Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 186

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 186: Girls Cannot Inherit Property**

Bella’s parents had made the frantic journey to Carmel overnight, their hearts pounding with urgency. They were desperate to secure the support of the Anderson family, whose influence loomed large over the city. If the Andersons were willing to intervene, there was a flicker of hope that the scandal could be contained, perhaps even buried beneath layers of family loyalty and silence.

Miranda Sinclair, Bella’s mother and a member of the Anderson clan by birth, was in the throes of a plea, her voice trembling as she implored her brothers to silence the unfolding drama. Just then, Riley strode into the room, her presence commanding immediate attention.

“Riley, what brings you here?” Chris questioned, his brow knitting together in confusion as he noticed Sebastian lingering just behind her, an ominous shadow.

“I need to speak with Uncle Vincent,” Riley declared, her eyes narrowing as they locked onto Vincent, a fierce determination radiating from her. “I want to understand why the paperwork for the demolition and compensation regarding my family’s estate has your name plastered all over it. Why are you the sole contact and beneficiary?”

Her words detonated in the air like a bomb, drawing every gaze in the room towards Vincent, who felt the weight of their scrutiny like a physical blow.

Vincent’s stomach churned with irritation. From the moment Riley had appeared at the door, he had sensed an impending storm. And now, the tempest was fully unleashed.

“What’s happening here, Vincent?” Chris pressed, his voice low and serious, the authority of the eldest brother evident in his tone.

“That estate belongs to the Andersons,” Vincent retorted sharply, his voice hard and unyielding. “And all that remains is a daughter. What happens when she marries? An outsider walks away with everything? No, the compensation needs to remain within the family. I did what was necessary!”

Riley’s laughter was bitter, laced with disbelief. “You must be joking. This isn’t the Dark Ages, Vincent. I am his daughter—his heir. What gives you the audacity to claim what is legally mine?”

“Well, perhaps you should direct your ire towards your father and brother for leaving us too soon,” Vincent shot back, his words dripping with disdain. “Had they been around, this wouldn’t even be a conversation.”

The phrase “dying young” struck Riley like a dagger, her eyes igniting with fury as she glared at him. “You don’t get to decide my family’s fate,” she said, her voice steady and resolute. “And Samuel is still alive.”

Vincent scoffed, dismissing her words with a wave of his hand. “Alive? He’s been missing for five years. If he were truly alive, where is he? You can deceive yourself all you want, but the truth is clear: Samuel is gone. Accept it, Riley.”

Riley’s hand trembled with rage, her emotions swirling dangerously close to the surface. She didn’t care that this man was her uncle; she could no longer contain her frustration.

But before she could act on her impulse, Sebastian was quicker. In an instant, his long fingers closed around Vincent’s throat, a fierce protector stepping in front of Riley.

The room fell into an electric silence as Sebastian tightened his grip, Vincent gasping for breath, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief. The very air seemed to freeze as the gravity of the moment settled over them all.

“Sebastian, let him go!” Wren shouted, rushing forward, panic lacing her voice. “You can’t do this just to defend Riley!”

Sebastian’s gaze remained unwavering, his expression cold and resolute. He wasn’t acting out of anger; he was a shield, guarding Riley from the filth of their family’s politics. He would bear the burden of this confrontation for her sake.

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