ã€ŠMarrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever Afterã€‹


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1 I''ll Be Your Bride

    "Felix, the wedding''s about to start-you can''t just leave!"

    Draped in an immacte white gown, Linsey Brooks clung to Felix Wells'' arm, her fingers trembling as panic filled her

    voice.

    Today was supposed to be their day.

    Yet, just as the ceremony was about to begin, Felix had read a text message,

    turned to the crowd, and dered the wedding

    canceled.

    His brows were drawn together, his voice tight with urgency. "Move. Joanna''s hurt. She''s alone in the hospital, and she

    must be terrified. I have to be there for her."

    Linsey''s face drained of color.

    Joanna Saunders was Felix''s childhood sweetheart.

    Linsey had started dating Felix five years ago. And for five years, whenever she went out with him, if Joanna so much as

    needed him, Felix would leave Linsey behind.

    He always insisted Joanna was just like a sister to him and always told Linsey to understand.

    And she had, again and again.

    But this was their wedding day.

    So what if Joanna needed him? Did that mean Linsey had to be abandoned by the man who was supposed to be her

    husband?

    Her voice quivered as Linsey whispered, "No, you can''t go. The wedding can''t happen without you. No matter what, you

    have to stay today. Please, Felix... I''m begging you."

    But his patience snapped. "Enough! Stop being selfish and unreasonable. We can always reschedule the wedding. But right

    now, Joanna''s hurt. If I don''t go, can you handle the consequences? Move!"

    Before she could say another word, he shoved past her.

    Linsey staggered, her heels slipping against the polished floor as she crashed onto it. From where she sat, stunned and

    breathless, she could only watch as Felix disappeared through the doors-without a single nce back.

    In the next second, her phone rang.

    Without thinking, she answered-only to be met with a woman''s smug, triumphant voice on the other end.

    "Linsey, today''s your big day with Felix, isn''t it? Do you like the little gift I sent you?"

    Linsey''s entire body went rigid as recognition hit her. Through clenched teeth, she spat, ¡°Joanna... You did this on purpose. You lured Felix away, didn''t you?"

    "That''s right. And? What are you gonna do about it? I just wanted to remind you- in Felix''s heart, I''ll alwayse first." Joanna''s tone dripped with arrogance, every wordced with mockery. "I bet you spent months nning this, huh? Such a shame... All that work, all that dreaming-gone. Honestly, I almost feel bad for you."

    Linsey stared down at the pristine white fabric of her gown, and for the first time, she saw thest five years for what they

    really were a joke.

    Since she was an orphan, she had been so desperate for a family, for a love she could call her own.

    But Felix... he was never going to give her that.

    It was time to stop begging for something that would never be hers.

    A sharp, coldugh escaped her lips. "Don''t get ahead of yourself, Joanna. The wedding''s still happening."

    Joanna''s tone instantly soured. "Are you insane? Felix is the groom. He''s not even there. How exactly do you n on having a wedding without him?"

    Linsey''s lips curved into a slow, mocking smile.

    Who said her groom had to be Felix?

    If he could walk away this easily, then she would find someone else someone who actually deserved to stand beside her.

    Her voice turned sharp, unwavering. "Do me a favor, Joanna-pass a message to Felix. Tell him I don''t want him anymore. He''s not worth another second of my time. And since you''re so desperate to have him, be my guest. A spineless man and

    a shameless woman-what a perfect match. Best of luck."

    Joanna''s voice sharpened with anger. ¡°Linsey, I''m warning you. Don''t push your luck¡ª"

    But before she could finish, Linsey ended the call.

    The wedding was set to begin in thirty minutes. She needed to find a recement groom-fast.

    Lifting the hem of her dress, she rushed outside. To her surprise, the entrance was swarming with men in ck suits. Their imposing presence sent a clear message as theybed through every corner, searching for something or someone.

    Amidst them, a man in a groom''s suit sat in a wheelchair, his posture rigid with authority. Though motionless, he radiated an icy, almost untouchable air.

    His voice wasmanding as he addressed the bodyguard in front of him. "The ceremony is about to begin. Have you found Haven yet?"

    The bodyguard hesitated, his expression tense. "Mr. Riley, we''ve searched the entire perimeter, but there''s no sign of Ms. Walton. It appears she''s already fled..."

    "Fled?" The man''s voice was deep and even, but his gaze turned razor-sharp- cold and unforgiving, like a predator sizing up its prey. "If this wedding doesn''t happen on time, you know what that means."

    Linsey caught every word, and in an instant, she understood-this man had been abandoned at the altar, just like she had.

    Without hesitation, she gripped her dress and strode toward him.

    The bodyguards reacted instantly, stepping in front of her with stiff, wary expressions.

    "Ma''am, what do you think you''re doing?"

    The man in the wheelchair shifted his attention to her, his presence alone pressing down like a storm on the horizon.

    But Linsey didn''t flinch. Her voice was steady as she met his gaze head-on. "Sir, I

    hear your bride has run away. If that''s the case let me take her ce. I''ll be your bride."

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2 I Won''t Regret It

    Linsey''s words made the man''s eyes narrow slightly. His voice,ced with surprise, held a sharp edge. "Ma''am, are you certain about this? I''m disabled. If you marry me, you''ll regret it sooner orter."

    Linsey didn''t answer him directly. Instead, her gaze never wavered as she asked, "Would you ever abandon your wife for

    another woman?"

    "Of course not," he replied without missing a beat, his tone firm.

    "Then I won''t regret it either," Linsey said, her resolve unshaken. "As long as you agree, I''ll marry you."

    Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, the man had no reason to refuse. With a slow, deliberate nod, he replied, "Alright then, let''s get married."

    And just like that, Linsey''s wedding-one that had nearly been called off-continued as nned.

    With the priest as their witness, they exchanged vows, their voices steady.

    As they exited the church, Linsey felt a strange sense of unreality.

    She had just married a man who, only hours ago, had been aplete stranger.

    Pushing her husband''s wheelchair down the steps, she suddenly realized something. "By the way, I don''t even know your

    name."

    "Collin Riley," he responded, his voice calm.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait-you''re Collin Riley? The eldest son of the Riley family?"

    Collin saw the shock on her face and smirked, a hint of mockery in his smile.

    "What''s the matter? Now that you know you''ve married a man everyone else considers a loser, you''re regretting it?"

    The story of Collin-the eldest son of the powerful Riley family-was well-known throughout the city.

    His mother had died in childbirth, and his father had remarried.

    Later, a car ident left Collin paralyzed, transforming him into what many considered a loser.

    When his stepmother gave birth to a son, he became even more of an outcast within the Riley family.

    Without his grandmother, Ivy Riley, who had always defended and protected him, Collin would have likely been discarded

    long ago, left to struggle far worse than someone living on the streets.

    In Collin''s mind, no woman in her right mind would willingly marry a man like him unless she was after money.

    He wasn''t just disabled-he was the neglected son of the Riley family. He fully expected Linsey to be disappointed.

    He was prepared to see regret or bitterness shadow her face.

    To his shock, however, she looked at him not with pity or disdain, but with a deep, unspoken understanding-as if she saw

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    00.12

    Chapter 2 I Won''t Regret it

    him for what he truly was-another soul abandoned by those who should have loved him.

    Reaching out, she took his hand with gentle strength. "I''ve already told you. Once I''ve made my decision, I won''t regret it. Now that we''re married, I''ll make sure you have a real home-one that''s warm and full of care."

    "Is that so?" Collin''s voice wasced with doubt, his skepticism clear. "Let''s see then."

    He didn''t believe her.

    Curious, he wondered how long she could maintain this facade once she realized there was nothing to gain from him.

    A car pulled up in front of them, interrupting his thoughts.

    "Let''s go," Collin said, his tonemanding.

    Linsey paused, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Where are you taking me?"

    "Home, of course," he replied with quiet certainty. "We''re married now, so naturally, we''ll live together."

    Home?

    The word made Linsey''s heart skip a beat.

    It reminded her of the home she had lived with Felix-the one she had worked so hard to build for their future together.

    But now that she was married to Collin, she knew she had to sever the ties to her past.

    With a deep breath, she turned to him and said, "I have a few things to take care of first. Could you

    and address with me? I''ll move in as soon as I''m finished."

    share your

    contact info

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "You don''t want me to give you a ride?"

    "No, it''s fine," she replied, her voice firm but gentle. "I can manage on my own. I don''t want to trouble you."

    He didn''t argue. After exchanging their contact details, he got into the car and drove off.

    Half an hourter, Linsey stood before the apartment she had once shared with Felix. The key turned in the lock, and the

    door creaked open to reveal a space filled with memories.

    She stepped inside, taking in every familiar detail-the tablecloth, the potted nts- each piece had been carefully selected

    by her, making it feel like home.

    But now, it all felt like a prison. Without a second thought, she moved toward the decorations, ripping them down, discarding the nts, and throwing everything into the trash.

    She had chosen to start fresh, and that meant leaving the past behind, no matter how much it hurt.

    Once she had cleared out the remnants of her old life, she began packing her belongings. Lost in her thoughts, she didn''t hear the sound of footsteps approaching.

    Felix, unable to stay away, stood at the door, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief. He couldn''t hold it in any longer.

    "Linsey, what the hell are you doing?"

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3 Don''t Touch Me

    The apartment, once cozy and filled with warmth, now stood in disarray, its charmpletely stripped away, leaving only

    chaos in its wake.

    Linsey continued packing the remaining items into her suitcase, her movements deliberate, as if determined to erase every

    trace of the life she had once built here.

    Felix stood frozen for a moment, his eyes sweeping over the wreckage, disbelief etching his features before he stormed

    toward her.

    "Linsey, are you out of your mind?" he demanded, his voice rising with frustration. "I was gone for only a little while, and

    you''re acting like this?"

    He inhaled sharply, trying to reign in his temper, and snapped, "I''m giving you one hour. Put everything back where it was!"

    Linsey, unfazed, finished packing the item in her hands and slowly turned to face him. Her expression was cool, detached

    -almost as if he were a stranger.

    A faint, mocking smile tugged at her lips as she replied, "Felix, haven''t you figured

    it out? Sometimes, once something is

    lost, it''s gone forever. It can never be the same again."

    Felix''s frown deepened, impatience growing in his eyes. "What the hell are you trying to say?"

    Linsey couldn''t help but feel the audacity in his words. Did he truly not understand? Perhaps men like him never saw themselves as in the wrong.

    No. It wasn''t that. His tenderness had always been reserved for one person- Joanna, the woman he had truly loved.

    Linsey''s gaze was unwavering as she stared him down, her voice steady, yet every word seemed to carry the weight of everything she had been through.

    "On our wedding day, you abandoned me at the ceremony, ignoring both my dignity and my pleas. Do you have any idea how that felt? Felix, did you ever once stop to think about me? I was humiliated beyond measure, and yet you think I''m just throwing a tantrum?"

    She didn''t blink, her eyes locked onto his, the pain she had buried deep inside flooding to the surface, her vision blurring as tears welled up. She didn''t look away, her resolve as firm as steel.

    Seeing her like this, Felix felt a fleeting pang of guilt, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. He dismissed it entirely, just as he had done countless times before.

    Over the years, he had hurt her time and time again, and she had always forgiven him. He didn''t see why this time should be any different.

    He was sure that with a little charm, she would cave, just like she always had. After all, that was how things had always worked between them.

    With that thought, his anger dissipated, reced by aposed, almost smug smile.

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    5.3

    Chapter 3 Don''t Touch Me

    "Linsey, alright, I get it. You''re upset," he began, his voice smooth and patronizing. "But you shouldn''t act out like this.

    Look at what you''ve done to our home."

    His smile softened, and he reached out to ce his hands gently on her

    shoulders, his touch feigning tenderness as he tried

    to calm her down.

    "Come on, be good. You''ve vented your anger. Let''s not make a scene anymore, okay? How about this? We''ll pick another

    day, a better day, and I promise I''ll give you an even grander, more luxurious wedding. What do you say?"

    Linsey''s eyes locked onto the smile ying on Felix''s lips. His words were sweet, but his eyes-those eyes-betrayed a chilling indifference. He seemed so certain that she would fall for his act.

    Of course, why wouldn''t he think that? This was the way things had always gone in the past.

    Linsey let out a quiet, bitter scoff. She had given him far too many chances, and now he was convinced that he didn''t need

    to treat her with any real respect.

    Her expression hardened into something cold and detached, and without a word, she shrugged off his hands as though

    they were nothing more than a bothersome weight.

    "Don''t touch me. You make my skin crawl," she said indifferently.

    Felix froze, his eyes widening in shock. He had never heard her speak to him like that before.

    Her voice was ice, cutting through the tension in the room as she continued, "Felix, that wedding is over. I have no

    intention of having another one. I came here today to move out."

    Felix, still stunned by her rejection, frowned in confusion, his mind struggling to catch up. "Move out?"

    Linsey nodded, her face resolute. "Yes. I''m leaving now."

    He let out a hollowugh, as if he had just heard the most absurd joke. "And where do you think you''re going?"

    He knew all too well that Linsey had no family to turn to, no safety to catch her. Apart from this apartment, she had

    nowhere else.

    For the past five years, her entire world had been centered around him. He was certain she couldn''t leave him.

    He was certain that this whole "moving out" act was nothing more than her way of trying to make him bend to her will.

    Shaking his head in disbelief, he opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by a voice from behind.

    It was Joanna.

    "Felix, didn''t you say you''d be down in a minute after packing? What''s taking you so long?"

    Joanna''s voice echoed through the room as she stepped in. When her eyesnded on Linsey standing across from Felix, her

    expression shifted in surprise. "Linsey, what are you doing here?"

    Linsey shot Joanna a frosty look, her voice icy as she replied, "This is my apartment, isn''t it? Do I need to exin why I''m

    here? The real question is-what are you doing here?"

    Joanna lowered her gaze, feigning a mixture of embarrassment and innocence. "I identally nicked myself with a fruit

    knife, and Felix was so worried he insisted on staying with me for a few days."

    Her eyes then darted to the suitcase beside Linsey, and she gasped dramatically, her hand covering her mouth.

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    Chapter 3 Don''t Touch Me

    "Linsey, what are you doing? Are you upset? Even if you are, this is uncalled for. If you''re bothered, you can talk to me. I''ll apologize if that''ll make you feel better. There''s no need for all this."

    Linsey''s lips curled into a cold, almost cruel smile as she took a slow step forward toward Joanna. ¡°Are you really going to apologize? Do you even mean it?"

    Joanna, aware of Felix watching, yed her part, her voice dripping with false sincerity as she nodded. "Of course. If it helps you, I''ll do whatever it takes."

    "Alright, then. Why not?" Linsey''s smile widened, but there was no warmth in her eyes, just cold calction. "Since you''re

    so sincere, I suppose I can help you out."

    Without warning, she raised her hand.

    The sharp sound of a p sliced through the tension in the room as Linsey''s palm connected with Joanna''s face, echoing

    the finality of her words.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4 Linsey, You''ve Really Changed

    Joanna let out a shrill scream, the shock of the p leaving her momentarily frozen.

    Clutching her burning cheek, she red at Linsey, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Linsey, how dare you p me?" she spat, her voice trembling with fury.

    Linsey''s lips twisted into a cold, mocking smile, her eyes as frigid as her words. "Why wouldn''t I dare? You asked for it. You wanted to apologize, didn''t you? But one p hardly satisfies my anger. Maybe a second one will."

    With that, she raised her hand again, her gaze never leaving Joanna''s face.

    Felix, still reeling from the shock, finally snapped to attention. With a furious shout, he lunged forward, shoving Linsey aside. "That''s enough! Linsey, don''t go too far!"

    As he wrapped his arms protectively around Joanna, his voice softened with concern as he murmured to her, trying to calm

    her.

    Linsey staggered back, regaining her bnce with ease, her face indifferent.

    She regarded them both with a detached, almost clinical gaze, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "This is going too far? Joanna herself said she wanted to apologize. Felix, are you deaf? If she really meant to apologize, she should just keep quiet and let me vent. All I did was p her. How is that going too far? What I''ve done to her is nothingpared to what you two have done to me."

    Her gaze turned bitter as she continued, "You''re both nothing but despicable cheats. And one day, when the truthes out, who will believe a word you say?"

    Felix stood frozen, stunned by the barrage of usations. He opened his mouth, but not a single word of defense came to him.

    He held Joanna close, his arm wrapped protectively around her as his eyes narrowed at Linsey with a growing frustration. After a long, tense silence, he finally spoke, his voiceced with irritation. "Even if Joanna wanted to apologize, you shouldn''t have pped her. An apology is just that¡ªan apology. You don''t solve things with violence. You''re acting like a wild animal!"

    Linsey tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a frosty smile. She flexed her wrist nonchntly, the gesture sharp and deliberate. "I''ll take that as apliment," she replied coolly, her eyes locking onto his. "Since you think so highly of me, should I p her a few more times to really live up to your glowing praise?"

    Felix''s mouth hung open, his shock evident as he stared at her, utterly unprepared for her mocking reply.

    For a moment, he wondered if the woman standing before him was even the Linsey he once knew.

    Joanna, equally stunned, watched Linsey in disbelief, her mind struggling to process the situation. She had taunted Linsey countless times before, but this- this was different. Linsey had never fought back like this. Was she finally losing control?

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    Chapter 4 Linsey, You''ve Really Changed

    The tension in the room thickened, and then Joanna''s thoughts shifted, her gut telling her something wasn''t right.

    Could Linsey be doing this on purpose to get Felix''s attention?

    She shot a quick, anxious nce at Felix, only to find himpletely absorbed in Linsey, his gaze fixed on her with an

    intensity that sent a pang of jealousy through Joanna.

    She had made great efforts to take him from Linsey. There was no way she would let Linsey get him back.

    Panic flooded Joanna''s chest, and her grip tightened on Felix''s arm, pulling him back to her. With calcted sweetness, she said, "Felix, don''t say that. Linsey''s probably just upset. I don''t mind. As long as she can stop being angry with us, I''ll be

    fine with anything."

    Felix''s heart swelled with sympathy for Joanna, and her words only deepened his sense of irritation toward Linsey.

    "Linsey, you''ve really changed," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "The Linsey I knew would never act this way. If you insist on behaving like this-"

    Linsey cut him off before he could finish, her voice sharp and biting. "Of course I''ve changed. I must have been out of my mind before, putting up with you. But not anymore. I''ve wised up. Only an idiot would keep humiliating themselves like I did. Felix, let me make this crystal clear-we''re done. Completely done!"

    Without another word, Linsey grabbed her suitcase and turned away, her face set in stone.

    Felix stood frozen, the finality in her words hitting him like a punch to the gut. He had never seen her like this before.

    As she walked out of the room, dragging her suitcase behind her, an overwhelming sense of panic gripped his chest,

    suffocating him with its intensity.

    For reasons he couldn''t quite understand, a heavy feeling of impending loss weighed on him, as though the most important part of his life was slipping through his fingers.

    "Linsey!" he called out, his voice desperate, moving instinctively as if to chase after her.

    Joanna''s eyes widened in shock. She hadn''t expected Felix to react this way. Without thinking, she ced a hand over her cheek, letting out a soft, melodramatic sob. "Felix, my face... it hurts so much. Do you think it''s bleeding?"

    Felix froze, his heart tightening at the sound of her distress. He reluctantly turned back to her.

    Joanna''s cheek was marked with faint red streaks, a handprint visible beneath her skin, and Felix''s chest ached at the sight.

    "Joanna, don''t cry," he murmured, his voice full of concern. "I''ll take you to the hospital. We''ll get you some ointment-it''s going to be fine."

    Joanna sniffled loudly, her tears almost theatrical. She hesitated for a moment, before her voice softened,ced with feigned concern. "Felix, Linsey''s really leaving... maybe you should go after her instead of worrying about me. I''ll be fine."

    Felix bit down on his lip, his expression torn. "Linsey''s crossed a line this time. I won''t indulge her anymore. Let her stew

    for a bit-she''lle crawling back. When she does, I''ll make her apologize to you."

    Joanna''s heart swelled with satisfaction, and she leaned into Felix''s embrace, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Felix,

    you''re so good to me."

    Her n was working perfectly.

    The smugness bubbled within her as she felt in control. Linsey was nothing but a fool, thinking she could win Felix back.

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    Chapter 4 Linsey, You''ve Really Changed

    But as Felix held her, the warmth of her affection did nothing to settle the unease gnawing at him. A strange difort tugged at his chest.

    Why did he feel so unsettled?

    He pushed the unease down, attempting to smile at Joanna with forced patience.

    But no matter how hard he tried, his gaze kept drifting toward the direction Linsey had gone.

    Linsey had nowhere to go. She would be back eventually. He was sure of it.

    Rmended for you

    COMPLETED

    BURNING PASSION:

    Ove

    Never Dies

    Paule Ree

    Burning Passion: Love Never Di...

    "Drive this woman out!"

    "Throw this woman into the sea!"...

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5 Let''s Make A Bet

    Then

    On the other side, after Collin returned to Vista Vi, he made his way straight to

    the study.

    Seen as disabled and worthless by society, he now stood tall, his former despondency entirely gone. He faced the floor-to-ceiling window, his expression cold and unreadable as he watched the world below.

    Just then, his phone rang. It was Dustin Wade, his childhood friend.

    "Hey, Collin," Dustin said, his voice casual. "I''ve looked into your wife. There''s nothing shady about her. Her background checks out. On the day of the wedding, she married you because her fianc¨¦ left her standing at the altar."

    Dustin''s tone shifted, a yful edge creeping in. "You know, all the rich young women in town avoid you like the gue. They think you''re disabled, and you''re cut off from your family-just the perfect picture of an outcast. But Linsey? She had the guts to walk right up to you and marry you. I gotta say, that''s some serious courage."

    After a brief pause, Dustin added with a thoughtful sigh, "I do wonder, though... when she finds out the truth, how will she

    take it?"

    Collin''s voice was steady and emotionless as he answered, "She won''t get the chance. As soon as she realized who I really am, she came up with an excuse and left. She''s probably gone for good."

    He wasn''t surprised. After the ident, rejection and scorn had be part of his life. His low position in the Riley family only added to his istion, making him numb to it all.

    People often said that marrying a man like him-someone with no future was like throwing away a woman''s life.

    But Dustin didn''t agree with Collin.

    "I don''t think she''s like that," Dustin retorted with a grin. "Think about it-how many women would dare to swap grooms at their own wedding? My gut tells me Linsey''s not the type to run. Since she''s already married you, I don''t think she''d just

    disappear."

    As Dustin spoke, his interest visibly grew, his excitement clear in his voice. "You don''t believe me? Let''s make a bet then. I bet Linsey will be back soon. If I win, you hand over that plot ofnd on the outskirts of town. Deal?"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but calcting. "And if you lose?"

