The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 41

Lydia Sterling looked entirely candid. "Honestly, I don't usually wear perfume, but this was a birthday gift from my daughter. It’s the thought that counts, so how could I not appreciate it?"

So that was it.

She had overthought the entire situation.

Now that Riley Vance had a daughter of her own, she completely understood. If Alora ever gave her a birthday gift in the future, regardless of what it was, she would be absolutely thrilled. "You definitely have to appreciate it."

The two women sat and chatted a while longer. Lydia was a phenomenal conversationalist, sharing stories from when her own daughter was born. Before she left, she exchanged numbers with Riley, suggesting they could swap parenting tips moving forward.

Pierce Landon had arranged for Lydia to come over, but he never showed up himself.

Over the next few days, he sent her several text messages daily.

They were all routine check-ins, asking if she had eaten, if she was sleeping well, and if the baby was behaving. He didn't mention a single word about their argument that night, nor did he make a physical appearance.

When Quinn Logan stopped by for a visit, Riley updated her on Pierce's recent behavior. "Analyze this for me. What exactly is he playing at?"

Quinn thought it over before replying, "He's probably trying to show you where he stands."

"What stance?"

"Think about it. You mentioned he wasn't answering calls or texts earlier. He realizes he messed up, which is why he's sending daily check-ins now. But when it comes to the Seraphina Sutton situation, he feels you don't trust him. He believes he did nothing wrong there, so he's still mad and refusing to see you face-to-face."

"Is that it?"

"Why don't you just ask him in person and find out?"

"How am I supposed to ask him if he refuses to show up?"

"If my memory serves me right, our goddaughter hits her one-month milestone tomorrow, doesn't she?"

Riley nodded. "Yeah, tomorrow is Alora's one-month mark."

Besides, letting a terrible woman like Seraphina ruin your marriage only ends up hurting you. Don't you agree?"

Riley pursed her lips. "You've made all the good points. What else is there for me to say?"

Quinn laughed. "Dress up nicely tomorrow, head straight to the office, and give him a surprise."

The following afternoon, after lunch, Riley swapped her soft cotton loungewear for a stunning royal blue silk shirt paired with tailored white trousers. She cinched her waist with a diamond-studded black belt, slipped on a pair of champagne stilettos, and applied light, elegant makeup. The transformation was breathtaking; it was impossible to look away from her.

Back in college, she had been the undisputed campus beauty. The rigorous postpartum recovery routines had nearly restored her figure to its pre-pregnancy glory—tall, slender, and boasting stunning curves.

After reminding the maternity nurse and Mrs. Gable to keep a close eye on the baby, she headed out.

Riley arrived at Landon Enterprises and took the private executive elevator straight to the eighteenth floor.

When Pierce's assistant, Scott Baxter, saw Riley stepping out of the elevator, a flicker of panic crossed his eyes. In the next instant, he masked it perfectly and approached her with a polished smile. "Mrs. Landon, what brings you to the office today?"