Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 27

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 27: A Time Bomb**

The following day dawned bright and filled with anticipation as Riley made her way to Sebastian’s company, clutching “M’s Ornithological Manuscript” tightly in her hands. The book had captivated her the previous night, and she felt compelled to return it, even though a part of her longed to keep it.

“Mr. Torres, I read this book last night. Thank you for lending it to me,” she said, her voice steady but her heart racing.

Sebastian, with his usual calm demeanor, replied, “I recall telling you that the book was yours.”

Riley furrowed her brow, trying to process his words. “The book is incredibly valuable. Our acquaintance isn’t deep enough for such a generous gift,” she countered, her mind racing with thoughts of the book’s worth—twelve million dollars, a staggering sum that felt surreal.

Sebastian shrugged, his expression unfazed. “If it can’t please someone, then no matter how valuable a book is, it’s just a few pieces of paper. If you don’t like it, just throw it away.”

Riley’s mouth fell open in disbelief. How could he suggest such a thing? The thought of discarding a book she cherished—one that held history, beauty, and a price tag that could change lives—was utterly ludicrous.

She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “There’s no way I could just toss it aside.”

With a frown creasing her brow, she pressed further, “Mr. Torres, what on earth are you up to?”

Sebastian met her gaze, his eyes serious. “I just want to show my gratitude for you saving my life.”

Her mind flickered back to that chaotic day at the horse ranch—the wild stallion, the adrenaline, and how she had instinctively thrown herself into his arms to shield him. But even then, she was sure he would have managed just fine on his own.

“Didn’t you already donate money to build a primary school as a way to pay me back?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, trying to understand his reasoning.

With a slight smirk, he replied, “Do you seriously think my life is only worth a primary school, Ms. Anderson?”

Riley stood there, momentarily speechless, grappling with his words.

Sebastian broke the silence, “Well, if you truly won’t keep the book, I can take it back. But I was thinking, would you accompany me to the book market?”

“The book market?” she echoed, curiosity piqued.

“Yes! There are tons of rare books there. Sometimes you can stumble upon real gems. Since you’re such a reader, how about coming with me?” he suggested, his enthusiasm infectious.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify