Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
“If you’re close to him, or if he genuinely cares about your children, why did he…”
Scott walked into the house while Eira was still speaking.
Eira stopped and said softly, “We’ll talk later, River.”
River nodded and told Scott, “What brought you here so suddenly?”
Scott feigned disappointment. “It seems I’m not welcome here. I’ll leave then.”
River looked at him in frustration. “You’re becoming more and more flirtatious, Scott.”
Scott smiled. “Are you feeling better?‘
River pointed at her right arm, which she couldn’t raise. “The clavicle injury is quite inconvenient.”
Scott sighed. “You insisted on going to a dangerous place. How can I not be concerned about you?”
River changed the subject. “I’m picking up the children. Are you coming?”
Scott nodded. ‘Sure.”
Once in the car, Scott adjusted River’s seat for comfort. He propped up her arm with clothing and turned on the seat warmer.
River felt uneasy about Scott’s meticulous actions.
“Scott, can I ask you something?” River looked at his delicate facial features from the side.
Scott ensured River was comfortable before starting the car. “Go ahead.”
River asked seriously, “If I can’t be in a relationship with you, what will you do?”
Scott pondered briefly. “Is this your way of subtly rejecting me again?”
River looked out the window. If there was nothing between Noah and Daniella, she couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t get back with Noah. After all, her children needed a father, especially Liora, who displayed a strong need for fatherly love.
Noticing River’s silence, Scott said casually, “I won’t hold you back, and I’ll support your decision.” River finally asked, “What if I decided to reconcile with Noah?”
Scott chuckled and said, “No complaints here. Taking responsibility for your relationship is fundamental.”
River was surprised by Scott’s confident response. She couldn’t help but look at him and ask, “Are you okay with that?”
Scott replied, “Well, I might hesitate, but I’d never pressure anyone in a relationship.”
River commented, “You really are open–minded.”
Scott teased, “I can tell you’re not ready to let go of me from your tone.”
River responded firmly. “Stop kidding around. I’m serious. I still haven’t moved on from Noah after all these years.”
Scott reasoned, “Love goes both ways. If Noah were in a bad place, you would’ve moved on. But you haven’t, so he must have left a significant impact on you.”
River realized Scott was right. After talking to him, she felt less upset. She had never been emotionally prepared for a relationship with Scott.
At 5:30 p.m., Scott stepped out of the car to pick up the kids.
River sensed something was amiss when he returned with them. Even though the children still spoke to him, their closeness seemed to have faded.
Scott remained nonchalant and composed as usual.
Liora was surprised to see River in the passenger seat and exclaimed, “Mommy, you’re back!”
Tyler got into the car and asked, “Are you out of the hospital, Mommy?”
River nodded with a smile. “Yes, I didn’t want to be away from you for too long.”
Llora cheered, “That’s great! Can I sleep with you at night-”
But she cut herself off, glancing fearfully at Scott.
River noticed this and also looked at Scott but didn’t inquire further. Instead, she reassured Liora, Yes, you can sleep with me.”
Liora asked, “Will I disturb your sleep, Mommy?”
Tyler teased, “You’re still clinging to Mommy at your age?”
Liora grumbled, “You’re just jealous because I get to sleep with Mommy since I’m a girl. Boys are shy.”
Tyler covered Liora’s mouth and said, “Alright, calm down.”
Liora was in pain and bit Tyler’s hand, causing him to pull away hastily.
“Bad Tyler!” Liora scolded him.
River turned away silently, wondering what had happened between the children and Scott during her absence.
At Grand East Hospital.
Noah walked out of the doctor’s office.
Richie assured him, “Mr. De Marco, your son is improving. At this rate, he should be out of protective isolation before the Mardi Gras parades.”
Noah halted and noticed Daniella rushing toward them.
Turning to Richie, Noah asked in a deep voice, “Is she here every day?”
Richie nodded. “Yes, Ms. Love comes daily to inquire about your son’s condition.”
Daniella arrived and greeted Richie with a smile before turning to Noah. “You’re back. Have you checked on Axel?”
Noah stared at her coldly and suggested, “Let’s grab a meal together, I have something to discuss.”
Daniella was taken aback, sensing Noah’s displeasure. She racked her brain, trying to figure out what she might have done to upset Axel recently. Anxious, she left with Noah.
They took a seat by the window at the restaurant.
Noah pushed the menu toward Daniella. “Order something,” he said.
Daniella ordered a steak and handed the menu back. “You should order too,” she suggested.
Noah said coldly, “I’m not eating.”
He signaled the waitress, saying, “That’s all.”
The waitress served water to both of them and replied, “Of course, sir.”
After the waitress left, Daniella looked puzzled and asked Noah, “Is there something you want to talk about?”
“I’m very grateful to you for helping with Axel’s matter. I will pay you the money we agreed upon now,”
Noah said.
“Hold on! Are you ending our relationship so soon, Noah?” Daniella exclaimed.
Noah stated, “70,000,000 dollars is more than enough for the bone marrow purchase.”
“I don’t care about the money! I just want to spend more time with Axel!” Daniella said emotionally.
Noah closely examined Daniella and couldn’t see any fake emotions in her for the time being.
Daniella leaned forward, held Noah’s hand on the table, and pleaded, “Please don’t push me away so soon, Noah. Let me stay until Axel is out of protective isolation, okay? I leave when I see that he is safe and sound!”
Noah withdrew his hand with a frown. “Let’s stick to words, no need for physical actions…”
“Noah!” An angry shout suddenly pierced the air.
He looked over and saw Neil walking toward him in a rage.
Noah’s expression darkened. Why Is Neil here?
Noticing something was off, Daniella hastily stood up and blocked Nell’s path in front of Noah.
She asked Nell vigilantly, “What are you doing, brother?”
“I’m not your brother! Get out of my way!‘ Nell retorted with contempt.
He pushed Daniella, causing her to stumble and fall onto the sofa.
Meanwhile, Neil grabbed Noah’s collar angrily. “Why are you trying to get close to River if you’re still involved with Daniella?”
Neil’s loud voice attracted the attention of all the restaurant guests.
Noah’s expression soured. He would have punched Neil if he weren’t River’s brother.
“Let go.” Noah said indifferently.
Neil’s grip tightened as he insisted, “I won’t let you hurt River again!”
Noah narrowed his eyes and threatened, “I’ll say it again, let go!”
Neil replied, “I won’t let go until you clarify things today!”
A loud thud followed as Noah punched Neil’s face.
Neil refused to show weakness and fought back with Noah in the restaurant.