Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 116

**Chapter 116: Diamonds and Dust**

“Why don’t you share something about yourself, Bella?” Riley shot back, her voice slicing through the tension like a knife. “You say you’re not motivated by wealth, so why accept these extravagant jewels? If the thought of being labeled a mistress bothers you so much, why not just buy them for yourself instead of accepting gifts from a married man?”

Bella’s cheeks burned with a deep crimson flush, a storm of anger brewing within her.

To make matters even more complicated, they stood outside the imposing gates of Anderson Manor, the air thick with the presence of the Anderson family’s security team, their watchful eyes taking in every word exchanged.

“Let’s go,” Riley said, glancing at Vince with a quick nod, her demeanor unyielding.

“Okay,” Vince responded, his voice soft and placating, a stark contrast to the fiery confrontation he had just witnessed between Bryce and Bella.

“Bryce, can you believe this? Riley has crossed the line!” Bella exclaimed, her voice trembling with indignation as she turned to face him. “If she wanted the jewelry, she could have just asked me for it. I would have handed it over without a second thought. But this? She’s just playing games, and I can’t stand people like that. I won’t let her dictate how this goes!”

Bryce barely registered her passionate outburst, his focus entirely on the car that carried Riley away. Her cold, impassive gaze lingered in his mind, haunting him like a ghost he could not shake off.

She hadn’t even glanced back at him as she departed, and that realization gnawed at his insides.

A sharp pang of despair gripped Bryce’s chest, the ache spreading through him like wildfire, consuming every ounce of hope he had left.

“Bryce!” Bella’s voice broke through his daze, pulling him back to the present. Just like the night before at the banquet, he found himself lost in the memory of Riley’s departing figure, utterly oblivious to Bella standing right beside him, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

Blinking back to reality, Bryce murmured, “I’ll find a way to make this right. Those jewels were meant for you. They belong to you, always.”

A flicker of a smile graced Bella’s lips, a small victory amidst the chaos. “It’s a pity they took the necklace, though.”

“Once the company secures the island project, I’ll buy you something even more magnificent,” Bryce vowed, determination lacing his words.

After all, his primary reason for being in Carmel was to leverage Bella’s connections to secure that crucial deal.

This project was not just a business opportunity; it was his lifeline to salvage the company. It would prove to everyone, including himself, that he could achieve success—not because of Riley, but entirely on his own merit.

“With my help, you’ll definitely land a fantastic project,” Bella chimed in, linking her arm through his with a sense of camaraderie. “Come on, let’s head inside. I want to introduce you to my family.”

*****

Meanwhile, in the sleek confines of the car, Riley turned to Vince, her expression resolute. “Drive to the charity association first.”

“Why would we go there?” Vince asked, confusion evident in his voice.

“I’m donating the necklace,” she stated matter-of-factly, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

An hour later, Riley completed the donation process at the charity association, her heart swelling with purpose. The necklace would be auctioned off, with all proceeds directed toward supporting children who could not afford an education.

“That kind of jewelry doesn’t really suit you,” Vince commented, a hint of concern in his tone. “If you ever want something sparkly, I’ll get it for you.”

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