From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 215: An Unexpected Visitor

Her mind was a tangled web of thoughts, looping endlessly with no clear way out.

The new miniature cameras, instead of bringing comfort, only heightened her sense of unease.

She couldn't shake the feeling that somewhere out there, eyes were watching—observing everything—and she was right at the center of it all.

The next morning, Riley woke from a night broken by restless dreams.

Rubbing her throbbing temples, she caught her reflection in the mirror. She looked worn out.

But there was no time to dwell on it. She washed up quickly and forced herself out the door.

Mornings at the site were always chaotic.

Anne and Calvin were already there.

"Morning, Riley," Calvin greeted.

Anne glanced over, concern evident in her expression. "Riley, you look exhausted. Bad night?"

"It's fine—just not used to the bed," Riley brushed it off casually, reaching for a file on the desk. "We need to head to the mayor's place today. There are some things we have to discuss in person."

Whether to move the project forward or to uncover what really happened years ago, the mayor was someone they couldn't avoid.

"Got it. I'll pull together a few things—can't show up empty-handed," Calvin said, well aware of local expectations.

But just as they were about to leave, one of the staff pushed the office door open, breathing heavily as though he'd rushed over. "Ms. Harper... there's someone outside asking for you by name!"

Riley frowned, confused.

In a place like Cedar Creek, aside from the project team, who would come looking for her?

Was it more trouble from the locals?

She set the file down and kept her voice steady. "Slow down. Who is it?"

"I... I don't know who he is, but judging by the way he carries himself—he's definitely not from around here."

The staff member gestured outside, eyes wide. "He's driving a black Bentley. Parked right at the main gate!"

A Bentley?

The word made Riley, Anne, and Calvin pause.

On this dusty, rural construction site, a luxury car like that seemed completely out of place.

Riley grew even more suspicious. She turned to Anne and Calvin. "Hold on here for a minute. I'll go check it out."

Stepping out of the temporary office, she immediately spotted the sleek black Bentley parked near the entrance.

Unsure whether she knew the owner, Riley approached cautiously.

As she drew closer, the rear window slid down smoothly, revealing the man inside.

He was strikingly handsome—almost too perfect.

He looked to be in his late twenties, with the kind of pale, cool-toned skin that seemed rare under the Southern sun. His eyes held a naturally flirtatious lift at the corners. When his gaze landed on someone, it carried a hint of a smile, yet felt distinctly distant.

His looks walked the line between refined and flashy, edged with a kind of arresting boldness.

Riley had to admit—if this man ever decided to go into acting or modeling, he'd likely shoot to fame overnight.

But she was certain she'd never seen him before.

"You were asking for me?" Riley stopped beside the car, leaving a respectful distance, her tone neutral. "Have we met?"

The man inside let out a soft, low laugh.

His eyes traveled over Riley, taking her in.

"I thought you might have heard my name by now, Ms. Harper," he said smoothly, without hurry. "I'm Brandon."

Riley's calm expression faltered, just for a second. She was taken aback.

She had definitely heard that name before.

In Havenbrook's business circles, Brandon had become a recognizable figure over the past few years.

In fact, the holdouts causing delays for the project included his parents.

There wasn't much about him in the press. Riley had always vaguely assumed that someone spoken of alongside Lucas—a polite, well-bred guy from a good family—would be similarly polished and mild-mannered.

She never expected Brandon to look... like this.

Riley quickly composed herself, her guard now subtly raised. "So you're Mr. Edwards. I've heard the name. But I don't quite understand what brings you all the way out here."

Brandon seemed amused by her reaction. He signaled to his driver, and the rear door swung open.

"I wanted to talk with you, Ms. Harper—about the future of this village."

He gestured invitingly, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "This isn't the best place for a conversation. Why don't you join me? We can find somewhere quieter to talk properly."

Talk about the village's future?

Riley's instincts tightened.

Brandon showing up out of nowhere was no coincidence. Given the recent tensions around the old community hall and the repeated pushback from locals, she was almost certain this man was tied to the resistance in Cedar Creek—maybe even directing it behind the scenes.

He had come prepared. But this could also be a chance to get some real answers.

After a brief pause, Riley nodded. "Alright."

But just as she moved to step into the car—

"Ms. Harper!" Harvey appeared from around the corner, hurrying to her side. He shot the Bentley a wary look. "It's not safe for you to go alone. I'm coming with you."