From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 302: Denied Entrance

"Mr. Lucas Ashford, is it true that Mr. Caleb Ashford is gravely ill?"

"As the acting CEO of Ashford Group, how do you respond to the rumors of stock volatility due to Mr. Caleb Ashford's condition?"

"There are reports Mr. Caleb Ashford is critically ill, sparking a succession crisis. Any comment?"

"Some speculate the leak about his health came from within the family itself, to fuel an inheritance battle. What's your take on that?"

A practiced, polite smile remained fixed on Lucas' face as he deflected with corporate platitudes, trying desperately to contain the spiraling narrative.

He quickly mobilized the PR team. An official statement was issued, downplaying the situation as mere exhaustion and urging the press against spreading misinformation.

But in an age driven by clicks, truth was a tortoise racing hares of rumor and conspiracy.

Within half an hour, every major outlet ran speculative pieces. The central question wasn't Caleb's health, but who would inherit Ashford Group.

Lucas, the longstanding acting CEO, was the obvious favorite in every pundit's analysis.

Clips of his interview played on a loop, his forced composure under the hospital's harsh lights dissected frame by frame. The commentary grew more pointed, hinting that he might be the family's new de facto voice, and that this very "leak" could be a calculated power play from his camp.

Inside the private suite, Caleb watched the financial news cycle churn, his gaze locked on the screen.

As the narrative solidified, painting Lucas as a scheming grandson using his grandfather's illness to force a succession, the old man's simmering distrust boiled over.

A dry, hacking cough escaped him. "Well, well... my 'wonderful' grandson. Can't even wait for me to draw my last breath before eyeing my chair?" he rasped, the words heavy with bitter disappointment.

The seed of suspicion, once planted, took root and spread, chilling his attitude toward Lucas completely.

He replayed Lucas' earlier passionate defense of Jeremy. What he had once seen as misguided loyalty now looked layered, perhaps even manipulative.

Is Lucas really that cunning? Does he orchestrate this media frenzy to pressure me?

By the time Lucas had managed the immediate crisis and hurried back to explain, he found the door barred by Caleb's personal assistant, Caspian Vale.

"Mr. Caleb Ashford is resting and cannot be disturbed. You may relay any messages through me. I will ensure he receives them," Caspian stated coolly, his expression unreadable.

Lucas stood frozen, stunned.

Caleb had never shut him out like this. Not ever.

Since Lucas was a child, no matter what mistake he made, as long as he was willing to admit it, Caleb would always give him a chance.

Even after the scandal with Sophia, there had always been a path back, a chance to explain.

This cold dismissal, over mere media gossip, felt like a brutal demotion to outsider status.

"I..." Lucas began, but the words died in his throat.

He wanted to plead his innocence, to deny any role in the leak or any ambition for a forced succession. Yet Caspian's impassive stare was an impenetrable wall, silencing him.

As he lingered in the hallway, caught in a painful limbo, a familiar figure approached.

It was Alexander Ashford, a cousin from a lesser branch of the family, carrying a small thermal container.

When he noted Lucas' predicament, a flicker of triumph passed through Alexander's eyes before he masked it with concern.

"Brought some homemade chicken broth for Grandpa. Thought he could use the nourishment," he said warmly to Caspian.

Caspian's demeanor thawed instantly. "That's very thoughtful. Please, go right in."

He stepped aside, allowing Alexander to pass. As he did, Alexander shot Lucas a glance that was all smug superiority.

The message was clear, and it landed like a physical blow. Lucas' heart sank.

As he felt adrift and agitated, his thoughts turned to Riley.

Maybe she could make sense of this mess, could decipher Caleb's sudden coldness.

The need for an ally, for understanding, overshadowed everything—even his earlier suspicions about her being the potential leak.

Even if it was her, right now, I just need someone on my side.

Lucas searched the family waiting areas and patient wings, but Riley was nowhere to be found.

Heading to check another floor, he passed the nurses' station and overheard two nurses chatting in hushed tones.