    Dustin let out a dismissive scoff. "I''m not going to lose, okay?"

    But before he could say more, Collin''s icy aura seemed to seep through the phone, sending a chill down his spine. Dustin quickly backpedaled. "Fine, fine. If I lose, you can make any request of simr value. Deal?"

    Collin didn''t believe for a second that Linsey would return. A cold snort escaped him, which Dustin took as tacit agreement.

    Just as Collin was about to hang up, a knock echoed at the door. The housekeeper''s voice came through. "Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley is here."

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    Chapter 5 Let''s Make A Bet Then

    Dragging her suitcase behind her, Linsey stepped into the vi, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The ce was eerily silent, the air feeling sterile and devoid of any warmth orfort.

    She looked around, quickly noticing the sparse furniture. It was simple, almost bare-a far cry from thevish home one would expect from the young man of a wealthy family.

    Linsey''s gaze hardened. Since she was married to Collin now, she felt justified in making some alterations to this ce.

    One thing was clear-she wasn''t going to live in such a cold, lifeless space. She would make it her own, no matter what.

    As she mentally mapped out how to redecorate, Collin suddenly appeared, rolling himself into view.

    His gaze fixed on her, his eyes dark and unreadable. He hadn''t expected Dustin to be right-Linsey had actuallye back.

    Though surprised, he didn''t let it show, his face impassive. His eyes dropped to the suitcase behind her. "You''ve been gone this long just to pack this little?"

    Of course not. She also took the time to teach Felix and Joanna a lesson.

    Though Linsey''s thoughts wandered down that bitter path, she simply answered, her voice soft and neutral, "This ce is a bit remote. Plus, I''ve never been here before. I got lost and wandered around for a while before finally finding it. That''s why it took so long."

    Collin gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable as he turned his wheelchair. "Follow me."

    Linsey followed swiftly, her steps light but hesitant. Her gaze flickered toward the wheelchair, her mind debating whether

    she should offer to help. Before she could settle on an answer, he stopped.

    The room was on the first floor. Linsey nced inside, her eyes quickly taking in the bare walls and minimalist furnishings.

    Like the rest of the vi, it felt devoid of warmth, yet clean and orderly.

    "Am I staying in this room tonight?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

    Collin caught her gaze out of the corner of his eye, a faint smirk curling at the edges of his lips as he replied coolly, "Yes, you''ll stay here with me."

    Linsey froze, her heart stuttering in her chest. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stared at him, unable toprehend what he had just said. "What... did you just say?"

    Her pulse quickened. Had he just implied they were going to sleep together tonight?

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6 Help Me Bathe

    Linsey instinctively wanted to refuse. Ever since she and Felix had started dating, he had subtly pushed for more intimacy.

    But Linsey had always imagined saving that part of herself for her wedding night, sharing her first time with her husband. So far, her rtionship with Felix had been about gentle touches-hand-holding, hugs, nothing more.

    But now, she barely knew Collin. They had only met once, and now she was expected to share a bed with him? It was all happening too fast for her to process.

    Collin, however, seemed unfazed by her stunned expression. His tone was even, almost detached, as he said, "We''re married. Isn''t it natural for us to sleep together?"

    He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her. Then, without warning, he added, "Or... do you feel ufortable because I''m disabled?"

    Linsey was ready to exin, but before she could say a word, she caught the fleeting shadow of self-mockery crossing his face.

    "Apologies," he murmured, his voice suddenly thick with bitterness. "Of course, no one would ept a disabled husband."

    Linsey''s heart clenched, and she quickly cut him off, her voice urgent. "No, no! I don''t feel that way at all!"

    She took a steadying breath, her tone firm with a trace of resolve. "We''re married now. Sharing a bed is what married couples do. I''m cool with that."

    Still, the thought of being so close to someone she barely knew made a wave of unease settle in her chest.

    But there was no turning back now. She would just have to adapt.

    Collin caught the hesitation in her eyes, his gaze unreadable as he gave a slight nod. After a beat, he spoke again, his voice softening. "It''s gettingte. I usually go to bed early. I hope you can adjust to my schedule."

    Linsey nodded quickly, though her stomach churned. "That''s fine. I''ll bring my suitcase in."

    "Wait," Collin interrupted, his voice steady. "Given my physical condition, I''ve always had the house staff help me with certain things. But now that you''re here, I''d prefer not to trouble anyone else."

    With that, he wheeled himself toward the bathroom.

    "What?" Linsey froze, confusion rippling through her.

    He stopped at the bathroom door, pushing it open with a smooth motion. Then he turned to face her, his gaze unflinching. "Help me bathe."

    Linsey''s mouth went dry. "How?"

    He raised an eyebrow, his tone almost teasing. "By helping me undress, of course."

    Her eyes widened in disbelief. But recalling what Collin had just said, she swallowed hard, forcing herself to step forward, her nerves tightening with every step.

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    20:14

    Chapter 6 Help Me Bathe

    She stared at him, silently reminding herself that, regardless of how unfamiliar or ufortable this moment was, he was her husband. This was part of her duty.

    Her hands shook as she clenched them into fists, then slowly extended them toward the buttons on his shirt.

    The buttons were tiny, delicately designed, and her palms were slick with nervous sweat. No matter how hard she tried,

    her fingers seemed to have a mind of their own, slipping over the first button again and again without sess.

    Collin stood motionless, an amused glint in his eyes as he watched her struggle.

    He knew she must resent this-resent having to care for a disabled man like him. He remained still, curious to see how

    long she would hide her difort.

    To his surprise, though she was flustered at first, Linsey quickly regained herposure. With determination etched on

    her face, she continued her task, slowly unfastening each button one by one.

    As the fabric of his shirt parted, his sculpted, muscr chest was revealed in all its glory.

    His raw, masculine energy filled the air, the power in his frame undeniable. Linsey had never been this close to a man before, and as her eyes flickered over his chest, her cheeks flushed a deep red.

    Her hands trembled, her breath catching in her throat.

    He watched every tiny shift in her expression, feeling a surge of confidence. He was certain he had the upper hand.

    Just then, her soft, cool fingertips brushed against his abdomen. The contact was brief, but it sent a shock through him.

    His body tensed as an overwhelming surge of heat rushed through him. It was as if every pulse of blood in his body had

    concentrated in one ce, igniting a wave of warmth that spread rapidly throughout him.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7 May I Use The

    Kitchen

    Linsey had just finished unbuttoning Collin''s shirt and was about to reach for his belt when his expression suddenly

    hardened.

    His grip closed around her wrist in a sh, his voice sharp and unwavering. "That''s enough. Get out."

    If she went any further, he wasn''t sure he could control himself.

    Linsey blinked, thrown off by the abrupt shift. "What?"

    Collin didn''t bother exining. Instead, he called out, his tone clipped, "Prepare the room next door for her."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley."

    Without another word, he pushed Linsey toward the doorway and shut the door behind her with a resolute thud. Her

    suitcase, still untouched, sat abandoned in the hallway.

    The echo of the door mming reverberated down the corridor, leaving Linseypletely stunned.

    "What is wrong

    with him?" She turned to the butler, confusionced in her voice. "Why did he just snap like that?"

    The butler''s voice remained calm, almost practiced. "Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley has always been unpredictable. Now that you''re

    staying here, it''s best to get used to it. After all, he..."

    His words trailed off, but Linsey didn''t need him to finish. The pieces were already falling into ce.

    Collin, despite his young age, was confined to a wheelchair, cast aside by his own family. It was no wonder he carried so

    much frustration.

    No wonder he kept pressing her about what she thought of him. He had probably spent years drowning in his own insecurities.

    The realization struck her hard, and sympathy settled heavily in her chest. He must havepletely misunderstood her. She had to clear things up before he convinced himself that she saw him as less of a man,

    Inside his room, Collin sat in his wheelchair, his jaw clenched as he struggled to steady his breath. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t calm down.

    Frustration burned through him as he stood up and entered the bathroom and turned the faucet on full st.

    The icy water crashed over him, dousing the fire raging inside. It took a long time before he finally wrestled back control.

    When he emerged, he ran a towel through his damp hair, still simmering with irritation.

    What the hell had Linsey done to him? He couldn''t wrap his head around it. How could a single touch from her make him

    lose control like that?

    0.0%

    2015

    Chapter 7 May I Use The Kitchen

    The next morning, Linsey freshened up and had just finished getting dressed

    when a soft knock sounded at her door.

    She pulled it open to find the butler standing outside.

    "Mrs. Riley, breakfast is ready. If you''re finished getting ready, you''re wee toe down and eat," he said with respect.

    Linsey gave a small nod. "Alright, thank you."

    As she shut the door, her thoughts drifted back to the events ofst night. She

    had to clear things up with Collin. Breakfast

    would be the perfect time to apologize.

    But when she arrived at the dining room, she found the table set with an extravagant spread-and not a single sign of

    Collin.

    She hesitated, staring at the untouched tes.

    "Mrs. Riley, is something the matter? Do the dishes not suit your taste?" the butler asked, his voice warm.

    Linsey quickly shook her head. "No, that''s not it. The food looks amazing."

    After a brief pause, she took a breath and asked, "Is Collin skipping breakfast?"

    The butler sighed, a hint of helplessness in his tone. ¡°He''s been in the study working sincest night. None of us dared

    disturb him."

    After a moment''s hesitation, he added, his voice edged with concern. "He has a chronic stomach condition. But if he

    refuses to cat, there''s not much we can do to convince him......."

    Linsey blinked, and when she looked up, she caught the butler watching her with a hopeful smile.

    Since the household staff couldn''t persuade Collin, maybe she could. As his wife, their rtionship was meant to be one of

    equals.

    Concern for his health gnawed at her. Breakfast was important-it set the tone for the entire day.

    "I''ll go talk to him," she murmured.

    The butler''s face brightened with relief. "That''s wonderful! Once he realizes how much you care, I''m sure he''ll appreciate

    it."

    Linsey hesitated, her brows knitting together. Would he, though?

    After his sudden change in demeanorst night, she wasn''t entirely convinced. Was the butler just saying that to be polite?

    Still, she had to apologize, and this was the perfect chance. Maybe preparing something for Collin to eat would help ease

    the tension.

    "May I use the kitchen?" she asked, nodding toward it.

    The butler blinked in surprise before quickly nodding. Of course. You''re thedy of

    the house. Let us know if you need anything."

    Linsey offered a warm smile. "Thank you. I''d like to make something for Collin myself. I''ll handle it."

    40.3%

    20-15

    Chapter 7 May I Use The Kitchen

    Meanwhile, in the study, Collin was in the middle of a meeting.

    Though he was seated in his wheelchair, his presence was as sharp andmanding as ever, keeping everyone on edge.

    His long fingers drummed lightly against the desk, the rhythmic taps pressing down like a weight on the room.

    "Mr. Riley, thatnd on the outskirts of the city was hard-won. Its value has already risen to a billion dors. If you give it to Mr. Wade just like that, you''ll suffer a major loss..."

    His subordinate''s voice was cautious as he carefully gauged Collin''s expression.

    Collin stopped tapping. His tone remained calm but unwavering. "A bet is a bet. I honor mymitments."

    He had agreed to the wager with Dustin-and he had lost. Simple as that. It was just a piece ofnd. Handing it over didn''t

    matter.

    His subordinate''s eyes widened in disbelief. Collin was ruthless in business. Yet he had actually made a bet?

    And lost?

    Rmended for you

    COMPLETED

    Love Ou

    FAST TRACK

    Love On The Fast Track

    When they were kids, Derek saved Norah''s life. Yearster, after Derek ended up

    in a...

    Modern

    Revenge

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8 How Does It

    Taste

    Collin''s features remained cold and detached, even as he noted the astonishment flickering across the faces of his

    subordinates.

    Over the years, Collin had cultivated a streak of invincibility, never faltering in any endeavor he pursued. However, Linsey

    had be his unexpected downfall this time.

    He had lost a billion-dor tract ofnd because of her.

    Even the slightest contact with her fractured the self-discipline he had long cherished.

    It seemed increasingly clear that distancing himself from Linsey could be the wisest decision.

    Collin was lost in contemtion, his face a mask of inscrutability.

    Suddenly, a knock echoed through the silence of his study.

    He was annoyed at the interruption, his brows knitting together. His tone was cold as he demanded, "Who''s there?"

    Any intrusion during his work hours was unforgivable.

    A tense silence hung in the air, broken only by Linsey''s soft, soothing voice responding from the other side. "It''s me. I

    heard you haven''t had a bite sincest night, so I''ve brought you something. Mind if I step inside?"

    Why had shee?

    Collin''s deep-set eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion clouding his features. A smirk, tinged with mockery, flickered across his

    lips.

    What was she up to this time?

    A low, mockingugh rumbled from his throat. Turning his attention to the screen, he addressed his subordinate with a

    casualmand. "Let''s put the meeting on hold."

    The subordinates, having overheard Linsey just moments before, were visibly stunned after hearing Collin''smand.

    Their boss despised being disturbed while working. But today, he found himself breaking his own rule-for the wife he had

    wed in the most unlikely way.

    Their curiosity piqued, they wondered what was about to unfold.

    But they were aware that Collin wouldn''t allow them to stay as onlookers. Halting the meeting was surely his method of

    ensuring the conversation remained private.

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," they responded, their voice carrying a formal tone.

    With a measured grace, Collin snapped hisptop shut, the click echoing subtly through the quiet room. He allowed a brief

    0.0%

    20:15

    Chapter 8 How Does It Taste

    pause, his expression unreadable, before saying, "Come in."

    The door creaked gently as Linsey entered, her arms bncing aden tray. Her eyes darted immediately to the chaotic

    sprawl of documents engulfing his desk.

    Though she was cognizant of his relentless toil sincest night, the actual sight of such an overwhelming pile of work

    made her pause, her brow furrowing in concern.

    "You''re really buried under all this work?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and disbelief.

    Collin rested his hands on hisp with a nonchnt ease, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and challenge. "Why, Linsey, what did you expect? That I''ve just been sitting here doing nothing?" he teased, the corner of his mouth tilting up in a sly smirk.

    "No, of course not," Linsey responded quickly, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. She hastened to add, "I just didn''t picture the scale of it. That''s all." Given that Collin had been wheelchair-bound for years, she was aware that he could take offense if she probed too deeply

    into his capabilities. After a brief moment of contemtion, she opted to steer clear of the topic, hoping to sidestep any

    potential difort.

    shing him a reassuring smile, she made her way to his desk. She stood next to him, gently cing the tray on a vacant spot. It held a te of freshly baked cookies and a ss of milk that was still warm from the stove.

    "I baked some cookies for you. Please, have one," she offered, her voice soft and inviting. ¡°I wasn''t sure about your preferences, so I opted for a vor that''s mild yet delightful. If they''re not to your taste, just let me know-I''m happy to

    tweak the recipe."

    Collin looked up, his eyebrow arching slightly as he realized the effort she had put into making these cookies from scratch.

    He reached for the topmost cookie and took a cautious bite.

    Instantly, the rich scent and the creamy essence of the milk enveloped his pte, the cookie''s texture striking a perfect bnce between crunchy and melt-in-your- mouth softness.

    Linsey watched him carefully, her expression one of hopeful anticipation. She

    leaned in slightly, her voice tinged with eagerness as she inquired, "What do you think? How does it taste?"

    1

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9 We''ll Tackle It Together

    Collin''s gaze flickered with a trace of surprise so subtle it was almost invisible.

    Like she mentioned, Linsey toned down the sweetness-which happened to suit his preferences effortlessly.

    With a stoic expression, he nibbled on half of the cookie and, feigning a discerning pte,mented, "Overly sweet treats aren''t really to my liking."

    Linsey offered no rebuttal; instead, she silently logged this preference in her memory.

    It was clear that Collin favored more subdued vors.

    "I''ll whip up a new batch then," she said, reaching to collect the te of cookies.

    "That won''t be necessary." Collin intercepted her hand with his, reaching for the warm milk instead. "This is fine for

    breakfast."

    His voice remained t as he continued, "You can leave now. I have work toplete."

    Pausing briefly, Linsey responded with measured calmness, "Collin, I want to apologize forst night. I hold no hard feelings towards you. It''s just that we''ve recently met, and I''m still finding my footing. My actions meant nothing beyond that. And I certainly don''t want you to misconstrue anything because ofst night." With each word weighed with gravity, she locked her gaze onto Collin''s.

    "Since I''ve married you, I''m prepared to embrace every part of you-the virtues and the ws. It seems only natural that I support you in any way you need. I assure you, what happenedst night will not recur. Trust me," Linsey assured, her voice imbued with sincerity.

    Collin absorbed her words in silence, his face betraying no emotion.

    After a moment, he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism, "Do you truly mean that?"

    Linsey nodded resolutely. "Absolutely. Imitted to marrying you, and I intend to fulfill your needs to the best of my ability."

    A subtle smile crept across Collin''s lips. Did she know what she was doing?

    She offered to meet his needs?

    Suppressing a chuckle, he took a deep breath, momentarily setting aside theyered meanings in her words.

    ·Ý

    Driven by a mix of curiosity and hope, he ventured further, "There''s a piece of my past I haven''t yet shared with you. I was involved in a car ident when I was young, leaving me with asting disability. This scar has led my family to overlook me consistently. I''ve spent recent yearsunching businesses away from their shadow, striving to gain their acknowledgment. Regrettably, luck hasn''t been my ally. My business attempts have mostly stumbled, piling up a mountain

    0.0%

    20:15

    Chapter 9 We''ll Tackle It Together

    of debt in their wake. If you feel the need to step back, I won''t stand in your way."

    Linsey was momentarily paralyzed by the revtion. Then, gathering herposure, she queried, "How much debt are we talking about?"

    Collin, without missing a beat and with a hint of mischief in his tone, tossed out an astronomical figure. "What if I said I''m

    buried under a hundred million dors?"

    As he anticipated, Linsey''s previously unppable demeanor faltered ever so slightly.

    He braced himself, certain she would reject the harsh reality of such an immense burden. Yet, Linsey defied his

    expectations once more.

    Her voice was firm with resolve as she responded, "It''s fine. We''ll tackle it together. Somehow, we''ll manage."

    Collin felt a tumultuous storm surge within him, yet he managed to maintain a facade of calm. He let out a soft, incredulousugh, fixing her with a skeptical look. "And how, exactly, do you propose we manage this, Linsey? We''re not talking about a mere hundred dors here."

    Linsey''s eyes dropped, her mind racing through her financial history. She had devoted most of her earnings to Felix and

    had little to show for it now.

    However, her confidence rekindled as she considered her skills in design.

    "Don''t fret. I''m on the job hunt," she dered, her voice tinged with a newfound optimism. "I''ve been sending out resumes these past few days. I''m certain I''ll hear back soon." She paused, her expression earnest. "No matter the circumstances, I refuse to let you face this alone."

    She reached out instinctively, her fingers brushing against his hand thaty on the desk, offering a silent vow of solidarity.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10 I''m Not Really Used To Physical Contact

    The instant their skins made contact, Collin felt an electric shock surge through his chest, darkening his expression

    immediately. With no hint of hesitation, he jerked his hand away from Linsey''s

    grasp.

    Her unpreparedness for his sudden motion caused Linsey to emit a soft, startled gasp. She looked at him with wide eyes,

    her silence filled with disbelief.

    The confusion in her eyes sparked an inexplicable ache in his heart.

    Tightening his fist, Collin sensed the ghostly softness of her palm still imprinted on the back of his hand.

    Linsey stared, her mouth opening slightly as if to speak, then pausing, clearly flustered and unsure of how to react.

    It was clear from his demeanor that he had likely found her touch offensive.

    Pressing his lips tightly together, Collin averted his eyes, his voice stiff as he offered an exnation. "I''m not really used to physical contact. Sorry."

    Linsey''s expression softened as she grasped the situation.

    His defenses were up, his sense of security so fragile that he instinctively recoiled from her touch.

    He averted his gaze, feigning calm, and murmured, "You may go."

    Linsey paused, her words faltering at her lips, unable to form.

    She understood that Collin wouldn''t easily warm up to her or ept her, especially since their acquaintance was so recent.

    She herself felt a lingering awkwardness about their arrangement, a sentiment she suspected was even more pronounced for someone as guarded and intricate as Collin.

    With this realization, she epted the situation more swiftly.

    Choosing not to press him, she nodded subtly, exited the study, and softly closed the door behind her, leaving him the solitude he evidently needed.

    Only after Linsey had departed did Collin release a long, burdened sigh.

    He massaged the bridge of his nose, a rare headache beginning to form. He was perplexed by the intense way Linsey''s smallest actions seemed to unsettle him- this was a new and disconcerting sensation.

    He had always valued his ability to remain detached and logical, but now he felt an unusual disturbance within him.

    If this disruption persisted, he dreaded to think what would happen next. He despised this emerging sensation of losing control.

    Lost in thought, he finally decided.

    0.0%

    2015

    Chapter 10 I''m Not Really Used To Physical Contact

    A brief escape was essential. By fortunate coincidence, a critical situation at hispany demanded his immediate attention, providing the ideal excuse to escape Linsey''s unsettling influence.

    With his decision firmly in ce, he slipped out of Vista Vi, a line of staff trailing quietly behind him.

    In the following days, Linsey noticed Collin''s ring absence.

    Concern gnawed at her, prompting her to inquire about his whereabouts from the butler.

    With a reassuring smile, the butler responded, "Mr. Riley is buried under a mountain of work, Mrs. Riley. You shouldn''t worry about him."

    Pondering this, Linsey realized that Collin was likely drowning in efforts to clear the colossal debt of a hundred million dors. No doubt, he was exhausting himself.

    Deciding against adding to his load, she chose instead to shift her focus to her own pressing needs-finding employment.

    With renewed determination, she started crafting her resumes with care and scouring job listings, eager to make a meaningful change.

    Atst, the day arrived when Linsey received an unexpected interview invitation from CR Corporation.

    CR Corporation wasn''t just anypany-it was a globally celebrated tech giant that had made its way to the stock market in record time under the guidance of its mysterious founder. Within a few short years, CR Corporation''s worth had exploded past the hundred billion dor mark, propelling its founder to the top as the richest individual in the world.

    Yet, for all the fame and fortune, the founder of CR Corporation remained a shadowy figure, shrouded in secrecy.

    Up until this point, not a single person had managed to catch a glimpse of the mysterious founder.

    Linsey was ecstatic, hardly believing her luck at being considered for a position at such an esteemedpany.

    She invested every ounce of her energy into preparing for the interview, determined to secure a job that promised a steady

    paycheck.

    She envisioned this opportunity as a stepping stone towards a brighter, more stable future for herself and Collin.

    However, as Linsey was driving to the headquarters of CR Corporation, a thunderous crash shattered the air.

    Suddenly, a luxury car materialized, mming into Linsey''s car with an earth- shattering force.

