From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97 Had This Much Influence

Chapter 97 Had This Much Influence

He could comfort Sophia in private. But in public, no one could shake Riley’s position.

Sophia froze on the spot.

+35 Free Coins

Lucas had already placed a protective hand over Riley’s head and helped her into the back seat. Then he walked around and got in from the other side.

Not once did he look at Sophia.

Sophia bit her lower lip. Reluctantly, she turned and opened the other back door, then climbed in.

The car was spacious, but the tension inside made it hard to breathe.

Riley sat back comfortably, gazing out the window at the fast–moving scenery, like she hadn’t even noticed the silent battle that had just happened.

But the slight curl at the corner of her mouth gave away her mood.

Then, as if something just crossed her mind, Riley casually turned her head toward Sophia, who was shrinking into the corner. Her voice was soft. “Oh, by the way, Sophia–weren’t you driving that used car to work? Why aren’t you using it anymore?”

Lucas‘ face darkened.

Before Sophia could even come up with an answer, Lucas cut in, his voice grim, “Don’t even ask. That car’s tied up in a murder investigation. The police have it.”

Murder?

Riley almost laughed out loud.

She suddenly remembered Sebastian joking with her the other day–telling her that the previous owner of Sophia’s used car had died from carbon monoxide poisoning inside it.

Back then, she thought Sebastian was just trying to mess with Sophia.

She appreciated the gesture, but she hadn’t really taken it seriously.

There is such a dramatic twist?

A car someone died in, and now it’s connected to another murder…

Sophia talks about how I have bad luck and negative energy, messing with the Ashford family’s fortune? She’s the walking bad luck herself.

Riley pushed down the amusement bubbling inside her and put on just the right amount of surprise. She looked at Sophia, who wore an awful expression

“Oh, my god How did that happen? Weren’t you scared?” she asked, concern in her voice. Then, like she was just thinking practically, she continued, “So you can’t drive that car anymore. Does that mean you’ve been riding to work with Lucas every day?” Sophia Twented the fabric of her clothes, avoiding eye contact. “Not really. He just gives me a ride when it’s on his way”

7:43 pm P Pp.

Chapter 97 Had This Much Influence

Riley didn’t press further. She nodded, soft and understanding, then turned back to look out the window.

The car moved on. Soon, the massive Ashford Group building came into view, not too far ahead.

But right at the corner–one street before the company–Lucas slowly pulled the car over to the curb.

Without looking back, he said flatly, “Here we are.”

Sophia looked relieved, though there was also a trace of quiet resentment in her eyes.

#35 Free Coins

“Lucas. Riley. See you at the office,” she murmured, then quickly got out and disappeared into the crowd of morning commuters.

Lucas waited until she closed the door, then immediately started driving again.

Riley watched Sophia’s retreating figure clearly in the rearview mirror.

“Lucas,” Riley said, a hint of reproach in her voice. “How could you make Sophia get out there? You’re her brother, after all. It doesn’t look good to make her walk the rest of the way. What if her coworkers see?

“A lot of people in the company already know she’s the Ashford family’s adopted daughter. You don’t have to keep such a distance. Being a little closer wouldn’t hurt. Acting so carefully all the time just makes it look like you have something to hide.”

On the surface, she was defending Sophia–comforting Lucas. But every single word hit him right where it hurt.

Sure enough, Lucas‘ expression soured even more. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, frustration creeping into his voice. “It wasn’t my idea! She’s the one who insisted. She said she didn’t want people gossiping, thinking she only got ahead because of family connections. She wanted to get out there and walk the rest herself. What was I supposed to do?”

Riley sneered inwardly.

So that is it. So Sophia’s a total mess at work, but in front of Lucas, she’s still trying so hard to look like an independent, understanding

woman.

Creating problems for herself when there aren’t any.

The Bentley pulled smoothly into Ashford Group’s private underground parking garage.

Riley walked side by side with Lucas toward the private elevator.

Along the way, a few early employees happened to pass by. When they saw Riley walking next to Lucas, their faces lit up with surprise. Their eyes brightened, voices full of genuine excitement.

“Ms. Harper! You’re back!”

“Good morning, Ms. Harper!”

“Ms. Harper, are you feeling better?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify