From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 76: A Hint to the Press

"Ms. Myers, you've been keeping a pretty low profile lately—anything going on? Thinking about a career shift?" one reporter kicked things off.

Sophia offered a faint, knowing smile and gave a light, performative cough. "Well, you could say that. I'm exploring some new opportunities, and honestly, I just want more time to focus on family."

"Family?" The reporters instantly perked up, smelling a story. "Are you referring to your husband and kids, Ms. Myers? Care to share a little more? There's been talk that you might have quietly settled down and started a family—any truth to that?"

Exactly the line of questioning Sophia had hoped for.

She wasn't planning to give a straight answer—just enough of a vague hint to stir the pot. That way, she could turn up the public pressure on Lucas and nudge him toward making their relationship official sooner.

Sophia was no stranger to playing hard to get.

She didn't reply directly, instead putting on a perfectly flustered look before signaling to her assistant to cut it off.

"Sorry, everyone, we're out of time—Ms. Myers has another engagement," the assistant jumped in, gently steering Sophia away as she moved to block the lingering questions.

But the press wasn't ready to let it go.

Just as Sophia was about to slip into her SUV, a sharp-eyed reporter rushed forward and called out, "Ms. Myers! We've noticed you've been seen coming and going from Ashford Manor lately. Does your family have some connection to them?"

Sophia paused mid-step.

She turned back slowly, allowing a flash of genuine-looking surprise to cross her face.

Her eyes widened slightly, as though the question had caught her completely off guard.

Surrounded by her security team, she finally made it into the vehicle.

Once inside, her expression shifted into one of quiet satisfaction.

She was sure Lucas would catch these reports.

And he did.

But the whole indirect, suggestive approach didn't sit right with him.

What would Riley think if she came across this kind of coverage?

Without hesitating, he had his PR team pull the stories down as quickly as possible.

Even so, the uneasy feeling didn't lift.

He picked up his phone and dialed Riley's number.

It rang longer than usual, and with each tone, Lucas grew more tense—worried she might not pick up at all.

"Hello?"

Riley's voice was calm, almost cool.

Lucas' chest tightened. He chose his words carefully. "Ri... Riley, are you free to talk?"

"For now. What is it?"

Lucas took a quiet breath, keeping his tone earnest. "I... was hoping we could have dinner tonight."

"Alright."

Her reply came surprisingly easily.

"Just text me the time and place. If that's all, I'll let you go."

"Sure—yes," Lucas responded quickly.

After hanging up, a faint sense of relief finally washed over him.

Even if Riley still seemed distant, at least she was willing to see him.

He knew he'd hurt her deeply.

One dinner wouldn't come close to making up for that, or breaking down the wall between them.

His expression turned resolute, and he immediately made another call.

"Mr. Eddison? It's Lucas. That asset transfer agreement you drafted for me earlier—I need it brought over right away."

Riley hadn't actually seen the news yet, but she could guess Lucas had his reasons for asking her to dinner.

She walked over to her vanity and studied her reflection—her complexion was actually healthy and glowing.

She opened her compact, dusted a little translucent powder onto the puff, and pressed it lightly over her skin, softening that natural flush.

The woman in the mirror now looked noticeably paler, even a little fragile, with a delicate, tired air about her.

At the discreet upscale bistro, Lucas had already secured a quiet table.

When Riley entered, he rose to his feet at once.

Taking in her pale, almost translucent skin, he froze.

"You look like you've lost more weight," he said, moving closer without thinking and lightly touching her arm. "And you seem worn out. Have you not been sleeping well at Lydia's?"

Riley calmly withdrew her arm from his touch and replied evenly, "I don't sleep well in unfamiliar places."

Back when they were together, she'd never mentioned trouble sleeping in new environments.

Was it because with him, she could rest easily anywhere?

Now that she'd left and was staying at a friend's, she couldn't find that same peace?

The thought filled Lucas with regret—and an odd, selfish sense of reassurance.

He pulled out her chair attentively, his voice softening further. "This is my fault. You've been through too much lately."

Trying to make it up to her, he skipped the menu entirely. From memory, he listed several dishes—every one of them Riley's old favorites.

"And let's add the crab bisque, the garlic butter shrimp, and for dessert, the cinnamon rice pudding." After giving the server careful instructions, he turned back to Riley with a gentle smile. "All your favorites. Get a good meal in—you need your strength back."

Riley lowered her gaze, keeping whatever she was feeling tucked safely out of sight.