    100.0%

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11 I''m Happily Married

    Linsey''s heart pounded with frustration, her day marred by the ill fortune of a car ident just as she was on her way to

    a crucial job interview.

    Yet, there was no time to dwell on her dismay. She swiftly unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

    Her expression set in grim lines, she moved to inspect the rear of her car, only to discover a substantial dent marring the bumper-her car was significantly damaged.

    From the luxury car behind, a young man emerged rapidly, his features twisted in regret. He approached her and said earnestly, "I''m terribly sorry, ma''am. It waspletely unintentional. Please, let me cover the damages."

    With deft movements, he extracted a checkbook and penned his name across a check. "I''m Dustin Wade," he continued, extending the check towards her. "Feel free to fill in the amount needed for the repairs, or even a recement if necessary. Should you encounter any problems, don''t hesitate to reach out."

    As Linsey''s eyes lingered sorrowfully on her battered car, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. The car, though just a mass of metal and wires, had been her steadfastpanion through countless journeys.

    Dustin offered her the signed check along with his business card, inquiring with polite curiosity, "May I have your name?"

    "Linsey Riley," she responded in a subdued tone.

    At her words, a flicker of recognition sparked in Dustin''s eyes. Swiftly, he slid off

    his sunsses, his gaze sharpening as he studied her face more closely.

    Indeed, this was the same Linsey he had learned about from Collin''s investigation; her image was unmistakable from the

    files he had seen.

    How ironic it was that he had stumbled upon Collin''s newly married wife just that day!

    Dustin''s gaze remained fixed on Linsey, making her shift uneasily. She edged back a few steps and asked with a hint of suspicion, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

    Excitement flickered within Dustin as he muttered to himself, "How could I not be curious about the woman who made

    Collin lose a billion dors?"

    He shed her a mischievous smile and let his intense gaze rx. In a burst of spontaneity, he offered, ¡°Since your car has suffered some damage, why not join me in mine? Where might you be headed? I''d be happy to drive you."

    Linsey narrowed her eyes, carefully examining the carefree smirk on his face. She sensed he was plotting something.

    Her stunning features often attracted those with ulterior motives, and she had learned to navigate these situations with caution. She wasn''t about to be duped so easily, not with an important interview looming and no time for distractions.

    "I appreciate the offer, but my car will manage. It''s still in working condition," Linsey dered, turning to walk away.

    0.0%

    20:16

    Chapter 11 I''m Happily Married

    Dustin stood there, taken aback by her brisk rejection, momentarily questioning his own charm.

    He hurriedly moved to intercept her, saying, "Hold on, please wait a moment. You still haven''t picked up the check and my

    card. Don''t forget to reach outter.¡±

    While speaking, he attempted to hand the items over to Linsey.

    Linsey skillfully sidestepped his advance, her voice cold and firm. "I''d suggest you refrain from any unseemly thoughts. I''m happily married, and my husband and I are deeply in love."

    Her gaze cut through the space between them as she dismissed the check with a flick of her wrist. "Your money doesn''t grant you any special privileges here. Leave now, or I will call the police."

    Dustin reeled from her sharp rebuke, his surprise rendering him motionless, no longer obstructing her path.

    With a measured breath, Linsey slid into her car, her movements swift and precise.

    She knew too well the importance of maintaining a facade of indifference¡ª showing any less could make her vulnerable.

    Dustin watched her drive away, his earlier shock morphing into amusement. He sauntered back to his car, a grin unfurling

    on his face.

    As he started the engine, he turned to the passenger in the back, his tone yful. "Well, Collin, fancy that we just ran into

    your wife on our way to the office. Did you hear her?"

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12 Why Doesn''t

    She Fall For Me Instead

    Collin gave Dustin a nk look. "What did Linsey say?"

    Dustin''s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he echoed Linsey''s earlier words. "She actually thought I was

    into her and gave me a heads-up that she''s already married and they''re deeply in love with each other."

    His excitement escted. "Did you catch that, Collin? Straight from Linsey''s mouth. In her view, you''re a cripple, right? Yet, she didn''t think twice about marrying you right outside that church. Odd, isn''t it? And now, barely a week into your

    marriage, and you''re already head over heels? Seriously?"

    After pausing for a moment, he went on, "Collin, we''ve been tight for more than two decades, and you''ve kept this massive news from me? Out with it. Is what Linsey imed true? You mean to tell me you''ve fallen for her this quickly?"

    Dustin''s incessant chatter drew a scowl from Collin. "Fall

    in love with her? Ridiculous. Cut it out."

    Yet, Dustin onlyughed harder. "Yeah, yeah, it''s just Linsey talking. Someone as ruthless as you falling quickly for someone? Unlikely. But Linsey? Just a few days as your wife and she''s already this smitten with you?"

    He furrowed his brow, genuinely confused. "Honestly,pared to you-a wealthy young man with a disability-here I am, single, fairly good-looking, and not to mention, wealthy. Why doesn''t she fall for me instead? How can she overlook my appeal? It doesn''t make any sense."

    "Are you finished?" Collin asked, his brow furrowed in impatience. "I have no interest whatsoever in matters concerning her. If you continue to dy and hinder our work, I won''t be forgiving."

    His stare pierced through the air with a dangerous sharpness.

    Aware of Collin''s stern, business-focused demeanor, Dustin had no option but to quell his curiosity and ignite the engine.

    A heavy silence soon enveloped the car.

    Collin reclined in the back seat, his gaze drifting out the window, lost in thought.

    He had dered his indifference to anything involving Linsey.

    Yet, inexplicably, her words haunted his thoughts.

    Linsey was convinced that he was a cripple, yet still epted him as her

    husband, unswayed by Dustin''s attempts to charm her.

    Could it be that she truly overlooked Dustin''s appeal?

    As he mulled over this, a rare smile broke across Collin''s usually stoic face,

    softening his entire expression.

    Linsey feared the ident had ruined her chances of making it to the interview on time, 0.0%

    Chapter 12 Why Doesn''t She Fall For Me Instead

    Miraculously, no further incidents urred after the ident.

    She reached CR Corporation right on time.

    With a palpable sense of relief, Linsey settled in at the designated interview location.

    Around her, a crowd had already begun to assemble outside the interview location.

    "Have you heard? I overheard that the CEO of CR Corporation might grace today''s interview," murmured someone close to

    Linsey, their voice barely a whisper.

    Another candidate nearby couldn''t hide their astonishment. "Really? If that''s the case, we definitely need to treat this

    interview with the utmost seriousness."

    Linsey''s curiosity was piqued.

    The CEO of CR Corporation? Could this really be the mysterious founder who single-handedly catapulted CR Corporation to

    its pinnacle?

    Her knowledge of him was confined to the snippets she found online; she had never encountered him face-to-face.

    Suddenly, a voice cut through the mounting anticipation. "He''s arrived; he''s here! The CEO of CR Corporation has just

    walked in!"

    As a few employees passed by, they offered their respectful greetings to a man who had just entered. "Good morning, Mr.

    Wade."

    Driven by an irresistible urge, Linsey craned her neck, managing to glimpse the man at the center of everyone''s attention.

    A group had formed a tight circle around him as he advanced.

    Catching a clear view of his face, Linsey stood frozen, utterly taken aback.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13 Am I In The Wrong ce

    Linsey''s eyes flew open, shock etching her face.

    Nearby, encircled by a bustling crowd, stood none other than Dustin-the same man who had recently tangled with her in

    a car ident!

    What a staggering coincidence!

    She wrestled with her rising emotions, striving to keep her face impassive.

    Subtly, she angled her head to the side, carefully avoiding Dustin''s gaze to escape his notice.

    Thest thing she expected was to see him here.

    Observing how the CR Corporation''s executives deferred to him, she had no doubts left-Dustin was the mysterious

    founder.

    epting this twisted reality was challenging. She clenched her jaw, her mind reying their abrasive encounter on the

    street.

    His carefree tone and brash demeanor had skirted the edges of disrespect...

    The mysterious founder of CR Corporation had once been her inspiration, the very reason she had aspired to excel in

    design.

    Was it conceivable that her inspiration was as arrogant as Dustin?

    As Linsey pondered this, a group of executives stepped up to Dustin, their voices tinged with respect. "Mr. Wade, if you

    would follow us, please."

    Dustin gave a slight nod and followed the group, oblivious to Linsey, who was tucked away in a shadowy corner.

    From her vantage point, Linsey watched them disappear into the distance. She let out a soft sigh of relief, her face etched

    with a mix of emotions that were hard to decipher.

    As soon as the group left, the crowd waiting for the interview picked up their conversations again.

    "You see that man? That''s Dustin Wade, the acting CEO of CR Corporation. The founder''s a no-show; it''s always Mr. Wade

    who shows up at these major events."

    "Mr. Wade is not only strikingly handsome, but his aura is absolutely

    distinctly imposing."

    ¡°It''s fascinating that someone as remarkable as Mr. Wade chooses to work under such a mysterious founder. Whoever they

    are must be extraordinarilypelling"

    "I''d give anything to meet the mysterious founder."

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    Chapter 13 Am I In The Wrong ce

    "Be realistic. I''ve heard that even top executives at thepany have never met

    the mysterious founder. Only Mr. Wade is

    privy to the founder''s true identity. We''re probably never going to know."

    "That''s true. I wonder if I''ll even make it into thispany."

    "Just stay optimistic! Give it your best shot."

    As she overheard this exchange, Linsey''s realization dawned on her.

    Dustin was just the acting CEO, not the mysterious founder she had wondered about.

    What was more, there might be a close connection or a strong rapport between Dustin and the founder.

    When she realized this, a wave of relief washed over her.

    Her startled reaction wasn''t unwarranted; given the unsettling encounter earlier, her opinion of Dustin had soured

    significantly. She had little patience for men who behaved carelessly.

    Luckily, Dustin was not the founder.

    This revtion piqued Linsey''s curiosity further about the mysterious founder''s identity.

    Dreaming of joining thepany and showcasing her skills, she fantasized about one day meeting the mysterious founder.

    Linsey''s thoughts were abruptly shattered by a scornful voice from across the

    room.

    "Well, well, what have we here? Is CR really open to just anyone for interviews now? Am I in the wrong ce? The

    presence of certain individual here really brings into question the integrity of CR Corporation''s selection criteria."

    The voice dripped with venomous sarcasm, causing Linsey to frown at its piercing edge.

    She turned to see a woman seated not far off, eyeing her with a look of contempt.

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    Chapter 14 I''ve Heard Your

    Name

    Noticing Linsey''s gaze, Cynthia Keller scoffed and lifted her chin with a smug tilt. "What? You got a problem?"

    The group around Cynthia quickly jumped in, their mocking voices ovepping.

    "Who even is she? Never seen her before. Does she even have any work to her name? Or did she just wander in off the

    street?"

    "How does someone like her have the guts to show up here? She''s probably fresh out of school. The audacity to apply at CR -what a joke.¡±

    "Right? CR only interviews real designers-people with credentials, portfolios. How did she even get past the resume

    screening?"

    Linsey instantly caught on. They were deliberately trying to humiliate her. But she kept her expression cool and shot back,

    "So, I take it you''re all famous, then?"

    Cynthia let out a condescendingugh, her gaze dripping with arrogance. "New to the design world and already this clueless? Do you even follow the industry?"

    She flicked her fingers toward the room. "Look around. You''re already at a disadvantage, and now you''re proving you don''t

    even know who you''re up against."

    A wave ofughter rippled through the group.

    "Wow. That''s just sad. No reputation, no clue who the top names are¡ªwhy are you even here?"

    "Let''s educate her," a woman chimed in, regarding Cynthia with admiration.

    "This is Cynthia Keller. You''re from Grester, right? Then how do you not know her?"

    With a dramatic flourish, she added, "She''s from the esteemed Keller family- talented, and adored by hundreds of

    thousands of followers online."

    Linsey''s eyes narrowed slightly before she spoke. "So, you''re Cynthia Keller?"

    Cynthia practically glowed under the attention, her expression brimming with pride. She lifted her chin higher and drawled,

    "That''s right. You''ve heard of me? Guess you''re not entirely clueless after all."

    Linsey smiled, her voice deliberate. "Oh, I''ve heard your name. Like how your design academy thesis was actually written

    by a ghostwriter. And how it got exposed online when you refused to pay them. Is that true? I have to admit, I''m curious."

    That scandal had been a major embarrassment for Cynthia. The ghostwriter had presented undeniable proof of her

    academic dishonesty, but the Keller family had spent a fortune burying the story. Most had forgotten-until now.

    Linsey hadn''t given it much thought until someone emphasized Cynthia''s reputation, triggering her memory.

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    Chapter 14 I''ve Heard Your Name

    Since they had gone out of their way to mock her, she saw no reason to be polite.

    Cynthia''s face burned with anger. She snapped, "What the hell are you saying?! Everyone knows I was framed! Son jealous nobody tried to ruin me!"

    Her outburst drew quiet chuckles from the onlookers.

    Most might have let the story fade, but the veterans in the design world remembered it well.

    Cynthia couldn''t find the words to defend herself, but her entourage jumped in, seizing the moment. One of them pointe an usatory finger at Linsey. "What''s your deal? You can''t stand that you''ll never measure up, so now you''re throwin out baseless usations? You better take that back and apologize to Ms. Keller right now-or get ready for awsuit!"

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15 How Does She

    Know All This

    Linsey''s lips twisted into a sneer. "Did I say something incorrect? Everyone is aware of it. I haven''t ndered Cynthia in the

    slightest."

    Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the woman who had defended Cynthia, her voice dripping with scorn. "Moreover,

    instead of scrutinizing me, maybe you ought to examine your own situation. I believe your surname is Rodriguez, isn''t it? Ms. Rodriguez, wasn''t yourtest project embroiled in a giarism scandal just three months ago? The judgement has been passed-you''re a giarist. Yet somehow, you managed to secure an interview with CR Corporation. Now, that''s a real

    mystery."

    The usation caused the woman''s face to stiffen. "How did youe to know about that?"

    Linsey didn''t pause to let her respond; instead, she turned towards another designer. "And you-Ms. Jimenez, correct? I remember you boasted about winning a design award. Turns out, that recognition could be bought for a price. So, how much did you shell out for that recognition?"

    Following that, Linsey proceeded to air the dirtyundry of several individuals. With her voice rising, she eximed, "Each of you has such a notorious reputation online. Next to you all, I''m practically invisible."

    The room filled with faces turned scarlet, including Cynthia''s, as they were overwhelmed with shame.

    They struggled to match Linsey''s brisk pace, and more crucially, theycked concrete proof to counter her ims-which

    were undeniably true.

    Ceasing their taunts, they swiftly changed course and made their exit.

    In the midst of the ensuing chaos, a voice grumbled, "Damn it! How does she know all this? She''s just a newbie, isn''t she?"

    Overhearing thement, a sly smile yed on Linsey''s lips.

    She had prepared exhaustively for the uing interview at CR Corporation, making sure she was well-versed in every significant and trivial event within the designmunity over the past few years.

    These designers had mistaken her for a soft target and had initiated this confrontation.

    Unbeknownst to them, they had messed with the wrong person this time.

    As Linsey wrapped up her encounter with these troublesome designers, a group of interviewers stepped forward.

    "Everyone, please proceed inside and get ready for your interview," they instructed.

    One by one, the designers filed into the interview room, each selecting a seat in the designated area.

    The interviewers positioned themselves at the forefront, observing quietly as staff members handed out sheets of paper and drawing pens to the candidates.

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    Chapter 15 How Does She Know All This

    The lead interviewer cleared his throat and addressed the group. "You are all talented designers, handpicked from a rigorous resume screening process. Today, we''ve brought you here to gauge your foundational design skills in a real-time

    setting. You have one hour to create aplete design draft. Let the countdown begin."

    With that, a staff member beside him activated the timer.

    A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. One of the designers, unable to hide his confusion, blurted out, "But you

    haven''t provided us with a design brief. What exactly are we supposed to design?"

    Linsey, her gaze fixed on the interviewer, awaited his response with keen interest.

    The interviewer offered a reassuring smile and exined, "Today''s challenge is to assess your ability to make swift

    decisions on the spot. Please work independently, ensure your ideas are your own, and avoid any form of imitation. Now,

    please begin."

    As silence enveloped the room, the designers bent over their papers, pencils scratching away.

    Linsey, however, sat motionless, her eyes locked on the nk page before her. Memories suddenly flooded back-the

    wedding day, the first time she had met Collin...

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16 You''re All Too

    Loud

    Linsey''s first impression of Collin was of a man dressed sharply in a wedding suit, seated in a wheelchair with an air of

    quiet authority.

    Despite the humiliating situation of being abandoned at the altar, he hadn''t shown a flicker of unease or frustration.

    A spark of inspiration struck Linsey.

    She wanted to design something for him-something that mirrored hisposed and dignified presence.

    A small smile formed on her lips as she picked up a pen and began sketching with practiced ease.

    Half an hourter, Cynthia rose to her feet, exuding confidence. She strode toward the interviewers, holding her design as

    if it were a masterpiece.

    "All done." She shed the interviewers a self-assured smile as she handed over her sketch. "Cynthia Keller. My name''s in

    the bottom right corner."

    The interviewers epted it with polite professionalism. "Thank you. You may wait outside."

    The other candidates exchanged uneasy nces. Cynthia had finished already? Only thirty minutes had passed, and most

    of them weren''t even halfway through their sketches.

    Completing a design in just half an hour seemed almost impossible. Their growing anxiety rippled through the room.

    "What do I do? I still have so much left to sketch."

    "I shouldn''t have picked this concept. It''s toote to start over now."

    "This is a disaster. I''mpletely screwed."

    The restless murmurs prompted one of the interviewers to issue a sharp reminder. "Please maintain silence. You have

    twenty-seven minutes remaining."

    Linsey, oblivious to Cynthia''s early submission, remained engrossed in her work, her pen moving steadily across the page.

    As the minutes ticked by, the others graduallypleted their designs and turned them in, filing out one by one.

    With just a minute left, Linsey was the only candidate still seated in the room.

    An interviewer nced at the clock. "You have fifty seconds remaining."

    "I see," Linsey murmured, her voice steady as she signed her name at the bottom

    of her design. She rose from her seat and walked forward, cing her work on the desk. "I''m done. Thank you."

    The interviewer gave her a small nod of acknowledgment.

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    Chapter 16 You''re All Too Loud

    Linsey stepped out of the interview room and leaned against the wall, letting out a quiet breath as she sat down.

    Cynthia spotted her immediately, seizing the moment to taunt her. "Linsey, what took you so long? Did they throw you out because you couldn''t finish in time?"

    The sycophants who had rallied behind Cynthia earlier eagerly joined in.

    "I bet they did. The interviewers probably won''t forget her anytime soon."

    "I bet she just scribbled somethingst minute."

    Linsey''s brows drew together in irritation. She shot them a cold look and snapped, "Shut up. You''re all too loud."

    With that, she closed her eyes, refusing to give them any more attention.

    Cynthia clenched her fists, seething, but with CR Corporation''s staff nearby, she had no choice but to swallow her anger

    and re in silence.

    Once all the candidates had submitted their designs, the interviewers began sorting through them, matching the strongest pieces with resumes to determine the sole designer they would select.

    The wait felt endless. When the interviewers finally emerged, all the designers gathered anxiously.

    Linsey, having rested for a bit, suddenly felt her nerves creeping in.

    Her pulse quickened, her breath shallow as she fixed her gaze on the interviewer holding the final decision.

    Beside her, a designer whispered to Cynthia, "Cynthia, it has to be you. You''re the most talented one here."

    "I think so too. Cynthia, we should congratte you in advance, right?"

    Cynthia smirked, already picturing herself reveling in their admiration.

    This was it. She would be the one CR Corporation chose.

    The interviewer scanned the group before finally smiling. "After careful consideration, we have selected Linsey Riley for the

    position. Congrattions, Linsey!"

    100.0%

    Rmended for you

    SHROUDED AFFECTIONS

    WINNING BACK MY

    CEO Wife

    Shrouded Affections: Winning...

    For two years, Bryan only saw Eileen as an assistant. ...

 Chapter 17

    hapter 17 Why Is She Asleep Here

    "What?! No way!"

    Cynthia''s voice shot up, her disbelief echoing through the room. She had been so certain she would be the one to pass. Yet,

    against all logic, the arrogant neer-Linsey-had taken the spot instead.

    Linsey, equally stunned, blinked in disbelief. Had she misheard? She wanted this so badly that her mind struggled to ept

    it as reality.

    But then, the interviewer stepped forward, offering her a warm smile. "Linsey, congrattions on passing the interview."

    Joy flickered across Linsey''s face, her chest tightening with excitement. It took her a second to find her voice. "Thank you...

    Thank you so much!"

    She had done it-she had gotten into her dreampany. This meant she could finally help Collin with his debts.

    Around her, the other designers murmured in shock.

    "How is this even possible?"

    "It''s really her. I didn''t expect her work to be that good."

    "A neer outscored Cynthia? That''s unreal."

    Cynthia, frozen in ce for several seconds, suddenly let out a furious cry. She stormed toward the interviewers, her face

    twisted with outrage. "There has to be a mistake!"

    Her re snapped to Linsey, who was still basking in her victory, and her voice dripped with venom. "Linsey cheated! I demand a review of the results! There''s no way my designs lost to hers!"

    The lead interviewer''s expression darkened, his patience wearing thin.

    "Cynthia Keller, are you questioning our ability to evaluate talent? If that''s the case, perhaps you should take my job instead."

    Cynthia stiffened, her breath catching. She mped her mouth shut, too intimidated to say another word.

    This interviewer was a key figure in CR Corporation''s Fashion Design Department, someone Linsey knew she couldn''t afford to offend.

    Internally, Cynthia seethed, "Curse you, Linsey."

    Once the other designers had left, the lead interviewer motioned for Linsey to approach. "You don''t have any conflicting ns, do you? If not,e by tomorrow morning to finalize the onboarding process. Someone will guide you through thepany and help you get started."

    "Alright. Thank you," Linsey replied, a smile tugging at her lips. After exchanging a few words, she exited the room, her

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    Chapter 17 Why Is She Asleep Here

    heart still fluttering with joy.

    Securing a position at CR Corporation felt like the happiest event of thest six months.

    Her thoughts turned to Collin, whom she hadn''t seen in a while. If he was home, she couldn''t wait to share this triumph

    with him.

    Perhaps it would help him trust her more and bring them closer.

    As she stepped outside the CR Corporation building, Linsey spotted Cynthia waiting for her, looking furious.

    "Linsey, don''t get too cocky," Cynthia spat, her voice dripping with malice. "Just wait. I''ll expose your true colors."

    With that, Cynthia stormed off, leaving Linsey momentarily stunned.

    Linsey blinked, confused, and chuckled under her breath. She had no idea what Cynthia meant, but her mood was so high

    after the interview that she didn''t feel like engaging.

    Soon enough, Linsey arrived back at Vista Vi.

    "Is Collining home tonight?" she asked the butler as she slipped off her shoes.

    The butler smiled, his tone warm. "Mr. Riley mentioned he would be home for dinner."

    He then looked at her expectantly. "Mrs. Riley, what would you like for dinner? I''ll have the kitchen prepare it early."

    Linsey thought for a moment before responding. "No need. I''ll cook. Just have two maids help me."

    Since there was nothing else on her mind, Linsey decided to cook and surprise Collin.

    By the time the meal was ready, the sky outside had darkened, casting a soft, tranquil glow through the windows.

    Linsey washed her hands carefully, then settled herself on the sofa, her eyes flickering toward the door every so often as

    she waited for Collin.

    But time dragged on, and there was still no sign of him at the entrance. Noticing Linsey''s waiting posture, the butler hesitated before speaking up. "Mrs. Riley, it''s gettingte. Why don''t you eat something first? Mr. Riley must still be caught up with work."

    Linsey shook her head gently, her voice soft but firm. "No, I''ll wait. I want to eat with him."

    The butler, sensing there was little point in arguing, simply nodded and stepped away.

    As the minutes passed, Linsey''s eyes grew heavier. Gradually, she drifted off to sleep on the sofa.

    It wasn''t untilte at night that Collin finally got home. He entered the living room and his gaze immediately fell on Linsey, asleep on the sofa.

    He froze for a moment, surprised, and then, in a low voice, he turned to the butler,

    a furrow appearing between his brows. "What''s going on? Why is she asleep here?"

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18 I Found A Job

    The butler instinctively lowered his voice, sensing the tension, and replied, "Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley made dinner and has been

    waiting for you ever since."

    A flicker of irritation crossed Collin''s features as he frowned, his voice sharp. "Didn''t you tell her? I''m swamped with work.

    She doesn''t need to wait for me."

    His gaze lingered on Linsey''s sleeping face, and in a muttered, almost spiteful tone, he added, "So unnecessary."

    Before the butler could respond, Linsey stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open as she blinked groggily, still lost in the

    haze of sleep.

    When her blurry vision cleared andnded on Collin, she paused, confused for a moment, still processing the situation.

    Collin''s breath hitched unexpectedly, his heart skipping a beat as he caught sight of her. Her innocent, sleepy expression

    made her look almost... endearing.

    For a brief moment, he was caught off guard by the softness of his own thoughts, a surprising warmth spreading through

    him.

    As if to snap him out of his daze, Linsey fully awakened, her face lighting up as she threw the nket off her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

    "Collin, you''re finally back! I have something so important to share with you!" she eximed, her voice filled with

    anticipation.

    Collin''s mind immediately raced back to the reports his subordinates had shared over the past few days.

    He knew Linsey had been busy, but he had no clue what she was up to.

    His thoughts darkened as he considered the possibility that she was about to announce her departure.

    The butler had said she made dinner. Maybe it was her final gesture of care- something to soften the blow of her leaving.

    Collin''s lips curled into an inward sneer.

    She was really deluding herself.

    He didn''t need her concern. It waspletely unnecessary.

    If she wanted to leave, the sooner, the better.

    With a cold, unreadable expression, he asked, his voice t, "What important thing?"

    Linsey rose from her seat but didn''t answer right away. Instead, she looked at him with a gentle smile and said, "It''s gettingte. Let''s eat first. You''ve been working nonstop; you must be starving."

    Collin opened his mouth to refuse, but as his gaze met Linsey''s bright, hopeful eyes, his words faltered.

    He exhaled sharply, steeling himself for this to be thest time he indulged her. "Alright."

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    He washed his hands quickly and followed Linsey to the dining table, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the sight

    before him¡ªan elegant spread of dishes, flickering candlelight casting soft shadows, wine sses glimmering, and roses

    scattered artfully across the table.

    Linsey shed him a bright smile, gesturing for him to sit. Then, she took a lighter and lit the candles with a flourish.

    ¡°So?" she asked, her voice yful. "How''s my candlelit dinner? Up to standard?"

    Collin stood frozen for a moment, caught off guard by the effort she had put in.

    His lips pressed into a thin line, and with an air of stiffness, he asked, "Why prepare a candlelit dinner?"

    "It''s romantic," Linsey replied matter-of-factly, her eyes gleaming with sincerity. "We''re married. Isn''t it normal to add a bit

    of romance every now and then, to spice things up?"

    The soft glow of the candlelight danced over her face, making her look even more captivating, her smile full of life and

    charm.

    In the quiet of the moment, Collin felt a flicker in his chest, his heart skipping an unexpected beat.

    He clenched his fists, his emotions warring inside him, then abruptly reached for the wine and drained his ss in one

    swift motion.

    Linsey blinked, momentarily stunned by his sudden action. "You haven''t eaten yet. Please, have some food first."

    With a softugh, she ced food carefully onto his te.

    "I know you prefer lighter vors, so I made some dishes I thought you''d enjoy. Let me know if they suit your taste." Her

    excitement was palpable as she eagerly watched him take his first bite. "How is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

    Collin nced at her and muttered, "Not bad."

    Linsey''s heart fluttered with excitement. For someone like Collin, she felt that getting such apliment was already a

    victory.

    She watched him take a few more bites before she finally spoke up, her voice soft

    yet full of anticipation. "Oh, I got some good news."

    Collin''s fork paused midair, his chewing slowing down as his attention shifted toward her.

    Linsey took a deep breath and continued, "I found a job. I passed the interview today, and I''ll be starting tomorrow. The

    sry''s decent, and I can finally help ease some of your burden, so you won''t have to carry everything on your shoulders."

    For a brief moment, surprise flickered across Collin''s face.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19 Collin, What''s

    In Your Pants

    It never crossed Collin''s mind that the immense debt he had casually fabricated would weigh so heavily on Linsey.

    What struck him even more was how genuinely she seemed determined to face it with him.

    He fixed his gaze on Linsey, sitting across from him, trying to look past her cheerful smile, searching for any trace of

    uncertainty beneath the surface.

    Perhaps it was all just a front.

    How could there possibly be a woman so selfless, willing to help him without expecting anything in return?

    In the soft glow of the dim lighting, Linsey remained blissfully unaware of the shift in his expression.

    Her spirits were high from the sess of her new job at CR Corporation, and she was too excited to notice his internal

    conflict.

    She reached for the red wine on the table, matching Collin''s earlier move, and downed it in one swift motion.

    But unlike Collin, who remainedposed, she immediately broke into a cough, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment

    as her face turned a shade of pink.

    "Why is this wine so strong?" She stuck her tongue out, making a yful face.

    "You can''t handle your drink?" Collin asked, his gaze cool as he observed her difort.

    Linsey shrugged lightly, herughter escaping in a small, embarrassed breath. "I don''t usually drink, but tonight''s different.

    We''re celebrating, right?"

    With a mischievous smile, she tried to pour herself another ss.

    After a moment''s pause, Collin gently took the bottle from her unsteady grip, his tone calm andposed. "That''s enough. If you don''t enjoy drinking, you don''t need to force yourself."

    Linsey blinked, stunned by his rare disy of concern, then quickly shook her head. "I''m not forcing myself. I''m just so happy today, I wanted to celebrate with a drink."

    Collin nced at her briefly, his gaze softening. For a moment, he was entranced.

    Her face was radiant, flushed with the warmth of the wine, and her eyes shimmered with the haze of intoxication.

    Her lips, full and inviting, reminded him of ripe strawberries, their softness promising the sweetness of a thousand unspoken desires.

    He couldn''t shake the thought that they would burst with juicy sweetness at the slightest press.

    His throat tightened, and he involuntarily licked his suddenly dry lips, his voice dropping to a low, almost hoarse tone.

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    20:17

    Chapter 19 Collin, What''s In Your Pants

    "There are plenty of ways to celebrate. You don''t have to drink."

    His words came from a ce of concern, but more than that, there was a gut instinct telling him that if she drank any

    more, the night could take a turn he wasn''t sure he was ready for.

    Linsey, however, shook her head stubbornly, herughter soft but firm. "No way. This wine cost a fortune! We can''t just

    waste it."

    She pouted slightly, her lips forming an adorable frown, ready to argue more, but then her eyes widened in a drunken haze.

    She raised a slender finger and pointed at Collin, swaying slightly. "Hey, why are there two of you?"

    Collin, resisting the urge to correct her, merely reached to take her ss away.

    "My ss! Give it back!" Linsey protested loudly, standing up, trying to snatch it from his hands.

    But the moment she tried to stand, her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled straight into Collin''s arms with a surprised

    gasp.

    Instinctively, he tightened his hold on her to steady her, his hands firmly gripping her waist.

    Before he could say anything, he felt the soft pressure of her hand against his thigh.

    "Collin, what''s in your pants?" Her voice was a dazed whisper, her eyes hazy as she tried to look down.

    Collin''s heart skipped a beat, and a wave of difort rippled through him, his face hardening.

    What the hell was happening?

    Rmended for you

    SHROUDED AFFECTIONS: WINNING BACK MY

    CEO Wife

    Shrouded Affections: Winning...

    For two years, Bryan only saw Eileen as an assistant. ...

    Modern

    Read

    100.0%

 Chapter 20-

    Chapter 20 You''re Hurting

    Me

    "Don''t touch me," Collin warned, his voice low and tense. He grabbed Linsey by the cor and yanked her back into

    another chair.

    In the process, her arm knocked against the wine ss in front of him.

    The ss tipped over, and dark red wine spilled across his pristine white shirt, the stain spreading like ink on paper.

    Linsey sat back, blinking at him, still dazed.

    Collin inhaled sharply, his jaw tightening as he fought to maintain hisposure- and suppress the heat stirring inside

    him. Turning to the side stiffly, he added, "Stay seated. Don''te any closer."

    The cold liquid seeped through his shirt, chilling his skin, though it did little to cool the fire burning within him.

    Linsey suddenly pouted, her tone turning sharp. "What do you mean? You won''t even let me near you? Is that really how

    you treat your wife?"

    Her righteous indignation left him momentarily speechless.

    "We''re married. Why should I stay away from you?" she continued, her eyelids growing heavier. "Your shirt is soaked in

    wine. You can''t clean it yourself. Let me bathe you."

    Ignoring the fact that they were still in the dining room, she reached out, fingers brushing against the fabric of his shirt as

    she attempted to remove it.

    "Don''t move!" he snapped, catching her wrist in a firm grip.

    He was ready to scold her when he noticed the slight crease in her brow, her expression shifting with difort.

    "Collin... you''re hurting me," she murmured softly.

    At her words, his grip loosened instinctively. The moment he let go, she twisted free and, without hesitation, grabbed his

    cor with unexpected force,

    "Linsey!" Collin gritted his teeth, his voice sharp with frustration. Unable to tolerate

    it any longer, he struck the back of her

    neck with a swift, controlled blow,

    Already intoxicated, she had no resistance against his strength.

    The next moment, her body ckened, and she began to copse toward the floor.

    With a cold, unreadable expression, Collin pushed himself up from his wheelchair, catching her effortlessly before she

    could hit the floor. Without hesitation, he carried her to her bedroom, his steps steady and sure.

    She had been staying in this room for almost a month, and the moment he stepped inside, a soft, lingering fragrance wrapped around him.

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    20:19

    Chapter 20 You''re Hurting Me

    He paused, ncing down at the woman in his arms. Linsey was deep in sleep, her breaths even and slow.

    She was drunk, her clothes slightly askew, her flushed cheeks tinted with a delicate shade of pink.

    Collin exhaled quietly, then gentlyid her down on the bed.

    As he withdrew his hands from beneath her, she suddenly murmured in her sleep

    and reached out, wrapping her arms around him sluggishly.

    He froze. The warmth of her body pressed against him, her soft curves unmistakable beneath the thin fabric of her shirt.

    Linsey,pletely unaware of what she was doing, nuzzled her heated face against his chest, the coolness of his shirt offering her relief.

    The material of his shirt was luxurious, tailored to perfection, yet at this moment, he realized even the finest fabric couldn''tpare to the softness of her skin.

    Collin remained still, forced to sit stiffly at the edge of the bed.

    His gaze drifted to her face, and despite himself, he found his focus lingering.

    He had to admit-she was breathtaking. Her features were delicate and lively, effortlessly beautiful, even without a trace of makeup.

    Linsey continued clinging to him, her lips slightly parted, the tip of her tongue barely visible.

    As she shifted in her sleep, the distance between them disappeared, and he caught the faint, intoxicating scent of her breath a mix of sweetness and wine.

    His eyes darkened slightly. She was right. They were married.

    There was no reason to push her away.

    In fact, they could be even closer, just like this.

    His Adam''s apple bobbed as he leaned in, his gaze locked onto her lips, hovering

    just above them.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21 What Exactly Happened Last Night

    As Collin''s lips hovered mere inches from Linsey''s, his fingers clenched the bedsheets with an intensity that betrayed his inner turmoil.

    He inhaled sharply, a desperate attempt to gather his waning self-control, and abruptly sat up.

    Linsey, still lost in the depths of her dreams, shifted slightly in response. Her hands, which had been resting on Collin''s arm, fell away as she turned to her other side in a soft rustle of sheets.

    Collin seized this moment to gently disengage his hand and perched silently on the bed''s edge, his breaths quick and

    uneven.

    The air was thick with her unique perfume, a seductive blend that tugged at his resolve like a siren''s song.

    Collin wrestled with his self-discipline, which seemed to crumble in her mere presence.

    Was her allure so profound?

    He had no idea what was happening, but staying wasn''t an option. He had to go before he lost himself.

    He had to go, and he had to go now.

    With a resolve as brittle as ice, he stood, his movements brisk and silent. He left the room swiftly, leaving Linsey in her serene slumber, oblivious to the emotional tempest he had barely contained.

    Back in the sanctuary of his own room, he strode into the bathroom. The shower''s cold st was immediate, the water cascading over him, a chilling torrent meant to quench the fire that her proximity had ignited, its streams pooling and swirling down the drain.

    He slid a hand through his drenched hair, his eyelids falling shut instinctively.

    In the fleeting seconds that followed, Linsey''s radiant smile surfaced in his mind, her rosy lips vividly painted in his memory. The lingering, sweet scent of her seemed to envelop him still.

    His eyes flew open, shock and disbelief painting his features.

    Bowing his head, he noticed that he was erect, which deepened the chaos swirling within him.

    Could he be losing his mind? Was he devolving into some kind of lust-driven fool?

    The cold water ran on, timeless, until it ceased, leaving behind the eerie solitude of his ragged breaths piercing the still night air.

    The shrill ring of her phone jerked Linsey awake the next morning.

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    20:19

    Chapter 21 What Exactly Happened Last Night

    As she blinked open her eyes, a fierce headache threatened to lure her back to thefort of sleep.

    With a groan, she reached for her phone, her fingers brushing against the screen to silence the rm that red "First day

    at work."

    She shot upright, her mind snapping into alertness.

    She had set this rm just yesterday after leaving CR Corporation, a stark reminder of the orientation she was due for today. There was no room for tardiness.

    She rapped her fingers against her throbbing temple, struggling to piece together her hazy return to her roomst night.

    There was no time to lose, however. With a sense of urgency, she darted into the bathroom, relishing a quick, warm shower before dashing downstairs to grab some breakfast.

    Upon reaching the dining room, she caught sight of Collin seated at the table.

    "Collin, when did youe homest night?" she inquired, settling into a chair and tearing off a chunk of bread. She bit into it, unaware of the shadow that crossed Collin''s face at her question. His features twisted into a grimace.

    "Don''t you remember anything fromst night?" he asked, his voiceced with a tinge of irritation, as realization dawned

    on him.

    This caught her off guard. She paused, bread halfway to her mouth, and met his gaze, her eyes swimming with

    bewilderment. It was clear she recalled nothing.

    "What exactly happenedst night?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

    Her headache pounded mercilessly, obliterating any fragments of memory fromst night.

    It seemed as though, from the moment she stepped back into the vi, her recollections had fogged over.

    Collin hadn''t anticipated such apletepse in her memory and his frustration mounted.

    It was the first time in years that he had been yed by a woman.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22 She''ll Be Working Alongside Us

    Seeing the deepening crease in Collin''s brow, Linsey slowed her chewing, hesitating mid-bite.

    "What on earth happenedst night? Did I sleep too long? I feel like I missed something," she said, a hint of unease

    creeping into her voice.

    Collin inhaled sharply, forcing himself to rein in his frustration.

    The memory ofst night-the way he had almost lost control because of her-only made his irritation spike.

    Without another nce in her direction, he turned his wheelchair away, rolling toward the study in silence.

    "Forget it. I have work to do," he muttered, his tone clipped.

    Linsey blinked, watching his abrupt departure with confusion.

    What exactly had happenedst night? Had she done something to upset him? He certainly didn''t look pleased.

    Still, there wasn''t much time to dwell on it. She checked the time on her phone, quickly finished her breakfast, grabbed

    her bag, and left for CR Corporation.

    If Collin was upset, maybe she could pick up a small gift after work to lift his mood.

    Before long, she arrived at CR Corporation''s headquarters.

    Once her onboarding wasplete, she made her way to the Fashion Design Department.

    The moment her supervisor, Coen Fuller, spotted her, he stepped forward and gestured for her to follow.

    "Come on, I''ll show you to your workstation," he said, leading the way.

    "You''re Linsey, right? I heard about you after the interview yesterday. Your design got unanimous praise from the panel- pretty impressive," Coen said with an easy smile. "That''s your desk."

    "Mr. Fuller." A familiar voice cut through the office.

    Linsey froze, her eyes widening slightly.

    Why was she here?

    Cynthia, the woman she had just met yesterday, strode forward, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor.

    Coen''s grin widened the moment he spotted her. "Cynthia! Finally, you''re here. Come on over. I was just about to introduce

    you to the team."

    He turned to the rest of the office, pping his hands lightly. "Everyone, let''s pause for a moment. We have a new colleague joining us today-Cynthia Keller. I''m sure many of you have heard of her before. Starting today, she''ll be working

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    30.10

    Chapter 22 She''ll Be Working Alongside Us

    alongside us."

    Cynthia gave a poised, elegant smile. "Hello, everyone. I''m Cynthia. It''s a pleasure to be part of the team. I know you all

    work incredibly hard, so I brought a little something for each of you. Nothing much just a small token of appreciation"

    At her cue, several assistants entered, carrying neatly stacked boxes. They moved through the office, distributing the gifts.

    But as soon as people opened them, they realized Cynthia''s definition of "a small token" was anything but. The women received trendy diamond nes, while the men found sleek, high-end mechanical watches inside their boxes.

    "Wow, this is unbelievably generous. Thank you, Cynthia!"

    "Cynthia, if you ever need anything, just ask me."

    "As expected from the daughter of the Keller family-so extravagant!"

    Cynthia listened to the flood ofpliments with a proud yet gracious smile. Then, lifting arge gift box, she walked over to Coen and handed it to him with both hands.

    "Mr. Fuller, I remember you''re a fan of this coffee brand, so I brought a few boxes for you," she said smoothly.

    Coen''s eyes lit up as he lifted the lid. Beneath the neatly packed coffee beans, two solid gold bars gleamed.

    "Cynthia, you''re incredibly thoughtful. Thanks," Coen said, shutting the box with a satisfied smile.

    Throughout this, Linsey remained off to the side, watching Cynthia''s performance with a trace of amusement.

    It was just a job, yet Cynthia was already throwing money around before even earning her first paycheck.

    What baffled Linsey the most, however, was why Cynthia was here at all, starting on the same day as her.

    During yesterday''s interview, the panel had been clear-only one candidate would be selected. Since she was the one who got the job, then how did Cynthia manage to get in?

    Rmended for you

    My Wife...

    Unveiling Hearts: My Wife Is A ...

    Mnie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled

    i...

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23 You Need To Develop Your Skills

    Cynthia caught Linsey''s nce from the edge of her vision and responded with a smug smile.

    With an air of forced cordiality, shemented, ¡°Linsey, since we both began on the same day, I didn''t think to bring a gi

    Let''s look forward to a productive coboration."

    Coen suddenly recalled Linsey standing nearby. But with the influential Cynthia right there, why would he bother wit

    Linsey, a designer with no real connections?

    Casually, he said, "Oh yes, this is Linsey Riley. Take a moment to mingle, everyone. We''ll gather for a meeting in half a

    hour."

    After his brief introduction, Coen cheerfully strode back to his office, cradling the extravagant gift box in his arms.

    Linsey made her way to her desk, with Cynthia shadowing her closely and taking a seat nearby.

    In a low voice, Cynthia murmured, "You must be quite surprised to find me here." While Linsey busied

    rself with organizing her workspace, she shot Cynthia a fleeting look but said nothing.

    Unbothered by Linsey''s silence, Cynthia pressed on. "Despite your victory yesterday, it''s meaningless. I''ve stillnded a spot here at CR. Remember my warning-wait and see."

    Cynthia''s voice dripped with mockery as she locked eyes with Linsey, her gaze brimming with scorn.

    When her colleagues heard her pronouncement, an uneasy silence enveloped them; they seemed hesitant to voice their thoughts.

    Yet, a few whispered among themselves, unable to curb their penchant for rumors.

    "Linsey clinched the top spot in yesterday''s interview, and we all know Cynthia''s notorious for her domineering ways. I fear Linsey''s in for a rough ride."

    "Indeed. Linsey, the neer, has somehow managed to cross Cynthia, My sympathies are with her."

    "Shh, keep it down. If Cynthia catches wind of our chatter, we''ll be in serious trouble. Remember, we did take her gifts."

    "What of it? She''s swimming in wealth; those gifts mean nothing to her."

    As anticipated, during the meeting that followed thirty minutester, Coen openly delegated Cynthia''s responsibilities.

    "In light of the uing season, we will update the designs for a ssic brand. Since the rest of the team is already upied, Cynthia will spearhead this project."

    Cynthia responded with zest, "Thank you, Coen, for entrusting me with this. I''mmitted to excelling"

    Linsey shot her a look before turning expectantly towards Coen, awaiting her own assignment.

    0.0%

    Chapter 23 You Need To Develop Your Skills

    However, Coen''s gaze was devoid of any expectation; he addressed her in a tone of superiority. "Linsey, your experience is rather limited. For now, focus on acquainting yourself with the team dynamics, observe the seasoned designers, and help out with simpler chores, like getting coffee for everyone. Understood?"

    Cynthia gave Linsey a smug grin, her eyes brimming with disdain.

    She knew it. Linsey wasn''t in her league.

    Linsey''s brow furrowed in frustration.

    She believed that once she got in, she could start working and finally chase her dream of bing a designer.

    Yet, the tasks Coen handed her were disappointingly trivial.

