Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 52

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 52: He Has Grown Up**

“Nothing in this world is ever truly set in stone. You might perceive yourself as the hunter, but in the blink of an eye, the tables can turn, and you could find yourself as the prey,” Vince declared, his voice steady and resolute. With a firm grip, he took Riley’s hand, leading her away from the scene without glancing back even once.

In Washington, it was a rare occurrence for anyone to confront Sebastian so boldly, and Vince’s audacity was almost unheard of.

“Felix, do you really think I could ever become someone’s prey?” Sebastian’s voice sliced through the air, cold and unyielding.

Felix, caught off guard by the intensity of the question, stammered, “N-no way,” he replied, his eyes widening in disbelief.

In this city of power plays and hidden agendas, who would dare to think they could outmaneuver Mr. Torres?

Even Mr. Brunson, the so-called “little overlord” of Washington, fell short when it came to matching Sebastian’s influence and cunning.

“Yet, there’s always an exception to the rule,” Sebastian murmured, his gaze fixated on the firearm Riley had wielded moments earlier. “If the day ever comes when I truly become the prey, who do you think will take up the mantle of the hunter?”

Felix found himself speechless, grappling with the weight of the question.

In this perilous world, who could possibly have the audacity, or the sheer insanity, to hunt Mr. Torres?

Once they stepped outside the shooting range, Riley turned to Vince, her brow furrowed with concern. “You really just confronted Sebastian like that? Aren’t you afraid he’ll come after you?”

Vince tightened his grip on her hand, a fierce determination etched on his face. “Don’t worry about me. If anyone dares to lay a finger on you, I’d burn the entire world to ashes to make them pay,” he declared, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

The intensity of his expression was unmistakable.

If anyone ever threatened her, he would keep that promise without a moment’s hesitation.

Stunned, Riley simply stared at him. The boy who once relied on her like a protective older sister had transformed into a man of fierce resolve.

“I… I’m not that easy to get into trouble. Have you forgotten my skills?” she countered, her voice carrying a hint of playful defiance, though it was slightly hoarse.

Vince smiled, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. “Yeah, I know you can handle yourself, but I still want to keep you safe. If I had known that bastard Bryce was treating you like that, I would have…” His voice trailed off, and he looked at her with those deep, soulful eyes.

At that moment, Riley’s phone rang, shattering the tension.

It was Bryce calling.

A frown crossed Riley’s face as she answered. Bryce’s voice was laced with irritation. “Why did you clear out all your stuff?”

“I moved out. If you find anything else of mine, just throw it away. Don’t bother calling me again,” she replied, her tone cool and unwavering.

“There’s no point in keeping this zombie marriage alive,” Riley shot back, her tone flat and devoid of emotion.

“So you’re throwing everything away over some trivial matters? Is that really what marriage means to you?” Bryce retorted, his anger bubbling to the surface.

Riley’s laughter was cold, almost mocking. “Trivial matters? Your mother and sister treating me like dirt was trivial? Your little fling with Bella was just a minor mishap?”

“Okay, my mom and sister were way out of line,” he conceded, his voice rising. “But they’ve faced consequences for their actions. Isn’t that enough?”

Riley couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

Just because the perpetrators received their due, was she expected to simply move on and pretend everything was fine?

“Besides, Bella and I are just friends. I’ve never slept with her. So stop accusing me of cheating!” he snapped, his face flushed with indignation.

Riley shot back, her voice sharp and incisive, “You think cheating is only about physical intimacy? When everyone was shipping you two and calling you the perfect couple, did you ever speak up? Did you even mention that you had a wife?”

“It was a business arrangement. I couldn’t ruin the dynamic. Plus, calling them out would’ve made Bella look bad!” he protested, his frustration palpable.

“Stop playing games. You weren’t concerned about the vibe or Bella’s reputation. Deep down, you were ashamed to have me as your wife and couldn’t bring yourself to admit it!” Riley laid bare the harsh truth, her words cutting through the tension like a knife.