The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 485

Chapter 485 Precautions Before the Grand Banquet

Finished

Riley blinked in surprise, glancing up at him through the vanity mirror with a raised brow. “I have it. It’s tucked in the inner pocket of my suitcase. Why do you ask all of a sudden?”

She stood and walked to the cloakroom retrieving a tiny, delicate pill bottle from the depths of her luggage.

Sebastian took the bottle, his gaze unfathomable under the lamplight. He issued a quiet, firm reminder. “Take one pill before the banquet starts tomorrow.”

Sensing clear unease in his demeanor, Riley twisted in his grip to hold his wrist, staring intently into his eyes. “You know something, don’t you?”

Sebastian was a man of steady composure; if he hadn’t sensed something amiss, he would never have been acting so skittish.

The cold sharpness in Sebastian’s gaze softened at the sight of her worried face.

He smiled gently to soothe her fears, “Nothing for you to worry about. Tomorrow’s a huge day for both of us, and I’m admittedly a little nervous. I just want to take every precaution to avoid unexpected trouble. It can’t hurt to be careful.”

His slightly flustered explanation aligned perfectly with Riley’s own suspicions about Lucas.

She knew all too well the hidden tricks and poison schemes lurking in elite banquets. Caution was always the safest choice.

*****

Early the next morning, a top–tier styling team arrived at the villa to prepare for the banquet.

Once her hair and makeup were finished, Riley hesitated briefly before setting aside the custom dress Sebastian’s parents had sent.

She opted for a spare formal gown instead, planning to change into the dress moments before her identity

୮

reveal.

Before leaving the villa, she shook out one antidote pill and swallowed it dry.

As she glanced at the vigilant Sebastian beside her, an idea crossed her mind. Riley quickly tipped another pill into her palm and popped it into his mouth before he could react.

Riley joked softly, tapping his cheek lightly, “It’s not enough for just me to stay alert. You need to be careful, too. I can’t have you getting distracted by any socialite’s tricks tomorrow.”

Sebastian’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed the bitter pill without resistance. He pulled her waist tightly against his body, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her lips.

“Rest assured. You’re my lawful wife now. Nothing and no one can change that.”

Later, Sebastian drove personally, stopping at the hillside manor hosting the banquet.

13

2:15 pm P PTM

Chapter 485 Precautions Before the Grand Banquet

Finished

The estate belonged to Zavier, a private property housing a priceless collection of paintings and artifacts, rarely open to the public aside from routine maintenance.

Raymond was already waiting at the entrance.

His usual playful, carefree/demeanor was gone, replaced by the sharp sophistication of a tailored designer suit that accentuated his tall, commanding frame.

Riley stepped out of the car and walked gracefully to her brother’s side.

The identical facial contours and innate aristocratic pride they shared made their blood bond obvious at a single glance.

Sebastian rolled down the car window, his gaze lingering on Riley for a long moment.

He needed to return home to pick up his parents and could not accompany her inside yet.

Glancing at Raymond, he said, his tone steady and earnest, “I’ll leave Riley in your care for now.”

Raymond stared at him, then burst out laughing. “You make this sound like a wedding handoff, Mr. Torres. Even if it were her wedding day, I’d be the one walking her down the aisle to you.”

He patted his chest firmly, his tone turning sincere and protective. “Don’t worry. She’s my sister. I’ll keep her safe no matter what.”

Amused by their overly formal exchange, Riley leaned down to wave at Sebastian through the car window. “Go pick up your parents. I’ll wait for you here.”

Sebastian’s eyes deepened with reluctant fondness. He nodded and started the engine, only driving off once his gaze lingered on her for another moment.

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