Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Jade replied, “I’ll put on the watch and refuse to take it off. Will she try to snatch it back by force? Besides, even if I don’t wear it, she can’t do anything because we still have leverage over her, right?
Jade believed that River wouldn’t mind losing a watch like that, as she had treated it so casually. Furthermore, she assumed River would just blame her own carelessness if it went. missing.
Gregory suggested, “She has quite a few watches. Let’s check her dresser when she’s not around!”
Jade complimented him, “You’ve become quite cunning, Greg!”
Gregory blushed. “You’re making me blush.”
After breakfast, River saw the children off to school.
Jade and Gregory headed to River’s room, inspecting all her watches and jewelry. They compared prices and grew increasingly excited.
Jade held up the watches and exclaimed, “Jackpot, Greg!”
River received a call from the police at 10:00 am. regarding the factory fire incident and headed to the police station.
Upon her arrival, Officer Charlie Boyle kindly offered her a cup of coffee before taking his seat and addressing her, “I apologize for the delay in solving the arson case, Ms. Healy. However, there are some concerning aspects to the incident.”
River took a sip and urged, “Please, tell me what you’ve found.”
Officer Boyle inquired, “Have you noticed anyone around you displaying unusual behavior, Ms. Healy?”
River teplied, “My employees have already given their statements Have you identified any suspects?”
Officer Boyle handed River two folders, and she noticed Caleb and Naomi’s names inside.
With a puzzled expression, she asked, “What’s the issue with Caleb and Naomi’s statements?”
Officer Boyle explained, “The deputy factory manager’s statement lacks detail, while your secretary’s account of the incident is excessively precise.”
River momentarily contemplated and questioned, “So, you’re suggesting that being too specific about time is a problem?”
Officer Boyle nodded. “Indeed, it’s uncommon for anyone to recall their actions during a specific time period with such precision. Your secretary’s statement appears almost rehearsed. Can you recall when you arrived at the police station, Ms. Healy?”
River was taken aback. She couldn’t even remember when she received the initial call, let alone her arrival time at the station.
Officer Boyle smiled and remarked, “You see, it’s challenging for anyone to pinpoint exact times, but your secretary seems to have no trouble.”
River said, “Perhaps she’s just very meticulous about time.”
“She may be exceptionally attentive to time, Officer Boyle agreed. “You might want to call and ask her about it.”
River nodded and dialed Naomi’s number.
Before Naomi could answer, River had already formulated her message.
Naomi’s voice came through: “Ms. Healy.”
River put the call on speaker and asked, “Naomi, when were you supervising at construction site a few days ago?”
the
Naomi paused briefly before responding. “It was close to noon. I arrived at 12:23 p.m.”
River exchanged a glance with Officer Boyle and asked, “Were the workers present when you arrived?”
“Yes,” Naomi replied. “I left at 5:11 p.m., and they had already left by 5:00 p.m. On the first day of construction, they arrived two hours earlier than usual ”
River could hear the sound of machinery in the background. “Noted. Are you at the site now?”
“Yes, I arrived at 8.31 a.m., Naomi confirmed. “Ms. Healy, I’ll keep track of their working hours.”
“Thank you for your help,” River acknowledged,
After ending the call, Officer Boyle expressed his frustration, “Seems like there are time management experts out there.”
River recalled Neil’s warning about adept villains hiding in plain sight. She couldn’t afford to take this matter lightly and stated, “I’ll leave now if there’s nothing else.”
Officer Boyle rose from his seat and replied, “Alright, we’ll continue our investigation.”
As River left the police station, her phone rang. It was Kenny calling
“G! I’m taking the 1:00 p.m. flight this afternoon.”
River got into her car and replied wearily. It seems you’ll be arriving in the early hours of the morning.”
Kenny paused for a moment. “What’s with your voice? Has the company been very busy during this period?”
River massaged her temples. “Kenny, the factory was on fire the day you turned off your phone, and numerous orders were canceled.”
“What? An accident happened in the factory not long after 1 left? Who did it?” Kenny shouted at the phone.
River moved the phone further to prevent her ear from being deafened by Kenny’s shout.
River put the call on speaker after Kenny stopped shouting. “We haven’t found the culprit yet.
I’ll tell you the rest when you’re back.”
“Fuck! An accident happened as soon as I turned off my phone. Isn’t it obvious that the culprit is turning me into a scapegoat?”
River was stunned before she sniggered. “Can I assume that you did it since you’re reacting so dramatically?”
“Hey, G! I’m not an ungrateful person!” Kenny explained in exasperation.
River continued to tease him. “Why are you in a rush to prove your innocence?”
“I’m very saddened by your remark! I was out looking for something good for you. You have no idea.
how tragic I was for the past two days. 1 had to=”
River interrupted him. “Kenny! Didn’t you say that you’re going to give me a surprise? It will not be a surprise anymore if you reveal it now!”
Kenny said, “Fuck, I almost got distracted by you! I’ll tell you, but you must come and pick me up tonight!”
River was puzzled. “Your surprise doesn’t sound like a simple matter.”
“You’re right! I don’t mind you crying into my arms by then!” said Kenny.
River answered, “I’m losing you, bye!”
Kenny said, “What happened to your love for me? Don’t forget to pick me up tonight!”
“I know.” River hung up.
In the afternoon, Reuben approached Noah once he had resolved the company’s financial
Reuben reported, “Mr. De Marco, Kenny is heading back to Novamere.”
Noah looked visibly bothered. “Is he alone?”
“No, Alisa is accompanying him, but our team mentioned they don’t act like a couple,” Reuben explained.
Noah’s expression darkened. “River cherishes him so much, even though he’s no good!‘
Sensing Noah’s mood, Reuben cautiously tried to change the topic of conversation.
However, Noah beat him to it, asking, ‘Any news about Scott?”
Reuben replied, “He’s currently attending a course abroad, even before the factory accident.”
Noah scoffed. “It always seems like he’s conveniently absent whenever River is in trouble!”
Reuben remarked, “In that case, Dr. Wilson is no better than Mr. Xander and Kenny.”
Noah glared at Reuben in disapproval. “What’s the point of comparing these scumbags?”
Reuben noticed something amiss in Noah’s comment. If these three men are scumbags, isn’t Mr.
De Marco from five years ago even worse than them?’ he thought
However, he lacked the courage to voice his thoughts.
After Reuben left the office, Noah contemplated deeply. If River has two children with Neil, why aren’t they living together?”
He picked up his phone and called Alex.
Alex answered promptly, teasing. “It’s unusual for you to think of me during your business trip.
Noah said, “I need to discuss something with you.”
Alex cleared his throat and adopted a serious tone. “Of course, go ahead.”
Noah requested, “Help me approach Neil and find out why he isn’t living with River.”
Alex remained silent for a moment.
After a pause, Alex chuckled halfheartedly, “Noah, don’t pursue River any longer. Instead, marry me because it’s clear you can’t live without me.”
Noah said coldly, “I feel like paying your father a visit.”
Alex’s lips twitched. “Alright, I’ll do it!”
At 6:00 p.m., Alex invited Neil out to dinner.
Alex made small talk with Neil for a while but could not bring himself to get to the main point.