The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 285

"Who the hell are you?"

"You... Ahhh!"

The thug was kicked backward so viciously by the intruder that he let out a bloodcurdling howl.

Riley suddenly felt the crushing weight vanish from her legs. Her eyes snapped open just in time to see the man slam heavily onto the concrete floor. Through her tear-blurred vision, she made out the towering figure of Sebastian. Like an avenging god, he kicked one man across the room and then drove a brutal punch straight into the face of the thug pinning her arms.

A sickening crunch echoed through the air as the man's nose shattered. He was thrown backward onto the floor, screaming in agony as blood poured down his face.

Sebastian's eyes, burning with lethal fury, landed on Riley's battered, shattered state on the desk. The last shreds of his restraint completely crumbled, leaving nothing but an overwhelming wave of deep, suffocating heartache. Without a second of hesitation, he stripped off his black dress shirt and draped it over her, his voice low and heavy with guilt. "I'm sorry. I was late."

Everything had happened so fast that Riley was stunned. For a second, she couldn't believe it was real. Timidly, yet filled with desperate hope, she whispered, "Sebastian?"

"Yes. It's me."

Hearing his confirmation, Riley reacted like a drowning victim who had just grabbed hold of a life preserver. She pushed herself up from the desk and threw her arms around him, clinging to him tightly. Her body shook violently as she broke down into uncontrollable sobs.

It was as if someone who had endured endless bullying and silently swallowed their tears had finally found their protector. The strong front she had desperately maintained completely shattered. All her vulnerability and terror came pouring out, her suppressed cries echoing loudly in the room.

Sebastian stiffened for a fraction of a second before his arms wrapped securely around her. His large hand gently stroked her back in a steady, soothing rhythm. The man who was always entirely unshakeable now had eyes full of lingering terror and profound tenderness.

Franklin Finch, who had just rushed into the room, stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of his bare-chested boss holding Riley tight.

Sebastian turned his head toward Franklin at the door. "Get in here."

Pierce clearly hadn't expected Sebastian to refuse. Surprise flickered across his face before his gaze turned sharp and probing.

Sebastian stared right back, showing zero intention of backing down.

As the two locked eyes, a palpable tension electrified the air.

Having finished his orders upstairs, Franklin rushed outside and interrupted the heavy standoff. "Mr. Landon, the scum who hurt Riley are upstairs waiting for you."

Pierce kept his eyes fixed on Sebastian, his arms still outstretched.

Franklin's gaze shifted between the two men, vaguely sensing what this silent war was about. "Mr. Landon, someone needs to handle the aftermath here. Riley has suffered a massive shock and shouldn't be disturbed further. Mr. St. John and I will take her to the hospital first."