From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 292: The Altered Measurements

The moment Lucas hesitantly offered "magnolia" as a preference, his well of knowledge about Riley's tastes ran dry. His growing discomfort was plain on his face.

Seated quietly nearby, Sophia chose that moment to speak, her voice soft and seemingly helpful. "I believe Riley prefers off-the-shoulder evening gowns. Something fitted, like a mermaid silhouette, to accentuate her figure," she suggested gently, as if rescuing him from an awkward silence.

Lucas shot her a skeptical look. "Are you sure that's not just your preference?"

Appearing wounded by the insinuation, Sophia shook her head. "Of course not. I remember clearly—she's worn styles like that to several important galas. They were elegant and sophisticated. Besides, didn't the designer just mention how well-proportioned she is? This kind of design would highlight her best features perfectly."

Guided by her words, Lucas sifted through hazy memories of past events. Scenes flickered and settled, aligning with Sophia's description.

Riley did have a penchant for clean, structured cuts that followed the lines of her body.

The realization that he needed Sophia to remind him of his own wife's style sent a ripple of irritation through him.

Unbeknownst to him, Sophia wasn't lying. She had made a careful study of Riley's preferences.

The designer, whose eyes had lit up at the suggestion, nodded in enthusiastic agreement. "The young lady is absolutely right. Mrs. Ashford's poise and stature would be perfectly complemented by an off-the-shoulder mermaid gown. It would be both graceful and commanding."

The professional endorsement erased Lucas' last traces of doubt.

"Fine. Proceed with those elements," he said with a nod.

Eager to showcase his dedication and a desire to make amends, he added a final, lavish detail. "Incorporate a magnolia pattern across the bodice, set with pavé diamonds. And use only the finest materials for the rest."

The designer made a quick note on her portfolio before looking up, a note of admiration in her tone. "You certainly dote on your wife."

Lucas accepted the flattery with a practiced, seemingly affectionate smile. "Naturally."

With the consultation finally concluded, Lucas prepared to leave with Sophia in tow.

As they reached the studio's entrance, however, Sophia let out a soft gasp. Her hand flew to her earlobe, her expression turning anxious. "Oh no, I think I lost an earring back inside. Could you bring the car around? I'll just run back and look for it."

Impatient and unwilling to bother with such a trivial search, Lucas gave a dismissive wave and agreed, heading straight for the parking garage.

The moment his back disappeared, Sophia swiftly returned to the designer's office.

She greeted the woman with a sweet, guileless smile. "Hello again. Mr. Ashford is so invested in this gown. He just wanted me to double-check every single detail one last time, to ensure everything is perfect."

"Of course, I understand," the designer replied warmly, having formed a favorable impression of this considerate young woman. She handed over the folder containing all the design sketches and specifications without a second thought.

Just then, the designer's assistant appeared at the door. "Ma'am, the call from headquarters is on the line for you."

Apologizing briefly to Sophia, the designer hurried out, leaving her alone in the office.

Sophia's polite smile vanished. She flipped open the folder, her fingers tracing over the elegant sketches until they landed on the page detailing Riley's measurements.

As she stared at the numbers that outlined a slender, perfect form, a wave of intense jealousy washed over her.

She retrieved a pen from her clutch, decisively crossed out several key measurements, and in their place, inscribed her own.

So what if every design element is chosen to Riley's taste?

A cold, calculating smile touched her lips.

The most exquisite, lavish mermaid gown would be nothing but a cruel, ill-fitting cage if the measurements were wrong. It would cling in all the wrong places, turning its wearer into a spectacle of discomfort for everyone to see.

*****

The following afternoon, Lucas met with Anthony to finalize their agreement.

A thick contract lay on the table between them.

Lucas picked up a pen, paused for a brief moment over the space for the party of the first part, then signed with a firm hand.

But when Anthony took the document, his eyes narrowed in confusion at the unfamiliar company name now listed as the client.

Anthony began, his tone guarded as he set the contract down. "Mr. Ashford, what's the meaning of this? We've negotiated for weeks. Every proposal, every detail was based on a partnership with the Ashford Group. Springing an unknown entity on us at the signing... Is this a lack of trust on your part, or are you keeping the Watson Group at arm's length?"

Though couched in professional terms, the message was unmistakable.

In business, a last-minute switch like this rarely signaled good faith.