Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Alex pretended to carefully review the contract to cover for Noah. After a moment, he teased, “Ms.
Healy, I didn’t expect you to have the resources to draw up a contract after your recent company troubles.”
“At work, sincerity goes a long way.” River replied casually.
Alex chuckled and signed the contract without hesitation. He didn’t care about the terms. After all, he wasn’t the one receiving the money.
However, Paige glanced at him in annoyance due to his swift action. “You’re quite ruthless!”
Her reaction rendered Alex speechless. Well, she scolded me instead of praising me,‘ he thought.
After signing, he turned to River. “Have you discovered who was behind the fire?”
As he spoke, he discreetly observed Naomi from the corner of his eye.
River sighed. “They were thorough. Even the police couldn’t find any leads.”
“Do you suspect anyone?” Alex inquired again.
River replied, “Yes, but I’m still uncertain”
“River, you should inform the police,” Paige exclaimed indignantly before turning to Naomi. “Ms. Lynch, don’t you agree? You’ve been working with River for a while now. As her secretary, it’s your duty to remind her to report any suspicious individuals to the police!”
Naomi remained composed, her response a simple, “Hmm.
Paige was at a loss for words. Why had Naomi replied so briefly?
Paige desired to hear more from Naomi, hoping to uncover any flaws in her reasoning.
Naomi concealed her emotions effectively.
Alex was also speechless. He had reminded Paige not to dwell on it right now, but she did the opposite. ‘How forgetful! he thought.
River joined in and asked Naomi, “Did you manage to reach Kenny?”
Naomi’s reply was concise, “No.”
Paige was stunned, blurting out, “What’s wrong with Kenny?”
River clarified, “He turned off his phone on the day of the accident. I haven’t received any updates from him yet.
Paige widened her eyes, thinking. Could it be Kenny? If not, why would he turn off his phone?
Alex sneered at Paige, sarcastically wondering. Does this fool doubt Kenny now?”
River pondered, I intentionally raised that question. Didn’t Paige catch on?‘
Alex chimed in. “It’s always the people closest to us who are the most difficult to understand.”
River concurred, signing the contract and handing two copies to Alex. “Mr. Price, here are two copies. Please excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. I hope we have a pleasant collaboration.”
Alex nodded, and before departing, Paige hastily added, “River, 111 get in touch with you when I’m available.”
River replied, “Okay.”
After their departure, Paige glared at Alex. “It cost a fortune! Why didn’t you negotiate a lower price?”
Alex replied, “Consider it fortunate that I didn’t raise the price. If you don’t believe me, go check.
out the factory’s size.”
Paige pursed her lips. “Never m trivial matters.”
I have enough on my plate already. I don’t want to fuss over
Alex smiled and asked, “Are you suspicious of Kenny?”
“Yeah!” Paige sighed. “I find his behavior odd. It’s hard to predict!”
Alex smiled quietly.
In the afternoon, at MK.
Alex handed the contract to Noah. “Here, we’ve signed the contract.”
Noah gave a brief response before picking up the contract. As he read further, his expression grew darker. “Party B will be responsible for the workers‘ salaries during the collaboration. And the half-
year rent is one million dollars?”
In frustration, Noah tossed the contract onto the desk and glared at Alex. “Why did you agree to such terms? It’s unjust!”
Alex shrugged innocently. “Ms. Healy is clever. She likely guessed that you were the one who recommended me for this collaboration, so all the terms aim to distance her from you.
Noah sneered. He had no need for her money.
“Did she mention anything else?” Noah asked in frustration, tugging at his tie
“What else was there to say?” Alex replied. “I believe this arrangement benefits both of you.”
Noah inquired, “What are you trying to imply?”
Intrigued by Noah’s question, Alex leaned in and said mysteriously, “The other day, when you ended up with a bruised face, was it because of Neil?”
He suspected as much.
Although Neil and Noah were childhood friends who rarely communicated, they had grown up together. Noah couldn’t tolerate Neil trying to steal his woman. It made sense that they would confront each other.
