The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 417

Montgomery quickly stepped in with a smooth, diplomatic smile. "Uncle Barnaby, you're overthinking it. Sebastian is just worried about Eleanor. He's been here keeping an eye on things personally the entire time she's been hospitalized. It makes perfect sense he'd want to hear the details directly from the doctor so he can make sure she's taken care of properly."

Eleanor was finally cleared to go home, but she was still elderly. The whole ordeal had clearly taken a toll; she looked thinner, and her usual vibrant energy was somewhat dimmed.

She looked at Sebastian with absolute affection. "Go on, then. We'll head back first. Don't take too long. We expect you for dinner."

Sebastian gave a brief nod.

Barnaby's scowl deepened. He glared at Eleanor, his voice dripping with resentment. "You are so incredibly biased. Sebastian is your grandson, but Victoria is your own daughter."

Eleanor's expression instantly darkened. "Are you here to help me check out, or are you here to start a war?"

"Mother..."

"Enough. I don't want to hear another word. We're leaving." Eleanor took the lead, marching toward the door.

Victoria's hands fell limply from Eleanor's arm. She stared at her mother's retreating back, a flash of pure venom crossing her eyes before she buried it completely.

Pierce stood quietly in the corner, absorbing every single detail of the power dynamic. The rumors of civil war within the St. John family were absolutely true. His eyes drifted over Barnaby and Victoria. Perhaps he could find a way to align himself with those two and leverage their hatred to his advantage.

The massive entourage finally funneled out of the room.

Sebastian escorted Eleanor to the VIP elevator. Once the doors closed, he pivoted and strode straight to the stairwell. As he pushed the heavy door open, he reached out and grabbed Riley's slightly chilled hand, rubbing it gently between his. "Are you cold?"

The hospital wards were heavily heated, but the stairwells were cut off by thick fire doors. Wearing nothing but a thin undershirt and her white coat, she was definitely feeling the chill. "I'm okay."

Sebastian unbuttoned his heavy overcoat, pulled Riley against his chest, and wrapped the thick fabric around her to share his body heat.

"Yes."

Riley snapped the box open. Inside sat a breathtaking diamond-encrusted pearl brooch. It was small, exquisitely crafted, and understated, yet screamed quiet luxury.

It had undoubtedly cost a fortune, but she didn't feign false modesty or reject it. This was Sebastian's heart. He navigated their relationship with terrifying precision. Whether it was the car or this brooch, he always calibrated his gifts perfectly to her status—elevating her lifestyle without ever crossing the line into making her uncomfortable or drawing unwanted attention.

"It's gorgeous. I love it." Riley went up on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth.

The corner of Sebastian's lips curled into a devastatingly handsome smirk. He pulled her back against his chest, wrapping her tightly in his coat again. "It's freezing out here. Go back to your department. I need to go find Eleanor's attending physician to go over her discharge instructions."

Buried in his arms, Riley looked up at him with a bright, teasing smile. "You tell me to go back to work, but you're still holding me hostage?"

Staring down at the radiant, laughing woman in his arms, Sebastian felt a profound, unprecedented wave of absolute contentment. He lowered his head and pressed a firm, chaste kiss against her lips—pure affection, entirely devoid of lust.