**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 171: Come Back Safely**
**Lucky Draw**
Once the rescue worker aboard Bella’s plane concluded the call, an unsettling silence enveloped the cabin. Bella and Bryce exchanged glances filled with unspoken apprehension, their hearts heavy with the weight of the moment.
“Ms. Sinclair,” the rescue worker began, his tone dripping with sarcasm, “considering your apparent concern for this gentleman’s life, perhaps it would be prudent to turn back. If anything goes awry with the rescue operation over there, and you set this gentleman down only to dash to the rescue site, you might end up being unable to save anyone at all.”
Bella stood frozen, her voice caught in her throat, unable to articulate the frustration that bubbled within her.
As Riley’s plane touched down on the helipad atop the Anderson Group building, a team of medical personnel was already on standby, their expressions a mix of urgency and professionalism.
**11:16**
**< Chapter 171 Come Back Safely** **Lucky Draw** But before she could fully process her relief, she found herself enveloped in a familiar embrace. The scent that surrounded her was unmistakable, a comfort that washed over her like a warm wave. It was Sebastian! He held her tightly, his arms wrapping securely around her waist and back, his face buried in the curve of her shoulder. “You’re finally back safe!” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, trembling slightly as he spoke. Riley felt a surge of affection as she instinctively raised her hand, fingers gently weaving through Sebastian’s hair. Though only a little over an hour had passed since they last saw each other, it felt like an eternity to him. “Yeah, I’m back safe!” she replied, her smile soft and reassuring. He tightened his grip on her, as if holding her closer could somehow quell the anxiety that had gripped him during her absence. **2/6** **11:16** **< Chapter 171 Come Back Safely** **Lucky Draw** Nearby, Wren observed the tender scene, her teeth clenched in frustration, her eyes flashing with a mixture of jealousy and resentment. Bryce’s gaze lingered on Riley in Sebastian’s embrace, and his mind drifted back to the image of her piloting the plane, bravely navigating through fierce winds to save complete strangers! Just as she had once plunged into the ocean to rescue a child she had never met before on that island. If only she had dived into the river to save me back then... Suddenly, he chastised himself internally. What was wrong with him? His private investigator had conducted a thorough investigation. It was undeniably Bella who had rescued him, with multiple eyewitnesses to confirm it! Even if Riley was the type to selflessly help others, she hadn’t been the one to save him that day. Moreover, his attention was drawn to Riley’s hand, gently caressing Sebastian’s hair. **3/6** **11:16** **< Chapter 171 Come Back Safely** **Lucky Draw** Once upon a time, that very hand had lovingly stroked his hair. But now, all her tenderness was reserved for another man. “Bryce!” Bella’s voice sliced through the air, tinged with jealousy. “Let’s go.” Today had not only been a showcase for Riley’s bravery, but it had also turned into a spectacle that made Bella feel utterly foolish. Her frustration simmered just beneath the surface. What stung even more was that Bryce had looked at Riley with that unmistakable gaze, igniting a fire of unease within her. Bryce finally tore his eyes away and nodded, following Bella into the elevator. As they stepped inside, Bella turned to him, her voice laced with curiosity. “Bryce, if the opportunity arises, would you truly go public about our relationship?” He hesitated, the weight of her question heavy in the air before he finally replied, “Sure.” “That’s good to hear.” Bella lowered her gaze, a plan already formulating in her mind. If he didn’t seize the moment, she would take the initiative herself! **4/6** **11:16** **< Chapter 171 Come Back Safely** **Lucky Draw** ***** Riley had not anticipated that Sebastian would appear in her room just as she was preparing for bed. “What’s up?” she inquired, her brow furrowing in curiosity. “Can’t sleep,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Every time he closed his eyes, the image of her taking off in the helicopter loomed large, replaying in his mind like a haunting melody. Despite knowing her capabilities as a skilled pilot, a knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach, refusing to loosen its grip. And when he had expressed his desire to accompany her on the flight, her reason for declining had left him utterly speechless. Sebastian was acutely aware of her strong sense of justice and unwavering beliefs. Her brilliance often felt overwhelming, making him feel like a mere shadow beside her. He wasn’t particularly fond of the idea of her placing herself in danger for the sake of others. Yet, it was precisely this selfless nature that had captured his heart. What a perplexing situation! Riley eyed Sebastian thoughtfully. “Can’t sleep? Do you want me to tell you a bedtime story?” “Come on, I’m not a little kid,” he retorted, a hint of playful indignation in his voice. “Then what’s the deal?” she pressed, intrigued. “I want to sleep here with you.” Riley blinked, momentarily taken aback. Sleep? What exactly did he mean by that? She asked, “You want to sleep with me?”

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