The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 321

Chapter 321 Cold Shoulder

Chapter 321 Cold Shoulder

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The atmosphere around the Ashford family dinner table that evening was strained and heavy. Even though the immediate crisis had been handled, a lingering sense of tension hung in the air.

Lucas was noticeably colder toward Sophia than before.

He kept his head down throughout the meal, responding occasionally to Anthea, but barely glancing in Sophia’s direction. Even when Jeremy tried to win his attention with playful charm, Lucas/seemed distant and barely engaged.

“Uncle, you’ve gotta try this–it’s so good!” Jeremy held up a forkful of dessert toward Lucas, his small face hopeful.

Lucas offered a faint smile but gently nudged the hand away. “You enjoy it, buddy. I’m not really into

sweets.”

Sophia felt as if icy water had been poured straight into her chest.

She knew the whole ordeal had left a mark on Lucas–one that wouldn’t fade easily.

Even if he never said it aloud, everything from his posture to his eyes silently pushed her away.

A wave of panic began to rise inside her.

If she didn’t find a way to reach him soon, she feared his heart might drift away for good.

She kept quietly encouraging Jeremy to stay close to Lucas, hoping the child could help bridge the gap, but Lucas remained detached, almost cool in his responses.

“Jeremy, why don’t you go keep your mom company for a while? I need to finish up here and get some work done in the study.”

Lucas set down his fork, his tone leaving little room for discussion. “Be good for me, and please don’t interrupt while I’m working.”

The unspoken message was clear: that included Sophia, too.

Sophia shifted uneasily in her seat, her discomfort growing with each passing minute.

Later that night, most of the lights in Ashford Villa were off–except for the glow beneath the study door.

Lucas sat behind the desk, trying to focus on the endless stream of reports in front of him.

But the ugly scene from that afternoon kept replaying in his mind like a broken record.

A physical nausea settled in his stomach, and even the sight of Sophia now seemed tarnished, no longer pleasing the way it once had.

Two soft knocks sounded at the door before it eased open.

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Chapter 321 Cold Shoulder

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Sophia stepped inside wearing a thin silk robe, the collar loosened to reveal pale skin underneath. In the soft study light, she looked deliberately enticing.

“Lucas, it’s so late… Aren’t you coming to bed?” she asked, her eyes glistening as she moved closer.

Lucas‘ brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Seeing her dressed like that only sharpened the disgust churning inside him.

No self–respect. No sense of decency.

It also brought back that vile mental image–Sophia tangled in the sheets with Harvey.

“What are you thinking, coming in here dressed like that?” Lucas snapped, struggling to keep his voice steady. “Get out. What if someone saw you? How would that look?”

Sophia’s eyes reddened with hurt.

She took another step forward, her voice breaking. “Lucas… so you’re repulsed by me now? I’ve worn much less than this before. We’ve been together in this room, too… Back then, you never complained. In fact, you liked it.

“Now that I’ve been set up and humiliated… you can’t stand to be near me anymore?”

Lucas felt a sting of guilt–she’d named the ugly truth he didn’t want to face. But he refused to let it show.

He tried to smother the turmoil inside. “That’s not what I meant. Don’t put words in my mouth. Work has been intense lately. And besides… Grandfather already put you on restriction. You’re not exactly showing restraint. Do you want him to send you away permanently?”

Bringing up Caleb felt like a convenient shield–and it worked.

Just the mention of Caleb was enough to make Sophia shrink back

Her defiance dissolved. She hung her head, shoulders trembling as quiet sobs broke through. “Then what am I supposed to do, Lucas? Do you want me to just… disappear?”

Her crying grew louder, more frantic.

Lucas‘ pulse jumped–if anyone heard, it would only mean more drama.

He forced himself to stand and walk over to her.

“Alright, stop crying…” He patted her shoulder stiffly, his tone hollow but attempting comfort. “Just give me a little more time, okay? Grandfather is starting to trust me again–that’s a good sign. We’ll… we’ll figure

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