The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 497

Eleanor swatted Riley's hand away. "This is a holiday gift envelope for Alora, not for you. I prepared one for everyone. I was going to hand them out during dinner, but since you're leaving early, Alora gets hers now."

"But..."

"No buts. It's just a small token for good luck and prosperity."

Mrs. Higgins could see how much Eleanor genuinely adored the child. "Please accept it, Dr. Vance. It's the matriarch's blessing. If you refuse, it will only upset her."

Eleanor feigned a stern scowl. "You're abandoning me on New Year's Eve, and now you won't even let the baby accept my gift? I really will be furious."

Backed into a corner, Riley couldn't politely decline anymore. "Thank you so much on Alora's behalf."

Eleanor's face instantly lit up. "That's a good girl."

Riley carried Alora out. Eleanor personally walked them to the car, gazing wistfully as the taillights vanished down the driveway. Thinking of Riley's complicated history, she couldn't help but worry about Sebastian.

Could those two really make it work?

Would they ever be a complete family?

She let out a heavy sigh.

Assuming she was just sad to see the baby go, Mrs. Higgins said softly, "Don't worry. Dr. Vance and Alora live right here in Statenbury. You'll see them again soon."

Eleanor glanced at her completely oblivious housekeeper, sighed again, and nodded. "Let's go back inside."

In the parlor, the moment Eleanor and Riley stepped out, Victoria crossed the room and wheeled Barnaby into a secluded side room. "The plan is busted. We have to pivot."

Barnaby frowned. "She left. What could we possibly do now?"

A vicious, cunning gleam sparked in Victoria's eyes. "Maybe her leaving is exactly the opportunity we need. If she was here at the Manor, Sebastian would be on high alert. Pulling it off wouldn't have been easy."