Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Alex quickly explained, “No, I just can’t believe that… you’re actually pregnant with my child!”
Paige snatched the sonogram. “If you don’t want to take responsibility, I’ll get an abortion tomorrow!”
Alex panicked. “No, no! That’s not what I mean. I didn’t expect it, and I’m just emotional!”
Paige glared at him. “Compose yourself before speaking!”
Alex nodded repeatedly and took a few deep breaths. Then, he said, ‘I’m really happy, Paige! If not for the child, I might never have seen you again. I’m grateful for it, for bringing you back to me. I’m thankful you didn’t decide to abort it selfishly!”
Paige’s tone softened. “I didn’t expect to be pregnant, either. I’m almost three months along, but I didn’t feel a thing…”
“That’s not important! I’m going to take good care of you from now on!” Alex exclaimed excitedly.
Paige glanced at him. “You still haven’t dealt with your mother.”
“I’ll talk to her. I’ll cut ties with them if they don’t accept us!” Alex said firmly.
Paige replied, “You’re exaggerating…
However, she felt relieved to hear Alex’s commitment. She smiled secretly, holding her cup of juice.
At 3:00 p.m., River finished signing the documents at work and planned to pick up the children. She called Noah as she got into her car.
Noah answered, “Hello.”
River asked, “Where are you? I need to pick up the kids.”
Noah walked to the villa’s open door. “I’m at Villa Rosa. They’re out shopping for toys with the maid. It might take a while.”
‘Got it. Thanks for doing this. I’ll head over to wait for them,” River replied.
Just as River was about to end the call, she heard a muffled explosion. The car swayed, and River gasped in shock.
Noah’s hand shook as he heard River’s exclamation. He anxiously called out, “River?”
River sat up straight, her face ghostly pale as the car came to a gradual stop. “I’m fine,” she muttered.
She turned to the bodyguard and asked, “What’s happening?”
The bodyguard replied, “I believe we have a flat tire, Ms. Healy. I’ll check it out.”
“Alright.” River nodded and continued speaking to Noah. “I have a flat tire. Can you please take the children back to Bayview Villa later?”
Noah asked anxiously, “Where are you?”
River replied, “I’m on the coastal highway, not far from the office.”
“Got it.” Noah said before ending the call.
River stepped out of the car and bent down beside the bodyguard, inspecting the flat tire. She asked, Is it indeed a flat tire?”
The bodyguard stood up and confirmed, “Yes, Ms. Healy. We’ll need to get it towed. Please wait in the car.”
River reminded him, “Make sure to set up a warning sign.”
“Of course,” he replied.
River returned to the car and patiently waited for the tow truck.
While waiting, River received a call from Scott. His warm voice came through, saying, “
Congratulations, River.”
She smiled and teased, “You’re a bit slow on the uptake.”
Scott chuckled and explained, “I don’t frequent online forums, you know. I only found out because the hospital called me in.”
River was surprised. “You’re allowed back?”
“Yes, and that’s also why I’m calling. You don’t need to compensate me anymore,” Scott said.
River blushed and replied, “Scott, your return to work and my compensation are separate matters.”
Scott said, “I did get a two–day break thanks to you. I saw Ty’s video clip. He really came through for you this time.”
River sighed. “Yes, but it was Noah who helped by Informing Ty. It wouldn’t have been so easy without him.”
Scott fell silent for a moment. “In that case, he did you a big favor once again. What do you plan to do?”
River looked down, uncertain about whether she would reconcile with Noah. Still, she knew she couldn’t treat him harshly–she owed him too much.
Scott advised, “Take your time to think it over. I’m heading to the hospital.”
River suggested, “Lundi Gras is the day after tomorrow. Join us for dinner.”
Scott chuckled. “No worries. I promised the kids I’d get them masks for the parade.”
River waited in the car for a while, and Noah arrived before the tow car. Surprised, she rolled down her window and asked, “Why did you come here?”
Noah opened the door and said, “I’m here to pick you up. It’s cold out here. Don’t wait.”
