Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
When she went to the hospital for a check–up, the doctor informed her that her placenta had deeply embedded into the uterine wall. Nevertheless, the babies were growing healthily.
Relieved by this news, River left the hospital with the report in hand. On her way out, Neil.
called her.
“Hello, River,” his gentle voice greeted her.
“What’s up, Mr. Xander?”
“You don’t need to be so formal when speaking to me, River,” he responded with a touch of helplessness. “Well, are you available the day after tomorrow?”
River frowned. “Why? Just tell me directly.”
She despised people who beat around the bush.
“It’s my grandpa’s birthday the day after tomorrow. Can you accompany me?”
His invitation may have sounded casual, but there was an underlying intention.
Although he hadn’t found any information about her childhood, Neil had a strong feeling that she was his sister, Lyra.
Perhaps, by bringing her to his grandpa, he could leverage his grandpa’s connections and uncover some clues
“Mr. Xander, you surely have many women by your side. You don’t need my assistance,” River declined.
She held contempt for upper–class gatherings.
“I will do my best to find your family for you!”
His words moved her.
There were certain things Mason couldn’t uncover, but that didn’t mean Neil couldn’t.
The influence and power held by the three major families of Novamere City were unparalleled.
She fell into a prolonged silence before finally speaking up again. “I hope you will keep your promise, Mr. Xander.”
On the other end of the line, Neil felt’a wave of relief. “Of course.”
After ending the call, River decided to stop by the shopping mall She purchased loose–fitting clothing, pregnancy essentials, and a gown for the upcoming dinner.
Time seemed to fly by, and soon, Friday arrived.
River had just finished applying her makeup and putting on her gown when Neil called.
After a brief conversation, she made her way downstairs and entered his car.
Her gown, although not extravagant, exuded a timeless elegance. Its simplicity perfectly matched her cool charisma.
As Neil laid eyes on her, he couldn’t help but be captivated. At that moment, he saw a striking resemblance between her and his mother, who also wore a gown in a photograph.
Her cold eyes contained gentleness in them.
River noticed his gaze and furrowed her brow. Is there something on my face?” she questioned, sensing his intense scrutiny,
Neil realized his behavior was inappropriate and quickly averted his eyes. “No, I just saw a resemblance to my mom,” he stammered, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Silence hung in the air, and River was left speechless. His comment had sounded peculiar, leaving her uncertain of how to respond.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the Xander Residence, where an array of luxury cars were numerous gatherings with Noah in the past.
The only difference now was that she wasn’t sure if these affluent women would cause trouble for her. In the past, their fear of Noah prevented them from crossing any boundaries with her. However, the situation was different now.
As River and Neil entered the living room, the guests glanced their way, engaging in whispered conversations. Many of them wore expressions of disdain upon seeing her.
“Isn’t she Mr. De Marco’s lover? Why is she with Mr. Xander now?”
“I heard that Mr. De Marco is engaged now. Seems like he grew tired of her and discarded her.”
“She’s nothing but a mistress, she’ll go with anyone. Poor Mr. Xander.”
River–overheard their comments, and Neil did too. His guilt–ridden gaze met hers. “I’m so sorry you have to endure this,” he murmured.
However, River remained expressionless. “It’s okay. I anticipated this when I made the decision to come.”
Neil paused, his voice now filled with determination. “No one will bully you anymore.”
Doubt flickered in her eyes as she glanced at him.
He led her to a quieter spot, where they could sit down and talk.
She gazed at him, her expression devoid of emotion, and uttered in a flat tone, “You can ignore me.”
A warm smile graced his lips. “I brought you here, so abandoning you is out of the question. Join me when my grandpa arrives. We can present the gift to him together.”
Before she could respond, a voice abruptly interrupted their exchange.
Noah is here!‘
River froze as she caught sight of Noah approaching, accompanied by Daniella. She had anticipated his presence, but not this early.
Daniella wore a delicate gown and had applied light makeup, making them look like a picture- perfect couple. Meanwhile, Noah retained his cold, handsome demeanor, his natural reserve accentuated.
