The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 45

Pierce's brow furrowed, a flash of irritation crossing his features at the interruption. He pulled out his phone, checked the caller ID, and glanced at Riley. "I have to take this."

It was Manager Walsh again.

Riley's intuition screamed that this guy calling meant nothing but bad news. But since it was related to his work, she couldn't exactly throw a fit. "Okay."

Pierce let go of her and walked over to the window to answer the call. "...Don't panic... I'm heading over right now."

As soon as he hung up, Riley spoke in a flat tone. "Leaving again?"

He offered a clipped "Yeah," walked back over, and grabbed her hand. "I'll handle this as fast as I can. I'll be back tonight to stay with you and Alora."

"Why don't you just fire him? I don't think he's cut out to be the head of the planning department. He's constantly calling you in a panic. What's the point of even keeping him on payroll?"

He froze for a second, then let out a low chuckle. "Are you really that upset?"

She was just venting her frustration; she would never actually dictate how he ran Landon Enterprises. "I'm just joking. Go handle your business."

"I'll see you later then?"

"Mhm."

Pierce left the suite.

The room, which had been buzzing with life moments ago, suddenly felt oppressively silent. Riley looked around the empty space and let out a heavy sigh, a sudden, suffocating wave of loneliness washing over her.

Just then, a knock echoed from the door.

She looked up to see one of the center's staff members.

"Mrs. Landon, you have a package."

Riley walked over, confused. She hadn't ordered anything online.

The staff member handed her a securely wrapped parcel. "It's marked as highly valuable, so it requires your direct signature."

She took it and inspected the label. It was explicitly addressed to her room number, under her name. The return address was from Statenbury.

She signed the slip, carried the package back inside, and tore it open.

Inside was a high-end velvet box. The shape strongly suggested jewelry, but the exterior completely lacked any designer logo.

What on earth was it?

And who sent it?

It had only been a month, and he was sending another one?

Was it because she had asked him to name her daughter, creating a special, unspoken bond between him and his non-biological niece?

Riley sifted through the packaging, searching for a handwritten note or card, but there was absolutely nothing.

Sending a fortune without even leaving a name.

She couldn't just accept it in silence. Given the astronomical value, she had to express her gratitude.

She had saved his number after asking him for his business card previously.

She never imagined her first time dialing it would be to thank him rather than ask for a favor.

She pulled up the contact, simply saved as "Sebastian."

An image of his intimidating, predatory gaze flashed in her mind, sending a slight chill down her spine.

Why was she so nervous about making a simple phone call?

What if he wasn't even the one who sent it?