Chapter 313 Thank You, Linsey


    As Shari caught sight of an extra slice of strawberry cake adorning her te, a sudden tightness clutched her throat.


    She fought to contain the surge of emotions, casting a wary nce towards Linsey, hoping her distress remained unnoticed. "Thank you, Linsey," she murmured, her voice a whisper of gratitude tinged with nostalgia.


    Strawberry cake had once been her favorite.


    The two of them lost themselves in conversation, theirughter mingling with the clink of cutlery and the asional bite of food. They were enveloped in a cozy, convivial bubble, seemingly untouched by the world around them.


    Yet, their interaction didn''t go unnoticed, stirring a mix of emotions among the onlookers.


    "Would you look at that? Shari and Linsey are still as close as ever. I would have thought they''d have drifted apart after losing touch for so long."


    "Damn, Shari really hit the jackpot. If I had defended Linsey back then, maybe I''d have that kind of bond with her too."


    "Regretting now won''t change anything. Whether it was a coincidence or not, Shari walked in right after all the drama. Her timing couldn''t have been better."


    "You''re absolutely right. If Shari had been around from the start, do you think she would have confronted Kristy in defense


    of Linsey?"


    "Given Shari''s reserved and timid nature, it''s unlikely she would have ever taken a stand for Linsey. Yet, Linsey remains. loyal. Even after all these years since they graduated, she still greets Shari with such warmth."


    "Now that Shari''s hit a rough patch and rekindled her friendship with Linsey, it''s only a matter of time before Linsey helps. her navigate through her troubles."


    As the crowd subtlyuded Linsey, Beth, who had been stewing in her thoughts for some time, couldn''t contain her irritation. She scoffed under her breath, "Please, Linsey''s not as great as you all make her out to be. Stop sucking up."


    "Enough, Beth! Just shut up, will you?" one of them snapped, their frustration evident. "For God''s sake, it''s right there! How can you not see it? Look at the designer dress Linsey''s wearing. It''s clear her husband adores her. You and Kristy are so fixated on Collin''s disability, but he''s still part of the Riley family. Do you have any idea how much wealth he manages?"


    "Totally agree. I don''t think Collin''s situation is as dire as the rumors make it out to be. At least he''s got a good heart when ites to Linsey. As for helping Shari, Linsey could pull that off without even trying."


    “Beth, I think it''s just envy eating at you because of Linsey''s blissful marriage. Come on, when are you going tond a wealthy partner and make the rest of us jealous?"


    "You all!" Beth''s voice crackled with fury. Standing before her former ssmates after years apart, she noted their newfound eloquence and it stung.


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    Feeling cornered and outnumbered, Beth struggled to muster a devereback. Instead, her voice dripped with scor she continued to deride Linsey, "What''s there


    to envy, really? Marrying a cripple? just focus on your meal, everyone"


    Beth then turned away from the group, her gaze burning into Linsey with a piercing intensity.


    She couldn''t bring herself to think that Linsey''s marriage was as happy as it seemed. Honestly, if her marriage was so amazing, why would she turn up here all by herself?


    If Linsey''s crippled husband made an entrance, Beth doubted she would be able to keep up that theerful facade


    A cunning smirk slowly crept across Beth''s face as a n began to take shape


    Rising from her seat with a flourish, she grabbed her wine ss and sauntered over to Linsey


    "Linsey," she called out softly.


    Linsey turned, her eyes meeting Beth''s, which were oddly twinkling with a forced charm. "What''s up?" she responded, her


    tone cautious yet curious.


    shing a toothy grin, Beth leaned in and whispered slyly, "Linsey, I really must apologize for earlier. You know how Kristy an be-utterly domineering She just pushed through, insisting on saying those things, and I found myself powerless to top her."


    rom across the table, Shari''s eyes darted between Beth and Linsey, her expression douded with confusion appened?" she inquired.