River protested, “There’s heating in the car. I’m not cold!”
Noah stopped and turned to her, saying, “If you’re not cold, I am. Do you want me to make a pointless trip?”
River was rendered speechless by the flimsy excuse.
After getting into Noah’s car, Reuben turned and greeted her, “It’s been a while, Ms. Healy.”
River nodded gratefully. “Thank you for your help, Reuben.”
Reuben felt a shiver down his spine at the word ‘help‘. Taking care of Liora had almost driven him mad, especially when she tried to put makeup on him.
He smiled awkwardly and replied, “No problem. It’s my pleasure.”
Sensing a stern gaze from behind, he quickly focused on driving them to Villa Rosa.
Noah informed River, “Your grandfather has been hospitalized.”
River tightened her lips. ‘He got what was coming to him.”
Noah asked, “Aren’t you considering returning to the family?”
River smiled bitterly and retorted, “Why would I want to go back? Have you forgotten how he nearly killed me?”
Noah smirked, saying, “It’s probably for the best not to return. Especially since Neil has resigned, and the Xanders‘ future is uncertain.”
River raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Resigned?”
Noah asked, “Didn’t your brother tell you anything?”
River frowned. “What do you mean?”
Noah explained, “Neil secretly transferred many crucial contracts, leaving the Xander Group a mere shell.”
River’s heart sank. “Grayson would be livid if he knew about Neil’s actions. It would be fine if Grayson were to berate him, but he would be sent to prison if Grayson were to sue him!”
River hurriedly reached for her phone to call Neil.
Noah questioned, “Are you trying to call him? Are you concerned that your grandfather will have him.
jailed?”
River stated firmly, “Yes.”
Noah reassured, “Your worry is unnecessary. Your grandfather depends on Neil entirely. Sending him to prison would leave the Xander Group in ruins.”
River worriedly said, “But my brother has resigned. How can he still rely on him?”
Noah scoffed. “Do you underestimate your grandfather? If he lost his composure over something trivial like this, he couldn’t have made the Xanders one of Novamere’s three most powerful families.”
River asked, “So what do you mean by “future is unknown‘ then?”
Noah glanced at her and explained, “If your grandfather approaches you, It’s a different story.”
“I don’t understand,” River said.
Noah clarified, “Your grandfather has only two options now. First, he can use your brother as leverage to persuade you to join the Xander Group. Second, he can transfer all his shares to you.”
River stated firmly, “Neither option is viable!”
Noah said nonchalantly, “In that case, your grandfather may resort to threatening you.”
River finally grasped Noah’s intention.
“Are you suggesting I stick to my principles to make him repent?” River asked.
Noah nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, that has been Neil’s plan all along.”
River remained silent. “He must assume that I’ll transfer all the acquired shares to Neil.”
Noah smirked. “Yes, because you have no intention of returning to the Xander family. He should understand that you don’t care about them.”
River questioned, “But what if he’s wrong?”
Noah looked away. “You’re still a Xander.”
River pressed on, “What if I reject all his proposals?”
Noah’s expression darkened. “Then you should consider how the Xanders will fare in Novamere’s future.”
River panicked at the thought.
The Xanders had amassed many enemies to reach their current position. Those enemies only feared them because the family had not completely fallen.
However, if the Xanders were to collapse, her uncle, aunt, brother, and she would face relentless opposition.
‘Do I have the power to stand against the other families united against us? Can I safeguard my family?”
River laughed bitterly at that thought.
Even without returning to the family, she still had Xander blood in her veins.
For that reason alone, she couldn’t avoid getting involved in the Xanders‘ family matters.
The maid promptly returned with the children as River and Noah reached Villa Rosa, River stepped out of the car. She was taken aback by the sight of Liora in a pale yellow gown draped with a vibrant red scarf.
Liora usually dressed casually, but she looked like a princess today, a striking transformation after just a y days as The children noticed River’s gaze and beamed at her, exclaiming, “Mommy!”