Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 21

**Chapter 21: The Aerospace Exhibition**

Bryce’s heart raced as he lunged forward, snatching the phone from Riley’s grasp. His mind was a whirlwind of panic as he quickly reassured the voice on the other end, explaining that it was all a grave misunderstanding, a blunder made by his sister. He could almost feel the tension radiating from Riley, her frustration palpable.

As he finally hung up, Bryce turned to Riley, his voice booming with disbelief. “Are you out of your mind?” The words escaped him, laden with exasperation.

Riley’s eyes narrowed defiantly. “Well, if Claire is so convinced, shouldn’t I just call the cops?” Her tone was sharp, a challenge hanging in the air.

Bryce, realizing that Riley was determined to escalate the situation, scrambled for excuses. “Claire was just joking! Why take it so seriously?” He tried to downplay the gravity of the situation.

Riley shot back, her sarcasm cutting through the tension. “It’s not me who’s taking it to heart! It’s you! Can you just slander someone without any proof? Do you think ruining someone’s reputation is a game? In serious cases, you could end up in jail!” Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their implications.

In a moment of desperation, Bryce raised his voice, directing his frustration at Claire. “Claire, apologize right now!” His command echoed in the room, demanding attention.

Claire’s indignation flared. “Why should I apologize to her?” She crossed her arms defiantly, her cheeks flushing with anger.

Riley, unfazed, activated the recording function on her phone. Claire’s voice echoed back, declaring her certainty about Riley’s supposed indiscretions with the investors. “If you don’t want to apologize, we can see each other in court!” Riley’s voice was steady, her resolve unwavering.

Claire’s face turned a deep shade of red as she glared at Riley, but the weight of the situation bore down on her. Finally, she relented, lowering her gaze. “Sorry, I… I was just talking nonsense. Actually, I don’t know anything at all!” Her admission was reluctant, but necessary.

Riley’s eyes narrowed further, her voice low and dangerous. “If I hear any more rumors about this outside, then we’ll really meet in court.” With that, she glanced at Bryce, her expression softening just a bit. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back. And I hope you won’t call me to your company for such trivial matters in the future. After all, I’ve already quit my job!”

As Riley stormed out, Claire stamped her foot in frustration, while Bryce felt a splitting headache creeping in, the chaos of the day weighing heavily on his shoulders.

That evening, as Bryce navigated the hospital to finalize Bella’s discharge procedures, he couldn’t shake the feeling of gloom that had settled over him. Bella, ever perceptive, noticed his somber expression. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Her concern was genuine, and it warmed his heart.

“Nothing much, just some work-related troubles at the company,” he replied, attempting to brush it off.

“I was planning to introduce Sebastian to you to help secure an investment for your company, but I ended up making a mess of it,” Bella confessed, her voice tinged with regret.

“It’s not your fault,” Bryce reassured her, his guilt surfacing. “I’m just relieved you weren’t seriously injured. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself!” The sincerity in his tone was unmistakable, and Bella felt a swell of satisfaction at his concern.

“By the way,” she continued, her eyes lighting up, “there’s going to be a civilian aerospace exhibition hosted by several major airlines in a few days. A lot of aerospace-related companies will be there. You should definitely go and check it out. You might stumble upon some new collaboration opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Lara had dragged Riley along to the aerospace exhibition, her enthusiasm infectious. Given Riley’s background in the Air Force during her time in the special forces, it was only natural that she would find herself intrigued by the event.

The exhibition was bustling with activity, featuring several major private airlines from across the country.

As they arrived, Riley took in the vibrant atmosphere, filled with a mix of industry professionals and aerospace enthusiasts. Families wandered through the aisles, parents guiding their children to the various aviation stands.

Lara was eager to network, her eyes scanning the crowd for potential business opportunities among upstream suppliers. Riley, however, felt a pull to explore the exhibition on her own.

As she observed a family of four nearby, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, and she felt a slight sting in her eyes. Memories flooded back of her childhood, of holding hands with her parents and Samuel as they navigated exhibitions together. Those days had felt so blissfully happy, a time when their family was whole.

Now… it was just her and Samuel left. But where is Samuel?

She clenched her fists, determination flooding her. No matter what, I will find him. I know he’s still out there, alive!

Just then, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts. “Ms. Anderson?” The sound echoed in her ear, pulling her back to the present moment.