    Indignant, Linsey rose to her feet and voiced her concerns. "Coen, why does Cynthia, who started the same day as I did,

    receive a substantial project while I''m stuck with these basic tasks? This doesn''t seem right."

    Coen, clearly irked by Linsey''s forthrightness, snapped back, "What exactly doesn''t seem right? Linsey, you''re still learning

    the ropes as a rookie designer. You need to develop your skills. Do you really think excelling in the interview makes you

    special?"

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24 I''ll Learn From My Colleagues

    Coen''s expression darkened. He was clearly furious at Linsey''s outburst. After making his stance clear, he turned to Cynthia and said coolly, "Cynthia haspeted in numerous design contests and has an impressive portfolio. She''s far more experienced than you. Instead of wasting time arguing with your superior, you''d be better off learning from your colleagues as you should."

    Linsey parted her lips to respond, but before she could get a word out, Coen''s voice turned sharp.

    "Linsey, if you insist on challenging my decisions, I''ll have to seriously reconsider whether you''re even fit to pass the three -month probation period."

    The warning struck hard, forcing Linsey into silence.

    Her probation depended entirely on Coen''s evaluation-if he decided she wasn''t meeting expectations, she would be out before she even had a chance to prove herself.

    She had worked too hard tond this job at CR Corporation. There was no way she would let herself be forced out so easily.

    Suppressing her frustration, she forced herself topromise. "Understood. I''ll learn from my colleagues. And I trust you''ll assign me appropriate tasks soon."

    Coen ignored thetter half of her statement. With a cold scoff, he stormed out of the meeting room.

    The remaining employees exchanged uneasy nces, unsure whether they should say something to Linsey.

    Standing up for her would mean opposing both Coen and Cynthia-a risk no one was willing to take.

    Meanwhile, Cynthia was thoroughly enjoying Linsey''s humiliation. Recalling Coen''s words, she sighed dramatically and turned to the group. "Now that I think about it, a coffee run sounds perfect. What do you all think?"

    Her colleagues hesitated. "Maybe another time, Cynthia. You''ve already given us gifts."

    Without skipping a beat, Cynthia pulled some cash from her wallet and tossed it onto the desk in front of Linsey.

    "Linsey, didn''t you hear? We''d like coffee. Make sure to get everyone''s order right¨Cdon''t mess it up. If you can''t even handle something this simple, how can Coen ever trust your abilities?"

    With that, she linked arms with a few coworkers and strolled out,ughing.

    Linsey sat still for a moment before calmly taking the money. Then, without a word, she returned to her desk, picked up a pen and notebook, and went to each colleague one by one, taking their orders.

    Cynthia smirked at Linsey''s passive demeanor, relishing herpliance. ¡°Make sure you tell the barista exactly what I want," she said, her tone dripping with arrogance. "One-third milk, exactly six ice cubes-not one more, not one less-and absolutely no sugar. Understood? If the taste isn''t perfect, you''ll be going back to get another one."

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    Chapter 24 I''ll Learn From My Colleagues

    Linsey jotted it down without emotion and replied tly, "Got it."

    Then, without another nce at Cynthia, she moved on to the next colleague.

    Fortunately, the others had no interest in making her life harder. Their orders were simple and reasonable.

    Half an hourter, Linsey returned with the drinks and handed them out one by

    one.

    "Thanks."

    "Appreciate it, Linsey."

    "No problem," Linsey replied politely.

    When she reached Cynthia, Cynthia suddenly tilted the cup just enough for the liquid to spill over, sending coffee cascading down Linsey''s front.

    The lid popped off, and the dark coffee, swirled with frothy white foam, sttered across her clothes. The empty cup hit the floor with a sharp tter.

    The office went dead silent. Everyone stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief.

    Cynthia gasped theatrically, pressing a hand to her chest. "Oops! My hand slipped-total ident. Are you okay, Linsey? Should I buy you a new outfit? Honestly, that shirt of yours is practically falling apart. Why are you even still wearing it?"

    Linsey met Cynthia''s gaze with an unreadable expression and said in an eerily calm voice, "It''s fine."

    Everyone assumed she would let it go-after all, Cynthia''s connections made her untouchable.

    But without hesitation, Linsey grabbed every coffee cup in front of her and, in one fluid motion, overturned them onto Cynthia''s head.

    A collective gasp echoed through the room.

    The ice-cold coffee streamed down Cynthia''s hair, soaking her from head to toe.

 Chapter 25

    hapter 25 Cynthia, Are You Alright

    Cynthia stood frozen, utterly shocked. When she finally snapped back to reality, she found herself soaked in coff appearance thoroughly disheveled. ¡°Linsey!" she eximed, her voice trembling with rage.

    She had never imagined Linsey wouldsh out so brazenly.

    Her cheeks burned with humiliation and fury as she stared at Linsey, teetering on the edge of an emotional copse.

    Today, of all days, she had chosen to wear her most elegant, professionally tailored outfit to make a strong impressi CR Corporation. Her hair was styled to perfection, and her makeup was meticulously applied-all of which was now r by Linsey.

    "What the hell are you doing?!" Cynthia''s voice cracked as she roared, her eyes welling up with tears not just of frustra but sheer indignation.

    The office fell into a stunned silence, their colleagues'' eyes wide with disbelief. A few rushed over with tissues, dabl gently at Cynthia''s face, trying to soothe the sting of coffee in her eyes.

    "Cynthia, please, wipe it away."

    "Linsey, what was that supposed to mean?" another colleague demanded, frowning deeply. Linsey stood there, an ee calmness to her demeanor that bordered on unsettling.

    "Cynthia imed it was an ident. This reaction seems quite extreme," one of them added.

    Linsey hesitated no more and finally made her move. Her eyelids fluttered with a feigned innocence as she murmured, "M too. I was just as shocked when my own clothes were sshed, and before I knew it, I''d clumsily spilled my coffee just lil

    she did."

    Her voice dripped with contrived sweetness, each word deliberately spaced as she bestowed a mock apologetic smile upo Cynthia. Her gaze locked onto Cynthia as she asked with fake concern, "Cynthia, are you alright?"

    Cynthia''s breaths came in sharp, erratic bursts, her bosom rising and falling with barely controlled fury. Her eyes sparked with an intense, scorching wrath, the kind that fantasized about wringing Linsey''s neck right then and there.

    Cynthia had spent her entire life cocooned infort adored at home and admired by everyone she met. The thought of being humiliated like this was beyond belief.

    Internally, she hurled vile curses at Linsey, but the overt rage left her lips quivering, struggling to form coherent words.

    Linsey, perceptive of Cynthia''s simmering rage, felt a perverse thrill at the sight.

    Her smile widened, her eyes glinting with mock sympathy as she leisurely surveyed Cynthia''s ensemble. "Oh dear," she drawled, feigning pity. "That outfit must have been quite the investment. Such a shame. A mere cup of coffee-worth but

    a few dors-and yet it''s managed to devastate your beautiful attire. Perhaps, Cynthia, it might be wise to steer clear of

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    20:21

    coffee in the future, or you might end up rumb

    After she delivered her line, Linsey''s expression chilled instantly as she discarded her pretense of a smile and spun on her

    heel to leave.

    Her dismissive air only fueled Cynthia''s fury.

    "Linsey, don''t you dare walk away from me!" Cynthia''s voice cracked, raw with emotion. She watched Linsey''s retreating figure, a spark igniting her resolve. Without a second thought, Cynthia surged forward, intent on dragging Linsey back to confront her.

    Today was the day Cynthia would put Linsey in her ce.

    But as Cynthia reached out, her sharp nails almost grazing Linsey''s shoulder, Linsey whirled around with unexpected agility. In one smooth, backhanded motion, she seized Cynthia''s wrist, jerking it upwards with such finesse that Cynthia gasped in both shock and pain.

    "It hurts! Let go, Linsey!" Cynthia cried out, her voice tinged with desperation.

    Linsey, however, maintained her grip effortlessly, her expression unreadable as she locked eyes with Cynthia.

    Words were unnecessary-the silence between them wasden with tension.

    Cynthia''s eyes widened as she met Linsey''s gaze, finding herself inexplicably drawn into the depth of those enigmatic eyes.

    A shiver raced down Cynthia''s spine as the chill in the air seemed to intensify, making her feel as though the coffee stains on her clothes had turned ice cold.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26 Linsey Is

    Fearless

    Linsey''s gaze locked with Cynthia''s, her expression steady and calm. Then, without warning, Linsey leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Yes. I spilled the coffee on purpose."

    Cynthia''s face flushed with fury, her eyes narrowing at Linsey. But before she could retort, Linsey''s next words froze her in

    ce.

    "I''m here to work and make a living. If you keep interfering, next time, it won''t just be coffee."

    Linsey''s eyes never wavered as she scrutinized Cynthia''s face, as though searching for her next target.

    "You''re pretty, you know. Pity if something... happened to that face."

    Cynthia''s body stiffened in terror, her breath catching. Just as she braced herself, Linsey released her, and Cynthia, panic

    overtaking her, instinctively shielded her face with her hands, terrified Linsey might strike.

    If Linsey had any intention of making Cynthia regret her actions, Cynthia certainly had her own ways of dealing with it.

    But one thing was clear-she couldn''t afford to ruin her face.

    Anger simmered beneath the surface, but Cynthia kept it in check, unwilling to escte things further. After a tense

    moment, she stamped her foot in frustration and stormed off, her exit as dramatic as it was quick.

    Linsey didn''t bat an eye as she watched Cynthia disappear, her expression unreadable. There was no hint of remorse in her

    -just a calm indifference.

    She absentmindedly nced down at the stain on her clothes and, with a soft sigh, made her way toward the restroom.

    Once they had both left, the office atmosphere shifted. A collective breath was released as the tension ebbed away.

    One colleague couldn''t resistmenting. "Linsey is fearless. She actually dared to go up against Cynthia like that."

    One colleague murmured, "It seems like Linsey already stepped on Cynthia''s toes during the interview yesterday, so one more confrontation today probably isn''t a big deal."

    Another chimed in. "But don''t you think Linsey''s the one who''s really not to be messed with?"

    A heavy silence followed, the weight of their words hanging in the air. The atmosphere in the office had shifted, and it was

    clear to everyone that Linsey wasn''t someone to provoke lightly.

    Breaking the uneasy stillness, one colleague, who clearly wasn''t picking up on the tension, took a casual sip of his coffee

    and grinned "Honestly, the coffee from this new caf¨¦ is amazing."

    The others exchanged looks, rolling their eyes at his attempt to lighten the mood.

    "Well,¡± another colleague began, his voice lower now, "even though Coen said we could have Linsey run errands for us in the future, we should probably be careful not to push her too far."

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    20:21

    Chapter 26 Linsey Is Fearless

    "Agreed," came the unanimous response, their earlier unease nowced with a newfound caution.

    "Alright, back to work, everyone."

    "Call the cleaner to mop the floor," someone muttered, as if trying to move past the incident.

    From that moment on, the Fashion Design Department had a new reputation for Linsey-one that was well known: her

    temper was not to be trifled with.

    Later, Cynthia returned after changing clothes. As soon as she saw Linsey, her eyes widened in shock.

    But this time, something was different. There were no harsh words or ring looks. Cynthia didn''t even acknowledge Linsey, as if she hadn''t even seen her. She simply walked past, eliberately avoiding any interaction.

    In fact, Cynthia immediately took it upon herself to move her desk from next to Linsey''s to a different spot in the office, clearly signaling she wanted no further contact.

    The shift didn''t go unnoticed. Despite Coen''s earlier arrangements, no one dared ask Linsey to do any menial tasks.

    The unease among the colleagues was palpable, and they made sure to tread carefully around her.

    After a quick lunch break, Coen called Linsey into his office.

    "Linsey, we have an important client arriving soon, and I need to personally

    handle them. Take these documents to the

    main conference room on the seventeenth floor."

    He quickly tossed a stack of papers into her arms before grabbing his coat, visibly rushed.

    Linsey nodded and made her way to the elevator, the documents in hand.

    CR Corporation''s high-rise building was abyrinth of offices and departments, each floor serving a different function. It

    also boasted numerous recreational areas for breaks, along with meeting rooms, reception spaces, and more.

    Though the building was well-organized with clear signage, Linsey found herself briefly disoriented when she stepped off

    the elevator on the seventeenth floor. The unfamiliaryout had her second- guessing her path for a moment.

    "Damn it! If I mess this up and dy the meeting, it''ll be a disaster," Linsey murmured with a frown. But just as she was

    about to give up, she noticed a conference room door swing open nearby, and a group of people filed out.

    Instinctively, she headed toward them, nning to ask for directions to the main conference room.

    But then, something made her pause. As she nced into the room, her gaze locked onto a familiar face.

    Was that... Collin?

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27 I''m Here To

    Deliver Some Documents

    Linsey stood frozen in ce, her eyes widening in disbelief.

    Why wasn''t Collin in a wheelchair?

    The man who looked exactly like him stood with a rxed posture, leaning slightly as he gave instructions to the people

    around him.

    The group listened attentively, their expressions serious, their demeanor respectful.

    From her vantage point, Linsey could only make out a partial view of his face-not enough to see clearly.

    Without thinking, she took a few hesitant steps forward.

    How was this possible? Why was Collin here? And more importantly, why was he able to stand? Wasn''t he supposed to be

    paralyzed?

    "Who are you?" A voice, calm yetced with curiosity, suddenly spoke up behind her.

    Startled, Linsey spun around to find a bespectacled man dressed in a suit.

    ¡°Uh, I.....¡± She instinctively nced back at the meeting room, but the man she had seen just moments ago was gone. The door was now firmly shut. "I''m here to deliver some documents. Is that the main conference room?"

    The man''s brow furrowed slightly before he offered a polite, understanding smile. "You must be new. The main conference room on the seventeenth floor is in the other direction. You''ve been looking in the wrong ce."

    The other direction? Linsey pressed her lips together, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. No wonder she hadn''t found

    1. it.

    "Then what about that meeting room? I saw a lot of people in there just now," she said.

    The man adjusted his sses, his tone carrying a hint of warning. "That''s the CEO''s conference room. If you''re not a senior executive or a key employee, you really shouldn''t go in without permission."

    The CEO''s conference room? Linsey''s mind raced. So, was that Dustin''s meeting room?

    "Aren''t you here to deliver documents? Quit standing around. If someone else catches you loitering here, you''re definitely getting an earful," the man urged, gesturing for her to leave.

    "Oh, right. Thanks." Linsey cast onest nce over her shoulder. But with the weight of the documents in her hands, shoved her curiosity aside and hurried toward the main conference room.

    she

    Luckily, most of the attendees hadn''t arrived yet, and the meeting hadn''t started. She managed to deliver the documents just in time.

    After finishing her task, she took the elevator back to the Fashion Design Department.

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    100.0%

    Chapter 27 I''m Here To Deliver Some Documents

    Yet her mind was a tangled mess. The image of that man-the one who looked so much like Collin-refused to leave her

    thoughts.

    Was it really him?

    But it didn''t add up. Collin had no reason to be at CR Corporation, let alone standing there like he hadn''t spent thest few years in a wheelchair. Maybe she was mistaken?

    Back at her desk, Linsey hesitated before pulling out her phone. She scrolled to Collin''s number and typed out a message.

    "Collin, where are you right now?"

    It was a casual question, almost offhand. After hitting send, she leaned back in her chair, absentmindedly tapping her fingers against her phone as she waited.

    But minutes passed with no reply.

    A faint sense of disappointment settled in her chest. He probably wasn''t going to text her back-he had been sulking all morning and had holed himself up in his study.

    Sighing, she ced her phone on the desk and tried to focus on browsing thepany''s design website.

    Just as she was getting into it, her phone suddenly buzzed.

    It was a call from Collin.

    Linsey blinked in surprise. She quickly nced around-some colleagues were deep in work, while others were clearly cking off. Not wanting to take the call at her desk, she got up and slipped into a quieter spot nearby.

    "Hello?" The moment she spoke, her voice softened without her even realizing it.

    There was a brief pause on the other end before Collin''s deep, steady voice came through. "What''s up?"

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28 What Are You Laughing At

    Collin''s voice was low and smooth,ced with a faint crackle of static that softened as it reached Linsey''s ear.

    A strange warmth crept up her skin where the phone pressed against her cheek. She lowered her voice unconsciously. "Yeah, well... nothing. I was just asking."

    Collin''s tone shifted slightly, a quiet amusement threading through his words. She could almost picture the subtle lift of

    his brow.

    "Just asking? Are you sure you''re only casually asking where I am?"

    The sound of his voice-calm, rich, and effortlessly teasing-unraveled her thoughts, and before she could stop herself, the truth slipped past her lips. "I just... didn''t want you disappearing for days again like before. I wouldn''t even know where you were."

    A low chuckle rumbled from the other end. It was unhurried, deep, andced with a husky quality that left her momentarily speechless.

    "What are youughing at?" The question slipped out before she could think better of it.

    Still amused, Collin replied, "Linsey, are you saying you can''t bear to be apart from me? I had no idea I was this irresistible to you that you''d be so worried about me."

    His tone dipped into something almost intimate, a teasing edge curling at the end.

    Or maybe it was just her imagination running away with her.

    His yful remark sent a rush of heat to her face. Why had she blurted that out?

    It wasn''t like she meant anything more by it.

    Flustered, she pressed the cool back of her hand to her burning cheeks.

    "That''s not what I meant," she huffed, scrambling to defend herself.

    Before she could get another word out, Collin cut her off, his voice warm and steady. "Don''t worry. For the next few days, I''ll be home, waiting for you toe back from work."

    The unexpected promise caught her off guard. A gentle pull tightened around her heart, the fleeting emotion quickly giving way to unrestrained joy.

    A quiet warmth spread through her chest. She couldn''t hold back the happiness swelling inside her.

    For the first time in years, someone had said those words to her.

    So, she really did have a home-somewhere she was expected, somewhere someone was waiting for her.

    Chapter 28 What Are You Laughing At

    "Alright. You said it yourself," she murmured, biting her lip lightly.

    Collin''s voice held an easy, almostzy charm. "I wouldn''t go out of my way to lie about something like that just to mess

    with you."

    After the call ended, Linsey sat still for a moment, clutching her phone. The warmth of his words lingered, wrapping

    around her like a gentle embrace.

    If Collin said he would be home waiting for her, then he would be.

    Her thoughts drifted to him-he spent most of his time in the study, relying on his wheelchair to get around.

    By now, the image of the man she had seen in the CEO''s conference room had faded to the back of her mind. She must

    have been mistaken.

    Smiling, she slipped her phone into her bag, already thinking about what she could get Collin as a small gift after work.

    Even though he had sounded rxed during their call, she still wanted to bring him something-maybe something to brighten his mood after his earlier irritation that morning.

    Once work ended, she headed straight to a nearby mall.

    She hadn''t settled on what to buy yet and was aimlessly wandering through the stores when a cheerful voice called out.

    "Ma''am, care to take a look inside? We just got a fresh batch of new arrivals!"

    "Sure," Linsey said, stepping toward the store. She didn''t have anything particr in mind, so it wouldn''t hurt to browse.

    Rmended for you

    COMPLETED

    WOKE UP Married

    Woke Up Married

    The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special...

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29 Could You Wrap It Up For Me

    Linsey stepped inside and immediately began browsing through the men''s clothing on disy, her eyes scanning each piece

    with quiet deliberation.

    The sales assistant, ever perceptive, addressed her with a friendly smile. "Ma''am, are you shopping for a gift today?"

    Linsey gave a small nod. "Yes, I''m looking for something for my husband."

    "Let me show you a few styles. That way, you can decide what would suit him best." The sales assistant gestured for Linsey

    to follow her deeper into the store.

    Though Linsey''s outfit wasn''t particrly extravagant or branded, the sales assistant maintained the highest level of

    professionalism.

    There was something about Linsey''s presence-an effortless elegance that set her apart. And then there was her face,

    strikingly beautiful, impossible to overlook.

    She attentively presented several options from the store''s collection, carefully exining each one.

    Linsey examined them thoughtfully, her mind drifting to Collin''s wardrobe-filled with the same monotonous, somber

    tones he always wore. If she was going to get him something, she might as well choose something that would bring a little

    change.

    Even so, she was practical. She wouldn''t pick anything too bold.

    After some careful deliberation, she finally settled on a deep burgundy outfit. "This one should work. The size looks about

    right. Could you wrap it up for me?"

    The sales assistant''s face brightened. "Of course, ma''am."

    As she prepared the purchase, she couldn''t help but admire Linsey''s refined taste. Her sharp eye for fashion was

    undeniable.

    A small pang of envy surfaced. Linsey''s husband was certainly a lucky man.

    If she were a man, she wouldn''t hesitate to want someone like Linsey by her side.

    Unaware of the sales assistant''s amusing thoughts, Linsey followed her to the counter to pay.

    Just then, a surprised voice rang out from the store entrance. "Linsey? Is that really you? What a surprise! I never expected

    to run into you here. This is amazing!"

    Linsey turned toward the voice, and the light in her eyes dimmed in an instant.

    Standing in the doorway were none other than Joanna and Felix-two people Linsey hadn''t seen in days.

    If anything, this was her luck taking a nosedive.

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    Chapter 29 Could You Wrap It Up For Me

    Joanna had the audacity to act like nothing had happened, shing Linsey a shameless grin.

    But Linsey wasn''t about to let her get away with it. She let out a cold, scornfulugh, her sharp gaze cutting straight through the pair. "A surprise? Hardly. I was having a perfectly good day until you two showed up. Guess that''s over now.

    Next time, I''ll think twice before shopping-wouldn''t want to risk another unfortunate run-in."

    Without sparing them another nce, she grabbed her shopping bag, ready to walk away. Wasting even a second more on

    them wasn''t worth it.

    But Joanna wasn''t about to let her leave so easily.

    She had pictured this moment differently. She had expected Linsey to be miserable, barely keeping herself together.

    That way, she could unt her happiness, standing beside Felix as if she had

    won.

    Yet now, as Joanna subtly sized Linsey up, she found no trace of heartbreak or resentment. All she saw was sheer disgust.

    "Linsey,e on. Are you really still mad at us?" Joanna curved her lips into a sweet smile, stepping closer as she spoke in

    a soft, coaxing voice. "No matter what, we''ve been friends for so many years. Since fate brought us together today, why not

    sit down for a meal and catch up? Wouldn''t that be nice? It''s been ages since the three of us had a real heart-to-heart."

    Feigning warmth, she reached out, trying to take Linsey''s arm.

    "Wait" Linsey swiftly sidestepped, throwing up a hand to stop Joanna in her

    tracks. "Don''t give me that. Whatever game

    you''re ying, I''m not interested. Honestly, just hearing you makes my skin crawl."

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30 Linsey, What

    Did You Buy

    Linsey''s words were brutally direct. Though Joanna was skilled at putting on an act, her smile faltered for a brief moment.

    She quickly recovered, then turned to Felix with a pitiful expression, her eyes brimming with grievance.

    Felix met her gaze, and an instinctive urge to defend her kicked in.

    He stepped forward, wrapping his arms protectively around the supposedly fragile Joanna, then shot Linsey a look of

    disapproval. "Linsey, Joanna didn''t mean anything by it. Was that really necessary?"

    Linsey didn''t even spare Felix a nce. Her face remained impassive as she gave a slow nod. "Oh, I know. She means no

    harm. But I do. Happy now? Now do me a favor and keep your distance. My patience has already worn thin from work-l

    don''t need this on top of it."

    "Linsey, you¡ª" Felix''s words died in his throat as he waspletely thrown off by her indifference.

    He remembered a time when Linsey had been so gentle, always speaking to him with warmth. When had she be like

    this?

    The answer came to him almost instantly-she was probably still upset about him leaving the wedding that day.

    Just then, Joanna''s gaze flickered to the shopping bag in Linsey''s hand.

    She hesitated briefly before speaking, carefully watching Felix''s reaction.

    "Linsey, what did you buy? A gift for Felix? You''re always so thoughtful, still thinking about him after everything. If only I

    were half as considerate as you."

    At her words, Felix''s eyes shifted to the bag in Linsey''s grasp. His previously tense expression softened.

    Deep down, he had been waiting for Linsey toe back to him. She had always been like this-easily upset, but after a few days, she would inevitably return.

    So when she moved out the other day, he had been certain it was only temporary.

    But days had passed, and Linsey was still nowhere to be seen.

    As the days dragged on, doubt crept in. Felix had been so sure Linsey would return, but now he wasn''t so certain. Was she really gone for good?

    But then, Joanna''s remark struck him like a revtion-Linsey hadn''t let go. She had even gone out of her way to buy him a gift.

    Instantly, his confidence returned.

    His face lit up with a satisfied smile. "Linsey, I knew you wouldn''t forget my birthday. Alright, I''ll forgive you this time. Juste home, and we''ll start nning my party. Same as always-make sure all my friends are invited."

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    Chapter 30 Linsey, What Did You Buy

    As he spoke, his attention drifted to the shopping bag in Linsey''s hand. "What did you get me? Let me see."

    He reached for the bag, but before he couldy a finger on it, Linsey yanked it back without hesitation, her expression full

    of disdain.

    Her voice was clipped with irritation. "Felix, are you an idiot, or did you just not hear a single word I said?"

    Felix froze, momentarily stunned by the sheer exasperation in her tone. Then, as the realization set in, his expression darkened. Anger red in his chest. "Linsey, how long are you going to keep this up?"

    He had given her an easy way out, yet she met him with nothing but cold indifference. The nerve. She clearly didn''t know how to appreciate his generosity.

 Chapter 31

    tter Yourself

    "I''ve already said this before-whatever we had is over. How long are you nning to keep clinging to me?"

    Linsey''s sharp wordsnded like a p, and Felix felt something twist in his chest.

    For the first time, panic flickered in his eyes. Was she serious? Was this really the end?

    But Joanna, standing smugly nearby, wasn''t convinced. With an exaggerated sigh, she interjected, "Linsey,e on. Who are you trying to fool? Everyone knows you''ve been crazy about Felix for years. You don''t just stop loving someone

    overnight."

    Linsey almostughed at how ridiculous Joanna sounded. How long was she going to keep up this pathetic act? "Joanna does any of this concern you? Seems like that p I gave youst time didn''t teach you a lesson. Want me to refresh your

    memory?"

    Without hesitation, she lifted her hand, ready to strike.

    Joanna let out a startled shriek, stumbling back half a step, her face going pale.

    The sting fromst time was still fresh in her mind, and she had no intention of reliving it.

    Felix, watching the scene unfold, barely recognized the woman in front of him. His patience snapped. "That''s enough, Linsey! Is this really how you treat Joanna? What''s wrong with you?"

    Their heated argument had drawn attention, and by now, a small crowd had gathered at the entrance, eager to witness the

    drama.

    But Linsey couldn''t care less. Unbothered by the curious stares, she scoffed, "Yeah, be I am crazy. So what? Want me to p you too?"

    Felix stiffened, a shiver running down his spine as he instinctively stepped back.

    "Felix!" Joanna''s voice trembled as she clung to his arm, her face drained of color.

    The sound of her fear snapped Felix back to his senses. Straightening his shoulders, he stepped in front of her protectively. "Linsey, stop being so difficult. I get it¡ªyou''re still upset about what happened. Let''s talk about it at home. No need to

    make a scene here."

    His jaw tightened as he noticed the growing number of bystanders. Thest thing he wanted was to be humiliated in public. Lowering his voice, he added, "You''re here buying men''s clothes. If they''re not for me, then who else? Come on, don''t be stubborn. Let''s just go home."

    Linsey let out a soft, amused snort, arching a brow as she responded smoothly, "Can''t I buy them for my husband?"

    Felix blinked in shock before a slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. "That''s right-I am your husband. Linsey, whatever you''re angry about, I''ll make it up to you with an even bigger wedding."

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    15:12

    Linsey''s sharp wordsnded like a p, and Felix felt something twist in his chest.

    For the first time, panic flickered in his eyes. Was she serious? Was this really the end?

    But Joanna, standing smugly nearby, wasn''t convinced. With an exaggerated sigh, she interjected, "Linsey,e on. Who are you trying to fool? Everyone knows you''ve been crazy about Felix for years. You don''t just stop loving someone

    overnight."

    Linsey almostughed at how ridiculous Joanna sounded. How long was she going to keep up this pathetic act? "Joanna, does any of this concern you? Seems like that p I gave youst time didn''t teach you a lesson. Want me to refresh your

    memory?"

    Without hesitation, she lifted her hand, ready to strike.

    Joanna let out a startled shriek, stumbling back half a step, her face going pale. The sting fromst time was still fresh in her mind, and she had no intention of reliving it.

    Felix, watching the scene unfold, barely recognized the woman in front of him. His patience snapped. "That''s enough, Linsey! Is this really how you treat Joanna? What''s wrong with you?"

    Their heated argument had drawn attention, and by now, a small crowd had gathered at the entrance, eager to witness the

    drama.

    But Linsey couldn''t care less. Unbothered by the curious stares, she scoffed, "Yeah, maybe I am crazy. So what? Want me to p you too?"

    Felix stiffened, a shiver running down his spine as he instinctively stepped back.

    "Felix!" Joanna''s voice trembled as she clung to his arm, her face drained of color.

    The sound of her fear snapped Felix back to his senses. Straightening his shoulders, he stepped in front of her protectively. "Linsey, stop being so difficult. I get it-you''re still upset about what happened. Let''s talk about it at home. No need

    make a scene here."

    His jaw tightened as he noticed the growing number of bystanders. Thest thing he wanted was to be humiliated in public. Lowering his voice, he added, "You''re here buying men''s clothes. If they''re not for me, then who else? Come on,

    don''t be stubborn. Let''s just go home."

    Linsey let out a soft, amused snort, arching a brow as she responded smoothly, "Can''t I buy them for my husband?"

    Felix blinked in shock before a slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. "That''s right-I am your husband. Linsey,

    whatever you''re angry about, I''ll make it up to you with an even bigger wedding." Behind him, Joanna clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

    She seethed silently, "See? This is just Linsey''s pathetic way of getting Felix''s attention."

    Linsey''s lips curled in scorn. "Felix, don''t tter yourself. Who said my husband is you?"

    Felix''s confident expression faltered, a flicker of doubt crossing his face.

    But Joanna recovered faster, letting out a sharp, incredulousugh.

    "Linsey, are you seriously iming you''re married? That your husband is someone else? Do you expect us to believe that?"

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    Chapter 31 Felix, Don''t tter Yourself

    His smirk turned smug as his gaze swept over her. "Everyone knows you would

    never marry anyone but me. You love me

    too much-how could you possibly belong to another man?"

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 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32 She''s My

    Girlfriend!

    Linsey was at a loss for words, baffled by the sheer audacity of Felix''s delusions.

    She nced at her phone, checking the time.

    She had already wasted too much of her day dealing with Felix and Joanna.

    "If you don''t want to believe me, that''s your problem. Now move." Without another nce, Linsey stepped past them, ready

    to leave.

    Felix''s chest tightened, and before he could stop himself, he blocked her path. "Linsey, how long are you going to drag this

    out?"

    Impatienceced his words, but beneath his frustration, something else simmered-an unease he couldn''t shake.

    There was something about the way Linsey spoke, the absolute certainty in her voice.

    His instincts told him she wasn''t just saying this out of spite.

    But his pride refused to ept it.

    Linsey loved him. She always had. There was no way another man had taken his ce.

    Clenching his jaw, he forced his doubts aside and said in a low,manding tone, ¡°Linsey, my patience is wearing thin.

    You''reing home with me today, whether you like it or not."

    "Get lost!" Linsey snapped, exasperation ring in her eyes. "I am going home-my home. What does that have to do with

    you?"

    Felix''s expression turned ice-cold, his voice dropping as he warned, "Linsey, don''t push your luck."

    She gave him a slow, scrutinizing once-over before scoffing. "Oh? What now? You''re mad? Thinking of punishing me? Who do you think you are, Felix?"

    She then urged impatiently, "Move. You''re in my way."

    Seeing that she was serious about leaving, Felix swallowed his frustration and tried to reason with her. "Linsey, you''re just

    saying all this to piss me off, right? Fine, I admit it. You got under my skin. Now, let''s stop this nonsense and go home."

    Without waiting for an answer, he reached out, grabbing her wrist forcefully.

    Linsey recoiled instantly, yanking her arm free as if his touch was something vile. "Don''t touch me!" she snapped. "If you don''t stop harassing me, I''m calling the police!"

    Her voice was sharp and clear, drawing the attention of the onlookers.

    Excitement buzzed through the crowd.

    00%

    15:12

    Chapter 32 She''s My Girlfriend!

    "Are they really gonna take this to the cops?"

    "Oh wow, what''s happening?"

    "That guy doesn''t look trustworthy. He gives off a domestic abuser vibe."

    Felix''s head snapped toward the man who made thement, his re sharp enough to cut.

    The passerby flinched, pressing a hand to his chest as if to steady himself. "See?

    I told you! He''s got a violent streak!"

    "Yeah, I agree. A total disgrace to men everywhere."

    "Wait, isn''t there another woman next to him? What''s her deal?"

    "Isn''t it obvious? That''s his side chick."

    "A side chick and he''s chasing after another woman? What a sleazebag."

    "He probably just likes the pretty one more."

    As the murmurs grew wilder, Felix''s face darkened with humiliation.

    Grinding his teeth, he pointed usingly at Linsey and snapped, "Quit making up stories! She''s my girlfriend!"

    Linsey shot back without hesitation, her voice ringing out loud and clear. "He''s lying! You''re all smart enough to see the

    truth. I have a husband. I came here today to buy clothes for him, and this man keeps blocking my way. He thinks I''m an

    easy target just because I''m alone!"

    Her words ignited instant outrage among the crowd.

    "Come over here! Don''t let him harass you!"

    "What a creep, going after any pretty woman he sees. Absolutely disgusting."

    "Just call the cops, ma''am. We''ll back you up, and the store''s cameras have it all on tape."

    One after another, voices rose in agreement, condemning Felix without

    hesitation. His face burned with humiliation, and

    for once, he was at aplete loss for words.

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 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33 She''s The One Lying

    Joanna couldn''t stay silent any longer as the onlookers'' remarks became increasingly absurd. She felt she had to speak up

    for Felix.

    "Everyone, you''ve got it all wrong. He''s not harassing this woman-they''re actually a couple," she argued, her tone firm as she shot a disapproving look at Linsey. "She''s the one lying. The truth is, they held a wedding not too long ago."

    Linsey let out a sharpugh, her expression icy. "You might want to watch what you say. You and this guy showed up together to block my way. And look at you, standing so close to him-if you''re iming I''m his girlfriend, then what exactly are you to him?"

    She arched an eyebrow, feigning curiosity. "Are you so devoted to him that you''re out here helping him chase after another woman? Or are you suggesting I take on the role of the mistress? Because from where I''m standing, it sure seems like

    that''s your job."

    The crowd, always hungry for juicy gossip, widened their eyes at the implication. Within moments, their judgmental gazes

    shifted toward Joanna.

    "My, my. I knew something felt off about her-so she''s the other woman."

    "Oh, I get it now! This guy cheated on this gorgeousdy, and now he''s regretting

    it, so he''s here, begging for her back."

    "That''s exactly what''s happening! Just look at his guilty face."

    People had seen enough real-life scandals to piece the story together in an instant.

    Some dramas were even juicier than fiction.

    Joanna, stunned by how quickly Linsey had turned the crowd against her, burned with frustration. She wanted to fight back, but the flood of usations left her flustered.

    "Stop making things up! I''m not the other woman!" Joanna seethed.

    "Yeah, yeah. That''s exactly what a side chick would say."

    "Seriously, what''s a young woman like you doing with someone else''s man?"

    "I don''t get it. Why are you still clinging to him? He already dumped his ex, yet you''re still following him around, pestering this prettydy. What''s the point? Just walk away already."

    One concerned shopper pulled out their phone and called mall security. "That''s enough. Security''s on the way."

    Within seconds, a group of uniformed guards rushed over, their presence instantly shifting the crowd''s energy.

    The entrance had grown too crowded, disrupting the mall''s order. Since they couldn''t forcefully clear out innocent bystanders, the guards zeroed in on the source of the chaos-Felix and Joanna

    15:13

    Chapter 33 She''s The One Lying

    "Sir, it''s these two causing themotion," a woman reported eagerly, pointing at

    them. "They blocked this youngdy''s

    way and tried to drag her off. Isn''t that attempted kidnapping?"

    Felix''s patience snapped. His voice rose in frustration. "What the hell?

    Kidnapping? She''s my girlfriend!"

    A man in the crowd snorted. "You liar. She already said she has a husband."

    Felix turned to Linsey, his jaw tightening as he growled, "Linsey, cut the act and tell them the truth. Or you''re gonna regret

    this."

    The crowd erupted at his words, their outrage boiling over.

    "Did you hear that?" someone shouted. "He just threatened her! What a scumbag! This is insane! Security, take him to the police! That''s the only way he''ll learn his lesson!"

    "Yeah! We don''t need guys like that around! Get them out of here!"

    The fury of the crowd gave Felix and Joanna no room to defend themselves.

    Before they could so much as protest, security, now acting on overwhelmingints, swiftly stepped in and escorted them out of the mall.

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 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34 Why Aren''t You

    Home Yet

    Seeing Felix and Joanna finally escorted out in disgrace, Linsey exhaled, the tension in her shoulders easing.

    She turned to the bystanders who had defended her. Several older women offered her knowing looks and firm advice.

    "Youngdy, don''t go soft on that kind of man. Once a jerk, always a jerk."

    "That''s right. Married or not, never look back."

    "When you choose a partner, make sure you see him for who he really is before giving your heart away."

    Linsey forced a small, wry smile but nodded obediently. "I appreciate it. I''ll keep that in mind."

    As the crowd slowly dispersed, a warmth settled in her chest. The kindness of these strangers-people who had no reason to care-soothed the bitterness Felix and Joanna had left behind.

    She had been an orphan her whole life. No parents had ever given her such words of wisdom.

    For years, she had poured all her love, all her dreams, into Felix, believing he could give her the warmth of a real family.

    But reality had been cruel.

    She had wasted five years on him-five years that had taught her the hard way that Felix would never be the man she had hoped for.

    No matter what, she would never go back to him.

    If he dared to show up in her life again, she wouldn''t hesitate to put him in his ce, just like today. And if words weren''t enough, she wouldn''t hold back from taking action.

    Her threats hadn''t been just for show.

    Just then, her phone rang, snapping her from her thoughts.

    She nced at the caller ID-Collin.

    "Hello." She answered, already making her way toward the mall exit.

    Collin''s voice was steady as he said, "It''ste. Why aren''t you home yet? Still caught up with work?"

    Linsey adjusted her bag on her shoulder and answered softly, "I''m at the mall. Something came up and dyed me. I''m heading back now."

    He didn''t press for details. Instead, he said, "Send me the mall''s address. I''ll send a car for you."

    Surprised by the offer, she instinctively replied, "That''s not necessary. I can just take the bus home."

    For a moment, there was only silence on the other end. When Collin finally spoke, his tone was heavier.

    0.0%

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    Chapter 34 Why Aren''t You Home Yet

    "It''s dark. It''s not safe for you to be out alone."

    She nced through the ss doors of the mall. The streets outside were dimly

    lit, shadows stretching across the

    pavement.

    Realizing he had a point, she didn''t argue further. A small, involuntary smile formed on her lips. "Okay."

    When she had first moved into Vista Vi, Collin had been distant-cold, almost indifferent.

    But now, he was showing concern for her.

    Maybe things between them were beginning to change.

    Not long after they ended the call, a message popped up on her phone. The car had arrived.

    She stepped outside, heading toward the roadside parking area.

    Before she got close, a small crowd caught her attention. Several girls were huddled together, chatting excitedly.

    "The window rolled down for a second, and I swear, the guy inside is ridiculously handsome!"

    "Not just that-his whole aura is something else."

    "Am I the only one staring at the car? I looked it up, and even if I worked my whole life, I don''t think I could afford it..."

    "There are so many rich people in Grester. I wonder who he is. I''ve never heard of him before."

    Linsey''s eyes drifted toward the sleek car they were admiring. It was the one Collin had sent. The license te matched the one in his text.

    Her heart skipped a beat.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35 Why Did You

    Come Yourself

    Linsey approached the car, conscious of the curious gazes following her every step. She lightly tapped on the rear window.

    The door swiftly swung open, and Collin''s figure came into view.

    "I saw him! I saw him again! He''s even more handsome up close!"

    Another excited whisper rose from behind her.

    "That gorgeous woman and that stunning man-they have to be a couple, right? They look perfect together!"

    "Forget their love story. I''m more jealous of their wealth."

    For once, Linsey found her sharp hearing to be a curse. The murmurs made her uneasy, so she quickly slipped into the car and shut the door, sealing herself away from the prying eyes and chatter.

    Inside, she turned to Collin. The soft glow from the car''s interior light illuminated his face. Aptop rested on hisp, his fingers lightly tapping the keyboard as he remained immersed in his work, seemingly indifferent to themotion outside.

    "Drive," Collin instructed.

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the driver responded, and the car smoothly merged into the flow of traffic.

    Linsey hesitated to speak, not wanting to interrupt him.

    Yet, she couldn''t stop herself from watching him-his sharp features, his unwavering focus.

    Collin had always been perceptive of people''s gazes, and naturally, he noticed her lingering stare.

    If it had been anyone else, he would have ignored it and continued working.

    But something about Linsey''s eyes felt different, as if her gaze carried an invisible hook, lightly tugging at something inside him, keeping him from concentrating. Unable to disregard it any longer, he finally turned to her. "Why are you staring at me?"

    She blinked in surprise, not expecting him to catch on so quickly.

    A bit flustered, she reasoned that as his wife, it wasn''t strange for her to look at him.

    Holding onto that thought, she steadied herself and replied, "I was just curious. Why did youe yourself? I thought you

    were only sending the driver."

    Collin let out a short, cold chuckle, as if he found her words amusing. "What''s wrong? Am I not allowed to pick up my own

    wife?"

    His tone was distant, matching his usual aloofness.

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    15:15

    Chapter 35 Why Did You Come Yourself

    Yet, beneath the indifference, Linsey caught a trace of something else-something that felt an awful lot like concern.

    So, Collin was finally acknowledging her as his wife.

    That realization brought an unexpected flicker of joy. Then she remembered the shopping bag in her hand and quickly added, "Oh, I got you something. Try it on when we get home and see if you like it."

    Collin''s gaze shifted to the bag she held, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

    So she hadn''t just been out to pass the time-she had gone to the mall specifically to buy something for him.

    A small, barely-there smile tugged at his lips, though it vanished just as quickly.

    "Alright. We''ll see when we get home," he replied, keeping his tone deliberately casual.

    Linsey''s eyes lit up. "Okay. Let''s go home."

    She was in high spirits, unaware that elsewhere, two people were in apletely different mood.

    Felix and Joanna stood frozen outside the mall, still in disbelief.

    Just moments ago, they had watched Linsey climb into a luxury car and drive off.

    Even now, with the car long gone, they remained rooted to the spot, stunned. Linsey had gotten into another man''s car.

    Seriously?

    Could it be that she had been telling the truth all along? That she really was married?

    And not just to anyone¡ªbut to a man who was both incredibly handsome and unquestionably sessful?

    100.0%

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36 Has Linsey

    Come Out Yet

    Before Linsey even stepped out of the mall, the luxury car was already parked outside.

    The moment the rear window lowered slightly, Joanna''s eyes locked onto the man inside, unable to look away.

    In all her years in Grester, she had never seen a man with such striking features.

    As he nced toward the mall, he casually lifted his wrist, checking the time on his watch.

    Every subtle movement of his sent a ripple through her chest.

    The air of refinement and authority he carried was something far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

    He was way out of Felix''s league.

    "What are you staring at? Has Linseye out yet?" Felix''s voice broke through her daze; he was oblivious to the fact that Joanna had beenpletely captivated by another man.

    His mind was too preupied with one thing-when Linsey would appear.

    And then, as if on cue, she did.

    "Linsey!" Felix called out, his voice filled with excitement as he instinctively moved forward, ready to stop her.

    Joanna snapped back to her senses and quickly grabbed his arm, her grip firm. "Felix, don''t do anything rash. There are too many people here. I don''t want security throwing us out again."

    Even as she spoke, both of them watched as Linsey strode straight toward the luxury car and slipped inside.

    "Linsey, she..." Felix''s breath hitched, his eyes widening in shock. Since when had she gotten involved with someone like

    that?

    Joanna was just as stunned, her mind racing. Then, she suddenly recalled what Linsey had said to them back at the store.

    Her voice came out uneven. "Linsey said she''s married. Could that man in the car... be her husband?"

    Her mind reeled as Collin''s image surfaced again. He was exceptional in every way-and he was Linsey''s husband!

    The more Joanna dwelled on it, the more her anger simmered. How did Linsey, of all people, end up with a man like that?

    He was wealthy, young, and infuriatingly handsome-everything Joanna had ever dreamed of.

    Her teeth clenched as jealousy twisted inside her, the bitterness so strong it nearly made her want to wring Linsey''s neck.

    Linsey had walked away from Felix and somehownded such an extraordinary man. Just who did she think she was?

    Beside her, Felix stood frozen, struggling to make sense of what he had just witnessed.

    0.0%

    15:15

    Chapter 36 Has Linsey Come Out Yet

    His gut told him that Linsey was only putting on a show to get under his skin.

