Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 141

### Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox

Just then, the conference host’s voice rang out, cutting through the tension in the room.

“Lucky Draw!”

“Alright, next, Mr. Murphy, CEO of Murphy Tech, will present his company’s project proposal. Let’s give him a warm welcome!”

The audience erupted into loud applause, and in that moment, Bryce felt his heart race, a sudden surge of adrenaline coursing through him.

He knew he had to brace himself for what lay ahead. As he approached the stage, the weight of expectation bore down on him like a heavy cloak, stifling his confidence. He had previously delivered presentations with ease, speaking fluently before government officials, having practically memorized the entire proposal. But now, standing under the bright lights, with all eyes on him, he felt as if his mind had turned to mush.

With the document clutched tightly in his hands, he began to read, but the words seemed to tangle in his throat. Stuttering and stumbling, he struggled to articulate his thoughts, and a wave of shame washed over him, particularly under the scrutinizing gaze of Riley, who sat in the front row, her expression unreadable.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he concluded his presentation. Wilbur, the head of the island development project, leaned forward, a glimmer of approval in his eyes.

“I think this project proposal is excellent. Drones will play a significant role in the island’s development,” he said, his voice resonating with enthusiasm. “Most importantly, Murphy Tech’s patent can enhance drone efficiency, reduce labor costs, and expedite the entire process. I have high hopes for Murphy Tech.”

With Wilbur’s endorsement, a ripple of applause spread through the audience, yet Bryce felt a knot tightening in his stomach. It was overshadowed by Riley’s voice, sharp and cutting, slicing through the applause like a knife.

“So Bryce,” she began, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “stealing my patent wasn’t enough? Had to take my proposal too?”

Bryce pressed his lips together, an instinctive defense mechanism kicking in. “It’s Murphy Tech property. Everything you created while employed belongs to us,” he replied, trying to sound authoritative, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him.

“Wow. Lost your last shred of shame, huh?” Riley shot back, her eyes flashing with indignation.

Heat rushed to Bryce’s cheeks, a mixture of anger and embarrassment. “Keep pushing, Riley. I’ll forget we ever had anything. I won’t care about you anymore,” he declared, but deep down, he knew it was a hollow promise.

Riley’s laughter echoed through the room, cold and unyielding. “When did you ever care about me?” she mocked. “Bella was always your priority.”

At the mention of Bella, Bryce felt a tightening in his throat. He glanced over at her, who was once again enduring the weight of the crowd’s curious stares, her expression a mix of sympathy and concern.

“And besides,” Riley continued, her voice steady, “did you forget that I had already resigned before this proposal was even completed? So, it’s incomplete.”

“What?” Bryce’s mind raced, trying to grasp the implications. “Incomplete?”

He had assumed everything was in perfect order, but now, doubt began to creep in.

“Sure, the patent boosts drone efficiency and range,” Riley explained, her voice calm yet filled with an edge. “But it’s three years old. Tech has evolved. Jamming systems, too.”

“Hit those drones with new-gen jammers? They’re just expensive trash,” she added, the disdain evident in her tone. “My patent needs anti-jamming code.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify