From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 261: Disillusionment

Caleb continued, his tone dropping to a calculated chill, "Think about it. How many impossible deals has she closed for the Ashford Group? How much wealth has she bled for this family? If you are foolish enough to view her as a mere outsider, you will be the one to suffer when she inevitably walks away—and the entire family will bleed with her."

Lucas' confidence crumbled, but he clung to a shred of arrogant delusion. "She won't leave, Grandpa. Riley has loved me for years. She could never bear to let me go."

He had no idea that the woman he discussed so casually stood just feet away, held in the arms of another man. She had been a breath away from Sebastian's lips while listening to every cold, calculating word of their conspiracy.

The irony was suffocating.

Caleb sighed, the sound heavy with reluctant concession, "I know you are infatuated with Sophia. But you must be realistic. Her background is murky, and her motives are transparent. She is unfit to bear the title of Ashford matriarch.

"I will compromise, though. Once your position is untouchable and the business is stable, I will look the other way. Keep her as your mistress. Discretely.

"But make no mistake. Riley must remain your public wife. No one replaces her. Is that clear?"

Lucas hesitated for a moment before agreeing obediently, "I understand."

Every word sank deep into Riley's heart.

She finally saw through Caleb's careful calculations completely.

He insisted she stay as Lucas' legal wife, not because she deserved the position, but because she was a handy tool capable of bringing maximum benefits to the Ashford family.

As long as it did not damage the family's reputation, Sophia could even be tacitly allowed to stay as her husband's hidden lover.

In the face of family interests and superficial prestige, Riley's personal feelings, dignity, and grievances meant nothing at all.

Footsteps of Lucas and Caleb faded gradually down the corridor until they vanished completely.

The darkness inside the private room felt even heavier after their cold conversation.

Riley remained frozen in Sebastian's embrace without moving an inch.

Caleb had deliberately chosen to talk in the corridor, fearing Riley might return early and overhear their words inside the dining room.

Yet he never expected she was hiding in the next room, hearing every cold calculation clearly.

From this moment on, Riley let go of every last trace of lingering affection and concern for the so-called Ashford family.

Sensing the stiffness seize her, Sebastian held her fast, offering his chest as a shield against the cold, hard truth she had just learned.

He rested his chin lightly on the top of her head, his voice low and resolute like a solemn vow.

"Whatever you want to do, Riley, I will help you achieve it."

Riley's pounding heart slowly calmed down in his warm embrace.

She took a deep breath and exhaled the heavy depression trapped in her chest.

"I'm fine." Her voice was soft yet eerily calm. "I should have seen all this coming long ago."

She leaned against his chest, her gaze empty as she stared into the darkness ahead.

"When Caleb first approached me, I was just an inexperienced new employee. He gave me enviable opportunities, let me climb the career ladder step by step, and even introduced his most outstanding grandson to marry me. I respected him deeply and felt grateful, thinking he had given me a brand new life."

Her lips twisted into a grimace of self-mockery.

"Now I finally realize the truth. He did not discover a hidden talent out of kindness. He simply saw my value from the start—enough value worthy of his investment and use for the family's gain."

Relieved to hear her rational acceptance of the truth, Sebastian spoke gently, "You are more than worthy. They just do not know how to cherish you."

Riley forced a faint smile, stepped back half a pace, and met his eyes in the dim light.

"Then... can you truly understand me?" she asked.

A knot of tension tightened in her chest as she voiced the question.

Sebastian nodded. There was no hesitation, only a solemn resolve. "I can."

He met her eyes with a certainty that shook her.

For a brief, suspended moment, the defenses she had raised against being used wavered.

Yet, the cold words exchanged between the Ashford men were still too fresh in her mind, snuffing out the flicker of courage.

She feared returning to a life where she was valued only for her utility.

"It's time." She cast her eyes down, averting his gaze. "I need to head back."