From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 88: Return to Ashford Manor

Riley nodded and made her way into the apartment building.

He remained right where he was, gaze fixed on the spot where she had disappeared, not moving until she was completely out of view.

Inside the car, the place on his skin where her lips had brushed still seemed to hold a faint, lingering warmth.

He lifted his hand and touched it lightly. In the dim interior, his eyes deepened, unreadable.

A long moment later, he finally looked away and pulled out his phone, his face blank.

"How's the arrangement I asked for coming along?"

*****

The doorbell rang exactly on time.

Riley glanced at the wall clock. Nine a.m. sharp.

Lucas had always been punctual—much like his strict grandfather in that regard.

She opened the door.

Outside stood Lucas, dressed in a well-tailored casual blazer, hair neatly styled, holding a tastefully wrapped bouquet of champagne roses.

On that handsome face—one she'd once been so drawn to—was a carefully crafted look of gentle apology.

"Riley, I'm here to pick you up," he said, offering the flowers, his voice deliberately soft.

Riley barely glanced at the bouquet. Her expression stayed neutral.

"My sinuses have been sensitive lately," she remarked, placing the roses on Lydia's coffee table. "Let's go."

Lucas' eyes drifted to Riley.

She carried only a small crossbody bag. Nothing else.

He was caught off guard, unable to fully hide his surprise. "Is that... all you're bringing? Didn't you buy quite a bit yesterday? Why not take any of it?"

Riley seemed to see right through him. She replied casually, "There was too much. The stores haven't delivered everything yet." She paused, looking up at him with a faint, almost amused smile. "Besides, if I did pile it all here, were you planning to carry each piece down to the car yourself?"

Lucas' expression tightened slightly. He swallowed his irritation and forced a thin smile. "Good point. Well... shall we?"

Riley didn't answer. She just walked straight past him into the elevator.

The car made its way toward Ashford Manor.

*****

Anthea sat in the living room with her brows knitted tightly together. Beside her, Sophia was sniffling softly. "I just don't understand your grandfather and Lucas," Anthea complained, voice edged with frustration. "It's like Riley has them under some kind of spell. Now they're bringing her back here as if she's some honored guest. It's ridiculous."

Sophia dabbed at her eyes. "Mom, please... Riley is still the legal Mrs. Ashford. Grandpa respects her talents, and Lucas has his reasons. I'll be fine. I don't mind bearing a little of this... really, it's okay."

Her look of helpless vulnerability only made Anthea even more protective of her.

"You're too kind for your own good, always thinking of others!" Anthea took Sophia's hand, both upset and defensive. "You gave the Ashfords their grandson. You've done so much for this family. Why should you put up with her nonsense? I've been meaning to have a word with Caleb about making your position official—you and Jeremy deserve that much.

"But before I could even bring it up, Caleb suddenly decided to leave for his overseas treatment. It's almost as if he wants Riley to come out on top."

The more she spoke, the more worked up she became. "Well, I'll be watching closely to see what Riley's really after this time. Sophia, listen to me—if she dares mistreat you, don't just take it. If it comes to it, we'll reveal Jeremy's parentage ourselves. With the Ashford heir right here as proof, I doubt Riley would have the gall to stick around."

"We can't do that, Mom!" Sophia shook her head quickly, eyes widening in feigned alarm. "That would put Lucas in such a difficult position..."

Even as she spoke, a flicker of calculation passed through her eyes.

It was a risky move, yes—but it could also change everything in her favor.

Once all of Havenbrook knew she'd borne the Ashfords' first grandson, the court of public opinion—not to mention the family's reputation—would force them to give her what she was owed.

And Riley's empty title of Lucas' wife would become nothing but a laughingstock.

Just then, the butler hurried into the room and bowed slightly. "Mrs. Ashford, Ms. Myers, there are delivery vans from several luxury brands outside. They say they're here to... drop off purchases."

Anthea looked puzzled for a second, then turned to Sophia. Her face brightened almost immediately.

She assumed her son had finally shown some consideration—knowing that bringing Riley home today would upset Sophia, he must have sent gifts to make it up to her.

"See? There's no need to be so upset," Anthea said soothingly. "You're so thoughtful, Sophia. Lucas isn't blind. In his heart, you and Riley are on completely different levels." She turned to the butler. "Have them bring everything in. Let's see what nice things my son picked out for you."

Sophia allowed a properly modest, pleased smile to touch her lips.

Lucas hadn't mentioned anything about gifts. This must be his surprise for her.

The thought lifted her spirits considerably. She nodded calmly, playing it cool.