The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 223

Felix Fletcher set down his cards, offering a warm smile. "Good evening, Dr. Vance."

Lawrence Halloway, the man sitting next to Sebastian, gave her a polite, understated nod.

The three women—Bernice Halloway, Sienna Landon, and Tessa York—eyed her with a mix of surprise and intrigue before putting their cards down to greet her enthusiastically.

Riley had been incredibly nervous on her way over. Pierce’s old social circle had always looked down on her, and Sebastian's friends were undoubtedly from an even higher echelon of the elite.

She was sure a normal person like her would stick out like a sore thumb in their world.

She wasn't necessarily insecure—she didn't want anything from them, after all—but she dreaded the potential awkwardness.

To her shock, they were incredibly welcoming. There wasn't a trace of the disdain or snobbery she was used to dealing with from Pierce's crowd. Their class and character were on an entirely different level.

Birds of a feather truly did flock together.

Why would a man with Sebastian's impeccable manners and refinement associate with the trashy friends Pierce kept?

Riley's anxiety melted away. She smiled warmly. "Good evening, everyone." Her gaze then shifted to Sebastian. As soon as she met his dark, profound eyes, her heart betrayed her with a skipped beat.

Her instinct was to look away, but she forced herself to hold eye contact. She refused to run away. It was just an accident; she needed to face him normally. "Happy birthday, Sebastian."

Sebastian gave a faint nod.

The room went silent.

Sebastian?

Why was she calling him by his first name so casually?

They were practically bursting at the seams wanting to know what exactly was going on between these two.

Sebastian stood up, addressing the room. "Let's eat."

Everyone moved toward the expansive dining area attached to the suite.

Felix nudged Zach, whispering, "What exactly is the deal between Dr. Vance and Sebastian?"

Zach wanted to know just as badly. "You should go ask him."

How could she not come?

Did something happen?

But what could possibly be more important than her boyfriend's birthday?

Realizing this was their private business, Riley didn't push it, though she felt a strange pang of disappointment. She had hoped to see Winona.

"How's your injury?" his deep voice broke the silence.

"Almost entirely healed." It had scabbed over, and she had full mobility again.

"I have a scar-fading ointment in my car. It works wonders. Remind me to give it to you before you leave."

Riley glanced up at him. He was looking straight ahead, his sharp profile cool and unbothered. "Okay. Thank you."

Entering the dining room, the group gathered around the large, circular table.

By the time Riley walked over, there were only two adjacent empty seats left. Everyone had paired off with their significant others—which made sense, considering how they had been sitting during the card game.