Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Draco’s gaze shifted to Noah, who frequently checked his watch after Daniella left. He sneered and remarked, “If you didn’t have to follow my ridiculous rule, would you be here?”
Noah replied coldly. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your unreasonable demands.”
Adam quickly scolded him, “Noah! You can’t talk to our father like that!”
“How is that any of your business?” Noah asked coldly.
Adam was about to speak, but Draco hit the table and placed his glass heavily on it. He shouted at Noah,” Do you still have any manners in you?”
“Father, Noah is just lively. It’s normal for him to have a strong personality. Please don’t get angry,” Casey said calmly.
Casey’s comment only infuriated Draco further.
He glared sternly at Noah. “We’ll never have peace in this family as long as you’re here!”
“I’m returning the favor, just as it is. I believe this family is tainted as long as Casey is a part of it,” Noah retorted with a scoff.
Draco’s anger flared, and he slammed the table again. “Get out of here, you piece of shit!”
Noah stood up and slowly buttoned up his jacket. “It’s clear that I won’t share a meal with a sex offender at the same table.”
Without looking back, Noah walked out of the dining room.
However, as he walked away, a coffee pot was hurled at his back, soaking the back of his outfit in scalding coffee.
“Get out of here! It’s better if you never come back, you ungrateful bastard!” Draco snarled.
Noah’s expression remained solemn as he walked away without turning back. He crossed paths with Daniella, who was leaving the kitchen with a bowl of soup.
“Noah, are you leaving?” Daniella asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Noah replied coldly, “I’ve underestimated your capabilities.”
Before she could explain herself, Eyan walked away, perplexing Daniella.
Meanwhile, Reuben sat enjoying a hamburger while watching the crews on their floats. After swallowing a bite, he noticed Noah and called out, “Mr. De Marco!”
Noah glanced at him and said, “Take me to Bayview Villa.”
Reuben replied, “Yes, sir!”
When they got into the car, Noah looked at Reuben through the rearview mirror and said, “You can have dinner at Bayview Villa later.”
Reuben was taken aback. “But, sir-“
“River won’t mind,” Noah said coldly.
“Yes, sir.”
Reuben knew River wouldn’t mind, but Noah wanted him to join the dinner because it was an important event. He couldn’t help but sigh when he noticed Noah’s somber mood. He knew that every Lundi Gras, Noah and Draco would part ways without joy.
At Bayview Villa, Neil brought some good liquor to the dinner, and River joined in for a few drinks to celebrate. However, she kept stealing glances at the window.
Kenny followed River’s gaze and asked, “What are you looking at, G?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing, just the fireworks,” River said, snapping back to reality.
“We’ll be playing with fireworks later, too. Why are you so fixated on them?” Kenny asked as he stuffed his mouth with food.
Paige smiled at River and teased, ‘You’re waiting for Noah, aren’t you?”
Alex chimed in. “That’s for sure. River is getting impatient because Noah hasn’t shown up yet.”
River glared at them and retorted, “Isn’t the food enough to keep you all quiet?”
While Paige whispered secrets with River, Neil observed Scott nonchalantly. He noticed that Scott’s mood remained unaffected when they mentioned Noah.
Neil wondered about Scott’s feelings toward River, thinking, ‘Doesn’t he get jealous at all when someone teases her about other men?
Scott turned to Neil, sensing his gaze, and asked with a faint smile, “What’s happening?”
Neil hesitated briefly, then spoke. “I need to talk to you.”
“Sure,” Scott replied as they moved away from the dining table to the yard.
Neil got to the point, “Tell me honestly, how do you feel about River?”
Scott adjusted his sweater collar and replied, “Isn’t it clear I’ve been by her side for five years?”
“But you didn’t seem jealous when they mentioned Noah earlier,” Neil said, studying Scott closely.
Scott grinned. “I’m over 30 now. I can control my emotions.”
Leaning against the car, Neil remarked, “You seem a bit too casual about it.”
“I’ve realized there’s no future for River and me,” Scott said calmly.
“Why not strive for it then?” Neil asked.
