Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
River put her phone away and stretched, gazing at the dazzling night view outside with a smile. A
good show was about to begin.
Two days later, the trend of returns and refunds had stabilized. Some customers didn’t request returns because they bought the clothes due to G’s fame.
After compensating the customers, the exhausted staff rested on the table.
Josie entered River’s office and handed her the financial report for the return sales. “Ms. Healy, it’s stable now.”
River rubbed her brows and asked, “How much of the company’s working capital remains?”
Josie replied, “Around 140,000 dollars.”
River nodded calmly. “Just as I expected.”
Josie voiced her concern. “Ms. Healy, are we really not going to respond? The journalists are still downstairs.”
River leaned back in her chair. “No, we won’t. We can’t afford to let our guard down at this critical time.
Confused, Josie added, “Okay, but there’s another issue, Ms. Healy.”
“What is it?”
Josie reported, “MK has also received a record number of return requests in the past two days, and their losses are at least double ours.”
This revelation rendered River speechless, and she realized it had happened because of her.
Unknowingly, she owed Noah again.
With a bitter smile, River said, “Alright. You may go now.”
Josie nodded and left the room! After the door closed, River called Neil, who picked up quickly.
He urgently asked, “River?”
River whispered, “Yes, it’s me.”
“Are you alright?” Nell asked. “I didn’t want to call you earlier, fearing I might interrupt you while dealing Smiling, River reassured, “I’m okay. Don’t worry. Has your company been affected too?”
“Somewhat, but not significantly. Noah seems to be the most affected, and Scott as well.”
Surprised, River questioned, “What happened to Scott?”
“He’s been suspended,” Neil revealed.
River furrowed her brow. “They didn’t need to suspend him just because he’s close to me, did they?”
No wonder Scott hadn’t texted or called her after the incident. He probably didn’t want to cause her any worry.
Neil explained, “I heard that many journalists went to the hospital to interview him. As such, the hospital suspended him to avoid disruptions to the patients.”
River felt overwhelming guilt. “I’ll call him right away!”
“Alright.” After a pause, Neil asked, “Are you ready, River?”
River remained silent briefly. “Yes, there are only five days left. I can make it.”
“Be careful,” Neil tenderly reminded her.
“I will”
After ending the call, River dialed Scott’s number, and he answered promptly.
“River,” Scott whispered.
Sensing something amiss in his tone, River grew concerned. “Are you okay, Scott? Did they harass you?
Chuckling, Scott replied, “Are you worried about me?”
River scolded him, “How could you tease me? Why didn’t you tell me you were suspended?”
“I thought I could use a break,” Scott admitted. “I didn’t tell you to spare you from worrying.”
River asked further, “Did the hospital mention when you can return to work? Will it affect your promotion to director?”
“Um…” After a brief pause, Scott said, “I don’t think so because I haven’t done anything unethical.”
River found his tone amusing. “ITI cover your salary during your suspension.”
“Forget it,” Scott declined. “You know I’m well–off.”
“It’s not about that,” River insisted firmly. “Don’t refuse my offer.”
Scott playfully teased, “You’re becoming more formal with me now. Will you also compensate Noah?”
River was at a loss for words, wondering if she could make up for Noah’s loss. Given her current circumstances, she doubted her ability to compensate for even a fraction of his loss.
“I don’t possess such power yet, River replied.
But have you ever considered making it up to him?” Scott persisted.
River was rendered speechless, realizing she had never entertained that thought. It might never have crossed her mind if Scott hadn’t mentioned it. Was it because of her close bond with Noah?
Her silence prompted Scott to chuckle. “I can see you view him and me differently.”
“I’m sorry, Scott,” River said, overwhelmed by guilt.
“I don’t need your apologies, Scott replied casually. “I told you I was willing to help. I treat you to a meal once this is over.
“Mardi Gras is approaching. River ne added gloomily. “Alright, come watch the parades with us.”
At Vinoen.
