The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 584

Chapter 584 A Test of Loyalty

Melissa was practically dying to see Riley eat humble pie and admit she was wrong.

For a second, Melissa was tempted to say yes.

But reason held her back at the last moment.

Who knew if Riley was setting her up-luring her into some kind of trap?

And then there was that other nagging thought… what if Elsie really did let her down?

The possibility sent a cold shudder through her, so she pushed it away, refusing to dwell

Putting on a show of false confidence, she snorted dismissively. “Why should I do what yo me? Don’t get ahead of yourself, Riley.

“You’re only riding on Sebastian’s coattails right now. If he ever divorces you—just like you father left me-I bet you’ll end up even worse off than I am.”

Little did she know, those words didn’t faze Riley in the slightest.

“Sorry, but I can stand on my own two feet just fine,” Riley replied coolly. “Don’t project you old-fashioned idea that a woman needs a man onto my life. You’re not in any position to.”

With that, Riley turned away without another glance.

Back at her seat, the chill from the terrace seemed to linger on her skin.

Emily, who had watched the argument from across the room, leaned in with concern. “Did s give you a hard time? Want me to have Eric go have a word with her?”

“No, it’s fine.” Riley shook her head, smoothing her sleeve where Melissa had touched her-th memory still uncomfortable.

She wondered whether to tell Emily the whole story about Melissa now; sooner or later, it would come out anyway.

Just as she was hesitating, a warm weight settled over her shoulders.

A black suit jacket, carrying the faint, clean scent of cologne, wrapped around her, driving away the cold in an instant.

Riley looked up, surprised, into Sebastian’s deep, steady gaze.

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Chapter 584 A Test of Loyalty

He was supposed to be tied up at the office, yet here he was, having appeared behind her without a sound. His eyes studied her closely, full of quiet attention.

Around them, the soft murmur of conversation paused as guests noticed Sebastian’s arri followed by a wave of hushed whispers.

All eyes in the venue turned toward them.

“Did

you wrap things up at the office so quickly?” Riley tilted her head, her voice softening

Sebastian’s eyes stayed on her a moment longer, as if making sure she was okay, before he straightened and gave a brief, polite nod to Emily and Eric beside her.

His presence was so commanding that even Emily, usually quick with a teasing remark, he her tongue.

hom Then he looked back at Riley. “I went back and handled some urgent emails. Dad got not long after. When he heard I was coming with you, he took over so I could leave early.”

Sebastian glanced around the hall-the host hadn’t taken the stage yet, and guests were still mingling. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his eyes. “Looks like I made it just in time.”

He reached over and covered Riley’s hand with his own, his touch warm and sure.

Riley’s heart felt suddenly lighter. She turned her hand under his and laced their fingers together, savoring the solid, reassuring warmth.

A soft smile curved her lips. “You’re right on time.”

To Melissa, watching from a distance, the scene was like salt in a wound.

Riley’s trusting smile, Sebastian’s open affection-the easy intimacy between them was visible for everyone to see.

There was a time when Zavier had been like that with her, too.

Back then, whatever she wanted, he’d move heaven and earth to get it for her.

Whenever she had to face some social event, he’d shield her from the awkwardness and handle everything behind the scenes.

But now? Now he wouldn’t even take her calls. He’d rather hand the company over to Riley than see her again.

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Chapter 584 A Test of Loyalty

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The contrast wrapped around Melissa’s heart like a tight vine, leaving her short of breath.

What made it worse were the whispered remarks floating from nearby guests.

“Oh my gosh, is that Sebastian? What’s he doing at an event like this?”

“I heard he’s completely devoted to his new wife, but seeing it in person is something else. D you’see the way he looks at her? Like nobody else exists.”

“I know. I’ve seen him at investor meetings before-total ice king. Could freeze the room wit one look. Never imagined he’d be so tender with Riley.”

“Now that’s what you call a power couple. Good family, great looks, successful careers-they match perfectly. She’s so lucky. Not only did she get her family back, but she married the mc eligible man in the city.”

Melissa clenched her fists until her nails dug into her palms.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that all of this should have been Elsie’s.

The one standing beside Sebastian should have been her sweet, graceful, well-mannered Elsi -not Riley, that cold, disrespectful, ungrateful girl.

But just as resentment burned inside her, Riley’s parting question echoed once more in her mind, uninvited…

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Chapter 585 A Public Stand