Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Under the pretense of accompanying Paige, River successfully managed to undergo the ultrasound examination. Once it was done, they decided to have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Seated comfortably, they took advantage of the bodyguards stationed at the door and engaged in conversation.
Paige’s gaze shifted towards River’s belly, concern etched on her face. “River, the doctor mentioned that you’ll start showing in about three months. I think it’s time you consider telling the boss.”
River took a sip of water, contemplating Paige’s words. “I don’t plan on doing that.”
Paige persisted, offering her advice. “Have you ever considered that he might want to marry you. because of the child? After all these years, surely you must feel something for him.”
River was momentarily taken aback by Paige’s statement. So what if she had feelings for Noah? She had never entertained the idea of him staying in her life, especially not stealing him from Daniella. Furthermore, revealing the truth carried the potential threat of having her child aborted.
“River, I’m telling you, children from single–parent families often face gossip and judgment from a young age. Aren’t you worried that your child will feel envious of other kids with fathers? What will you say when they ask about their dad?” Paige pressed on.
River hadn’t given much thought to those implications. “I haven’t considered that,” she admitted.
Paige let out a sigh of exasperation. “You should test him. It’s better than not knowing at all.”
River took a deep breath, steeling herself. “You’re right. I’ll find an opportunity and give it a try.”
Upon returning to Villa Rosa, River found Noah and Reuben engaged in conversation in the living room.
“Mr. De Marco, we didn’t find anything the past two days. This person is quite good at hiding his trails. Please give me more time. Reuben said
Noah, his handsome face marked with a grim expression, spoke fiercely. “I want results, not excuses!”
Reuben’s head drooped, and he furrowed his brow. “Yes, Mr. De Marco!”
Noah’s head began to ache, and he rubbed his temples. “Tomorrow is the company’s annual dinner. It’s going to be a large gathering, and security needs to be flawless. There can be no mistakes.”
Reuben acknowledged his instructions and accidentally bumped into River while turning to leave. He greeted her briefly before making his way out.
She changed into slippers and walked into the living room. She saw Noah walking toward her.
Recalling Paige’s advice, she instinctively avoided eye contact. “I’m going upstairs,” she muttered.
Just as she took a couple of steps away, Noah’s deep and hoarse voice reached her ears. “Why did you go to the gynecologist?”
Her heart squeezed in her chest, but she clenched her fists and looked up, feigning composure as she met his gaze. “I accompanied Paige for a consultation,” she replied calmly.
Noah smirked, his tone laced with amusement. “You better not bring any diseases home.”
River’s expression turned ugly. Unable to hold back herself, she retorted, “If that’s what you
She walked to the stairs after saying that, and she soon said something else casually,
With those words, she proceeded towards the stairs, her anger barely contained. Before disappearing from view, she casually added, “And by the way, it’s perfectly normal for women to undergo medical check–ups at the hospital. Don’t read too much into it, Noah.”
As River vanished at the top of the stairs, a mixture of frustration and anger simmered in
Noah’s eyes.
The following day, the deputy director called for a meeting with all the employees to announce the date and venue for the company’s annual dinner. Paige kept chatting with River, inquiring about Noah’s attendance. “River, the boss will be coming too, right?”
River nodded. “He’ll be there unless something urgent comes up.”
“And what about you? Will you be coming?”
“Mm–hmm.”
She considered herself lucky when it came to the annual dinner. Each year, she would win prizes like a mobile phone, a computer, or even cash amounts exceeding 150 dollars. It was all money in the end, and it would be a waste to miss out. Her concern wasn’t having too much money; instead, she worried about not having enough once she left
Paige held onto her arm. “You’ll be with the boss tomorrow. What if he asks you to drink?”
She smiled. “I’ll come up with something.”
Daniella overheard their conversation and, after the meeting concluded, made her way to the stairs to call Nic. “Nic, I need you to help me retrieve something before tomorrow night…”
Daniella walked out through the fire exit after making that call, only to unexpectedly run into River, who was waiting for the elevator.
Daniella stood next to her and flashed a smile, hoping for some kind of acknowledgment. “What a coincidence, Ms. Healy.”
River simply ignored her presence.
Unfazed by the cold reception, Daniella arrogantly crossed her arms and said, “I heard you haven’t been feeling well. Should I take your place tomorrow and attend the event with Noah?”
Carline continued to act oblivious to Daniella’s words.
After being ignored repeatedly, Daniella’s humiliation grew.
She waved her arms frustratedly and spoke with a lowered voice. “Why are you acting
River?”
River scoffed and glared at her. “You’re breaking character just like that?”
SO
proud,
Frustration seeped through Daniella’s clenched teeth. “I told you your good days would come to an end soon. I’ll be with Noah tomorrow night!”
River looked at her, perplexed. “What’s there to be happy about, presenting yourself like a sex worker?‘
Furthermore, Noah would never indulge in drinking at the annual dinner. Even if he did, what did it have to do with Daniella being with him or not?
Daniella’s face paled from the rage. “You better watch out, River! Don’t blame me if I show you no mercy!”
The elevator doors opened just as Daniella finished speaking.
River stepped expressionlessly into the elevator and pressed the button.
As the doors closed, Daniella’s eyes brimmed with a deep brutality, a simmering intensity fueling her determination.
In that moment, she couldn’t help but revel in the anticipation of seeing how long River could uphold her mask of arrogance.
At five in the evening on Friday, River put on a presentable and warm outfit for the annual dinner.
Upon descending the stairs, she found Noah already waiting on the couch. His black coat added to his cold and elegant charisma. His mature features held a restrained air of sophistication.
She glanced at him briefly and looked away, announcing her readiness as she approached him. I’m ready.”
Noah glanced up, giving her a thorough appraisal. Satisfied that she hadn’t worn an inappropriate attire, he stood up with a smile.
Together, they got into the car and headed toward the Silver Hotel.
Twenty minutes later, the car pulled up at the hotel entrance.
As they stepped out, they spotted two familiar faces–Alex and Lucas.
Noah furrowed his brow as he approached them with River in tow. “What are you guys doing here?”
Lucas smiled, “We came to learn from you how to organize the annual dinner for next year.”
“You could have just said you were here for the drinks if you wanted an easy entry,” Alex added.
Lucas glared at him. “Why do you always find ways to expose me?”
Growing irritated by their bickering, Noah dismissed them. “If you’re here to fight, then leave.”
“We’re good!‘ they hastily assured him.
The three of them proceeded into the hotel, with River walking a few steps behind. Just before entering the ballroom, Alex paused and turned to face her. His smile exuded warmth as he said, We’ll have to trouble you to take Noah home tonight.”
River was left speechless.
“Noah!”
Before River could utter a word, Daniella’s sweet voice reached their ears.
Curiosity piqued, Alex and Lucas turned to observe Daniella running toward them.
River discreetly made her way toward Paige, who happened to be engaged in conversation with their colleagues nearby. As soon as she spotted River, Paige waved her over.
“Over here, River!”
River nodded and joined her, taking a seat beside her.
Paige playfully teased her. “Did you see that pretentious woman? Flirting at the annual dinner, how ridiculous!”
River pulled her friend closer and whispered, “There are many people here. Let’s not say that.”
Paige slapped her hand in irritation. “You’re way too nice!”
She handed River a glass of fresh juice from the table. “I had the waiter make this fresh for you. It’s packed with vitamins.”
River accepted the drink with a grateful smile. Thanks.”
Soon, all the employees arrived, and the MC took the stage to give a speech.
The lucky draw this year still employed the same drawing number system as the previous years
River received the number 8.