Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 143

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

**Chapter 143: She Was There Too**

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Wren’s words echoed through the room, prompting a wave of admiration from those nearby. “So Ms. Sinclair was that brave!” one voice exclaimed, filled with awe.

“Absolutely remarkable! Most men wouldn’t possess even half of her courage!” another chimed in, clearly impressed.

“Let’s raise a glass to Ms. Sinclair’s heroism!” a third voice called, and soon, glasses of wine were lifted high in a toast, sparkling in the dim light like tiny stars.

In that fleeting moment, Bella found herself enveloped in the warmth of collective admiration, the center of attention.

Yet, as she looked around, her expression betrayed no sense of pride; instead, it was a mask of quiet sorrow that cloaked her features. “Can we please stop playing that news clip? That fire… so many lives were lost. Firefighters gave everything to extinguish those flames. Each time I see that footage, it shatters my heart,” she implored, her voice heavy with emotion.

The staff, sensing the shift in mood, quickly turned off the news clip, and a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Questions danced in the air, each person wondering who had thought it appropriate to play that five-year-old report.

Ana, why that particular news?

—

Wren, not yet satisfied with the turn of events, shot a sly look at Riley, a smirk playing on her lips. “Bella’s the real hero here, unlike some people who talk a big game but would probably turn tail and run at the first sign of trouble!”

Though she refrained from naming names, her gaze was sharp enough to make it clear that Riley was in her crosshairs.

Riley met Wren’s gaze with calm resolve. “So you’re suggesting that if something like that happened, Wren, you’d charge in without a moment’s hesitation? That’s quite impressive. The Anderson family must be incredibly proud to have someone so fearless. I just hope you’re not one of those individuals who are all talk and no action!”

Wren was momentarily left speechless, caught off guard by the unexpected retort.

With Riley’s words hanging in the air, a palpable tension settled over the group. If Wren ever found herself in a real crisis, she would either have to rush in to save lives or face the uncomfortable truth that she was merely bluffing!

But deep down, Wren was all talk. If a fire truly erupted, she would be the first to flee, not to play the role of a hero.

“Bryce, I’m not feeling well. I need to step out for a bit,” Bella said, her voice barely above a whisper, strained and fragile.

“Then let me accompany you,” Bryce offered quickly, concern etching lines across his forehead.

“No, I’ll be fine. I just need some time alone in my hotel room,” Bella insisted, her tone firm yet weary. Without waiting for his response, she turned and hurried away, her heart racing in her chest.

Meanwhile, Bella stumbled back to her hotel room, her steps unsteady, her mind a whirlwind of memories and emotions. She seized a bottle of wine, poured a generous glass, and downed it in one swift motion, the burn providing little solace to the tempest raging within her chest.

Five years ago, that fire had irrevocably altered the course of Bella’s life.

At that time, she had been merely an intern at Cloud Airlines, a position she had secured largely due to her parents’ connections and the Sinclair family’s influence.

Her actions during that harrowing fire had earned her a commendation from the government, catapulting her into the spotlight as a rising star at Cloud Airlines.

In the aftermath, the company had even sent her abroad for further training, paving the way for her to become Cloud Airlines’ first female captain in record time.

Yet that fire…

Bella’s grip on the wine bottle tightened, her knuckles turning white.

She forced herself to believe that today’s incident was merely a coincidence. No one could possibly know the secret she had buried so deep all those years ago.

But as she tried to reassure herself, her hands trembled uncontrollably, betraying the storm brewing within her.