The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Jeremy and the Dinner Confrontation

He was young, so of course he didn’t grasp the undercurrents beneath the adult conversation. His mother had simply told him that this woman was the reason he couldn’t be with his father full-time.
He hadn’t found an opening to speak up earlier, but now he saw his chance.
“Jeremy, that’s enough.”
Sophia quickly pulled him close, offering Riley an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. He’s only four. Please don’t worry about the gift.”
“Must be hard, raising a child on your own,” Riley said coolly, one eyebrow raised. “Where’s your husband? A father shouldn’t just be a sperm donor. No wonder the kid acts like this.”
Sophia’s smile tightened. “He works abroad. It’s… complicated.”
“So he just let you fly back to Havenbrook alone with Jeremy? Sophia, you really need to be more selective about the men you let knock you up. What’s the difference between a guy like that and a ghost? Never around, and God knows who else he’s keeping on the side.”
Riley’s words landed like precise cuts, hitting every nerve while taking a swipe at Lucas in the process.
Both of their faces stiffened.
Lucas frowned. “That’s Sophia’s personal business. Riley, you must be exhausted from the flight. Why don’t you head upstairs and rest.”
Watching them struggle to maintain composure, their expressions sour, Riley nodded. “Sure. I’ll go lie down.”
Before heading up the stairs, she shot them a glance and almost laughed.
Let them squirm.
After everything they’d done, what could they do now but take it?
She was curious to see, over the next month, just how much they could swallow.
*****
Riley slept straight through until evening.
By the time she came down, Lucas’ father, Julian, had made it home for dinner.
Jeremy was with the nanny in another room, and over the meal, Julian brought up the Ashford Group’s push into the Nexopolis market.
“Riley’s trip to Nexopolis raised our profile and brought in some interest,” Julian said. “I’m bullish on the market there. We’re going to focus on the upcoming investment summit. Harper Group and Torres Group are our top targets.”
He glanced at Riley, his tone measured. “These aren’t small players. You don’t need to worry about them—your experience isn’t at Lucas’ level. Let him handle it. Sophia knows some key people in Nexopolis as well. She can help.”
Riley felt a flicker of derision rise in her chest.
My experience isn’t at Lucas’ level?
She’d closed deals worth hundreds of millions. If it weren’t for her, Ashford Group would still be scrapping for table scraps in Nexopolis.
And now they wanted investment from Harper Group and Torres Group?
She didn’t know about Torres Group.
But Harper Group? Her brother had made it clear: when it came to Havenbrook, she had full authority.
If they wanted Harper money, maybe they should’ve asked her first.
Before she could respond, Sophia jumped in smoothly. “I’ve heard of both families back in Nexopolis. Top-tier, but not easy to work with. Especially Mr. Torres. Riley might’ve gone to Nexopolis, but I doubt she got anywhere near him. I only met him once, briefly, at a business dinner…”
“You know him?” Julian’s face lit up. “Come to think of it, you and Lucas grew up together—always close. No outsider could match that. It’s wonderful that you can help him.”
Riley caught the implication immediately. After everything she’d done for this family, she was still the outsider.
Sophia glanced at Lucas, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. “It’s the least I can do. But I’m not familiar with the investment side—Lucas will have to walk me through it. And there’s Jeremy…”
Lucas’ gaze softened. “Of course. Don’t worry about Jeremy. Riley’s here now—she and Mom can help with him.”
From across the room, Jeremy scowled at Riley. “I don’t want the mean lady watching me!”
“Jeremy!” Sophia chided lightly. “Riley hasn’t had children of her own, but she’s perfectly capable. Be good, sweetheart. Don’t make Mommy worry.”
Jeremy stared at Riley for a long moment, then something flickered in his eyes—cunning, almost. He said nothing.
Anthea added, “Yes, Riley. It’ll be good for you to learn how to care for a child. Besides, we’re hosting a ladies’ charity luncheon here in a few days. You can help me co-host.”
The luncheons were a staple of Havenbrook’s elite—a way for the wealthy wives to network and posture. Riley had never cared for them.
Now they wanted to keep her busy. Occupied. Out of the way.
She raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you don’t need me for the investment meetings?”
Hearing the edge in her voice, Lucas softened his tone. “Riley, Dad’s just thinking of what’s best for the company.”
“Right. What’s best for the company is sidelining the person who’s been flying between cities closing deals, and betting everything on a former foster kid who worked in entertainment and just showed up.”
Riley didn’t bother hiding the sarcasm.
Sophia smiled, unruffled. “Riley, we’re just different. I may not be an investment expert, but I have connections in Nexopolis. You… well, you grew up without a family. In this arena, you just can’t compete.”
“Sophia’s right,” Julian said firmly. “She’ll be staying here from now on.” His tone left no room for argument. “Riley, you focus on looking after Sophia’s son and helping with the luncheon.”
Riley looked at them—really looked—and said nothing. She didn’t argue. Didn’t try to stop Sophia from moving in.
Instead, she said, with eerie calm, “Fine. Good luck.”
She hoped they’d enjoy chasing Sebastian.
As for her? Please. Giving Harper money to these people? She’d rather donate it to a shelter.
She set down her fork and went upstairs.
Lucas could tell she was upset. A few minutes later, he followed.
“Still angry?” he murmured, his voice gentle. “Babe, we just thought you’ve been working too hard. Take it easy for a few days, okay?”
Riley looked up at him—at those eyes everyone said were so warm, so sincere. Eyes that had fooled her for five years into thinking he loved her.
Now it all seemed absurd.
“I’m not angry.” She pulled away from his touch, her voice flat. “If your father has confidence in you and Sophia, I have no objections.”
“Honey—”
Before he could finish, Jeremy’s voice rang out from the hallway.
“Daddy! I want this toy plane! Daddy, where are you? I want this one!”
The door swung open. Jeremy ran in. Something flickered across Lucas’ face—panic, quickly masked.
Sophia appeared behind Jeremy, hand on his shoulder, her expression carefully apologetic. “Riley, I didn’t realize you were here.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Riley said evenly. “I’m the one interrupting your family time