The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 127

She had to just still be angry. He couldn't rush this; he had to take his time. It was just like when he first pursued her—hadn't he won her over little by little back then?

He had won her heart once; he could certainly win it a second time.

At four o'clock, the butler called to inform them that the gala would begin at six and asked if she needed a makeup artist.

For an occasion like this, professional makeup was basic etiquette. Riley had planned to do her own makeup, but she was impressed by the St. John family's impeccable hospitality.

Shortly after, three makeup artists arrived—one each for Beatrice, Serena, and Riley. By the time the three women finished their makeup and changed into their evening gowns, it was already five-thirty.

Pierce and Arthur had been waiting downstairs the entire time.

Before they left, Arthur looked at Riley and said, "The guests at tonight's gala are incredibly wealthy and powerful. You make sure you stay by Pierce's side and support him well."

Riley knew Arthur was warning her not to throw a tantrum at such an important event and to cooperate fully with Pierce. "Don't worry. I'll do exactly as I promised."

Arthur nodded in satisfaction, then turned to look at Serena. "Have you thought things through?"

Serena had cried for a long time that afternoon. Even though the makeup artist had applied eye masks, the swelling in her eyelids hadn't completely subsided.

She lowered her eyes, her thumb digging hard into her index finger by her side, and replied softly, "I have."

"Good. Let's go."

The group walked out to find golf carts already waiting for them.

The gala was held in the grand banquet hall.

When Riley and the others arrived and stepped out of the carts, Pierce walked up to Riley and slightly raised his right arm. "Let's go in together."

Riley was just about to look away when she caught a glimpse of the tie clip on his chest. Her gaze instantly locked onto it.

That was the gift she had given him yesterday.

He was actually wearing it at such an important event tonight!

When she bought it, she only thought the style might suit him, but she never imagined it would look this perfect.

The cool, subtle gleam of the metal highlighted his naturally aristocratic aura. Under the ambient lighting of the gala, it caught just a sliver of faint, icy light—perfectly accentuating his deeply ingrained, understated elegance.

Perhaps her gaze had been too intense, catching his attention. He suddenly looked up and turned his eyes in her direction.

Across the noisy, crowded room, their eyes met.