Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 57

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

**Chapter 57: You’re still so money-hungry!**

**Lucky Draw**

With a fierce determination that radiated from her, Amanda lunged forward, her hand poised for a sharp slap. “How dare you even think of showing your face here! You won’t sign those papers to drop the charges, will you? You just want to see me and Claire rot in prison, don’t you?” Her voice dripped with venom, a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air.

Just as Amanda’s hand was about to make contact with Riley’s cheek, Riley reacted with lightning speed, seizing Amanda’s wrist in a firm grip.

“I’m not the one trying to throw you behind bars. Your own dirty tactics are doing that just fine,” Riley shot back, her tone as frigid as the winter wind, before yanking her hand away with a defiant flick.

But Amanda was far from finished. She erupted into a shrill scream, her voice echoing through the room. “Oh my God! My son’s wife is attacking me!” The words spilled from her lips like poison, designed to draw sympathy and attention.

Riley’s brow furrowed in disbelief. At that moment, Bryce’s voice sliced through the tumult like a knife. “Riley, did you actually hit my mom?” His tone was a mix of confusion and accusation, and Riley could see the storm brewing in his eyes.

As she turned to face him, she spotted Bryce striding towards them, Bella trailing behind him like a shadow.

Claire, quick to defend her mother, stepped in, propping Amanda up as if she were a fragile doll. “Bryce, Mom was just a bit worked up because Riley wouldn’t drop the charges earlier. She said a few harsh words, and then Riley just snapped at her!”

Riley couldn’t help but watch in cold amusement as Amanda and Claire twisted the truth like a pretzel. She locked eyes with Bryce, challenging him silently. “Do you really believe their version of events?”

“She’s my mom! Of course, I believe her!” Bryce’s voice rose slightly, a hint of frustration creeping in. “The press conference is about to start, and I don’t want any drama. You better apologize to my mom right now,” he commanded, his expression stern.

A sudden laugh escaped Riley’s lips, startling everyone.

Bryce had seen his mom lie and manipulate before, and yet he still clung to her fabrications!

That realization hit her hard. He never viewed her as family—not then, not now, not ever!

Bryce’s expression darkened, annoyance flickering in his eyes. “What are you laughing at?” he demanded, crossing his arms defensively.

“Divorcing you was truly the best decision I ever made!” Riley shot back, her voice laced with venom.

The words hung in the air like a heavy fog. Bryce’s face darkened further, the weight of her declaration hitting him like a punch to the gut. Even though the world was on the cusp of learning about their divorce today, hearing her say that still felt like a dagger twisting in his heart.

The ache intensified, a gut-wrenching sensation that screamed he was on the verge of losing something monumental.

He pushed that pain down, forcing himself to remain composed. “No apology? Then don’t shed any tears when you find yourself without a single cent of that 1.53 million!” he retorted, his voice steady but edged with bitterness.

Lara, standing beside Riley, erupted in disbelief. “What the hell, Bryce? You heartless bastard! That money came from Riley’s parents…”

Before she could finish her thought, Riley interjected, “Lara, let me handle this.”

With a swift motion, Riley pulled out her phone, her fingers deftly hitting play.

The video played back in vivid clarity—Amanda charging at Riley, swinging wildly, and when that failed, seamlessly transitioning into her victim act, all on her own.

“Bryce, you’re such a mama’s boy. Still buying her nonsense after watching this?” Riley smirked, her confidence radiating.

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