Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 142

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 142**

**CONTENT: Chapter 142 Humiliation**

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the island, the investment conference came to a close. The evening air buzzed with anticipation for the charity dinner that followed, marking the final gathering before their departure.

This event held a special significance, as it aimed to raise funds for the children of the orphanage, a cause that tugged at the heartstrings of all who attended.

Among the guests, the children from the orphanage, including the little girl who had taken a tumble into the sea earlier that day, filled the banquet hall with their innocent laughter and bright smiles.

Riley, her heart swelling with compassion, approached the girl and offered a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with relief as she noticed the child’s spirits had lifted considerably since their encounter in the infirmary. The sight of her radiance eased the weight in Riley’s chest, reminding her of the resilience of youth.

As the evening progressed and the time for donations arrived, the wealthy attendees, eager to showcase their generosity and enhance their reputations, began to contribute lavishly. Wren, stepping forward to represent the Anderson family, announced a staggering donation of thirty million dollars.

Once she descended from the platform, a smug expression spread across her face as she directed a sneer at Riley. “Riley, Great-grandpa can’t stop singing your praises, calling your parents loyal heroes. Yet, with all their assets now in your name, you’re too stingy to part with even a dime,” she taunted, her voice dripping with disdain.

Riley, feeling a surge of indignation, shot back, “Wasn’t that thirty million a contribution from the Anderson family? Or are you suggesting my parents no longer belong to the Andersons?”

Wren was momentarily taken aback, her words caught in her throat. The implications of her statement weighed heavily, and she knew better than to challenge Riley’s place within the family. Even Chris, standing nearby, would have defended Riley fiercely had she dared to suggest otherwise.

“Of course… not,” Wren managed to reply, forcing a smile while internally cursing Riley to the depths of her imagination.

“I’m fine… just a little tired, I suppose,” Bella stammered, her voice quivering as she fought to suppress the turmoil churning within her. She had no inkling who had orchestrated the video presentation. Was it merely a coincidence, or was someone deliberately trying to provoke a reaction?

“Hey, Bella, isn’t that the fire you helped fight?” Wren chimed in, her tone eager and almost gleeful, as if she had stumbled upon a golden opportunity to shine.

Bella’s body stiffened at Wren’s words, and Wren, sensing her moment, continued with a triumphant grin. “I remember now; that was the massive fire on Detroit’s border five years ago, right? You were just an intern at Cloud Airlines back then. When the flames erupted, you didn’t hesitate. You rushed in, saving lives, battling the blaze, coordinating with the local authorities. Few would have had the courage to act so bravely in such chaos!”

As she spoke, Wren cast a challenging glance at Riley, adding, “I can see why Mr. Murphy is so taken with you. Someone with that kind of bravery and selflessness in the face of danger? If I were a guy, I’d be completely smitten too!”

Bella’s expression grew even more rigid, caught in the crossfire of Wren’s taunts and the haunting memories the video had unearthed. The tension in the air thickened, and Riley could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface, ready to erupt at any moment.