Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 149

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 149: Tensions at the Table**

With a determined stride, Bryce rose from his chair, his heart pounding as he followed Bella into the meeting room. The air felt thick with anticipation, and he couldn’t shake the sensation that something significant was about to unfold.

Inside the sleek, glass-walled conference room, the atmosphere crackled with tension. Seated around the polished table were the top executives of the Anderson Group, their expressions a mix of curiosity and irritation. Among them were Riley and Sebastian, both of whom seemed to sense the brewing storm.

Just as Bryce and Bella approached their seats, Sebastian’s voice cut through the air like a knife. “I was under the impression that this meeting was exclusively for relevant personnel. Ms. Sinclair, I don’t believe you have any role in the island project, do you?” His tone was cool, almost dismissive.

Bella’s posture stiffened at his words, her eyes narrowing slightly as she replied with a hint of defiance, “My mother is part of the Anderson family. That makes me a part of this family too.” She held her ground, but Bryce could see the flicker of uncertainty in her gaze.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “And what exactly is your involvement in the island’s development?” he probed, his voice dripping with skepticism.

Caught off guard, Bella hesitated, her confidence wavering. Before she could respond, a staff member stepped forward, a look of authority on his face. “Ms. Sinclair, I regret to inform you that we will have to ask you to leave,” he stated firmly.

Bella’s expression shifted, a storm of embarrassment and defiance brewing within her. “What about Riley? Is she involved in the island project? If she isn’t, then she should leave too,” she shot back, her voice rising slightly.

“Exactly,” Wren interjected, her tone laced with a hint of triumph. “Riley should go. She doesn’t hold any position at Anderson Group, so her presence here is unwarranted.”

In an instant, all eyes turned toward Riley, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Wren’s father, Vincent, cleared his throat, his gaze fixed on Riley. “Riley, why don’t you step outside for the time being?” he suggested, his tone authoritative.

Riley’s brow furrowed, confusion mingling with indignation. She had only come to protect Sebastian, her role as his bodyguard weighing heavily on her shoulders.

A gleam of satisfaction flickered in Bella’s eyes. If she was to be dismissed, then Riley would follow suit. It felt only fair.

Just as a staff member moved to escort Riley out, Sebastian’s voice rang out, steady and unwavering. “Whether Torres Group collaborates with Anderson Group hinges on Riley’s participation. If she leaves, then there’s no point in continuing this discussion.”

A stunned silence enveloped the room, disbelief rippling through the gathered executives. This project was monumental, and now the ultimate decision was resting on Riley’s shoulders? Was this some sort of elaborate joke? Even Riley appeared taken aback.

But Sebastian’s demeanor was serious; there was no trace of jest in his expression.

Finally, Chris, the president of Anderson Group, broke the oppressive silence. “Bella, I must ask you to leave. We need to proceed with the meeting,” he said, his voice firm yet measured.

Humiliation washed over Bella’s face, but the weight of the room’s collective gaze left her little choice. With her head held high, she turned and exited, leaving the tension hanging in the air like a heavy fog.

Riley met his gaze, her voice unwavering. “I don’t believe it’s wise to hand the drone project over to Murphy Tech,” she replied bluntly, her conviction clear.

Bryce’s head snapped toward her, eyes wide with disbelief. “Riley, please don’t tell me you’re holding a grudge because Mr. Murphy divorced you for Bella. This is payback, isn’t it?” Wren accused, her tone sharp and accusatory. “You’re rejecting it based on personal feelings, aren’t you? I never imagined you were that kind of person.”

“Exactly,” Vincent chimed in, his voice stern. “Whatever issues you have with Mr. Murphy are personal. This is a matter of business for Anderson Group, not a platform for your grievances.”

Riley raised an eyebrow, her expression challenging. “So let me get this straight: if I support the partnership, I’m being objective. But if I disagree, then I’m being petty? Is that your version of professionalism? If that’s the case, I have to wonder—did Murphy Tech offer you something behind the scenes?”

Instantly, Vincent’s and Wren’s faces darkened, the tension in the room escalating.

“Riley, watch your tone!” Wren snapped, her voice laced with anger.

“Oh? You seem awfully defensive. Did I strike a nerve?” Riley retorted, her tone dripping with mockery.

A flicker of guilt crossed Wren’s features, a brief moment of vulnerability. Bella had indeed promised her a share of the profits if she could facilitate the deal between Murphy Tech and the Anderson Group. The stakes were high, and the tension in the room was palpable.