The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 7

7 The Charity Luncheon

Chapter 7 The Charity Luncheon

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After Riley returned to Ashford Manor, Anthea dumped all the arrangements for the ladies‘ charity luncheon onto her while she spent her days doting on Jeremy.

The days passed, and before she knew it, the luncheon had arrived.

Anthea had every intention of making Riley’s life difficult. She deliberately assigned Riley to handle the setup and decorations in the back parlor while she and Sophia greeted the guests at the entrance. She kept Jeremy glued to her side, proudly introducing him to everyone who walked through the door.

“This is Sophia’s son. Handsome little thing, isn’t he? And sharp as a whip.”

Sophia sat obediently beside Anthea, playing the part of the perfect daughter.

The socialites exchanged subtle glances.

The rumors about Sophia’s secret marriage and child had been circulating for weeks. Some had even whispered that she was the mysterious Mrs. Ashford. Seeing Anthea’s blatant favoritism, several ladies felt their suspicions confirmed.

Riley emerged from the back parlor just in time to catch the scene. She raised an eyebrow.

She’d never paid much attention before.

But now, looking closely, she realized Jeremy didn’t resemble Lucas at all.

Anthea had some nerve, lying through her teeth like that.

Riley walked over, her voice unhurried. “Since you’re so fond of children, maybe I should schedule a fertility specialist appointment. Lucas and I could try for one of our own. After all, another man’s child can never compare to Lucas‘ flesh and blood.”

Another man’s child, indeed.

Anthea cursed inwardly.

The last thing she wanted was a child from some orphan nobody.

“What are you doing here?” Anthea snapped. “Are the tasks I gave you finished?”

“The back parlor is handled. The staff will take care of the guests.” Riley’s tone was mild. “Don’t worry.”

Interesting. They had her playing housekeeper while Sophia played lady of the manor.

They thought they could humiliate her.

She’d spent years in the corporate world, navigating boardrooms full of sharks. A ladies‘ luncheon was nothing.

The socialites‘ attention shifted to Riley.

She wore a simple dress, minimal makeup, yet she carried herself with an effortless elegance that turned heads.

One woman asked curiously, “And who is this?”

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1:09 pm

M

Chapter 7 The Charity Luncheon

Before Riley could answer, Sophia linked arms with her.

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“This is my friend, Riley.” Her smile was warm, practiced. “Riley, I really have to thank you. I’ve been so swamped helping Lucas with the investment portfolio that I haven’t had time for Jeremy. You’ve been a lifesaver with him.”

To anyone unaware, Riley might have been mistaken for hired help.

Riley simply raised an eyebrow and nodded to the ladies. “As Lucas‘ wife, it’s my job to make sure he doesn’t have to worry about things at home. These tasks fall to me. Is everyone enjoying the catering?”

Understanding dawned on several faces.

So this was the real Mrs. Ashford. The one Lucas had kept out of the spotlight for years.

Which meant Sophia–the adopted daughter with the secret marriage and child–must have married someone else entirely.

These women were sharp. An adopted daughter who never mentioned a husband, who showed up with a child and moved back into the family home? Clearly, she’d married beneath herself.

One woman covered her mouth with a delicate laugh. “Mrs. Ashford, you’re lovely and clearly capable. No wonder Lucas kept you hidden. If you hadn’t appeared today, we might have thought Sophia and Lucas had something going on.”

The implication landed like a slap.

Sophia’s smile froze.

“Sophia was raised in this house,” Anthea cut in sharply. “Her son is my grandson too.” She shot Riley a venomous look. “Riley can handle the small tasks, but she’s no comparison to Sophia. Sophia is brilliant, accomplished, and a wonderful mother.”

“Mom’s right,” Sophia added sweetly. “Riley grew up in Nexopolis. An orphan. She didn’t have someone like you to raise her properly, the way I did.”

Background. Pedigree. In Havenbrook society, those things mattered.

The ladies‘ interest in Riley cooled considerably.

Sophia allowed herself a small smile.

Then one woman spoke up, “Wait–wasn’t the investment proposal for Hayes Tech handled by Mrs. Ashford?”

Amanda Hayes, from Hayes Tech.

Riley recognized her immediately and smiled. “Mrs. Hayes. How are you and Mr. Hayes?”

Amanda’s face lit up. The tourmaline at her throat caught the light. “Thanks to you, our new project’s return hit thirty percent. Ethan’s been saying for weeks we need to have you over for dinner.”

The other ladies leaned in.

Hayes Tech’s success had been the talk of their circle. Everyone wanted in on the next big thing.

Riley fielded their questions with calm confidence, dropping a few well–placed insights that had them nodding appreciatively. “Now I see why Lucas chose her,” someone murmured. “She actually knows what she’s talking about.”

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1:09 pm Pp.

Chapter 7 The Charity Luncheon

Sophia’s jaw tightened behind her practiced smile.

Let Riley have her moment. It wouldn’t last.

She caught Jeremy’s eye and whispered something in his ear.

Shortly afterward, refreshments were served.

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