The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 575

"What the hell are you talking about? Shove some caviar in your mouths and shut up!"

Riley looked up in shock. Winona had magically appeared, planting her delicate frame right in front of Riley like a fierce shield. The sheer loyalty injected a ray of warmth into Riley's freezing chest.

"One more word about my friend, and I'll have security drag you all out by your hair!"

The gossipers blanched. Being publicly ejected from the Spencer Gala by the birthday girl herself would be a legendary humiliation. Mumbling frantic apologies, the group scattered instantly.

Winona turned and grabbed Riley's hands. "Ignore those hags! Macy Sinclair is nobody. Her family is barely hanging onto their spot in the top eight; they've been bleeding money for years. She isn't in his league at all!"

Riley managed a bitter smile. "If she's not in his league, I don't even exist on the same planet."

"No! That's not what I meant!" Winona's face flushed in panic. "Love isn't about bank accounts; it's about connection!"

Riley knew Winona genuinely believed that, but she was too exhausted to argue. "Sometimes, connection just isn't enough to cross the divide," she whispered.

Winona looked at her broken friend and silently wished that Riley actually was her missing sister. If Riley was a Spencer, Macy wouldn't stand a chance.

But she kept that desperate wish to herself, knowing it would only make Riley feel worse.

She tightened her grip on Riley's fingers. "Come on. We're going to confront Sebastian right now and demand to know what game he's playing."

Riley shook her head vehemently. "We are over. Who he dates is entirely his business. I have zero right to demand answers."

"But you're obviously still in love with him!"