The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 8

She frowned.

Usually, he answered within three rings, and texts were replied to instantly. Lately, her calls often went unanswered, and his texts were delayed.

Was he really that busy?

A wave of disappointment washed over Riley, as if Pierce didn't care about her as much as he used to.

But remembering that he was busy preparing to stay with her for the birth, and that they would soon welcome their baby together, her disappointment eased.

Forget it, she would just head back on her own.

Since Pierce had said he would pick her up, Mr. Carter hadn't come. She had no choice but to take a cab.

Riley hailed a ride on her phone, then carried her box toward the exit. It was incredibly inconvenient with her heavy belly.

Carrying it too low pressed painfully against her stomach.

Carrying it too high blocked her vision.

Fortunately, right as she walked out, the intern she was mentoring saw her and immediately took the box, walking her all the way to the taxi before heading back.

The moment Riley walked through her front door, she received a call from Pierce's mother, Beatrice. “What time is it? Why aren't you two here yet?”

Her tone was impatient, clearly edged with anger.

The Landon family's ideal daughter-in-law had always been Seraphina. Pierce's defiance in marrying Riley had caused his family to deeply resent her.

Even her obedient, sensible, and cautious demeanor hadn't changed their minds.

Eventually, Riley realized that if genuine effort couldn't earn their sincerity, there was no point in forcing it.

Therefore, aside from the mandatory weekend dinners at the estate—a Landon family rule—Riley never appeared in front of them.

But today wasn't the weekend. For some reason, Beatrice had called early that morning, insisting she and Pierce return to the estate for dinner.

The St. Johns were a centuries-old dynasty with profound heritage and global influence.

If the Landons were a local powerhouse, the St. Johns were a dominant global empire.

Their wealth was astronomical, their power deeply entrenched.

As the eldest grandson with a unique status, Sebastian's return to the St. John family had sparked a bloodbath.

Rumor had it he was ruthlessly decisive, possessing a chillingly lethal edge. He didn't hesitate to strike down even his closest relatives. In the business world, his swift and merciless tactics struck fear into competitors, allowing him to secure the position of CEO of St. John Global in just two years.

Riley had only seen Sebastian once—on the day she married Pierce.

He possessed remarkably striking features and a flawless, sculpted profile. He was the kind of man whose top-tier looks could leave anyone staring in awe.

Yet, his aura was as cold as frost and as deep as an abyss. The oppressive presence of an absolute apex predator made people afraid to look at him for too long.