The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 450

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Chapter 450 Shadows of Suspicion

cas, your wound needs fresh dressing.” Sloane opened the medical kit and carefully unwrapped the bandage from his arm.

Lucas watched her quiet, focused expression, his voice gentle. “No matter what the result is, I’ll be with you.”

She examined the wound with practiced precision. She knew he wasn’t talking about his injury.

“I know,” she said softly, meeting his gaze. “As long as you’re here, I can handle whatever comes.”

Only then did Lucas relax, his tense shoulders easing.

A soft knock came at the door. Beth entered, pushing a polished cart laden with delicate pastries and restorative soups.

“Dr. Rivers, Mr. Hawthorne,” she said with a warm smile, “the kitchen just prepared these. I hope they suit your taste.”

Sloane immediately stood up. “You’re far too kind.”

“There’s no need to be so formal with me.” Beth smiled tenderly and ladled out a bowl of bird’s nest soup for her. “You’re far too thin. You should nourish yourself properly.”

In the days that followed, Beth’s care for Sloane was nothing short of motherly. Every morning, the maids brought freshly tailored dresses from the latest fashion lines. At every meal, the dishes were exactly what Sloane liked. Even the flowers in her room were changed daily according to her preferences.

Tony watched it all quietly. Outwardly, Sloane and Lucas were polite and composed, but he remained cautious.

He had seen what losing her daughter had done to Beth–how that one tragedy had shattered her spirit twenty–two years ago. She had never truly recovered.

He, too, hoped Sloane was their lost child. That way, Beth’s heart could finally heal. But if she wasn’t…

Tony had already decided what to do. If Sloane turned out not to be their daughter–so long as she wasn’t greedy, he would still take care of her, even let her stay as part of their family.

But if she overstepped–then he would deal with her, no matter how ruthless he had to be.

Later that afternoon, Lucas’s phone buzzed. He frowned as he listened briefly, then ended the call with a cold expression.

“What is it?” Sloane asked, instantly noticing the change in his face.

“Tony’s sending people to Stonebridge to dig into your background,” Lucas said quietly. “He’s suspicious about who you really are.”

Sloane’s hands paused for a moment before she calmly went back to organizing the medical kit. “Let him. I have nothing to hide.”

Lucas took her hand. “Mr. Tony is a cautious man–he never makes a move without reason.”

“I know.” She leaned lightly against his shoulder, her voice calm. “That’s why I don’t blame him.”

Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside, followed by Shawn’s familiar voice. “Sloane! Come on, I’m taking you shopping!”

The door swung open, and Shawn burst in, grinning–until he saw them sitting close together. He made a show of covering his eyes. “Oh wow, wrong timing! Should I come back later?”

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ve him a helpless look “You’re being ridiculous, Mr. Shawn”

He laughed, walking in. Seeing that Lucas’s wound had been tended, he clapped his hands. “Come on, let’s get out ouve been cooped up in here too long.”

Heed to Lucas “You don’t mind, do you, Mr. Hawthorne?”