The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 108

Downstairs, Riley sat on the sofa texting Mrs. Gable to check on Lory. She could feel Beatrice throwing nasty glares her way, obviously still furious about being hung up on.

But because Sebastian was still in the house, Beatrice held her tongue.

Serena had been waiting by the staircase the entire time. As soon as she saw Sebastian coming down, she rushed over with a bright smile, offering the gift she had meticulously prepared.

But before she could even step fully in front of him, Franklin stepped smoothly into her path, blocking her.

Serena frowned in annoyance. "Mr. Finch, why are you in my way? This is a gift for Sebastian."

Franklin simply held out his hand.

Serena dodged his grasp. "It's for him, not you." She turned her gaze to Sebastian. "Sebastian, I handpicked this gift just for you. I know you'll love it."

"Thank you." Sebastian's tone was entirely detached and polite. He expressed standard courtesy but made no move to take the box.

Franklin spoke up again. "All items given to Mr. St. John must pass a security inspection."

Serena's tone turned sharp. "I'm practically his family! Do you really think I'd try to hurt him?"

Arthur, who was enjoying tea in the living room, noticed Sebastian's silence. He stood up, leaning on his cane, and walked over while scolding her. "Serena, stop this nonsense."

Serena pouted, shot Franklin an indignant huff, shoved the gift box into his hands, and stomped over to the side, crossing her arms.

Arthur approached Sebastian with a warm, grandfatherly smile. "Your sister is still young and doesn't know any better. I apologize for the trouble."

"It's fine." Sebastian glanced at his watch again. "I have matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now."

"Alright. Safe travels. Remember, you can come back whenever you want. This will always be your home."

Serena stormed over and forcefully shoved Riley aside. "Do you seriously think you can just grab my brother's arm and pretend everything is fine after what you did?"

Caught completely off guard, Riley stumbled hard.

Pierce lunged forward, catching Riley to steady her, and glared at Serena. "How old are you? Stop acting like a brat!"

Serena snorted in outrage. "Pierce, this is exactly why she thinks she can get away with hanging up on Mom! You coddle her too much!"

Beatrice instantly adopted the posture of the offended matriarch. "Riley, I asked you to call Pierce and tell him to come home for dinner with Sebastian. You hung up on me. Do you have a problem with Sebastian?"

Her ability to twist the truth was astounding. Once Riley regained her balance, she pulled her arm free from Pierce's grip, stared right at Beatrice, and said, "I have no problem with Sebastian whatsoever."

"Then you have a problem with me. You have zero respect for your elders!" Serena finished, turning quickly to Arthur. "Grandpa, the last time Riley caused her own hemorrhage by running around wildly, Sebastian said Pierce had an undeniable responsibility as her husband, and punished him by locking him in the ancestral hall for a day and a night.