Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 160

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

**Chapter 160: A Call From Nicolas**

Garrett halted, his gaze locking onto Bella, an unreadable intensity shimmering in his eyes. “…She mentioned that the woman was dressed in military attire. It seemed like she was racing against time.”

Bella’s expression shifted, dark clouds gathering on her face. “Are you absolutely certain it was Riley?”

“It was Mr. Murphy who first brought up Riley’s name. So, when I finally managed to track down the witness, I presented her with a photograph. The moment she saw it, there was no hesitation—she recognized Riley immediately. She claimed that Riley was the one who saved his life.”

A heavy silence enveloped Bella as she processed the information.

She recalled that fateful day by the riverside, a day etched into her memory. She had been there, too, but by the time she arrived, Riley had already vanished. All that remained was a man sprawled on the riverbank. Driven by a mix of curiosity and concern, she approached him, only to have a semi-conscious Bryce clutch the hem of her dress with desperate fingers.

When the ambulance finally arrived, Bella found herself swept along, following them into the vehicle. The woman who had stayed with Bryce had given a simple account to the paramedics—just a few words about him falling into the water and being rescued.

11:12

**Chapter 160: A Call From Nicolas**

**Lucky Draw**

Bella’s clothes clung to her skin, damp from the river’s embrace, and in the ensuing chaos, assumptions began to take root.

And she, driven by a sense of vanity, let those assumptions flourish without correction.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that the true hero who had saved Bryce was none other than Riley.

After a lengthy pause, Bella finally broke the silence. “What does Bryce know about all this?”

“Nothing. Not yet,” Garrett replied, a smirk playing on his lips. “Since you were the one who reached out to me first, I told him I’d explain everything face-to-face.”

Bella’s mind raced. She realized Garrett wasn’t merely delivering information; he was wielding it as a weapon.

“What do you want from me?” she asked, her voice steady, though her heart raced.

“You’re a Sinclair, soon to be Mrs. Murphy. And Mr. Murphy isn’t exactly struggling financially,” Garrett said nonchalantly. “If he uncovers the truth… I doubt he’d still want to marry you.”

“Name your price,” Bella said through gritted teeth, determination hardening her resolve.

“Fifty million dollars,” Garrett replied without a moment’s hesitation.

“What?!” Bella’s eyes widened in shock, disbelief coursing through her veins.

Her breath caught in her throat. “Fifty million? That’s outrageous. I don’t have that kind of money.”

Garrett tilted his head, a mocking glint in his eyes as if he were humoring a child.

“You’re a Sinclair.”

“I’m barely a Sinclair,” she shot back, frustration bubbling to the surface. “I don’t hold any real standing. I get maybe a couple million a year in dividends. I’ve only just made co-pilot. My savings are nowhere near that amount.”

Garrett shrugged with a casual indifference. “Didn’t Mr. Murphy gift you a collection of expensive jewelry? During that press conference—Riley mentioned it herself. She said you’ve accumulated about fifty million dollars’ worth over the years.”

He wore a smile that suggested he already knew the answer. Because, in truth, he did.

Garrett had done his homework.

11:12

**Chapter 160: A Call From Nicolas**

**Lucky Draw**

11:12

**Chapter 160: A Call From Nicolas**

**Lucky Draw**

“Are you really taking me off the assignment?” she asked, disbelief creeping into her voice. “Is it because I got hurt?”

“Because it’s no longer necessary,” Sebastian replied, his tone steady and calm. “The military only assigned you to me because certain members of the Torres family were concerned about my taking over.

“They feared something might happen, jeopardizing our joint projects. But now… there’s no one left to oppose me. It’s over.”

Riley narrowed her eyes slightly, skepticism etched on her face. “Are you being truthful with me?”

“I promised I wouldn’t lie to you,” he assured her, sincerity radiating from his gaze.

At that moment, her phone buzzed, breaking the tension. It was Nicolas.

She stepped aside, answering the call with a mixture of hope and trepidation. “Mr. Parker?”

“Riley, I just heard what happened,” Nicolas said, guilt threading through every word. “You’re injured because of me. I pulled you out of retirement and got you entangled in this mess again. I never should’ve—”

“It’s just a scratch. Nothing serious,” Riley interjected, attempting to ease his concerns.

“Even so, you need to take care of yourself,” Nicolas replied, his voice laced with genuine worry. “As of now, your assignment is officially terminated. You’re no longer required to protect Sebastian Torres.”

Riley blinked, taken aback. That was a direct order. The mission was over.

After ending the call, she turned to Sebastian, searching his eyes for answers. “Did you speak to the military?”

“I did,” he replied, meeting her gaze unwaveringly. He believed an official order would resonate more deeply with her than anything he could express. “Riley, you don’t need to protect me anymore. I’ll protect you.”