Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 163

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 163: Playing Tag**

**Lucky Draw**

Bella felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, a palpable tension that threatened to unravel her composure. She understood that any slip in her expression could betray her, potentially revealing the turmoil beneath her calm facade.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself, her voice cutting through the air with a resolute clarity. “Yes, a colleague of mine did perish in that tragic fire, but it was purely an accident. I wasn’t there with him when it happened. By the time I grasped the gravity of the situation, he was already lost to the flames.”

Her words flowed, each one laced with a mix of sorrow and determination. “All I could do was call the fire department and attempt to extinguish the inferno with whatever tools I could muster. It felt like a futile effort, but I had to try.”

She paused, letting the weight of her experience settle over the audience. “According to the official investigation, the fire ignited because he was smoking and failed to properly extinguish his cigarette. So, let me reiterate: fire safety is a responsibility we all share.”

The firmness of her tone resonated throughout the room—strong, righteous, and undeniably genuine. It struck a chord with the audience, and they erupted into applause, their appreciation washing over her like a warm tide.

As her pallid complexion began to regain its color, she pressed on, her gaze sweeping across the crowd, searching for understanding. “I don’t know who sent that malicious message, but I have faith in justice. If I had truly committed the act that was suggested, then why would the government have honored me? Why would I have received numerous accolades?”

Her voice grew stronger, more assertive. “To the person behind that message, whether you are present here or lurking in the shadows: those who choose to tarnish others’ reputations from a distance will never emerge victorious.”

The applause erupted again, a wave of support that buoyed her spirit as she returned to her seat, head held high.

“Are you alright?” Bryce inquired, concern etched across his features.

“I’m fine,” Bella replied, though she was acutely aware of the clamminess of her palms, the anxiety bubbling just beneath the surface.

Who could have sent that message? It felt as if someone had witnessed the horrors of that night firsthand.

But how could that be? The only individuals present were her and the copilot, whose life had been extinguished in the flames. Dead men, after all, do not speak.

And Bella had never confided in anyone about the true events that transpired that fateful night.

Could it be the same shadowy figure who had texted her anonymously weeks ago? The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

“Maybe we should just head home after this,” Bryce suggested, his voice laced with concern.

“No,” Bella responded decisively, shaking her head. “Leaving now would only make me seem guilty. If I remain here, calm and composed, I can still steer the narrative in my favor.”

It felt as if the entire incident had unfolded in the blink of an eye, a whirlwind of emotions and revelations.

Meanwhile, Riley sat quietly, her head bowed in contemplation, lost in her thoughts.

“What’s on your mind?” Sebastian asked, his tone curious.

“Nothing… I just noticed that Bella seemed a bit off while she was on stage,” Riley replied, her brow furrowed in concern.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes slightly, assessing the situation. “She was definitely trying too hard to project calmness.”

Riley blinked, her mind racing. “So… do you think that message might hold some truth?”

She stared at him, struggling to reconcile the image of Sebastian, the stoic man she knew, with the idea of him playing tag. It was so absurd that she almost laughed.

But he was serious. He turned to Nora, a playful grin on his face. “Ms. Anderson’s arm is hurt, so I’ll take her place.”

With a swift motion, he rolled up his sleeves, handed Riley his watch, and without a moment’s hesitation, he jogged onto the lawn—immediately pursued by a dozen squealing children.

This was not the cold, aloof man she had come to know; right now, he radiated a carefree exuberance that transformed him into a boy lost in the joy of play.

Guests and reporters who recognized him were left in stunned silence.

No way!

Is that really Sebastian? The one person in Washington whom no one dares to cross?

Anyone who dared to cross him would surely face dire consequences.

And yet here he was, frolicking on the grass with a gaggle of children, a sight so unexpected it felt like the sun rising from the west.

Riley watched, a smile spreading across her lips, warmth blooming in her chest. The more time she spent with Sebastian, the more she realized he was nothing like the man she had once imagined.

Kiley couldn’t resist pulling out her phone, snapping a few candid photos of the unexpected scene.

Just as she was about to put her phone away, a sudden thought struck her. Her fingers paused mid-motion, and she opened a browser tab, searching for news articles about the co-pilot who had tragically lost his life in the fire five years ago.