From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 389

ter 389 Watching Melissa Perform

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He put down his fork and tots Zavief everything–Riley’s suggestion in the study that afternoon, recommending Brandon to take on the island project.

Zavier listened, then nodded quite casually. A look of approval even crossed his face. “Oh? If someone is impressive enough to catch Riley’s eye, he must have some real skill. Alright then–set up a formal meeting. You handle the arrangements. Make sure everything is proper. We don’t want the Harper family to seem rude.”

“Got it, Dad,” Raymond agreed enthusiastically, his face full of excitement.

With those two gone, the atmosphere at the table became more relaxed than ever.

That night, Riley was back in her room, about to video call Sebastian, when someone knocked softly on her door.

She thought it was Raymond or Zavier with something else to discuss, so she casually said, “Come in,” while walking toward the door.

But when she opened it and saw who was standing there, the smile on her face faded instantly.

It was Melissa.

“It’s late. Is something wrong?” Riley’s voice was polite but distant–not a hint of a daughter’s warmth toward her mother.

Either didn’t notice the coldness or pretended not to, Melissa put on a smile. “Oh, you. Why are you talking like that? I just came to see if you’re settling in okay. No need to treat me like a stranger.”

Riley stepped aside and held the door open. “Come in. I’m doing fine. No need to worry.”

Melissa walked in carrying a plate of sliced fruit.

She set it down on the table and spoke in a sweet, motherly tone. “Here–try some. These were all your favorites when you were

little.”

Riley’s eyes rested on the bright fruit for a few seconds. Then she looked up and asked, her tone unreadable, “Were they? What was I like as a child? It’s been so long. I don’t really remember.”

A flash of guilt and panic crossed Melissa’s face, but she quickly covered it with a practiced, wistful expression. “You? You were such a good girl. So quiet. You always listened to me.”

As she spoke, her eyes reddened.

Then, like she couldn’t hold it in anymore, she started sniffling and brought up the past again. “Riley, it’s all my fault. I wasn’t paying attention. I lost you. You suffered out there for so many years. What your father said at dinner tonight–he was right. It’s my fault.”

Riley stood there quietly, watching Melissa perform.

The little sobs–to someone who didn’t know better, maybe they’d sound like a heartbroken mother torn up with guilt.

But Riley knew better. Melissa was never the type to recognize her mistakes quickly and genuinely fix them.

If she really cared, she wouldn’t have poured all her emotions into Elsie all these years. And she wouldn’t have let that blind, over-

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5:20 pm P P P

Chapter 389 Watching Melissa Perform

the–top favoritism tear this family apart–to the point where even Zavier and Raymond started drifting away from her.

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“Let’s not keep bringing up the past, Riley cut her eff directly. “It happened. Talking about regrets won’t change anything. You came here so late–was there something else you wanted to say?”

Melissa’s hand froze mid–wipe. She looked up and saw Riley’s cold, almost piercing eyes staring at her. She decided to stap beating

around the bush.

She reached out and grabbed Riley’s hand–too hard, desperate, and eager. “Riley, Mom actually needs a favor.”

Riley kept her eyes lowered, looking at Melissa’s well–manicured hand on top of hers. Her voice was flat. “What is it?”

Melissa pressed her lips together and finally said what she’d come to say.

She lowered her posture, her voice soft and coaxing. “Elsie actually studied business in college. She’s always wanted to help out at the company–take some of the burden off your father and you. But your father–he’s so stubborn. He thinks that if she joins the company, she’ll be taking your spot. Or he’s worried it’ll make you uncomfortable. So he won’t agree.”

Seeing that Riley wasn’t responding, Melissa quickly added, “You don’t really know Elsie yet. She’s so innocent. She doesn’t have big ambitions. She just wants to do something for this family. Once you officially start, could you talk to your father? Ask him to let her be your assistant–or even just a helper. She wouldn’t mind. And don’t worry–she will never threaten your position. I promise.”

Riley almost laughed at how ridiculous that sounded.

She looked at Melissa’s entitled expression and genuinely wondered if this woman lived in some kind of fantasy world.

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