From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 77: The Black Card

"Thanks, but I'm on a pretty strict diet these days," she said softly. "Nothing too heavy or fried, and I should probably steer clear of seafood too."

Lucas' smile stiffened on his face.

The food came out quickly.

Lucas picked up a piece of grilled chicken and placed it gently in Riley's bowl. "This is lean and simple—try a little?"

Riley didn't touch it. Instead, she lifted her water glass and took a small sip. "I'm not really hungry, honestly."

The rest of the meal unfolded in an awkward, strained silence.

Lucas kept trying to make conversation—work updates, the weather, local news—but Riley only replied with the occasional "mm" or "okay." Most of the time, she just played the part of a quiet, worn-out patient, letting the pauses stretch.

Finally, as dinner was winding down, Lucas set down his fork and slid the prepared contract across the table toward her.

Riley glanced at it briefly, feigning confusion. "A house? What's this for? Trying to make up for something you feel guilty about?"

An uneasy smile flickered across Lucas' handsome face. "Didn't I tell you before that penthouse downtown was meant for you? I keep my promises. The view is great, and it's been kept up nicely. That way you won't have to keep imposing on Lydia by staying at her place."

Riley took the papers and flipped through them casually before saying, "It's too loud over there now. I don't like the area anymore."

Lucas jumped in immediately. "Do you want the other one, then?"

His eagerness was a little too obvious.

Riley didn't hold back. Her eyes gleamed for a moment. "What about that villa at Louvian Port—would you be willing to give me that one, too?"

Lucas choked up right away.

The Louvian Port villa was worth tens of millions.

It wasn't that he couldn't part with it, but Sophia had brought it up several times before. Not long after she'd given birth to Jeremy, he'd even promised her that the place would be transferred to her name someday.

Seeing him hesitate, Riley decided to quit while she was ahead. "If it's too much, forget it. I don't want to put you in a tough spot. Your parents would think I was trying to clean you out."

"No—it's not that!" Lucas gritted his teeth and agreed.

It would upset Sophia, but he'd find another way to make it up to her.

"I'll call the attorney first thing tomorrow to draw up the papers."

Riley gave a soft "mm," then looked at him with a tinge of sadness. "Lucas... if I ask for something this expensive, will you think I'm just after your money?

"The truth is, houses and money don't mean that much to me. What I care about most is how you feel. But lately... I've started to feel like I don't really have a place in Havenbrook outside of Ashford Manor."

She played along, letting her eyes grow watery.

It broke Lucas' heart.

His gaze dropped to her simple outfit, and without another thought, he pulled the black card from his wallet.

"Don't say that, Riley. We're husband and wife," he said emotionally, taking her hand and pressing the card into her palm.

"Take this. Buy whatever you want—whatever makes you happy."

Riley made a polite show of refusing.

Lucas grew a little insistent. "I want you to have it. It's only right for my wife to use my card."

Riley reluctantly accepted it, then asked more seriously, "You showing up tonight, giving me a house and a black card... is there something you need me to do?"

Lucas figured the timing was right, so he finally spoke the real reason he'd come.

"Yes," he said carefully. "I'd like you to move back home. And in a few days, the Quinn family is hosting a gala here in Havenbrook... I'd like you to come with me.

"Also, about the company—Sophia can't handle everything on her own. I'd like you to come back and help her out."

Riley looked up, acting surprised. "The Quinns' gala? But something that important... in my condition, I'm not sure I'd be up for it.

"Why don't you just take Sophia? An event like that would be great for her. She could meet more people, learn the ropes... she could really help you more that way."

She played the role of the thoughtful, generous wife perfectly.

But Lucas' face fell almost immediately.

"No," he said firmly.

Riley looked at him, puzzled.

Lucas met her gaze, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "You're my wife. Sophia... she's just my sister."

The words rang hollow, even to him.

Lucas seemed to realize how they sounded and quickly tried to smooth things over. "You should get out more, take your mind off things. You've been stuck at home sick for so long. A nice evening out might actually help you feel better."

He even made a promise. "You won't have to worry about a thing. I'll have someone take care of your dress and jewelry. All you need to do is rest up and stand by my side looking beautiful."

Riley stayed quiet, watching him for a long moment—so long that Lucas' stomach tightened, afraid she'd say no.

Then she let out a soft sigh, as if finally moved by his effort, and nodded.

"Alright, I'll go to the gala. As long as you don't mind me looking a little pale and tired.

"As for moving back in and the company... I'll need some time to think about it."

Lucas had already accomplished half of what he'd come for.