**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 191**
**Chapter 191: Dread**
Vince felt a surge of irritation wash over him as he beheld the sight of Riley and Sebastian’s hands intertwined. The image was painfully grating, a vivid reminder of the connection he felt he was losing.
**Lucky Draw**
Fixing his gaze on Sebastian, he demanded, “Rye, seriously, what is it about him? What makes Sebastian so incredibly special?” His voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and frustration, as if he were trying to unravel a mystery that eluded him.
At that very moment, Sebastian subtly tightened his grip around Riley’s hand, a gesture that spoke volumes. It was clear he was anxiously awaiting Riley’s response, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
“Maybe it’s simply because I like him,” Riley replied, her tone steady but laced with conviction. “That’s why we’re together. As for what’s so great about him, well, he treats me well.” Her voice held a warmth that made Vince’s stomach churn.
“I could treat you just as well—” Vince began, but before he could finish,
Sebastian interrupted him, a sly smile creeping across his face. “Let’s not just stand here talking at the door like it’s the end of the world. Come on in, and we can have a proper conversation. By the way, Mr. Brunson, considering you’re like a brother to Riley, we’re practically family now.” The audacity of that statement hung in the air like a thick fog.
Vince couldn’t help but cough in disbelief, his eyes narrowing at Sebastian. Family? Where on earth did he conjure that notion from?
He shot Sebastian a venomous glare, his irritation bubbling to the surface. “Mr. Torres, you’re getting ahead of yourself. You and Riley aren’t even married yet. Who knows what the future holds? People can change their minds in an instant.”
“But I know Riley won’t. She wants a relationship built on sticking together through thick and thin. As long as I’m by her side, she’ll never leave me, right, Riley?” Sebastian said, lifting their intertwined hands and placing a gentle kiss on the back of Riley’s.
Vince gritted his teeth so hard that he was surprised they didn’t shatter. This guy was clearly rubbing it in his face, flaunting their connection like a trophy.
Riley blushed slightly and pulled her hand back, breaking the moment. “Alright, let’s head inside,” she said, attempting to diffuse the tension.
Once they stepped into the villa, Riley turned to brew some coffee for Vince, but Sebastian halted her with a gentle hand. “I’ll take care of the coffee,” he offered, his tone casual yet confident.
Riley relented, knowing full well that Sebastian made the best coffee she had ever tasted.
As Sebastian busied himself with the coffee, he glanced over at Vince and casually inquired, “Mr. Brunson, your arrival was unexpected. Riley and I weren’t prepared for your visit. I apologize for that. When do you plan to head back to Washington?”
The way he referred to Riley so affectionately made Vince’s blood boil. If it weren’t for Riley being present, he might have flipped the table in a fit of rage.
“Rye, when are you going back to Washington?” Vince asked, striving to keep his tone neutral.
“Me? I’ll head back after the old house demolition business is sorted out,” Riley replied, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
Now that her parents were laid to rest and most of the property issues had been resolved, all that remained was transferring the old house into her name.
“You’re dreaming!” Vince exclaimed, suddenly leaping from his seat, leaning across the table to grab Sebastian by the collar, his glare fierce and unwavering.
“What’s this, Mr. Brunson? You gonna throw a punch because you’re jealous that I’m dating Riley? To her, you’re just like a younger brother. That was set in stone the day she met you!” Sebastian raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“You—” Vince’s gaze intensified, a menacing fire igniting within him. He let out a bitter laugh, fueled by fury. “Sebastian, you deliberately sabotaged my mom’s law firm so I’d have to return to Washington and leave Carmel. That way, you could easily charm Riley. But what do you think she’d do if she knew how underhanded you are?”
Vince’s eyes darted past Sebastian, landing on Riley, who had just reached the stairway.
He had spoken loudly enough for her to hear, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
As if struck by a realization, Sebastian turned his head sharply, following Vince’s line of sight.
The moment he saw Riley, his face paled, dread creeping into his heart.
Had she heard what Vince said?
What would she think of him now? Would she see him as a despicable person?
He didn’t care what the rest of the world thought of him, but the mere possibility of disappointment in her eyes sent a chill down his spine!

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