Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 176

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 176: You’re a Murderer**

“Ms. Sinclair, was your fiancé on the plane to assist with the rescue?” the host inquired swiftly, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

In a peculiar twist of fate, this unforeseen development was proving to be a major boon for the show’s ratings.

“Yes… he was there to help,” Bella replied, her voice tinged with awkwardness, as if she were trying to convince herself as much as the audience.

The truth weighed heavily on her conscience; she couldn’t bring herself to admit that she had invited Bryce aboard solely to witness Riley’s impending failure.

“Then why would you drop your fiancé off at a secure location before attempting the rescue? Did you not consider that this might hinder the operation?” the host pressed on, relentless in his pursuit of answers.

Below, the audience buzzed with murmurs and speculation, their intrigue palpable in the air.

One of the rescue workers, who had been particularly vocal about his disdain for Bella, chimed in, “If Ms. Sinclair was genuinely concerned for her fiancé, she should never have allowed him on that plane in the first place. Since the aircraft never even approached the rescue site, I’m beginning to question whether she was there to save anyone at all.”

His animosity toward Bella had festered ever since they were on the plane together.

The sight of her making grandiose statements, cloaked in a facade of righteousness, only fueled his contempt.

With a surge of indignation, he unleashed his thoughts.

Instantly, all eyes turned toward Bella, the weight of their collective scrutiny almost suffocating.

“Yeah, if she was there to save people, why didn’t the plane proceed to the rescue site?” another voice echoed from the crowd.

“And she brought her fiancé with her! His hand was bandaged. How could an injured man possibly contribute to a rescue effort?” someone else added, their tone laced with disbelief.

“Maybe they were just flaunting their romance on the plane!” a sarcastic remark floated through the air.

“She even used the plight of the trapped individuals to manipulate others into apologizing. It’s utterly repulsive. How does she have the audacity to appear on this talk show?” The audience’s chatter grew increasingly boisterous, each comment adding fuel to the fire.

Bella sat frozen, her complexion now ashen, the color draining from her face.

She opened her mouth, but words eluded her entirely.

How had her intentions spiraled so far out of control?

She had come to this show with the hope of enhancing her public image and solidifying her relationship with Bryce. Yet here she was, ensnared in a web of her own making, with Riley’s recording of her bullying hanging over her like a dark cloud.

The realization hit her like a slap; everyone was watching, their eyes boring into her, and the cameras were trained on her every move.

In a moment of desperation, Bella pointed an accusatory finger at the rescue worker. “How… how much did Riley pay you to say these things?” she demanded, her voice trembling.

The man’s expression was grave. “I didn’t take a dime from anyone. I’m merely stating the truth,” he replied, his tone unwavering.

Around him, the other rescue workers nodded in solidarity, their expressions reflecting their shared disapproval of Bella’s actions during the rescue.

The weight of their judgment felt like a physical blow to Bella.

Overwhelmed, she staggered backward, and as if the burden of shame was too much to bear, she buried her face in her hands and fled backstage.

“Bella!” Bryce sprang to his feet, concern etched across his features as he hurried after her.

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