From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 103: Bargaining Chips

As for what Sophia was saying, Lucas saw it as an excuse from a manager who couldn't lead and couldn't earn respect.

A truly capable leader would've seen efficiency and sound planning in Riley's arrangement—not this so-called "losing face."

Still, even though he'd already made up his mind, Lucas kept his expression neutral.

Sophia was, after all, the director he'd personally promoted. No matter what, he couldn't tear her down in front of the whole department.

That wouldn't just hurt Sophia's authority. It would also reflect poorly on his own judgment as CEO.

He listened patiently as Sophia finished her tearful complaint.

Riley looked back at him calmly, her expression open and untroubled.

"Sophia," Lucas said, his tone unreadable. "Riley has always worked this way.

"The company brought her back precisely because of that. You're the department head. You should be learning from her, not wasting energy on pointless conflicts. Now—go do your work."

Sophia's face went from flushed to pale.

She'd thought Lucas would back her up, at least say something to put Riley in her place. But instead, she got this—almost blatant favoritism wrapped in corporate speak.

"Yes... Mr. Ashford." She forced the words out through clenched teeth and lowered her eyes, backing down.

But she wasn't ready to slink off just yet; she wanted to salvage one last shred of dignity.

She looked up at Lucas again, hopeful. "Mr. Ashford... why did you come down today? Was there something you wanted to discuss with me?"

Lucas didn't hesitate for even a second. "No."

It was short and blunt.

He added, "I came for Riley. There's something urgent I need to go over with her."

Sophia felt her vision go dark. Her ears started ringing.

"Alright, then," she said, almost in a whisper.

She clutched her folder and shuffled back into her office.

Lucas turned his attention to Riley. "So? Are you settling in okay?"

Riley shifted slightly, avoiding his intense gaze.

Settling in? What do I need to settle into?

Sophia's stupidity? Or his guilty, scheming ways?

"What did you need to see me about?" Riley changed the subject, crushing the little spark of warmth he'd just tried to create.

Lucas choked on her words, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face.

But he quickly regained his CEO composure. "This isn't the place to talk. My office."

With that, he turned and strode out.

Trevor caught on immediately and held the glass door open for him.

Riley didn't refuse or argue. She followed, expressionless.

"Tomorrow, you're coming with me to the suburbs," Lucas said once they were in his office, no more beating around the bush.

"There's a golf course out there," he continued. "There's a project I want you to help me negotiate."

Riley's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Lucas had never been into golf. He always said it took too long.

"Be more specific," Riley said, looking straight at him. "What kind of project requires a trip to a golf course?"

Under her gaze, Lucas' expression turned slightly uncomfortable.

He was used to giving her orders. He'd forgotten that the Riley standing in front of him wasn't the same woman who followed his every word without question anymore.

Lucas looked away, irritation creeping into his voice. "It's Sebastian.

"I went to talk to him about a partnership before. It didn't work out. You know that."

Lucas' tone was stiff—clearly, getting turned away like that still stung. "One of Grandpa's old friends has some connections with the Torres family. He's willing to make an introduction so we can sit down and have a proper conversation.

"Sebastian's moody and extremely self-centered. The proposal we're submitting, plus the market analysis and risk assessment—those are all your strengths. That's why I want you there. With you by my side, I feel more confident."

Riley smiled, "Didn't you say before that he has no integrity and questionable character? That Ashford Group wouldn't stoop to working with someone like him? And now you're chasing after him? Aren't you worried about getting shut out again?"

Lucas put on a righteous expression and said solemnly, "Times change. Grandpa's coming back soon. Securing this deal with Sebastian would take the company's performance to another level this year. I want to show him some real results. Build his confidence in me."

Riley understood everything in that moment.

Lucas had her back to stabilize the marketing department. He was suddenly so eager to chase after Sebastian—someone he'd once looked down on. All of it, every bit, was because Caleb was coming home.

He was terrified that Caleb would find out about Sophia and Jeremy. So before that happened, he was scrambling to grab as many bargaining chips as he could.