The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160 Trapped by His Own Words

Chapter 160 Trapped by His Own Words

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Lucas was so choked up he could hardly get a word out. Frustrated, he tugged at his collar and pulled out his phone. “Why not just get a bigger bed? I’ll have one delivered tonight–it can be set up in a couple of hours.”

“Not necessary,” Riley shot back, shutting him down cold. She stepped closer, lifted her gaze, and drilled into him with a sharp look. “I like my twin bed just fine. It’s cozy and it’s mine. Let’s be real, Lucas–you went through all this trouble to move in because you wanted to see for yourself if I’m living alone or hiding someone else. Isn’t that right?”

Riley had stripped away his excuse without an ounce of mercy.

Lucas expression darkened instantly.

“That’s not it!” he scrambled to say. “Riley, how could you think that about me? I’m genuinely worried about you being out here on your own. I want to be here for you, to take care of you! But you–you’ve been treating me like some stranger this whole time!”

Riley watched his poor performance and let out a short, dry laugh.

She nodded with exaggerated seriousness, playing along. “Alright then. Since you’re being so sincere, this works out perfectly.”

She pointed toward the living room. “Spending the night on the couch should really prove your good intentions. Don’t you think?”

Lucas was trapped by his own words.

f he walked out now, he’d be admitting he only came to check up on her.

But if he stayed, he’d have to endure the humiliating arrangement of sleeping on the sofa.

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Lucas‘ chest rose and fell heavily. Finally, he gave in. “Fine. I’ll stay.”

Riley turned around, pulled a thin blanket and a pillow from the hallway closet, tossed them onto the couch, then walked back to her room and closed the door behind her.

Face grim, Lucas stared at the couch–way too short for his frame–and felt anger simmering inside. He took off his tailored suit acket, tossed it aside in irritation, and lay down in those cheap drugstore flip–flops.

The sofa was too short; his long legs dangled awkwardly over the edge.

The upholstery was scratchy and made his skin itch.

The pillow was too flat, offering no support for his neck.

Nothing felt right

But he couldn’t complain. He was afraid Riley would hear him through the door and give him that mocking look again, calling him spoiled or high–maintenance.

Just as Lucas was tossing and turning, his phone rang–Sophia was calling.

He frowned and picked up. Before he could say a word, Sophia’s panicked voice came through the line.

1/3

10:11 am M M

Chapter 160 Trapped by His Own Words

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“Lucas, it’s bad! Jeremy’s burning up with a really high fever. I can’t get him to wake up properly. Please come back and take us to the ER. I’m scared to go alone with him like this!”

Never mind that Sophia had just released a statement to the press distancing herself from him.

As Jeremy’s father, Lucas couldn’t exactly skip out when his kid was sick.

Besides, the call came at the perfect time–it was his way out of this awkward situation.

Lucas sat up on the couch.

He walked over to Riley’s closed door, hesitated a moment, then knocked gently.

The door opened almost immediately.

Behind it, Riley was still in the same work clothes she’d worn home. She hadn’t even changed into loungewear.

She just leaned against the doorframe, her face showing no surprise at all. Her eyes were cool and detached, like still, frozen water.

See? I knew you’d find an excuse to leave.

All the explanations Lucas had prepared lodged in his throat the moment he saw her knowing expression.

“What is it?” Riley asked flatly.

“Uh… Riley,” Lucas began, putting on a concerned tone. “Sophia just called. Jeremy spiked a high fever out of nowhere. It sounds pretty serious. She’s panicking, and she’s alone with him. I… I should go check on them.”

Riley’s eyebrow lifted slightly, the gesture dripping with undisguised sarcasm.

“Go back? Doesn’t that big house have everything? Can’t your parents call the pediatrician? Or is the whole Ashford family missing the one person who can drive a kid to urgent care?”

Lucas paled.

He sighed. “Riley, can’t you show a little understanding? Sophia’s raising a kid by herself. It’s not easy. I can’t just turn my back on

that.”

“Understanding?”

Riley let out a cold laugh.

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