Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
He ended the call, leaving River speechless.
She stared at the ‘call ended‘ screen, wondering. ‘What does he mean? Did he orchestrate this and now wants to meet me in person to explain? Why not just talk on the phone?’
Furious, she sent Noah a text.
River: [Where are you? I’m coming over now!
Noah: [Meet me at Villa Rosa.]
Later, Noah entered the room, saying, “I’m going back to the villa to get Axel’s laptop and change.”
Alex nodded. “Even if you don’t return, there are nurses here. Go home and rest.”
River arrived at Villa Rosa half an hour later.
The nanny reminded her, “Please see Mr. De Marco in his bedroom upstairs.”
River thanked the nanny and went upstairs. She knocked on Noah’s door, and he hoarsely said, “Come in.”
River hesitated, suggesting, “Can we talk outside?”
Noah’s voice grew stern. “I won’t repeat myself.”
River entered the room reluctantly. She found Noah in a bathrobe with wet hair.
She looked away and said, “Let’s talk after you change.”
Noah asked sarcastically. “Afraid I’ll harm you?”
River clenched her fists and sat on the nearby sofa. “Explain now. I need to get back to the hospital.”
Noah stared at her. “So, you assume I planned this because a former bodyguard of mine did it?”
River retorted, “Is it mere coincidence that the person who crashed Scott’s car is your ex– bodyguard?”
Noah replied, “You mentioned I fired him five years ago. If I wanted to harm Scott, why go through the trouble of involving someone you know? I could have used an anonymous party.”
River countered, “What about Lily? You arranged the medical team.”
Noah’s expression grew serious. “River, I won’t explain this further.”
River mocked. ‘Is it guilt that’s stopping you? So, you’re using your usual tactics, hoping I won’t suspect you!” 1
Infuriated by River’s insinuations and the mounting stress, Noah exclaimed, “Scott’s accident has.
nothing to do with me! I wouldn’t employ my ex–bodyguard to deal with him!
“And you worked with me for three years. Have you ever seen me act so recklessly, like in Lily’s case? Do you think I’d jeopardize myself just to deal with someone?”
“I don’t understand you, but I believe you understand my way of thinking quite well. You’ve used the people around you to harm them, and I don’t think you’re the type to act so recklessly,” River said.
Noah emitted a dangerous aura. “Why must you cast me as the villain?”
River replied, “I only rely on the facts I’ve witnessed.”
Noah was taken aback as he remembered saying that to her.
Noah’s anger slowly subsided. “I acted impulsively when dealing with my mother’s situation.”
River was baffled by his comment.
She felt the urge to cry. ‘What’s the use of saying this now? she wondered.
She changed the subject, saying, “Noah, I just want to know if you’re targeting people close to me to get.
back at me.”
“What would revenge gain me? Is there any benefit or emotional satisfaction?” Noah asked. ‘Instead of seeking revenge, I’d prefer to make a more direct and significant impact.”
River contemplated Noah’s words and realized he had a point. If he wanted revenge on her, she would have already suffered greatly, given his capabilities.
Furthermore, as he described, he had taken a direct and substantial action by recruiting Joan.
River scrutinized Noah’s face. In truth, she had already noticed when she entered the room. Noah did not look well, appearing more exhausted than usual.
River averted her gaze. ‘How does he find time for all this with such a busy work schedule?” she wondered.
She realized that grief might have clouded her judgment, and she had wrongly accused Noah.
River composed herself and stood up after careful thought. “I apologize for not thinking things through properly. I’m sorry for bothering you. I’ll leave now.”
Noah didn’t stop her, but he watched her departing figure without blinking
River headed for the door and turned to look at Noah. “Why didn’t you send Axel to school?”
Noah nearly blurted out, “Axel is at the hospital.”
However, he restrained himself after noticing River’s weight loss due to recent events.
“I’m homeschooling him. Is there a problem?” Noah replied casually.
River said, “A child his age should be in school. Too much time at home can lead to psychological issues.”
River left, and Noah narrowed his eyes. ‘Finn Leaver…”
He didn’t remember the person well, but Finn must have said something that raised River’s suspicions today and led her to visit him in such a furious state.
Noah grabbed his phone and called Reuben.
Soon, Reuben answered, “How can I assist you, Mr. De Marco?”
“Look into Finn Leaver. He had an accident with Scott today,” Noah said in a deep voice.
Reuben was surprised. “Finn Leaver? Wasn’t he the bodyguard you dismissed for misconduct five years ago?”
Noah replied, “Do you think I’d remember something so random?”
Reuben said, “I apologize, sir. Ill investigate it right away.”
Meanwhile, River called Paige after getting into her car.
Paige answered after a long pause, sounding groggy. “What’s up, River?”
River checked the time. ‘Why is Paige asleep when it’s not even 8:00 p.m. yet?‘
River asked, “Do you still have the contact information of the person who helped me investigate
Daniella before?”
Paige replied, “Yes, why? Are you looking into something?”
“A bodyguard named Finn Leaver, who Noah fired five years ago. He crashed into Scott today,” River explained.
“Noah’s former bodyguard? Did he do it intentionally?” Paige suddenly sounded more alert.
River said, “No…”
“Why not? Isn’t it a good way to avoid responsibility by hiring a dismissed bodyguard to deal with Scott?”
Paige asked.
River rubbed her forehead and replied, “Paige, Noah wouldn’t stoop to such treacherous acts given his character. Besides, he appears quite busy and exhausted lately.”
“So, you confronted him in person, right?
“Yes, I wasn’t calm before, but I believe Noah had no part in Lily’s death, River asserted.
Paige chimed in. “Speaking of that, I’ve been thinking about it for the past two days. My boss spent a considerable amount on that medical team. It doesn’t add up for him to intentionally botch the surgery. If he wanted Lily gone, he could have let her pass away at any other hospital to avoid trouble.”
River admitted, “I was too impulsive and already apologized to him.”
“I love it when you apologize, River, after realizing your mistake! You want information about Finn, right?
I’ll have someone look into it and keep you updated.”
“Thank you for doing this.”
“Don’t be a stranger. How’s Scott?”
“He’s okay.”
“Good to hear.”
Half an hour later, River returned to the hospital.
Scott had already regained consciousness and was giving a statement to the police. When he saw River, guilt flashed across his face, and he asked the police, “Is that all?”
The police officer stood up. “Yes, rest well. I’ll contact you if I have more questions.”
“Alright, thank you.”
“It’s my job.”
River escorted the police to the door and returned to Scott.
Scott looked at her and said, “I’m sorry, River.”
River sat beside Scott. “No need to apologize. No one wants to be in this situation. How are you feeling?”
Scott smiled. “I’m fine, just a mild concussion. I’m lucky.”
River looked at him sternly. “How can you crack jokes at a time like this? I was terrified at the scene.”
Scott pursed his lips and looked down. I’m sorry for worrying you.”
River handed him a glass of water. “Drink this.”
Scott accepted it. “I heard from the nurse that you went to the station with the police?”
River replied, “Yes. They wanted to discuss compensation options with the family, but it still depends on your decision.”
River chose not to mention her meeting with Noah since it wasn’t connected to the accident.
“I’ll talk to the police about the accident, but I’m afraid I won’t be visiting the Xanders with you anytime. soon,” Scott said.
River lowered her gaze. “It’s fine, I won’t have the time either.”
‘Good for Daniella. She gets to enjoy some carefree time,‘ she thought.
“What do you mean? Scott asked.