From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70 The Gala Invitation

The server arrived promptly with their drinks.

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Riley, however, noticed that the water she’d asked for had been replaced with a steaming mug of hot cocoa.

She glanced up, puzzled. “I didn’t order this–is this the wrong

drink?”

The server offered a polite smile. “No, it’s from the house. The owner sent it over–on the house.”

He gestured subtly toward an upstairs VIP section, mostly hidden from the main floor.

“The owner?” Lydia’s eyes widened as she looked in that direction, then back at Riley. “Wait, you know who runs this place?”

Riley had met plenty of people during her project negotiations for Ashford Group, so her network was fairly wide.

But she mentally scanned through her contacts and couldn’t place anyone who owned a bar in this part

of town.

Always cautious, Riley felt uneasy accepting a gesture from someone who wouldn’t show themselves.

“Could I just get a glass of hot water instead, please?”

The server nodded and left.

Lydia nudged her playfully. “What if it’s a secret admirer? Don’t be so closed off. You’re not really going to let what happened with that jerk Lucas keep you from moving on, are you?”

When the server returned with the water, Riley took a slow sip and replied, her tone casual yet thoughtful, “It’s not that. I’m not putting my life on hold because of one guy.”

Truth was, she moved on faster than most. In less than a month, she’d be marrying someone she barely knew.

Unbeknownst to her, the faint smile that touched her lips was clearly visible from a secluded booth on the second level.

There, a man swirled whiskey in his glass, ice clinking softly.

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Chapter 70 The Gala Invitation

His gaze

remained fixed on Riley’s slender figure, his expression unreadable.

Back at the table, Riley was mid–conversation with Lydia when Lydia’s phone buzzed

She glanced at the caller ID and frowned a bit. It was her family calling.

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She made a “hold on” gesture to Riley, got up, and quickly walked outside to the quieter part of the bar to take the call.

Riley was left alone in the booth.

She watched the young guys and girls going wild on the dance floor, feeling bored out of her mind.

Just then, a good–looking dude in a cool hoodie walked over with a big smile and invited her, “Hey, lady, you here by yourself? Wanna come hang with us?”

Riley looked up at him and politely declined. “No thanks, I’m waiting for my friend.”

The guy seemed taken aback by the direct rejection. He stood there for a second, stunned.

Then from over by his friends, a bunch of teasing and laughter erupted. Someone shouted, “I told you! Stop bragging!”

Riley then realized she had just become the target of some Truth or Dare game.

The guy, embarrassed by his friends‘ teasing, walked back looking dejected.

Not long afterward, he returned, this time holding a cocktail. His expression held a stubborn edge. “Come on, just one drink? We’re just trying to be friendly.”

Riley raised her own glass, her tone steady. “I’m good with this, thanks.”

His friends had gathered close by, watching the exchange. A girl with bright pink hair crossed her arms, her voice sharp and mocking. “What’s the point of coming to a bar if you’re not drinking? Sitting there with water like some kind of saint–who are you trying to fool?”

Riley’s brow furrowed in irritation.

She had little patience for baseless, mean–spirited assumptions. Just as she was about to retort, the group of guys nearby started egging them on.

“Just take a sip! Come hang with us!”

“You can’t turn down a drink when someone offers!”

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17:04 Tue, May 5

Chapter 70 The Gala Invitation

“Chug! Chug! Chug!”

The chanting grated on her nerves.

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