?Chapter 992:


    Still grinning, she poured out the water slowly, rinsed the basin with deliberate care, and filled it again with fresh, warm water—buying herself a few extra minutes of peace.


    Beyond the bathroom door, tension still simmered.


    Collin kept one hand steady beneath Gorman’s head, though his eyes never wandered far from where Linsey had disappeared.


    A confession lingered in Collin’s mind—he had goaded Gorman on purpose, and he knew it.


    Grudges, it seemed, could not be hidden. Every time he recalled Gorman’s actions, he found himself unable to muster even the smallest ounce of patience for the man.


    Gorman, for his part, was not shy about showing his dislike. The moment Linsey exited, he resisted Collin’s support, stiffening his neck and refusing to rest.


    He also continued to nce toward the bathroom, a crease of concern forming between his brows. Regret gnawed at him for letting his temper get the best of him.


    Inside, Linsey lingered, her hope resting on the possibility that some distance would cool the heat between them. Perhaps a bit of solitude could untangle the knots.


    Unbeknownst to her, tension thickened outside, growing even heavier in her absence.


    That was when Dolores, Dustin, and Joanne, having picked up the cue, hurried inside. Dolores froze at the threshold, eyes wide at the scene that greeted them.


    Collin and Gorman—who usually acted like they were ready for a brawl—now seemed locked in an uneasy truce, positioned closer than anyone expected.


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    Neither man moved, and for a split second, it looked as if they had been caught in a living photograph.


    Shock rooted Dolores to the spot, and Dustin, hurrying after, almost ran right into her back.


    Confusion sharpened Dustin’s voice as he called out, “C-Collin, what is happening here?”


    He stared with disbelief, blinking rapidly as though trying to clear away a dream.


    He could hardly believe his eyes—was that really Gorman stretched out on the bed?


    Hadn’t he died? Somehow, he was breathing right there before their eyes.


    The real surprise was the suddenck of distance between Collin and Gorman—so close, it almost defied belief.


    For two people always ready to sh, this newfound closeness made no sense. When had the hostility faded?


    For a moment, Dolores could only stare, thunderstruck. Then, snapping out of her daze, she blurted, “Where’s Linsey?”


    No hint of shock registered on Collin’s face as the neers arrived.


    The only reaction he gave was a flicker of doubt, noticing Joanne tagging along behind Dolores and Dustin.


    Meanwhile, Linsey emerged from the bathroom, carrying a fresh basin of water in her hands.


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