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.

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