The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226 An Invitation

Chapter 226 An Invitation

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“Oh, Mr. Hardy.” The assistant’s voice remained polite over the phone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Edwards is currently on a flight to Eroland. He’ll be away for two weeks on business. You’re welcome to try calling again once he returns…”

“Alright, thanks.” Devin hung up, feeling a flush of embarrassment, and sank back into his chair.

He’d figured it out pretty quickly.

The “two-week business trip” was just a polite brush-off.

Brandon had bailed on him completely.

“No loyalty at all,” Devin muttered under his breath.

Then the panic began to creep in.

He paced around the room, restless and uneasy.

ist once®

It all started when Brandon’s people had approached him first. They’d offered terms too good to refuse-generous incentives, and even a promise to help find a suitable partner for his son Brett once everything was settled. That was why Devin had gone as far as crossing Quinn Group and stirring up all that trouble to block the project.

Now Brandon had simply vanished, leaving Devin alone to clean up the mess.

Was he really going to have to turn around and accept that young woman Riley’s offer?

If he did, everything he’d done up to now would become a joke.

He’d have burned his bridge with Brandon, gotten nothing worthwhile from Quinn Group, and could forget about anyone helping his son settle down.

Just as Devin’s thoughts were tying themselves in knots, his phone rang unexpectedly.

He pulled it out, annoyed, and saw an unfamiliar number.

He was about to decline the call, but for some reason, he swiped to answer.

“Hello? Who is this?” he demanded, his tone sharp.

A woman’s voice came through, calm and carrying a faint, almost unsettling hint of a smile.

“Is this Devin Hardy, from Cedar Creek? I’d like to meet with you.”

Devin frowned. “Who are you? Why should i meet you?”

The woman on the line gave a soft chuckle.

“Because,” she said slowly, “I can solve the biggest problem you’re facing right now.”

Devin wasn’t buying it. “And how would you know what my problem is?”

Her voice was confident, almost as if she could see right through him.

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Chapter 226 An Invitation

“Oh, I know.

“For instance… finding a match for your son, who’s… struggling to find his way?”

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That evening. Devin showed up at the project site.

Both Anne and Calvin were caught off guard.

“Ms. Harper, Ms. Stone-I hope I didn’t wake you,” Devin said, his tone now warm and familiar. “About this afternoon… that was just an old man stuck in his ways. I hope you’ll forgive me. I went back and talked with some of the community elders. They agree your proposal is solid-forward-thinking, even.

“So, we’d like to invite you all to dinner tomorrow. I’ve already booked a table at the best spot in town-The Skyline Grill. A few of the respected elders will be there. We can finalize everything in person, and… well, I’d like to make it up to you.”

His words flowed smoothly. His attitude had done a complete turnaround.

Calvin and Anne exchanged excited glances.

Anne, especially, still shaken from the earlier confrontation, felt a wave of relief-things seemed to be turning around.

But Riley just watched Devin quietly. She didn’t believe for a second that this old fox had suddenly changed his stripes.

This sudden friendliness felt like an ill-fitting suit-everything about it seemed off.

Still, she didn’t call him out then and there.

“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Hardy,” Riley replied with a light smile. “If the elders are willing to talk, we’d be glad to join. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Seeing her agree so readily, the smile on Devin’s face widened.

The following evening, Harvey drove the three of them to The Skyline Grill right on time.

It was a two-story brick building with a rustic yet upscale decor that stood out in the otherwise modest town.

But Riley noticed something odd. Even though it was dinner time, the entrance was completely empty. No host, no guests waiting –not even a valet in sight.

“I’m coming in with you,” Harvey said, pulling into a parking spot and unbuckling his seatbelt.

“No.” Riley shook her head. “Harvey, stay out here and keep an eye on things. If something happens, I’ll call you right away. It’s better if you’re close but outside.”

Harvey nodded, his expression serious. “Keep your phone on you. If anything feels wrong, call me immediately.”

“Don’t worry.”

Riley then led Anne and Calvin inside.

The lobby was brightly lit, with tables neatly set, but entirely empty.

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