From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 297: Unspoken Question

An inexplicable familiarity washed over her, sparking curiosity yet laced with an unsettling unease.

At Riley's words, Sebastian's steady pace faltered almost imperceptibly.

The night and sparse streetlights provided perfect cover, masking his expression, but she felt his fingers tighten slightly around hers.

In the shadows, a surge of emotion dilated his eyes for just a moment.

After a pause, his reply carried a teasing, ambiguous tone. "Who knows... maybe we have met before."

Met before? When? Where?

A flood of questions rose in Riley's mind, but before she could press him, Lucas' call cut through the moment.

She had no intention of answering, yet the interruption shattered the fragile atmosphere completely.

Sensing her sudden stiffness, Sebastian slowly released her hand.

The warmth of his palm vanished, leaving only the cool night air.

His voice returned to its usual evenness, betraying little. "Time to head back?"

The fleeting intimacy now felt like a mere illusion.

"Yes." Riley nodded, tucking her phone away without meeting his gaze. She added quietly, "But in about a week, I'll be free for good."

"Alright. I'll be waiting."

He remained still, watching as she hailed a cab and slipped inside.

The yellow taillights pierced the darkness before disappearing down the street.

Alone in the quiet, he stood, his silhouette stretching long and lonely under the lamplight.

Lifting the hand that had held hers, Sebastian could still faintly recall its softness.

After a long while, he murmured to himself, "Why... didn't you ask further?"

One more question—and he might have revealed the secret he'd kept buried for years.

*****

Back at the Ashford Manor, the cheerful chatter in the living room died the moment Riley stepped inside.

Nearly the entire family was gathered, including the stern-faced Caleb.

An expensive rug was spread with a soft playmat, scattered with fine toys, all centered around Jeremy's beaming face.

Riley's sudden entrance felt like an intrusion.

Lucas was the first to recover, rising to meet her. "You're back late."

"I was finalizing details with the ceremony designer and stayed for dinner," she explained flatly.

Lucas gestured toward the child, trying to lighten the mood. "Why not join us? Jeremy's playing. He didn't mean to hit you with the ball last time—kids don't know any better."

A faint, sarcastic smile touched Riley's lips.

Her gaze flickered to the cherished boy, then away just as quickly. "No. I'm tired."

Without another word, she turned and climbed the stairs to her room.

Anthea couldn't hold back a disdainful remark. "Who does she think she is? Putting on airs! If Lucas weren't so soft-hearted, she wouldn't even be staying here."

This time, Caleb, who usually upheld family decorum, didn't scold Anthea for her sharp tongue.

Instead, he frowned in the direction Riley had gone, clear disapproval in his eyes.

To him, her behavior tonight showed a lack of respect and family spirit.

From a quiet corner, Sophia observed it all.

Her eyes lowered, and a subtle, triumphant smile curved her lips.

Her plan was unfolding perfectly.

Riley's cold distance only highlighted her own gracious compliance.

Caleb's growing displeasure with Riley was the opportunity she needed.

It's time to add the final spark.

*****

Early the next morning, as dawn lightened the sky, Sophia was already up.

She knew Caleb, despite his age, maintained his ritual of morning exercise in the rear garden at daybreak.

And today, Jeremy had no preschool.

Gently waking the boy, she led him by the hand to a garden path she knew Caleb would take.

The morning air was fresh, dew still glistening on the rose bushes.

Stopping near a flowerbed, Sophia calculated the timing and crouched down to begin her performance.

"You've been such a good boy lately, Jeremy. You remember what Mommy told you, right? To call Lucas 'Uncle,' not 'Daddy'?" she said warmly, smoothing his hair.

Jeremy looked up, his innocent face puzzled. "But Mommy, what if I keep calling him Uncle... and then he's really not my daddy anymore?"