Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 167

**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 167: Rescue**

**Lucky Draw**

Just a few days later, Riley found herself stepping through the imposing doors of the Torres Group’s Carmel headquarters, closely following Sebastian. As they entered together, an unsettling wave of tension rippled through the building. Eyes darted in their direction, and hushed whispers filled the air, creating an atmosphere thick with intrigue.

Something felt distinctly off.

Roger Thompson, the newly appointed secretary who had taken over following Felix’s unfortunate injury, sensed the shift immediately. When he entered the chairman’s office a short while later, he was caught off guard.

There, crouched before Riley, was Sebastian, his fingers gently cradling her right foot as he examined it with an intensity that was almost reverent.

Roger’s mind momentarily short-circuited.

Could this truly be… the Sebastian Torres?

The sight was striking; it appeared as though he was kneeling in a gesture of worship, his focus solely on her.

For a fleeting moment, Roger’s imagination ran wild, wondering if Sebastian was about to press his lips against her foot.

“Hey, Roger!” Riley called out, her cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment. “I just spilled some coffee on my shoe. That’s all…”

Snapping back to reality, Roger quickly gathered himself, forcing a smile that he hoped conveyed understanding.

Riley attempted to retract her foot, but Sebastian’s grip remained firm around her ankle, as if he were unwilling to let go.

“I’m fine,” she reassured him gently, her voice soft but firm.

“It’s still red,” Sebastian responded, his brow furrowing in concern.

Roger stood there, utterly stunned, processing the scene unfolding before him.

Outside the office, a few senior executives had noticed Roger’s motionless figure at the door and exchanged glances. “Didn’t you say Mr. Torres was in there?” one of them inquired, curiosity piqued.

“He is, but…” Roger hesitated, his words trailing off, a palpable uncertainty hanging in the air.

Alarm bells rang in their minds. The incident in the parking garage was still fresh, a vivid reminder of the dangers that lurked.

Was Sebastian in trouble once more?

Without waiting for a response, one of the executives burst into the office, followed closely by the others. But as they crossed the threshold, they all froze, their collective breath hitching at the sight before them.

Riley’s head throbbed with embarrassment. With half the company now privy to this intimate moment, she couldn’t help but wonder how many more would soon join the audience.

“I’m really fine now,” she murmured, attempting to pull her foot back again.

“Looks like you’ve got some business to handle,” Riley said hastily, eager to defuse the situation. “I’ll just wait outside.”

However, before she could make her escape, Sebastian gently grasped her wrist. “You can stay here.”

“I think I’ll be more comfortable outside,” she replied, forcing a tight smile while casting a glance at the awkward stares surrounding them.

For the moment, she believed it would be best to retreat to the lounge, away from prying eyes.

Sebastian hesitated, weighing her discomfort against his desire for her presence, before finally relenting. “Alright.”

Picking it up, she turned to Roger, a hint of anxiety creeping into her expression. “Please let Sebastian know I have to make a quick stop at the Anderson Group.”

With that, she hurried off, her mind racing with thoughts.

**Lucky Draw**

Upon her arrival at the Anderson Group, the first person she encountered was Wren.

The moment their eyes met, Wren’s expression darkened, a storm brewing within. “What are you doing here?” she snapped, her tone sharp.

“None of your business,” Riley replied flatly, attempting to sidestep Wren, but another voice halted her in her tracks.

“Wren, you asked me to come over, but why is Riley here too?”

Turning, Riley saw Bella and Bryce approaching from the entrance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution.

“I didn’t call her. She showed up on her own!” Wren exclaimed defensively, then rushed toward Bella. “Thank God you’re here. The helicopter’s ready. We just need you to help with the rescue.”

One of the teams from the Anderson Group had suffered a serious accident while working on a remote island. Emergency services had been contacted, but the official helicopters wouldn’t arrive for hours, leaving lives hanging in the balance.

Anderson Group had its own fleet of aircraft, which was why Wren had reached out to Bella for assistance.

After all, it was Wren who had insisted on rushing the project, cutting corners, and bypassing safety checks. Now, the consequences of those decisions were dire.

“You want me to help with a rescue?” Bella asked, raising her chin with a smug expression. “Fine. But first—” her eyes narrowed as they flicked toward Riley, glinting with malice.

“I want her to apologize. To me. And to Bryce.”