Chapter 18 I Found A Job


    The butler instinctively lowered his voice, sensing the tension, and replied, "Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley made dinner and has been


    waiting for you ever since."


    A flicker of irritation crossed Collin''s features as he frowned, his voice sharp. "Didn''t you tell her? I''m swamped with work.


    She doesn''t need to wait for me."


    His gaze lingered on Linsey''s sleeping face, and in a muttered, almost spiteful tone, he added, "So unnecessary."


    Before the butler could respond, Linsey stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open as she blinked groggily, still lost in the


    haze of sleep.


    When her blurry vision cleared andnded on Collin, she paused, confused for a moment, still processing the situation.


    Collin''s breath hitched unexpectedly, his heart skipping a beat as he caught sight of her. Her innocent, sleepy expression


    made her look almost... endearing.


    For a brief moment, he was caught off guard by the softness of his own thoughts, a surprising warmth spreading through


    him.


    As if to snap him out of his daze, Linsey fully awakened, her face lighting up as she threw the nket off her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    "Collin, you''re finally back! I have something so important to share with you!" she eximed, her voice filled with


    anticipation.


    Collin''s mind immediately raced back to the reports his subordinates had shared over the past few days.


    He knew Linsey had been busy, but he had no clue what she was up to.


    His thoughts darkened as he considered the possibility that she was about to announce her departure.


    The butler had said she made dinner. Maybe it was her final gesture of care- something to soften the blow of her leaving.


    Collin''s lips curled into an inward sneer.


    She was really deluding herself.


    He didn''t need her concern. It waspletely unnecessary.


    If she wanted to leave, the sooner, the better.


    With a cold, unreadable expression, he asked, his voice t, "What important thing?"


    Linsey rose from her seat but didn''t answer right away. Instead, she looked at him with a gentle smile and said, "It''s gettingte. Let''s eat first. You''ve been working nonstop; you must be starving."


    Collin opened his mouth to refuse, but as his gaze met Linsey''s bright, hopeful eyes, his words faltered.


    He exhaled sharply, steeling himself for this to be thest time he indulged her. "Alright."


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    Chapter 181 Found A Job


    He washed his hands quickly and followed Linsey to the dining table, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the sight


    before him—an elegant spread of dishes, flickering candlelight casting soft shadows, wine sses glimmering, and roses


    scattered artfully across the table.


    Linsey shed him a bright smile, gesturing for him to sit. Then, she took a lighter and lit the candles with a flourish.


    “So?" she asked, her voice yful. "How''s my candlelit dinner? Up to standard?"


    Collin stood frozen for a moment, caught off guard by the effort she had put in.


    His lips pressed into a thin line, and with an air of stiffness, he asked, "Why prepare a candlelit dinner?"


    "It''s romantic," Linsey replied matter-of-factly, her eyes gleaming with sincerity. "We''re married. Isn''t it normal to add a bit


    of romance every now and then, to spice things up?"


    The soft glow of the candlelight danced over her face, making her look even more captivating, her smile full of life and


    charm.


    In the quiet of the moment, Collin felt a flicker in his chest, his heart skipping an unexpected beat.


    He clenched his fists, his emotions warring inside him, then abruptly reached for the wine and drained his ss in one


    swift motion.


    Linsey blinked, momentarily stunned by his sudden action. "You haven''t eaten yet. Please, have some food first."


    With a softugh, she ced food carefully onto his te.


    "I know you prefer lighter vors, so I made some dishes I thought you''d enjoy. Let me know if they suit your taste." Her


    excitement was palpable as she eagerly watched him take his first bite. "How is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.


    Collin nced at her and muttered, "Not bad."


    Linsey''s heart fluttered with excitement. For someone like Collin, she felt that getting such apliment was already a


    victory.


    She watched him take a few more bites before she finally spoke up, her voice soft


    yet full of anticipation. "Oh, I got some good news."


    Collin''s fork paused midair, his chewing slowing down as his attention shifted toward her.


    Linsey took a deep breath and continued, "I found a job. I passed the interview today, and I''ll be starting tomorrow. The


    sry''s decent, and I can finally help ease some of your burden, so you won''t have to carry everything on your shoulders."


    For a brief moment, surprise flickered across Collin''s face.