?Chapter 965:


    Beside her, Collin’s expression darkened at her confession, though he remained silent. Over the past few days, Linsey had shown little outward guilt about Gorman’s death. She had remained focused, visiting Kylee in prison to gather information. After collecting solid evidence, she had gone with him to confront Haven at the Walton family’s residence, watching as police led her away in handcuffs.


    Linsey had been ruthless in her pursuit, finding her own way to avenge Gorman’s death. But now Collin understood that beneath herposed exterior, guilt had been quietly gnawing at her all along.


    Seeing Gorman’s grieving parents face-to-face had finally cracked her armor.


    Alissa took Linsey’s hands in hers, managing a pained smile. “Linsey, this tragedy isn’t your fault. The me lies entirely with that killer.”


    Her kindness only deepened Linsey’s suffering. She had almost hoped Gorman’s parents would me her, scream at her—anything that would mirror the fury she felt toward herself.


    But these two broken souls harbored no anger for her whatsoever. Their forgiveness hurt more than any usation could have.


    Bowing her head in guilt, Linsey surrendered to her grief, tears steadily dropping onto her blouse, darkening the fabric.


    Collin immediately reached into his jacket, pulling out the crisp handkerchief he always kept close. He began dabbing at her cheeks without a word.


    The tender gesture drew Alissa’s attention. Mid-motion, Collin’s hand stilled as he caught Bart’s prating stare from across the room.


    Something sharp flickered in the older couple’s eyes, a quality that made Collin’s instincts prick with unease. Still, Collin maintained his steadyposure, continuing to dry Linsey’s face with careful, gentle strokes until thest tear disappeared.


    Collin felt no irritation at Linsey’s tears, recognizing the profound weight of her grief. He knew her heart too well. Even if a stranger had perished protecting her, she would have struggled to bear the burden of their sacrifice.


    Though Gorman had wounded them deeply, even targeting their children, he had also helped Linsey when she needed it most. His methods, however, had sometimes been extreme.


    This was why Collin believed that while Gorman’s death might have been unavoidable, it should never havee at the cost of Linsey’s safety. Now, every memory of Gorman would be forever shadowed by the image of him copsing to shield her from harm. Even his past cruelties would slowly fade, leaving only the martyrdom of his final act.


    A darker suspicion crept into Collin’s thoughts. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Gorman had somehow anticipated Kylee’s murderous intent and had deliberately positioned himself as Linsey’s human shield.


    Collin tenderly brushed away Linsey’s tears, his wordlessfort more eloquent than any speech. His gentle care caught Alissa’s attention, drawing her focus to him.


    “You must be Mr. Collin Riley, the distinguished founder of CR Corporation?”


    Collin’s hand stilled as he turned toward her with measured courtesy. “Yes, Mrs. Green.”


    His gaze remained steady as it settled on Alissa, though his next words carried a deliberate weight. “I am Linsey’s fiancé. Please, call me Collin.”


    Linsey’s breath caught, her tear-dampened eyes darting to Collin with sudden bewilderment. Something in his tone suggested those words held more significance than just a simple introduction. She understood Collin’s possessive nature, but he wasn’t one to loseposure during delicate situations.


    Gormany dead, and before them sat grieving parents who had just lost their son.


    Linsey couldn’t understand why Collin would choose this moment to assert their bond so pointedly in front of the Greens. The thought briefly crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed it aside. After all, she had brought Collin to meet the Greens today. They must already know about their rtionship. His deration was likely nothing more than polite formality.


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