Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 88

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 88: Fall for Him**

“Detained?” Riley’s voice was laced with disbelief, her mind racing to grasp the implications of the word.

**Lucky Draw**

Lara’s tone was incredulous, her eyes sparkling with a mix of triumph and indignation. “Come on! Did you see the scene she caused at the airport? Insulting your parents’ ashes like that? There’s no way she’s getting off easy. The military reported it, and trust me, there were witnesses everywhere. She’s facing a solid ten days in detention.”

Riley felt a strange mix of emotions swirling within her. The thought of Bella behind bars brought a flicker of satisfaction to Lara’s voice.

“It’s not a prison sentence, but let’s face it—this will haunt her. With this stain on her record, her dreams of being a co-pilot are shattered. Who knows, she might not even qualify for that role again!”

The image of Bella being confined, paying for her reckless actions, sent a wave of satisfaction coursing through Lara.

“And then there’s Bryce,” Lara continued, her voice dripping with disdain. “He’s running around, pulling every string he can to keep Bella from facing the consequences of her actions. But does he even realize who he’s dealing with? Who would dare to intervene in this mess?”

Riley’s heart raced at the thought. Bella had shown blatant disrespect towards the martyrs, and it was the military that was seething with anger.

The soldiers who had fought valiantly, sacrificing their lives for their country, could not tolerate someone so callously harassing the families of the fallen. The very idea of Bella attempting to open the urns for inspection was appalling.

Riley shuddered at the thought—if Bella had actually gone through with that, she would be facing a storm of trouble far beyond what she could imagine!

In truth, if the military hadn’t intervened, Riley would have made it her personal mission to ensure Bella faced the repercussions of her actions, once she had settled her parents’ affairs. The insult to her parents’ ashes was an unforgivable act in her eyes.

Bella had made her choice, and now she had to bear the consequences.

As for Bryce, he was merely a stranger in Riley’s world, someone whose motives she couldn’t trust.

Lara continued their conversation, her curiosity piqued. “So, where are you staying now? Back at your old family house?”

Riley sighed, shaking her head. “No, that place has been vacant for ages, and it’s in pretty rough shape. I plan to fix it up when I find the time. For now, I’m staying at Sebastian’s villa.”

“What?” Lara’s voice shot up several octaves, her surprise palpable even through the phone. “You’re staying at Sebastian’s? Are you… living with him? When did this happen?”

Riley rubbed her temples, feeling a headache brewing. “It’s not what you think. I’m going to be Sebastian’s bodyguard for three months. Once that’s done, we’ll go our separate ways.”

Lara’s surprise morphed into confusion. “Why on earth would you take on that role?”

“Um… nothing. I just remembered I have something to take care of. I’ll call you later!” Riley hurriedly said, ending the call. She turned around to find Sebastian standing at the bedroom door, his expression unreadable.

When had he arrived? How much of her conversation with Lara had he overheard?

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the air thickened with tension. Sebastian approached her, his gaze intense and searching.

“So, is it foolish to fall for me?” he asked, his voice low and steady.

Riley’s mind went blank, panic rising within her.

Oh no, he heard that!

They stood in an awkward silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.

Sebastian leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. “Or do you simply dislike me?”

Normally, his eyes were like a tranquil lake, devoid of emotion. But in this moment, they sparkled with a light that was almost magnetic, as if a hidden current was pulling her closer, inviting her to explore the depths of his soul.