Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 100

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 100: Rings & Lucky Draw**

The mere thought of opposing her, even in the realm of imagination, felt profoundly unsettling. It was as if an invisible force was whispering to him, warning that should he ever take that path, he would carry the weight of regret for the rest of his days.

*XXXX*

In Washington, Bella had finally been released from detention, her heart racing with a mix of relief and lingering anger. The moment she stepped outside, the fresh air felt like a balm against the suffocating confinement she had endured.

Bryce and Kieran were waiting for her, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.

As she slid into the backseat of the car, Kieran broke the silence with a teasing grin, “Bella, you won’t believe the lengths Bryce has gone to for you these past few days. He’s been running on fumes, hardly catching any sleep. They say a friend in need is a friend indeed, and isn’t this living proof?”

Bryce shot him a warning glare, his patience wearing thin. “Alright, Kieran, that’s enough.”

Kieran chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. “What’s the matter? Feeling shy, are we? By the way, I have a hunch that Riley orchestrated your little vacation behind bars. I bet she had the military call the cops just to stir the pot for you.”

Bella felt a surge of anger at the mention of Riley. “People who resort to such underhanded tactics are beneath me. If Riley had an issue with me, she should’ve confronted me directly. I never imagined she would stoop so low.”

This recent episode in detention had only intensified Bella’s animosity toward Riley. Being humiliated at the airport had been one thing, but being locked up felt like a cruel twist of fate. The mark on her record now loomed over her like a dark cloud, casting shadows over any hopes of advancing in her career.

Kieran scoffed, “Riley doesn’t even come close to your level. She’s nothing but a petty schemer, riding on the coattails of her parents’ reputation, hoping to sabotage you. Does she honestly believe that ruining your life will bring Bryce back to her?”

Bryce’s voice suddenly boomed, cutting through the tension. “Kieran, have you said enough?”

Kieran huffed, “You’ve already divorced Riley, yet you’re still playing the protector? She’s not your wife anymore, remember? Don’t forget how she humiliated you during that divorce press conference.”

Bryce felt a familiar tightness in his chest at the recollection. At that press conference, he had felt like a fool, standing alone while everyone else watched.

“Riley… she’s not the type to scheme against others,” he said slowly, struggling to articulate his thoughts. Reflecting on their three years together, he realized that she had never plotted against him. Instead, he had taken her unwavering support for granted, never once considering how much she had sacrificed for their marriage.

“What’s going on with you? Why are you defending her?” Kieran asked, his confusion evident.

Bella’s heart sank at Bryce’s unexpected loyalty to Riley. In the past, he had shown little interest in her, but now he was speaking up for her. Could he be reconsidering his feelings for Riley? No, it couldn’t be.

She forced herself to breathe deeply, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling within her.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify