Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Replacement Wife (River & Noah) Novel Online Free
Draco’s expression turned cold. “I can refuse to leave with you without evidence!”
Hank replied, “Mr. De Marco, our presence here means we have already gathered enough evidence. We need your cooperation in the investigation of a homicide case from 20 years ago and the recent murder of your butler two days ago.”
Draco was livid. ‘How did the police manage to obtain the evidence when I handled these two cases with such discretion?‘
Noticing Draco’s silence, Hank pulled out his phone and played a voice clip. (1)
Draco’s eyes widened in shock–it contained things he had said in the study.
‘My study…‘
Draco glanced at the study and realized someone had entered it.
“Please come with us now, Mr. De Marco!” Hank emphasized.
Draco’s expression constantly changed. After a moment of silence, he felt a sense of powerlessness.
‘There really are no airtight secrets in this world, huh? I should have been prepared for this from the moment Bernard was abducted.‘
Draco left with the police.
Although Daniella was excited about the information, she dared not leave the room. Lance was still around, and she couldn’t show her emotions too obviously, lest her life be at stake.
River watched the livestream from work.
River asked with a mischievous smile, “Huh? What news?”
Neil chuckled. “Do you think I don’t know you well enough, River? How can you be unaware of the sensational news surrounding MK?”
River laughed. “I saw it. Noah’s father has been detained.”
“You don’t sound very happy,” Neil remarked.
River heaved a sigh. “I don’t know how to be happy. Neil, I’ve never met our parents. Frankly, I don’t feel strongly for them. I wanted Noah’s father to face the law because it’s my duty as our parents‘ daughter.”
Neil kept quiet for a moment. “I understand. Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked.”
“Neil, you, Uncle Tom, and Aunt Greta are the ones who should be happy,” River said. “Speaking of which, I believe that it has been a long time since you contacted them, right?”
Neil suggested, “Since Noah helped solve this case and both of you have reconciled, we should get a meal together.”
River checked the time. “Sure thing. You can set the time.”
“Let’s set it on Saturday then. Bring the children.”
“Alright.”
In the evening, River prepared to pick up the children from school. She walked out of the building and saw the familiar Maybach parked outside the door.
She approached and found Reuben getting out of the car from the driver’s seat.
He walked to River and opened the door. “Ms. Healy, Mr. De Marco is joining you to pick up the children.”
‘Joining me to pick up the children?‘
River felt that it was probably not that simple.
Noah showed up without notifying her, so there must be something important.
River nodded, got into the car, and looked at Noah, who was resting with his eyes shut.
She asked, “Do you have something else to do?”
Noah opened his eyes slowly and looked at River. “Is it true that women’s sixth sense is usually accurate?”
River smiled. “I don’t know about other people, but my sixth sense has always been rather accurate.”
Noah grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. “You don’t seem pleased with my plan today.”
River leaned into his arms, listening in silence to his steady, strong heartbeat.
“What do you consider to be pleasing?” River asked.
Noah pondered and said, “Touched.”
River said, “I’m very touched indeed, and I’m very pleased with everything that you do for me. However, I would like to know how you feel about personally sending your father to prison, Noah.”
“How do I feel? I think I’d be delighted if he were dead.” Noah sneered, his eyes turning cold.
River felt the sudden drop in temperature in her surroundings.
Noah vividly manifested the extreme hatred he had for his father.
River was engulfed in sorrow upon reading Paige’s text message.
Noah noticed her reaction and was just about to inquire when his phone rang. Checking it, he discovered Paige tendering her resignation, accompanied by a heartfelt note.
Paige: [Mr. De Marco, thank you for your support and guidance over the years. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to bear any responsibilities in my current state. Please allow me to resign, Mr. De Marco. On the other hand, River is my best friend. I hope you can give her all your love and care so she won’t live her life with regrets.]
Noah handed the phone to River, who read the message with tears in her eyes. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t speak, her chest heavy with emotion.
“Did she tell you where she is going?” Noah offered tissues, aware that words might not make a difference now.
River shook her head. “I don’t know, and she hasn’t told me either.”
Noah remained silent, recognizing the impact not only on Paige but also on Alex.
At six o’clock, Noah and River returned the children to Bayview Villa. Then, Reuben drove them to the police station.
