From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 176: A Dangerous Game of Words

"Sebastian... isn't quite right, you know."

Riley's pulse quickened at the phrase isn't quite right. She kept her expression neutral as she met Aiden's gaze.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked plainly. Then, shifting tone, she offered a faint, knowing smile. "From the way you put it, Mr. Quinn, you and your cousin don't seem close. Given your... family dynamic, should Ashford Group really feel secure about this partnership with Quinn Group?"

She let the question hang there—unspoken implications often carried more weight than words.

Aiden's composure wavered briefly.

Surprise flickered in his eyes.

He'd taken Riley for just another polished plus-one on Lucas' arm, but she was turning out to be far sharper than someone like Sophia, who got hung up on every little rivalry.

In just a few lines, she'd backed him into a rhetorical corner and framed the conversation as a potential risk to the deal itself.

"You have quite the sense of humor, Ms. Harper," Aiden replied after a steadying breath, slipping back into his usual polished demeanor. "Just some harmless family chatter, nothing consequential. As for what I mentioned earlier... perhaps another time. Ah, look—Mr. Ashford is heading over. I doubt he'd appreciate us talking about others behind their backs."

He tried to use Lucas' approach to shut the conversation down—a clear sign the exchange hadn't gone his way.

But Riley only tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady and unflinching. "I really don't mind if he hears."

Just then, Lucas joined them after parking the car. Noticing the unusual tension between the two, he smiled casually. "What's got you both so engrossed?"

Aiden smoothly cut in before Riley could respond, his tone warm and seamless. "Nothing serious. I visited Ashford Group recently and missed the chance to meet Ms. Harper, so I was simply catching up. Shall we head inside? The auction is about to begin."

His cover was flawless. Lucas didn't press further, simply taking Riley's hand as they followed Aiden into the grand hall.

Aiden had secured them prime seats—center front row, with a perfect view of the stage.

Before leaving, he turned to Lucas with a meaningful smile. "I hope you find something to your liking tonight."

It sounded like a standard pleasantry, but to Riley, it felt more like a carefully placed hint.

Soon the host stepped under the lights. After a vibrant welcome speech, he announced the official start of the charity auction.

The first lot appeared on the display screen—a pair of vintage Art Deco crystal champagne coupes.

But when the host announced the opening bid, Riley's brows drew together slightly.

"This exquisite matching pair of hand-cut crystal coupes, dating to the 1920s, represents the elegance of the Art Deco era. The opening bid is set at 500 thousand dollars."

Five hundred thousand.

They were contemporary reproductions with mediocre craftsmanship, yet the starting price was nearly thirty percent above the market rate for authentic pieces of similar style.

Riley studied the detailed images on screen and quickly noticed more flaws.

The crystal lacked clarity, the cuts were uneven, and the overall design looked clumsy—worse than some mass-produced pieces available in specialty stores.

Lucas, seated beside her, clearly knew little about glassware or vintage collectibles.

Seeing her focus on the display, he assumed she was taken with the lot and leaned closer, eager. "You like these? Should I place a bid?"

Riley slowly turned toward him.

"Not particularly," she said lightly.

Lucas' expectant look stiffened.

Then she added, her tone deliberate, "But... they might make a nice gift for your mother."

With that one remark, she struck right at his insecurity.

Sophia's not-so-subtle reminder outside the car was still fresh in his mind. If he didn't bid now, he'd not only come off as cheap in front of Riley, but she might also pick up on his lack of consideration toward his mother—and possibly uncover the little charade he and Sophia were keeping up.

He had little choice but to play along.

His expression tightened for a second before he raised his paddle without hesitation.

"600 thousand."

Few others in the room joined the bidding.

After just a couple of half-hearted raises, Lucas secured the overpriced coupes for 750 thousand dollars.

Riley scanned the room discreetly.

Many faces in the crowd were unfamiliar—not the usual fixtures of Havenbrook's high society.

Most were speaking with distinct non-local accents, sounding like out-of-town entrepreneurs or newly moneyed types from inland states.

The auctioneer brought down the gavel with practiced enthusiasm. Soon, an attendant in a crisp uniform approached carrying a polished walnut case, presenting it to Lucas with a respectful nod.