From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 257: A Fateful Opportunity

Meeting his gaze, she asked calmly, "May I know on what authority you're asking me this?"

Admiration for her courage and measured judgment deepened in Caleb's eyes.

In all his years, he'd never met such poised, clear-headed young talent.

He dropped all pretense, uttering four simple words, "I am an Ashford."

Against the towering Ashford Group headquarters, that surname carried unshakable authority in Havenbrook's elite circles.

Riley's heart skipped a beat, yet she quickly grasped his intent.

Nodding solemnly, she replied, "I understand. I accept your challenge."

"Excellent!" Caleb smiled with satisfaction, taking a document from Caspian and handing it to her. "This is the westside cultural tourism development project. Multiple senior teams have worked on it for half a year with no progress. I'll give you one week to draft a brand-new proposal and present it personally to the client."

He locked eyes with her, his tone serious. "Are you confident?"

One week to turn around a stalled top-tier project deemed impossible by senior teams was an overwhelming task.

Yet a confident smile spread across Riley's face.

"I've always strived to perfect every project assigned to me. I've simply been waiting for an opportunity like this."

Caleb had no absolute certainty she would succeed at the time.

He simply cherished her rare talent, taking a calculated chance on an unknown future.

The results far exceeded his highest expectations.

Not only did Riley secure the project within a week, but she negotiated a final cooperation deal that doubled the original target revenue.

When Caspian placed the signed contract bearing Riley's name before him, Caleb stared at it for half an hour before letting out a long, relieved breath.

He knew he hadn't misjudged her—this unpolished diamond shone far brighter than he'd ever imagined.

That same week, Caleb acted decisively. He fired the delusional James on the spot and issued an official board appointment, promoting Riley to marketing department head—the youngest in the company's history.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the firm.

Veteran senior staff resented the sudden promotion of an outsider with no local connections, refusing to acknowledge her authority.

Yet in less than a month, Riley silenced all dissent with impeccable professional ability and decisive leadership, winning the full respect of every team member.

Under her guidance, the marketing department delivered one outstanding performance after another, earning widespread admiration across Ashford Group.

Watching the young woman he'd discovered bloom into such an outstanding leader, Caleb began to harbor a new thought.

Riley's calm, rational strength was the perfect balance to Lucas' indecisive, weak-willed nature.

He started quietly creating opportunities for the two to meet and grow closer.

Thick coffee steam swirled through the vintage-style private booth, blurring the neon glow of Havenbrook outside the window and wrapping the moment in soft, hazy nostalgia.

Memories of the past slowly faded from Riley's mind, grounding her back in the present.

Caleb's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Riley, be honest with me. Have things grown tense between you and Lucas lately?"

For a split second, Riley longed to lay everything bare.

She wanted to tell this once-appreciative mentor that she'd resolved to end her marriage and leave the draining Ashford family for good.

She wanted to ask why he'd ever pushed her into this hollow, deceptive union in the first place.

Yet the fleeting urge faded instantly, snuffed out by cold rationality.

Caleb was her mentor who'd given her a career breakthrough, but first and foremost, he was the Ashford family patriarch and Lucas' grandfather.

When it came to family reputation and interests, she would always be an outsider granddaughter-in-law with little standing.

If she voiced her desire for a divorce now, Caleb would inevitably side with Lucas to preserve the family's image.

He probably wouldn't seek justice for her, only urge her to be patient and forgiving, even demanding she accept Sophia and her child for the sake of family harmony.

That outcome would be far more suffocating than her current situation.

With this realization settling firmly in her heart, all desire to pour out her troubles vanished completely.