Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 48

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

**Chapter 48: Tossed a Bombshell at Bryce**

The atmosphere shifted in an instant as a sharp, stinging sound sliced through the air—a fist connecting with the bridge of Kieran’s nose. The impact sent him reeling backward, nearly toppling into the nearby table, which creaked under the sudden weight of his unsteady form.

“Mr. Brunson, you’re crossing the line,” Bryce interjected, his voice steady but laced with concern. Kieran was not just a colleague; he was a good friend, and this confrontation was unsettling.

Vince, however, was a volcano ready to erupt. “Crossing the line? I wish I could teach him a lesson he wouldn’t forget!” With that, he lifted his foot and sent Kieran crashing to the floor, the thud reverberating in the tense silence of the room.

Kieran struggled to regain his footing, but Vince was relentless, planting his foot firmly on Kieran’s chest, pinning him down with a weight that felt both physical and metaphorical.

“Mr. Brunson, what on earth are you doing?” Bryce stepped forward, brow furrowed with concern, his eyes darting between Kieran and Vince, desperate to diffuse the situation.

“What am I doing?” Vince’s voice rose, fueled by indignation. “I’m teaching a brute a lesson! How dare he speak such vile things! Does he have any right to talk about Riley’s parents?” His words echoed in the room, a mix of fury and protectiveness.

“What’s the big deal about mentioning them anyway? Are we not allowed to discuss Riley’s parents? Riley’s nobody! She’s been married to Bryce for three years, just living off him. Everyone knows he should be with Bella,” Vince spat, his disdain palpable.

“Mr. Brunson, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for some rumors and feel sorry for Riley. That woman isn’t worth it,” Kieran managed to gasp out, the pressure of Vince’s foot making it hard to breathe. He spoke out of a sense of loyalty to Bryce and a hope that his defense would earn him some favor. After all, his small company relied heavily on the business Bryce’s firm provided to survive.

Vince let out a bitter laugh, his anger palpable. The woman he cherished, the one he saw as a rare gem, was being insulted in front of him. And the worst part? Bryce, her so-called husband, stood there silent, not defending her honor.

“Do you really think your wife can compare to Bella?” Vince shot a cold, piercing look at Bryce, demanding an answer.

Bryce hesitated, visibly uncomfortable. “Well, it’s true that Riley’s not as charming or capable as Bella,” he admitted reluctantly. “But she’s my wife. Even if she’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, I don’t care.” His voice wavered, revealing a crack in his confidence.

Vince, momentarily lifting his foot off Kieran’s chest, turned to face Bryce, his expression a mixture of disbelief and disappointment. “How much do you really know about her? You honestly think your little company could have gone public in just three years without her contributions?”

“It’s all thanks to Bryce’s keen eye, sound judgment, and outstanding skills,” Bella interjected, attempting to defend her husband, but her words fell flat in the heated atmosphere.

Vince’s icy gaze remained locked on Bryce, who, instead of speaking up, chose to remain silent, clearly agreeing with Bella’s assessment yet feeling cornered by the truth.

“I built this business from the ground up all by myself!” Vince’s thoughts screamed internally, but he kept his composure, determined to make his point.

“Bryce, you’d be nowhere without Riley’s support. You think it’s your own smarts and abilities that got you here? They’re all Riley’s doing!” Vince’s words rang out like a challenge, demanding recognition.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify