The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 400

However, based on his recent trips to Statenbury and his interactions with Riley, it was obvious she was completely oblivious to Sebastian's feelings.

Yes, for now, this was entirely one-sided on Sebastian's part. As long as he exposed Sebastian's true intentions to Riley, broke down the massive social gap between them, and painted a clear picture of the scandal that would follow, she would back off. She was a smart woman. She would absolutely draw a firm line with Sebastian.

Fueled by this realization, Pierce abruptly stood up and headed for the door.

Scott immediately chased after him, his face pale with panic. "Mr. Landon, where are you going? Your wound was just stitched up. You need to rest. Besides, it's past eleven o'clock. If you're going to see Riley, now is really not the time."

Pierce halted in his tracks. He glanced at his watch and realized Scott was right. It was far too late. He would just have to find her tomorrow. Turning on his heel, he headed back to his bedroom.

The next day, at the outpatient clinic.

Riley finished examining her patient, archived the medical file, and clicked the 'Next' button on her workstation. Taking advantage of the brief lull before the next person walked in, she checked her phone. It was 12:15 PM.

She had an unread message from twenty minutes ago. It was from Sebastian: [I'm here.]

She quickly typed back: [I have one last patient. Give me just a moment.]

Sebastian: [No rush. Take your time.]

Soon, the final patient entered, and Riley set her phone aside, shifting seamlessly back into work mode. The patient was a woman on the verge of an emotional breakdown. Consulting, assessing, prescribing medication, and writing up the report took a full half-hour.

Sebastian eventually strolled up to the clinic door. He paused, watching Riley sitting at her desk in her pristine white coat.

Her slender, pale fingers danced swiftly across the keyboard. Her eyes were locked onto the monitor with unwavering focus. The soft, gentle demeanor she usually wore around him was gone, replaced by the cool, intellectual authority of a seasoned doctor. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, and her jaw was set in a sharp, elegant contour.

This was the first time he had seen her in her element. Calm. Serious. Dedicated. And breathtakingly beautiful.

Riley finished archiving the file and glanced up, catching Sebastian lingering in the doorway. "Why are you just standing there?"

Sebastian pushed down the warm flutter in his chest, stepped inside, and closed the door behind him. He took the seat reserved for patients.

Riley opened a new file and began typing. "Give me a second. I just need to input your basic information."

She would normally have to ask these questions, but with him, she already knew the answers.

"Take your time," Sebastian murmured, his dark, bottomless gaze fixed entirely on her.

The loose white coat only accentuated the delicate, slender lines of her shoulders and neck. Her hair was pulled back into a simple, natural low ponytail. Those expressive eyes that usually looked at him with flustered warmth or gentle affection were now piercingly calm and resolute. There was no room for romance right now; she was all professional gravity.

Seeing her like this was dangerously captivating. It tugged mercilessly at his heartstrings.

Riley lowered her gaze, turning her hand over to lace her fingers through his. In that fleeting moment, a crystal-clear realization washed over her.

Sebastian always looked so invincible, so utterly untouchable. But underneath it all, he was just as human as anyone else. He got sick. He got hurt. He felt pain. And he desperately needed someone to care for him and love him.

He had simply spent his entire life burying his vulnerabilities and illnesses beneath a facade of cold maturity, unmatched competence, and an intimidating family background. He kept his armor sealed tight so the world would only ever see his glory.

A silent vow took root deep in her soul: From now on, I am going to love and pamper this man with everything I have.

Riley quickly reined in her emotions and looked up at him, shifting back to the consultation. "Are you currently taking any medication?" Before he could answer, she quickly added, "Don't hide anything from me. The more you hide, the more I worry."

"Occasionally."

"Define occasionally."

Sebastian's thumb stroked lazy, comforting circles over the back of her hand. "Don't worry. It's a safe dosage. Zach strictly monitors my intake."

Riley still felt like he was holding something back. It seemed she would have to corner Zach for a private chat to get the full scope of Sebastian's condition.

Meanwhile, outside the clinic, Pierce was marching straight toward Riley's office.