Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 64

**Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

**Chapter 64: She Was No Longer Bryce’s Wife**

“It’s perfectly fine,” Bella replied, though a storm of emotions brewed within her. She masked her fury with a calm facade, pretending that the absence of extravagant jewelry didn’t bother her in the slightest. “You know I’ve never been one to fuss over such trivial things.”

“That’s true,” Bryce said, his voice laced with a hint of admiration. “You’re the type of woman who flies high above the clouds. To you, these jewels are mere trinkets, insignificant baubles.”

Yet, as he spoke, his thoughts wandered elsewhere. The image of Riley came to mind—her poised figure in a cockpit, deftly maneuvering an aircraft through the vast expanse of sky, performing breathtaking aerial stunts that made his heart race.

In comparison to Bella, Riley’s presence behind the controls left a far more profound mark on him, a memory etched deeply in his mind.

“Don’t fret too much about the company, either,” Bella continued, her tone shifting to something more earnest. “My mother’s family is quite influential in the area. They’re developing some islands and are in dire need of tech companies to step in, especially those with expertise in drones. You should seriously consider it. I can help you navigate the process.”

At that moment, Bryce’s eyes sparkled with newfound interest. Tech companies were a dime a dozen in Washington, and the competition was merciless. Relocating to a smaller city could mean reduced competition and an opportunity to seize a stronghold in the local market—this could be the perfect alternative strategy he had been searching for.

“Bella, I can’t thank you enough!” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with gratitude. “Not only for rescuing me back then but for standing by me through all of this.”

Bella flashed a bright smile, a glimmer of ambition in her eyes. “Oh, come on! No need to get all formal with me. I just want to see you succeed!”

Her thoughts, however, were far more complex. She was resolute in her desire to ascend to the pinnacle of the Sinclair family hierarchy. She wanted to prove to everyone that her lineage could run things far better than her uncle ever could. She craved the satisfaction of making those who had underestimated her look foolish.

That was why she needed Bryce to rise to the top. Only then could she truly attain everything she had ever desired.

*****

The following day, at the courthouse, Riley and Bryce took their number and settled into the waiting area, the air thick with unspoken tension.

“I’ll transfer the money to you right now,” Bryce said, his voice steady. “What’s Four’s bank information?”

Riley provided him with her account details, and within moments, the staggering sum of 1.53 million dollars appeared in her account.

She stared at the deposit notification on her screen, her heart softening. This wasn’t merely a sum of money; it represented the last remnants of love her parents had left behind.

“I’m so sorry,” Bryce murmured, his voice tinged with regret. “I had no idea you had to sacrifice so much. If I had known…”

Riley cut him off, her voice sharp. “If you had known, what would you have done? Would you have severed ties with Bella? Would you have stopped showering her with lavish gifts? Or perhaps, when Amanda and Claire did those terrible things to me in that hotel room, would you have finally chosen to send them to prison where they belonged?”

Bryce fell silent, the weight of her words rendering him speechless.

Riley let out a mocking laugh, bitterness lacing her tone. “And what good is your apology now? They’re just hollow words, and I don’t need them anymore.”

In that moment, Bryce found it impossible to meet her gaze, the shame of his actions pressing down on him like a heavy shroud.

When their number was finally called, they approached the clerk, the atmosphere thick with finality.

The paperwork was straightforward, completed with surprising swiftness.

The two divorce certificates represented the severing of their bond, a symbol of their complete disconnection.

Riley looked down at the certificate in her hand, a wave of relief washing over her. From this moment forth, she was no longer Bryce’s wife; she was simply Riley Anderson.

Riley smiled faintly, her fingers gently tracing the flag draped over the urn. “Come on, let’s head to the airport.”

She was taking Dominic and Bianca’s ashes to Carmel, their hometown—a place filled with memories and longings.

The Anderson family had adopted Bianca when she was young, and she later married their son, Dominic.

Riley recalled how Dominic and Bianca had always expressed their wish to return home after death, longing for the place that had once held their dreams.

That was why she was determined to lay them to rest in the veterans’ cemetery in Carmel.

Lara drove Riley to the airport, the silence between them comfortable yet heavy with unspoken emotions.

“You can head back now,” Riley said as they arrived, her voice steady. “I’ll be fine boarding on my own.”

“You’ve still got some time before boarding,” Lara replied, her tone insistent. “Let me stay with you for a bit. I can’t miss the chance to see Dominic and Bianca off one last time!”

“Alright then,” Riley relented, appreciating her friend’s support.

They found seats in the departure lounge, waiting for the boarding announcement.

Riley’s gaze fell upon the urns she held, a mixture of sorrow and determination swelling within her. Soon, she would finally be taking Dominic and Bianca home.

Just then, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts. “Riley? What are you doing here?”

Riley looked up to see Bella standing before her, clad in a co-pilot’s uniform, a sight that caught her off guard and stirred a complex mix of feelings within her.