Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 74

**Dreams Refuse Gravity**
**by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 74: Worried**

“He vanished five years ago,” Riley remarked, her expression dimming with the weight of the words.

Despite the whispers echoing around her, insisting that Samuel was likely dead, she clung fiercely to hope.

As long as they had yet to uncover his body, Samuel lived on within the depths of her heart.

In a bid to shake off the somber thoughts, Riley swiftly shifted the conversation. “So, Mr. Torres, while I’m taking on the role of your bodyguard, are there any ground rules I ought to be aware of? It’s better to lay them out now.”

Sebastian straightened his posture, a hint of authority returning to his demeanor. “As I mentioned before, during these next three months, focus on settling your affairs in Carmel first. Just use your spare moments to ensure my safety. And when social events arise, you’ll need to accompany me.”

Riley nodded, her resolve firm. “Absolutely, no issue at all.”

Although she had never officially served as a bodyguard while in the army, she had undertaken protective assignments in the past. This assignment seemed manageable, perhaps even straightforward.

“Oh, and there’s one more vital point,” Sebastian interjected, pausing for a moment as if weighing his words carefully. “No matter what happens, stay right beside me.”

Riley nearly sputtered on her soup, caught off guard.

Is he genuinely afraid of being left behind?

He had summoned her to be his bodyguard multiple times, perhaps because she had proven reliable in challenging situations.

It was as if he had endured so many instances of abandonment that the fear of it happening again lingered like a shadow.

He was Sebastian, once the young heir of the illustrious Torres family and now its head! Who could possibly dare to abandon him?

“Sure thing! I promise,” Riley replied enthusiastically.

Since her mission was to protect him, the idea of leaving him behind was simply out of the question.

A smile broke across Sebastian’s face, transforming his usually stoic expression into something warm and inviting. “Well, then we have a deal!”

His icy demeanor melted away, replaced by a soft glow that illuminated the room.

In that fleeting moment, Riley felt her breath hitch in her throat. The Sebastian she was witnessing now seemed like a stranger compared to the menacing figure that had been etched into her memory.

XXXXX

After they finished their meal, Riley excused herself to the restroom, feeling the need for a brief moment alone.

However, as she approached the sink, she unexpectedly came face-to-face with Wren—the same woman she had encountered earlier.

Wren casually adjusted her glasses, a sly smile playing on her lips. “What a delightful surprise, Ms. Anderson. I hear from Sebastian that you two share a connection beyond mere friendship—so what’s really happening there?”

Wren’s voice dripped with sweetness, a stark contrast to the haughty demeanor of many affluent women. Yet, the way her gaze lingered on Riley made her skin crawl with discomfort.

“Nah, it’s nothing special,” Riley shot back, her tone defensive. To be honest, she and Sebastian weren’t even friends.

At best, she was merely his temporary bodyguard for the next three months.

“You know what? Sebastian cares more about my eyes than anything else!” Wren shouted, her voice rising.

Normally, Wren wouldn’t have been concerned about women hovering around Sebastian.

She was well aware that he was not the type to fall in love; these women were merely entertaining themselves. So, despite the lack of affection from him, Wren maintained her composure.

She had convinced herself she could play the long game, and her patience was boundless.

But this Riley was different. It made her uneasy. Sebastian had never held a girl’s hand on his own before. Ever.

And today? He had personally guided Riley into that private room, hand in hand, as if she were someone special.

Deep down, Wren recognized she couldn’t allow Riley to remain close to Sebastian. She had to eliminate her, or the entire situation could spiral out of control.

That was precisely why Wren resorted to the underhanded tactics she usually scorned.

But something felt amiss—rather than panicking, Riley simply flipped her phone over.

There it was: an active call.

And the name flashing on the screen? Sebastian!

Wren’s heart raced, a mix of surprise and dread washing over her. “You… you called Sebastian?” she gasped, lunging forward to snatch the phone from Riley’s grasp.

But Riley deftly sidestepped her and pressed the speaker button. “You heard all that, right?”