The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 149

Riley knew standard etiquette dictated she invite him in for a coffee, but she was too rattled to keep up the charade any longer. Without a word, she spun on her heel and hurried into the house.

Inside, Franklin helped wrestle Pierce into the bedroom.

Riley walked in right after and tossed a blanket over him, turning to the assistant. "Thanks for your help, Mr. Finch."

"Don't mention it," Franklin replied smoothly. "Mr. St. John is waiting for me, so I'll be taking my leave."

"Have a safe drive back."

Franklin offered a polite nod. Just before turning to leave, his eyes flicked suspiciously toward the headboard.

Riley crossed to the window and peeled back a sliver of the curtain. Down below, Sebastian was leaning against the car, smoking. The glowing ember of his cigarette flared and dimmed in the shadows. Tall and commanding in his black dress shirt and slacks, he would have completely blended into the pitch-black night if not for the faint glow of the porch light.

Moments later, Franklin emerged from the front doors.

Sebastian stamped out his cigarette and slipped into the passenger side.

The engine purred, and the vehicle vanished down the winding road.

Riley pressed a hand against her wildly beating heart. He hadn't pressed the issue. He had to have believed her, right?

Meanwhile, inside the departing car.

Sebastian's eyes were cast downward, his thumb tracing the smooth beads of the rosewood bracelet on his wrist. "Did you drop him off in the bedroom?"

"Yes, sir," Franklin confirmed from behind the wheel.

"Notice anything unusual?"

"There was only one pillow on the bed."

Sebastian's thumb froze mid-stroke. He pinched one of the wooden beads tightly, the quiet, forceful gesture betraying a flicker of hidden emotion. Two seconds later, he released the tension and resumed tracing the beads as if nothing had happened. "Look into their marriage. I want to know exactly what's going on."

"Understood." Franklin instinctively checked the rearview mirror, but the man in the back seat looked as cold and impassive as ever.

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