From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 43

43 Dinner Table Critiques

is nothing. The frustration sat

partnership. How did it go? Is he interested?”

Lucas set down his fork, his expression turning serious.

“Dad, I was just going to bring that up. Honestly—I throw the one corr pany should hold off on now.”

he air.

ley, we were wrong about you

hurrying upstairs.

ind concerned. “Look, Sophia’s hey overreacted sometimes. If

em

wounded patiest exprt &

Warst

Julian, who’d just taken a sip of his soup, choked and fand broke into a violent cough. “What i

Once he caught his breath, he stared at his son sydis in dishefret. “Torres Group is the biggest n expanding into Havenbrook, every firm in the cityveby is bending over backwards to get in wi

Anthea looked just as concerned. “Ludas, an open opportunity like this doesn’t come around

A smug, knowing look settled over Lucant tas face. He clearty enjoyed being the one in the ki

Then he laid out his reasoning. “Becatisecause after meeting him today, I’m convinced Sebasti competence and character.”

Riley almost let out a laugh.ough

Lucas‘ self–righteous act wast was truly something to behold.

Anthea leaned in, curiosityinsiy fully sparked. “What do you mean?”

Lucas‘ expression spores as ad as he recalled the encounter. His tone dripped with disdain. “1 met, i made sure to meto mention that his cousin Aiden and I are close–really good friends. B acknowledged me, dikalike the Ashford name meant nothing to him. The guy clearly looks di

“Not only that, hisab has office was filled with these… childish video game figurines, it is obviou the middle of berdour discussion, some woman he had hidden in his private lounge caffed ou him to hurry uprry up

“What kind of nd of future does a guy like that have? Letting himself be distracted by wether / business Mass fe’s no visionary”

He finis400 bed with the natural sense of superiority that old money Haven

tipas types tragiup–and–coming citie

What’s the difference between him and those trust fund kids who blow their Cut6 (300)

company’s future on someone like that is way too risky

Lus. yote at the table even fulcan who’d been so worked up moments belowe Neus,

(the oight way

if tico joinds the Tosage of the legendary business utan cruntled replay but my that ha

stian toray Boy

4 the truck of the quiet Rucy released a perfectly timed vol che

WOW THE Yer Would yw guessed the famous Mr Tunes always so yes that p

clones Huling a woman in his office That’s pretty bold

1:51 am

PPP.

Chapter 43 Dinner Table Critiques

partnership. How did it go? Is he interested?”

Lucas set down his fork, his expression turning serious.

+35 Free Coins

“Dad, I was just going to bring that up. Honestly–I think the company should hold off on pursuing anything with Torres Group for

now.”

Julian, who’d just taken a sip of his soup, choked and broke into a violent cough. “What in the world are you talking about?!”

Once he caught his breath, he stared at his son in disbelief. “Torres Group is the biggest name in Nexopolis! Now that they’re expanding into Havenbrook, every firm in the city is bending over backwards to get in with them, and you want to walk away?”

Anthea looked just as concerned. “Lucas, an opportunity like this doesn’t come around often. How can you just give up?”

A smug, knowing look settled over Lucas‘ face. He clearly enjoyed being the one in the know.

Then he laid out his reasoning. “Because after meeting him today, I’m convinced Sebastian has serious issues–both in competence and character.”

Riley,almost let out a laugh.

Lucas‘ self–righteous act was truly something to behold.

Anthea leaned in, curiosity fully sparked. “What do you mean?”

Lucas‘ expression soured as he recalled the encounter. His tone dripped with disdain. “I went to his office today. Right when we met, I made sure to mention that his cousin Aiden and I are close–really good friends. But Sebastian? He was cold, barely acknowledged me, like the Ashford name meant nothing to him. The guy clearly looks down on us.

‘Not only that, his office was filled with these… childish video game figurines. It’s obvious where his priorities lie And then, night in the middle of our discussion, some woman he had hidden in his private lounge called out to him–all sweet and impatient–telling

him to hurry up.

“What kind of future does a guy like that have? Letting himself be distracted by women, more focused on his hobbies than business? He’s no visionary.”

He finished with the natural sense of superiority that old money Havenbrook elites held toward what they saw as the Hashy, new nich types from up and coming cities.

“What’s the difference between him and those trust fund kids who blow theu family money on parties and good timey setting the company’s future on someone like that is way too risky”

Everyone at the table even Julian, who’d been so worked up moments before fell silent stunned by the portrait cu da bad painted

in their minds, the image of the legendary business titan crumbled replaced by that of an immature playboy who couldn) I ime taken seriously

Right in the thick of the quiet, Hiley released a perfectly timed soft gasp

“Wow I never would’ve guessed the farnous Mi Torres always so mysterious in the press would be so doors Hiding a woman in hus office! That’s pretty bold

messy behind closed

22