The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 370

"Yes."

Just as she suspected. Riley fell silent, trying to figure out how to express her thoughts without making him misunderstand.

"Why did you stop talking? Are they still making things difficult for you?"

"No. This is my job, and I can handle it. I know you just wanted to help, but I don't want to be someone who has to rely on you for everything."

He remained silent. Riley continued, "If I run into something I genuinely can't solve, I will come to you."

"Okay."

"Are you angry?"

"No. I just didn't consider your feelings thoroughly enough."

His deep voice was steady and calm, completely devoid of displeasure. He had stepped in to help, and instead of thanking him, she had pushed back. Yet, rather than getting angry, he was reflecting on his own actions. Riley felt that Sebastian was truly a wonderful man.

But she genuinely didn't want to become a clingy dependent. Sebastian was incredibly exceptional, and she didn't want to fall too far behind. She wanted to be able to stand beside him as an equal. She couldn't change her background, but she could improve her own abilities and character through hard work.

If she wanted this relationship to last, she had to constantly better herself.

Moreover, if the day ever came where they couldn't make it work and ended up parting ways, she didn't want to become someone who couldn't survive without him.

So, from every possible angle, she didn't want to become overly reliant on him.

"I want to go visit Madeline tomorrow evening. Are you coming?" Riley asked, changing the subject.

"I'll come find you after I finish work."

"Okay."

After leaving the community center, Riley headed back to the hospital, filed her follow-up reports at the research institute, and ran into Zachary in the underground parking garage on her way home.

Zachary waved at her. "Hey, sister-in-law."

Riley frantically looked around, relieved to see no one else around. She hurried over. "Zach, please just call me Dr. Vance."

Zachary nodded in understanding. "Oh, you and Sebastian are keeping things underground, huh? Got it. I'll call you Dr. Vance in public, and sister-in-law in private."

Riley was speechless.

Zachary leaned in a little closer, an extremely teasing smile on his face. "Sister-in-law, I didn't expect you to have such a wild side when you're drunk."

Riley froze, quickly remembering what Sebastian had said that morning—Zachary was the one who had come over to set up her IV. Did that mean he was there when she did all those humiliating things?!

Stay calm. Do not panic.

Riley feigned utter confusion. "I blacked out entirely yesterday."

"I land in Riverport at ten-thirty."

"Great. Penelope mentioned wanting to hold a completion ceremony."

Figuring they would see each other tomorrow, Riley didn't drag out the conversation.

At nine-thirty, Sebastian texted her to say he had arrived.

Riley said her goodbyes to Madeline and stepped out, finding Sebastian waiting in the hallway. Seeing him stand right outside his mother's door but unable to go in and see her made her heart ache terribly.

She walked over and gently wrapped her arms around him.

Sebastian stiffened for a brief second before gently returning the embrace. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to hug you."

Just as they were embracing, the door behind them suddenly opened.

Lucille, carrying a box of cherries, walked out and spotted the two of them hugging in the hallway. She paused in surprise, then immediately broke into a beaming smile.

Hearing the noise, Riley turned her head. Seeing Lucille, her face instantly burst into flames.

At that exact moment, Madeline started walking toward the door from inside. "Hurry up and take those to Evie. What are you standing at the door for?"