Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 20

**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

“What a pity,” Sebastian remarked, his tone trailing off, leaving the matter hanging in the air like an unspoken tension. He chose not to delve deeper into the conversation, as if he were guarding a secret that he wasn’t ready to share.

Riley felt a wave of relief wash over her, grateful for the reprieve from an uncomfortable topic.

As the meal came to a close and she prepared to take her leave, Sebastian’s voice cut through the quiet, firm and resolute. “Ms. Anderson, I don’t allow just anyone to save me. But when someone does, they must see it through to the end!”

Riley froze, caught off guard by the intensity of his gaze. His deep-set eyes held a depth that made her heart race with curiosity and confusion.

What could he possibly mean by “see it through to the end”?

She couldn’t help but ponder the implications. Sebastian was surrounded by a fortress of bodyguards. Surely, even in the face of real danger, they would shield him from harm!

But Riley kept her thoughts to herself, sensing that Sebastian had no intention of elaborating on his cryptic statement.

Moments after parting ways with him, Riley’s phone buzzed insistently, breaking the silence. It was Claire, her voice slicing through the air like a knife.

“Riley, you need to draft a new project proposal for the project you were handling at the company,” Claire commanded, her tone devoid of any warmth or pretense.

Riley nearly burst into laughter at the sheer audacity of the request. “Why on earth should I do that for you?” she shot back, incredulous.

“Don’t forget, you’re Bryce’s wife. When I say write, you’d better get to it!” Claire retorted, her voice dripping with condescension and entitlement.

Riley rolled her eyes, knowing all too well Claire’s inflated sense of self-importance. Deep down, she was head over heels for Bryce, and Claire was banking on that affection to manipulate her.

“I’m sure you’re chummy with Bella. Why not ask her to whip up that proposal?” Riley countered, a smirk creeping onto her lips.

“I can be friendly with whoever I want! But if you don’t start writing that proposal right now, I’ll have Bryce divorce you. He hangs on my every word, and you’ll be left alone and ridiculed!” Claire’s voice turned venomous, her threat hanging ominously in the air.

“Go ahead, make it happen. I’m right here, waiting,” Riley shot back defiantly, slamming the phone down with a satisfying finality.

Claire stood there, stunned, her mouth agape as she stared at the now silent phone in her hand.

Riley had actually dared to refuse her!

A surge of anger coursed through Claire. How dare she disrespect me like this? I’ll ensure she pays for this insolence!

*****

In the confines of his office, Bryce scrutinized the project proposal Claire had submitted. His brow furrowed in disbelief at the abysmal quality of the work before him. It was a jumbled mess, clearly stitched together from random sources, with glaring contradictions scattered throughout.

“What is this you’ve produced after taking over the project? Do you genuinely believe you can close a deal with this chaos?” Bryce snapped, frustration boiling over.

“Thank you,” she added, her gratitude spilling over.

Sebastian was momentarily taken aback by the sincerity of her smile. For a fleeting moment, he was captivated by the clarity and authenticity in her expression.

What could possibly drive this woman if she wasn’t after fame or wealth?

“Ms. Anderson, would you consider becoming my bodyguard?” Sebastian blurted out, surprising even himself with the abruptness of the suggestion.

“Pardon?” Riley replied, her eyebrows arching in disbelief. “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, just name your price,” Sebastian explained earnestly.

“Sorry, I’ve already joined Blue Sky Tech,” she replied, her tone firm, but there was a hint of regret in her voice.

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

“How could you scold your sister like that?” Amanda’s voice was sharp, filled with 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 your sister and me! If it weren’t for her meddling, I’d be seeing Dr. Gellar right now! She’s trying to ruin my life!”