From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 111: Felt Strangely Settled

Riley felt a bit confused by the setup. She looked at Sebastian, her eyes asking the question.

Sebastian said, "The last time I went to the jewelry store to discuss the custom wedding ring details, you left early.

"So I found a new team and brought them here instead.

"Don't worry. No one will bother us here."

Riley stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words.

He's still thinking about this.

Compared to how thoughtful and thorough he was, she'd been so focused on plotting against Lucas that she'd neglected the marriage itself—the very thing tying them together.

A strange feeling rose in her chest, mixed with a trace of guilt she couldn't quite name.

For the first time, she seemed to truly realize that this marriage wasn't just her own one-woman show. The man sitting next to her was fulfilling his role as a fiancé—in his own way.

Riley pushed aside her other emotions and focused completely on what was in front of her.

"Mr. Torres, you are very thorough," she said, giving Sebastian a small nod. Then she turned to the lead designer, Patrick Goode. "We can begin."

Patrick respectfully handed her a tablet showing several ready-made design sketches.

He said, "Ms. Harper, based on Mr. Torres' initial description of your style and preferences, we've prepared several collections for you to choose from..."

Patrick talked enthusiastically. Each design was extremely luxurious and priceless.

But Riley listened quietly, her fingertips gliding lightly across the screen. Finally, her gaze settled on one very simple pair of rings.

These plain platinum bands had no flashy diamonds, only smooth inner surfaces left open for engraving.

The lines were smooth and elegant—understated, but undeniably high-end.

"I like this one," Riley said, pointing at it. "Something simple."

Patrick looked surprised. Clearly, he hadn't expected her to pass over all the dazzling, ornate designs for such a plain pair.

He instinctively glanced at the real decision-maker for approval.

Sebastian had been lounging lazily on the couch, his calm gaze resting on Riley. When he caught Patrick's look, he lifted his eyes casually.

He said, "Do what Ms. Harper wants."

That one sentence sealed the decision.

With his approval, the designers immediately dug into the details of the simple rings—the width, the curve, and the font and wording for the inside engraving.

"Ms. Harper, any thoughts on the engraving?" Patrick asked again.

Riley paused to think, but before she could answer, her phone buzzed on the coffee table.

It was Lucas calling.

What an eyesore.

Riley's brow furrowed slightly.

Annoyance crept up inside her.

Sebastian's gaze swept lazily over the screen—unreadable. Then he picked up his coffee and took a slow sip.

Riley didn't hesitate. She hit mute.

The ringing stopped.

She then fired off a perfunctory text.

Riley typed, "Phone's dying. Talk later."

Then she looked up, met Patrick's questioning eyes, and continued where they'd left off.

Sebastian paused mid-sip, his gaze dropping to the dark liquid in his cup. The corner of his mouth seemed to twitch upward.

The rest of the discussion went smoothly.

All the details were agreed upon within two hours.

Riley glanced at her watch and stood up from the couch. "It's getting late. I should head back."

"Okay," Sebastian said. He didn't try to stop her. He turned to Gideon, who was waiting nearby, and said, "Arrange a car for Ms. Harper."

"Yes, Mr. Torres." Gideon bowed and left.

Outside the estate, a black sedan waited.

Riley was about to open the door when she stopped—almost against her will.

She turned back to look at Sebastian.

"The Quinn family's banquet tomorrow night," she said, her clear eyes meeting his. "Will you be there, too?"

At the words "the Quinn family," a flicker of coldness seemed to cross Sebastian's eyes—just for an instant.

He paused for a moment, then nodded. His voice gave nothing away. "Yes."

Hearing the answer she wanted, Riley felt strangely settled.

"Good," she said simply. Then she opened the car door and got in.

As the car pulled away, Riley watched Sebastian's figure grow smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror until it disappeared.

When the car pulled up to Ashford Manor, the evening sun was struggling to sink below the horizon, drowning the fancy mansion in blurry twilight.

The atmosphere felt strangely oppressive.

Lucas and Sophia were already back.

When he saw her walk in, Lucas immediately got up from the couch and walked over, concern on his face.