The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 Proposal Dress Shopping

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Julian’s expression had darkened considerably. He wanted nothing to do with Riley’s suggestion and issued a firm directive, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I don’t care how you do it. You have three days to deliver a new proposal that meets their expectations. Otherwise, don’t expect me to go easy on you.”

Faced with the combined pressure from both father and son, Riley simply spread her hands in a light shrug, offering a resigned smile. “I can’t do it.”

“Three days, seven days, a month–it wouldn’t matter. I still couldn’t come up with anything.”

Taking in the stunned looks around her, she continued calmly, “That last proposal took everything I had for this project. Every bit of inspiration, every ounce of effort went into it. And now that it’s been dismissed as worthless, I honestly don’t have anything better to give.”

“You-.”

Julian’s chest heaved with anger, and he looked ready to unleash on Riley right there.

Just as the tension was about to boil over, Sophia stepped forward again, perfectly timed as always.

“Dad, please don’t be upset. And don’t be too hard on Riley,” she said soothingly, her voice gentle. “If Riley’s feeling stuck right now, why not let me take a shot at the new proposal? I’ve actually had some fresh ideas lately anyway.”

As she spoke, she cast a barely perceptible glance at Riley, adding with a hint of superiority, “Besides, I won’t need ten days or two weeks to finish a proposal like Riley used to.”

In Sophia’s mind, a marketing proposal was really just empty words dressed up nicely.

As long as the slides looked polished, filled with enough trendy industry buzzwords, and backed by her own charm and ability to think on her feet, she could easily outshine whatever Riley had managed to accomplish.

Riley smirked inwardly but played along on the surface. She immediately picked up Sophia’s cue. “Perfect. Then I’ll leave it to you, Sophia.”

She looked visibly relieved, as if a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her whole demeanor relaxed, and she even added cheerfully, “While you’re buried in work, I’ll finally have time to go try on some dresses.”

“Dresses?” Sophia’s smile faltered. She couldn’t help asking, “What dresses?”

Riley blinked, feigning innocence as she glanced toward Lucas beside her.

“For the proposal ceremony, obviously,” she said matter–of–factly. “Didn’t Lucas promise to give me a proper proposal? Well, I’m going to need the most beautiful dress in the world for that.”

Sophia choked on her words.

She had been killing herself trying to outshine Riley at work, to prove she was the better choice.

But here was Riley, about to go dress shopping in style and claim the spotlight that should have been hers.

It made Sophia–who had just eagerly volunteered to deliver the perfect proposal–feel like an absolute fool.

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Chapter 26 Proposal Dress Shopping

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If she had a choice, she’d rather not be this overwhelmed project director. She’d rather be the real Mrs. Ashford, the one everyone envied.

Riley watched the emotions flicker across Sophia’s face.

She decided to twist the knife a little, adding dreamily, “Not just the dress–there’s the jewelry too. Should I go with diamonds or pearls? I’ll have to think carefully about that. And the venue–do I want a garden overlooking the water or the top ballroom at one of those hotels downtown…”

“Enough,” Anthea cut in impatiently. “It’s just an engagement party. Are you going to drag this out forever? Do you need to announce it to the entire city?”

In her eyes, Riley’s unsophisticated excitement was completely unbecoming.

“Yes,” Riley replied earnestly. “Lucas promised me himself.

“Right, Lucas?”

With that final question, she deliberately added a hint of sweetness to her voice, placing the ball squarely in his court.

Looking into the hopeful glow in Riley’s eyes, Lucas felt his resolve soften.

He had to admit–when it came to status, he really had shortchanged Riley.

Now that the title of Mrs. Ashford had already gone to Sophia, it seemed only fair to make it up to Riley with a proper proposal ceremony.

After all, Riley loved him deeply and had given so much to the Ashford family. She deserved this kind of gesture.

With that thought, any lingering hesitation faded into reassurance.

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