From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 219: Three Years Ago

Riley's eyes widened in surprise.

It had never crossed her mind that one of her career's proudest moments had such a significant witness.

What stunned her even more was how clearly Brandon remembered every detail—down to the internal struggles Ashford Group was dealing with back then.

What did that imply?

As early as three years ago, maybe even sooner, this man might have been quietly watching her and her company without her ever realizing.

A faint chill traveled up her spine.

The more Brandon revealed, the more Riley felt she needed to stay alert.

She'd never believed in kindness without a motive. And she certainly didn't think someone at the top of the corporate ladder would pay this much attention to a person who meant nothing to him.

Everything he'd done today—appearing supportive, offering advice—seemed generous on the surface. But if you looked closer, was it truly a friendly gesture, or just another well-planned move in a larger game?

Riley's fingers curled slightly at her side, though her expression remained composed.

It took her a few seconds to collect her thoughts.

"I see," she said with a slight nod. "But from what I understand, none of your companies were part of that bidding process. How come you know all the details so well?"

Brandon seemed to have anticipated the question.

"Universal Corp focuses on media and entertainment," he replied honestly. "Real estate development isn't really our thing. So no, we weren't involved."

He didn't hold back. "But the lead on the buyer's side for that project is a good friend of mine. He was stuck choosing between proposals from a few firms, so he asked me to sit in and share my thoughts."

Setting down his cup, he watched Riley's subtle shift in expression before continuing calmly. "After hearing all the teams pitch, I only told him one thing.

"I said, if you just want to play it safe and get the project done, go with the deepest pockets. But if you want Star Bay to have a real future—something with character and vision—then you've got to break from the old way of thinking and pick the boldest proposal on the table."

Brandon left it there, confident Riley would read between the lines.

And she did.

Her proposal had stood out precisely because it was different—far from the conservative plans the older real estate giants had submitted.

She'd moved beyond traditional commercial models, weaving together culture, art, and coastal living into a forward-looking vision for an eco-community.

So, according to Brandon, his strong recommendation back then was what ultimately helped sway the decision in her favor.

Even three years later, with no way to verify his story, Riley knew the truth didn't really matter now.

Whether Brandon was being honest or not, his only reason for bringing it up today was to make her believe his admiration for her work went way back.

Once that sank in, Riley felt herself relax.

She lifted her cup toward him.

"So that's how it went," she said, a polite smile forming. "Then I suppose I should thank you for your behind-the-scenes support back then."

Brandon could tell she was skillfully deflecting, but it didn't bother him. Instead, he used the opening to steer back to his earlier point.

"It was nothing, really. But since we have that history, Ms. Harper, you can trust me when I say Cedar Creek isn't worth your energy. How about..."

He leaned in slightly, his tone inviting. "You come work with me at Universal Corp? What I can offer you goes far beyond what Ashford Group ever could."

This time, Riley didn't hesitate.

Her smile turned confident, shedding the earlier polite reserve.

"I appreciate the offer," she replied, meeting his gaze steadily, "but I won't be changing jobs. I've made it a point not to build my future depending on someone else's opportunities.

"Mr. Edwards, it's flattering that you think so highly of what I can do. But maybe that also means someday down the line..."

She paused meaningfully. "We might find ourselves across the negotiating table, having a conversation as equals. Who's to say?"

Brandon was taken aback for a moment.

This woman had ambition and insight well beyond what he'd assumed.

That could make her a formidable competitor in the business world one day. And strangely, part of him looked forward to that.

In his view, someone like Riley—if she ever let marriage dull her edge or settled into a quiet domestic life—would be one of the biggest wastes of talent he could imagine.