The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 384

Apart from getting thoroughly enraged, the two women achieved absolutely nothing.

Riley finally accepted reality and had no choice but to agree to the settlement.

However, Quinn managed to ruthlessly extort a massive sum from the Sutton family on Riley's behalf. As Quinn put it: if they couldn't put Seraphina behind bars, bleeding them dry was the next best way to vent their anger.

Just as the two walked out of the police station, Riley's phone rang. It was Sebastian. As soon as she answered, the man's deep, cool voice came through. "Are you still in Riverport?"

Though phrased as a question, his tone was entirely certain.

Riley's heart skipped a beat. "How did you know?"

"Zach said you didn't go to the hospital, and you've been avoiding my video calls."

How could she have forgotten about Zach?

And Dr. Jenson too—why did he have to report every little thing to Zach?

While Riley was trying to come up with an excuse, a worried voice came through the line. "Did something happen?"

He wasn't angry that she had lied to him; he was worried that she was in trouble.

All the anger and frustration Riley had built up at the police station seemed to be soothed by his words. A warm feeling spread through her chest. "Something did happen, but it's pretty much resolved now. Don't worry, I'm flying back to Statenbury tomorrow."

"What happened?"

"Just a minor issue. I've already..."

"Riley, if you don't tell me, I can find out myself," Sebastian interrupted.

Riley's grip on the phone tightened. After a few seconds of silence, she gave him a brief summary of what had happened yesterday. When she finished, the other end went silent. Noticing he wasn't speaking, Riley asked tentatively, "Are you mad?"

"Yes."

Riley was speechless. He just admitted it straight up?

She explained gently, "I didn't mean to deceive you. I just didn't want you to worry. I planned on telling you everything once I saw you in Statenbury."

A low sigh crackled through the receiver, sounding equal parts helpless and entirely defeated by her. "How was the situation handled? Don't leave anything out."

Having already upset him, Riley didn't dare hide anything else. She told him exactly how the settlement played out.

"I understand. Come back to Statenbury and don't worry about this anymore."

Riley felt like there was a hidden meaning behind his words: Don't worry about it, leave the rest to me.

She felt a spike of anxiety. "Are you planning to do something? I don't want to drag you into this."

"Are you worried about me?" His deep voice was suddenly laced with amusement, the end of his sentence tilting upward.

Riley blushed and admitted honestly, "Yes."

"Just come back to Statenbury safely. Trust me to handle things."

It detailed Seraphina's year abroad. Not only had she found a foreign boyfriend, but she frequently visited adult entertainment venues. The article included numerous photos of Seraphina partying in illicit clubs and intimate pictures with her foreign boyfriend.

Furthermore, it revealed that after returning home, she had hooked up with Julian, the young heir of the Sinclair Group who used to pursue her. Photos of them entering and leaving hotels together were attached.

The comments section was a warzone.

"Getting involved in someone else's marriage and being a homewrecker wasn't enough? She's messing around with all these men too? She's a disgrace to all women."

"What kind of 'heiress' is this? She's just a promiscuous piece of trash."

"Can she not survive without a man? How does someone like her even have the nerve to show her face in public?"

"Just breathing the same air as her makes me sick. So dirty! Why doesn't she just go die?"

As Riley scrolled through the comments, Quinn called again. "Did you see it? Did you see it? Wasn't that incredibly satisfying?"

Hearing Quinn's sheer excitement, a small smile touched Riley's lips. "Yeah, it really is."

"Seraphina is completely ruined now. A total character assassination is a much harsher punishment than sending her to jail. If she went to jail, with the Sutton family's influence, she'd probably be out in no time.

Now, Seraphina will never be able to show her face in public again. Your man really went for the throat. No wonder everyone says he's ruthless. His methods are absolutely brutal, but seeing him fiercely protect you like this is just so cool! So badass!

Riley, you really found yourself a ruthless but deeply loving man. Make sure you give yourself to him as a reward when you get back."

Pulling her suitcase toward the exit, Riley listened to Quinn's excited rambling. Hearing the part about 'giving herself to him' made her face flush bright red. She was about to say something when she looked up and saw a tall, broad figure standing at the arrivals gate. Her heart skipped a beat!