From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 278: Pretense

Anthony hadn't expected Riley to pinpoint the core concern of every overseas investor so directly. Her question struck right at the heart of the matter.

He replied, a confident smile returning to his face, "Ah, so your concern lies there. Rest assured, we've thoroughly considered that point and have developed a complete solution. To be perfectly candid, the mayor of the city where our project is set to launch is an old university classmate of mine. We were very close. This investment opportunity came at his personal invitation.

"His term has at least five more years to run. Within that timeframe, our project will be fully constructed and operational, becoming a legally protected enterprise under local law. No future policy shifts will be able to touch it."

Caleb listened, then nodded in approval. Turning to Riley, his tone took on a didactic edge. "Riley, it's good that you identified the policy risk. That shows sound thinking. However, Anthony clearly has the advantage here. The Watsons emigrated years ago and have built considerable influence and connections locally. That's a resource we simply don't match."

The implication was clear: Riley's worry was unnecessary. Anthony's capability and background had it covered.

Anthony gave a concurring nod, his confident smile firmly back in place.

But when his gaze drifted back to Riley, a trace of condescension flickered in his eyes.

To him, her question, while relevant, was textbook surface-level. Theory, not the hard-won understanding of real-world maneuvering.

So, Mrs. Riley Ashford... perhaps isn't all she's cracked up to be.

"In that case, I stand corrected," Riley said calmly before falling silent.

Sophia watched, inwardly delighted.

All that talk, sounding so impressive, and yet Mr. Watson shut it down with one sentence.

Caleb's expression, however, darkened as Riley withdrew.

He studied her profile, so unnervingly placid, for a long moment. A knot of suspicion tightened in his chest.

In past discussions, Riley was always incisive, holding her ground with clear logic even against consensus.

Today, she not only retracted her point too easily but now seemed completely detached, as if this pivotal meeting for the Ashford family's future held no interest for her at all.

Has her focus truly drifted away from the family business? Or has all this petty rivalry with Sophia dulled her edge, eroded her professional judgment?

As the meeting concluded, Lucas stood.

His tone was strictly business as he addressed Sophia. "We're heading back to the office."

Then, almost as an afterthought, he turned to Riley. "Will you be joining us?"

Riley seemed to surface from her own thoughts. She looked up, a polite smile on her lips. "I have plans to go shopping with Lydia."

"Shopping?" Caleb's frown deepened.

Already displeased with her performance, hearing her prioritize something so trivial pushed his temper further, though he held it back with Anthony present.

Seemingly oblivious to the tension, Riley gave a slight nod to the room. "If you'll excuse me."

With that, she was gone.

Watching her leave, Sophia didn't miss the disapproval in Caleb's eyes.

She softened her voice, aiming to soothe. "Grandpa, please don't be upset. It's only natural she'd want to see the new fashion collections. Although... she certainly doesn't lack for clothes. Lucas just had a massive delivery of new outfits and bags sent to her recently. The piles nearly filled the entire living room."

"Sophia, that's enough." Lucas cut in, his voice firm. "Those were gifts from me. A heartfelt gesture."

But the seed was planted. The Riley in Caleb's memory had never been materialistic.

Has living in the lap of Ashford luxury truly changed her core? Has our wealth made her lose her way?

None of them could have guessed that Riley had no intention of visiting any mall.

Her taxi sped toward the Harper Group's Havenbrook office.

Inside, Vincent was quick to greet her. "Ms. Harper."

Riley strode past him toward the inner office, not breaking her pace. "Vincent, is my brother planning a trip to Havenbrook?"

Vincent, caught slightly off guard, hurried to keep up. "I believe that is the intention, yes."

"I see." Riley pushed open the office door, went straight to the desk, and picked up the phone, dialing Raymond's number.

"Riley?" Raymond's voice came through, laced with surprise.

"You're coming to Havenbrook and didn't think to tell me? Keeping secrets from me now?" she demanded, unable to mask her irritation.

"Of course not!" Raymond rushed to explain, "Don't misunderstand, Riley. It was... actually, it was Elsie's idea. She said you've been in Havenbrook so long without any hurry to return. She worried you might be in some trouble, or... that someone might be giving you a hard time. She suggested we come quietly, scope things out first, so we could have your back."