From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 491

Chapter 491 Arrival

Chapter 491 Arrival

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A stiff look settled on Elsie’s face. Her sweet, obedient demeanor fell flat, met with zero warmth from the elders, and embarrassment washed over her.

Fingers tightened around the handle of her handbag, and she shot a desperate glance toward Melissa for help.

Paying no heed to her awkward predicament, Melissa kept pushing to pave the way for Elsie. Even Žavier’s darkening expression failed to stop her, and she wore a bright smile as she spoke to the group of senior men, “Guys, our Elsie has worked incredibly hard. Her design studio has built quite a solid reputation within social and business circles. If your paths cross for work in the future, I hope you’ll offer her your guidance and support. After all, we’re all one big family, aren’t we?”

A strange hush fell across the room the instant her words faded.

Several elders glanced at Melissa with knowing, mocking looks.

What kind of mother valued an adopted daughter more than her own flesh and blood? The unspoken answer hung thick in the air.

Zavier’s displeasure was plain to see. He fixed a stern gaze on Melissa, his tone laced with a clear warning. “Melissa, do not interrupt the elders as they catch up. Mrs. Lawson, your closest friend, just arrived at the entrance. Take Elsie over to greet her now. We cannot let such an honored guest feel neglected by the Harper family.”

His words sounded polite on the surface, yet everyone present understood his true intent. He wanted the two women gone, for they were nothing but a distraction here.

Bitterness welled up inside Melissa.

At every gathering with Nexopolis‘ elite inner circle, Zavier always pushed Elsie aside without hesitation. His bias was no longer even hidden.

“Zavier, I was only trying to-”

Before Melissa could argue further, Elsie had endured enough of the subtle contempt coming from all directions.

She tugged at her mother’s arm, biting her lower lip and speaking in a quiet voice, “Mom, I just remembered Mrs. Lawson needs to speak with me. Let’s head over there first.”

Once the pair walked away, the stern–faced elder beside Zavier turned his attention to Riley, genuine concern softening his

features.

He cleared his throat and spoke gently, “Riley, your father told us you have agreed to the alliance with the Torres family. How are things going between you and Sebastian?”

Riley knew well that behind their kind inquiries, these elders were quietly assessing the future direction of the Harper family.

She met their gazes with a calm, easy smile, carrying herself with poise. “Thank you for your concern. We get along wonderfully. Sebastian has a steady nature, and he treats me very well. He and his parents will be arriving here shortly.”

After her reply, the elderly men exchanged quiet looks, meaningful glints shining in their eyes.

For the Torres family’s matriarch and patriarch to attend such an informal gathering in person meant they fully accepted Riley as Sebastian’s future wife.

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11:37 am PN

Chapter 491 Arrival

The attrance was set in stone, and a wedding between the two would surely follow soon.

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While exchanging polite remarks with the elders, Riley’s eyes drifted subtly toward the side entrance of the banquet hall.

Lucas had not shown up yet.

With Melissa going to such great lengths to orchestrate all of this, there was–simply no chance she’d allow Lucas to stay away.

She is clearly planning for Lucas to make a sudden, unexpected entrance–just to throw me off balance.

She lifted her glass for a small sip and lowered her head, masking the deep thoughts swirling in her mind.

Right then, the household steward stepped forward to announce the arrival of the Torres family.

Dressed in a tailored black suit, Sebastian stood tall and straight, born with an air of authority and grace.

Miranda linked arms with Wayne, and the two walked in with calm, composed smiles.

A faint light brightened Riley’s eyes in that instant.

Through the crowd, her gaze locked perfectly with Sebastian’s, who had been searching for her the moment he stepped inside.

The unspoken bond between Riley and Sebastian was noticed by Zavier. His face softened with heartfelt relief.

He patted Riley lightly on the shoulder, offering silent encouragement, his voice warm with amusement. “Go on over.”

Riley stepped forward, weaving through the crowd until she stood before the three members of the Torres family.

She tilted her head up to look at Sebastian, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I thought you’d arrive right as the party starts. Didn’t expect you to come so early.”

Before Sebastian could reply, Miranda let out a playful laugh and teased her son. She reached out to take Riley’s hand affectionately and shot Sebastian a mock–reproachful look. “Don’t even get me started. He said he was just picking us up, but once we got home, he acted like he wanted to turn the clock forward two hours. He kept rushing us to hurry, scared we’d be late for the gathering.”

Sebastian took his mother’s teasing in stride, no trace of embarrassment on his handsome face. Tenderness filled his eyes as he looked down at Riley, lowering his voice to a warm murmur meant only for her ears. “I just wanted more time to stay by your side at an event like this.”

A few tender whispers, enough to ripple through her soul.