Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 16

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

**Chapter 16: Family**

With Riley’s bold and confident handling of the horse, Bella found herself stripped of any ground to stand on, her plans unraveling before her eyes.

Riley, having successfully tamed the wild creature, turned her back, a sense of triumph radiating from her as she walked away.

Lara, filled with concern, rushed over to Riley, her gaze darting anxiously over her friend’s body, searching for any signs of injury. “Are you alright? You didn’t get hurt, did you?” The urgency in her voice was palpable, her heart racing.

“I’m fine,” Riley replied, flashing a reassuring smile that belied the intensity of the moment.

Lara let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, her worry beginning to dissipate. “You scared the life out of me! I mean, saving Sebastian was one thing, but taming that horse? Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?” The words tumbled out, a mixture of relief and exasperation.

“I’m not that easy to break,” Riley replied, her tone light yet resolute. “Besides, if I hadn’t intervened, someone could’ve been seriously hurt.” The weight of her conviction hung in the air, a testament to her unwavering spirit.

Lara sighed, the understanding settling in her chest like a stone. Even after leaving the military, Riley’s soldier instincts and the fierce drive to protect those she cared about were still deeply ingrained in her.

Nearby, Nathan, drenched in sweat, hurried over to Sébastian, his face a mask of panic.

“Mr. Torres, I’m deeply sorry. I had no idea that horse wasn’t fully tamed. Thank goodness you’re unharmed, or the Sinclair family would have been in deep trouble.” His voice trembled slightly, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon him.

“The Sinclair family deserves worse,” Sebastian replied coldly, his voice as sharp as ice. “If Ms. Anderson hadn’t acted, your family wouldn’t last three months in Washington.” The chill in his words sent a shiver down Nathan’s spine.

Nathan’s blood ran cold at the implication, fear creeping into his heart.

“So, the Sinclairs owe Ms. Anderson a proper thank-you,” Sebastian added, his gaze piercing through Nathan.

“Y-yes, of course,” Nathan stammered, nodding frantically, eager to appease. “We will show our gratitude.” The words felt hollow even as he spoke them.

Sebastian brushed past him, striding purposefully toward Riley, his demeanor commanding.

“Ms. Anderson,” he said, halting in front of her, an intensity in his gaze. “If you hadn’t saved me, that horse would’ve been shot dead the very next second.”

Riley blinked, the realization dawning on her. A man like Sebastian would always have bodyguards lurking in the shadows, ready to spring into action at the first hint of danger.

“Are you implying that I overstepped my bounds, Mr. Torres?” she challenged, her tone sharp and unwavering.

“Not at all,” Sebastian replied, stepping closer, the space between them charged with unspoken tension. “You saved me, and I owe you. The real question is, what do you want in return?”

At his words, the crowd around them shifted, eyes darting towards Riley, a mix of envy and suspicion flickering in their gazes.

“Nothing,” Riley stated flatly, her resolve unyielding.

“And if I insist?” Sebastian pressed, closing the distance between them, his imposing figure casting a subtle shadow over her.

Riley pressed her lips together, unwilling to engage further in this precarious dance.

“If you truly wish to repay me, build a school for poor kids,” she declared, her voice steady and firm.

With that, she grasped Lara’s arm and turned away, walking off with determination.

Sebastian’s brow lifted slightly, surprise mingling with intrigue.

A school for poor kids? That’s the reward she desires?

Unexpected, yet fascinating.

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