The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 623

Seeing Riley struggling, Mrs. Higgins quickly stepped forward and took Alora from her arms.

Riley gently held Eleanor's arm and murmured, "Please don't be sad, Eleanor. I'm right here."

Eleanor nodded, never taking her tear-filled eyes off Riley. "The resemblance is uncanny. It truly is." She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and let out a soft sigh. "I really am getting old. To think I didn't recognize you sooner."

Not wanting Eleanor to get trapped in the sorrow of the past, Riley deftly changed the subject. "Eleanor, Alora is starting to talk."

Eleanor's gaze shifted to the toddler in Mrs. Higgins's arms. Her expression instantly softened into pure, grandmotherly affection. "Is she really?"

"Yes, though her pronunciation is still a bit wobbly." Riley looked at her daughter and coaxed gently, "Alora, say Mama. Ma-ma."

Cradled in Mrs. Higgins's arms, Alora stared at Riley with wide, sparkling dark eyes. Her chubby little hands waved excitedly, thinking her mother was going to pick her up. She babbled out, "Ma... Ma."

The last traces of melancholy vanished from Eleanor's face. She beamed at the little girl. "Oh, my sweet girl! You said it so beautifully! Come now, say Great-Grandma. Great. Grand. Ma."

"Ma... Ma," Alora repeated.

Eleanor patiently continued to teach her, "Great. Grand. Ma."

"Ma... Ma."

Eleanor couldn't help but laugh, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "My sweet girl, you love your mama the most, don't you? Your mama works so hard. When you grow up, you have to be good to her."

A profound warmth filled Riley's chest. Sebastian wanted Alora to call him Papa, and Eleanor was eagerly teaching Alora to call her Great-Grandma. Neither of them held an ounce of prejudice against Alora for having Landon blood; they treated her as if she were a true St. John.

This unconditional, barrier-free acceptance shattered the last of Riley's defenses.

The group eventually moved to the sofas. Eleanor refused to let go of Riley's hand, treating her with absolute devotion.

Sitting alone on a single armchair, Sebastian kept his dark, profound gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. A flicker of quiet envy flashed through his eyes.

Before long, the maid announced that dinner was ready.

Everyone stood up and moved toward the dining room.