    But then he remembered the way her face had lit up when she saw that man-that smile. That pure, unguarded smile.

    Felix had been with Linsey for five years. He knew she was breathtaking, a woman unlike any other. She was gentle,

    thoughtful, always putting him first.

    But there was one thing about her that had never satisfied him.

    She had always drawn a line, insisting on marriage before intimacy.

    He had rushed to propose and nned an entire wedding-just so he could finally have her.

    But then, everything had fallen apart.

    For years, Linsey had smiled at him, but never like that-never with such warmth, such joy that made her eyes sparkle with

    life.

    That man had taken something Felix had never been able to reach.

    The thought of Linsey looking at someone else that way sent a searing pain through his chest.

    How could she? How could she just walk away and smile like that for another man?

    She was his. And he wasn''t about to let her go.

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    Felix''s chest rose and fell with suppressed rage, his jaw tightening as he demanded, "Who is that guy? I gotta everything about him. Now."

    Joanna stiffened at the fury in his voice, her pulse quickening.

    Was he this worked up over Linsey?

    The realization sent a wave of unease crashing over her. Felix still cared. He still wanted Linsey.

    A bitter resentment coiled in her chest as she thought, "There''s no way I''m letting that bitch win."

    Her eyes darkened with malice. If Linsey was bold enough to string along two men, then she deserved to be expose And if she was lucky, that mysterious man would see Linsey for who she truly was and toss her aside without hesi

    Inside the car, Linsey''s mind reyed the encounter at the mall.

    Running into Felix and Joanna had been unexpected, but now that it had happened, she figured Collin had a right to

    He was her husband, after all.

    Taking a breath, she turned to him. "Collin-"

    Before she could finish, the car came to a sudden, jarring stop, mming her forward with rming force.

    A startled gasp left her lips, bracing for impact, but before she could hit anything, a firm grip yanked her backward.

    Collin''s arms wrapped around her, steady and unwavering, pulling her against his chest. His voice, low andp rumbled beside her ear. "Be careful."

    She froze for a split second before it hit her-she was pressed tightly against Collin.

    As awareness settled in, she inhaled the crisp, invigorating scent clinging to him, reminiscent of a winter forest.

    It carried the essence of icy mountain air intertwined with the earthy freshness of snow-draped evergreens, a soot fragrance that sent an inexplicable sense of calm through her.

    But beneath that calm, her heart pounded so violently it felt like it might break free from her chest, each heavy thu

    echoing in her ears.

    Collin''s voice, deep and controlled, sliced through the tense silence. "What happened? Why the sudden stop?"

    The driver, his voiceced with unease, quickly exined, "A stray cat darted onto

    the road. I almost hit it."

    Linsey blinked in confusion, her breath caught in her throat as she remained within Collin''s embrace.

    0.0%

    15:17

    Chapter 37 You Weren''t This Reserved Last Night

    "I see. Keep driving," Collin said evenly.

    "Understood."

    The car eased forward again.

    A stillness settled over them, broken only when Collin''s low voice drifted above

    her head.

    "Linsey, how long do you n to stay in my arms?".

    Her breath hitched, and in an instant, she scrambled to create space between

    them, mortified.

    It wasn''t until she moved that she realized she had been gripping his shirt, her fingers curled into the fabric without even noticing.

    Heat rushed to her face, her hands clenching awkwardly as she struggled for something-anything-to say.

    "Jewell, your reflexes are really impressive," she blurted after a long pause. "You hit the brakes so smoothly and saved that cat. Nice work."

    From the front seat, Jewell Ellsworth stole a quick nce at the rearview mirror, noting Collin''s unreadable expression before replying with a good-natured chuckle. "Thank you, Mrs. Riley. Years of experience on the road have sharpened my instincts."

    Linsey forced a lightugh, attempting to shake off the awkwardness.

    Collin, his face unreadable, lifted his head slightly. "Jewell, focus on the road."

    "Of course, sir," Jewell responded at once.

    Linsey bit her lip, sticking out her tongue in embarrassment before quickly turning away, pretending to bepletely absorbed in the passing scenery.

    Collin wasn''t fooled. He knew exactly what was running through her mind. A quiet chuckle escaped him before he drawled, his voiceced with amusement,

    "Feeling shy now? You weren''t this reservedst night."

    100.0%

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37 You Weren''t This Reserved Last Night

    Felix''s chest rose and fell with suppressed rage, his jaw tightening as he demanded, "Who is that guy? I gotta find out

    everything about him. Now."

    Joanna stiffened at the fury in his voice, her pulse quickening.

    Was he this worked up over Linsey?

    The realization sent a wave of unease crashing over her. Felix still cared. He still wanted Linsey.

    A bitter resentment coiled in her chest as she thought, "There''s no way I''m letting that bitch win."

    Her eyes darkened with malice. If Linsey was bold enough to string along two men, then she deserved to be exposed.

    And if she was lucky, that mysterious man would see Linsey for who she truly was and toss her aside without hesitation.

    Inside the car, Linsey''s mind reyed the encounter at the mall.

    Running into Felix and Joanna had been unexpected, but now that it had

    happened, she figured Collin had a right to know.

    He was her husband, after all.

    Taking a breath, she turned to him. "Collin-"

    Before she could finish, the car came to a sudden, jarring stop, mming her forward with rming force.

    A startled gasp left her lips, bracing for impact, but before she could hit anything, a firm grip yanked her backward.

    Collin''s arms wrapped around her, steady and unwavering, pulling her against his chest. His voice, low andposed,

    rumbled beside her ear. "Be careful."

    She froze for a split second before it hit her-she was pressed tightly against Collin.

    As awareness settled in, she inhaled the crisp, invigorating scent clinging to him, reminiscent of a winter forest.

    It carried the essence of icy mountain air intertwined with the earthy freshness of snow-draped evergreens, a soothing

    fragrance that sent an inexplicable sense of calm through her.

    But beneath that calm, her heart pounded so violently it felt like it might break free from her chest, each heavy thump

    echoing in her ears.

    Collin''s voice, deep and controlled, sliced through the tense silence. "What happened? Why the sudden stop?"

    The driver, his voiceced with unease, quickly exined, "A stray cat darted onto the road. I almost hit it."

    Linsey blinked in confusion, her breath caught in her throat as she remained within Collin''s embrace.

    0.0%

    15:54

    Chapter 37 You Weren''t This Reserved Last Night

    "I see. Keep driving," Collin said evenly.

    "Understood."

    The car eased forward again.

    A stillness settled over them, broken only when Collin''s low voice drifted above her head.

    "Linsey, how long do you n to stay in my arms?"

    Her breath hitched, and in an instant, she scrambled to create space between them, mortified.

    It wasn''t until she moved that she realized she had been gripping his shirt, her fingers curled into the fabric without even

    noticing.

    Heat rushed to her face, her hands clenching awkwardly as she struggled for something-anything-to say.

    "Jewell, your reflexes are really impressive," she blurted after a long pause. "You hit the brakes so smoothly and saved that

    cat. Nice work."

    From the front seat, Jewell Ellsworth stole a quick nce at the rearview mirror, noting Collin''s unreadable expression before replying with a good-natured chuckle. "Thank you, Mrs. Riley. Years of experience on the road have sharpened my

    instincts."

    Linsey forced a lightugh, attempting to shake off the awkwardness.

    Collin, his face unreadable, lifted his head slightly. "Jewell, focus on the road."

    "Of course, sir," Jewell responded at once.

    Linsey bit her lip, sticking out her tongue in embarrassment before quickly turning away, pretending to bepletely absorbed in the passing scenery.

    Collin wasn''t fooled. He knew exactly what was running through her mind. A quiet chuckle escaped him before he drawled, his voiceced with amusement, "Feeling shy now? You weren''t this reservedst night."

    100.0%

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38 Undress You

    The next moment, Jewell quietly raised the partition inside the car.

    Linsey hesitated, her gaze flicking to Collin, confusion knitting her brows. "Did something happenst night?" Her voice

    barely rose above a whisper.

    She bit her lip, her tone turning more uncertain. "You seemed... off this morning. Did I do something wrong? I swear, I don''t remember anything."

    Collin''s jaw tightened, his expression shadowed by something sharp and unreadable. ¡°You don''t remember trying to undress me?" His voice was low, edged with mockery.

    The sarcasm stung. Linsey blinked, stunned, pointing to herself in disbelief.

    "Me?" Her voice cracked. "Undress you?" She shook her head furiously, as if trying to physically erase the usation. "No.

    No way. I-I''d never do something like that."

    As soon as the words left her mouth, Linsey saw Collin''s expression darken, shadows pooling in his eyes.

    She hesitated, fingers tugging at the hem of her sleeve. "I mean it. I don''t remember anything," she murmured, doubt

    creeping into her voice. "Someone once told me I''m not great with alcohol, so maybe... maybe I lost controlst night."

    Collin''s head snapped toward her, his eyes narrowing with a sharp, dangerous glint. "Really? So getting drunk and acting

    out is something you''ve done before?"

    Linsey faltered, realizing she might''ve crossed a line. Her voice softened, almost apologetic. "I used to drink with my

    roommates sometimes, but after one bad night, they never let me near alcohol again."

    She forced a weakugh, though it barely scratched the tension. "But I don''t think I ever undressed them."

    Collin''s gaze didn''t waver, his silence pressing down on her like a weight.

    She didn''t mention her ex-boyfriend, though the history between them stretched over years.

    They had likely shared more than just drinks-those reckless, restless years had left room for moments far more intimate.

    Collin knew those thoughts were reasonable-maybe even inevitable. But the image of Linsey with someone else wed at

    him, jealousy tightening in his chest like a vice.

    Beside him, Linsey sensed the shift, tension radiating from him like heat off asphalt.

    She didn''t understand why her words had made things worse. Tentatively, she reached out, her voice soft and uncertain. "Collin... what is it? Tell me, is something wrong?"

    That nagging question twisted in her gut-had she done something even worsest night?

    Collin inhaled slowly, deliberately, before his voice cut through the silence-cold and edged. "From now on, don''t drink

    with others."

    The weight of his disapproval pressed down on her, heavy and suffocating. Instinctively, she nodded. "Okay, I understand."

    00%

    Chapter 38 Undress You

    But the question lingered, thick and unspoken: Why couldn''t she remember what had happened?

    The thought that she might have taken advantage of him against his will, however unintentionally, left her hollow and

    unsettled.

    The rest of the ride passed in tense silence, the air thick with words left unsaid.

    Soon, they arrived at Vista Vi. Linsey hesitated by the car door, unsure how to help without overstepping. Before she

    could decide, Jewell was already there, smoothly positioning the wheelchair and assisting Collin into it.

    Linsey hurried to follow, stepping in behind him. "Let me push you inside," she offered.

    "There''s no need." Collin''s tone was t. His gaze shifted to Jewell, who wordlessly stepped forward and took hold of the wheelchair handles.

    Collin cast Linsey a detached nce, his voice cool and distant. "It''ste. You should eat. I have important matters to handle in the study."

    He was going to the study again.

    She watched him go, the distance between them feeling less like space and more like a wall she couldn''t climb.

    She stood there, rooted in uncertainty, until the butler approached with gentle urgency. "Mrs. Riley, are you all right? It''s cold outside. Please,e in."

    His voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. She blinked, as if waking from a trance, then gave a small nod and followed him inside.

    As they walked, she hesitated before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you know what happenedst night? I... 1 might''ve done something terrible after drinking too much. That''s why Collin''s upset, isn''t it?¡±

    Guiltced her words. "He won''t tell me what I did, and now I don''t even know how to apologize."

    100.0

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39 I Must''ve Upset Collin

    The butler hesitated for a moment before letting out a quiet chuckle. "Mrs. Riley, you''re overthinking it. If you''d really done something to upset Mr. Riley, he wouldn''t be acting like this."

    Linsey sensed there was more beneath his words. Her gaze sharpened as she studied the butler, waiting for him to

    borate.

    "There was an incident at a party once. A guy had a little too much to drink and decided to test his luck with Mr. Riley." He stopped there, his expression unreadable.

    Linsey''s curiosity red. "What did that guy say?"

    The butler met her eyes, his face suddenly serious. "He mocked Mr. Riley for losing his legs..... and for being unwanted by the Riley family. These aremon whispers among the elite."

    His voice darkened as he continued, "That man even dumped an entire bottle of red wine over Mr. Riley and sneered that he''d only let him off if he got down on his knees and begged."

    Linsey''s chest tightened. She had never imagined that Collin had suffered such tant humiliation.

    "Collin was insulted like that? In front of everyone?" Her voice was barely above a whisper. "What did he do?"

    The butler''s tone remained measured. "That man belonged to high society as well, but his status was nowhere near the Riley family''s. Even so, the Rileys did nothing to defend Mr. Riley."

    His eyes darkened as he added, "Later, Mr. Riley made sure that man''s hands and feet would never work properly again. From that day on, he ended up just like Mr. Riley."

    Collin had crippled the man.

    Linsey''s breath caught as a cold chill crept through her. Her lips parted slightly in shock, and a flicker of unease shed in

    her eyes.

    "The incident became the talk of the city," the butler said in an eerily calm voice. "Eventually, the Riley family cut ties with Mr. Riley, and he''s been living here ever since."

    His expression remained neutral, yet Linsey felt an icy weight settle in her chest Her thoughts swirled chaotically. It struck her then-she barely knew Collin at all. The man at the party had certainly gone too far, but Linsey knew she could never have treated Collin that way.

    She truly respected him. She had never once looked down on him because of his disability.

    Collin couldn''t move like others, but that wasn''t his fault-he had been a victim.

    The Riley family had already cast him aside because of his condition Retaliating against such public humiliation had been

    00%

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    Chapter 39 I Must''ve Upset Collin

    more than justified.

    So what had she donest night to put him in a bad mood?

    She couldn''t stop herself from turning to the butler for help. "I must''ve upset Collin. How can I make it up to him?"

    The butler hesitated before answering frankly, "I''m afraid I don''t know, Mrs. Riley. I''ve worked here for years, and I''ve never seen anyone truly figure out what he''s thinking. But since he hasn''t sent you away, I don''t believe he dislikes you.

    After all, he personally went to pick you up today."

    His lips curved into a gentle smile as he added, "Maybe you should take the first step, Mrs. Riley. If you show him sincerity,

    I''m sure he''ll notice."

    Linsey blinked and then nced down at the shopping bag in her hand.

    That was right. She hadn''t shown Collin the clothes she had bought for him yet.

    Without wasting another second, she grabbed the bag and headed straight for his study.

    Just as she lifted her hand to knock, voices drifted through the door.

    "Mr. Riley, the ns for this season are ready. Which ones do you think we should approve?"

    Collin''s tone was cold and dismissive. "They''re all garbage. Send them back and have them redone."

    A brief silence followed before the subordinate spoke again. "The deadline ising up fast."

    The next second, Collin let out a sharp sneer. "CR Corporation is a majorpany. Are all the employeespletely ipetent? If they can''t get the

    job done on time, fire them."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in shock. Had she just misheard?

    Did Collin just say... CR Corporation?

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    15-18

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40 How Much Did

    You Hear

    Could Collin be connected to CR Corporation?

    Linsey was still processing the shock when the study door suddenly opened.

    Collin''s subordinate stood at the entrance, momentarily startled at the sight of her. "Mrs. Riley?"

    Seated at his desk, Collin immediately noticed her as well. His expression shifted slightly, and his deep voice cut through

    the silence. "Why are you here?"

    Linsey''s heart raced. She hadn''t caught the full details of their conversation, but she couldn''t deny that she had overheard

    them.

    Collin''s subordinate nced at him, then wisely stepped aside and slipped out of the room without another word.

    Linsey lifted the shopping bag in her hand and forced a casual tone. "I got you something at the mall. Did you forget?"

    Collin frowned. How could he refuse her when she had gone to the mall just to buy him a gift? After a brief pause, he

    sighed and said, "Come in and close the door."

    Linsey shut the door and walked toward him.

    Just as she was about to hand him the bag, he asked, "When did you get here?"

    Linsey hesitated, caught off guard. She met his deep gaze and blurted out, "Not long ago...''

    Collin studied her intently. "How much did you hear?¡±

    He had been discussing matters rted to CR Corporation with his subordinate. If she had heard everything, she would find

    out that he was the mysterious founder of CR Corporation.

    Linsey thought back to the fragments of conversation she had caught. Curiosity sparked in her eyes.

    "I heard you mention CR Corporation, but not the details." She tilted her head slightly. "Collin, do you have business

    dealings with them?"

    Collin didn''t answer and instead asked, "What do you think?"

    Linsey blinked, caught off guard. Her first instinct had been to connect him to the mysterious founder of CR Corporation.

    But then, logic pushed the thought aside. CR Corporation had been expanding aggressively in Grester. If Collin was really capable of building such a powerhouse from the ground up, how could he have been abandoned at the wedding by his

    bride?

    If he wielded that kind of power, the Riley family wouldn''t have cast him aside or sent him to live here in istion.

    The idea felt improbable She dismissed it and considered another possibility instead.

    0.0%

    15 18

    Chapter 40 How Much Did You Hear

    "You said you owed a hundred million dors. Is it rted to CR Corporation?"

    she guessed, watching him closely.

    Collin''s expression didn''t change, but inwardly, he exhaled in relief.

    It seemed she hadn''t heard much.

    "More or less," he replied casually.

    Hearing his response, Linsey let out a bitter smile.

    So, in the end, they were both working for CR Corporation. How pitiful.

    The thought that all the hard-earned money she made from CR Corporation

    would eventually funnel right back to it left her feeling defeated.

    But she quickly shook off the gloom and turned her attention to Collin.

    She wanted to ask why he owed CR Corporation such an enormous sum but

    decided against it. Thest thing she wanted was to upset him.

    Instead, she forced a smile and changed the subject. ¡°Collin, let''s not think about that for now. Why don''t you try on what 1 just bought for you?"

    She ced the bag on hisp.

    Collin''s expression softened slightly. He opened the bag and pulled out a set of men''s clothing, his brow arching in mild surprise.

    Linsey nudged him encouragingly. "Come on. Try it on."

    But Collin remained seated in his wheelchair, unmoving.

    Puzzled, Linsey frowned. "What''s wrong? Why aren''t you changing? You don''t like it?"

    Collin let out a small chuckle and asked in an amused tone, "Are you just going to stand there and watch me change?"

    100.0%

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41 Do You Really Think I''m That...

    Linsey froze for a second before reality hit her, and her cheeks red with heat.

    "Oh! Right! I''ll just step out, then. Call me when you''re ready for me toe back in," she blurted, already turning c

    heel.

    But before she could take more than two steps, Collin''s voice stopped her. "Wait."

    She turned back, blinking in confusion.

    Collin studied her for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. "I didn''t mean for you to leave. Come here and help me."

    The second the words left his lips, Linsey''s mind reeled back to the first night she had moved into the vi-when he asked her to help him undress for a bath, only to dismiss her right after.

    Linsey hesitated, then blurted out, "Collin, you''re not going to get mad and kick me out again, are you?"

    Collin''s brows lifted slightly. "Do you really think I''m that unpredictable?"

    Collin hadn''t realized she saw him that way.

    As far as he was concerned, he had always been calm and in control around her.

    Linsey barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Of course, she thought.

    But she didn''t voice it. Instead, she shook her head and moved past it. "No. Let me help you."

    She stepped forward, fingers brushing against Collin''s cor as she reached to unbutton his shirt.

    Before she could, his hand closed around her wrist.

    Warmth spread from his touch, making her pulse stutter.

    Startled, she looked up-only to realize just how close they were, close enough that she could see the way hisshe

    framed his eyes.

    She had never noticed before. But for some reason, it struck her now-his eyshes were unfairly thick.

    Collin''s expression remained unreadable as he said, "I didn''t ask you to undress me. Just hold my clothes."

    Whether it was his bluntness or her own realization that she had been a little too eager, warmth crept up Linsey''s neck.

    "Oh Okay," She straightened, determined to act normal.

    Collin shrugged off his jacket, passing it to her before moving on to his shirt. His fingers worked through the buttons with practiced case, one by one revealing firm, toned muscle beneath.

    Linsey hadn''t meant to stare, but once the smooth lines of his chest and sculpted abs came into view, looking away felt

    0.0%

    15:19

    Chapter 41 Do You Really Think I''m That Unpredictable

    impossible.

    This was the first time Linsey had seen a man''s body up close-really seen one.

    She hadn''t expected Collin to have such a striking physique beneath his tailored clothes.

    Did he work out? The thought popped into her head before she could stop it.

    As her mind drifted, Collin, unfazed, finished changing into the outfit she had picked for him.

    When he looked up, her ears and neck were flushed a deep shade of red.

    Her head was turned away, eyes shut tight, and hershes quivered ever so slightly.

    Collin''s lips curled into an amused smirk. "Linsey," he called, his voice rich with amusement.

    "Huh?" She startled, her eyes snapping open-only to realize he was already dressed.

    Just as she was about to regain herposure, he suddenly grabbed her wrist and tugged her forward.

    She barely had time to gasp before she stumbled straight into him.

    Her hand braced against the back of his wheelchair, steadying herself as the space between them all but disappeared.

    Before she could recover, Collin leaned in, his voice dipping into a low, teasing murmur.

    "What''s wrong? Didn''t you say you wanted to see me try it on?" His breath tickled her ear. "If you really want a better look, you should get a little closer, don''t you think?"

    15.19

    Chapter 42 How Did You

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42 How Did You

    Know My Size

    The warmth of Collin''s breath against the sensitive skin behind Linsey''s ear sent a shiver down her spine. It was barely there just a whisper of heat-but it coiled through her like an electric current, leaving a tingling trail in its wake.

    Her heart pounded wildly, each beat heavy and insistent, making her throat feel unbearably tight and dry.

    Then, as if she were struck by a sudden jolt, Linsey''s eyes widened in rm. A rush of instinct took over, and she pulled back from Collin''s broad frame, her breath hitching as she stared at him in disbelief.

    His disability limited his movements, yet the way he held himself-the quiet control in his presence-made it clear that if he wanted to, he could still dominate the space between them.

    The realization sent another shiver through her, something between awe and unease. Lowering her head quickly, she refused to meet his gaze, afraid of what she might find there.

    Collin''s eyes never left her as he studied every flicker of emotion on her face with an intensity that made her heart race. His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile, and his gaze darkened with a mischievous gleam.

    "Why do you look at me like that?" he asked, his voice smooth. "Do I look like a monster to you?"

    His words, exaggerated as they were, made Linsey flinch instinctively. She shook her head quickly, eager to distance him from such a harsh image. "No," she said firmly.

    She hesitated for a moment, her lips parting as if to say more. "It''s just that... you suddenly pulled me close like that. We were so close, and... I''m not used to it."

