Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 169

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 169**
**Chapter 169: Shaking Hands**

**Lucky Draw**

“Who else could possibly do it? Bella?” Chris scoffed, his expression darkening as he shot a disdainful glare in her direction.

He had caught wind of her earlier conversation, where she had firmly declared that she would not fly the rescue helicopter unless Riley first offered a heartfelt apology.

To Chris, Bella was nothing more than a nuisance.

Wren stood there, utterly flabbergasted, her mind racing to comprehend the unfolding drama.

Riley and Sebastian followed closely behind Chris as he strode into the elevator, his mood as dark as a storm cloud.

Wren turned to Bella, her voice laced with concern. “Bella, since Riley’s taking on the rescue mission, then you…”

Bella rolled her eyes dramatically. “Humph! Uncle Chris is something else. Does he truly believe Riley can pull this off? For all we know, she might not even make it to the island in that chopper!” Bella huffed, her frustration evident as she marched towards the elevator. “I’m going to enjoy watching Riley make a complete fool of herself!”

“Yeah! And then she’ll have to come crawling back to you, begging for help!” Wren chimed in, her tone a mix of sarcasm and support as she trailed behind Bella.

**11:15**

**Chapter 169: Shaking Hands**

**Lucky Draw**

Meanwhile, Bryce remained uncharacteristically silent, his thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a gust of wind.

Once they were inside the elevator, Bella broke the tension, her voice dripping with skepticism. “Bryce, why are you so quiet? Riley’s just all talk. She’s going to embarrass herself, and I can’t wait to see how she wriggles out of this predicament!”

Yet, Bryce only tightened his jaw, retreating further into his shell.

Could it really be that Riley would end up looking foolish?

A nagging feeling tugged at him, whispering that it might just be them who would end up with egg on their faces.

He had witnessed Riley fly before; her piloting skills were undeniably superior to Bella’s.

Before long, the trio arrived at the rooftop helipad, the wind whipping around them.

There, they spotted Riley poised to board a helicopter, but Sebastian, his face etched with worry, reached out and grabbed her arm.

“I can find another pilot. You don’t have to do this!” he urged, his voice trembling with fear for her safety.

**11:15**

**Chapter 169: Shaking Hands**

**Lucky Draw**

“There’s no time to waste. Every second counts! The quicker we get there, the better our chances of a successful rescue,” Riley asserted, her determination shining through.

Sebastian’s brow furrowed in concern. “Then I’ll go with you.”

“You’re not a professional rescuer! You’ll only be a hindrance. Trust me, I’ll be fine!” Riley insisted, her eyes locking with his, a fierce resolve radiating from her.

Sebastian’s gaze softened as he searched her eyes. “Alright, I’ll wait for you to come back.”

With a nod, Riley hopped into the chopper. Moments later, it began to lift off, ascending into the sky and heading towards the island.

Bella stood there, her mouth agape, watching as the helicopter faded into the horizon.

Riley was actually flying off to the island! And the takeoff? It was as smooth as silk!

How could this be happening?

Riley was supposed to be all talk, and Bella had anticipated this moment to prove her wrong.

**3/8**

**11:15**

**Chapter 169: Shaking Hands**

**Lucky Draw**

But why did it feel as if she were the one facing humiliation?

If Riley succeeded in bringing the people back, she would steal the spotlight, leaving Bella lurking in the shadows.

No! That simply couldn’t happen!

Bella’s gaze darted to another helicopter parked nearby. “I’m going too!” she declared, her voice filled with determination.

“What? You’re going too?” Wren exclaimed, her surprise evident.

“Riley may be able to fly, but I’m a professional pilot. The wind conditions over there are treacherous. I’m genuinely worried she might run into trouble before she can save anyone. So, I’d better go as well. It’ll be much safer,” Bella explained, her intentions masked in a veneer of concern.

What did she truly mean by that?

Wren turned to Sebastian, her voice tinged with excitement. “Sebastian, let’s go downstairs. Bella will be back with the people in no time!”

Just wait! You’ll see that Riley is all bark and no bite.

Yet, Sebastian remained rooted to the spot, his gaze unwavering, fixed on the path where Riley’s helicopter had vanished, as if he could see her in the distance.

Wren frowned, puzzled by his intense focus.

**6/8**

**11:15**

**Chapter 169: Shaking Hands**

**Lucky Draw**

What makes Riley so special that he’s actually looking… worried?

“Sebastian, stop staring!” Wren stepped closer, grabbing his hand in an attempt to break his concentration.

But in that moment, she froze, her eyes widening in surprise as she noticed his right hand.

His hand had always been striking, but it had also haunted Wren’s memories.

Because that very hand had nearly gouged out her eyeballs once.

In that moment, she had thought his fingers were sharper than any knife.

It seemed nothing could shake his hand’s steadiness.

Even years later, it took her countless therapy sessions to overcome her fear of his hand, a fear that lingered like a shadow.

But now, she noticed his hand trembling ever so slightly.

Soon, Sebastian withdrew his hand, breaking the connection.

**11:15**

**Chapter 169: Shaking Hands**

**Lucky Draw**

“Sebastian, what’s wrong? Are you unwell? Your hands are shaking,” Wren asked, concern etching her features as she studied him closely.