The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 381

Riley stared at her phone for a moment before answering. "Sebastian."

"Didn't you say you'd message me once you got back to Statenbury? Why didn't you?"

Hearing the man's familiar voice, Riley suddenly felt a wave of vulnerability wash over her. She desperately wanted to tell him about the sheer terror she had experienced, but she knew it wouldn't change anything. It would only make him worry and disrupt his work.

If she told him, he might drop everything and rush over to find her. She couldn't help him with his career, but she absolutely refused to become a burden to him.

"I forgot. Is your work going smoothly?"

"Yeah."

"Sebastian."

"Hmm?"

Riley's grip on the phone tightened. She stayed silent for a few seconds before saying, "I miss you."

"FaceTime me."

"No need." Riley panicked slightly. If they switched to video, Sebastian would immediately realize she wasn't in Statenbury. "It's a little inconvenient right now."

"How is it inconvenient?"

"I..." Riley stammered. "I just took my clothes off. I'm about to take a shower."

The breathing on the other end grew slightly heavier. When he spoke again, his voice was laced with a husky edge. "Then take your shower first. We'll video call later."

Riley was speechless.

Why did she have to tell him she missed him?

She couldn't video call later either.

Whatever, she'd cross that bridge when she came to it.

Quinn had a trial that afternoon, so she hadn't seen Riley off at the airport. When she got home from working overtime that evening, she was incredibly surprised to find Riley still there. "Why are you still here?"

Riley smiled. "What, am I not welcome?"

"No, it's not that. Didn't you already buy your ticket?" Quinn knew Riley's personality; she would never change her plans for no reason. Plus, Riley had mentioned last night that she still had work. "Did something happen?"

Riley dropped her playful tone. She pulled Quinn onto the sofa and recounted the day's events.

After listening, Quinn immediately inspected Riley's body. Seeing the two vivid strangulation marks on her neck, her brows knitted in fury. "How can Seraphina be so vicious? First a kidnapping, and now outright attempted murder with a knife? We absolutely cannot let her get away with this!"

"Yeah, I've already gone to the police."

"This isn't just simple assault with a deadly weapon. She intended to kill you from the start. That's attempted murder! She needs to face the maximum penalty!"

"We'll see how the police handle it."

"Regardless, we will not forgive her, and we will not settle."

"Agreed."

"I didn't expect Pierce to throw himself in front of a knife for you, though." A look of surprise crossed Quinn's face.

"Ooh, look at you, being so considerate of his feelings."

Riley laughed and lightly punched Quinn's shoulder. "Shut up."

The next day.

In the morning, the police called Riley to ask if she was willing to settle out of court. The opposing party was offering an apology and compensation. She flatly refused, stating firmly that she wanted the matter handled strictly by the law.

At noon, she made soup and went to the hospital. She waited until Beatrice left to buy lunch before slipping into the room.

When Pierce saw Riley, a flash of pure joy lit up his eyes. "Riley."

"You got hurt because of me, so I came to see you. That's all. Don't overthink it," Riley clarified immediately.

The joy faded from Pierce's eyes, replaced by a look of hurt.

Riley ignored his gaze and walked over to the bedside table. As she took the thermos out, she asked, "How are you planning to handle the situation with Seraphina?"

Pierce pushed himself up against the bed, trying to sit up.

Riley set the thermos down, walked over to help him sit up properly, and propped two pillows behind his back.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Riley's tone was cool and detached. Seeing he was settled, she went back to the nightstand, grabbed a bowl and spoon, and began slowly pouring the soup.

"Ethan came to see me. He wants me to settle."