Chapter 484 Unexpected Witness
Finished
Melissa’s carefully crafted words struck every vulnerable spot in Lucas‘ psyche, stirring fiery urgency and resolve in his chest.
He was not entirely impulsive, though. A thread of rational doubt lingered beneath his overwhelming urge to protect Riley.
He frowned slightly, voicing his hesitation. “This could resolve the immediate crisis, but won’t a public reveal damage Riley’s reputation? No one in Nexopolis knows about our past. Public backlash could hurt her.”
Seamlessly stepping in to ease his worries, Elsie spoke up with gentle persuasion, “Mr. Ashford, that’s not true at all. Riley has never been happy after returning to the Harper family. I often see her sitting alone in her room, lost in thought. She must miss her life with you in Havenbrook more than anyone knows.”
She let out a soft, believable sigh, her eyes sincere enough to dispel all doubt. “Once your relationship is public, you can marry her in a grand, lavish wedding. She’ll return to Havenbrook with you as your righ:ful wife, far away from all the chaos in Nexopolis. No one will dare speak ill of her then.”
Catching the wavering uncertainty in Lucas‘ gaze, she shifted her tone subtly, adding a faint taunt to push him further, “Or… do you have no intention of giving Riley a formal title and a proper wedding?”
“That’s absolutely not the case!” Lucas lifted his head sharply, his tone firm and unshakable. “I’ve eliminated every obstacle in Havenbrook. If Riley agrees, I’ll give her a world–famous wedding and make her the happiest woman alive.”
Watching his eager, desperate attempt to prove himself, Melissa put on a deeply moved expression, her voice thick with feigned emotion.
“Truly? I’m so relieved to hear that. As a mother, I’ve felt powerless this whole time, terrified my daughter would spend her life trapped in a cold, loveless transaction.”
Overcome with emotion, Lucas swore solemnly without hesitation, “Rest assured, Mrs. Harper. I will cherish Riley for the rest of my life. Entrust her to me, and I’ll never let her suffer another grievance.”
Warm cafe lighting cast a false sense of coziness over the private booth.
୮
Three people sat plotting Riley’s future behind her back, treating her not as an independent individual, but as a possession to be traded and arranged at will.
They believed their scheme was perfectly hidden, unknown to anyone outside their circle.
Yet moments after they left the cafe, a man turned around from a plant–shielded booth in the back, his face etched with complex shock.
Justin had chosen the quiet cafe for a high–stakes business meeting. When his client canceled at the last minute, he’d planned to finish his coffee and leave–only to overhear the entire shocking conspiracy.
After confirming that the three were completely gone, Justin pulled out his phone and dialed Sebastian’s number immediately.
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Chapter 484 tinexpected Witness
Finished
The call picked up after two rings; Sebastian’s cool tone filtering through the line, paired with the faint rustle of turning documents in the background.
“What is it?” he asked.
Skipping all pleasantries, Justin cut straight to the point. “Sebastian, did Riley have an ex named Lucas Ashford during her time in Havenbrook
Dead silence fell on the other end of the line. The sound of rustling papers vanished completely.
Sebastian’s voice dropped to a dangerous, frigid tone. “How do you know about that?”
Justin took a steadying breath and recounted every word he had overheard in the booth in full detail.
As his story unfolded, a bone–chilling chill traveled down the phone line, as if Sebastian stood right before him, his aura like an impending violent storm.
After a long, heavy pause, Sebastian spoke in a low, hoarse voice, “Come to my office at once. We’ll discuss this in person.”
2
In the days that followed, Nexopolis‘ business circle remained outwardly calm, while undercurrents of turmoil churned relentlessly.
Riley had expected Lucas to show up repeatedly to pester her before the banquet, true to his obsessive
nature.
Yet aside from the rose incident, he had vanished entirely without a single appearance.
This abnormal silence left her on edge.
She knew Lucas far too well–his quietness only meant he was plotting something far bigger.
On the night before the grand banquet, Sebastian wrapped his arms around a distracted Riley from behind, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder.
୮
He spoke in a soft, low voice, “Do you still have the antidote pill I gave you in Havenbrook, the one that counters all common toxins?”
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Fake Marriage Sets Rcal Heiress Free
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.

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