From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 482

Chapter 482 A Secret Meeting Plot

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Though the morning rush had passed, countless employees and visitors still wandered through the lobby. Every pair of eyes locked onto the over–the–top floral display.

Riley walked forward with a blank, unyielding expression, showing no intention of signing for the delivery.

Under the watch of the entire lobby, she pulled a notepad from her handbag, jotted down an address, and handed the note to the lead delivery worker.

She said, “Deliver all these flowers to this location.

“It’s a local children’s charity shelter. Pass the roses out to the staff and kids, let them enjoy the gift.”

The delivery worker froze in shock. “Ma’am, I don’t think-”

“Just follow my instructions,” Riley cut him off firmly.

Her gaze swept over the glaring red roses, a mocking smile playing on her lips as she added, “If the buyer refuses to pay the remaining balance, tell him to call me directly.”

The flower shop staff relayed Riley’s exact words to Lucas without delay.

Gripping his phone tightly, Lucas felt a sharp surge of frustration, yet he had expected no less.

The gentle, compliant woman who once waited for him patiently in their Havenbrook villa was gone forever. Riley’s demeanor was now sharp and unyielding.

Slumping back into his office chair, he pressed his fingertips to his temples, brainstorming new ways to win her over. Before he could form a plan, his private phone vibrated with an unfamiliar local Nexopolis number.

After a moment’s hesitation, he answered the call.

“Hello, who’s this?”

“Good day, Mr. Ashford.” A refined, poised female voice sounded from the line, calm and gentle. “Pardon the intrusion. I’m Melissa, Riley’s birth mother. I’d like to discuss a few matters regarding Riley with you.”

Riley’s mother?

Lucas had assumed every member of the Harper family shared Raymond’s open hostility toward him.

Melissa’s warm, amicable tone sparked a flicker of hope in his heart, making him believe he could find a new breakthrough through

her.

“It’s an honor to speak with you, Mrs. Harper.” Lucas sat up straight, his tone perfectly polite. “I’d actually planned to pay you a visit

soon.”

The two quickly settled on a meeting spot: a café near Lucas‘ hotel.

Lucas arrived right on time.

When he pushed open the private booth door, Melissa was already seated, with a soft, demure young girl sitting quietly beside her.

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Chapter 482 A Secret Meeting Plot

+5 Free Coins

-Spotting his entrance, Melissa set down her coffee cup with elegant poise and smiled warmly, “Please have a seat, Mr. Ashford,

make yourself comfortable. This is my younger daughter and Riley’s sister, Elsie.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Harper, Ms. Harper.” Lucas nodded slightly, maintaining impeccable manners.

Melissa sized up the man before her discreetly.

Tall, handsome, and articulate, dressed in a tailored high–end suit, he cut an impressive figure overall.

Riley is so ungrateful. She left behind this remarkable man she shared five years with just to chase Sebastian back in Nexopolis, even trying to steal the marriage alliance that should have belonged to Elsie.

From what Elsie has told me, the Ashford family runs booming businesses across Havenbrook and overseas, with incredible wealth

and status.

Hiding her calculating thoughts behind a gentle smile, Melissa skipped idle small talk and got straight to the point. “Mr. Ashford, we’re all reasonable people, so I’ll be frank. Elsie told me you and Riley lived together as a couple in Havenbrook for five years.”

Lucas‘ expression tensed briefly.

Faced with Riley’s mother, he dared not spew empty lies. After careful consideration, he spoke with sincerity, “Mrs. Harper, Riley and I shared more than five years of life together. We were inseparable, recognized as a legitimate couple by everyone around us, and our bond ran deeper than most married pairs. As for legal documentation, we could register our marriage anytime she’s willing.”

“What?” Melissa’s eyes widened in pure shock. “You lived together for five full years without legally marrying? Everyone assumed you two were officially wed!!

Embarrassment washed over Lucas. He dodged the core of the question with a vague explanation. “There were unexpected complications and misunderstandings along the way that delayed the paperwork.”

Melissa’s brows knitted tightly, quiet dissatisfaction brewing in her heart.

No legal marriage means I have no leverage to use against Riley at all.

Sensing her mother’s displeasure, Elsie reached out to pat Melissa’s hand soothingly, then turned to Lucas with an understanding smile and a soft tone. “Mom, you’re being too rigid. Mr. Ashford is right–their years of deep connection are far more meaningful than a mere certificate. Everyone in Havenbrook already saw Riley as Mrs. Ashford.”

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