Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 166

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 166: A Different Side**

She gazed at him, her expression shifting to one of playful mischief. “You know, watching you play tag with those kids was surprisingly delightful. I had no idea you had that side to you.”

Sebastian arched an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity dancing in his dark eyes. “Oh? You actually enjoyed that version of me?”

“I did,” she affirmed with a nod, her voice warm. “But I appreciate your usual self too. I just can’t help but wonder… if we had crossed paths earlier in life, perhaps things could have unfolded differently.”

As she delved deeper into his persona, she began to understand that the cool, detached demeanor he often presented was a product of his upbringing and the trials he had faced.

If their timing had been different, would he have smiled more often? Laughed with abandon? Loved with a fierceness that could rival the sun?

Sebastian held her gaze, his expression inscrutable, as if he were peering into a void of unspoken thoughts. After a heartbeat of silence, he murmured, “Yeah. If only we had met sooner.”

In that moment, he felt a surge of protectiveness. Had they met earlier, he would have ensured that no other man ever encroached upon her life.

He envisioned a different reality where he would have been there for her throughout school, through training, during deployments… through every challenge life threw their way.

He would have made himself an essential part of her world, a steadfast presence she could rely on.

But even now, he reassured himself, it wasn’t too late. As long as he remained close, he could still guard her from any man who dared to approach her again.

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Bryce’s right arm was now encased in a sturdy cast, swathed in layers of gauze that contrasted sharply with his pale skin.

“This is just too much to bear,” Bella exclaimed, her voice rising with indignation. “Riley manipulated Sebastian into hurting you! He’s getting away with this solely because the Torres family has money. You have to take action, Bryce!”

“What do you want me to do? Sue Sebastian?” Bryce replied, his brow furrowing in disbelief.

“He broke your hand, didn’t he? Absolutely, you should sue him! Or are you just afraid?” Bella retorted, her tone sharp and unwavering.

Truth be told, her fury was not solely directed at Bryce. Much of it was aimed squarely at Riley.

If it hadn’t been for her, she and Bryce wouldn’t have faced such public humiliation.

“Going after Sebastian means taking on the entire Torres family,” Bryce stated, his voice measured and slow.

Yes, he was seething with anger, but he was also acutely aware of his limitations. He wasn’t strong enough to confront the Torres family just yet.

“Consider this: if I sue him, every partner I have will distance themselves from me. No one wants to be embroiled in a conflict with the Torres family. I’d lose everything,” he explained, his voice tinged with resignation.

Bella clenched her jaw, her frustration boiling beneath the surface, yet she remained silent. Deep down, she recognized the truth in his words. Still, the sting of humiliation festered within her.

“So what? You’re just going to let it slide?” she asked coldly, her eyes narrowing.

“Let’s call it the price I pay for grabbing Riley’s injured arm,” Bryce replied, a bitter smile twisting his lips.

The blood had long since been cleaned from his fingers, but the guilt lingered like a shadow. Had he known her arm was injured, he would have never laid a hand on her.

Official?

It hadn’t even been three months since his divorce. If he went public with Bella now…

She noticed the hesitation that flickered across his face, and her smile faded instantly. “You’re not planning to hide our relationship, are you? If that’s the case, then why didn’t you turn me down that night? If you had, I never would have gotten involved with you!”

With a dramatic huff, she pushed him away and turned to leave.

“Bella, wait—” Bryce caught her wrist with his good hand, desperation lacing his voice.

“That’s not what I meant. I do want to be with you. It’s just… I just got divorced. If we announce this now, it might backfire. People might think you—”

He hesitated, searching for the right words. “It might damage your reputation. I just believe we should wait a little longer. Until the timing is right. That’s all.”

Bella scrutinized him for a moment, then slowly nodded, her anger dissipating. “Fine. We’ll wait. But don’t make me wait too long.”

As she spoke, Bella lowered her head, concealing the calculating glimmer in her eyes.

She understood all too well that Bryce’s excuse about “protecting her reputation” was nothing more than a facade.

What truly mattered to him was his reputation, his image, and above all, his company.

But that was perfectly fine with her. If he was so concerned about appearances, she would ensure to create the “perfect” moment—one where he would have no choice but to publicly acknowledge their relationship.