Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 145

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 145**
**CONTENT: Chapter 145 That Was Only the First Punch**

Riley guided Sebastian away from the cacophony of the banquet hall, seeking refuge in a secluded corner where the chatter faded into a distant hum.

“Why did you tell Bryce you’re my boyfriend?” she demanded, her voice a mix of sharpness and intrigue.

“Because I genuinely believe I will be your boyfriend one day,” he replied, his tone unwavering and filled with an unyielding certainty.

“And what happens when this protection gig wraps up?” she countered, her brow furrowing in skepticism. “What if I don’t have any feelings for you? I’ve made it clear before—once this is over, we go our separate ways, no strings attached. You agreed to that, didn’t you?”

Sebastian’s long lashes fluttered as he leaned in closer, his striking features dominating her field of vision. Those deep, penetrating eyes of his locked onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race.

“So, I can’t even try to make you fall for me?” he asked, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

With his chiseled face mere inches from hers, Riley felt her throat tighten involuntarily, a lump forming as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Was this a calculated charm offensive?

Could she honestly claim she wouldn’t fall for him?

Even she found herself grappling with uncertainty.

Especially when his gaze shifted from cold detachment to one filled with a palpable yearning for her.

A Sebastian like this could make any woman’s heart flutter.

“Forget it,” she muttered, shaking her head vigorously. “Just don’t say it again.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Sebastian’s features, but he nodded in understanding. “Alright, I get it.”

As the investor conference and charity auction on the island came to a close, attendees began to trickle out, their laughter and chatter fading into the night.

The following day, Riley and Sebastian boarded a boat back to the mainland.

However, upon arriving at Sebastian’s villa in Carmel, they were met with an unexpected visitor.

It was Gregory, Sebastian’s father.

Riley had never had the chance to meet him face-to-face, but his photograph was familiar to her; she recognized him instantly.

The striking features of the Torres family were unforgettable.

As soon as Sebastian laid eyes on his father, his expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his usually calm facade. “What are you doing here? I told you to stay away from her!”

He positioned himself protectively in front of Riley, as if to shield her from an impending danger.

“Why so defensive? Are you worried I’ll hurt your precious girl?” Gregory chuckled, his tone light yet dripping with mockery. “I just heard you jumped into the ocean with her to save a kid on the island. Thought I’d come see what all the fuss was about.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening further.

Riley, refusing to remain hidden behind him, stepped out, brushing aside his attempt to hold her back. She met his anxious gaze with a reassuring smile before striding confidently toward Gregory. “So, have you seen enough?”

Gregory raised an eyebrow, his gaze appraising her. “Not bad, I suppose.”

“Good. Then it’s my turn.” Without hesitation, Riley swung her fist, delivering a solid punch straight into Gregory’s gut.

It had been years since anyone had managed to gain the upper hand on him like this.

Just as Riley’s fist connected with Gregory once more, his arm swung fiercely toward her.

But at that critical moment, a figure darted between them, seizing Gregory’s fist and halting the fight in an instant.

“Why did you have to hit him like that? Couldn’t you see his fist would’ve hit you too?” Sebastian growled at Riley, his voice low but filled with intensity.

If he hadn’t intervened, Gregory’s punch would have landed squarely on her face.

“I knew,” Riley replied calmly, her eyes unwavering. “But I wanted to beat him anyway.”

Even if it meant trading blows, she was determined to deliver a thrashing to Gregory.

Shock flickered in Sebastian’s eyes at her fierce resolve.

Gregory, on the other hand, erupted into louder laughter. “Girl, you’re that desperate to pummel me? Why?”

“No reason. You just deserve it,” Riley shot back, her tone blunt and unapologetic.

Gregory’s gaze darkened slightly, a hint of menace creeping into his demeanor. “Are you doing this for Sebastian?”

“So what if I am?” she replied defiantly.

“And what if even the Torres family’s legal team can’t protect you?” Gregory’s voice turned ominous. “Sure, Sebastian may be in control right now. But don’t forget, I’m still his father. His position at the head of the Torres family isn’t as secure as he thinks!”