From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 114: Really Impressive

She couldn't help but let out a quiet, mocking laugh.

What a family. Short-sighted. Stupid. And so full of themselves.

Sophia was even more focused on the Quinn family's banquet than Lucas himself.

In her eyes, the Ashford Group was a long-standing, firmly established company. It could withstand temporary troubles and would not collapse suddenly.

The real priority—the most important thing right now—was using this high-profile banquet to finally cement her position as the Ashford family's leading lady, push away the shadow Riley had cast, and make a grand entrance into the family.

So, at the crack of dawn the next day, Sophia was already awake.

She'd booked a top-tier styling team well in advance. They brought all their professional equipment into the Ashford Manor's spacious living room, turning it into a private couture salon.

Makeup artist, hairstylist, stylist, assistants—seven or eight people buzzing around her.

Sophia sat in a soft armchair, eyes closed, enjoying the gentle sweep of brushes across her face.

Before long, the doorbell rang.

The butler, Nelson Galloway, went to answer it. A moment later, a middle-aged man in a crisp suit walked in, carrying an elegant brand bag. Two security guards in white gloves followed behind him—quite the production.

"Hello, Ms. Myers." The manager gave a slight bow, a professional, respectful smile on his face. "The jewelry Mr. Ashford ordered from us has arrived."

Sophia's heart jumped. Her face lit up with surprise.

The manager handed her a document and spoke politely. "This set was specially custom-ordered by Mr. Ashford in Mrs. Ashford's name. According to the procedure, it requires her signature for delivery. May I ask—will you be signing on her behalf today? Or should we go call Mrs. Ashford?"

Sophia understood immediately.

Lucas must have kept Riley completely out of the loop—from the order to the finished product—because he was afraid she'd find out and suspect something between them.

He wanted this to be a surprise for her.

"No need," Sophia said, suppressing a flicker of annoyance and putting on a gracious smile. "I'll sign for it. Don't worry."

She took the pen and scribbled her name.

The manager put away the document and respectfully presented the velvet jewelry box. "Ms. Myers, we won't disturb you further."

After they left, Sophia could barely contain herself. She held the sapphire-blue velvet box.

"Quick, open it for me!" she told the makeup artist next to her, unable to hide her excitement.

The makeup artist, looking envious, carefully took the box and began to untie the elegant ribbon.

Just then, Riley's voice drifted down from the stairs. "So lively down here."

Sophia froze. She looked up and saw Riley casually making her way downstairs.

Riley was dressed simply—a stark contrast to the elaborate, deliberate atmosphere in the living room.

Sophia's hands instinctively tightened around the jewelry box.

"Wait—don't open it yet!" Sophia said quickly, flustered. She didn't want Riley to see. She called out to Nelson. "Take this to the safe. I'll put it on right before I leave."

Nelson walked over, his gaze shifting subtly between Riley and Sophia. But he said nothing. He took the box silently and left.

Riley came down the last few steps. Her eyes swept over the styling team waiting in the living room, then landed on Sophia, who kept avoiding her gaze.

She recognized the jewelry store people immediately. Even that sapphire-blue velvet box—she knew it all too well.

Riley held back a cold laugh, her face showing nothing. She raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone teasing. "Sophia, who are all these people?

"You're just going to a banquet. Why the big production—hiring all these people? Anyone walking in would think you were headed to the red carpet to compete for Best Actress."

Riley's light teasing ripped right through the dignity Sophia had been trying so hard to maintain.

Sophia's expression turned sour.

She felt like Riley was mocking her for being a performer.

Sophia forced a smile, but her eyes flickered uneasily, betraying her forced vanity.

"Riley, you're so humorous." Sophia tried to keep her voice steady, but the sharpness crept through. "I just like to give my best every time I appear in public. After all, as a public figure, if a fan happens to take a picture of me, at least I won't disappoint their expectations."

Riley watched her put on this act, amusement deepening in her eyes.

She walked slowly to the center of the living room, stopping just a few steps from Sophia.

Her cool, faint fragrance silently invaded Sophia's space, making her feel an inexplicable pressure.

Riley looked Sophia up and down, an unreadable smile on her face. She nodded approvingly. "Oh, I see. No wonder you're a celebrity. That kind of dedication—really impressive."