The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Taking the Reins

With that, Julian shifted gears. His gaze settled on Riley, weighted with meaning.

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“Speaking of which, the company’s working on something big right now. We’re looking at acquiring the old industrial district near the waterfront–turn it into high–end riverfront condos. Since you’re meeting with those women this afternoon, feel free to feel them out. See if any of them might be interested in investing.”

Riley’s fingers tightened slightly around her coffee cup. Inside, she laughed.

If she were still the same fool–desperately devoted, blind to everything–she would’ve nodded eagerly. Thrown herself into making it happen.

But she knew better now.

The economy in this city wasn’t exactly thriving. Pressure was mounting everywhere. That waterfront project would require massive upfront capital just for demolition and relocation. For a company like Ashford Group, whose cash reserves were already stretched thin, it was practically financial suicide. Too bad for them.

The new Riley wasn’t just done helping–she’d happily push them closer to the edge if she could.

“Sure thing.” Riley lifted her head, expression obedient. “I’ll keep my ears open.”

Julian and Anthea exchanged a glance. Satisfied. She was still the same foolish girl, willing to run herself ragged for the Ashfords, clearing the path for Sophia without even realizing it.

Breakfast ended.

Riley grabbed her bag and headed out.

Lucas followed. He noticed the car keys in her hand and frowned slightly. “Leaving already? I thought your thing with Mrs. Hayes wasn’t until this afternoon.”

Riley turned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s not. But I figured I’d get my hair done first. I was always so buried in work before, I never paid attention to this stuff. Now that I’m going to be socializing with those women, I should at least have something to talk about.”

Lucas appreciated the initiative. He pulled out a black card from his wallet and handed it over. “About time you started dressing the part. Get yourself some new clothes too. Maybe some jewelry. Don’t worry about the price.”

Riley smiled sweetly. “Thanks, honey.”

But the fiery red McLaren didn’t head toward any salon or luxury boutique.

Instead, Riley made a sharp turn and drove straight to the most iconic tower in the city’s financial district.

This was the Havenbrook headquarters of Harper Group.

The Harpers had recently launched a major project in the city. Coincidentally, it was the very deal Riley had killed herself to secure for Ashford Group during that business trip to Nexopolis.

The same trip where she’d accidentally reunited with her biological family.

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1:14 pm

PP

Chapter 17 Taking the Reins

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Now that the Ashfords had so conveniently pushed her out of their inner circle, Raymond had simply handed her the reins. She was now the overall project lead.

Overnight, she’d gone from being a project manager breaking her back for Ashford Group to becoming their client.

Raymond had sent his right–hand man, Vincent Herrera, to serve as Riley’s deputy.

When Riley walked into the Harper Group office, Vincent was already waiting.

She remembered him well.

Back when she was fighting tooth and nail to win the Harper contract, she’d dealt with Vincent more times than she could count. He was notoriously sharp–difficult, exacting, with that particular brand of precision you only found in people from Nexopolis.

Before the deal was even signed, he’d made her revise the proposal five or six times. She’d nearly lost her mind.

“Ms. Harper.” Vincent rose as she entered, giving a slight nod. Respectful, but not obsequious.

He addressed his past behavior directly. “I was rather difficult to deal with before. My apologies.”

Before Riley could respond, he added calmly, “But I would’ve handled it the same way even if I’d known you were Ms. Harper. The work demanded those standards.”

Riley had always respected people with principles.

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