Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 85

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox 85**
**CONTENT: Chapter 85 Go in With Riley**

The old man before Riley, Quinten Anderson, was a figure of both authority and history. With his hair streaked with gray and skin marked by the passage of time, his piercing gaze still held a remarkable intensity that spoke of power and wisdom. He was, after all, the reigning patriarch of the clan, the supreme authority whose presence commanded respect.

“Indeed,” Riley responded, meeting Quinten’s unwavering gaze with determination.

Quinten’s eyes bore into her, and in that moment, memories of the past flooded his mind. He recalled his elder brothers from the fifth branch, a lineage celebrated for its unwavering loyalty and remarkable selflessness.

As a child, he had watched with a mix of admiration and fear as each of the seven brothers of the fifth branch enlisted, one after the other, into the military. The weight of their decision hung heavily in the air, and young Quinten had felt an instinctive dread.

In a moment of desperation, he had grabbed one of his brothers by the arm, imploring, “Please, can’t you stay? You’re going to get killed out there!”

The brother had simply tousled his hair affectionately and replied with a calm assurance, “If we don’t go, more people will die, little brother. We’re not throwing our lives away; we’re fighting so that others in this country can live.”

At that tender age, Quinten had only grasped the essence of those words superficially. It wasn’t until years later, when he had grown and experienced the harsh realities of life, that he truly understood their weight. By then, only one of those seven brothers returned, and that brother had come back forever altered, having lost a leg in the conflict. Yet, he bore no regrets; his sacrifice was viewed as noble, a badge of honor in the face of adversity.

As these reflections washed over Quinten, the sharpness of his gaze softened, revealing a gentler side.

“Good, good, good!” he exclaimed, his voice rising with enthusiasm, “It is our honor to commemorate these heroes in the memorial hall! I dare anyone to challenge that!”

With a firm thud, he slammed his cane against the ground, the sound echoing through the silence that enveloped the group.

In an instant, the atmosphere shifted; a palpable tension filled the air, and the onlookers fell silent, their eyes wide with anticipation.

“Come on, Riley. Let’s go inside,” Quinten urged, gesturing for her to follow.

“Absolutely!” Riley replied, her voice steady and unwavering.

Just then, a voice broke through the stillness. “I’m going in with Riley.”

The crowd parted as Sebastian stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.

Quinten turned his gaze toward Sebastian, his expression calm yet firm. “This is a matter for our family. It wouldn’t be fitting for outsiders to intrude.”

Sebastian’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features.

Riley stepped closer to him, her tone gentle yet resolute. “This is the Anderson family’s memorial hall, and it’s my personal matter. But I appreciate your concern.”

Sebastian blinked, momentarily taken aback.

Concern?

Was he genuinely worried about Riley’s well-being?

Yet, if that were the case, why had he felt compelled to offer his company?

Sebastian hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing on him. Finally, he nodded slowly. “Alright, I’ll wait here.”

His unexpected decision stunned the members of the Anderson family.

The head of the Torres family, a well-known tycoon from Washington, choosing to linger at the entrance for Riley? It was unprecedented!

Riley, equally surprised, took a moment to digest his words. After a thoughtful pause, she nodded once more, “Okay.”

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