Neil seemed to sense River’s unease and offered her reassurance. “Don’t worry. He usually leaves after presenting his gift” River felt a wave of relief wash over her upon hearing those words.
As Noah entered the room, his gaze fell upon River, who was seated next to Neil. His icy eyes narrowed, and his handsome face grew stiff. Daniella noticed his focus and a flicker of jealousy flashed in her eyes. She handed Noah a drink from the table, attempting to distract him with her gentle voice. “Juice, Noah?”
However, he completely ignored her, not even sparing her a glance
Daniella clenched her teeth in frustration. Why wouldn’t River leave her alone? Was that bitch flaunting her closeness with Mr. Xander now? Not only was Mr. Xander kind and attentive toward River, but even her own fiancé was captivated by that vixen. Daniella couldn’t help but question why she was still alive.
Just as Daniella was devising a plan to divert Noah’s attention, the crowd suddenly erupted into conversation.
“Master Xander has arrived!”
“Quick, let’s present him with our gifts!”
An elderly man with a full head of white hair, exuding vitality, made his way into the room with the aid of his walking stick. Taking his place in the main seat of the living room, Grayson Xander smiled warmly while accepting well wishes and gifts from the quests.
Neil stood up, flashing a smile at River. “Come on, let’s go and meet my grandfather.”
Confusion washed over her face as she looked at Neil. Accompany him? She couldn’t help but wonder if he had once again mistaken her for his sister. Though reluctant, she still stood up and followed him.
As they approached, Noah coincidentally presented his gift alongside Daniella.
Consequently, River and Neil had to stand aside, patiently waiting for their turn.
“Master Xander, I have a small token of appreciation for you, wishing you a long and prosperous life,” Noah said. Once he finished, Reuben, who stood behind him, stepped forward to hand the gift to the family maid.
Grayson smiled warmly and praised, “Excellent, as always. I’ve heard about your engagement. Is this your fiancee?” He turned his gaze toward Daniella.
Daniella nodded gracefully, wearing a gentle smile. “I wish you great health and prosperity, Master Xander.” After speaking, she tucked a strand of her long hair behind her ear, maintaining her elegant composure.
Grayson nodded in acknowledgment. However, as he raised his head to look at Daniella, he suddenly appeared stunned, a visible shock on his face. “You. He faltered, leaving Daniella bewildered and blinking in confusion.
Aware of the inappropriate timing for further discussion, Grayson averted his gaze and turned his attention to Noah. “Noah, please stay so we can catch up.” Noah’s eyebrows furrowed, suspicion flashing in his eyes. After a moment, he replied in his deep voice, “Certainly.”
Neil, who observed the entire interaction, was taken aback by his grandfather’s sudden change of expression What had his grandpa seen? Why such a drastic reaction? Neil furrowed his brows as he guided River forward, addressing his grandfather when the maid presented his gift. Wishing you endless longevity and prosperity as vast as the ocean
Grayson beamed happily. “You’re such a sweet child He then turned his attention to River and inquired, “And who is this?”
Neil smiled and introduced her, saying. “This is River, Grandpa.”
Grayson squinted, as if recollecting something, and his tone turned unexpectedly cold. “Don’t bring just any women home!”
River remained composed as she looked at him. She had mentally prepared herself for such a reaction.
Given the close relationship between Grayson Xander and Noah’s father, Draco De Marco, it was natural for him to have some knowledge about Noah River considered herself fortunate that he hadn’t said anything too hurtful. 1
Neil frowned, feeling anxious. “Grandpa, River…”
“You may leave!” Grayson interrupted fiercely. “Come to me later!”
The guests discreetly concealed their amusement, casting disdainful glances at River, who stood humiliated yet unaffected. Neil escorted her to the side, luis unease evident.
He then apologized to her with guilt in his voice. “I’m sorry, River. My grandpa isn’t usually like
River remained composed. “I expected as much.”
She did not care about that, she was not marrying him anyway.
The only thing she cared about was whether he could help her uncover information about her parents.
Neil sighed and glanced at Daniella, who was nearby. What had happened? Why did his grandpa react so strongly to Daniella? And why did he look so disdainfully at River, whose eyes resembled those of his mother?