Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
“When did I reconcile with her?” Noah asked with displeasure.
“I don’t want to get involved in your relationship. All I know is that Daniella abused my son,” River replied.
Noah explained coldly, “Daniella and I will never get back together, and I won’t return your son to you, either.”
River sneered. “You’re sharing a meal with her, yet you claim you’re not getting back together? Are you only rekindling things after sleeping in the same bed? Noah, I can’t be as forgiving as you. I can’t share a meal with someone who hurt my son!”
“I have a reason to meet her.”
“Then tell me what the reason is!”
River’s question left Noah speechless. He couldn’t explain to River right now because he didn’t want to worry her.
River scoffed at Noah’s avoidance. “I’ll be straightforward. If you’re getting back together with Daniella, give me back my son! Otherwise, I’ll hire a lawyer and take legal action to gain custody!”
River stormed back to the private room in anger, circling past Noah
Noah wanted to go after her, but she had already entered the room.
He briefly puzzled over the scene inside the room. ‘Why are the Xanders having dinner with River? Is she planning a wedding with Neil? And where are Grayson and Neil?‘
After dinner, River bid farewell to the two guests, and Greta held River’s hand before they parted.
“I hope you don’t mind me calling you by your name. You’re about my daughter’s age,” Greta said with a smile.
River replied, “I don’t mind.”
She felt a connection with them after interacting for half an hour without any apparent reason.
Greta beamed. “Alright, we’ll head back first. Drive safely.”
Greta closed the door and waved to River, her gaze still fixed on her.
“Are you finished looking, love?” Thomas asked.
Greta reluctantly turned away. “The child must have suffered a lot in the past.”
“How do you know?” Thomas asked.
Greta replied, “I’ve interacted with many heiresses, but none of them are as genuine as this child.”
“That’s not fair. My younger sister was a sincere person, too,”
Greta was taken aback but soon chuckled. “That’s why I think the child is Eleanor’s daughter.”
Thomas sighed. “We have to find a way to reunite the child with the Xanders.”
“Let’s not rush it. We just need to treat her sincerely, and the rest is up to her,” Greta suggested.
Thomas nodded. “Alright.”
Back at Bayview Villa.
River found the two children asleep by the time she arrived home. She took a shower and lay on the bed, then pulled out her phone and texted her lawyer.
River: [Mr. Joule, I would like to inquire about child custody.]
Soon, Robert replied with a voice message: “Can you please explain the situation in detail?”
River called to tell Robert about Axel’s situation.
With mixed feelings, Robert replied, “Ms. Healy, I’m afraid this is not feasible.”
River was puzzled. “Why?”
“Firstly, Ms. Love and Mr. De Marco are not legally married, so it doesn’t constitute stepmother’s abuse.
Secondly, the child has been living with the father for a long time. During this time, he received the best education and treatment.”
River felt her heart sink at the news,
“Is there any other option? I just need one,” River said reluctantly.
Robert replied, “It’s not entirely impossible…”
“Please, tell me,” River urged anxiously.
“You could marry Mr. De Marco or find evidence that he abused the child.”
But Noah couldn’t have abused the child–he was strict but not abusive.
However, did she have to marry Noah?
Even if she agreed, Noah and Draco might not approve.
River propped up her head, troubled by the lack of a viable solution.
“That’s all for today, Mr. Joule. I need some time to think. Thank you,” River said wearily.
“You’re welcome.”
River could only temporarily postpone this matter, as there seemed to be no other way.
She texted Scott: [Are you asleep? Feeling better today? I couldn’t visit. I was too busy.]
Scott: [Don’t worry, I’m much better.]
River: [Great. I’ll bring you soup tomorrow morning.]
Scott: [No need to go back and forth. The hospital provides food. Just pick me up in two days when I’m discharged.]
River reluctantly agreed.
Meanwhile, at Xander Residence.
Daniella returned home to find Grayson watching TV in the living room. She greeted him and headed upstairs before Grayson could stop her.
Grayson frowned, concerned about Daniella’s recent haste. He instructed a servant to turn off the television, got up, and headed upstairs to talk to Daniella.
But the first thing Daniella did upon entering her room was to call Casey.
After a while, Casey answered. “Ella, I thought you were asleep.”
Casey continued drowsily. “I was asleep earlier due to the medication’s side effects. Why are you still up?”
“I just came back from meeting Noah,” Daniella said. “Casey, he agreed to let me take care of Axel.”
Casey smiled faintly but maintained a gentle tone. “Ella, it’s better if you don’t take the risk.”
“Casey! We agreed on this. Why exclude me and fight alone? I’ll take care of Axel and won’t reveal any weaknesses…”
The door to Daniella’s room opened just as her voice faded.
Grayson entered solemnly. “Ella, who are you talking to so late at night? What do you mean by taking care of Axel?”
Startled, Daniella hurriedly hid her phone under her pillow.
She forced a stiff smile. “Why are you still awake, Grandpa?”
Suspicion filled Grayson’s gaze. “You greeted me when you came in earlier, remember?”
Daniella’s heart raced. “I forgot because I was in a hurry. Please don’t be upset, Grandpa.”
She helped Grayson to the sofa, attempting to divert his attention.
Grayson looked at her with displeasure. “Tell me, why are you getting involved with the De Marcos‘ child?”
Realizing she could no longer hide, Daniella explained, “Axel has been diagnosed with leukemia, and I want to take care of him…
“You’re confused! Have you forgotten how Noah treated you? And now you want to take care of his child?”
Grayson scolded.
Daniella lowered herself and leaned on Grayson’s thigh. “Please, don’t be angry, Grandpa.”
Grayson pushed Daniella away in a fit of rage. “I gave you money to start a company when you asked for it, but you haven’t even visited the company once since the incident! And now, you want to take care of someone else’s child!”
Tears welled up in Daniella’s eyes. “I’ll go to the company tomorrow, Grandpa. Please, don’t be angry…”
Grayson retorted, “Axel’s leukemia and survival have nothing to do with you!”
Daniella pleaded, “No, Grandpa. I can’t bear to see the child I raised die like that.”
Grayson frowned deeply. “Even if that’s the case, he’s not your child!”
“Grandpa, I’m begging you to let me see him because I just can’t bear it, Grandpa,” Daniella cried.
“No!” Grayson was determined. “There’s no room for negotiation on this matter! You must manage the company properly from tomorrow onward, and you’re not allowed to see the child!”
With that, Grayson stood up and angrily left Daniella’s room.
As the door slammed shut, Daniella’s expression turned malicious. “How dare you boss me around, you old geezer! Why aren’t you gone yet? I’ll go even more if you don’t allow me!
“It’s just a useless company, right? I can still manage it by just going through the motions! I’ll sell off the company right away when you’re dead!”
Having overheard the conversation, Casey felt it was sarcastic. Her acting skills were indeed excellent, but a two–faced woman like her could be quite harmful to have around. He hung up the call and squeezed the woman lying in his arms.
The woman gasped in shock. “You’re hurting me, Mr. De Marco.”
Casey looked at her coldly and tightened his grip. He said calmly, ‘Did I give you permission to complain?”
The woman’s face turned pale, and she shook her head. “No, sir. It was my mistake, Mr. De Marco!”