Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 25

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 25: Having An Affair**

Riley emitted a startled gasp, nearly choking on her own saliva as the words hung in the air. She had been on the verge of responding when Sebastian’s voice cut through her thoughts with a casualness that left her momentarily disoriented. “I saw you with Mr. Murphy earlier. It looked like… well, it seemed rather intimate.”

A brief pause enveloped them, thick with unspoken tension.

“Is he your husband? Or perhaps your boyfriend?”

Riley felt a jolt of surprise ripple through her. Excuse me?

In that fleeting moment, she found herself grappling with the shock of two revelations: Sebastian’s unexpected curiosity about her personal life, and the unabashed directness of his question.

“Mr. Torres,” she replied, pressing her lips together in an attempt to regain her composure, “why would you care about that?”

Sebastian’s fingers, which had been flipping through the pages of a book, halted mid-motion. “I’ve recently been delving into investment opportunities in drone technology. Murphy Tech is currently among my top contenders. I thought it prudent to consult someone with…” he trailed off, searching for the right words, “… firsthand experience.”

Oh.

So, this was merely a business inquiry.

But if Sebastian was interested in investigating Bryce, he could undoubtedly summon any information he desired with a mere snap of his fingers. Why seek her out specifically?

Riley felt a swirl of confusion, yet it ignited a fierce determination within her to sabotage Bryce’s deal. Blue Sky Tech and Murphy Tech were fierce competitors, both vying for the Torres family’s investment in the burgeoning field of drones.

What tactics had Bryce employed to win Sebastian’s favor? She had no idea, but she was resolute in her decision not to let him prevail!

“With all due respect,” she inhaled deeply, steadying herself, “when it comes to technological expertise or industry reputation, Blue Sky Tech stands far above the rest. Not to mention…” She met his probing gaze head-on. “Bryce Murphy’s moral compass is… well, let’s just say it’s non-existent.”

That statement piqued his interest. Sebastian slowly closed the book, his full attention now directed at her.

“Oh?” he said, his voice imbued with a quiet curiosity. “Do elaborate.”

“Actually, Bryce Murphy is my husband—well, soon-to-be ex-husband. He cheated on me.” Riley’s voice wavered, thick with emotion. “If a man can so readily abandon his personal vows, what assurance do you have that he wouldn’t betray a business partner in the same manner?”

“So, you’re on the brink of being single again, is that it?” Sebastian chuckled softly, the sound like a gentle breeze against her skin.

That laughter brushed against her like a feather, sending a shiver down her spine.

Riley shifted in her seat, her eyes instinctively dropping to the floor.

Why is this suddenly turning into a discussion about me again?

But then, her gaze was inadvertently drawn to the book in his hands.

It was ‘M’s Ornithological Manuscript’!

As an avid bird enthusiast, Riley had long yearned to see this book, renowned for its exquisite illustrations of birds. She had once dreamed of borrowing it, only to abandon that hope upon learning it was out of print.

And now, here it was, right in Sebastian’s hands at this very moment.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, a flicker of joy igniting within her.

Yet just as she contemplated asking him if she might borrow the book, the car pulled to a halt in front of the villa she shared with Bryce.

In an instant, a knock on the window shattered her moment of bliss—Bryce, his expression dark and stormy.

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