ve got to bring it before the town elders. Those old-timers can be pretty set in their ways. It’s going to take… some careful persuading.

“Tell you what,” he said, as if settling the matter. “Why don’t you all head back for now. I’ll call a meeting with the elders right away and lay it all out. Don’t worry—I’ll do everything I can to make this work. If they don’t object, you won’t hear a word of opposition from me.”

The glimmer of hope Anne had felt was quickly dampened by his political sidestepping.

She was just about to press him with some hard facts when Riley stood up first.

“All right, Mr. Hardy. We respect the town’s right to make its own choices. We’ll be on our way now and look forward to hearing good news from you.”

She knew perfectly well that Devin was just buying time.

All that talk about consulting the elders was likely just cover so he could hurry over to Brandon and plan their next move.

Too bad he didn’t realize yet that his most powerful backer had already cut him loose.

Riley gave Anne a reassuring glance, and the two turned to leave.

But just as they reached the middle of the yard, the situation took an unexpected turn.

“Heh… wifey!”

With a vacant, silly laugh, the mentally disabled young man they’d seen earlier came rushing out of the east wing again–this time making a beeline straight for Riley and Anne.

Anne let out a frightened yelp and instinctively ducked behind Riley.

Riley’s heart jumped too, but years in the corporate world had trained her to keep her cool. She sidestepped quickly, pulling Anne with her, barely avoiding Brett’s first grab.

“Don’t run! Come play!”

Thrilled by the chase, Brett grew even more excited and began pursuing them around the cramped yard.

“Brett! Stop right there! Cut it out now!”

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Chapter 225 Chasing Shadows

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Devin was frantic at the sudden chaos. He hurried after them, shouting, but there was no way he could catch up to his own strong. grown son–let alone restrain him.

Just as Brett’s hand was about to clutch Anne’s sleeve, Riley made a split-second decision and called toward the gate. “Harvey!”

The moment his name left her lips, Harvey moved.

In one fluid motion, he planted himself squarely between Brett and the two women.

“You go ‘way…!” When the young man saw someone blocking his path, he didn’t hesitate-he swung a clumsy fist toward Harvey.

Harvey didn’t flinch. Just before the punch could land, he caught Brett’s wrist cleanly, twisted it with controlled precision, and completely halted Brett’s momentum, holding him firmly in place.

Brett struggled several times, realized he couldn’t break free, and started shouting, still mumbling about finding a wife.

Harvey held him steady, his face expressionless, but his eyes lingered on Brett’s blank, unfocused gaze.

Something dark shifted deep in Harvey’s stare as he took in those irrational eyes.

“Goodness-Ms. Harper, Ms. Stone, I am so sorry. Are you both alright?”

Once the danger passed, Devin rushed over, out of breath, apologizing repeatedly as he took his son from Harvey’s grip.

Everyone knew how much he doted on the boy. Even after the disruption, Devin didn’t scold or strike him-instead, he softened his voice and patted his back as though comforting a child.

“Easy now, no more trouble. Come inside with Dad. I’ve got some candy for you.”

Brett allowed himself to be led toward the house but kept glancing back over his shoulder at Riley and Anne, grumbling under his breath, “Dad, you promised you’d get me a pretty wife to play with… You lied…”

Devin sighed helplessly. “I told you I’d find someone in a few days, didn’t I? Just a few days! When has your dad ever lied to you?”

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