Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
“What’s meant to happen will happen. No one can stop Mr. De Marco Sr. if he’s determined to do this,
“River said.
Scott added self–blamingly, “I wasn’t capable enough.”
“It has nothing to do with you. I’ll prove my innocence myself, River reassured him.
Scott asked, “How do you plan to do that?”
River smiled. “I haven’t figured it out yet. For now, I’ll take it one step at a time.”
Even if she had a plan, she wouldn’t disclose it to Scott. He was experiencing career growth, and she didn’t want to distract him.
Scott placed his palm on River’s cold hand, holding it gently. “River, I’ll become stronger so I can protect you and the children.”
River blushed, lowered her head, and averted her gaze. “I haven’t had my dressings changed today, would you mind doing it for me?”
Outside the clinic office, Yuliana eavesdropped on their conversation attentively. She removed her cap and frowned deeply. Despite her resemblance to Eleanor, she disapproved of River’s promiscuity.
‘How did Noah fall for her? she wondered.
Yuliana opened her photo album and reviewed the pictures she had taken earlier. Among them were snapshots of River, Casey, and Scott.
She contemplated for a moment and then sent all the photos to Noah’s email.
In the afternoon, Noah returned from the construction site to find Axel peacefully napping on the sofa. As he approached Axel and began to wake him. Axel stirred on his own.
Axel’s lips quivered as he focused on the figure in his vision. “Daddy’s home.”
Despite his desire to sit up, Axel’s arms were too sore and weak to support himself. He had forgotten about the severe nosebleed he had had before falling asleep.
He had lost so much blood that he still felt dizzy, making it impossible to get up now.
“Axel, are you keeping something from me?” Noah asked
Axel’s face turned ghostly pale, and Noah studied him with a furrowed brow.
Axel shook his head with great effort. “No, Daddy, I just didn’t sleep well last night.”
Noah reached out to feel Axel’s forehead, but Axel instinctively dodged his touch.
“I really am fine,” Axel repeated.
Noah’s hand hung in the air, his heart aching at Axel’s lowered gaze. Is Axel still upset with me for taking him away from her? Does he prefer living with River?‘
Noah’s voice turned cold as he withdrew his hand. “Do you still blame me for what happened?”
“I don’t blame you for bringing me home,” Axel replied, rising from the sofa but appearing lethargic.
Noah stated firmly, “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“Why?” Axel stood upright, his gaze meeting Noah’s with indifference.
Noah was taken aback, Axel’s behavior was markedly different from the fearful, submissive boy he once knew. Axel used to avoid eye contact, speaking sparingly.
Noah said, “You don’t understand the situation between your mother and me.”
“Daddy, do you realize you don’t trust me anymore?” Axel asked.
Noah frowned. “What are you getting at?”
“Mommy didn’t do anything wrong!”
Axel’s dark eyes burned with fierceness for the first time, and Noah felt a pang of quilt. It seemed.
like everyone believed River except him.
Noah’s expression turned icy. “I taught you not to trust people too easily, didn’t I?”
“I can be cautious with others, but I won’t stop trusting Mommy!”
Tension filled the living room, and the nearby service staff were visibly alarmed. This was the first time they had seen Axel and Noah converse in such a manner.
Noah narrowed his eyes. “You want to go back to her, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I won’t abandon you either.” Axel turned away and made his way up the stairs shortly afterward.
Noah’s anger flared as he heard the pity in Axel’s remark. He wondered, ‘What could River have done to entice Axel to the point where he’d fight for her?”
As he pondered, his phone suddenly rang. An email from an unknown sender popped up. He opened it and discovered a photo of Casey and River with big smiles, suggesting a close bond.
Seeing this picture enraged Noah. He couldn’t understand why River would be spending time with Casey. Had she not seen the news? Was she under Casey’s influence? Why would she associate with such a contemptible man?
