From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 218: The Mastermind Revealed

It wasn't really a question—more like a statement.

Brandon's expression froze for an instant.

He hadn't anticipated the woman across from him to be so perceptive, calling out his scheme right to his face.

But that flicker of surprise vanished almost as soon as it appeared.

He regained his composure immediately, even reaching leisurely for the pot to refill his cup.

"You're sharp, Ms. Harper," Brandon admitted, his tone almost lazy. "Makes things easier when you're dealing with someone who gets it."

He made no effort to conceal his motives—in fact, he was openly arrogant about it. "Let's be real—my parents are pretty traditional. They're used to country living. Won't even stay at my place in Havenbrook. They like it here. This is home to them.

"As their son, I sure don't want the place where they plan to spend their golden years turned into some noisy, exhaust-filled commercial district with traffic all day long."

But Brandon's sudden display of filial devotion didn't sway Riley in the least.

She offered a faint smile.

"Mr. Edwards, a shrewd businessman like you sitting here playing the devoted son... feels a bit out of character, don't you think?

"Compared to that heartwarming story, I'd say there's another possibility.

"The real reason you don't want anyone else developing this land is because you want it for yourself. So you've been stirring up trouble, trying to push Aiden to back out. Then you can sweep in and pick it up cheap—am I wrong?

"You might not see Aiden as a worthy partner, but that doesn't mean you're blind to the profit potential behind this project."

Her tone lifted slightly toward the end, carrying a hint of knowing irony.

For a moment, Brandon looked genuinely caught off guard. Then he let out a low chuckle, making no attempt to hide his amusement.

"Ms. Harper, you really are something else," he said, finally settling back into a more earnest posture.

"Alright. Since you've laid it all out like that, I won't bother pretending." Brandon's admission was blunt. "Yes, I want the Cedar Creek project.

"As for why you're here—and everything between you, Sophia, and Lucas—I've heard a thing or two about that as well."

His gaze fixed intently on her as he laid out his offer. "Walk away from this project now, and I'll tell you everything I know about Sophia."

It was a tempting proposal. Extremely tempting.

But...

Riley studied the man in front of her.

Someone as calculating as Brandon didn't give anything away for free.

What he really wanted was likely far more than just her stepping aside.

If she accepted his help, she'd be handing him leverage—and from then on, she'd be under his influence, just another piece in his game.

The price was too high.

After a brief internal debate, Riley's moment of hesitation gave way to cool reason.

She declined the enticing offer outright.

"No, thank you. If I want to find something out, I'll manage on my own. Your favors come with too high a price tag, Mr. Edwards. I can't afford them."

Her refusal was clear and left no room for negotiation.

Brandon's eyebrows lifted slightly.

The private room fell into silence once more.

A long moment passed before Brandon spoke again, his eyes lingering on her face with an unexpectedly complicated expression—almost nostalgic, for reasons she couldn't grasp.

Out of nowhere, he remarked, "You really haven't changed at all, Riley.

"Still as stubborn as ever."

The comment came like an observation between old acquaintances, leaving Riley thoroughly confused.

She frowned, searching her memory for any trace of this man, but came up empty.

Aside from what she'd read in financial magazines and news profiles, she was certain they'd never met personally.

So why did he sound like he knew her from way back?

Before she could voice the question, Brandon seemed to read her puzzlement and explained unprompted.

"Actually, this isn't the first time we've met."

His voice softened, as if drifting into a memory.

"Three years ago, in Arvella. You were there representing Ashford Group, bidding for the development rights to the Star Bay reclamation project."

The moment he said "Star Bay", Riley's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

"I remember it clearly," Brandon went on, his gaze turning distant, as if looking back into that competitive bidding room. "Back then, out of all the contenders, Ashford Group was the underdog. Tight funds, serious internal strife—the least competitive player at the table.

"But you... with nothing but an outstanding project proposal, you went up against all the major real estate firms and walked away with the prize.

"That project brought Ashford Group back from the brink when they were bleeding red. It turned the whole company around. And if I recall correctly, Lucas held onto his CEO title largely thanks to that success... didn't he?"