From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74 Family Ties

435 Free Coins

Before Riley could ask what it meant, her phone rang. The screen showed her brother Raymond calling from Nexopolis.

As soon as she answered, Raymond’s warm, caring tone came through. “Hey Riley, how’s everything? Things going okay with Sebastian?”

That last part was clearly why he’d really called.

Riley thought back to the bar last night and answered flatly, “It’s fine, I guess.”

“Just fine?” Raymond’s voice brightened noticeably. “A guy who looks like that and all you give me is ‘fine?”

Riley rubbed her forehead, knowing exactly where this was going. “What, are you saying I’m not being enthusiastic enough?”

Raymond cleared his throat a couple of times before steering back on track. “Anyway, did you get an invitation from Vincent? It’s for the Quinn family’s reception in Havenbrook. They sent one our way too. Dad and I are both tied up right now, so if you’re free, just go and represent the family. Show your face, that’s all.”

“The Quinns… Aiden Quinn?” Riley glanced at the familiar name printed on the invitation. She’d heard it mentioned more than once. “What’s his deal? Is he connected to the Torres family?”

“Sort of,” Raymond explained. “Aiden’s mother was Sebastian’s aunt. Sebastian was really close to her growing up, but she passed a few years back. After that, he lost touch with the Quinns- and with Aiden. They weren’t ever that close.”

“Still,” Raymond added, shifting tone, “they’re family, and they’re well–connected in Havenbrook. It wouldn’t look great if we didn’t show up after they went out of their way to invite us. But no pressure–if you’d rather not go, I’ll handle it.”

“Alright, I’ll think about it.”

After hanging up, Riley figured she’d ask Sebastian what he thought of his cousin the next time they spoke.

But if the Quinns were hosting something in Havenbrook, even without Raymond’s nudge, the Ashfords would definitely be on the guest list.

And just as she expected, not long after her call with Raymond ended, Julian heard about the

1/3

17:05 Tue, May 5

Chapter 71 Family Ties

event through business contacts at a networking mixer.

#35 Free Coins

As soon as he got home, he brought it up in the living room. “The Quinns are holding a reception in Havenbrook. We received an invitation. Lucas, you’ll attend on behalf of Ashford Group.”

Lucas was half–watching financial news on the couch while Sophia leaned against him, carefully peeling an apple.

He was still bothered that Riley hadn’t come home, and his mood had been distant because of it.

He knew exactly what a Quinn family event meant–it would draw the top circles from both Havenbrook and Nexopolis.

His mind went straight to Riley.

In the past, for occasions like this, Riley was always the one by his side.

She was polished, well–spoken, and always made him–and Ashford Group–look good.

For a moment, he almost said out loud, “Should I let Riley know? She could-”

“Let her know what?”

Before he could finish, Anthea’s sharp voice cut in. Her face was pinched with disapproval.

“Lucas, have you lost your mind?” Anthea’s tone rose. “A woman who’s about to sever ties with this family–why would you bring her? That kind of event is for people who matter. I heard even the Harpers and the Torres family heads from Nexopolis were invited. Everyone in Havenbrook’s elite will be there! She’s a nobody with no background and no clue how to act in polite company. Bringing her would just embarrass the Ashford name.”

“Mom…” Lucas felt a flush of humiliation.

Beside him, Sophia paused her peeling at just the right moment. She looked up at Lucas, eyes glistening, and said softly, “She’s right, Lucas. A few of my friends from the social circuit mentioned they’re going. Could I come with you? Maybe I could even help bring in some business connections for the company.”

“See? Now that’s thinking ahead,” Anthea said approvingly, taking Sophia’s hand. “This is what a future Ashford wife should be like–always considering what’s good for the family. You’d really take that jinx over someone who can actually network?”

Nearby, Julian frowned and tapped the coffee table impatiently. “Enough. No need to argue.

2/3

17:05 Tue, May 5

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify