The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25 Blaming Riley

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Before Riley could respond, Lucas, seated beside her, frowned first. His tone carried a defensive edge. “That doesn’t sound right. Riley’s proposals rarely have issues.”

He genuinely respected Riley’s work ethic and ability.

Over the past few years, a significant number of the company’s most difficult accounts had come through largely because of the strategies Riley had put together.

Sophia’s eyes immediately glistened. She dropped her gaze, her voice trembling with just the right amount of hurt. “Lucas, I know Riley’s always been amazing and has done so much for the company…”

She sniffled softly. “But today, the project lead from Harper Group was really harsh. He said the proposal we sent over was amateurish–like something a summer intern threw together. Complete waste of his time.”

Harper Group?

At the mention of that name, both Lucas and Julian’s expressions shifted instantly.

The partnership with Harper Group was Ashford Group’s top priority for the second half of the year.

And it wasn’t just about the short–term gains from this co–branded campaign. What they really wanted was to use this deal as a door into Nexopolis, Harper Group’s parent company, and hopefully secure strategic investment from them.

After all, Harper Group in Nexopolis was one of the most prestigious conglomerates in the country.

If they could lock in investment from them, the company under Lucas‘ leadership would undoubtedly leap forward in a major way.

Which was exactly why this project couldn’t afford to go off the rails.

Julian’s face hardened with anger.

He slammed his fork down on the table and snapped, “Riley! What the hell is going on?

“You’re telling me that because I handed the Marketing Director role to Sophia, you’re holding a grudge? You deliberately threw together a half–baked proposal just to sabotage this deal? Is that how petty you are?”

Before Riley could defend herself, Lucas cut in.

He turned to her, his voice earnest but laced with disappointment. “Riley, why would you do this? I already promised you a proper proposal ceremony to make things right, didn’t I? Why are you still finding ways to make things difficult for Sophia at work?”

Sophia seized the moment, adding softly, “Lucas, don’t blame Riley. I’m sure she didn’t mean any harm. She probably just feels like the company can’t function without her. Maybe she’s worried that with me around, no one will need her input anymore.”

That line lit another fuse.

Anthea, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up.

“Riley, you’ve helped out at the company a few times, and now you actually think you’re some kind of indispensable genius?

“Do you seriously believe people at the office respect your work because of you? It’s because you’re an Ashford. They’re polite to

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Chapter 25 Blaming Riley

you out of consideration for Lucas and this family’s name.

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“You really think you’re some business prodigy? Without the Ashford name backing you, who do you even think you are?”

Anthea’s voice climbed with every word.

In an instant, Riley had become the common enemy at the table.

Listening to the family’s rapid–fire accusations, Riley felt a cold emptiness settle in her chest. But at the same time, she saw right through Sophia’s game.

She was almost certain that the so–called harsh criticism Sophia mentioned was actually the exact feedback Vincent had given to pressure her–the new director.

But Sophia, unwilling to push back against the client and terrified that those comments might reach Julian or Lucas and expose her complete lack of competence, had pulled a neat little switch–shifting all the client’s negative feedback squarely onto Riley.

That way, Sophia walked away clean, and Riley took the fall for incompetence.

If Sophia wanted to prove herself so badly, Riley didn’t mind letting her.

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