Chapter 324 Ready To Go


    Home


    As soon as one person expressed a desire to leave, others echoed the sentiment. "Yeah, my mom keeps texting me toe home. I need to go," one remarked.


    "I''ll go with you," another agreed.


    Just then, Collin interjected before anyone could depart. "Let''s not hurry. It''s been ages since you''ve all seen each other as college ssmates. Opportunities like this are rare, so why not stay till the end?"


    A hush fell over the room. No one moved, tension palpable.


    Collin remembered every word Beth had uttered earlier.


    His presence had shifted the room''s atmosphere dramatically.


    The group no longer saw Linsey''s husband as the unremarkable man they once underestimated.


    Hismanding presence made them rethink their ns to leave. They instead resumed their seats reluctantly.


    "Yes, you''re right, Mr. Riley. We should stay longer," someone conceded.


    Collin appearedpletelyposed, unaffected by the underlying tension. He served Linsey some of her favorite dishes, speaking softly. "Eat a bit more." He was mindful of the fact that Linsey had been unwell recently and needed proper nutrition.


    The difort in the room was palpable, with everyone seemingly cautious around Collin, although he had merely suggested extending their gathering.


    Linsey, puzzled by Collin''s insistence but trusting his judgment, chose not to question his motives. She quietly continued


    eating.


    "Shari, try some more too," Linsey suggested, serving her friend without drawing attention.


    Shari epted the food and thanked her, careful not to draw attention to herself.


    Everyone else remained rigid, unable to even enjoy the delicious foodid out before them.


    Collin, observing their hesitance, inquired with a knowing look, "Why is no one eating?"


    Silence enveloped the room, all eyes shifting towards Kane.


    Kane managed a strained smile. "Oh, yes, thank you, Mr. Riley."


    Collin merely lifted an eyebrow. "There''s no need for formality. I''ve hardly done anything noteworthy."


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    01:44


    Chapter 324 Ready To Go Home


    Relieved, Kane was the first to begin eating.


    His action prompted others, though with visible reluctance, to also start eating.


    The tension was palpable. A few were so jittery that their hands shook, causing one to identally knock over a ss, shattering the silence with a crash.


    "I''m so sorry!" eximed the person, rushing to clean the spill.


    Linsey offered a soothing voice. "Don''t worry. Just ask the waiter for another ss."


    As the dinner concluded, Linsey, having satisfied her hunger, caught Collin''s attention as he watched her clean her face and hands. He then asked softly, "Ready to go home?"


    At his words, Linsey instinctively looked over at Shari.


    Though they had reconnected, the night''s events had precluded a meaningful conversation.


    Shari said promptly, "It''s gettingte. We''ll find time to talkter–I need to get back to my child."


    Aware of the situation, Shari understood that Collin intended to take Linsey home and did not want to impose any further.


    Acknowledging this, Linsey agreed, "Okay."