The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 24

"Who flew back?"

"Miles, I'm sorry, I need to make a phone call first."

Miles could tell something was off with Riley's state. "Alright, take your time."

Riley reached into her bag for her phone, but for some reason, the zipper was stuck. "Why is it jammed?"

"Let me help you." Miles unzipped the bag for her.

"Thank you." Riley pulled out her phone, her hands shaking slightly as she dialed Pierce's number.

It rang for a long time before he finally picked up. "Riley, have you eaten?"

Riley's grip on the phone tightened. She didn't speak immediately.

"Riley? Why aren't you saying anything? Did something happen?"

Hearing the distinct worry in his voice, Riley's anxiety eased slightly. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her tone as normal as possible.

"Not yet, I'm going to eat soon. Are you back in Riverport?"

"No, I haven't finished things up here yet. But soon. Give me two days at most, and I'll be back."

Riley didn't catch whatever he said next. The word 'no' echoed relentlessly in her mind, playing on an endless loop.

No, no, no...

Each echo was louder and more urgent than the last, rippling through her thoughts.

He was clearly back in Riverport. Why was he lying to her?

Suddenly, the image from last night's entertainment news flashed in her mind—the blurry silhouette. Or perhaps, he had returned to Riverport last night?

"Riley, are you listening to me?"

Pierce's voice yanked her back to the present. "I'm going to eat now," she said, before abruptly hanging up. She stood rooted to the spot, looking utterly lost.

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