Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
River stared at the contract and clenched it tightly in her hand.
Once her mother’s treatment was complete, she would take her mother and leave Anglebay City. They would find a fresh start in a place where they were unknown.
There, she would give birth to her child and begin anew.
Two days later, on a Wednesday night, River had made up her mind to approach Noah in his study and discuss the contract.
She opened the door and entered the room. Noticing that Noah was engrossed in his work with his head lowered, she positioned herself at the side and patiently waited.
Sensing her presence, Noah glanced up and locked eyes with her, inquiring, “What’s the matter?”
Under Noah’s watchful gaze, River struggled with conflicting emotions.
She couldn’t bring herself to ask Noah for an advance payment using her mother and child as a pretext. She felt responsible for her mother’s care and she wanted to keep the child, so it didn’t seem right to ask for money from someone else.
Furthermore, she couldn’t guarantee that Noah wouldn’t become suspicious.
As a result, she made a feeble excuse. “I suddenly forgot what I wanted to say. I’ll let you know
when I remember. Then, she hurriedly left the study.
Sensing something was not right with River, Noah furrowed his brow and decided to call
Reuben
The following day, when River woke up, she received a notification on her phone informing her that she had received 280,000 dollars. Additionally, she received a message from Reuben that said
[Ms. Healy, Mr. De Marco has given you a house. The address is…]
Stunned, she was at a loss for words. She hadn’t mentioned anything about it, yet Noah had given her money and a house. Immediately, she got out of bed and coincidentally bumped into Noah as he emerged from his bedroom.
Before she could utter a word, Noah interjected, “Pack your things. We’re going on a business trip this afternoon.”
Consequently, all the words she had intended to say were shelved. “How long will the business trip last?”
“It won’t be long. If you want to see your mother before then, I’ll have Reuben drive you there.” Noah’s eyes grew distant as he spoke. “But don’t attempt anything foolish.”
River was speechless. She had actually planned to visit the hospital for a pregnancy check–up.
She needed to obtain some documents from the hospital.
Setting aside those thoughts, she whispered, “The money and the house…”
“You deserve it, don’t you?” Noah’s words left River at a loss for words.
Why did his statement leave her feeling unsettled?
After breakfast, River hurried to the hospital with Reuben.
She met her mother briefly before fabricating an excuse about feeling unwell and made her way to the gynecology department.
After a two–hour wait, she obtained the necessary documents and underwent a prenatal ultrasound, receiving reassurance about the baby’s health, However, she was advised not to exert herself during the first three months to avoid miscarriage and was prescribed calcium and vitamin B tablets. t
River noticed the bottles of medicine were labeled with images of pregnant women. So as not to arouse any suspicion, she decided to purchase other substitute medications.
Reuben drove River to the airport at one o’clock in the afternoon. As she arrived at the entrance of the VIP lounge, she heard the sound of Daniella’s laughter. Unexpectedly, Noah had brought Daniella along for the business trip.
Suppressing her emotions, she entered the lounge.
To her surprise, Paige, her best friend, was also present, aside from Noah and Daniella.
Paige was looking disdainfully at Daniella.
Upon hearing the noise at the door, Daniella turned around and greeted River with a smile.
“River, there you are. Come and sit. Paige chipped in with joy, patting the seat beside her.
River nodded and made her way over to sit beside Paige.
Noticing River had completely ignored her, Daniella expressed disappointment. “It seems that
Ms. Healy doesn’t like me.”
When Paige heard it, she couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “How pretentious!”
Paige then shifted her attention to River. “Why haven’t you been coming to the company lately? How are the design drafts coming along?”
River responded in a perfunctory manner, “I’ve been busy with something else. My design draft is almost ready.”
Paige’s eyes lit up. “I know how talented you are. You’ll definitely pass the first round of the competition.”
Feeling helpless, River asked, “Are you two going on a business trip to Florencia City as well?”
