The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 245

Riley had originally thought this would be a joyful reunion dinner, but with Sebastian sitting beside her, she ate the entire meal in a state of high anxiety, not daring to cast a single glance in his direction.

She conversed exclusively with Dr. Jenson and Zachary. Aside from the initial greeting, she didn't exchange a single word with Sebastian.

Sebastian was a man of few words anyway. He only offered occasional, brief replies when Dr. Jenson politely addressed him, remaining mostly quiet throughout the meal.

Zachary's gaze subtly flicked back and forth between Sebastian and Riley. A trace of amusement flashed through his eyes before quickly disappearing as he seamlessly resumed his conversation with Dr. Jenson.

As the dinner drew to a close, Riley put down her silverware. "I'm finished. Take your time, I'm just going to use the restroom." With that, she stood up and left the private room.

Once she was gone, Sebastian also stood. "Going out for a smoke."

Zachary wore a highly suggestive smile, his words layered with meaning. "Take your time with that smoke."

Sebastian cast a cool glance at Zachary before stepping out of the room.

When Riley emerged from the restroom, she immediately spotted Sebastian smoking beside the ash receptacle near the entrance.

His posture was tall and straight, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other holding a cigarette. The crisp, unwrinkled black shirt and tailored dark trousers gave off a refined, meticulous aura. Simply standing there, he exuded a suffocating, invisible pressure.

Sebastian exhaled a plume of pale blue smoke and turned to look at her.

Meeting his deep, abyss-like gaze, Riley's mind uncontrollably flashed back to the steamy images from her dream. Her heart skipped a beat. She instantly lowered her eyes and froze in place.

Sebastian crushed the half-smoked cigarette out in the ash receptacle and began walking toward her.

Listening to the steady thud of his leather shoes against the floor, Riley's pulse accelerated with every step he took.

Why was she just standing here?

She should walk away.

Or say something at least.

Sebastian pushed open the heavy door to the stairwell, pulled her inside, and released her wrist the moment the door clicked shut behind them.

The sound of the door closing triggered the motion-sensor lights, illuminating the stairwell.

Riley looked up nervously at the man who towered more than half a head above her. "Sebastian, is something the matter?"

His dark, intense gaze bore into hers. "Why are you avoiding me?"

Riley's heart gave a slight tremble. Too afraid to meet his eyes, she lowered her gaze. "I'm not avoiding you."

Her voice was quiet, clearly lacking any conviction.

"Did Winona say something to you?"

The man's deep, crisp voice drifted down from above. Riley shook her head. "No."