Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Noah snorted and replied, “Do you think I came here for fun?”
River fell silent. It seemed that he had brought her along to confront his relatives and make a statement.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the subsidiary company.
As they stepped out of the car, River noticed a nervous young man and Stefan Jamison, the deputy manager, standing at the company’s entrance.
When they spotted Noah’s arrival, they quickly approached him.
The young man spoke subserviently, “Uncle Noah,
Noah nodded but didn’t spare him a glance as he entered the company building with a cold expression.
River walked alongside Noah, stealing a sideways glance at the young man who bore a slight resemblance to Noah.
She had read about him during their journey–this young man was Mark De Marco, the son of Noah’s brother. He was known for his recklessness and had a reputation for harassing the female secretaries in the department.
If it weren’t for Stefan’s hard work in supporting the company, it might have already shut down.
Once they reached the president’s office, River excused herself and headed toward the secretary’s department. However, as she approached the door, she overheard hushed gossip
“Did River become the principal secretary just because of her looks?”
“No, it’s more than that. I heard she’s having an affair with Mr. De Marco!”
“Of course, she’s not capable enough. She must have used her body to secure that position. We don’t have to worry about her.”
River knocked expressionly on the glass, instantly capturing the attention of all the secretaries in the office. As they turned around and saw River, they fell dead silent.
With a smile on her face, River entered the office and addressed them, “Why did the conversation suddenly stop when I arrived? Shouldn’t I be included since I’m the one being talked about?”
The secretaries exchanged nervous glances.
River held the documents in her hand as she approached the front table and shot them an icy gaze. “Perhaps you should dedicate your time to work rather than indulge in gossip about others.”
Placing the documents on the table, she continued, “Ms. Walker, as the head of the secretaries, you should set a better example instead of indulging in idle chat. Before you leave, kindly collect this month’s salary from the finance department.”
Jane Walker widened her eyes and stood up abruptly. “Are you planning to fire me over this?”
River chuckled and retorted, “Is this your only mistake? You have neglected to sort out and report the document delivered by Flying Builders two days ago.”
Jane’s face turned red as she argued, “I shouldn’t have to handle that kind of task. It’s below my paygrade.”
River responded coldly. “As the head of the secretaries, your first mistake is you failed to monitor the progress of your subordinates‘ work. As for your second mistake, perhaps you should take a closer look at this document.”
Reluctantly, Jane stepped forward to accept the document. Her face paled as she quickly glanced at it.
Pushing the document away indignantly, she snapped, “Who do you think you are? You’re just a slut who climbed your way up the corporate ladder by selling your body, yet you have the audacity to act so arrogantly here. What right do you have to fire me?”
River chuckled once again. “You are entitled to your opinion, but it is not I who is firing you.
The company has decided to terminate your employment. The workplace can be cruel, and only those who are capable rise to higher positions.”
Dealing with the clique–formed group of secretaries was far from easy.
After hours of arguing and scrutinizing the documents, River felt so exhausted that she almost collapsed into her chair.
She sighed, feeling a melancholic weight in her heart as she gazed at the vacant office space.
They were under Mark’s command, yet he lacked the courage to show up when they faced.
criticism and dismissal.
In comparison to Mark’s despicable tactics, Noah displayed far greater excellence.
After taking a five–minute break to rest, she made her way toward the president’s office.
Just as she approached the door, Noah emerged. They locked eyes.
River quickly averted her gaze and shared, ‘It has been resolved.”
He responded, “In the afternoon, assist the personnel department with the hiring, and join me to meet someone at noon.”
Confusion washed over her, prompting an involuntary question, “Who?”
Noah replied. “The former director of an orphanage.
With that, he walked away, leaving her no choice but to follow suit. As she walked, her gaze briefly swept into the president’s office.
There, she caught sight of Mark, kneeling on the ground, his gaze fixed wickedly upon Noah’s departing figure. Her heart skipped a beat involuntarily.
As they stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, they coincidentally encountered Paige and
Daniella emerging from the staff elevator across from them.
Upon spotting Noah, Daniella smiled and hurried towards him, asking, “Noah, are you going for lunch?”
While speaking, she attempted to link arms with him, but he coldly evaded her touch.
Daniella’s expression stiffened momentarily, yet Noah pretended not to notice.
Instead, he narrowed his eyes and focused on Daniella. “I’m going to meet the orphanage director.”
Abruptly, she lowered her head and anxiously bit her lip. In a panic, she questioned Noah, “Why do you want to meet her?”
Noticing her distress, his eyes turned icy. “Ella, why are you so nervous?”
Shaking her head, her face paling, Daniella hurriedly explained, “No, I’m not. I’m just… I’m just…”
“What?” Noah pressed on, his gaze fierce.
Consequently, her breathing quickened, and she averted her gaze. “No, nothing. Noah, please. reconsider going.”
Noah’s expression darkened. “Are you hiding something from me?”
“Stop interrogating me!” Daniella suddenly screamed in terror. “Noah, please, no more questions.
Don’t force me to remember those memories. I’m begging you,van, please, no more questions.
Observing from the sidelines, River and Paige exchanged glances. They couldn’t help but wonder why Daniella’s behavior had taken such an unexpected turn.
Noah’s face grew somber. He stepped forward and tightly gripped Daniella’s arm. “Tell me what happened!”
“No!” she cried out desperately, pushing Noah’s hand away and crossing her arms protectively across her chest.
Trembling, she retreated while sobbing. “Please, I beg you. It’s my fault. Don’t do this to me. No!”
In a sudden outburst, she screamed, shut her eyes tightly, and collapsed heavily onto the floor.
At Florencia Hospital.
After completing the necessary hospitalization formalities, both River and Paige returned to the ward.
Daniella had been administered a sedative and was laying on the bed, her face pale.
Meanwhile, a hint of guilt appeared on Noah’s somber face as he looked at Daniella with concern.
River suppressed the bitterness in her heart and approached the medical case calmly. “Mr. De Marco, it’s taken care of.”
However, Noah didn’t accept it. “Ask Reuben if he has found Ella’s medical records.”
Nodding, River turned around and left the ward with Paige.
Upon contacting Reuben, she honestly conveyed Noah’s request.
There was a brief silence on the phone before Reuben spoke. “She has suffered from severe psychological trauma since childhood, which led to regular sessions with a therapist and the use of psychotropic medication. I met with the former director to inquire, but the details were unclear.
I’m now reaching out to the deputy director for more information.”
After ending the call, Paige pursed her lips and spoke from the side. “It’s quite alarming. How did we never notice any signs before?”
River put her phone back into her bag. “One cannot fabricate medical records.”
Paige continued, “True, but I have a strange feeling about all of this”
River asked, “Have you ever seen her take any medication?”
Paige responded, “Well, I haven’t paid much attention. I’ll observe her closely next time we’re back at the office.”
She had a gut feeling that something was amiss with Daniella.
After informing Noah about Reuben’s update, River and Paige left the hospital to grab a bite to eat.
However, as soon as River stepped into the restaurant and caught a whiff of the heavy oil scent, she couldn’t help but feel nauseous. She covered her mouth and rushed out of the establishment.
Stunned, Paige quickly followed after her.
When she saw River retching on the side, her eyes widened. ‘River, are you…?”
River immediately explained, “No, you’re overthinking!”