The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 227

"It's only a matter of time."

Lawrence had expected Sebastian to either deflect or stay silent. Openly admitting it meant he was dead serious.

His smirk faded into a look of solemn understanding. "That path is not going to be an easy one."

Sebastian knew exactly how brutal the road ahead would be. The massive wealth gap, the taboo nature of their connection, the vicious social judgment—all of it stood in their way. But in his mind, the only real obstacle was Riley's heart.

As long as she said yes, she wouldn't have to lift a finger. He would crush everything else that stood in their way.

"When has my path ever been easy?"

Lawrence paused. It was true. Sebastian had fought through absolute hell to survive, and he had conquered it all. "Then I wish you victory."

Sebastian’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Thanks."

Just as Bernice reached the tea room, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Lawrence: [He hasn't told her how he feels yet. Keep the conversation strictly casual. Don't scare her off.]

She immediately forwarded the text to a private group chat with Sienna and Tessa.

Sienna and Tessa read the message and exchanged wide-eyed, stunned looks.

So the great Sebastian St. John was secretly pining?

This was somehow even more shocking than the fact that he was into his buddy's ex-wife!

The ruthless, untouchable billionaire who had half the women in Statenbury throwing themselves at his feet... was quietly crushing on a girl?

Talk about every king meeting his match.

Riley walked up to the tea room, noticing the three women standing frozen in the doorway, staring at each other. "Why aren't you going in?"

Bernice recovered first, breezing inside and smoothly changing the subject. "What kind of tea do you prefer, Dr. Vance?"

Bernice turned to Riley with an innocent smile. "Want to come watch them play?"

Since everyone was going, Riley couldn't politely stay behind alone. "Sure."

Bernice prepared four cups of tea. "Let's carry one each."

They walked into the game room. Bernice, Sienna, and Tessa immediately gravitated toward their respective partners, handing them their drinks.

Leaving Riley with literally no other option than to walk over to Sebastian. She placed the tea on the small side cart next to him, which held their chips and drinks.

After giving Lawrence his tea, Bernice pulled up a chair right next to Riley. She pushed Sebastian's side cart out of the way, slid the chair into the gap, and practically forced Riley to sit down. "Sit next to him and watch. Once you learn, we can play a girls' game."

Riley gave a strained, awkward smile. "I know absolutely nothing. I doubt I'd catch on."

Zach tossed a tile onto the table and grinned at her. "Dr. Vance, he's a master. With him teaching you, you'll be a pro in no time."