Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Alex smiled, removed his jacket, and quipped, “Are you mad because I kept you waiting for 30
minutes?”
Paige glared at him. “I can’t stand people who aren’t on time!”
“Alright, calm down. I’ll buy you drinks tonight, okay?” Alex cffered.
“Sure!” Paige’s mood shifted, and she giggled, accepting the offer.
Alex steered the conversation back to business. “Let’s get back to the point. What do you need from me?”
Pouring a drink, Paige said, “I assume you’ve heard about the incident at River’s factory Something doesn’t add up. Excluding Kenny-”
“Hold on! What do you mean, excluding Kenny“?” Alex interrupted.
Paige blinked innocently. “Kenny’s out of the country, and lie owes River a favor, so he wouldn’t do anything to harm her.”
Alex scoffed. “You trust people too easily. Go on.
Paige continued. “Here’s my theory. There’s a mole at River’s company working for Daniella. River’s company faces trouble shortly after Daniella starts hers. It’s the perfect opportunity for Daniella to expand.
“I believe it’s highly likely that River’s secretary is the mole. She acted to save River’s life to gain her trust and stayed at the factory when Kenny was away. That gave her ample opportunity.”
“You must watch a lot of detective series,” Alex remarked,
“Why do you say that?” Paige asked, setting her glass down firmly.
“River’s company was running smoothly while Kenny was there, Naomi was sent to the factory in Kenny’s absence, and trouble followed soon after. Surveillance footage showed no suspicious activity except for the deputy factory manager and Naomi entering the warehouse daily. Regular workers had to sign in, so that leaves Naomi as the prime suspect,” Paige concluded.
Alex chuckled. “But if that’s the case, why would she leave behind evidence that made you suspicious? Plus, she couldn’t have known she’d be put in charge of the factory.”
Paige rolled her eyes. “Even if she didn’t target the factory, she could have chosen another location!”
“That would be the wisest thing for her to do then!”
Paige insisted. “If it were me, I’d first gain River’s trust by saving her life before executing my plan.
“Saving River was an accident,” Alex reminded her.
“No. Even if she didn’t save River, she’d find another way to earn her trust,” Paige countered.
“If you were injured, would you keep going to work every day?” Alex questioned
“No. That’s it! Naomi received extra compensation from River, in addition to paid medical leave. Why would she complicate things for herself? It’s her way of earning River’s trust.”
“Ah, so what do you need my help analyzing?” Alex inquired.
Paige blinked in surprise. “You’re right. Why would I need your help when I’ve figured it all out?”
Alex teased, “Well, you’re pretty skilled at analyzing. Can I assume you just wanted to see me?”
Paige was irritated, “Do I treat you respectfully?”
“Who else do you plan on treating with respect? Alex quipped
Paige grunted. Tll treat whoever I choose with respect.”
Alex shifted the conversation’s focus. “I need to ask you something.
“What’s up?” Paige inquired.
Alex got to the point. Is River looking to partner with a clothing factory?”
Paige replied, “It’s pretty obvious. She needs to complete her order soon!”
“Could you help me set up a meeting with her?” Alex asked.
Paige eyed him suspiciously. “Just get to it!”
“I’d like to offer my factory for her use temporarily
“Why didn’t you say so sooner? I’ll arrange the meeting tomorrow!” Paige exclaimed.
At 8:00 p.m., River woke up to find Neil speaking quietly on the phone.
Neil was momentarily surprised to see River awake. He said quietly to the phone, “Mommy’s. here. I’ll let you talk to her.”
Neil placed the phone next to River’s ear. “It’s the kids.”
River was surprised. “Hello?”
“Mommy!” Liora’s joyful voice came through. “Tyler and I are home. When are you coming back?”
River coughed and perked up. “You’re home? When did you get back?”
“We’ve been home since morning. Tyler and I have been waiting for you all day,” Liora complained.
River smiled. “Alright, I’ll be home soon.”
“Tyler and I will be waiting for you,” Liora said.
After hanging up, River sat up immediately.
Neil knew River wanted to go home, so he helped her out of bed “Take it slow.”
