The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 371

Lucille instantly spun around, completely blocking Madeline's view of the hallway.

"I thought I saw Evie. Why are you blocking me?"

"You saw wrong. That wasn't Evie, it was just a young couple out in the hallway getting all lovey-dovey."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." Lucille grabbed Madeline's arm and gently steered her back into the room. "You can just give these to her next time."

Riley grabbed Sebastian's hand and practically bolted for the elevators, not stopping until they were safely out of sight. She patted her wildly beating chest. "That was too close. Madeline almost saw us."

Sebastian reached out and smoothed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "If my mother saw me kidnapping her future daughter-in-law, she'd definitely have my head for being a con artist."

She was terrified to death, and he was casually making jokes! The boss really was the boss—his psychological endurance was on a completely different level.

The two of them took the elevator down.

Sebastian didn't immediately head for the main exit. Instead, he pointed to the small park nearby. "Take a walk with me?"

"Okay."

They entered the park. It was empty at this hour, illuminated only by the soft, hazy glow of the amber path lights.

Sebastian took Riley's hand.

Riley paused for a split second, her gaze dropping to their intertwined fingers. This was the first time they had ever held hands while walking. She gently wrapped her fingers around his large, warm hand in return.

They shared a look, seeing the reflection of each other in their eyes.

The park was perfectly still, accompanied only by the faint, distant hum of traffic and the soft crunch of their footsteps on the path.

As they walked, Riley said, "The orphanage renovations are finished. I'm heading to Riverport tomorrow."

At the mention of Riverport, Sebastian's brow furrowed ever so slightly. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"You don't have to. I'll be back the day after tomorrow."

"Okay."

Just then, Sebastian's phone rang. It was Franklin. "What is it?"

"Our people tracked Mason Reed to Southampton."

Southampton—where Victoria lived with her husband's family.

Sebastian's expression instantly turned glacial. Remembering that Riley was right beside him and not wanting to worry her, he quickly suppressed the ice in his eyes. "Did they catch him?"

"Not yet."

"Book a flight. I'm going there personally tomorrow."

"Understood."

Seeing Sebastian hang up, Riley asked with concern, "Where are you going tomorrow?"

She had even abandoned her own dreams and career to secure that warmth, returning to domestic life for his sake.

She had always believed she loved Pierce. But now...

She wasn't so sure anymore.

Because during her entire time with Pierce, she had never felt the kind of heart-pounding electricity she felt with Sebastian. Nor had she ever felt this ridiculous, desperate reluctance to part when they were literally still standing together.

Maybe love came in different depths?

Some shallow, some deep?

When the long, breathless kiss finally broke, Sebastian rested his forehead against hers, panting softly. His eyes were dark and burning, his voice gravelly with desire. "I'll call you the second I get back."

Riley was entirely breathless too, her cheeks flushed bright red. "Okay."

The next day.

At ten-thirty, Riley arrived at the Riverport airport. Quinn was already waiting at the arrivals gate.

The two of them left the airport and hailed a taxi. Just as they got in, Riley's phone started ringing.

Quinn, sitting right next to her in the backseat, immediately spotted the name 'Sebastian' on the screen. Her eyes widened in absolute shock. "Don't tell me that's Mr. St. John calling!"

Riley nodded. "It is. Just hold on a second. I'll explain everything after I take this."