The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 397

Sebastian's expression remained perfectly composed as he spoke in a flat, indifferent tone. "Your hand must be tired from carrying all that, right?"

Seeing the completely unbothered look in his eyes, Riley's racing heart finally settled. She rubbed her hand slightly. "A little sore."

So it was just a sore hand. Mrs. Higgins suspected nothing. "Thank you so much, Ms. Vance. What kind of soup did you bring?"

"It's a clear chicken broth. I skimmed off all the fat, so Lady Eleanor can have a little bit."

Mrs. Higgins's gaze softened considerably. This girl was so thoughtful. "I was planning to make some soup for her, but I couldn't leave her side. Your timing is perfect."

Eleanor looked at Riley with deep affection. "Thank you, Riley."

A soft smile touched Riley's lips. "It's the least I could do. Please get plenty of rest. I'll be heading out now."

This place was full of St. John family members; it wasn't a good idea for her to linger. Plus, Sebastian was way too bold, and her poor heart couldn't take it.

Eleanor looked at Sebastian. "Sebastian, walk Riley out."

"Mhm." Sebastian set the fruit basket on the coffee table and handed the thermos to Mrs. Higgins. "Mrs. Higgins, make sure she drinks it while it's hot."

"I will."

Sebastian turned to Riley. His face was completely neutral, his voice detached. "Let's go."

Riley was genuinely amazed by him. He was literally just caressing her palm in secret, yet now he could act so effortlessly distant and polite. His mental fortitude and acting skills put hers to shame.

The two of them walked toward the door, one after the other.

Riddled with guilt, Winona desperately wanted to talk to Sebastian. She called out toward their backs, "Wait for me! I'm leaving too." As she grabbed her bag, she turned to Eleanor. "Lady Eleanor, I have to get back to school for class. I'll come visit you again soon."

"Alright, be careful on your way back." Eleanor looked at Sebastian. "Sebastian, drive Winona back to campus."

"Mhm."

Winona ran over, linked her arm through Riley's, and headed for the door.

Seeing the three of them come out, Victoria took the initiative to say goodbye to Winona. "Leaving so soon, Ms. Spencer?" She entirely ignored Riley. In her eyes, Riley was only visiting Eleanor to try and leech off the St. John family's wealth.

"Yes, I have to get back for class." Winona waved her delicate hand at the group. "Victoria, Barnaby, I'm heading out."

The three of them left the room and took the elevator down to the underground parking garage.

Stepping out of the elevator, Riley turned to Winona. "You head back to school. I'm going home."

"Hold on a second." Winona didn't let go of Riley's arm. She turned to Sebastian. "Sebastian, we need to talk. Let's go to your car."

Sebastian's deep gaze locked entirely onto Riley. He reached his hand back toward her.

Riley wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

Confused, Winona followed Sebastian's gaze to Riley. Suddenly, it clicked. A look of pure shock and delight flooded her eyes. She practically vibrated as she looked back and forth between Sebastian's outstretched hand and Riley.

Knowing she couldn't hide it anymore, Riley blushed furiously and placed her hand into Sebastian's palm.

Winona clamped her hands over her mouth to muffle a squeal. Her bright, clear eyes sparkled as she stared at their joined hands. "Are you... are you two together?!"

Sebastian gave Riley's hand a gentle squeeze. He kept his profound gaze locked onto Riley, but his words were meant for Winona. "Riley and I can't go public yet. You need to provide cover for her."

Winona was so excited she wanted to scream. She turned to Riley. "Since when?! This is huge! How could you not tell me?"

Blushing furiously, Riley mumbled guiltily, "I just... hadn't found the right moment to bring it up."

They had made it official right after Sebastian got hurt. At the time, she was so busy taking care of him that she hadn't even thought about telling anyone.

Later, Eleanor had asked Sebastian to bring Winona over for dinner. Riley had mistakenly believed Sebastian wanted both of them. So when Winona texted her, complaining about feeling guilty and begging Riley to "take Sebastian off her hands," Riley had angrily replied that she wouldn't help.

After the misunderstanding with Sebastian was cleared up, she was just way too embarrassed to mention it to Winona. She had literally just said she wouldn't help, only to turn around and get together with him the next second. It was just too embarrassing, and she felt like a total hypocrite.