Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 197

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 197**
**CONTENT: Chapter 197 A Punch**

“The legal team representing the Torres family is unparalleled in Washington,” Sebastian remarked, his tone icy and devoid of warmth.

**Lucky Draw**

The air between them was thick with tension, a palpable energy that crackled like static electricity. Riley rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of their incessant conflict pressing down on her. She was weary, caught in a cycle of stubbornness that seemed to have no end.

XXXXX

**11:26**

**< Chapter 197 A Punch** **Lucky Draw** Before long, the two high-profile men shed their jackets, rolled up their sleeves, and transformed into makeshift movers, diligently assisting Riley in clearing out the old house. As she observed the room slowly emptying, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, filling her eyes with unshed tears. This was once a place bustling with laughter and warmth, where her entire family had gathered. Now, it felt achingly empty, a hollow shell of what it once was. Riley picked up a family photograph from the table, her fingers brushing over the smiling faces captured within the frame. As she gazed at the image, tears threatened to spill over. “Riley, what’s going on?” Sebastian’s voice broke through her reverie, sounding concerned. “Ah, nothing!” she replied hastily, her voice a little too high-pitched. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to mask her sadness with a forced smile. “You guys have been working so hard. I bet you're parched. I’ll run to the convenience store and grab some water.” With that, she quickly placed the photo frame into a packing box and hurried out of the room, desperate to escape the weight of her emotions. As the door clicked shut behind her, it left Sebastian and Vince alone in the dimly lit room. **2/6** **11:26** **< Chapter 197 A Punch** They exchanged glances, the silence between them thick and heavy, charged with unspoken words. “Riley’s still the same. She doesn’t want anyone to see her hurt,” Vince finally broke the silence, his voice low and frustrated. “Sebastian, didn’t you notice how down she was when she looked at that photo?” Sebastian clenched his jaw, his lips pressed tightly together as he chose to remain silent. “Honestly, it’s no surprise. You’ve only known Riley for a short while. Even if you’re dating, you don’t really get her. It won’t be long before she tires of you. I’ve known Riley for years. We served in the military together, side by side. I know her inside and out—what motivates her, what she despises, what ignites her passion,” Vince drawled, his gaze piercing as he regarded Sebastian, as if to say he was merely a fleeting distraction in Riley’s life. Sebastian felt a chill creep into his expression. He was acutely aware that Vince had shared a history with Riley that he could never hope to match. A flicker of jealousy twisted in his gut at the thought of all those moments they had shared in the military—experiences he would never have the privilege to know. “Do you know, then, that Riley is really into my body?” **3/6** **11:26** **< Chapter 197 A Punch** Sebastian shot back, his voice icy and challenging. Vince’s eyes narrowed, a flash of anger igniting within them. “What did you just say?” “Riley likes my body, and she likes me, too. Our relationship is solid. When the moment is right, I plan to propose,” Sebastian declared confidently, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. Vince frowned, his expression darkening as he grabbed Sebastian by the collar, a fierce intensity in his eyes. “What did you do to her?” he demanded, his voice low and threatening. Sebastian slowly lifted his gaze to meet Vince’s fiery stare. “She can do anything she wants with me, including anything intimate. Whatever she desires, I will follow her lead. I’m glad she finds me attractive. As for you... you’ll never know what it’s like to be loved by her as a man.” “You—” Vince’s eyes blazed with fury. Just the thought of Sebastian and Riley being intimate sent a surge of anger coursing through him. Even though he was aware that Riley was dating Sebastian, the mere mention of their physical connection was enough to ignite his protective instincts. “Vince, Riley and I are not going to break up. So, do yourself a favor and keep your distance from her!” Sebastian said bluntly, his tone leaving no room for debate. **11:26** **< Chapter 197 A Punch** **Lucky Draw** In an instant, Vince’s fist flew toward Sebastian’s face, a swift motion fueled by rage. Just then, the door swung open, and out of the corner of his eye, Sebastian caught sight of Riley. He didn’t flinch; instead, he braced himself for the impact, allowing Vince’s fist to land squarely on his cheek. The punch connected with a resounding thud, sending a jolt through Sebastian. “Stop it!” Riley’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, cutting through the tension like a knife. Vince recoiled, his grip loosening as Sebastian staggered back a couple of steps, the sting of the blow radiating through his face. Riley stepped forward, her heart racing. When she saw the swelling on Sebastian’s cheek and the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, concern etched itself across her features. “What’s happening? Why would you do this?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief as she turned her gaze toward Vince. Vince pressed his lips together, struggling to find the right words to explain his actions. How could he confess that jealousy had driven him to this point? That revealing his feelings would only push her further away? **5/6** **11:26** **< Chapter 197 A Punch** **Lucky Draw** “Nothing much. I might have said something that didn’t sit well with Mr. Brunson,” Sebastian interjected, taking the blame upon himself, hoping to diffuse the situation. Riley’s eyes softened as she looked at the swelling on Sebastian’s cheek. Without thinking, she reached up and gently wiped away the trickle of blood from his mouth. “Why didn’t you dodge?” she asked, her brow furrowing in concern. With his skills, he should’ve been able to avoid the punch entirely. “Mr. Brunson is your friend. If he needed to let off steam, I’d rather he do it than bottle it up,” Sebastian replied, his voice calm despite the pain.