The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 21

hapter 21 The Bamboo Skewer

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“That’s not really the point. I just have this rule–people usually end up owing me three times over.”

Riley found his twisted logic amusing but couldn’t be bothered to argue. She just nodded. “Fine, I’ll accept. You can put it on my tab for now, but don’t go picking the most expensive spot in the city when the time comes.”

“That depends on my mood,” Sebastian replied vaguely.

Riley left the private dining area, made sure her composed exterior was firmly back in place, and walked slowly to the door of Lucas room. She raised her hand and knocked lightly.

Inside, Lucas took one final glance toward the closet where Sophia was hidden, then quickly crossed the room and opened the

door.

“Riley you’re finally here.”

A warm smile spread across his face, and out of habit, he reached for her hand.

But when he actually got a look at her tonight, he stopped mid–motion, his eyes flickering with appreciation.

He’d always known Riley was beautiful–she had that natural, understated elegance, the kind of quiet grace you might associate with women from old Southern families.

But he never expected that simply changing her hairstyle could shift her whole presence like this.

Every slight smile, every glance now carried something captivating, something alive–a kind of beauty that made it hard to look

away.

For a moment, Lucas was genuinely caught off guard.

Taking advantage of his distraction, Riley let her eyes drift briefly toward the tightly shut closet door.

Then, casually complaining about the crowd outside, she slipped off her coat and started walking straight toward it.

Seeing her move in that direction, Lucas snapped back to reality. He quickly stepped between her and the closet, his voice a little too urgent. “Riley, that closet door is broken. You can’t put anything in there.”

“Oh?” Riley stopped and turned, her bright eyes filled with innocent confusion. “If it’s broken, why didn’t you ask them to fix it? For a place this nice, faulty stuff really kills the experience.”

With every word she said, another bead of sweat formed at Lucas‘ temple.

“No need to bother them over something so small,” he said with a strained smile, gently taking her coat and draping it over an empty chair nearby. His movements were deliberately thoughtful. “Just leave it here for now.”

Riley sat down in the chair he pulled out for her, seemingly accepting his explanation.

Then, as if the thought had just crossed her mind, she added, “Oh, by the way, I think I heard some paparazzi outside saying Sophia’s here tonight? Apparently they showed up just for her quite the scene.

“Is she having dinner with Jeremy’s dad?”

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1:15 pm PP.

Chapter 21 The Bamboo Skewer

Lucas‘ composed expression cracked instantly, a flicker of panic flashing through his eyes.

He quickly looked down, using the pretense of arranging the silverware to hide it.

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“No idea,” he said flatly, though his voice came out slightly stiff. “But she did mention at the office today that she was having dinner with her agent. Something about sorting out a contract.”

He let the explanation hang vaguely in the air, then guiltily slid the menu toward Riley, eager to change the subject. “Let’s order first. You must be hungry after that drive all the way from Canyon Bay.”

Riley didn’t push. She took the menu and casually picked a few dishes.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed what Lucas had already ordered, and a cold smile settled in her chest.

He’d never been able to handle spicy food since they met–and yet here he was, ordering heavily seasoned dishes with a kick.

While they waited for the food, Lucas was unusually attentive, constantly refilling her water glass.

Watching the clear liquid ripple in her cup, Riley quickly pieced together his plan.

He wanted her to drink more so she’d have to use the restroom.

The moment she stepped out, he could let Sophia out of the closet, then stage a little “bump into each other” moment from another room and invite her to join.

But Riley had no intention of playing along.

Half an hour passed.

Lucas kept glancing at her anxiously, but Riley sat there completely still, showing no signs of heading to the bathroom–not even the slightest urge to get up.

For Sophia, trapped inside that cramped closet, that half hour felt like an endless, suffocating eternity.

She was curled up in the pitch–black space, not daring to make a sound.

Her entire body had gone numb.

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