Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 19

**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

“What a pity,” Sebastian remarked, his tone laced with a hint of disappointment, yet he chose not to delve further into the subject.

Riley felt a wave of relief wash over her. The tension that had built up during their conversation seemed to dissipate, leaving her momentarily at ease.

After they finished their meal, just as Riley was preparing to leave, Sebastian’s voice broke through the silence. “Ms. Anderson, I don’t allow just anyone to save me. But if someone does take that leap, they must see it through to the very end!”

Riley was momentarily stunned. His intense gaze, those deep-set eyes, felt like they were searching for something beyond her surface. What could he possibly mean by “see it through to the end”?

She couldn’t help but ponder the implications. He was surrounded by an army of bodyguards, after all. Even if a real threat loomed, surely they would protect him!

Yet, despite her curiosity, Riley refrained from asking for clarification, and Sebastian remained tight-lipped, leaving the air thick with unspoken words.

Not long after they went their separate ways, Riley’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from Claire.

Riley had blocked Claire’s personal number, so Claire resorted to using the company phone, a tactic that irked Riley more than she cared to admit.

“Riley, I need you to draft a new project proposal for the project you were handling at the company,” Claire instructed, her voice devoid of any warmth, filled instead with a no-nonsense authority.

A laugh almost escaped Riley’s lips at the sheer audacity of Claire’s demand. “Why on earth should I do that for you?” she shot back, incredulous.

“Don’t forget, you’re Bryce’s wife. When I tell you to write, you’d better get to it!” Claire’s tone dripped with arrogance, as if she believed her words were law.

Riley couldn’t help but think how ridiculous it was. She was head over heels for Bryce, yes, but that didn’t mean she would dance to Claire’s tune without a fight.

Claire was utterly convinced that Riley would bend to her will this time as well.

“Bryce’s wife?” Riley let out a laugh, incredulous. “Aren’t you and Bella thick as thieves? Why don’t you ask her to whip up that proposal for you?”

“I can be friendly with whoever I choose,” Claire snapped back, her irritation palpable. “But if you don’t start writing that proposal right this second, I’ll make sure Bryce divorces you. He hangs on my every word. You’ll end up divorced and a laughingstock!”

“Fine then. Go ahead and make it happen. I’m right here, waiting,” Riley retorted defiantly before slamming the phone down, her heart racing from the confrontation.

Claire stood frozen, staring at the phone in her hand, disbelief washing over her.

Riley actually had the audacity to turn me down!

A surge of resentment bubbled within her. She wouldn’t let this slide; Riley would pay dearly for her insolence!

*****

Meanwhile, Bryce was examining the project proposal Claire had submitted.

The quality was abysmal, a hodgepodge of ideas thrown together without any coherence or clarity. It was evident that it was hastily assembled from sources unknown, with some sections even contradicting each other.

“Thank you,” she added, sincerity lacing her words.

Sebastian found himself momentarily taken aback by the brightness of her smile. It was a simple act of kindness—donating to build a primary school—that had sparked such joy within her.

His life had been filled with individuals driven by ambition and greed, always seeking to gain favor in hopes of advancing their own interests.

But what could this woman possibly want if it wasn’t fame or fortune?

“Ms. Anderson, would you consider becoming my bodyguard?” Sebastian blurted out unexpectedly.

“Excuse me?” Riley was taken aback. “You want me to be your bodyguard?”

“Ms. Anderson, you’re an exceptional fighter, and you’ve saved my life. I believe you would be perfect for the role. If you’re interested, name your price,” Sebastian explained earnestly.

“Sorry, I’ve already joined Blue Sky Tech,” Riley replied, a hint of regret in her voice.

That evening, Bryce received a call from his mother, summoning him home.

“How dare you scold your sister like that?” Amanda exclaimed, her voice rising in indignation. “She just graduated from college! Of course she’s going to make mistakes. It’s not the end of the world!”

“And you know what? This is all Riley’s fault. She sabotaged both your sister and me. I’d be seeing Dr. Gellar right now if she hadn’t interfered! She’s trying to make me blind!” Amanda continued, her frustration spilling over.