Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 139

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 139: Her Patent**
**Lucky Draw**

Riley found herself grappling with a whirlwind of thoughts, her mind racing as she finally exhaled a deep sigh. “Alright then, you take the bed, and I’ll take the sofa,” she declared, her voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling within her. After all, she had stepped into the role of his bodyguard, a responsibility she had taken seriously.

Sebastian, however, had other ideas. “I’ll just sleep on the sofa,” he replied, his tone resolute. Without waiting for her to argue, he plopped his pillow onto the sofa and settled down, his body sinking into the cushions.

Riley chose not to pursue the matter any further, recognizing the stubbornness in his demeanor.

“Well then, goodnight?” she ventured, casting a quick glance in his direction, her heart fluttering slightly at the sight of him.

“Goodnight,” he returned, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

For a fleeting moment, Riley felt enchanted by that smile. It was a recent development; he had been smiling more often lately, a stark contrast to the icy facade he had worn when they first met.

She closed her eyes, surrendering to the embrace of sleep. Yet, Sebastian remained wide awake, seated on the sofa, his gaze fixated on her as she lay peacefully in bed.

She probably thought he was simply worried about someone pursuing him, he mused, but the reality was far more complicated.

The truth was, he was consumed by a deeper fear—the fear that something might happen to her, or that her promise to give him a chance was nothing more than a fleeting whim.

He had come to understand that loving someone was fraught with anxiety and trepidation.

Did his father feel the same way about his mother all those years ago? He pondered, the thought lingering in his mind.

But he was resolute; he would not replicate his father’s mistakes.

His father’s past actions had only deepened his mother’s disdain, and Sebastian was determined to carve out a different path.

He was set on winning Riley’s heart, even if it meant pouring every ounce of himself into the endeavor, even if it required embracing the very face that often haunted him.

But then doubt crept in, and he hesitated, his fingers tracing the mottled old scars that marred his back—reminders of battles fought and lost.

He had kept these scars as a testament to his past, a symbol of resilience.

Yet now, the thought of Riley discovering his scarred body filled him with dread.

“Riley, please don’t turn away from me…” he whispered into the stillness of the room, his words hanging in the air like a fragile promise.

—

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as Riley and Sebastian found themselves unexpectedly face-to-face. In a moment of instinctive reflex, she pinned him down, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Sorry,” she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I wasn’t fully awake just now… Didn’t realize it was you.”

In her half-asleep state, she had reacted without thinking, and only when she had him pinned did she register his identity.

“No worries,” he replied, his voice calm and collected. “I was just trying to wake you up. But honestly, if you ever feel like pinning me down again, I won’t complain.”

Riley felt heat rise to her ears at his audacious words. They were bold, to say the least.

If anyone else had uttered such a line, it might have come off as flirtatious or even inappropriate.

But the sincerity in Sebastian’s serious expression made it difficult for her imagination to remain tethered to reality.

Perhaps that was why the magazine had dubbed him “Most Likely to Make Women Weak in the Knees.”

Clearing her throat, she quickly changed the subject, eager to regain her composure.

“Well, you should head back to your room to get ready. I need to do the same. The island’s investment conference is today, right?”

“Riley’s capabilities are none of your concern,” Sebastian replied coldly, his protective instincts flaring up.

Wren could only grind her teeth in frustration, unable to hide her displeasure.

Moments later, Bryce and Bella made their entrance into the main conference hall.

Upon spotting Riley, Bryce’s surprise was unmistakable. “Riley? What are you doing here?”

With a playful smile, she replied, “What, if you can be here, why can’t I?”

“I’m here representing Murphy Tech. Who are you here for? Don’t tell me it’s that Blue Sky Tech company your friend runs—pretty sure they’re not even on the government’s official list,” Bryce said, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“Considering you’re using my patent, shouldn’t I be here to see it?” Riley countered, her tone firm.

Bryce’s expression instantly soured, a wave of panic washing over him.

How does she know?

He turned to Sebastian, who stood resolutely beside Riley, realizing he was at a disadvantage.

Great. She’s got Sebastian backing her now. There’s no way to shut her out.

“We discussed that patent when we divorced. It was filed after we got married, and I have every right to use it,” Bryce said, attempting to regain control of the situation.

“So Riley,” Bella interjected with a smirk, “you signed those divorce papers without a fuss. Now that Bryce wants to use the patent, suddenly you’re having second thoughts? Typical. Women like you always change their tune.”

Bella’s triumphant expression was almost palpable, as if she relished the idea of seeing Riley flustered.

“But tough luck. The law’s the law,” she added, her tone dripping with condescension.