Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 148

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 148: No Longer Looks Back**

Bryce felt the tension in his forehead gradually dissipate.

She was absolutely right. If he could secure this project, it would open the floodgates for other investors to join him.

Once the financial backing was in place, everything else would seamlessly align.

Talent, technology—none of those obstacles would stand in his way any longer.

The following morning, Bryce and Bella made their way to the Anderson Group’s headquarters, an impressive structure that loomed over the city like a titan.

As they approached the grand entrance, a group of high-ranking executives emerged from the elevator, flanked by several staff members who seemed to be hurrying to keep pace.

They strode purposefully toward Bryce and Bella, their expressions serious and focused.

Bella came to an abrupt halt, her heart racing.

Are they actually here to welcome us?

She had given Wren a heads-up about their visit today, and a sense of pride welled up inside her.

An almost smug smile crept across Bella’s face. “Look, Bryce! The top brass from Anderson Group is here to greet you. I told you that with my connections, they would take you seriously.”

Bryce felt a surge of excitement, his face lighting up in response. He stepped forward, eager to extend his hand to the executives—

But in a bewildering twist, the group swept right past them, as if they were mere shadows in the bustling lobby. They hurried toward the entrance, leaving Bryce and Bella momentarily stunned.

Their smiles faltered, frozen in disbelief.

“How could this be…?” Bella spun around, her eyes wide with incredulity, just in time to see a sleek black sedan glide to a stop at the curb.

A driver stepped out, respectfully opening the back door, and two figures emerged—figures all too familiar.

It was Sebastian and Riley.

A wave of humiliation crashed over Bella, sharp and stinging, like a slap that left her reeling.

The executives hadn’t come to welcome her and Bryce; they were there for Sebastian and Riley.

Dazed, Bryce stood rooted to the spot, watching as Riley walked side by side with Sebastian, flanked by the very elite of Anderson Group. A sharp pang of heartache pierced through him, leaving him breathless.

Suddenly, Riley’s gaze flicked in his direction, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes locked.

Bryce’s heart raced, a confusing rush of emotions flooding through him, though he couldn’t quite grasp why.

But just as quickly, Riley averted her gaze, as if he were nothing more than a stranger passing by.

A profound sense of loss washed over Bryce, heavy and suffocating.

She used to look at him as if he were her entire universe. Now, it felt as though there was no place for him in her world.

As the crowd continued to flow past them, someone finally approached.

“What? We have to wait?” Bella exclaimed, her astonishment palpable.

“Of course,” Bruce replied, casting a glance at Bryce that dripped with faint disdain.

Bruce had heard about Bryce’s pitch at the island conference—the very proposal that had been penned by his ex-wife before she left him. Even the patents involved belonged to her as well.

How had this guy managed to take a company public in just three years? Was it all just sheer luck?

Bryce felt a flush creep up his neck, the discomfort of Bruce’s tone gnawing at him.

Ever since his career had taken off, he had been met with accolades and respect wherever he ventured. Even well-established companies had treated him with deference.

Never had he been told to wait outside a conference room like this.

This felt all too familiar, reminiscent of the early days.

Back when he was struggling, broke, and all he could do was stand in a lobby, clutching a file, desperately hoping someone would give him a chance.

His grip tightened around the documents in his hand, the weight of his hard work pressing down on him.

He had spent the last few days meticulously revising this proposal, pouring over every detail.

With Bella’s support, he was convinced he could still secure the project.

Time slipped away, and Bryce barely registered the minutes passing until he finally heard Bruce say, “Alright, you can go in now.”