The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 276

Inside the private dining room, the blonde, blue-eyed foreign client noticed Sebastian seemed distracted after returning. "Sebastian, is everything alright?" he asked in perfect English.

This client was someone Sebastian had personally courted and developed a partnership with. When Sebastian first returned to the St. John family, this client had provided immense support. After two years of working together, they had built a solid friendship.

Sebastian didn't hide it. He replied in fluent English, "Someone is giving my person a hard time."

Assuming it was internal family politics, the client offered, "Is there anything I can help with?"

Sebastian shook his head. "It's a personal matter."

A look of intrigue sparked in the client's eyes. "A woman?"

Sebastian pressed his lips together, pausing for a moment before nodding. "Yes."

"Wow." The client was amazed. In his mind, Sebastian was a workaholic who only cared about business and had zero interest in pleasure, let alone romance. "She must be incredibly beautiful, right?"

"Yes."

"When do I get to meet her?"

"Now isn't the right time."

The client nodded, respecting Sebastian's privacy. Being accommodating, he said, "Then hurry up and go find her. I'll be in the country for a few more days anyway. We can discuss the project next time."

Sebastian didn't hesitate. He stood up, gave a slight nod of gratitude, and quickly left the room.

In Riverport.

After ditching Pierce, Riley found a small restaurant for lunch. As she ate, she debated whether to call Sebastian back and explain that Pierce was the one who had hung up on him.

But then she realized it was just a hung-up call, and Sebastian probably already knew it wasn't her doing anyway, so there wasn't really anything to explain.

As she debated, her phone buzzed on the table. The caller ID read: Mom.

Riley froze for a second.

Why would Elaine Vance call her?

Feeling a pang of guilt, Riley took a deep breath, composed herself, and said warmly, "I've been good. How are you and Dad doing?"

"Same as always. When you have time, come back and visit us."

She was actively inviting her back. Her parents had really just been speaking out of anger back then; they hadn't abandoned her.

Riley's nose tingled and a lump formed in her throat, but a smile spread across her face. "Okay. I'll come over soon."

"Alright. Your dad and I will be waiting for you."

"Okay." Riley hung up, too thrilled to finish her food. She practically sprinted out of the restaurant, went to a nearby mall to buy snacks and health supplements, and caught a cab home.

The Vance family lived in the countryside, a little over an hour's drive from the city center.

They had built a new house last year—a three-story building with a private courtyard. It was considered very nice by countryside standards.

Riley carried the bags into the courtyard. The main gate was closed, but a smaller side door was left slightly ajar. As she approached to push it open, she heard voices from inside and froze.