The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 254

Chapter 254 Hollow Pleas

Chapter 254 Hollow Pleas

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A swift shift in her tone followed as she rushed to draw a clear line between Lucas and the child. “Rest easy. Jeremy shares no blood ties with Lucas at all. I released an official public statement long ago, claiming he belongs to my late first love. Everyons across Havenbrook knows the truth, I would never dare deceive you over such a serious matter.”

From his lofty vantage point, Caleb watched her tearful performance without the slightest flicker of softening in his eyes.

A cold, mocking huff escaped him. “Sophia, what farce are you putting on for me? Playing the poor, lonely widow and orphan act? You’ve carved out a thriving career in the entertainment industry, drowning in fame and fortune. Local media even hail you as the poster child for independent women. Spare me this pretense of hardship.”

All color drained from Sophia’s face. Shame and embarrassment washed over her entirely.

Dismissing her theatrics, Caleb gestured faintly to his assistant standing behind him. “Pull up that public statement she mentioned and bring it to me.”

“Understood, sir.”

The assistant retrieved a tablet at once, tapping quickly across the screen. Within seconds, he located Sophia’s carefully worded official announcement and handed the device respectfully to Caleb.

Sliding on his reading glasses, Caleb read every line slowly and deliberately.

A faint trace of tension eased from his rigid features as he finished, yet deep furrows remained etched between his brows.

Handing the tablet back to his assistant, he locked his sharp gaze firmly on Sophia. Heavier distrust glinted in his eyes.

“I’ve read your statement. Yet one question lingers.

“If the boy carries your late lover’s surname and holds no Ashford lineage whatsoever, why does he call Lucas ‘Daddy’ at every turn? The three of you carry yourselves exactly like a real family.”

Stepping in before Sophia could reply, Lucas framed a false, sympathetic excuse. “Grandpa, Jeremy has always struggled with deep-seated insecurity. He’s emotionally sensitive and perpetually unwell, growing overly attached to anyone who shows him kindness. I simply couldn’t bear to push the poor boy away.”

Few could fool Caleb.

Having navigated cutthroat business circles his entire life, he had encountered far more scheming, deceitful people than Lucas had ever known.

He saw straight through his grandson’s indecisive habit of masking selfish mistakes under the guise of kindness.

Ignoring Lucas’ flimsy justification, he gazed at Sophia as he posed another pointed question. “What does Riley think of all this?”

Sophia rushed to fill in the blanks. “Riley knows everything. She’s so gentle and understanding, never once complaining about it. We all dote on Jeremy dearly.”

Her words were deliberately vague and evasive.

But Caleb was far too perceptive to be misled so easily.

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8:43 am Pppp.

Chapter 254 Hollow Pleas

He knew full well the character of the granddaughter-in-law he had personally chosen for Lucas.

Strong-willed and uncompromising, Riley would never tolerate such an ambiguous mess lingering under her roof.

Sophia’s explanation reeked of a rehearsed lie.

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Pushing further would yield no honest answers, and Caleb had already formed his own judgment. He resolved to seek out Riley in person to uncover the full truth.

A weary wave of his hand cut the conversation short. “Enough of this nonsense.

“I’ll allow you to stay here for now, Sophia, but never forget your place.

“Riley is Lucas’ lawfully wedded wife, and she will always be the lady of this household.”

“I… I understand.” Sophia nodded hastily, swallowing her humiliation. Behind her downcast gaze, resentment and unwillingness churned endlessly.

Why should I bow and scrape to Riley, after bearing Lucas’ child?

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