Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
He sat down and took a hearty gulp of the soup. His eyes widened in delight. This tastes amazing!”
Eira chuckled. “Thank you for the compliment.”
Scott casually mentioned, I glanced back before leaving and remember seeing River slap Noah.”
“What? She slapped that scumbag?” Kenny exclaimed.
Neil nodded. “She believed Lily’s passing was closely linked to Noah.”
“I’d think the same if I were in her shoes, given that my boss commissioned the medical team,”
Paige said between bites of her food.
The group turned their attention to Paige.
Paige, feeling bewildered, asked, “Why are you all looking at me?”
“Women think straightforwardly. If the scumbag wanted revenge on River, he wouldn’t use such an obvious tactic,” Kenny remarked.
Scott added, “Vital signs can drop during surgery, resulting in death.”
Neil chimed in. True, mishaps occur, but we can’t rule out the possibility of tampering.”
Kenny looked perplexed. “You make it sound so mysterious. Have you been reading too many mystery novels?”
Neil asked, “What do you mean?”
Kenny put down his spoon and clarified, “The hospital belongs to the scumbag. The person must be skilled to attempt something in his presence. According to your theory, they likely have a grudge against him and aim to involve him with River.”
Paige gasped. “In that case, Daniella seems the most motivated.”
Neil disagreed, “I don’t think she’s capable of this.”
Paige retorted, “What do you mean? She’s even capable of hiding a murder.”
Kenny, shocked, asked, “A murder? How did I miss this?”
The group collectively judged Kenny for being so uninformed.
Scott cautioned, “Don’t make unfounded speculations without evidence.”
Paige sighed in Scott’s direction. “You’re too forgiving.”
Scott clarified, “Strong evidence speaks louder. I’m just analyzing objectively.”
Neil observed Scott and wondered why he remained so impartial when someone he loved had been hurt in these incidents.
Did Scott have a unique perspective or hidden intentions?
Scott seemed to notice Neil’s gaze, so he met Neil’s eyes and smiled calmly. “Do you find me too rational?”
Neil looked away, unsure of what experiences had made Scott so analytical.
Scott continued. “Maybe I’ve seen too much death and separation.”
Neil played with his mug, pondering Scott’s cryptic statement. He found Scott hard to read but hoped he was the kind and pure–hearted person he appeared to be.
After dinner, Paige went home, and Neil left for some work matters. Kenny entertained the two children while Scott delivered a meal cooked by Eira to River.
He knocked on her door.
River’s hoarse voice invited him in.
Scott entered and frowned as he saw River curled up on the sofa. He placed the food tray on the coffee table. “You should eat.”
“I don’t feel like eating,” River replied apathetically.
Scott sat beside her and offered gently, “Would you like to hear a story?”
River looked at him and agreed, “Sure.”
Scott picked up a glass of water and began, “When I was five, I witnessed my mother threaten my father with her own death for abandoning us. I’ll never forget the look in my father’s eyes. He watched my mother hold a knife to her wrist without a trace of pity. In fact, his eyes were filled with contempt and disgust.”
“He asked my mom to make her death quick so she wouldn’t leave a bad last impression on him.
In the end, she couldn’t do it because she knew I’d be left alone if she was gone.
“But after that incident, she fell apart. She started drinking and smoking excessively with the money my dad left. She’d hurt herself after drinking, covering her arms and legs in scars.
“I was terrified to go home, fearing I’d find her dead or hear her cries. I suffered for five years until she got diagnosed with cancer. I begged her to get treatment, but she held me with her frail, scarred hands, saying she wouldn’t burden me.
“She left me some money, hoping I’d grow up well. She told me not to resent my father–he was the devil. She wanted me to grow up as a pure–hearted angel because I kept her alive for those.
five years.”
As Scott briefly shared his life story, River cried.
“Don’t you hate your father?” River asked.
Scott handed her a glass of water. “What’s the point of hating him? Hate only torments the mind.”
River disagreed, “Your life wouldn’t have ended up like this if not for him, right?”
Scott smiled. “I used to resent him and even tried to find him. But I found out his life isn’t great either.”
River was confused. “What do you mean?”
Scott’s eyes were clear as he gently explained, “He doesn’t have sincere people around him.”
River looked down. That doesn’t mean he didn’t live a good life-
Scott interrupted, “A wealthy person can buy anything except sincerity.”
River sighed. “True, without sincere people, life feels empty.”
Scott assured her, “You have me, friends, and family. We’ll face life together. People who come into your life, both causing pain and joy, teach valuable lessons. Don’t hold grudges. It’ll torment you.”
River smiled sadly. “Easier said than done.”
Scott admitted, “True. It’s not easy for anyone.”
River was surprised but then chuckled, “You’re human too, aren’t you?”
Scott raised an eyebrow. “My soul’s already been offered to Bael.”
River frowned. “What do you mean?”
Scott stood up. “The Angel of Light will get you more water.”
River couldn’t help but laugh at Scott’s teasing.
Neil sat in his office at Xander Residence, staring at his laptop during a phone call
A woman’s voice came from the speaker, “I’m almost done processing the client data. When are you planning to proceed?”
“No rush. River hasn’t made a move, so I’ll wait, too. How’s the new company?” Neil asked.
The woman chuckled, her voice crisp. “Hehehe, I’ve completed staff recruitment! They start officially tomorrow.”
Neil relaxed in his seat. “What about the projects?”
“You signed off on several major projects that were handed over to us. As long as you’re here, the partners can’t object,” she replied.
Neil smiled and said, “Thank you for this.”
The woman snorted and replied, “You know that’s not what I want to hear. Why don’t you express your gratitude differently?”
Her suggestion wiped the smile off his face. “Tm sony.”
“Is it too difficult to give yourself up to me?” she asked. “Never mind. I’ll let you off this time since things.
aren’t settled yet.”
Neil thanked her once more.
“Stop thanking me. I’m happy to help!”
“Get some rest.”
“I’ll play with him for a bit first.” She hung up the call after that,
Neil stared helplessly at his phone. Just as he was about to shut his laptop, someone opened the door to his office.
Thomas nodded at Neil and closed the door.
Neil stood up and respectfully greeted Thomas, saying, “Uncle Tom”
Thomas took a seat across from Neil, looking serious. “Neil, I need an explanation.”
Neil resumed his seat, pretending to be puzzled. “What do you mean, Uncle Tom?”
“I saw Lyra’s photo at Yulia’s place. How long are you going to keep it from me?” Thomas sounded anxious.
we
Remaining calm, Neil replied, “What’s the rush, Uncle Tom? I was in the same position as you five years.
ago.
This response Infuriated Thomas, “Forget about your grandfather not acknowledging her. I want to see herl
Nell countered, “I am not the one preventing her. She doesn’t want to meet you and the others because
Grandpa hurt her deeply.”
“What did he do?” Thomas was stunned.
Angrily, Nell explained, “He was manipulated by Daniella and locked Lyra in a small room until she was on
This revelation left Thomas slumped. “Your grandpa was so blinded…”
“Don’t lose hope, Uncle Tom,” Neil reassured him. “We have Aunt Greta, right? But remember, Lyra’s name is River now. Don’t use the wrong name.”
Thomas regained hope. “You’re right. I ask Greta to meet River.”
“And Grandpa…”
“Don’t worry. We won’t say anything.”
The next day.
After River dropped off the children at school, she hurried to her company.
Josie entered the office. 1
“Mr. Ash Harris, their head of the HR department, asked me to inform you that the suburban factory will soon be completed and needs your inspection.”
River checked the time on her laptop. “Alright, we’ll go there after the meeting.”