The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 323

Chapter 323 On His Knees

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Just then, Julian and Caleb, roused by the commotion, appeared in the doorway. Caleb leaned heavily on his cane, his expression grim.

As the three elders looked into the study, each drew a sharp breath at the scene before them.

Shards of a blue–and–white porcelain vase lay scattered across the floor.

Lucas stood pale with rage, his fists clenched, eyes blazing.

In front of him, Sophia looked disheveled. Her sheer robe–already suggestive–was now in complete disarray after the struggle. She clutched her swollen cheek, weeping pitifully.

Amid the chaos, Riley stood as still as an ice sculpture. Her cool, composed face showed no trace of emotion.

Caleb, having lived through decades of life’s twists, took one look and pieced most of it together. The sight of Sophia dressed like that in his grandson’s study sent his blood boiling. He trembled with anger, on the verge of another health scare.

“You foolish children!” Caleb thundered. “What in God’s name is going on in here?!”

When Sophia saw Caleb, a flicker of hope crossed her eyes. She knew this was her last chance to turn things around.

Breaking free from Lucas‘ hold, she dropped to her knees in front of Caleb and sobbed even harder. “Grandfather, you have to stand up for me! I—”

She was pulling her usual act–playing the victim in front of Caleb to pressure Lucas into compliance.

But this time, Lucas moved faster than anyone expected.

Before Sophia could make things worse, he stepped forward and clamped a hand over her mouth- roughly, without an ounce of gentleness.

“Enough!” he hissed through gritted teeth, his gaze icy.

Without turning, he called out, “Someone!”

The butler appeared promptly.

“Ms. Myers is emotionally overwhelmed. Escort her back to her room. She is not to leave without my permission.”

“Mmph-!” Sophia’s performance was cut short.

She struggled, unwilling to give up, her eyes wide with shock and resentment. But Lucas held firm, and with the help of the butler and a maid, she was half–dragged from the study.

Once Sophia was gone, Lucas finally let out a tense breath. He turned to face his furious family.

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11:37 Thu, Jun 4

Chapter 323 On His Knees

+20 Free Comis

Regaining some of his usual composure, he said pleadingly, “Grandfather, Dad, Mom… it’s late. You should get some rest. I’ll explain everything properly tomorrow.”

Julian and Anthea exchanged a look.

Anthea moved quickly to support Caleb, speaking gently, “Caleb, let Lucas handle this. You just got home from the hospital–please don’t upset yourself again.”

Caleb let out a heavy grunt. His sharp eyes swept between Lucas and Riley before he turned and left, leaving a thick, uncomfortable silence in his wake.

After the elders departed, the once–chaotic study fell completely still.

Only the sound of two people breathing and the scattered porcelain fragments remained,

Lucas wearily rubbed his temples. He walked over to Riley, his eyes filled with deep, aching regret. “Riley.. let’s

‘s go back to the bedroom. I’ll explain there.”

Riley looked up, her calm gaze sweeping over him. “If the study’s been compromised, I’m sure the bedroom has too, hasn’t it?”

She paused. “Where else would you like me to go?”

“Thud.”

Lucas‘ legs gave way. His tall frame sank to his knees in front of her.

Smack.”

Without hesitation, he raised a hand and struck himself hard across the face.

“Riley, I was wrong!” His eyes were bloodshot, his voice ragged. All his pride and dignity seemed to crumble to dust in that moment. “I admit it–I messed up with Sophia. But none of it was what I wanted! She tricked me… she set me up!”

He spoke frantically, shifting all the blame elsewhere. “After that, she kept blackmailing me. She said if I didn’t do what she wanted, she’d tell you everything. I swear, it only happened once! I never touched her again. Just now… she was playing the victim, trying to manipulate me, and then she lured you here. It was all her plan to make you misunderstand!”

He lifted his head, his eyes pleading pitifully. “Please believe me, Riley… I only betrayed you

once.”

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