From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 379

Chapter 379 Something More Important

Chapter 379 Something More Important

His black suit was sharp and cold, making him look even more sinister and ruthless than usual.

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The shareholder meeting he’d just wrapped up hadn’t been easy. But when it came to handling those old foxes, his approach was more aggressive and brutal than ever.

It was like only this kind of punishing, almost self–destructive work could suppress the hollow emptiness inside him–the one Riley had left behind.

“Mr. Ashford.” Trevor hurried to keep up, his expression hesitant.

He lowered his voice and reported, “Ms. Myers came by about an hour ago–with Jeremy. She waited for you in the lobby. She said Jeremy’s tuition for next semester is due, plus some fees for his extracurricular classes. She said her salary… can’t cover it.”

Lucas didn’t slow down at all. His eyes were cold as ice.

Sophia?

Just hearing that name now made him feel disgusted and sick.

Julian and Anthea had been going on and on in his ear about how Sophia was doing.

The old couple’s hearts had softened. They said in just these two short weeks, Sophia looked completely worn down–practically a different person. That once high–maintenance princess was now running around town just to scrape together a few hundred

dollars for rent.

Even Jeremy–the one Anthea doted on the most–wasn’t as lively as before. He’d hide when he saw people.

But Lucas didn’t feel sorry for them.

He’d already had people dig into Sophia’s situation.

Right now, she was holed up in some low–income apartment, living with that driver, Harvey.

Sure, life wasn’t as luxurious as it had been with the Ashford family. But it wasn’t like she couldn’t afford to raise Jeremy.

“Playing poor?” Lucas let out a cold laugh. “She just wants Jeremy back in that private school that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, doesn’t she? Just to feed her pathetic ego.”

Trevor lowered his head and didn’t dare respond.

Lucas stood by the floor–to–ceiling window, staring out at the gray, dreary street.

He thought about the files he’d seen. Harvey was incredibly attentive to both Sophia and Jeremy. He’d even used up all his savings

to help them.

That kind of devotion–that kind of loyalty that goes way beyond boss and employee–there’s only one explanation. Jeremy is Harvey’s son.

I treated some driver’s bastard like he was my own flesh and blood. For that kid, I hurt Riley over and over again. And I misunderstood her.

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Chapter 379 Something More important

tucas felt like regret was gnawing on his heart. The sharp pain was followed by endless shame and rage.

He wasn’t just going to forgive Sophia. He was going to watch her rot, bit by bit, in that pile of filth.

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“Tell the front desk.” Lucas turned around, his tone so calm it was terrifying. “Sophia and that kid are not allowed within the Ashford Group, starting now. And the security guards downstairs–if those two ever show up in front of me again, they can all pack their things and get out.”

Trevor shuddered and nodded quickly. “Yes, Mr. Ashford. Understood.”

He backed out of the office nervously and closed the door.

Lucas sat down in his wide chair. A cigarette dangled between his fingers. In the swirl of smoke, his expression looked even more unreadable.

The mountain of reports piled up on his desk didn’t annoy him–they were his only comfort these days.

Only in the steady climb of data and total control could he temporarily suppress that restless itch under his skin.

The phone on his desk vibrated.

Lucas glanced at the caller ID. It was Tyrone Jackson–his childhood friend, and one of the few people in Havenbrook’s high society who’d still crack a joke even when Lucas‘ face had gone dark.

“Hello,” Lucas answered.

“Well, well, Mr. Ashford. Just from your voice, I can tell–you’re at the office again, aren’t you?” Tyrone’s lazy, teasing voice came through the speaker. In the background, there was some soft jazz playing. “Come out tonight? The usual spot. I opened a few bottles of good stuff to cheer you up.”

Normally, Lucas would say yes–just to keep up appearances in the social circle.

But right now, staring at the cloudy sky outside the window, he just wasn’t feeling it.

“No,” he said flatly and fast. “I’ve got a transnational conference call tonight. No time.”

“No way,” Tyrone yelped on the other end. “Lucas, you’ve turned into a full–on workaholic freak. Isn’t Sophia already out of your life? Ashford Group stock is up eight points. Can’t you even give yourself a minute to breathe? What, you trying to make Ashford Group number one in the world this year?”

“There’s something more important waiting for me.” Lucas stubbed out his cigarette. His eyes landed on a photo under a crystal paperweight.

In the photo, Riley was smiling softly. That was from a long time ago.

In his mind, Riley should be wandering through some small town overseas right now, following the itinerary he’d arranged.

Six months. I gave her six months of freedom. That’s also the deadline I set for myself.

I’m going to cut off every last tie to Sophia–no mercy. I’ll clean up the Ashford family.