Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 96

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 96: Guessing**

The national flag, a symbol of honor and sacrifice, was delicately draped over the urns, casting a solemn shadow on the ground below.

Next to it, a bullet pendant lay, placed with the utmost reverence.

**Lucky Draw**

Riley felt her heart constrict as her eyes brimmed with tears. That pendant, so small yet so significant, had belonged to her parents. It was one of their most cherished possessions, a token of love and resilience. The decision to bury it with them had been instinctive, a way to keep a piece of them close. Her father had been a victim of an unexpected shooting, and in the chaos that ensued, everyone had assumed he would not survive. But her mother, fierce and unwavering, had fought against the odds. In a moment of desperation, she had operated on him herself, extracting the bullet with her own hands.

From that day forward, her father would often say that his life was a gift—one bestowed upon him by her mother. It was a life that belonged not just to him, but to her and to the nation they both loved so dearly.

Nicolas had recounted the harrowing details of that day when her parents lost their lives overseas. He described how, in the face of imminent danger, her father had held onto her mother with an iron grip, refusing to let go as they faced the chaos of gunfire together. They had gone out as they had lived—side by side, united in love and purpose.

Her father had truly meant every word. His life was dedicated to his country and to the woman he adored, right until his last breath.

**1/6**

**10:50**

**Chapter 96: Guessing**
**Lucky Draw**

The guards of honor stood tall, rifles raised high, and with a synchronized motion, they fired into the air. The sharp crack of gunfire echoed through the air—seven shots, each one ringing out like a proclamation: “The hero has returned to the ranks!”

At that moment, Riley could no longer contain the flood of emotions that surged within her. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a bittersweet release. Her parents could finally find peace, their sacrifices honored in the most profound way.

Once the burial ceremonies concluded, Riley summoned every ounce of strength to push through her grief. She made her way around the gathering, engaging in conversations with every official from Carmel and reconnecting with her parents’ old comrades.

Quinten remained steadfast by her side, a silent yet powerful reminder that though her parents had departed, she was still an Anderson. The family bond was unbreakable, and they were there for her, unwavering in their support.

From the sidelines, the younger Andersons observed the scene with keen interest, their whispers barely concealed.

“Riley seems to be quite the focal point, doesn’t she? Just look at all those officials flocking to her, and Great-grandpa is right behind her. Did you catch that? Even Sebastian made an appearance today,” one remarked, a hint of envy in their tone.

**2/6**

**10:50**

**Chapter 96: Guessing**
**Lucky Draw**

“Tell me about it! I heard Sebastian rarely shows up for funerals unless they involve his own family,” another chimed in, a mix of disbelief and intrigue coloring their voice.

“Do you think he might have a crush on Riley? What about Wren, then? What does that mean for her?”

“Wren? She’s just riding the wave of guilt from the Torres family. That’s why she’s been so insufferable. But really, how could someone like Sebastian ever fall for someone with such a messed-up eye?”

“Once Wren loses Sebastian’s support, she and her cowardly father will probably find themselves ousted from the Anderson Group.”

Outside the bathroom, Wren overheard her so-called friends disparaging her, the tension in her hands causing her nails to dig painfully into her palms.

**Chapter 96: Guessing**
**Lucky Draw**

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