From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 238: Going Alone

Riley had always taken pride in her clear thinking and sharp logic, but now she couldn't even piece together everything that had happened the night before.

She checked the time—it was getting late.

"I should get back to the project site first."

Sebastian moved closer, standing right in front of her.

"I'm coming with you," he said, his voice low.

Riley hesitated.

She knew how capable he was, and having him there would definitely make her feel safer.

But at the same time, he was a high-profile figure. If he showed up in person, it would only complicate things further and might even alert the wrong people.

After a moment's thought, she shook her head. "You should stay here."

Sebastian's brow furrowed slightly.

He didn't like being left out of the loop.

"Why?" There was an edge to his tone.

"Because if you show up now, it could backfire," Riley explained calmly. "Harvey—the bodyguard Lucas assigned to me—is telling everyone I was attacked by common criminals.

"He's clearly trying to muddy the waters. If you suddenly appear, it'll just make him and whoever's backing him more cautious. They'll switch to a new plan immediately. I need to go first and figure out what game they're playing."

Sebastian studied her face for a long moment. Finally, he pushed down his frustration.

He knew Riley had always been independent, and he had to admit her reasoning made sense.

"Alright," he conceded shortly. Then he shifted the subject. "So what's your plan for dealing with Devin?"

Riley looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

"My assistant just informed me that even though Devin was caught red-handed, there's no official charge on record. The restaurant was cleaned up spotless, so there's no usable evidence. Given his local connections, the police decided to release him for the time being."

Riley's expression darkened.

"They let him go?" The words came out sharp, almost disbelieving.

This was insane.

She was aware of Devin's influence and how he operated.

Still, she hadn't expected him to cover his tracks so thoroughly.

The restaurant scene was wiped clean. Key evidence was missing. Even the police investigation was being stalled by his pull in the area.

What chilled her even more was that everyone from the project team was telling the same story—that she and Anne had been attacked by random criminals the night before. Not a single mention of Devin's involvement.

"That man really thought of everything," Riley muttered through gritted teeth, fighting to keep her temper in check.

Even though Riley had asked him not to, after she left, Sebastian called his assistant anyway.

"Get in touch with the elders of Cedar Creek. Now. Let them know the Torres family has something to discuss."

There was a brief pause on the other end.

But Sebastian's tone left no room for hesitation.

"Yes, Mr. Torres. I'll reach out immediately," the assistant replied promptly, not daring to delay.

Those elders had been influential figures in their prime. Even though they kept a lower profile these days, they still held real sway in Cedar Creek.

They were known to be stubborn, proud, and not easily impressed.

But there was always an exception. They might not pay much mind to others, but they certainly respected the Torres family—whose influence extended through both Havenbrook and Nexopolis.

Torres Group's reach was substantial. Its business interests spanned multiple industries, with deep ties in political circles as well.

That kind of name carried weight almost anywhere.

Meanwhile, Riley was already in the car Sebastian had arranged, heading back to the project site.

The scenery blurred past the window as she stared blankly, her mind restless.

The calm composure she'd shown earlier in front of Sebastian was gone now.

As the car passed through the project gate, Riley took a slow breath, tucking her emotions away. She put back on her usual composed, determined expression.

The moment she stepped out of the car, Anne rushed over like a storm.

"Riley! You're back! Are you okay? What happened last night?" Anne grabbed her arm, looking her over anxiously.

Riley was taken aback by her energy. "I'm fine, Anne. Really, don't worry."

But when Anne's eyes landed on Riley's swollen, slightly scabbed lips, she stopped short.

Anne's face froze. She took an involuntary step back, her eyes widening with concern—and a hint of pity.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Anne!" Riley said firmly. "I'm really okay. My lips are just—"

Suddenly, a loud commotion erupted from the direction of the project entrance.

Riley's gaze sharpened.

Anne flinched at the noise, her face full of alarm. "Riley, what's going on out there?"

Riley didn't answer. She pressed her lips together and stared toward the entrance.

Devin. You don't waste any time. It looks like the first thing he's done after getting released is come to make trouble for me.