Noah’s expression darkened. “Are you asking to get beaten up too?”
Alex was at a loss for words, thinking, I guessed right.‘
Clearing his throat, Alex changed the subject. “I won’t beat around the bush. Here’s an objective analysis. She severed ties with you to avoid making Neil jealous.”
Noah exuded a cold demeanor. “Then why didn’t she go to Neil instead?”
Alex explained, “He doesn’t own a clothing factory, and no one dares to operate in your territory.”
Alex was so happy that he felt like laughing when he witnessed Noah’s humiliated expression. He wanted to taunt Noah further so he could boldly pursue the woman who belonged to him.
Noah tightly gripped the contract, his mood darkening. He pondered whether River would reject his kindness, given the situation where Neil had a clothing factory ready for her in case of an emergency.
When had he become anyone’s second choice?
As this thought crossed his mind, he angrily hurled the contract at Alex, who was struggling to suppress his laughter.
River was about to visit the new factory in the afternoon when Naomi knocked on her door.
“Ms. Healy, there are four people downstairs who say they’re your relatives, Naomi informed her
River was surprised “Relatives?”
Naomi clarified, “They claim to be Bradley Healy’s family from his hometown.”
The mention of Bradley’s name sent River into a daze. She remembered her mother once mentioning Bradley had a younger sister in their hometown. But Katie had always described them. as difficult people and avoided communicating with them.
River had an ominous feeling. Why have they come now?”
She firmly declined, “No, I won’t meet with them.”
“Alright.” Naomi nodded and turned to leave.
Just then, River’s desk phone rang abruptly. She picked it up and heard the receptionist’s voice.
on the other end.
“Ms. Healy! Someone is causing a scene here, demanding to see you-
Before the receptionist could finish, the phone was snatched from her hand.
A sharp voice, that of a middle–aged woman, spoke. “Are you River?”
River replied, “No, you’ve got the wrong person.”
“You’re definitely her!” The middle–aged woman threatened River, “You better let me up! If you don’t, I’ll call the reporters. Have you forgotten how you sent your father to prison?”
River clenched her fists “What do you want?”
“Are you scared?” The middle–aged woman taunted. “Let’s meet and discuss it.”
River took a deep breath to calm her emotions and then looked at Naomi. “Allow them to come up.”
“Okay, Ms. Healy,” Naomi responded.
Within five minutes, two men, a woman, and an 8–year–old girl stood before River.
The young man seemed to be in his early 30s and was dressed like a thug, while the other man seemed to be in his 50s. They entered the office first and started sizing it up.
The middle–aged woman appeared harsh and petty. She dragged the girl over and sat on the sofa. She became very excited as she roughly touched River’s leather sofa. “Greg, this sofa is of great quality. It must cost a lot!”
When Gregory Lawson heard that, he walked over and touched the sofa, exclaiming. This sofa must cost a fortune!”
Upon entering the office, they each went about their business, paying little attention to River
River sat in her chair, her demeanor chilly, and observed them as they moved around.
After some time, Naomi turned to River and said, ‘Ms. Healy, I’ll head out first.”
River nodded. Once Naomi left, the middle–aged woman glanced at River from the corner of her eye, assessing her.
“Are you my brother’s child?” she asked. “I’m Jade Healy, your aunt.”
River remained silent.
Jade continued. “The one in the red leather jacket is my oldest son and your cousin, Brandon
Healy
“This is my daughter, your cousin too, Gigi Healy. And this is your uncle, Gregory Lawson.”
River laughed coldly after Jade’s introduction “So?”
Jade frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean? Your father is no longer with us, and we’re struggling financially. You are his daughter and need to step up.”
River began, “I’m-”
Before River could complete her sentence, Jade cut her off. “I get it! You think you’re better than your less fortunate relatives now that you’re wealthy?”
River chuckled with frustration. “Were we close in the past?”
Upon hearing her question, Jade erupted, “Oh, my brother! You died so miserably. Your daughter’s wealthy now, but she acts like she doesn’t know us!