The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 580

Chapter 580 A Reluctant Date

Chapter 580 A Reluctant Date

+10 Per E

Over the years, his love life had been about as exciting as plain tap water-crystal clear and completety uneventful.

But Raymond understood perfectly well that as the future head of the Harper family, his marriage was never just about his own desires. It was part of the legacy he had to carry forward, a responsibility tied to the family name.

He couldn’t simply follow his heart.

With that heavy truth weighing on him, he finally gave in. “Fine… I’ll go on a few dates. Think of it as… networking.”

His grim expression, as though he were heading to his own funeral, actually made Zavier chuckle. “Relax It’s just a date, not a death sentence. You might even meet someone nice.”

After a moment of laughter, Zavier’s face softened into something more thoughtful.

He reflected on his own failed marriage and spoke with a tinge of regret. “I don’t want you making the same mistakes I did. Business connections are one thing, but they can’t keep you warm at night. I really hope you find someone you truly love.”

Raymond knew his father was thinking about the arranged marriage with Melissa-the one that had left them both with scars. His resistance melted away, replaced by a grudging acceptance. “Yeah, alright,” he mumbled, a hint of pride still lingering in his tone.

Seeing him come around, Zavier pressed gently forward. “Since you’re open to it… I actually have someone in mind. You remember my old friend Warren Belmont-the one who always brings me those premium coffee blends? You’ve met him.”

Raymond frowned, searching his memory.

Zavier went on, “He stopped by this morning with his daughter, Claudia. She just finished her studies overseas. Very polished, well-spoken… lovely young woman, really.”

Raymond didn’t keep up with most of the socialites in Nexopolis, but the name Claudia sparked a distant, almost vivid childhood memory.

He vaguely recalled that little girl from the Belmont family two pigtails, big eyes like ripe grapes, and a tendency to cry at the drop of a hat. If he climbed a tree to raid a bird’s nest, she’d sob for what felt like hours. If he hid one of her hair clips, those eyes would well up in an instant.

Just a soft, sensitive little thing.

The clearest memory was from a game of pretend war with the neighborhood kids. He’d accidentally shot her in the forehead with a plastic pellet from a toy gun.

It didn’t even hurt, but she’d frozen for a second before unleashing screams that could wake the whole block.

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13:51 Sat, Aug 8

Chapter 580 A Reluctant Date

+10 From Costin

Irritated, he’d rushed over to cover her mouth-only for her to bite down hard on his hand. The tech marks were so deep he’d ended up crying too, and got an earful from his parents when he got home.

That delicate, tearful little girl… after all these years abroad, how much could she really have changed?

Well-mannered and graceful? Sounded like his father was viewing her through rose-tinted glasses.

Still, the contrast intrigued him just enough to soften his dread about the unavoidable date.

“Alright,” he agreed, his tone lazy but compliant.

With that settled, Riley and Raymond prepared to leave and let their father rest.

Just then, the phone on the nightstand buzzed-Melissa’s name flashed across the screen.

Zavier glanced at it, his expression cooling instantly, and declined the call without hesitation.

The dismissal was clean, final.

Riley and Raymond exchanged a quiet look but said nothing.

The weekend arrived quickly. After days of gray skies, Nexopolis was finally drenched in sunlight, warm and bright without being overbearing.

Riley and Sebastian headed out together for the orphanage charity event.

In the car. Sebastian savored the rare moment of calm, lacing his fingers through Riley’s as they enjoyed the quiet drive.

But just as they were about to leave the city limits and merge onto the highway toward the suburbs, Sebastian’s phone rang-untimely and insistent.

He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing slightly before he answered.

The voice on the other end was urgent, words tumbling out quickly. Riley couldn’t catch the details, but from the way Sebastian’s posture stiffened and his expression turned serious, she knew it was something pressing at the office.

“Understood. I’ll be right there,” he said, then hung up and turned to her with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. Something’s come up at the firm. I need to go back.”

Riley shook her head understandingly. “Don’t worry about it. Work comes first. I’ll go on ahead-if you wrap up early, you can still join me. These events usually run most of the day.”

“Alright.” He leaned in and brushed a soft, regretful kiss against her forehead. “I’ll make it quick. I’ll come find you as soon as I’m done.”

Sebastian arranged for a separate car to take him back downtown and assigned two of his personal security detail to stay with Riley.

Before long, the car pulled up in front of the orphanage. Riley stepped out into the gentle embrace of the

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