Thomas had just stepped out when he heard the commotion. His expression darkened instantly.
"Riley," he snapped, "haven't I told you not to steal from others? Whoever this belongs to, return it immediately!"
Riley shook her head. "It's mine. I didn't steal it."
"If you didn't steal it, how could a fool like you possibly have something this valuable?"
The words came from a father's mouth.
Cold. Unthinking.
And yet, no one found it strange.
Before Riley could respond, a voice sounded from behind her—
"This is the wedding ring Mr Yates gave to our Madam. Mr Cole… do you have a problem with that?"
A luxury Maybach had pulled up outside the Cole residence.
Mr Yeardley butler stepped out.
His gaze fell on Riley—standing there, hugging her bunny—and he quietly let out a breath of relief.
Earlier, his subordinates had called to report that Riley had gotten lost in a mall. It had nearly scared him to death. He'd dropped everything and rushed over immediately.
Thankfully, she had found her way back on her own.
If anything had happened to the newly married Riley, Mr Yates would—
He didn't even want to imagine it.
That would have been a disaster for the Cole family.
At his words, Thomas and Elaine stiffened, their faces turning awkward.
They forced out strained smiles—yet neither of them offered a single apology to Riley.
Instead, Thomas hurried to flatter him. "Mr Yeardley, we didn't expect you to come personally. Please, come inside."
But Mr Yeardley didn't even glance at Thomas. He walked straight to Riley.
"Madam, Mr Yates has something to attend to. Come, let's go inside and sit."
"Okay! Butler Grandpa, Rye will go in with you!" Riley beamed, flashing him a bright smile as she skipped inside.
Mr Yeardley's heart softened instantly.
For the first time, he felt a trace of sympathy for Riley.
He had come simply because she was now part of the Yates family—he needed to show support.
But he hadn't expected to see her being treated like this.
On her return visit, she hadn't even been welcomed inside. Instead, she had been left standing at the door, questioned and accused.
It was too much.
If I hadn't come—
Who knew how far they would have gone?
Thomas withdrew his outstretched hand awkwardly, watching as Mr Yeardley followed Riley inside. Something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
He turned to Elaine and Felicia. "Watch yourselves. Don't provoke Riley for now."
Elaine nodded. She had already noticed that the Yates family treated that "fool" differently. No matter how displeased she felt, she had to think long-term.
Felicia, however, scoffed inwardly.
As if anyone would genuinely like a fool.
They just hadn't seen through her yet.
I'll make sure they do.
***
In the living room, once everyone was seated, Felicia moved closer to Riley with a sweet smile.
"Riley, are you hungry?" she asked softly. "I had your favorite cake prepared. Shall we have some?"
Riley nodded happily. "Okay!"
A satisfied smile curled at the corner of Felicia's lips.
Elaine watched from the side, her gaze full of mockery.
Every time Riley ate sweets, something embarrassing was bound to happen.
They were just waiting for the show to begin.
Soon, a servant brought out two plates of cake.
With exaggerated care, Felicia picked one up and placed it directly into Riley's hands.
"Riley, this is your favorite mango cake. Go on, eat. You might not get to enjoy it so easily in the future."