The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 611

He wrapped his arm gently around his wife's shoulders. "It's only a temporary goodbye. Once everything is arranged, we'll bring her and Alora home."

Daphne looked at Victor through tear-filled eyes, nodding repeatedly.

Standing nearby, Winona pouted, her own eyes turning red. "Mom, don't cry. If you cry, I'm going to cry too. Riley is back, and our family will never be separated again."

Daphne reached out and hugged her youngest daughter. "You're right. Never again."

Inside the car, Riley sat in the passenger seat, watching the endless curtain of rain sweeping down from the sky. The misty downpour blurred her vision, making the night's events feel like a surreal, beautiful dream.

She had found her blood family and reconciled with the man she loved. In this moment, a deep warmth filled her heart, and she felt like the luckiest person in the world.

Sebastian turned to glance at her. "What are you thinking about?"

Riley looked at the man focused on the road. His profile was sharp and striking. They had only been apart for a little while, but gazing at his face made it feel like a century had passed. "Nothing."

Sebastian looked at her again. He freed one hand from the steering wheel, resting it on the center console, and opened his palm toward her.

Without missing a beat, Riley slipped her hand into his.

He gripped her fingers tightly. She shifted in her seat to face him as he drove. He would occasionally turn to meet her gaze, his thumb gently brushing the back of her hand as if answering her unspoken thoughts.

They didn't say a single word for the rest of the drive, but the air in the car thickened with an intoxicating, tender tension.

The car pulled into The Grand Regency, parking in front of her building.

Sebastian cut the engine, and the headlights died instantly. The rainy night was already dim, plunging the surroundings into darkness. Inside the cabin, they could only make out the faint outlines of each other's faces.

Riley moved to step out, but Sebastian tightened his grip on her hand. She turned back, looking at the man whose expression was masked by the shadows. "What's wrong?"