The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75 Grandfather’s Command

Chapter 75 Grandfather’s Command

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On the other end of the line, Caleb’s tone was unmistakably displeased. “Lucas, I need to ask you something–is Riley no longer with the company?”

Lucas‘ palm grew damp against the phone. He forced his voice to stay even. “Grandfather, why would you ask that? Aren’t you still abroad?”

“Hmph. I’m abroad, not living under a rock,” Caleb snapped, his voice sharpening. “An old business associate just called me complaining that one of the projects with Ashford Group has stalled completely. He went by the office to follow up and found out that Ms. Harper–the one handling everything–hasn’t been at work for weeks. Lucas, you’d better have a good explanation.”

What Lucas feared most was Caleb learning about Sophia and Jeremy ahead of schedule–and even more, him discovering that the family had pushed Riley out. Caleb had always valued Riley’s professional competence highly. If he found out the truth, the fallout would be severe.

Quickly, Lucas formed an excuse. “Grandfather, please don’t be upset. Here’s what happened— Riley came down with a serious illness recently. She hasn’t been well, so I insisted she take some time off to recover at home. That’s why she’s stepped back from work temporarily. Once she’s better, she’ll be back in the office soon.”

The excuse sounded plausible enough. Caleb was silent for a few seconds before raising another matter. “I heard the Quinns are hosting a gala, and we received an invitation?”

“Yes, we did.”

“Then you’ll bring Riley along.”

Lucas‘ throat went dry.

But he had already promised to take Sophia.

“Well? Cat got your tongue?” Caleb’s irritation was clear.

“No–it’s nothing, Grandfather. Understood.” Faced with Caleb’s unwavering authority, Lucas didn’t dare refuse. He swallowed his objection and agreed.

After all, control of the Ashford fortune still rested in Caleb’s hands.

“Good. I expect the next time I check in, Riley will already be back at work.” With that final remark, Caleb ended the call.

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17:05 Tue, May 5

Chapter 75 Grandfather’s Command

Listening to the dial tone, Lucas set the phone down. His expression was strained.

“What did Caleb say?” Anthea pressed impatiently.

Lucas relayed Caleb’s instructions.

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“What?!” Anthea exploded. “He wants you to bring Riley? Why? I swear, I don’t know what kind of hold Riley has over Caleb for him to favor her so much. If he hadn’t interfered back then and opposed us at every turn, would Sophia and Jeremy still be in this ambiguous situation after all this time?”

All the resentment Anthea had bottled up toward Caleb over the years came pouring out.

“Enough! Keep your voice down,” Julian cut in quietly, a shrewd gleam in his eyes. “Dad doesn’t care about Riley personally. What he cares about is the profit and value she brings to Ashford Group. You don’t get it.”

Sophia’s eyes welled up. She bit her lip and stood, looking wounded. “If Grandfather insists… then I won’t go. I don’t want to put Lucas in a difficult position.”

This tactic of yielding to gain sympathy only made Anthea more defensive.

Anthea took her by the arm, gaze darting around as she strategized. “Who said you’re not going?!

“By now, everyone knows you’re an adopted daughter of the Ashford family. That makes you part of this household too. Why shouldn’t you attend the gala? Not only are you going–you’re going to shine.”

“Mom, what are you thinking…?” Lucas looked confused.

“Don’t be naive,” Anthea shot back, exasperated. “So what if Riley goes? Sophia is coming too.

“At the gala, we’ll see who really stands out. Let Sophia mingle and make connections. Ideally, she’ll secure a couple of deals right then and there. Then let’s see if Caleb still thinks Riley is irreplaceable.”

Julian listened and gave a nod of approval. The plan sounded solid to him.

Caught in the middle, Lucas felt the pressure of pleasing everyone.

He glanced at Sophia. Her head was bowed, shoulders trembling slightly, the picture of grievance.

But even so, Lucas didn’t feel like comforting her today.

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17:05 Tue, May 5

Chapter 75 Grandfather’s Command

His mind was preoccupied with one thing: how to get Riley back.

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