The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 630

"Under no circumstances do you sign those transfer papers."

"But... but I already took their money and promised I would," Elaine replied, her voice trembling with hesitation.

"You and Dad slaved away raising Riley for twenty years. Them giving you that money is exactly what you are owed for your trouble. As for the legal records, just tell them you love your daughter too much to sever the official tie. It's an emotionally bulletproof excuse. Nobody can say a damn thing to dispute a mother's love."

"Yes! Pierce, you're absolutely right!" Elaine rallied immediately. "I'll do exactly as you say. You've always been the brains of the operation."

"Mom, I'm only looking out for you and Dad. But you absolutely cannot tell Riley that I was the one who gave you this advice, or she'll resent me for it."

"I won't say a word! Not a single word! You're the only one who actually looks out for us old folks anymore."

"I have to get back to work. I'll let you go."

Pierce ended the call, a frigid sneer twisting his lips.

Sebastian, you want to steal my woman? I'll be damned if I let you make it that easy.

The doctor covering the noon shift returned from lunch, allowing Riley to slip into the on-call room to lie down for a bit.

Resting her head against the pillow, she pulled out her phone and texted Sebastian: [Riley Vance or Evie Spencer. Which name do you prefer?]

A few seconds later, Sebastian bypassed a text and called her directly. "Why the sudden question?"

"At noon..." The word 'Mom' stalled on the tip of her tongue; she was still getting used to saying it. "My mother came by to see me. She asked if I wanted to legally change my name back to the original."

"What are your thoughts?"

"Legally, I'll change it back. But I'll let my coworkers keep calling me Riley. After all these years, I'm used to it."

"That sounds perfect."

"Do you dislike the name Riley?"

"No."

"Then how come you never call me by it?"

Silence stretched over the line for a few seconds before he answered. "Because I refuse to use the same name he does."

He?

Riley had a strong suspicion of who he meant, but she asked for confirmation anyway. "Pierce?"

"Yes."

A small, bright smile touched Riley's lips. "Sebastian, are you a child?"

He was being so ridiculously petty. It was just a name, yet he was guarding it fiercely. Besides, Pierce wasn't the only one who called her that.