The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 82

She had rejected his offer before, and now that she was actively planning to divorce him, there was absolutely no way she would accept it.

"You know I don't want that."

Seeing that she was completely ignoring all his attempts to reason with her, Pierce's expression darkened. His tone turned absolute. "I am not agreeing to this."

"I don't need your permission. My own is enough."

"Do you honestly believe Dr. Jenson will give you that spot if I say no?"

Riley's blood boiled instantly.

But she knew Pierce wasn't bluffing. If he gave the order, Dr. Jenson wouldn't dare cross him.

That bastard was using his money and power to trap her!

And the worst part was, she couldn't do a damn thing about it.

But give up this opportunity? Never.

Her mind raced, and suddenly, an idea struck her.

"I support your career unconditionally. Even when you're working side by side with Seraphina—which breaks my heart—I force myself to swallow it and support you.

You're always busy. You're never home. You barely even had time to visit me and our daughter when we were in the postpartum center. Did I ever complain? And what do I get in return for all my support?"

Riley had only intended to put on a show of feeling wronged to make him feel guilty and back off.

But as the words left her mouth, memories of how she had poured her heart and soul into this marriage only to be rewarded with his lies and betrayal came rushing back. A suffocating wave of despair crashed over her.

Real tears instantly welled in her eyes.

She quickly tilted her head back, fighting down the moisture. She refused to shed a single tear for this piece of trash.

But to Pierce, her reaction painted a completely different picture. He saw a woman deeply heartbroken but trying desperately to hold back her tears in front of him. Remembering how he had completely neglected her and their daughter lately, a heavy wave of guilt washed over him.

He wasn't usually one for cheesy lines, but those few words instantly lifted his spirits.

He smiled warmly. "Go then. As long as it makes you happy."

Riley let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She had finally managed to manipulate her way out of it.

Pierce checked his watch. "It's almost time for lunch. Finish filling out your form, and I'll take you out to eat."

His eyes were practically melting with affection. Riley knew that look all too well. When they were dating, whenever he looked at her like that, he would always pull her in for a kiss.

They were in a hospital, so he wouldn't do it here. But if she agreed to go to lunch with him, that kiss was inevitable.

Riley put on a look of genuine regret. "But I already have plans with Quinn. We set it up last night."

A flicker of disappointment flashed in Pierce's eyes. He looked at her closely. "Are you avoiding me?"