From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 Back at Ashford Group

Just as Riley was quietly enjoying the spectacle unfold before her, Julian’s voice cut through the moment.

“Riley, you’ll be coming to the office today as well.”

Riley blinked, momentarily thrown off.

+30 Free Coins

Julian continued, his tone measured and calm as always. “Sophia’s just stepping into your old role. There’s bound to be a lot she’s not familiar with yet. You’ll go in and help her get up to speed for a few days–walk her through the workflows and make sure she’s clear on all the major accounts.”

Knowing Riley’s personality well, Julian half–expected her to push back right then and there. He softened his voice slightly and added, “We’re family. Sophia’s your sister too. I need you to be understanding about this. It’s for the good of the company.”

A flicker of amusement passed through Riley’s eyes, there and gone in an instant. But when she looked up, a soft, compliant smile had settled across her face.

“Whatever you say,” she agreed easily. “I’ll cooperate.”

Apparently, the promised engagement ceremony had done its job in smoothing things over with her.

Lucas exhaled quietly, relieved.

On the drive to the office, the three of them shared the same car.

Even though Sophia was sitting in the back, she made sure to stay front and center in the conversation, chattering away about company matters the entire ride.

Lucas responded softly, humoring her along the way.

Riley acted like she wasn’t even there, staying quiet the whole time.

She turned her phone brightness all the way down and pulled up the video Sebastian had sent her.

In it, Sophia was being supported by two restaurant staff members, her face still streaked with tears, looking miserable and resentful but too humiliated to say a word.

Riley smiled to herself and deleted the video.

When they arrived at Ashford Group’s headquarters, the three of them walked in together.

The receptionist and a few employees passing through couldn’t help but glance their way, eyes darting back and forth with barely concealed curiosity.

Lucas walked Riley and Sophia to the Marketing Department, a symbolic gesture at best. In front of everyone, he delivered a straightforward instruction. “Riley, Sophia’s new here. Make sure she gets settled and up to speed with everything as soon as possible.”

With that, he headed off to his corner office on the top floor, leaving the tension–charged battlefield behind for the two women to navigate,

Riley led Sophia toward the main work area of the Marketing Department.

1/3

1:16 pm

Chapter 23 Back at Ashford Group

But when she reached the door of what used to be her private office, her steps faltered.

It was the same office, but everything about it had changed.

+30 Free Coins

Her personal belongings–things she hadn’t had a chance to take with her–were now haphazardly stacked on a tiny desk crammed into a corner against the outer wall.

The nameplate on the glass door was gone. In its place hung a brand new one, polished and gleaming: Sophia Myers, Marketing Director.

Riley stood there for a moment, momentarily still.

Sophia stood beside her, watching every flicker of emotion that crossed Riley’s face, savoring the quiet satisfaction of it all.

Putting on an innocent act, she looped her arm through Riley’s and said in a voice dripping with fake surprise, “Oh wow, I had no idea Lucas would move this fast. He even had the nameplate changed for me already.

“But… I guess he probably just didn’t want the staff here to be confused about who’s in charge. You know, make sure no one slacks off. Riley, you’re not upset about this, are you?”

The way she said “Riley“, all sugary and deliberate, felt like a not–so–subtle announcement that she, Sophia, was the one running things now.

Nearby colleagues pretended to focus on their screens, but their ears were wide open, stealing glances at the quiet standoff from the corners of their eyes.

Riley slowly pulled her gaze away and offered Sophia a composed smile. “Upset? Please. It’s just a job. Not exactly something worth fighting over.”

Then, as if fully embracing her new mentoring role, she asked, “Sophia, do you want me to walk you through some of the department’s key accounts now? Or maybe go over any specific processes you need help with?”

Sophia hadn’t expected her to stay so unfazed. All the condescending remarks she had ready got stuck in her throat.

She straightened up, lifted her chin, and flashed a confident smile. “That won’t be necessary for now. Back when I was preparing for roles, I studied plenty of corporate scripts and even consulted with some business consultants. I’ve got a solid handle on this. Shouldn’t be too hard for me.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “Riley, why don’t you just take it easy at your desk, maybe scroll through your phone. If I need anything, I’ll come find you.”

Her casual tone made it sound like Riley was nothing more than a spare part sitting in the corner.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify