Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 9

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

**Chapter 9: Officially Quit**

“What did you just say?” Bryce’s jaw dropped, disbelief etched across his face.

Kieran’s eyes widened, mirroring the shock radiating from Bryce. The silence in the room was thick, almost suffocating.

“I’ll be handing in my resignation tomorrow,” Riley declared, her voice unwavering and resolute.

In that moment, Riley felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had made a decision, one that felt both liberating and terrifying. If she was going to end things with Bryce, she would sever every single connection that tethered her to him.

Bryce’s brows knitted together, a storm brewing in his expression. “Is this some sort of threat? Just because I didn’t shield you when the bullets started flying, you think you can pull this quitting stunt?” His voice was low, dripping with accusation.

Riley met his gaze, unflinching. “It’s not a threat, Bryce. This is a done deal. I’m walking away, and the future of Murphy Tech will be none of my concern. As for you and Bella? You’re free to do whatever you wish.”

With a firm grip, she took hold of Lara’s arm and stormed out, not bothering to look back.

Around them, a crowd began to gather, curious eyes darting in their direction, whispering among themselves, trying to make sense of the unfolding drama.

—

The tension in the office was palpable as Bryce rubbed his temples in frustration. “Fine. Go ahead and quit then. Take your time to cool off,” he snapped, his irritation evident.

Kieran stood there, still processing what had just happened. “No way… she’s really leaving? Does she honestly believe she can find a better job somewhere else?” His voice was laced with disbelief.

“Let her leave,” Bryce waved dismissively, a smirk playing on his lips. “She’ll come crawling back before you know it.”

Bella scoffed, her lip curling in disdain. “I can’t stand people who wield their jobs as leverage. Quitting over some trivial nonsense? It’s such a waste of a National Defense University degree.”

“National Defense grad or not,” Kieran sneered, “in the real world, she’s probably only good for pouring coffee or mopping floors.”

Bella chuckled, her expression one of superiority. To her, Riley was nothing more than a jealous, needy mess. That fancy diploma she flaunted meant absolutely nothing; without a man to support her, she was utterly useless.

For three long years, Riley had merely coasted at Bryce’s company, riding on the coattails of his success. The thought ignited a fire of contempt within Bella.

—

The following day, Riley strode into the office, her heart pounding as she prepared to break the news to her project team.

“Riley, you’re leaving? This is completely unexpected!” one team member exclaimed, eyes wide with shock.

“Oh God, what’s going to happen to our project?” another fretted, anxiety creeping into their voice.

Most of the staff were blissfully unaware that Riley was Bryce’s wife; only his secretary knew the truth. However, everyone on the team held Riley in high regard. She had an uncanny ability to get things done, and every project she touched seemed to flourish.

The thought of someone else stepping into her role filled them with dread.

“Mr. Murphy will find a replacement soon enough,” Riley said, her tone calm and steady, though her heart raced.

—

She clutched her printed resignation letter tightly as she made her way to Bryce’s office.

Upon entering, she found Bryce there, not alone. His younger sister, Claire, was also present.

Bryce glanced at the letter, his expression darkening. “Are you really going through with this?” he asked, disbelief tinging his voice.

“I thought I made myself clear yesterday,” Riley replied, her voice cool and unwavering.

“If you’re trying to strong-arm me with this, Riley, I must say I’m disappointed,” he said, his tone heavy with judgment.

Riley let out a soft laugh, though there was no trace of humor in it. The disappointment should have been hers.

“Bryce, I’m not playing games here. I refuse to work with a man who would push his own wife aside when the going gets tough,” she stated, her conviction unshakeable.

Bryce’s face twisted, a flicker of guilt flashing across his features before irritation took over.

“Fine. Don’t come crying to me when you regret this,” he muttered.

—

He scrawled his signature across the letter, his voice icy. “Claire’s taking over your projects. Make sure you hand everything off properly before you leave.”

Claire tilted her chin up, a smug expression plastered on her face. Fresh out of college, she was eager to prove herself.

“Don’t worry, Bryce. I’ve got this,” she said, brimming with overconfidence.

If Riley could do it, Claire was convinced she could do it better.

A few days later, Lara nearly burst with joy when she learned that Riley had officially quit.

“Yes! That’s my girl!” she cheered, clapping her hands excitedly. “You should have left that place ages ago. You worked your fingers to the bone for Bryce, and he never even bothered to thank you. Without you, his company wouldn’t have gone public so quickly!”

Riley offered a bittersweet smile, a mixture of pride and sadness swirling within her.

“So, what’s next for you?” Lara asked, leaning forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“I’m not entirely sure yet,” Riley admitted. “Maybe I’ll consider going back to the military.”

Lara’s face lit up. “Or you could come work with me! I’ve wanted to recruit you for my company since the moment Soul left the service.”

“You were a rockstar in drone research back then. If you hadn’t poured everything into Bryce’s startup, you’d probably be a top expert by now.”

Riley’s gaze softened, memories flooding back. Drones had been her passion during college, and she had worked on groundbreaking projects while in the military.

Even at Murphy Tech, she had envisioned leading new drone applications. But now, with her ties to Bryce severed, Lara’s offer felt like a breath of fresh air, a chance to reclaim her identity.

“I’ll think about it,” Riley said, her tone contemplative.

“Deal!” Lara grinned, knowing that when Riley said she would “think about it,” it was practically a yes.

Just then, Riley’s phone buzzed, breaking the moment.

She answered, and Claire’s loud, entitled voice blared through the speaker. “Riley, you lazy bum! Get over here! Did you forget you’re supposed to take Mom to the hospital today?”

Riley’s voice turned icy. “I’m busy. Your mom has a checkup, so why don’t you and Bryce take her?”

Without waiting for a response, she hung up and promptly blocked Claire’s number.

In the three years of her marriage, every time Amanda fell ill, it had been Riley who took her to the hospital.

Handling the appointments, picking up prescriptions, conversing with doctors… she had done it all, pouring her heart into caring for Amanda.

But no matter how much she gave, they never appreciated her efforts. Not once.

Today was Amanda’s follow-up for her eye surgery, and for the first time in years, Riley wouldn’t be there.