From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress (Riley and Lucas) novel Chapter 558

Chapter 558 A Mother’s Greed

+10 Free Col

“Look, if both elders are willing to step in, things aren’t completely hopeless yet.” She straightened up, her expression serious. *1 you can’t keep something this big under wraps forever. The longer it goes on, the more people will catch on. Anyone who’s been looking for an opening or stirring up trouble won’t hesitate to make a move. You’ve got to be extra careful at the office.”

Raymond gave a slow, solemn nod. “I know. I’m handling it.”

He glanced at the tired shadows under Riley’s eyes, then turned to Sebastian. “Seb, take Riley home so she can get some real res She’s been running on fumes for too long–if she keeps pushing like this, she’ll burn but. Let her sleep through the night, and she can come relieve me tomorrow morning.”

Riley wanted to protest, but she caught the quiet concern in Sebastian’s gaze and remembered that her father’s recovery would a marathon, not a sprint. She couldn’t afford to break down first.

Pressing her lips together, she finally replied softly, “Alright. Take care of yourself. Call us if anything changes.”

Not long after the two left the hospital, however, Melissa quietly made her way toward the private wing where Zavier’s room was located.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. No one beyond this point.”

Several broad–shouldered men in dark suits stood like sentries at the hallway entrance, their expressions unreadable as they blocked Melissa’s path.

Stopped cold at the door, Melissa’s composure snapped. All the frustration she’d been holding back came boiling to the surface. She drew herself up, trying to summon the authority of the Harper/family matriarch. “Do you know who I am? I’m Mrs. Harper! My husband is in that room–since when do I need permission to see my own husband?”

Inside the suite, Raymond heard the rising commotion outside and his face darkened.

He pushed the door open and stepped out. His eyes first landed on Melissa trying to shoulder past the security, with Elsie hovering nervously behind her, eyes darting around.

Raymond’s voice was cold. “I made it clear you weren’t to come here.”

Seeing Raymond, Melissa didn’t back down. If anything, she grew more defiant. “Raymond, what is this? Your father and I are still married. I’m still his wife–this is still my family too! Since when do I need your approval to visit him? Who do you think you are, posting guards to keep me out?”

From behind her, Elsie stepped forward with a carefully practiced look of concern. “Raymond, please don’t be upset with Mom. She’s just so worried about Dad. She hasn’t slept properly at home, she’s exhausted… Couldn’t you just let her peek in? One quick look, just so she knows he’s okay.”

Then, almost as an afterthought, Elsie glanced down the empty hallway and added in a low, carrying murmur, “is this… Riley’s idea, keeping Mom away? How could she be so cold? Dad’s in this state, and she won’t even let his own wife see him—”

“Enough.”

Raymond cut her off, his frown deepening. “Since when do you get a say in Harper family matters? Who gave you the right to stir the pot here?”

1/2

12:14 pm P

Chapter 558 A Mother’s Greed

Elsie Shrank back immediately at the chill in his tone, retreating behind Melissa once more.

+10 Free Cons

Melissa pulled Elsie protectively closer and shot Raymond an aggrieved look. “What’s gotten into you, Raymond? Elsie is like a sister to you–you two grew up together. How can you speak to her that way?”

“I’ll say this once,” Raymond replied, his patience worn thin by the hollow performance of family concern. “I have one sister. Her name is Riley. As for the two of you–leave. Now. As long as I’m here, you’re not setting foot in that room.”

He took a step forward, the quiet intensity in his stance making Melissa instinctively retreat. “Don’t make me have security escort you out. It won’t be pleasant for anyone.”

Seeing that Raymond had become as unmovable as Riley–and so harsh toward his own mother–Melissa felt panic and indignation twist together inside her. The words spilled out, sharp and ugly.

“Fine… Raymond, just tell me the truth–is your father… is he already gone?”

Her eyes widened, voice rising toward a shrill pitch. “Is this Riley’s scheme? Did she talk you into cutting me out so you two can take control of everything? Is that why you’re barring the door–to keep me from getting what’s rightfully mine?”

“Mom!”

Raymond stared at her, disappointment sharp in his eyes. “Have you lost all sense of decency? Dad is in there because he threw himself in harm’s way to save you! Have you already forgotten that? As his wife, you should be praying for him to pull through, not counting dollars! Do you feel even the slightest bit of guilt for what happened to him?”

Somewhere in the back of her mind, Melissa had grown so accustomed to Zavier’s unwavering devotion, to his always giving in, that even his lifesaving sacrifice had begun to feel like something she was owed.

She didn’t argue. Instead, she turned her face away, a flicker of something uneasy passing over her features.

Looking at his mother’s utter lack of remorse, Raymond felt a deep, weary sorrow for his father.

All these years, Melissa had never let go of that ghost from her past–her first love, long gone. Even now, with Zavier fighting for his life because of her, it seemed nothing truly touched her.

At that moment, the last fragile thread of a son’s hope finally slipped away.

If she held their marriage so lightly, then he would hold no more illusions about the woman who was his mother.

2/2