From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 276: Gathering of Ambitions

Lucas and Sophia were seated across from a man, Anthony, who appeared to be around Lucas' age.

He was Anthony, introduced as the heir of a longtime family friend of the Ashfords and the key initiator of a new venture they were discussing.

The easy laughter in the room faltered as Caleb and Riley entered.

Lucas was the first to rise, his smile tightening imperceptibly. "Grandpa, Riley. You made it."

Caleb responded with a curt nod, his sharp gaze sweeping over Lucas and Sophia in a silent, unmistakable warning.

Anthony stood as well, offering a polite nod of greeting to the newcomers.

Taking his seat at the head of the table, Caleb gestured for Riley to sit beside him. Only then did he turn his full attention to Anthony. "Apologies for the wait, Anthony. Now that everyone is here, let's move past the pleasantries and get down to business."

"Of course," Anthony agreed smoothly, his relaxed demeanor shifting into one of focused professionalism. A sleek presentation lit up the screen, revealing grand architectural renderings of a proposed development in the Cariovio district.

Anthony explained, his voice confident, "We are positioning this convalescent center as a world-class, premium retirement community.

"It will integrate the most advanced medical rehabilitation facilities with top-tier care services, all while embracing the local natural landscape and cultural heritage.

"To ensure smooth execution and maximize international brand impact, we are seeking co-investment from the Harper Group and the Torres Group of Nexopolis. With their industry clout behind it, this project is poised to become a global benchmark in senior living."

The mention of those two names gave Caleb pause.

A frown creased his brow. "The Harper Group and the Torres Group? The Torres family has been quite active in Havenbrook lately, that's true. But the Harpers... they've kept a low profile for years, especially regarding large-scale overseas ventures. Our last deal with Harper Group required Riley to fly to Nexopolis personally and work tirelessly to secure it. Are you certain of their participation?"

Anthony's smile remained unshaken, brimming with confidence. "A project of this caliber is virtually unparalleled globally. The potential returns are immense. It would be an opportunity neither Harper nor Torres could rationally refuse.

"I've already been in touch with Sebastian of Torres Group to arrange a detailed discussion soon. As for Harper Group... I know their president, Ms. Harper, will be returning to Havenbrook shortly. I plan to request a meeting and present the proposal to her myself."

Lucas and Sophia exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring a mix of admiration and envy.

To have the connections and audacity to approach both powerhouse corporations spoke volumes of Anthony's influence and painted a dazzling picture of the project's future.

It was then that Anthony's gaze settled more deliberately on Riley.

A flicker of curiosity crossed his features. "A moment... Your surname is Harper as well. Could there be a familial connection to the Harper family? Perhaps you're..."

Riley scoffed internally.

Sharp eyes.

Outwardly, she maintained a placid composure, shaking her head gently. "None at all. The Harper family of Nexopolis is an established dynasty. It's merely a coincidence of surnames," she replied, her tone light and slightly bewildered.

Before Anthony could respond, Sophia interjected, her voice soft and dripping with faux sympathy.

"Oh, Mr. Watson, that's a misunderstanding. Our Riley may share the name, but she... well, she was an orphan, without any family to speak of. I've heard the Harper family has an heiress, Elsie Harper, who is quite the celebrated socialite in Nexopolis circles."

Sophia knew perfectly well how the elite viewed those without pedigree. An orphan's status was a mark, a subtle demerit in their world.

The effect on Anthony was immediate, though he tried to mask it.

The warm interest in his eyes cooled a fraction, replaced by a dismissive gleam that was there and gone in an instant but unmistakably caught by Caleb.

Caleb's expression darkened.

Sophia's "clarification" was a slight, not just to Riley, but to the Ashford family name itself.

"Sophia, mind your words! Riley's past is her own. She is my granddaughter-in-law now, a member of the Ashford family. She HAS a family," he admonished, his voice low with displeasure.

Sophia recoiled as if struck, bringing a hand to her mouth. "Forgive me, Grandpa. It was a thoughtless thing to say," she murmured, her tone dripping with feigned remorse.

Watching Sophia's performance, Riley allowed a faint, icy smile to touch her lips.

Her voice, when she spoke, was deceptively light. "Well, Sophia, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? Weren't you adopted into the family, too? I suppose we have that in common."

The air in the room seemed to freeze.

All color drained from Sophia's face. She had never anticipated Riley striking back so directly, in such a setting.

Her cherished identity as the cherished Ashford adoptee crumbled into absurdity under the weight of Riley's casually delivered remark.

Seeing the tension escalate to a breaking point, Lucas quickly stepped in