The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 142

Pierce waved it off casually. "It's nothing."

"What do you mean, 'nothing'?" Beatrice leaned in for a closer look. "That is clearly a handprint." She snapped her gaze toward Riley, her voice laced with fury. "Did you hit him?"

Riley could feel the eyes of everyone in the room heavy on her. If Sebastian hadn't been sitting right there, she would have proudly admitted to it. She would have told them exactly how psychotic Pierce was acting just to stop the divorce.

But with Sebastian present, a spike of anxiety hit her. She couldn't afford for him to catch on to their situation.

Pierce frowned. "Mom, stay out of our business."

"How can I stay out of it?" Beatrice fumed, her heart breaking for her son. "You're my flesh and blood. I've never even laid a finger on you your entire life! How dare she hit you? What gives her the right? You two are—"

"Mom!" Pierce cut her off sharply. "It was just a small misunderstanding. There's no need to make a scene."

Beatrice glared at him in utter frustration. "She assaulted you, and you're still defending her?"

He reached over and took Riley's hand. "She's my wife. Of course I'm going to defend her."

Riley shot him a brief look but kept her eyes cast downward, remaining silent.

Arthur Sr. swept his gaze back and forth between the couple. Tightening his grip on his cane, he suppressed his temper and ordered, "Let's eat."

Beatrice was too furious to have any appetite left. "I've lost my appetite. Eat without me," she muttered, turning on her heel and marching upstairs.

None of them ever gave him a moment of peace. Arthur Sr. looked over at Sebastian, forcing an awkward smile. "Apologies for the family drama."

Sebastian's tone was neutral. "We're all family. It's fine."

"Come on, let's head to the dining room," Arthur Sr. said, leading the way.

As they walked, Sebastian's gaze discreetly swept over Pierce and Riley's intertwined hands.

Once Sebastian was out of earshot, Riley immediately yanked her hand free. "Don't expect a thank you. You brought this entirely on yourself," she hissed under her breath.

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