River was resistant when Noah mentioned he intended to visit Draco–every sighting of him disgusted her.
River pondered ways to avoid entering when Reuben addressed Noah, “May I have a word with you in private, sir?”
Noah thought briefly and instructed River, “Wait for me in the car.”
River nodded, closing the door as she observed Reuben and Noah heading to the side..
Reuben shared, “I’ve already gathered information on Dr. Wilson, sir.”
Noah frowned, asking, “What’s the situation?”
Reuben reported, “Dr. Wilson is an orphan. His mother passed away when he was young, and he entered the foster care system. His hometown is Seania City, and I’ve sent someone to check with his old neighbors. They claim that Dr. Wilson has been motivated since youth.”
Noah considered and asked, “Did you find anything about his father besides his mother?”
Reuben shook his head, noting, “It’s strange. The neighbors mentioned they’ve never seen his father.”
“Find clues from his deceased mother!” Noah ordered.
Reuben affirmed, “Yes, sir!”
Seemingly oblivious to Noah’s remark, Draco continued to shout, “How dare you bring this bitch to see me?! How do you regard my reputation? Why haven’t you gotten me a lawyer yet? Why haven’t you helped me clear my name?!”
Noah’s expression turned solemn instantly when he heard the word ‘bitch‘.
Noah marched over to Draco, seizing him by the collar. “If you insult River again, I won’t hesitate to arrange for someone to deal with you once you’re in prison!”
Draco’s face reddened as Noah tightened his grip on the collar.
“Why would I end up in prison for things I haven’t done? Are you foolish enough to believe baseless rumors?” Draco retorted.
Leaning in, Noah countered, “Rumors? How can it be a rumor when I’ve heard it with my own ears?”
The revelation struck Draco. “You’re the one who installed a listening device in my study! Impossible! How did you breach my study’s strict security?”
River glanced at Noah anxiously, her heart racing with fear about him mentioning the children. Even with Draco heading to prison, she couldn’t let her guard down.
River pondered a way to discreetly remind Noah when he remarked, “Do you think security measures can stop me? You’re overconfident. MK didn’t hire top–notch hackers for nothing.”
Relieved, River realized her worries were unfounded. ‘Noah is too smart to expose the children.‘
Furious, Draco’s gaze shifted to River. “You’re quite the romantic, sacrificing your own father for a woman! What will the world think of you when they find out? You’ll face the consequences, you ruthless bastard! I look forward to the day you die!”
Draco burst into laughter.
River wanted to usher Noah out of the room, but she knew he still had more questions to ask.
Noah released his grip on Draco’s collar, straightened up, and looked down at him.
“I suppose Casey’s situation didn’t cross your mind when you made that statement,” Noah remarked coldly.
Draco’s body tensed, and he glared at Noah. “You won’t harm Casey!”
Noah scoffed. “That’s not for you to decide. However, if you answer my question truthfully, I might 1/72
Anxiously, Draco asked, “What do you want to know? I’ll answer anything, just don’t hurt Casey!”
Noah remained indifferent to Draco’s obvious favoritism and asked, “Why did you kill River’s father?”
Draco glanced at the surveillance camera and retorted, “Do you think deceiving me will work? “
Draco’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you planning to do to Casey? You piece of shit! What are you going to do?”
Noah stated, “My patience is limited. You have one minute to answer. Consider the consequences of making me wait too long.”
Julian’s countdown timer appeared on the screen as Noah’s voice faded.
Draco’s forehead perspired while watching the time tick away. He clenched his teeth as if challenging Noah to act.
Julian abruptly set down the other phone, pulled out a gun, and aimed at Casey’s head during the final ten seconds.
Draco’s body shook, witnessing the scene. “I’ll tell you! Put down the gun!”
Noah addressed, “Julian.”
“Yes, sir!”
Julian holstered the gun.
Draco felt relieved. His gaze shifted back to River, causing her to frown.
Draco explained, “Your father and I bid for a landmark with the owners of two other companies years ago. The other two were pragmatic, withdrawing after I offered incentives.
“Your father was the exception, going against my plans constantly. He had principles but refused to compromise. Is it my fault he’s dead? His foolishness! He failed to consider whom he opposed!”
River’s entire body shook with anger.
“So. you killed my father over that? Do you even have any humanity left?” River shouted, losing her composure.