From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 277: Her Perspective

Lucas moved to Sophia's side, offering a calming touch on her shoulder before she could speak further. He turned to Anthony with an easy, practiced smile. "Let's get back on track, Mr. Watson. You mentioned wanting to meet with Ms. Harper—any chance I could tag along? I've been hoping for an opportunity to connect with her, but the right moment never quite lined up."

His intentions were clear as day. Everyone in the room could see it: Lucas was hoping to ride Anthony's coattails straight into the Harper family's inner circle.

And Anthony didn't mind playing along. Favors for the Ashfords were rarely a bad investment.

"Absolutely. Our families go way back. When there's an opportunity, we should share it. I'll let you know once everything's set up, Lucas," Anthony agreed without hesitation.

A satisfied gleam lit up Lucas' eyes.

By then, Anthony's project pitch had drawn to a close.

Caleb's low voice cut through the quiet. "Riley, what's your take on Anthony's proposal? How viable does it sound?"

The question caught Anthony off guard.

His eyebrows rose in surprise—he'd assumed Riley was here merely to observe, not to weigh in.

Anthony remarked, a playful edge in his tone, "Well now, Mr. Ashford, since when does the Ashford family run its major decisions by Mrs. Riley Ashford? Seems there's more to her than a pretty face."

Lucas stiffened slightly, quickly stepping in to clarify. "Not at all. It's just that Riley has considerable experience with commercial projects, especially overseas investments. She handled quite a few during her time at Harper Group. Grandpa values her perspective."

Anthony's interest visibly deepened. "Is that so?"

He tilted his head toward Riley. "Since you're so well-versed, Mrs. Riley Ashford, why don't you enlighten us? How feasible is this project in your eyes? And if there's room for improvement, don't hold back."

Every pair of eyes in the private room shifted to Riley.

Yet her composure never wavered.

This looks like prime cut on the surface—a juicy opportunity with limitless potential. But that's exactly what makes it suspicious.

Why would Anthony go out of his way to bring the Torres and Harper families into the deal?

In the world of business, no one ever turns down the chance to make more money. Nobody in business shares the pie unless it's already stale—or what they truly crave isn't a slice, but the prestige of having their name on the plate next to those big ones.

But voicing those suspicions now would be pointless.

In her current position, she'd only come across as skeptical or disruptive.

Still, saying nothing substantive wouldn't fly, either. Caleb's sharp gaze missed nothing—he'd spot empty flattery in an instant.

"It certainly sounds impressive." She began, offering measured praise before shifting gears. "But if the final call were mine, I likely wouldn't invest."

Anthony's smile froze.

He said, his voice rising with clear offense, "What are you implying? That my project isn't worthy? Or that I'm all talk?"

Before Riley could respond, Sophia seized the opening, her tone dripping with mock concern. "Oh, Riley, you're so hard to please! Anthony's proposal is worth hundreds of billions—the potential is enormous.

"He's offering us first look out of respect for our families, and you shoot it down just like that?" She tilted her head. "What kind of project would meet your standards, then?"

"Sophia!" Caleb's sharp glare silenced her. "You're here to listen and learn, not to comment at every turn."

Sophia pressed her lips together, but her mind flashed back to Aiden's words from days earlier.

What makes an orphan—no roots, no name—deserve such weight on the scale?

Her eyes, fixed on Riley, simmered with resentment.

Riley didn't so much as glance Sophia's way. "Please, Mr. Watson, don't misunderstand. My reservations aren't about the project's value.

"It's purely a risk assessment. With any overseas investment, the greatest uncertainty lies in factors beyond your control—especially policy risks.

"Cariovio's regulations are notoriously fluid, and their business climate hasn't been particularly welcoming to investors in our country in recent years. If policies tighten or local sentiment turns, even the most promising venture could fall apart."

Her reasoning was sound, grounded, and it noticeably cooled Anthony's earlier agitation.