Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 11

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**Chapter 11: How Hard Is That?**

“She’s an orphan. Her parents are long gone. What respect could they possibly command?” Amanda scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.

Ryan’s expression hardened, a cold fury washing over him. “Shut your mouth. How dare you speak of them like that?” His tone was sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife. He felt a surge of protectiveness; he knew the truth all too well. Riley’s parents weren’t just any ordinary individuals—they were national heroes, martyrs who had sacrificed everything in the line of duty.

Amanda’s bravado faltered as her face blanched, the fire in her eyes dimming, though the simmering hatred remained.

Bryce, sensing the escalating conflict, stepped forward, his demeanor shifting to a more conciliatory tone. “Dr. Gellar, my mother really hopes you’ll keep treating her,” he said, his voice earnest but tinged with desperation.

Claire, standing beside him, added with an air of entitlement, “My brother has money. Just name your price.”

Ryan’s face twisted in disgust at her presumptuousness, yet he maintained his professional composure. “I don’t refuse patients. If she can secure an appointment the proper way, I’ll see her.”

With that, he gestured to the hospital staff, who promptly moved to block the Murphy family’s path, allowing Riley to step away from the chaos and into the sanctuary of his office.

“Are the divorce rumors true?” Ryan asked gently once they were inside, his voice softening as he regarded her.

Riley nodded, feeling the weight of his inquiry settle heavily in the air between them.

“Good. That kind of family doesn’t deserve you,” he asserted, his voice firm and resolute. “You deserve someone far better. Your parents would never want to see you treated this way. You were their pride, Riley.”

At the mention of her parents, Riley felt her eyes well up, the sting of unshed tears blurring her vision.

“I heard you’ve brought their ashes back. Have they been laid to rest yet?” Ryan inquired, his tone laced with genuine concern.

Riley shook her head, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. “I’m planning to take them home in a few weeks.”

“Let me know when. I want to be there to say goodbye,” he said, his sincerity evident.

“I will,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, thick with emotion.

As soon as the divorce was finalized, merely thirty days from now, she would finally bring her parents home and give them the peace they deserved.

*****

That evening, as Riley returned to the villa, she was taken aback to see Bryce had come back. Since Bella had returned to Washington, his visits had become infrequent, almost nonexistent.

“My mom still wants Dr. Gellar to be her physician. Can you talk to him? Ask him to keep treating her?” Bryce requested, his tone hopeful.

Riley let out a cold laugh, incredulity lacing her words. Bryce seemed to genuinely believe that a distinguished doctor like Ryan could be summoned at will, as if he were some mere convenience.

Most of Ryan’s patients were prominent figures, individuals of substantial importance. The only reason he had ever agreed to see Amanda was because Riley’s mother had once worked alongside him as a military doctor.

“If you want him, go book an appointment like everyone else. He doesn’t refuse patients, you know, as long as you can secure a slot,” Riley replied, her tone matter-of-fact.