Noah recalled Casey’s disturbing confession: He wanted to touch River and subject her to the same torment he inflicted on Jamie. Casey wanted River on her knees and be his sex slave!
Noah’s expression darkened as he ignored the remaining photos and immediately called River. Before she could speak, he asked, “Why are you spending time with Casey?”
River was taken aback, wondering, “Why is he suddenly questioning me out of the blue?”
Frustration simmered in River as she replied, “Noah, why is my time with him any of your business?”
Noah insisted, “You know what kind of person Casey is!”
River retorted, “You’re quite nosy, aren’t you? I have my own opinion about him; I don’t need your input!”
Noah snapped, “Do you really need a man that badly?”
River replied, “Yes, I do. Are you satisfied with that answer?”
Noah pressed, “You can spend time with anyone except Casey!”
River defiantly shot back, “Why should I follow your instructions? I have the freedom to choose who I spend time with!”
With a hint of desperation in his voice, Noah implored, “Think rationally, River! Casey is unstable. He’ll bring you harm!”
River chuckled. “To me, you’re both nearly the same. I’ll hang up if there’s nothing else.”
She ended the call promptly.
Arguing with Noah on this topic seemed pointless and a waste of her time and energy.
River was well aware of Casey’s personality but was not easily swayed once she made a decision.
After regaining her composure, River left the restroom.
Waiting at the door with concern, Scott asked, “I overheard your phone conversation. Is he causing trouble again?”
River smiled. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
Since she was reluctant to discuss it further, Scott didn’t press. “Let’s go. I’m taking you out for a meal.”
River nodded,
Later in the afternoon, Paige took the children out. As she stepped out of the villa, she noticed
Alex’s car pulling into the yard
Annoyed, she told the children, “I have to deal with something. Both of you, go back inside and wait for me.”
Liora tilted her head, puzzled. “Are you going to fight, Godmother?”
Tyler caught on, saying, “We can pass you a knife if you need it.”
Paige widened her eyes in surprise. “That’s too extreme! I don’t want to end up in prison because of this guy!”
She released the children’s hands, ushered them back into the villa, and closed the door.
The two children rushed to the window to watch the drama unfold, their curiosity piqued.
Alex stepped out of the car, carrying bags of food. He approached Paige and said, “I’m here to apologize.”
Paige glanced at the two large bags in his hands and replied, “I won’t accept it. Who knows if you’ll just use me again after I do?”
Frustrated, Alex said, “I’ve given you space the past few days, hoping you’d calm down enough to hear me out.”
Paige sneered. “Explanation? What’s left to explain? Can you dare to tell the truth, Alex?”
Alex questioned, “What truth?”
Paige stared at him coldly. “Admit that you got close to me to help Noah!”
Alex appeared guilty and admitted, “I did consider that before-
Before Alex could finish, Paige slapped him.
The two children were shocked by the scene.
“Godmother is tough!” Liora exclaimed.
Tyler silently resolved not to marry someone like Paige in the future.
Alex was bewildered and looked at Paige in frustration. “Why did you hit me?”
Paige’s eyes welled up with tears as she shouted, “Calling you a dog is the least of my concerns.
You approached me for information and used me to connect with your best friend!
“If you don’t have feelings for me, why did you get close to me? I can love you and be with you, but I despise that you had ulterior motives!”
Alex’s heart ached as Paige was crying. “Let me explain, Paige. Yes, I wanted to take responsibility for you, but I also wanted to assist them! You’ve seen Noah’s condition, right? You’re helping your best friend, and I’m doing the same for mine. We’re not doing anything wrong!”
“Do you still think you’re not in the wrong? Did you ever ask for my opinion? Did you seek River’s consent? Why don’t rich people like you ever consider others‘ feelings?” Paige wiped her tears.
away.
Alex put down the shopping bags and attempted to wipe Paige’s tears, but she mercilessly slapped his hands away. “Don’t touch me! You disgust me!”