The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 336

Plan

Chapter 336 The Proposal Plan

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“He simply thought I was so crazy about him that I’d put up with any public embarrassment just to get a big, flashy proposal. So he said yes on the spot.”

Sebastian’s brows drew together almost imperceptibly.

He watched Riley’s expression–calm in a way that felt unsettling–and sensed whatever came next wouldn’t be as straightforward

as it seemed.

Sure enough, her tone shifted, and a sharp, icy glint finally surfaced in her eyes.

“But the truth was, I already knew our marriage was nothing but a business arrangement. The only reason I pushed for that spectacle was so I could rip off his mask in front of every reporter and guest in Hayenbrook. I wanted to expose how cold and manipulative he really was–to show everyone the real Lucas Ashford.

“And then, walk away clean. Go back to Nexopolis with no debts between us.”

Once the words were out, she seemed to breathe a little easier. Then, with a hint of self–mockery, she added, “But given how things are going now, even if that proposal event still happens… I probably won’t be the one in the spotlight. Right?”

Sebastian felt a dull weight settle in his chest. He understood exactly what she meant.

“It’ll be Sophia?” he asked quietly.

“Which makes Lucas a liar, doesn’t it?”

“A liar?” Riley let out a soft, humorless laugh. “That’s the least of what he is.”

Her smile vanished, eyes turning colder. “The way things stand, Sophia’s backed so far into a corner she faked a suicide attempt— cut her wrists just for show. She’s got nothing left to lose.

“A while back, she tried to drug me and set me up with a driver. Wanted something to blackmail me with. But it backfired–Lucas walked in and saw everything. After that, he couldn’t stand to touch her. Thought she was disgusting.

“Without his support, she’s got no standing in the Ashford family. So she’s forcing everything into the open now.”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. The whole picture was coming together.

୮

‘So Lucas has no choice. If he doesn’t give Sophia what she wants and put her at the center of this proposal, the next media leak won’t just be rumors. It’ll be a full–blown scandal–how the great Ashford heir entered a sham marriage for his own gain.”

The air in the villa’s living room grew heavy.

Riley studied Sebastian’s still, composed profile, and her concern for him overrode everything else.

“That cut isn’t too deep,” she said gently, “but box cutter blades are dirty. It could get infected easily. I know you don’t like hospitals. Should I call the family doctor to take another look?”

“Don’t worry about it.” His reply was brief. He lifted his bandaged hand, examining the neatly tied bow with something close to amusement. “You did a good job with this. It’s enough.”

There was a quiet trust in his voice–unspoken but clear.

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*14 pm P P P P

Chapter 336 The Proposal Plan

Riley didn’t press further. She tucked her worries away.

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Meanwhile, outside the hospital room.

Lucas stood with his head down, being sternly lectured by a doctor in his fifties.

“Mr. Ashford, I made myself clear last time–your grandfather cannot handle any more stress. He needs calm. Emotional stability. How is it that just days later, he’s back in the ER? What kind of care is he getting?”

Lucas‘ tall frame seemed to sag. His handsome face was drained, weary, and he offered no defense.

He had none.

Both times, his grandfather had ended up here because of the chaos Lucas brought into his life.

The man who had always been his foundation was now fighting behind that door–because of Lucas‘ failures, his mess.

The doctor finally paused, breathing heavily. Lucas lifted his head, eyes bloodshot. “Doctor,” he asked hoarsely, “how bad is it this ime?”

Some of the anger faded from the doctor’s face, replaced by a weary gravity. “You know his condition. His body is worn down. This shock was too much. I won’t sugarcoat it–it doesn’t look good.

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