Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 177

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 177**

**Chapter 177: Kidnapped**

**Lucky Draw**

As the lively chatter of the talk show faded into a brief intermission, Sebastian seized the moment to approach Riley, his heart racing with anticipation.

“Once the show airs, everyone will know we’re dating. You don’t regret it, do you?” he asked, his voice laced with a hint of concern.

Riley’s lips curved into a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Regret? What is there to regret?” she replied, her tone light yet firm. Now that she had made the choice to be with him, hiding their relationship was never on her agenda. “Or is it that you’re hesitant about going public?”

“Not at all,” Sebastian quickly assured her, a broad grin spreading across his face.

Deep down, he yearned for the world to know that he was the one who had captured Riley’s heart, that she had chosen him above all others. It was a declaration he longed to make, especially to Vince, who loomed in the background of his thoughts like a shadow.

Vince had always been the specter of rivalry in Sebastian’s mind. He had known Riley long before Sebastian had entered the picture, sharing bonds forged in the fires of military service.

For Riley, Vince was more than just a friend; he was a comrade-in-arms, someone she could count on in moments of peril. How could Sebastian ever feel secure with such a formidable presence hovering nearby?

This was why he had orchestrated this opportunity—to stake his claim on Riley, to make it public that she was his. He had calculated perfectly that the show’s crew would not overlook such an enticing topic and would inevitably inquire about their relationship.

Yet, he found himself uncertain about how Riley would handle the crew’s probing questions. The memory of her enthusiastic admission about their relationship filled him with joy, a feeling he couldn’t quite contain.

Leaning in closer, he whispered into her ear, “Riley, I can’t express how happy I am that you’ve decided to go public with us.”

A flush crept up Riley’s neck, warmth radiating from her ears as the eyes of those around them turned their way, curiosity piqued.

Before the moment could settle, Bryce stormed over, his expression a mixture of anger and urgency. “Where’d you stash Bella?” he demanded, his voice sharp.

Riley blinked, caught off guard by his sudden accusation. “What are you talking about?” she replied, confusion flooding her features.

Sebastian straightened, his demeanor shifting to one of protective authority as he shot Bryce a frosty glare.

As Bryce attempted to advance further, Sebastian interjected, blocking his path with a firm hand. “What, you want the other hand broken too?” he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

In his mind, Riley was the sole person with a motive against Bella, and with Sebastian standing beside her, he feared she might have someone to carry out her imagined vengeance.

“Beats me. You can call the police and let them sort this mess out,” Riley replied, her tone dismissive.

Just then, the large screen at the front of the studio flickered to life, drawing everyone’s attention.

The screensaver faded, revealing a chaotic scene that resembled an abandoned factory, dust motes dancing in the stale air.

But what truly shocked everyone was the sight of Bella herself!

Bound and lying helplessly on the grimy floor, she appeared disoriented and frightened.

Suddenly, a hand reached out from the shadows and struck her sharply across the face, jolting her awake.

Her eyes, once clouded with confusion, widened in terror as she gasped, “Who… who are you?! Why did you bring me here? Let me go!”