From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 96: Needed Riley Right Now

Lucas saw that Riley wasn't saying anything. He thought she was still upset, so he quickly added, "But Riley, the appointment letter's already been issued. Sophia's the marketing director now. If we pull her out right away, people will talk. It wouldn't look good for her either. She's still part of this family. We have to save her some face.

"So... here's what I'm thinking. You come back to the company. Same position, same pay. And over in marketing—since you have way more experience than she does—do you think you could help her out a bit?"

Basically, he wanted her back just to play second fiddle to Sophia.

For anyone with real skills in the workplace, that was a massive insult.

The old Riley would've been furious and called him out on it.

But now? All Riley wanted was revenge.

Sophia loves empty titles, doesn't she?

Good.

Let her have the director's seat.

Let's see how long she can hold onto a position she doesn't have the skills for.

Riley looked up, wearing an expression of quiet acceptance.

She gave a small nod. "Okay. I'll do it.

"Lucas, if you guys really see me as family, I won't make a big deal out of this.

"I know I grew up in an orphanage. No family, no connections. Other than the Ashford family, I don't have anywhere else to go. As long as this family still needs me, I'll do whatever it takes."

For years, the Ashford family—Lucas included—had taken advantage of the fact that Riley had nowhere else to turn. That was how they kept her in line, even when she was treated unfairly.

And Lucas knew he was pushing it.

He said, "Riley, don't say that. Who says you have nowhere to go? This will always be your home! Don't sell yourself short. In my eyes, you've never been less than anyone."

Lucas comforted her with fake warmth, but inside, he felt a huge wave of relief that she'd agreed so reasonably.

With Riley handled, he could finally breathe easier.

Then he glanced outside at the sky. "You must be hungry after just getting back. I'll go down and tell the maid to make some of your favorite dishes. Get some rest here."

With that, he let go of her and hurried out.

Riley watched his retreating figure and smiled—a cold, silent smile.

Talk pretty all you want.

She saw right through him. Lucas was afraid of messing things up on both ends. Now that he'd smoothed things over with her, he couldn't wait to go soothe Sophia on the other side.

After all, what happened downstairs today—Sophia had taken her share of humiliation, too.

Knowing Sophia, she was probably throwing a fit right about now.

Riley slowly walked to the bed and sat down. The room was quiet. Evening sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Her cold smile faded, replaced by a deep, unreadable calm.

This show has only just begun.

The next morning, Riley was already awake.

When she changed and walked downstairs, the faces in the dining room told very different stories.

Lucas' eyes lit up with a flicker of admiration.

Today's Riley had shed the frailty of her illness. She was back to being cool and put-together.

Across from him, Anthea and Sophia didn't look nearly as pleased.

Anthea frowned at the expensive business suit Riley wore, her judgment clear.

Why is someone who depends on the Ashford family dressing so flashy?

Sophia, on the other hand, tightened her grip on her milk glass.

She'd put on a brand new white dress today, but next to Riley's commanding presence, her outfit suddenly felt dull and plain—she looked like a naive schoolgirl.

"Morning," Riley said, ignoring their faces completely. She walked straight to her seat and sat down, picking up her utensils with grace.

"Morning, Riley," Lucas smiled right away, putting on a warm tone. "How are you feeling today? Isn't it too soon to head back to the office? Maybe I'll bring you home early this afternoon so you can rest?"

"No need. I'm not that fragile," Riley replied flatly. "Besides, the company needs me right now. Since I agreed to come back and help, I might as well not slack off."

Soon, breakfast ended.

Lucas grabbed his suit jacket and said casually to Riley, "Come on. Let's go to the office."

Riley nodded and stood up.

Sophia, who'd been quiet the whole time, immediately put down her cup and rushed after them. "Lucas, wait for me."

The three walked out of the villa together. Lucas' black Bentley waited by the entrance.

The driver saw them coming and respectfully opened the back door.

Riley was about to get in when Sophia—who'd been following close behind—quick-stepped forward, instinctively trying to go around her and grab the passenger door.

But the moment her hand touched the handle, she met Lucas' warning glare.

Lucas needed Riley right now—to steady the company, to handle Caleb.

He couldn't afford to let her feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable over some small detail like this.