From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 142: Lucas Gave In

The hospital door clicked shut.

Sophia let the fragile act fall from her face.

She slumped back against the bed, exhausted—but her mind was already racing.

Lucas doesn't have enough power. He's too cautious. He can't even find the guts to acknowledge his own son and me. How can a man who can't even control his own company give me and Jeremy the bright future we deserve?

Her thoughts drifted to Sebastian.

A man with his status, his power—inside his own empire, he probably makes whatever decision he wants, based on nothing but his own will.

Because that is a true king.

Sure, Lucas was easy to manipulate. The guilt he felt toward her? That was her best weapon. It made him soften and made him give in.

But he was also weak-willed.

That "CEO" title of his? Just a handout from the Ashford family. He had strings attached everywhere—no courage to even admit his own blood.

Bet my whole future—and my son's—on someone who could crumble at the first serious crisis?

No. I'm not that stupid.

If... if I could latch onto a man like Sebastian? Forget a title. Even if I asked for the moon, he'd probably send someone to grab it for me.

Compared to that, Lucas looks small and dull.

Sophia made up her mind quietly.

She couldn't let go of Lucas just yet. He was still her ticket into high society.

But she needed to find more chances and more time with Sebastian.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door.

Sophia quickly tucked away every trace of ambition and scheming. She let the emotion build back up.

When Lucas pushed the door open, he found her letting out a soft, pained moan—weak, sinking back onto the bed.

He had just gotten off a long call with the head of the PR firm. His nerves were shot.

"What's wrong? Are you hurting again?" he asked.

Sophia didn't answer. She just reached up, pitiful, and wrapped her fingers around his wrist.

"Lucas..." Her voice was pure pleading. "About what happened today... I know I put you in a tough spot. I'm not asking for much. I just—I want to do something for you."

Lucas blinked. He didn't follow.

Sophia bit her pale lower lip, like she was summoning every ounce of courage she had. "That project with Aiden... if you really land it... could I be the one in charge?"

She saw his brow furrow and rushed to explain, "I know I don't have experience. But I can learn. I can't hide behind you forever—like some dirty secret. If I can actually help you, make something of myself, then maybe... maybe our grandfather wouldn't look down on me so much. I want to stand beside you with my head held high. Not be a burden or scandal."

Tears welled in her eyes. "This project matters. I know you'd probably rather have Riley on it. She's capable. She's got experience. I'm not trying to replace her completely. Just... just keep her happy, make her my deputy. She can guide me, keep me on track..."

Lucas' frown deepened.

Make Riley Sophia's deputy?

That is insane.

Riley was too proud for that—too cool. He wasn't even sure she'd agree to be on the project at all if he asked her himself.

And there was something else—a bad feeling he couldn't shake.

Riley had been so distant lately. He kept wondering—had she figured something out?

The last thing he needed right now was to poke that bear.

But then he looked at Sophia's face, pale and worn down. And the word "no" just wouldn't come out.

She has suffered for years.

All she wants now is a chance to prove herself. If I say no, that will be cruel.

In the end, Lucas gave in.

He nodded slowly, reached out, and patted her head. "Okay. Don't worry. I won't keep you in the shadows forever. Once the project is locked in, I'll make the arrangements."

Sophia let the tears fall—perfect timing. She threw herself into his arms, trembling with gratitude. "Thank you, Lucas... I knew it. I knew you really cared about me."

Lucas held her, but there was no joy in it.

Sophia wasn't seriously hurt. After the last IV drip, Lucas took her home.

That night, for the Ashford family, sleep wasn't coming.

By the time Riley walked into the living room, Lucas and Sophia still weren't back.

Julian sat in the main armchair, his face dark.

Anthea paced back and forth, restless.

When they heard the door open, both of them turned—their eyes locked on Riley.

The second Anthea saw her, all that anxious anger just vanished. Because her gaze had landed on the dazzling light around Riley's neck.