Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 14

**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 14: Lost Control**

Bella’s cheerful demeanor faltered, a rosy hue creeping up her cheeks, betraying her embarrassment. She felt the weight of the moment, the eyes of the crowd upon her, and it made her acutely aware of how exposed she was.

Bryce, ever the diplomat, quickly intervened to smooth the situation. “Mr. Torres,” he began, his voice steady and reassuring, “I can only imagine how busy you must be. It’s no surprise that you might not recall every detail from that night. But I assure you, I will never forget how you handled that gunman at the restaurant. Your bravery and decisiveness were nothing short of remarkable.”

His compliments hung in the air, thick with insincerity, yet Sebastian barely acknowledged the praise, responding with a curt nod that suggested he was already looking elsewhere.

Just then, Riley and Lara made their entrance. The moment Bryce’s gaze landed on Lara, his expression soured, as if he had bitten into something bitter.

Lara wasted no time. “Mr. Torres,” she said, her voice clear and confident, “I’m Lara Hayes from Blue Sky Tech. Our company specializes in cutting-edge drones, and we have an impressive track record. If you’re open to it, we would love the opportunity to discuss a potential partnership.”

She understood that men like Sebastian were not easily swayed by flattery alone. It was time to be direct and assertive.

Sebastian’s gaze slid past Lara, his attention shifting to Riley. “Ms. Anderson, we meet again,” he remarked coolly.

Riley forced a smile that felt more like a grimace. “Seems like it,” she replied, her heart racing with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

“What brings you here today, Ms. Anderson?” Sebastian inquired, arching a brow with a hint of curiosity.

“I’m with Blue Sky Tech,” Riley replied, her voice steady despite the tension. “I’m here with Ms. Hayes.”

Lara felt a surge of excitement; Riley’s words were like a promise, a commitment to join her in the venture they had envisioned.

“Exactly!” Lara chimed in enthusiastically. “Riley is a drone expert and will be an invaluable asset to Blue Sky Tech.”

However, Bryce’s face twisted in disbelief, as if he had just tasted something foul. “Riley, stop this nonsense! This isn’t the place for your games!” His voice was a mix of frustration and urgency.

He turned to Sebastian, his tone shifting to one of apology. “Mr. Torres, I sincerely apologize. Riley used to work for my company but recently resigned. She’s not a drone expert; she’s just an ordinary employee.”

Bryce’s words felt like a calculated strike, an attempt to sever ties with Riley in a public forum.

He hadn’t forgotten the incident at the restaurant—Riley had pointed a toy gun at Sebastian’s head, a moment that had undoubtedly left a mark. Bryce believed that Riley had irked Sebastian, and with Blue Sky Tech and Murphy Tech in fierce competition for the Torres family’s investment in drones, he thought it prudent to undermine her.

So, calling her “just an employee”? That was a low blow, a move intended to tarnish Blue Sky’s reputation.

Riley’s eyes turned icy, a storm brewing beneath her calm exterior.

Three years of marriage had led to countless late nights spent at the company, and this was the outcome?

“Is that so?” Sebastian replied, his tone flat, his expression inscrutable, leaving Riley guessing at his thoughts.

Bella seized the opportunity to interject. “Look, Ms. Hayes, I understand that Riley is your friend and you want her to shine in front of Mr. Torres. But to claim she’s some kind of drone expert? That’s a stretch.”

“I’m lying?” Lara shot back, her voice rising defensively. “Riley was working on drones while you were probably still playing with toy planes!”

Bella raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. “Oh really? Does she have any patents to her name? Any noteworthy projects?”

Lara’s mouth opened and then closed, caught off guard. She couldn’t exactly disclose Riley’s classified military drone work.

“Nothing, then?” Bella taunted, a smirk playing on her lips. “If you’re going to fake it, at least pick the right place.”

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