?Chapter 966:
Absorbed in her reasoning, Linsey missed the fleeting shadow that crossed the Greens’ faces. But Collin, ever watchful, caught it immediately. In that instant, he knew with certainty that the Greens harbored deep resentment toward him—perhaps even hatred.
Truthfully, Collin cared little for their opinion of him. His sole concern was ensuring they would show Linsey thepassion and respect she deserved.
“Oh?” Alissa’s demeanor shifted so abruptly it seemed impossible she had been weeping just moments before. A softugh escaped her lips. “But I heard you and Linsey divorced four years ago. Have you already been engaged?”
The question stirred an ufortable feeling in Linsey’s chest. Before she could gather her thoughts to respond, Collin’s voice cut through the tension with measured calm.
“Yes. We’re getting married.”
Alissa opened her mouth to speak, but Collin pressed on with deliberate authority.
“Linsey and I are both devastated by Gorman’s tragic death and deeply regret the circumstances that led to it. We’ve already coborated with authorities to ensure both the killer and the orchestrator face justice.”
He added, “Regarding Gorman’s remains, his former associates have taken custody. They possess the mostprehensive knowledge of the events surrounding his death. You and your husband should contact them directly for any additional information.”
Collin’s features settled into grave lines as he delivered his words with unwavering conviction. “Should you require any further assistance from me, provided it remains within reasonable and legal bounds, both CR Corporation and I stand ready to offer our full support. Gorman and I maintained a lengthy business rivalry, and I find myselfpelled to honor his memory through service to those he left behind.”
Bart listened in silence, fighting back a coldugh. The audacity of it struck him as almost admirable. Collin had managed to recast a lifelong nemesis and romantic rival as nothing more than a professionalpetitor.
Bart could see exactly what Collin was doing, wrapping Linsey inyers of protective lies.
Alissa understood what Collin meant and caught her husband’s eye. After the briefest hesitation, Bart, catching her cue, offered an almost imperceptible nod of consent.
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Alissa seized the moment without dy. She fixed Linsey with a direct stare, her voice carrying deliberate weight. “Linsey, the reason we arranged this meeting so urgently is because we desperately need your assistance with something.” Her mask ofposure cracked slightly, revealing underlying tension. “However, it’s a matter that requires absolute privacy.”
The instant those loaded words escaped her lips, Collin’s fingers locked around Linsey’s with protective intensity, his gaze cutting toward the Greens like a de honed by suspicion. He could feel it. Alissa and Bart were finally prepared to drop their pretense and expose the real agenda driving their visit.
The unexpected demand caught Linsey off guard. The realization dawned on her. Alissa was asking Collin to leave. But what could possibly require such privacy?
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Green, but that won’t be possible,” Collin chimed in, his smile pleasant though his refusal was firm.
He had already noticed the subtle disdain in Bart’s and Alissa’s eyes earlier, a slip that hadn’t gone unnoticed.
Even if Bart and Alissa meant well and harbored no ill will, Collin would never leave Linsey to handle them alone.
If he had trusted thempletely, he wouldn’t have insisted on apanying her in the first ce. After all the unexpected dangers Linsey had faced, Collin had grown steadfast in hismitment to keeping her safe.
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