From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253 Grandfather’s Stern Return

Chapter 253 Grandfather’s Stern Return

Lucas stammered, his voice trembling “G-Grandpa? W-Why have you come back so suddenlyr

Caleb lifted his gaze. Sharp as an eagle’s despite his advanced age, his eyes swept coldly over Luca

arms and Sophia standing close beside him.

He slammed his cane hard against the pavement with a heavy thud. “If I hadn’t come back unannounced, how would ever ind out what shameful secrets my own grandson has been hiding from me?”

Cowed by Caleb’s overwhelming aura, Sophia paled instantly. She forced a timid, ingratiating tone. “MM

“Silence!” Caleb cut her off sharply, undisguised disgust etched across his face. “Do I even know you?”

His thunderous rebuke sent Jeremy bursting into loud, frightened tears.

Drawn by the commotion, Julian and Anthea rushed outside. Stunned by the tense standoff unfolding before them, they froze place. lost for words.

Caleb’s weathered eyes held the calm clarity of someone who saw through every hidden lie.

Turning to his assistant beside him, he spoke in a quiet, authoritative tone, “All this noise is unbearable. Take the boy to preschool at once.”

“Understood, Mr. Ashford.” The assistant bowed slightly, gesturing for two bodyguards to step forward.

One reached out to take Jeremy from Lucas’ arms, but the child clung tightly to Lucas’ collar, screaming and kicking in protest, don’t want to go! I want Daddy! Don’t take me away!”

“Take him away,” Caleb repeated coldly, his face hard as stone.

The bodyguards did not hesitate, lifting the crying boy into one of the waiting cars.

Lucas and Sophia hung their heads low, like prisoners awaiting judgment, their breaths shallow and cautious.

“Inside,” Caleb ordered flatly, striding toward the villa first.

They followed closely behind him, each step feeling as though they trod on shards of glass

Exchanging terrified glances, Julian and Anthea had no choice but to trail after them as well.

Inside the spacious living room, Caleb walked straight to the single armchair reserved as the household head’s seat and sat dow firmly, resting his cane against the side.

His cold gaze swept over his disappointing son and daughter-in-law first. The weight of his disappointment and silent pressure made Julian and Anthea drop their heads in shame, not daring to make a sound.

He then glanced around the empty living room, finding no sign of Riley.

“Where is Riley?”

Three simple words carried more weight than any loud shout

8:43 am P PPP.

Chapter 253 Grandfather’s Stern Return

ddered, too afraid to reply.

Lucas lowered his head further, swallowing hard before forcing an explanation “Grandpa transfe

her a while ago. She enjoys the peace and quiet there, so she’s staying temporarily, coming back to visit now and them?

Desperate to sound convincing, he added unnecessarily. “There’s no need to worry. Our relationship is still perfectly fine

“Perfectly fine?” Caleb’s voice rose sharply. “Do you take me for blind or deaf? What did you swear to me before ! arranged your mamage to Riley to settle your wild ways, to have a dignified, capable lady of the house worthy of our use her as a shield for your reckless affairs!

“I made my terms clear before leaving the country. No contact whatsoever with Sophia for five years. Break that rule, and you forfeit your place at Ashford Group-plenty of others would gladly take your heir position.

“Yet barely half the five years have passed. Not only did you bring her back behind my back, but you dare flaunt an under my own roof?

“Lucas, do you truly think I’ve grown too old to discipline you?”

Lucaş had no defense left, cold sweat trickling down his forehead.

Sophia bit her lower lip hard, burning under Caleb’s unmasked contempt. The air felt thick and suffocating around her.

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