The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 653

Listening to the recap, Riley realized Pierce was incredibly manipulative. He twisted the narrative, downplaying the severe offenses and framing his actions with convenient excuses. He masked ordering his lackey to humiliate her at the Sinclair banquet as an attempt to 'win her back,' and blamed his infidelity on being drugged.

The worst part was, his twisted logic sounded almost airtight to anyone who didn't know the full story.

The humiliation was a fact. Winning her back was nothing but his own delusion.

His cheating was a fact. Being drugged might have been a fact too.

Riley sighed heavily. She truly had no desire to relive that year of marriage to Pierce. Too much had happened, far more than she could explain in a few sentences.

She focused on the absolute dealbreakers. "His affair wasn't a one-time mistake. He maintained a relationship with Seraphina for an entire year. And she gave birth to his son. A son who is exactly one month older than Alora."

Daphne's eyes widened in sheer horror. "He... he didn't mention any of that."

When Riley's adoptive parents had caused a scene earlier, Daphne recalled Riley throwing out the word 'illegitimate son.' She had assumed it was just a vicious insult thrown in the heat of the moment, since there hadn't been a single rumor in the press. She had no idea it was the ugly truth.

"Of course he wouldn't tell you anything that makes him look bad." Riley looked at Victor and Daphne with utmost seriousness. "I will never remarry him. Do not give him an inch."

Whatever tiny sliver of sympathy Daphne had felt for Pierce evaporated instantly. "Alright, Mom understands. But he did make one valid point. If you end up with Sebastian, you'll naturally have another child. When that happens, Alora might end up feeling sidelined."

Victor nodded in agreement. "Your mother is right. Don't rush into anything. Give him a few more years to prove himself. Marriage is a lifelong commitment; you can't afford to be careless."

Truthfully, Victor wasn't terribly worried about Alora. Riley would remarry eventually, and this dynamic would exist regardless of who she chose.

If Sebastian ever mistreated Alora, the Spencers would simply bring the child home and raise her themselves. They would never allow their granddaughter to suffer.

He only agreed with Daphne because he was purely selfish. He had just gotten his daughter back, and they hadn't even had time to properly bond yet. The thought of Sebastian sweeping in and taking her away so soon was unbearable.