The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 119

Riley, Beatrice, and Serena followed the butler into the grand main house. After walking for about two minutes, they reached the entrance of the sprawling living room. The butler stopped and gestured inside. "Please, go right in."

Riley nodded her thanks.

The butler turned and walked away.

Beatrice grabbed Serena's arm and proudly led the way into the living room.

Riley stepped in right behind them. Inside, Arthur was deep in conversation with an elegant older woman. His face wore a flattering, eager smile, his entire demeanor practically dripping with reverence. It was glaringly obvious that the woman he was speaking to was Eleanor St. John.

Lady Eleanor looked incredibly sharp and vibrant. Her silver hair was pinned back flawlessly, and a faint, warm smile touched her lips, giving her an aura of deep kindness and approachability.

Although Riley had been married to Pierce for a year, this was her very first trip to the St. John estate and her first time meeting the matriarch. After Beatrice and Serena finished their overly enthusiastic greetings, Riley stepped forward and spoke respectfully, "Lady Eleanor."

Eleanor's perceptive gaze swept over Riley.

She possessed striking, elegant features and a tall, slender frame. Eleanor had heard the girl came from a thoroughly ordinary background, yet she carried herself with an exceptional, quiet grace. Her eyes were clear and bright. Standing in this room of overwhelming wealth, she was calm, composed, and entirely unaffected. She seemed like a wonderful girl.

Strangely, despite this being their first meeting, Eleanor felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

She smiled warmly at Riley. "You must be Pierce's wife, Riley?"

Riley nodded. "Yes."

Pierce watched Riley, a faint smile curving his lips. She was still his wife. She was now, and she always would be.

Eleanor waved Riley over. "Come, sit next to me."

Riley could feel the burning glare of Serena's pure jealousy drilling into her back. Serena clearly felt that a nobody like Riley didn't deserve such an honor on her first visit.

Ignoring her, Riley walked over and sat gracefully beside Lady Eleanor.

Eleanor asked gently, "I heard you just gave birth not too long ago?"

Riley nodded. "Yes."

Beatrice's face soured. What did that mean? She didn't trust her word?

Eleanor excitedly grabbed Riley's hand. "Tell me, what did he name her?"

The older woman's hands were dry and warm, the soft wrinkles pressing a comforting heat into Riley's skin. Being held like this felt incredibly safe. "Alora."

"Alora," Eleanor repeated softly, testing the sound before nodding in firm approval. "Excellent. A truly beautiful name. I never would have guessed that boy would be willing to name a child."

A sudden thought wiped the smile from her face, and she let out a long, dramatic sigh. "If he likes kids so much, why hasn't he settled down and had one of his own? He's thirty years old and still single. He's going to worry me into an early grave."

Riley smiled politely but stayed silent. This was a minefield of a conversation she absolutely wasn't going to step into.

Eleanor squeezed Riley's hand a little tighter. "Riley, dear, do you know any single women around your age with a similar temperament? You should introduce someone to Sebastian."