From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 388

Chapter 388 I Have Only One Daughter

Zavier’s usually warm face darkened.

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He turned to Elsie, his voice suddenly cold. “Elsie, did you forget what I told you before? You can involve yourself in family matters, but you are not allowed to pry into or discuss company business.”

The sharp scolding made Elsie’s cheeks flush bright red.

She bit her lower lip pitifully, her eyes quickly filling with tears. She lowered her head and mumbled an apology. “I’m sorry, Daddy… I… I forgot.”

Seeing Elsie upset, Melissa immediately pulled her into her arms protectively. Then she looked up and turned her anger on Zavier. “Why are you being so harsh with her? Elsie was just trying to help.

“Besides, since Riley is going to work at the company, why not let Elsie come, too? Elsie has a good education. She’s capable. She studied business abroad. She could really make something of herself there. Then the whole family could work together and make the company even better.”

“No.” Zavier refused without hesitation.

He looked coldly at Melissa and spelled it out. “Riley is joining because her skills and experience match the position perfectly. She was already an excellent marketing professional in Havenbrook. This is a business decision. But Elsie?”

Zavier’s gaze swept over Elsie, who was shrinking against Melissa. He tore through the pretense without mercy. “She can’t even run that little designer brand she started. I’ve been getting customer complaints forwarded to me. With that track record, what exactly would she do at the company? Cause trouble?”

Elsie’s face went pale. She hadn’t expected Zavier to know about that.

She quickly pulled away from Melissa and rushed to defend herself. “Those weren’t complaints, Daddy. It’s just… There were a few really difficult customers. They were deliberately causing problems.”

“That’s right,” Melissa jumped in, glaring at Zavier. “Elsie just had some bad luck–a few picky customers. It’s not as serious as you’re making it sound. I think you’re just playing favorites. Now that Riley’s back, you only have eyes for her. Elsie is our child, too. What’s wrong with her joining the company?”

“Playing favorites?” Zavier’s face turned red with suppressed anger. “How exactly am I playing favorites? You tell me–honestly. Why did Riley grow up outside this family for all those years?

“She suffered out there. We have no idea how hard her life was. Now she’s back. Forget some marketing director position–if I wanted to transfer every single one of my shares to her right now, I’d do it gladly.

“But Elsie? Yes, she lost her parents young. That’s tragic. But since she became part of the Harper family, has she ever wanted for anything? Food, clothes, everything–only the best. The time, energy, and attention you’ve poured into her over the years? More than you’ve ever spent on your own son. And now you’re calling me the one playing favorites?”

Elsie burst into tears.

They came flooding out–no more fake pitiful act. She sobbed and screamed, “So you think just because I’ve had an easy life here, I don’t deserve your love anymore? Fine. I’ll leave, too. I’ll go suffer out in the real world.”

Then she shoved her chair back hard, turned, and ran upstairs, crying.

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5:20 pm

Chapter 388 I Have Only One Daughter

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“Elsie Elsie, slow down!” Melissa didn’t bother arguing with Zavier anymore. Her heart aching for Elsie, she called after her and rushed upstairs without finishing her meal.

Zavier watched her retreating back for a moment–his expression more tired than angry now.

He let out a long sigh, then turned his attention to Riley. She had sat there quietly the whole time, like she wasn’t even part of the drama. His voice was hoarse but steady. “Riley, dont worry. I have only one daughter in this life. Just you.”

Those words landed heavily on Riley’s heart.

She had always faced everything alone and built up hard walls in her heart. But hearing that–his guilt, his promise–it still touched the softest part of her.

Raymond could feel how heavy the mood was. He kept piling food onto Riley’s plate, his voice cheerful. “See? Fewer people, lcss noise. Perfect. Riley gets to eat more. Here–this shrimp is a new recipe. Try it.”

Riley looked up at his caring eyes and felt warmth spread through her chest.

She focused on eating, swallowing down all the complicated feelings along with the food.

Honestly, having Melissa and Elsie gone didn’t make her feel bad at all. If anything, the air felt fresher.

And with the others out of the room, Raymond finally had his chance.

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