“If striving worked, we’d have been together already,” Scott replied.
Neil felt regretful about Scott not being with his sister. It was rare to find a man so considerate toward River “Scott, find a suitable lady and get married,” Neil suggested.
“Nah, I’m content being by her side like this,” Scott declined.
Neil sighed. “You don’t need to sacrifice yourself forever.”
Scott remained silent for a while, then said, “I’m willing to sacrifice for peace of mind.”
Nell was stunned, struggling to understand Scott’s remark.
‘What does that even mean? Is he into self–punishment?‘ he wondered.
“It’s quite cold outside. I’m going in,” Scott declared before heading into the villa.
Meanwhile, Noah’s car pulled into the yard.
Nell watched as Noah got out and approached him cautiously.
“Please, don’t upset River on Lundi Gras!” Nell warned.
Noah glared at him coldly. “There’s no conflict between us at the moment.”
He walked past Neil and into the villa without acknowledging him.
Neil called after him, “If you’ve chosen her, don’t hurt her anymore, or you’ll answer to me!
Noah stopped but didn’t turn around. “I’ll tolerate your rudeness this time because you’re River’s brother.”
He entered the villa without looking back.
As Noah disappeared inside, Reuben couldn’t help but tell Neil, “Honestly, Mr. De Marco has done a lot for Ms. Healy…”
Neil sighed. “Go inside and join the dinner.”
In the living room, the voices and laughter ceased when Noah arrived.
Alex stood up, walked to Noah, and patted his back. “Hurry and take a seat. You’re quite late. We’re almost finished eating…”
Alex’s expression froze as he pulled his hand back, astonished. “Why is your shirt wet, Noah?”
He circled around Noah and sniffed. “Coffee? Who spilled coffee on you? he asked anxiously.
River looked at Noah in amazement, thinking he had been at De Marco Residence earlier. ‘Did Noah’s father harass him on a joyful occasion like this?‘ she wondered.
Noah’s face grew cold. “Shut up!”
River stood up. “Kenny’s got a new shirt that’s never been worn. I’ll show you where you can change.”
“Yeah, we’re pretty much the same size, and I still have many shirts with tags on them,” Kenny replied.
Noah looked meaningfully at River and followed her upstairs.
River located the shirt and handed it to Noah.
“Change quickly so you don’t catch a cold,” River advised casually.
Noah took the shirt and fixed his gaze on her. “Are you genuinely concerned about me?”
River realized she was indeed showing concern for him in both words and actions.
Anxiously, she stammered, “H–Hurry up and change. I’m going outside!”
Noah grasped her arm. “Do you have a towel? I’d like to take a shower.”
a River nodded. “Yes. I’ll get one for you.”
She withdrew her arm and exited the room, regretting her visible concern for Noah. If that’s the case, Paige and the others probably noticed it too, right?”
River sighed and returned to Kenny’s room with a towel in hand. She headed to the bathroom and noticed the light was on. Noah stood shirtless inside, revealing a large scalded area on his back, which surprised River.
How hot was the coffee that caused such a burn?‘ she thought.
Noah turned when he sensed her gaze and looked directly at her, his interest piqued. “You seem curious about my body.”
River averted her eyes and explained anxiously, “No, I was just looking at your back…”
“That’s still looking at me, isn’t it? If you have any ideas, I don’t mind.” Noah smirked and approached her.
She took two steps back. “You should take a shower. I’m going outside!”
Noah grabbed River’s wrist and pulled her into his embrace. His warm breath brushed against her ear, We’ve already crossed certain boundaries.”
River shivered as his breath sent shivers down her neck.
Moreover, she had consumed quite a few drinks that evening, and an uncontrollable warmth surged through her.
“Noah, don’t do this… They’re downstairs.” River tried to push him away.
As soon as she felt his warm skin, she wanted to retract her hand.
However, Noah held onto her hand and placed it on his chest.
“River, don’t push me away.” Noah gazed deeply into her eyes.
River was about to speak, but Noah kissed her before she could respond.
Paige occasionally glanced at the stairs, sensing something amiss.