The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 577

Chapter 577 An Invitation to the Past

Chapter 577 An Invitation to the Past

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He paused for a moment, then reached over to gently smooth the frown between Riley’s eyebrows. His tone was calm and steady, meant to reassure. “It does seem strange. Reaching out to you now feels too convenient-not just a business move. You handled it right. Until we know more, keep your distance.”

“But don’t worry about it. I’ll have someone look into Quinn Group’s recent moves and see what he’s really after. You focus on your work-let me handle the rest.”

Riley gave a slow nod, and the tension in her shoulders eased.

After dinner, she took a shower and headed into the study to review the materials for the next day’s board meeting.

She’d only just settled into her chair when her phone lit up with a text from Emily.

“Hey Riley, the children’s home is having a charity open house this weekend. Want to come?”

Riley’s fingers hovered over the screen, her gaze drifting away for a second.

She and Emily had met at their lowest point, sharing some of their toughest years growing up in the same children’s home.

The place held these open houses every so often-mainly to attract well-off families looking to adopt, or socialites wanting to polish their public image with some charity work. It was a chance for the more outgoing, charming, or clearly talented kids to catch someone’s eye and maybe change their story.

Emily had been one of those kids. With her wide, expressive eyes and warm smile, she’d caught the attention of a couple who couldn’t have children, and they’d given her a way out.

Riley, though, had been quiet and withdrawn. Never much of a talker, and even worse at playing up to strangers. During those events, she usually stayed in the background, out of sight and out of mind.

No one ever picked her. But going through that shaped her into someone tough and self- reliant. In the end, she fought her way through school on scholarships and every side job she could find, grinding until she’d earned the life she had now.

Bringing herself back to the present, Riley looked down at her phone, emotions swirling.

She wasn’t that little girl anymore, waiting to be chosen, hoping for someone’s charity.

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15:08 Fri, Aug 7

Chapter 577 An Invitation to the Past

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As acting chair of Harper Group, the company could also use some positive visibility in the philanthropy space.

Both personally and professionally, she had no real reason to say no.

She typed back, “Sure, I’ll be there.”

A moment later, Emily replied, this time with a playful emoji, “Awesome! My husband and I will both be there. Bring your other half too, okay? I’ve been dying to meet the famous Mr. Torres.”

Riley’s marriage to Sebastian was pretty much public knowledge across Nexopolis by now.

Seeing the words “other half,” she felt a small, unexpected flutter in her chest.

She didn’t commit right away, answering vaguely, “I’ll ask him-not sure what his weekend looks like.”

Setting her phone aside, Riley picked up the files and walked out of the study.

In the living room, Sebastian had already changed into comfortable loungewear and was settled on the sofa answering emails.

The soft lamplight caught the sharp lines of his profile.

Riley walked over and sat down beside him. “Are you free this weekend?” she asked quietly. Sebastian lifted his eyes from the laptop screen, his gaze softening. “What’s up?”

“The children’s home I grew up in is holding a charity open house. Emily invited me,” Riley said, watching him closely as she waited for his response.

Sebastian closed his laptop and turned fully toward her, a knowing smile touching his lips. “Shouldn’t you be more direct about something like this? Just tell me straight that I have to come with you.”

His teasing drew a soft laugh from her. “Since when do I boss

you

around?”

Instead of answering, he motioned for her to come closer.

Riley shifted over until she was right beside him. In the next instant, his arm wrapped firmly around her, pulling her in until their shoulders touched.

He smelled clean and warm, and Riley immediately felt safe, anchored.

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15:08 Fri, Aug 7

Chapter 577 An Invitation to the Past

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