The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 193

Riley stopped dead in her tracks, spinning around with a sharp frown. They were divorced—why was he still acting like the man of the house?

Irritation flared in her chest. "This is my place. What gives you the right to invite people over without asking me first?"

Seeing the icy distance in her eyes, Pierce frowned. "Riley, didn't you promise we could try to get along as friends?"

"Do friends invite guests over to someone else's house without permission?"

Pierce hesitated, caught off guard. He looked down at the toddler in his arms. "Looks like Daddy made a mistake, sweetie. Mommy's upset with me."

He covertly monitored Riley's expression as he spoke. Seeing her rigid posture soften slightly, he offered an apology. "I was in the wrong this time. It won't happen again. I just figured that since you're new to Statenbury and don't know anyone, having Sebastian over for dinner would be a good way to ensure he keeps an eye out for you both. That's all."

Riley hadn't expected his intentions to be so practical. Still, he hadn't communicated it beforehand, so she couldn't be blamed for lashing out. "Just keep Alora entertained. I'm going to help Mrs. Gable in the kitchen."

Pierce nodded. "Alright."

Entering the kitchen, Riley rolled up her sleeves to wash vegetables, but Mrs. Gable immediately shooed her away. "You've been working hard all day. Go rest, I've got this."

"It's fine. I just don't want to be out there right now."

The divorce was still fresh, and she hadn't quite adjusted to their new dynamic. Being in the same room as him and their daughter felt overwhelmingly awkward.

Acting too familiar was inappropriate now that they were separated.

But acting like total strangers was impossible when they shared a child. The boundaries were painfully blurred.

Mrs. Gable set the table and slipped away to take care of Alora.

That left Riley, Sebastian, and Pierce alone in the dining room.

Pouring a glass of brandy for Sebastian, Pierce smiled. "Sebastian, I hope you'll look out for Riley and Alora."

Sebastian cast a subtle glance at Riley before giving a single nod. "I will."

"Then I'll toast to that." Pierce clinked his glass gently against the rim of Sebastian's before downing it in one gulp. "I finished mine. Drink at your own pace."

Sebastian's long, elegant fingers gripped the glass. He didn't take a sip right away. Instead, he asked evenly, "You can't drive after drinking. How are you getting back to your hotel?"