From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 132: Sounds Like a Huge Project

Riley knew Sebastian's personality well. There was no way he'd stop to make small talk with anyone when he was in a hurry to leave.

But even though she knew that logically, hearing Sophia talk about him in that intimate tone—like she and Sebastian were close—still made something flicker in Riley's chest, small and annoying.

Lucas, on the other hand, had a completely different reaction.

The frustration on his face vanished, then was replaced by surprise. His eyes even lit up a little. "Really? What did Mr. Torres say to you?"

In Lucas' mind, Sophia was loyal to him and completely devoted to him, and her only goal in life was to please him.

So if she went out of her way to cozy up to Sebastian, there could only be one reason: to help Ashford Group.

Seeing Lucas press her for details made Sophia's ego swell.

"Oh, nothing special," she said, pretending to be modest. "Mr. Torres seemed to be in a hurry to leave. We just chatted for a minute. He did say he liked the dress I picked out tonight, though."

She let her eyes drift toward Riley—who hadn't said a word—and gave her a little look, almost challenging.

"I told you before," Sophia added. "Mr. Torres and I go way back. None of you believed me."

That was aimed straight at Riley.

Because Riley was the only one who'd ever hinted that Sophia was exaggerating.

Now, Sophia was going to use this as proof and shove it right in Riley's face.

Riley met her gaze. Her expression didn't change. She didn't argue or agree.

Lucas, completely oblivious to the silent war between the two women, zeroed in on the most important detail. "Mr. Torres already left?"

The hope drained out of his face.

He'd come to this top-tier banquet tonight, feeling confident, ready to make things happen.

And what did he have to show for it?

Among the two biggest players at the event, he still had no idea who the Harper family had even sent.

And Sebastian? He hadn't exchanged a single word with him, and the guy was already gone.

All that work was for nothing.

Sophia saw his disappointment and immediately shifted into comfort mode. "Don't be upset, Lucas. It's okay. He had something urgent tonight—that doesn't mean he'll be busy forever. Don't worry. I'll find a way to set up a meeting with him later."

Riley stood there watching.

This is getting good. Sophia just keeps puffing up this lie. Digging herself deeper and deeper into a hole she can't climb out of.

Riley almost couldn't wait to see the look on Lucas' face when Sophia failed to deliver on her promise to meet with Sebastian.

Just then, a waiter in a black vest walked over. He gave a small bow, respectful, and addressed the three of them. "Good evening, Mr. Ashford, Ms. Myers, Mrs. Ashford. Mr. Quinn invites you to join him for a moment. He said he'd like to discuss some potential cooperation with Mr. Ashford. Privately."

Privately?

Then why invite all three of us?

Riley frowned slightly.

Something about this sudden invitation feels... off.

Lucas didn't see it that way.

He'd been looking down in the dumps just a moment ago. Now he perked right up.

The Quinn family isn't nearly as powerful as the Torres Group. But they are still a respectable name.

And Aiden is Sebastian's cousin. That connection may come in handy.

"Sure. Lead the way," Lucas said immediately.

The three of them followed the waiter and found Aiden.

He was sitting on a couch by himself, sipping red wine nice and slow.

When he saw them approaching, he set down his glass and stood up. A warm, businesslike smile spread across his face.

"Mr. Ashford," he said, "I'm honored you could make time for me."

"The honor is mine, Mr. Quinn." Lucas switched into businessman mode and shook his hand.

While they exchanged pleasantries, Aiden's meaningful gaze drifted—casually, like it was nothing—to Riley standing behind Lucas.

Brief and understated, yet piercing—he seemed to see straight through her.

He'd seen her with Sebastian in that VIP room. But he wasn't saying a word about it. He held that knowledge close, like a card up his sleeve.

Riley felt a chill run through her.

After the quick introductions, everyone sat down.

Aiden didn't waste any time. He got straight to the point. "Mr. Ashford, I'll be honest with you. I asked you here because I want to talk about a partnership. One that could make both of us a lot of money.

"I have an island development project. The plan is to build a top-tier private resort on the outskirts of Havenbrook. I really admire Ashford Group's track record in real estate—your expertise, your vision. So I'd like to invite you to come on board."

Before Lucas could even respond, Sophia blurted out, "An island development? Really, Mr. Quinn? That sounds like a huge project!"