From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88 Return to Ashford Manor

Chapter 88 Return to Ashford Manor

Riley nodded and made her way into the apartment building.

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He remained right where he was, gaze fixed on the spot where she had disappeared, not moving until she was completely c

view.

Inside the car, the place on his skin where her lips had brushed still seemed to hold a faint, lingering warmth.

He lifted his hand and touched it lightly. In the dim interior, his eyes deepened, unreadable.

A long moment later, he finally looked away and pulled out his phone, his face blank.

“How’s the

gement I asked for coming along?”

exactly on time.

ed at the wall clock. Nine a.m. sharp.

shad always been punctual–much like

he opened the door.

Outside stood Lucas, dressed in a well champagne roses.

On that handsome face–one she

“Riley, I’m here to pick you

Riley barely glanced at

“My sinuses hav

Lucas‘ eyes

her in that regard.

er, hair neatly styled, holding a tastefully wrapped bouquet of

un to–was a carefully crafted look of gentle apology

me flowers, his voice deliberately soft.

sion stayed neutral.

remarked, placing the roses on Lydia’s coffee table. “Let’s go

She

Nothing else

ully hide his surprise “Is that all you’re bringing Didn t you boy que als! jeste das

h him She replied casually. “There was too much the sforms havere lived with with a faint almost amused under the sides of that pule it an here, wwwpo

ned slightly He Swallowed us orritation and forced a them and

he just walked straight past him not the elevatuo

way toward Ashford Manor

Will

5:35 pm

PPP

Chapter 88 Return to Ashford Manor

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Anthea sat in the living room with her brows knitted tightly together. Beside her, Sophia was sniffling softly. “I just don’t understand your grandfather and Lucas,” Anthea complained, voice edged with frustration. “It’s like Riley has them under som kind of spell. Now they’re bringing her back here as if she’s some honored guest. It’s ridiculous.”

Sophia dabbed at her eyes. “Mom, please… Riley is still the legal Mrs. Ashford. Grandpa respects her talents, and Lucas has his reasons. I’ll be fine. I don’t mind bearing a little of this… really, it’s okay.”

Her look of helpless vulnerability only made Anthea even more protective of her.

“You’re too kind for your own good, always thinking of others!” Anthea took Sophia’s hand, both upset and defensive “You ga the Ashfords their grandson. You’ve done so much for this family. Why should you put up with her nonsense? I’ve been mean have a word with Caleb about making your position official–you and Jeremy deserve that much.

“But before I could even bring it up, Caleb suddenly decided to leave for his overseas treatment. It’s almost as if he wants come out on top.”

ey

The more she spoke, the more worked up she became. “Well, I’ll be watching closely to see what Riley’s really after this time. Sophia, listen to me—if she dares mistreat you, don’t just take it. If it comes to it, we’ll reveal Jeremy’s parentage ourselves. Wit the Ashford heir right here as proof, I doubt Riley would have the gall to stick around.”

“We can’t do that, Mom!” Sophia shook her head quickly, eyes widening in feigned alarm. “That would put Lucas in such a diffic position…”

Even as she spoke, a flicker of calculation passed through her eyes.

It was a risky move, yes–but it could also change everything in her favor.

Once all of Havenbrook knew she’d borne the Ashfords‘ first grandson, the court of public opinion–not to mention the family’s reputation–would force them to give her what she was owed.

And Riley’s empty title of Lucas‘ wife would become nothing but a laughingstock.

Just then, the butler hurried into the room and bowed slightly. “Mrs. Ashford, Ms. Myers, there are delivery vans from several huxu brands outside. They say they’re here to… drop off purchases.”

Anthea looked puzzled for a second, then turned to Sophia. Her face brightened almost immediately

She assumed her son had finally shown some consideration–knowing that bringing Riley home today would upset sophia, he must have sent gifts to make it up to her.

“See? There’s no need to be so upset,” Anthea said soothingly “You’re so thoughtful, sophia, Lucas on’t blind in his heart, you and Riley are on completely different levels ” She turned to the butler “Have them bring everything in Let’s see what nice things my son picked out for you”

Sophia allowed a properly modest, pleased smile to touch her lips

Lucas hadn’t mentioned anything about gifts This must be his surprise for her

The thought lifted her spints considerably She nodded calmly, playing it coul