The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 226

"Do they look like they're dating? No dates, no public appearances, and she didn't even show up to his birthday. If I had to guess, Lady Eleanor was probably badgering him about marriage, and he just used the Spencer girl as a shield."

"With his status, he could have literally any woman on the planet. Why a divorced single mother? And why Pierce's ex-wife, of all people?" Felix still couldn't wrap his head around it, taking a harsh drag of his cigarette.

Zach didn't get it either, but... "You know how he is. If he wasn't dead set on her, he never would have brought her to meet us tonight."

That was exactly what worried Felix. "Forget the massive class gap between them—this situation is a logistical nightmare. It's not going to end well."

Zach clapped him on the shoulder. "Which is exactly why he needs us backing him."

Felix gave him a sidelong glance. "You support this?"

"Everyone thinks he's untouchable, but we know the hell he survived to get here. The kidnapping, the betrayal, the car crash, being paralyzed in a coma..."

Zach paused, his voice softening. "He's suffered too much. He's thirty years old and has never let a woman near him. Now he finally wants someone. I don't care who she is; if he loves her, I'm backing him."

Felix stared at the floor for a long moment before a slow smirk spread across his face. "His taste in women sure is... unique."

The two finished their cigarettes and headed back to the table.

Lawrence shot Felix an inquiring look.

Felix gave a subtle, affirming nod.

Lawrence instantly understood.

As soon as Zach and Felix sat down, Tessa and Sienna immediately grabbed them, whispering frantically for details.

Riley couldn't help but notice how strange Sebastian's friends were acting. They kept whispering to each other and stealing glances at her.

Did she have something on her face?

Noticing her discomfort, Sebastian cast a slow, lazy glance over the table. "Since you're all so busy, maybe you should take your meetings home."

Catching the hint, Zach put on a theatrical performance, looking at Tessa. "We're here to celebrate a birthday, babe. Stop talking about work."

Terrified of ruining their game, she shook her head. "I've never played before. I'll pass. You guys go ahead."

Sebastian didn't push. "Alright." He looked over at Lawrence's wife. "Bernice, would you mind keeping her company?"

"Of course," Bernice smiled warmly. She turned to Riley. "Would you rather do karaoke or hang out in the tea room?"

"The tea room sounds lovely."

The men headed for the game room.

The women made their way to the tea room.

Before taking his seat, Sebastian leaned in close to Lawrence, dropping his voice. "Tell your wife to watch what she says."

Lawrence, well aware that Sebastian hadn't made his move yet, knew he was worried the women would overwhelm Riley with invasive questions. Lawrence smirked. "You haven't even asked her out yet, and you're already this protective?"