Noah played with his two children using newly acquired Lego pieces. Despite his greater intelligence, his manual dexterity fell short as he struggled to assemble a small house.
Liora watched Noah with a sense of helplessness and remarked, “Don’t push yourself. You can’t match Tyler’s speed.”
Noah wondered if his daughter looked down on him. He set down the Lego pieces and said, “Just go to bed. I’ll handle it.”
“But you’ve scratched your hand several times,” Tyler remarked, lifting his chin. “The Lego pieces are delicate. You don’t need to use too much force.”
Noah focused on the Lego pieces, determined to make them stable. He hadn’t anticipated they would be so challenging to put together.
As Noah yawned, Tyler noticed Noah’s phone lighting up suddenly.
“Your phone’s ringing.” he informed Noah.
Noah turned his attention to the phone and grew solemn when he saw Draco calling. He picked up the Exiting the lounge, Noah answered the call with a cold tone. “What’s the matter?”
Draco’s voice was demanding. “Where are you now?”
our concern.”
Noah watched his children through the glass. “That’s none of your “The company’s fashion department has lost over 14,000,000 dollars in just a few days! How do you run the company? If you can’t handle it, step aside,” Draco insisted.
“Has it affected your income?” Noah taunted. “Or do you think Casey can replace me?”
Draco didn’t have an answer to that question. “You must instruct PR to make an announcement tomorrow!
Noah scoffed. “Do you believe you can use River to manipulate me? If you announce that she is going to marry into our family, our company’s stocks will plummet. Do I need to remind you of that?”
Enraged, Draco cursed, “You’re a bastard! Do you want to jeopardize the company?”
Noah sneered. “If you trust Casey so much, let him handle it while I’m away.” With that, he hung up on Draco.
At De Marco Residence.
Driven by anger, Draco smashed his phone.
Deep down, he knew Casey’s capabilities. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have entrusted the company to Noah.
Draco’s eyes kept twitching. He had made Casey the vice president, but none of the MK employees paid attention to Casey.
Driven by the desire for profits, Draco chose to prioritize them over his beloved son, fearing that his family might suffer The following morning, Josie burst into River’s office at TVC, looking horrified. She woke River up and exclaimed, “Something’s wrong, Ms. Healy!”
Startled, River rubbed her eyes and sat up slowly. “What happened?”
“They vandalized the company’s glass door with paint because they couldn’t find you and wrote some offensive words…”
River, now somber, asked, “What did they write?”
Josie hesitated and refused to speak.
“Just tell me,” River said, bending over to put on her shoes.
“They said… They called you an easy slut.” Josie’s voice trailed off, but River still heard her.
After a brief pause, River stood up. “Let them be.”
Josie glanced at her. “Ms. Healy, we don’t know how bad it can get if you don’t address this publicly.”
River looked at Josie calmly. “Getting worked up over this minor issue? They’re getting more restless and eager to see me lose my composure.” As she said that, her phone rang.
She picked up her phone from the tea table and instructed Josie, after realizing it was a call from Paige,”
Just go and calm down.”
With her head down, Josie replied, “Understood, Ms. Healy.”
After Josie left, River answered the call. Before she could say anything, she heard Paige’s trembling voice. “R–River, those people attacked the bodyguards! They even threw dirty water at the door, and now the whole house smells terrible.”
River clenched her fists slowly. “Calm down and listen to me, Paige.”
“Okay, Пl listen.”
“Hold on for just five more days! Tell the bodyguards to identify the troublemakers and keep a record.”
“Okay, got it,” Paige replied. “I’ll help you compile a list of their names.”
“Thank you, Paige.”
“Of course, I’ll assist you. You’re my best friend. We’ll stick together!”
“Okay.”
After hanging up, River walked to the French window and glanced at the crowd outside raising white banners. She felt sad and bitter but had no one to confide in. If she let her emotions take over, her company would not survive these difficult days.
She sighed weakly. It felt like an eternity.