River put on her jacket. “I know. Don’t worry about me, Neil.”
“How can I not? Let me know if you need anything. Don’t handle everything on your own.”
River was both amused and frustrated. “Am I that incapable?”
Neil affectionately stroked River’s hair. “I know you’re capable, but I’m your brother.”
“No one’s invincible. I understand how busy you are, too,” River replied.
Neil knew his sister was strong–willed, so he didn’t say more.
After getting River settled at home, Neil didn’t leave but went into the kitchen to make soup for her.
River spent some time playing with the kids with great effort before coming downstairs to eat after getting them ready for bed.
Neil handed River a bowl of chicken soup. “River, consider the police’s fire investigation results as a reference, not gospel”
mean?”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t you think it might be more effective to investigate people close to you rather than relying solely on the police’s findings?” Neil asked.
River blew on her soup, thinking briefly. “So, you’re suggesting that even if the police find.
some clues, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve got the whole picture?”
Neil nodded. “Exactly. A smart culprit won’t leave behind evidence that points to them. They might even try to shift the blame elsewhere to divert attention. These people are skilled at hiding.
you know.”
River suddenly remembered something Naomi had mentioned before and shared it with Neil.
‘Could it be Naomi? River wondered
Naomi had previously saved her life, even though they weren’t friends. It was plausible that Naomi might be involved. T
– River informed Neil about Naomi.
Neil advised, “Our current analysis is too shallow. Instead of jumping to conclusions, why not set a trap?”
“Are you suggesting I act suspicious of Kenny to gauge Naomi’s reaction?” River asked.
“Yes, exactly. See if she reacts strongly to Kenny. But most importantly, be patient and let the conversation unfold naturally,” Neil replied.
River nodded. “Alright, I’ll give it a try.”
The next day, after giving the children a ride, River received a call from Paige. The latter told her that Alex wanted to meet and discuss the clothing factory.
River agreed to meet him downstairs ten minutes later,
Once River reached the company, she had a quick meeting with the sales department. Then, she invited Naomi to join her for coffee.
At the cafe, they spotted Paige and Alex waiting for them.
When they saw Naomi, they exchanged glances Alex approached Paige and whispered, ‘It’s okay to be doubtful, but let’s not make it obvious. We won’t be able to gauge her if she becomes suspicious.”
Paige gnashed her teeth and put on a smile. “Do I look that dumb?”
Alex seemed surprised. “You seem to know yourself well!”
Paige was taken aback. She wanted to teach this stern man a lesson.
However, when she noticed River and Naomi right before them, she discreetly pinched Alex’s thigh under the table and greeted River with a smile, “River, I ordered an Americano for you!”
“Thanks.”
As River sat down, she was about to greet Alex, but she noticed his flushed face and twitching lips.
“Mr. Price, have you been getting enough rest lately?” River asked, puzzled.
Pretending to be curious, Paige glanced at Alex. “Oh dear, Pug, I told you not to drink too much, but you never listen. Now you’re suffering from Bell’s palsy?”
Upon hearing that, River looked at Paige’s hand under the table and quickly understood what was happening. She chose to ignore it and pushed the menu toward Naomi. “What would you like to drink? Pick something.”
Naomi remained expressionless. “Thank you, Ms. Healy, but I’m not thirsty.”
River nodded and turned her attention back to Alex, who had regained his composure. “Mr.
Price, does that clothing factory belong to your company?”
Alex rubbed his thigh. “Yes, it’s mine. The machinery just arrived. After learning about your situation, I thought you might be interested in collaborating with me.”
River remarked, I know Price Corp, has never ventured into the clothing business. Your decision to start a factory seems rather peculiar.”
“Yes, it’s unusual, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try.” Alex replied with a smile.
River found the excuse rather odd. She suspected Noah’s involvement but decided to play along.
as long as she didn’t have to negotiate with Noah directly. She knew how to act oblivious.
Before River could say more, Naomi produced a contract from her bag and handed it to Alex. ”
Mr. Price, please take a look at the contract. Sign it if you agree with the terms.”