The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 99

Dr. Jenson leveled a stern, commanding glare at the whispering crowd. "I am the Dean of this hospital. The truth has been clearly established. I expect all of you to cease spreading malicious gossip. One careless word from you could not only destroy an innocent woman's reputation but ruin her entire family."

"So it was just a misunderstanding."

"I told you she didn't look like that kind of tramp."

"Thank God it's cleared up. If a rumor like that got out, how would she ever live with herself?"

Hearing the sudden shift in the crowd, Riley knew the crisis had passed. She looked at Dr. Jenson with immense gratitude. "Thank you, Dr. Jenson."

"Don't mention it," he replied warmly. "You're one of our top medical doctoral candidates. I'm not going to stand by and let someone of your caliber be smeared like this."

Dr. Jenson's endorsement further solidified Riley's integrity in the eyes of the onlookers.

Riley etched his kindness deeply into her heart. "My daughter is out of surgery, so I should get back. I'll treat you to dinner sometime soon."

Dr. Jenson nodded kindly. "Go on."

Riley arrived at the OR just as the surgical lights powered down. The nurses informed her that the patient had already been moved to her room.

Approaching the room the nurse had specified, Riley was stunned to see not only Pierce, but Arthur Sr., Beatrice, and Serena gathered outside.

She knew immediately that they weren't here out of concern for Lory—they were here to suck up to Sebastian.

Sebastian was standing by the window, taking a call. His towering, impeccably tailored silhouette exuded dominance, with Franklin standing dutifully just behind him. Serena didn't dare approach, settling for staring at Sebastian with hungry, puppy-dog eyes from a safe distance.

Pierce spotted Riley and instantly rushed over, seizing her hands. His face was a mask of suffocating guilt. "Riley, I am so sorry. My phone died earlier and I didn't get your calls or texts. You must have been terrified."

Riley sneered internally. His phone died right when she called, but magically had a full charge when Sebastian dialed?

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