Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 109

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 109: Hearts and High Stakes**

**Lucky Draw**

“Sebastian, what exactly are you implying?” Wren stuttered, her mind racing as she fought to steady herself in the whirlwind of emotions swirling around her.

“Just what I stated,” Sebastian replied with an air of nonchalance that belied the tension in the room. “If Riley is after wealth, then I’m the superior choice. I can offer her far more than Mr. Murphy ever could.”

Wren’s expression morphed into one of utter disbelief, her thoughts spiraling.

What is he really suggesting?

In that moment, it dawned on her that Sebastian was essentially handing Riley the reins, as if she were the one in control of the situation.

Wren had never envisioned a man like Sebastian being so willing to let someone else dictate the terms, especially not someone like Riley.

Across the room, Bryce’s demeanor darkened, a storm of conflicting emotions swirling within him. Something felt profoundly off.

Had Riley truly moved on to Sebastian so quickly after their divorce?

10:54

**Chapter 109: Hearts and High Stakes**

**Lucky Draw**

Had she genuinely erased everything they had shared?

“Riley, we’ve barely finalized our divorce, and you’re already with someone else?” Bryce’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and accusatory, reminiscent of a betrayed husband confronting his unfaithful spouse.

Riley let out a cold, mocking laugh that sent chills down his spine. “As you pointed out, we’re divorced. Who I choose to be with is entirely my affair. Do I need to seek your approval for my life now?”

Caught off guard, Bryce faltered, his words faltering in his throat. He had never anticipated that Riley would find a new partner so soon—and of all people, Sebastian!

In the aftermath of their divorce, she wasn’t merely surviving; no, she had ascended, snagging a man like Sebastian. The realization felt like a heavy weight pressing against his chest, suffocating and relentless, as if her newfound success was a painful reminder that she had been justified in leaving him behind.

“Riley,” Bryce’s voice trembled, laced with desperation, “Mr. Torres is merely feeling pity for you.”

He turned his gaze to Sebastian, his expression tense. “Look, Mr. Torres, Riley is an orphan with no connections. She’s not like those women who typically surround you. Please, don’t toy with her feelings. She might misunderstand your intentions, and that could lead to chaos for everyone involved.”

It was a classic power play—Bryce was attempting to paint Sebastian as someone who was simply toying with a vulnerable woman, a mere distraction for him.

Moreover, he was unflinchingly reminding them both of the vast chasm that separated their worlds.

He knew that a woman like Riley didn’t need anyone’s sympathy or pity.

What’s more, he had never intended to “play” with her emotions. Initially, it was sheer curiosity that had drawn him in—her unwavering loyalty during a moment of peril had captivated him. He had kept her close, convinced that his intrigue would diminish over time.

But as the days turned into weeks, the more time he spent with her, the more she ensnared him in her orbit.

“I’m serious about Riley,” Sebastian declared, his voice unwavering and filled with determination. “If she agrees, I’m ready to be with her. Right here, right now.”

A ripple of whispers cascaded through the crowd, the air thick with disbelief and astonishment.

Wren’s eyes widened in shock. “Sebastian, what are you saying? Are you genuinely considering dating Riley?”

The word “date” reverberated in Sebastian’s mind, prompting him to blink a few times as he contemplated its implications.

Dating felt far too trivial.

He wanted something deeper, something more profound.

“Riley,” he said, turning to her, his gaze softening as it locked onto hers. “If you’re willing, let’s make this official. From this moment forward, you’ll be my girlfriend.”

Riley froze, her body tensing as disbelief washed over her. Her eyes widened, as if she couldn’t quite comprehend the gravity of what she had just heard.