Paige explained, “Yes, there’s a seminar at the fashion department of our subsidiary there. Mr.
De Marco asked me to take that pretentious b*tch along so she can learn from them.”
River inquired, “What’s with the sudden name–calling?”
Paige gritted her teeth. “I’ll tell you when we arrive in Florencia City.”
In the evening, when River, Paige, and the others arrived in Florencia City, their rooms were located on the eleventh floor, while Noah had a suite on the twelfth floor.
As River and Paige walked toward their rooms, Daniella suddenly snorted and laughed behind them.
“Ms. Healy, it appears that Noah doesn’t care much for you.”
Paige turned around, glaring at Daniella. “What did you say? You better watch your tongue!”
Daniella responded to Paige’s glare with a disdainful glance, not taking her seriously at all.
She then walked over to River while smiling sweetly and said, “Noah couldn’t stand that I was living in a shabby place before this, so he bought me a house. I’m certain that he and I will become a couple soon.”
River chuckled and retorted, “So, you two aren’t a couple yet, huh?”
“Pfft…” Daniella’s smile froze as Paige burst into laughter.
“We’ll become a couple soon enough. In any case, I’m still getting much better treatment than you. “Daniella mocked River.
“Hmm, he bought me a house too,” River replied indifferently before turning away and opening the door.
Confusion replaced the smile on Daniella’s face. Meanwhile, Paige couldn’t contain her laughter. She patted Daniella’s shoulders and clicking her tongue. “Stop making a fool of yourself. You look like a clown.”
As Daniella watched River and Paige enter their room, a sense of ruthlessness filled her eyes. once again. She had gone to great lengths to secure a house, yet River, a mistress, effortlessly obtained one.
Gnashing her teeth, Daniella walked into her own room and took out her phone to make a call. “Hi, I need your help…”
In River’s room, Paige wasted no time in criticizing Daniella’s behavior as soon as she sat down. River, feeling quite sleepy, listened while Paige remained energized.
“So, River, what’s the deal between you and Noah now?” Paige asked eagerly.
River rubbed her eyes. “It’s still the same.”
Paige probed further, “What? Hasn’t he found his long–lost love? Why isn’t he willing to let you go?”
River shook her head in response, unsure of the answer herself.
Narrowing her eyes, Paige leaned closer to River. “Is Mr. De Marco in love with you?”
River immediately retorted, “That’s out of the question. He has cherished his first love for over ten years. He won’t fall for me.”
Paige elaborated, “That’s not certain. Men’s actions often reveal their true feelings. Hasn’t he ever
River stated, “No, he won’t discuss it.”
Paige was left speechless, unsure of how to respond.
River received a call from Reuben the next morning just as she had woken up. He informed her to be downstairs in ten minutes. Pushing the blanket aside, she quickly freshened up before heading downstairs.
Noah was already seated in the lobby waiting for her.
The morning sunlight illuminated him through the French window, creating a halo of light around him. He appeared noble and untouchable.
River walked up to him, maintaining her usual calm tone. “Mr. De Marco.”
He didn’t even glance up at her, coldly responding. “Let’s go.”
Although River was unsure of the reason for their trip to Florencia City, she didn’t question it. She obediently entered the car with him, and he handed her a stack of documents.
“Take a look at this,” he instructed.
River accepted the documents and quickly skimmed through them. A frown formed on her forehead. “The profits stated in this contract don’t match the amount reported to the headquarters,
Her expression turned solemn as she read further. “They altered the profits. I’m certain it was your relatives who had the audacity to do this right under your nose.”
Admiration flickered in Noah’s eyes. “You’re sharp,
River hadn’t expected her guess to be so accurate. She was still unclear about Noah’s family dynamics and his background. She knew the De Marco family wielded significant power and influence not only in Novamere City but throughout the entire Eurossian market.
In the next moment, she looked up at Noah and asked with doubt, “So, did you come here to change the staff?”