Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 211

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

**Chapter 211: There’s Always a Way Out**

As Riley observed the pandemonium unfolding before her, she leaned closer to Lara, her voice barely above a whisper. “I think it’s time we head back. Our shopping spree is pretty much done for the day.”

“But look at this! It’s pure gold,” Lara replied, her eyes wide with excitement, glued to the spectacle of chaos that had erupted among their friends.

Just moments ago, Claire, Amanda, and Bella had been inseparable, like a trio of mischievous partners in crime. Now, however, they were entangled in a messy brawl, each one seemingly determined to outdo the other in a display of anger and betrayal. It was as if they were starring in a live reality show, complete with all the drama and theatrics one could hope for.

“Then by all means, stay,” Riley said, her tone flat, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words.

Lara sighed, finally breaking her gaze from the unfolding drama. “Nah, I’ve had enough. Besides, I’m sure people are already filming this. Bet it’ll be trending online by tonight.”

As they stepped out of the bustling mall, Riley’s eyes caught sight of Sebastian’s sleek, polished car parked just a few feet away. He was already stepping out, a smile breaking across his face when he saw her, clearly there to pick her up.

“Alright then,” Lara said with a teasing smirk, “I’m not about to be the third wheel in this little rendezvous. Catch you later!” With a casual wave, she headed toward her own vehicle, leaving Riley to face Sebastian alone.

“Did you manage to get everything you needed?” Sebastian asked, his gaze flickering over the shopping bags Riley held, which were filled to the brim with her purchases.

“Yeah, all good,” she replied, but then narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him. “Was it you who arranged for the mall’s central screen to broadcast that news about Bella?”

The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning—this mall was part of the Torres Group. The timing of the announcement felt far too coincidental to be mere chance.

Sebastian didn’t flinch, his expression remaining composed. “Guilty as charged. If she caused you any unhappiness, then she shouldn’t be allowed to enjoy herself either. No one messes with my Riley,” he said, his voice steady, a protective edge to his words.

Meanwhile, across town, Wren remained hunched over three photographs she had stumbled upon earlier. Her great-grandfather had told her they were images of Riley’s brother, Samuel.

She was certain she had never met him, yet something about his features tugged at the edges of her memory, a familiar itch she couldn’t quite place.

A sudden thought struck her like a lightbulb flickering to life. Wren began to rummage through her room with a fervor, as if possessed by an unseen force, until she finally unearthed an old photo album buried deep in the back of a drawer.

If it’s really him…

Her fingers flew through the pages, flipping past memories until they abruptly halted.

There, nestled within the album, were pictures of Samuel.

A slow, triumphant smile crept onto her lips.

Bingo. There’s always a way out.

“What will people think? She’s the one in the wrong! No one will blame you for breaking up with her!” Amanda shot back, her voice rising.

Claire chimed in, her tone urgent, “Bryce, just listen to Mom. Bella has a terrible reputation. If you marry her, people will gossip about us every time we step out!”

“But you both supported me being with her before!” Bryce argued, his voice rising in frustration. “Mom, Claire, Bella’s just going through a tough time. She’ll bounce back. Besides, she saved my life. I can’t just dump her when she’s down!”

“So you’re trying to kill me, huh?” Amanda wailed, her hands clutching her chest in mock despair.

Bryce was at a loss for words, caught between his mother’s fury and his own feelings for Bella.

Claire interjected, “Bryce, Bella saved you, and you’ve given her so many jewels. That should be more than enough compensation!”

She couldn’t shake the memory of the extravagant bill Riley had showcased during her press conference after her divorce from Bryce—fifty million dollars’ worth of jewels. A pang of jealousy shot through her; Bryce had never gifted her anything close to that.

“But…” Just then, Bryce’s phone rang, cutting through the tension like a knife.

After he answered it, his expression drained of color. “There’s an emergency at the company. I have to go back right away,” he informed his mother and sister, urgency lacing his words.

With that, Bryce rushed out, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him. The company had just called to inform him that due to Bella’s incident, their stock price had plummeted once again.