Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 402

Chapter 402 Not Leaving You

"Not yet," Sebastian replied. "Even though my grandfather cut my father out of the Torres Family's inner circle years ago, he's still family. He was once second-in-command and had plenty of allies. I've only eliminated his visible supporters—God knows how many people he still has in his pocket."

Riley nodded in understanding. Even desperate people had backup plans, let alone someone like Gregory.

If he'd deliberately set the fire, he must have planned his escape route too.

"But why would he do this? There's no benefit in it for him," Riley voiced her confusion.

"He probably wants to prove that I'm just like him." Sebastian stepped closer to her. "Before my father met my mother, he was a lot like me—indifferent to everything, nothing could hold his attention. He drifted through life, bored out of his mind, until he met her."

Riley listened quietly.

"After falling in love with my mother, he became obsessive and extreme. He'd stop at nothing to have her—even kept her isolated in our family estate with security everywhere. In the end, my mother died, and he lost his mind. Grandfather had him committed to protect me, and for years, the one thing he kept saying was—I'm his son, so I'm destined to become just like him."

"He hated Grandfather for imprisoning him because of me. But he hated me even more. I was just a tool—something he created to keep my mother from leaving. When that failed, he decided I should suffer too. He wants me to become like him: unloved, unhinged, a complete madman." Sebastian's voice carried bitter mockery.

He spoke with such calm detachment, as if discussing the weather.

But to Riley, his words felt like stones pressing against her chest, making it hard to breathe.

"So your father wants me dead to prove you're like him?" Riley's anger flared. "What if you'd died in that fire too? Did he even care about that?"

If the firefighters hadn't arrived in time, if her injuries had been worse—they both could have died in those flames!

"He doesn't care!" Sebastian said without hesitation. "He's never cared whether I live or die. He even planted bombs at the fire scene."

Riley stared at him in shock. Even while talking about his father's complete disregard for his life, his face remained blank—emotionless.

"You think I'm pathetic, don't you?" He met her gaze. "Don't feel sorry for me. I learned the truth years ago when my mother died and I got kidnapped overseas. He doesn't care whether I live or die. I'm useless to him now—just a disappointment."

The calmer he appeared, the more her heart ached.

"He hasn't, right? You just said he was indifferent to everything until he met your mother. So she's the only woman he's ever loved."

Riley continued, "He knows you love me, and he believes you're just like him. Do you really think that if I leave you, he'll suddenly believe you don't love me anymore?"

Sebastian fell silent.

Riley lifted her hand to cup his cheek.

His skin was cold, the chill seeping through her palm.

"After we broke up, Felix and Marcus both knew you still loved me. You think your father doesn't know? If he really wants me dead, he'll come for me whether I'm with you or not! This fire happened after we broke up, didn't it?"

His lips quivered for just a moment. "Until we find him, I'm putting security on you. I won't let anything happen to you."

"Then I'd be even safer staying by your side." She shrugged, her fingers trailing down to the red marks on his neck. Mmm... those were her marks, and she'd done quite a job!