    Collin''s gaze softened, and his voice lowered, quiet and sincere. "Sorry. I didn''t mean to scare you."

    Linsey''s instinct was to shake her head, to brush off the moment. But before she could, Collin let out a light chuckle and with a casual ease, added, "But we''re married now, officially. You''ll have to get used to this kind of closeness, don''t you

    think?"

    His words were gentle but carried a weight, as if suggesting something more- something inevitable.

    Instead, Collin''s voice softened as he continued, "Take a look-do you think this outfit suits me?"

    Linsey hesitated for a moment, but then her gaze lifted, meeting his eyes as he was seated before het, dressed in the new

    clothes.

    The moment she saw him, admiration shed across her face.

    She had spent what felt like hours picking out this outfit, wondering if it would work, but seeing him in it now the difference was striking. The clothes were a departure from his usual style, but they fit him perfectly, like they had been made just for him.

    The casual style made Collin seem more approachable, more human, if that made

    sense.

    0.0%

    15:20

    Chapter 42 How Did You Know My Size

    Collin shifted slightly, watching her closely.

    "Why are you quiet? Does it not look good?" He adjusted the cor of his shirt, as if unsure of himself.

    Linsey couldn''t help but smile, her voice full of sincerity as she said, "No, it looks amazing on you!"

    A proud smile tugged at the corner of Linsey''s lips. ¡°Looks like my taste is spot on."

    Collin couldn''t suppress a chuckle, surprised by how quickly her mood had shifted-from shy and flustered to confidently praising herself.

    "Indeed, you have great taste.¡± His voice softened, his eyes tracing her every movement. After a moment of thought, he

    raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "How did you know my size?"

    The outfit Linsey had picked out fit him perfectly, no need for any adjustments.

    Linsey''s smile widened, her tone turning yful as her confidence grew. "I studied fashion design. I''m very familiar with clothing sizes."

    Collin blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You studied fashion design?" he asked, genuinely surprised.

    Linsey had been about to exin that she didn''t just study fashion design, but also worked at thepany where Collin

    still owed a massive sum of money.

    Before she could say a word, Collin''s phone beeped with a new message.

    Without missing a beat, Linsey fell silent, her eyes on him as he gave her a quick nce before reaching for his phone.

    As Collin read the message, the easy expression on his face shifted, his brows knitting together in sudden concern.

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    Loils Ove

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 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43 Have A Drin¨º With Me!

    "I got to go out to handle something. Why don''t you have dinner and turn in early for the night?" Collin said this after reading the message.

    Linsey was caught off guard. "But it''s already sote."

    She hesitated, her gaze drifting toward his wheelchair "ere are you going? Let mee with you."

    Collin put his phone away and rejected the offer without a second thought. "That won''t be necessary. I won''t be long."

    He then recalled how Linsey had waited up for himst night and added, "Just finish what you need to do and get some rest. There''s no reason to stay up for me."

    With that, he swiftly wheeled himself out of the study.

    She remained frozen in ce, watching as he disappeared through the doorway, a deep sense of sympathy washing over

    her.

    It had only been a few days since she moved into Vista Vi, and in that short time, Collin had been drowning in work, barely taking a moment to breathe.

    He was confined to a wheelchair, and the butler had mentioned his stomach problems. If he kept pushing himself like this, his body would eventually give out.

    Letting out a quiet sigh, she turned and slowly made her way out of the study. Just then, the distant hum of an engine reached her ears-Collin''s car was pulling out of the vi.

    A flicker of doubt crept into her mind.

    Despite supposedly owing CR Corporation a staggering 100 million dors, Collin never showed the slightest trace of

    unease.

    Anyone else in his position would be drowning in anxiety, yet he acted like it was nothing.

    The more she thought about it, the more she found herself linking Collin to the elusive founder of CR Corporation.

    If her suspicion was correct, then everything clicked into ce.

    Still, she couldn''t quite grasp why Collin insisted on keeping his true abilities hidden. Could this, too, be tied to the Riley

    family?

    The thought made her pause. No-she shouldn''t go down that road.

    No matter what, Collin was her husband. Whatever he chose to do, he must have

    his reasons. Her only role was to trust him and not meddle in his ns.

    She believed that one day, he would tell her everything himself.

    0.0%

    15:20

    Meanwhile, Ostin acreed at the bar mentioned in the ge and my son who  atvady a m Bunk

    Hey you daily showed up Come on, have a drink with wet wet dom the  des A ss in invatation

    Collin''s expression durdered, his to get with frustration the ATM west to home here for a drink

    Dustin, undothered, scotted as if it was the most obvious thing the world that to wear my best friend, can''t you at least dink with m

    Collin didn''t even nce at the wine ss on the tax and intern

    Dusen blinked, then suddenly burst intougher Leasing in side lowered his rose and muted Why? Yow Ye gotten too used to ying the role of a disabled max on this bar is full of my

    ''s no way your nted any spies bere

    "It''s not that" Collin regied casually, but before he could stop diment Limwey''s bright emiting few taches through Aix mind

    abac Dustin frowned, confused Then what is in

    Just then, bis eyesnded on Collin''s out and a flicker of amusement crossed his f

    "Wait a second-what''s going on with you today? I don''t think the ever seen you wew anything like that. Your mounte basically all dark and boring, but your jacket and shirt don''t match that sal serie"

    100 04

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44 Marriage Isn''t

    A Game

    Collin, surprisingly, didn''t seem the least bit annoyed by Dustin''s over-the-top reaction.

    Instead, a rare trace of warmth flickered in his usually cold eyes. "I''m wearing the clothes my wife picked out for me. You

    got a problem with that?"

    Dustin''s curiosity instantly sparked, and he leaned forward with excitement. "Wait- are you talking about Linsey? Well, well, I didn''t think things would move this fast between you two! You''re already wearing the clothes she picked for you?"

    After a brief pause, something seemed to click in his mind, and his expression turned yful. "Hold on-I saw you in a different outfit earlier today. Don''t tell me you changed because you were, you know, in the middle of something... and I

    interrupted?"

    The moment the words left his mouth, Dustin put on an exaggeratedly remorseful face and started apologizing without

    pause. "Man, I''m really sorry for ruining your perfect evening!"

    Collin''s expression hardened, and his voice carried a sharp edge. "Shut up. Stop jumping to conclusions. There''s nothing

    going on between us."

    Dustin, having known Collin for years, wasn''t the least bit intimidated by his harsh tone. Instead, he smirked and said,

    "Well, not yet-but who knows? Things could change."

    He took a slow sip of his drink before adding casually, "I mean, you only rushed into marriage to grant your grandma''s

    wish, right?"

    Raising an eyebrow, he gave Collin a knowing smile. "She always thought you were too closed off and wanted you to settle down, start a family, and actually be happy. Honestly? I think Linsey''s a great match for you."

    Collin had lost his birth mother when he was young. After his father remarried, his stepmother-a venomous woman who saw him as nothing more than an obstacle- had gone so far as to orchestrate a car ident that nearly cost him his legs.

    To protect himself, he had feigned disability, letting those who wished him harm lower their guard.

    If he hadn''t, he might not have survived.

    For years, the only person in the Riley family who had ever stood by him was Ivy, but she had her limitations.

    That was why, once he reached adulthood, he had secretly built CR Corporation from the ground up.

    As thepany flourished, he finally had the power to leave the Riley family-but he couldn''t bear to abandon Ivy, the only one who had ever cared for him.

    She had long hoped to find him a kind and dependable woman who could stand by his side.

    At first, he had rejected them all.

    0.0%

    Chapter 44 Marriage Isn''t A Game

    To him, women couldn''t be trusted.

    They might pretend to sympathize with his past, but none would willingly marry a man who was both powerless and supposedly disabled.

    But this year, Ivy''s health had taken a sharp downturn. The doctors warned that she didn''t have much time left.

    To give her peace of mind, he had finally relented and agreed to marry-hoping she could see him happy with a family before she was gone.

    Yet, fate had other ns. His original bride had fled, and that twist of events had led to his unexpected marriage to Linsey.

    Lost in thought, he sat in silence.

    Dustin, watching him closely, sighed and said, "Look, man, stop oveplicating things. Just try to get closer to Linsey- see where it goes. And hey, once you have a kid, your grandma can finally rest easy. Makes sense, doesn''t it?"

    Collin had considered this before, but his answer remained firm. "I married to fulfill my grandma''s wish, yeah-but I''m not going to treat it like it''s nothing."

    His tone grew serious as he continued, "Whether Linsey wants this or not, marriage isn''t a game. My wife needs to know who I am and ept that- otherwise, what''s the point?"

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45 You''ve Been Zoning Out All Night

    Dustin mulled it over before something dicked in his mind. "So, you''re testing Linsey? She has to pass before she''s worthy

    ?Paz?m mo¨½ Sz

    Then, with a smirk, he added, "And what if she fails

    te wury.

    MIDA SI? PROsnipe ipomb vosna yung eng Surpato yOOJ ?UTUMA D wry Joys myloo "asja Sumpitre les pinco y

    door 1 usap pe an Appa na ou ont spay as an ad o

    He leaned back with an amused chuckle. "What then? Gonna toss her out just like that"

    XE A ZN? ans m? kan pan maid Buoys Sumas waaq anky oma nai may 1. panapoto by se poate a

    U¨¨ SIH

    heartless?

    Collin''s expression darkened as he tried to picture Linsey rejecting him. If she ever locked at him with disdain, would t

    bother him?

    a das pico en alojen popsand we para a syn Bus

    But emotions couldn''t doud his judgment. A few peaceful days together didn''t mean he could fully trust bet.

    "Collin, bey-" Dustin waved a hand in front of his face. "You''ve been zoning out all night"

    Collin blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. Then, as he recalled Dustin''s earlier question, his tone cooled. Sop petty

    ?¨¢ 120000 1,000 mp osta

    Dustin raised a brow. "How does it not concern me? I''m your best friend. Your love life is my business

    Clearly done with the conversation, Collin turned his wheelchair with a sharp motion. If there''s nothing urgent m

    leaving"

    Without another nce, be rolled away

    et parkeren Spans are pro moddrsp um Sampo pass

    burself, "Colle always thinks he''s in control like everything is just another calcted me. But lewe isn''t something a

    guy who''s never been in a rtionship can predict"

    A scene of Callie and Linsey interacting yed un Destin''s mud and the let out a

    Collin''s gonna end up wrapped scaunt Linaey''s here Enger"

    ing a sip of bis who, to leaned back, but bas

    cuco paced was 32

    Twe got a g

    DEN SORAND had to spi

    As Chasten set bus ss

    for the sake of Cott''s factus tuppaaves, Datin deed be would give the two of the

    Chapter 45 You''ve Been Zoning Out All Night

    If all went well, the heir to CR Corporation might just be on the way soon.

    And naturally, that child would call him godfather-or maybe even mentor.

    The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He was ready to set his n in motion immediately.

    Meanwhile, Linsey sneezed.

    It felt like someone was talking about her behind her back.

    Then, recalling what had happened at the mall earlier, she shook the thought away.

    It didn''t matter. Felix and Joanna weren''t worth a second of her time.

    Though it was only her first day at work, the day had worn her out. After taking a shower, she crawled into bed and was

    fast asleep in no time.

    The next morning, before her rm even had the chance to go off, her phone buzzed with an iing call.

    Without bothering to open her eyes, she grabbed her phone and groggily answered. "Hello? Who''s this?"

    A familiar voice rang out.

    "It''s me, Linsey."

    Her sleepiness vanished in an instant. Annoyance red in her voice. "Felix?

    What the hell do you want? Didn''t I spell it

    out for you yesterday? You really wanna get put in your ce again?"

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46 He''s Just A Cripple

    Linsey''s shift in tone was so unmistakable that Felix couldn''t help but pause, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.

    He spoke seriously. "Come on, Linsey, I didn''t call to argue. I just want us to meet and talk things through."

    A mockingugh escaped Linsey. "What is there to talk about? Stop wasting my time with these calls!"

    She was about to hang up, but Felix quickly interjected, his voice urgent. "Linsey! Tell me-did you really get married? Or is

    this just some twisted way to get back at me?"

    Linsey couldn''t help butugh at the absurdity of his question. Her tone dripped with sarcasm as she responded, "Felix, what makes you think I still care about you? People like you never know what humility is."

    She then added, ¡°And as for my marriage, I was pretty clear about it yesterday. I bet after you and Joanna got kicked out by security, you stuck around the mall, hoping to bump into me, right? Well, if that''s the case, you probably saw my husband

    -he was the one who picked me up yesterday.¡±

    Felix''s eyes widened in disbelief as the scene from the day before reyed in his mind. He could hardly believe what he

    was hearing.

    A rush of anger surged through him, clouding his judgment.

    "Linsey, that so-called husband of yours-he''s just a cripple, isn''t he?" Felix spat, each wordced with venom.

    The moment the insult left his lips, Linsey''s expression darkened. Her eyes red with fury, and she snapped, "Felix, I''m

    warning you-watch your mouth when you''re talking about my husband!"

    Her anger was palpable, but to Felix''s surprise, the tension in his chest began to ease. A low chuckle escaped his lips as he

    leaned back, unfazed. "You''re right, I saw you get into his car yesterday. And I''ve already looked into his background."

    Felix paused, letting the silence hang for a moment, before he slowly and mockingly said Collin''s name. "Collin Riley-the

    neglected eldest son of the Riley family. Years ago, he was in a car ident that left him paralyzed. And to top it off, his father and stepmother don''t even care about him. Linsey, how could you waste your time on someone so... useless?"

    His voice dripped with derision as he added, "You really went all out just to make me jealous, huh?"

    The words struck Linsey like a p. She sat up sharply in bed, her anger sparking with a fierce intensity. "Felix, shut your damn mouth! My husband is far better than a scumbag like you!"

    Without waiting for his response, she continued, "Collin is kind, thoughtful, and he takes care of me-something you clearly know nothing about. Since I married him, my life has been nothing butfortable! He''s far superior to someone who abandoned his bride on their wedding day!"

    Felix''s temper red again, his voice rising as he gritted his teeth. "Linsey, you-" He was about to retort, fury clouding his judgment.

    00%

    15:24

    Chapter 46 He''s Just A Cripple

    But before Felix could speak, Linsey cut him off, her voice sharp and fierce. "Felix! Do yourself a favor and stay the hell

    away from me, or I might just p you!"

    With a snap, she ended the call, the sound of the phone clicking shut punctuating the anger that still burned in her chest. She stormed out of bed, her steps heavy as she marched toward the door.

    However, the moment her hand gripped the door handle, she froze. There, standing on the other side, was Collin-just

    about to knock.

    For a split second, Linsey was caught off guard. Her pulse quickened, and her frustration wavered. She quickly pushed it aside, schooling her face into calmness. "Collin, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil

    inside.

    100.0%

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47 Did You Overhear Anything Just...

    Collin dropped his hand, his expression calm as he spoke in a neutral tone. "I

    didn''t see youe downstairs. I thought maybe you''d slipped away, so I came to check."

    Linsey chuckled softly, the nervousness in her chest beginning to ease. "What? Why would I slip away? I just woke up."

    She hesitated for a moment, a flicker of unease crossing her face as she eyed him. "By the way, when did you get here? Did

    you overhear anything just now?"

    Her teeth gently sank into her bottom lip, the memory of her heated conversation with Felix still fresh.

    She didn''t want Collin to see that side of her.

    Collin stayed calm, his voice unruffled as he met her gaze. "Overhear what?"

    Linsey''s eyes flickered with a hint of relief, and she quicklyughed it off. "Oh, it''s just my rm clock. It''s acting up today

    -didn''t go off like it was supposed to."

    As if on cue, her phone rm red loudly.

    Flustered, Linsey fumbled to silence it. "See? There it is. Weird, huh? It''ste today for some reason."

    Collin watched her with a soft, knowing smile, but remained silent.

    The weight of his gaze made Linsey feel a little self-conscious. She bit her lip, her thoughts racing to find something to say.

    After a moment of quiet, Collin spoke gently. "You should go freshen up first. Breakfast will be ready when you''re down."

    Linsey nodded quickly, grateful for the change in topic. "Okay."

    After freshening up, Linsey made her way downstairs to the dining room and slid into the seat next to Collin.

    The breakfast was steak.

    She offered Collin a smile before picking up her knife and fork, carefully cutting the steak into small pieces.

    She wasn''t particrly hungry-being woken up by Felix''s call first thing had already soured her mood.

    Ugh, Felix. She sincerely hoped she wouldn''t have to deal with him again.

    Collin nced up, noticing how Linsey seemed lost in thought, still slicing the same piece of steak.

    His gaze shifted as he broke the silence. "Not to your liking?"

    "Huh?¡± Linsey snapped back to reality, quickly offering a response. "No, it''s fine."

    Collin''s gaze flickered to her te-her steak still untouched. "You haven''t taken a bite yet."

    0.0%

    15:24

    Chapter 47 Did You Overhear Anything Just Now

    Linsey, caught off guard, hurried to start cutting. "No, no, I-"

    In her rush, her hand slipped, and the knife scraped loudly against the te.

    Startled, she quickly apologized. "Sorry."

    Before she could process the moment, Collin reached out, taking the te from her. "Let me do it."

    Linsey froze, her eyes wide as Collin calmly sliced the steak into bite-sized pieces.

    His movements weren''t rushed, but steady, each one deliberate.

    His long fingers danced over the knife and fork, every motion fluid and graceful, like it was second nature.

    There was something almost captivating about it-how everything seemed to shine when someone with such charm was

    doing it.

    Before long, Collin ced the neatly cut steak back in front of her.

    "Thank you," Linsey murmured, her face warming as she looked at the perfectly arranged pieces of meat. She took a bite,

    trying to sound casual. "You know, I''m not a kid..."

    As Linsey was still trying to shake off her embarrassment, Collin casually

    spoke, his tone carrying an unmistakable weight.

    "That''s alright. As your husband, it''s only natural for me to do this. Since we got married, I''ve always been kind, thoughtful, andpletely obedient."

    Linsey suddenly choked, her face flushing an even deeper shade of red.

    She stared at Collin, wide-eyed, as she caught the yful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. So, he had heard

    everything earlier!

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 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48 I Can Handle It

    As she saw the teasing smile dancing in Collin''s eyes, Linsey''s cheeks flushed deeper. She quickly pretended to cough, hoping the distraction would shield her from the ufortable tension.

    "Take it easy," Collin said, a slight crease forming on his brow. His hand reached out to gently pat her back. "Here, have

    some water."

    He passed the ss to Linsey.

    Still choking on her coughs, Linsey grabbed the ss and drank a few sips, slowly regaining her breath.

    The ufortable feeling in her throat gradually subsided.

    After a beat of silence, she hesitated before looking up at him. "Um..." She bit her lip, cautious. "Did you hear what I said just now?"

    Collin''s expression remained calm as he answered, his voice measured, "I caught a bit of it."

    His gaze lifted, and suddenly, his tone turned casual, almost teasing. "You don''t mind, do you?"

    Linsey was so embarrassed that she wished she could vanish into thin air.

    Collin had been nothing but considerate and gentle with her, hadn''t he? Was he really being so obedient?

    Seriously? What kind of audacity had she had to make things up like that?

    Embarrassment flooded her, and she awkwardly rubbed her nose, her voice faltering. "... I was just rambling earlier. I

    didn''t mean any of it. Please... don''t take it seriously."

    As she spoke, Linsey discreetly studied Collin''s face, hoping to catch some flicker of displeasure.

    "It''s okay, even if you meant it." Collin''s voice broke the silence, his words surprisingly calm.

    Linsey blinked, her confusion growing. She couldn''t quite grasp what he meant by that.

    Did he just say it was fine, even if she had meant everything she had said?

    Before she could piece it together, Collin casually asked, "The person who called... was he the groom who left you at your wedding?"

    "Yes," Linsey replied quickly. "But I''ve severed all ties with him since marrying you. He called just now, and I told him

    exactly where he stands. Don''t worry, I''m your wife now, and I won''t have anything more to do with him.

    A subtle smile tugged at Collin''s lips, a quiet satisfaction settling in.

    Collin had originally wondered if there was a chance for Linsey and her ex- boyfriend to reconnect, but after overhearing their conversation earlier that morning, he quickly dismissed that thought.

    He hadn''t expected Linsey to stand up for him when talking to Felix.

    It was clear that Feliz had been a nuisance early in the day.

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    Chapter 48 I Can Handle It

    With that in mind, Collin''s concern surfaced. He looked at Linsey, his voice steady and reassuring. "If you run into any trouble that you can''t handle, you cane to me. I''ll help you."

    Linsey let out a quiet breath of relief, grateful that Collin wasn''t upset. She shook her head with a small smile. "It''s nothing

    serious. I can handle it. You should focus on your work and not worry about me.¡± "Alright," Collin said, his tone warm, not pushing her further.

    After breakfast, Linsey gathered her things and headed out for work, the day stretching ahead of her.

    Collin watched Linsey leave, his gaze lingering for a moment before he wheeled himself into the study.

    Once the door clicked shut behind him, he spoke calmly, his voice carrying a hint of authority. "Look into any news about

    Felix Wells. I want to know what he''s been up to and who he''s been in contact with."

    His assistant hesitated, caught off guard by the personal request. It wasn''t typical for his boss to show interest in matters beyond business.

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the assistant replied quickly, sensing the gravity of the request.

    It didn''t take long for the assistant to return with the gathered information, a neatlypiled file in hand.

    Collin opened the folder and immediately frowned as he scanned the contents. Something in the details troubled him.

    Rmended for you

    SHROUDED AFFECTIONS WINNING BACK MY

    CEO We

    Shrouded Affections: Winning

    For two years, Bryan only saw Eileen as an assistant. ...

    Modern

    Read

    100.0%

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49 Linsey, Are You Actually Married

    It turned out that Linsey had bumped into Felix at the mall yesterday. Security had quickly stepped in, escorting him out, while he remained behind, silently watching as Collin came to get her.

    Once he was home, Felix''s curiosity took over. He dove into research, determined to uncover everything he could about Linsey''s husband.

    Despite his efforts, Collin''s public persona remained shrouded in secrecy, leading Felix to specte that he could be the overlooked, wheelchair-bound son of the affluent Riley family.

    Determined to reconnect with Linsey, Felix reached out to her the following morning.

    Meanwhile, Collin had easily pieced together Felix''s intentions.

    Reflecting on the past, he remembered how Felix had taken Linsey for granted when she was his girlfriend.

    Now she was Collin''s wife, yet Felix still had the audacity to meddle.

    With a scowl, Collin mmed a stack of documents onto the table. His voice was cold as hemanded his assistant, "I''ve had enough of Felix''s games. Send him a stern warning. Make him understand the price of coveting my wife."

    The assistant flinched, taken aback by the intensity of Collin''smand.

    It dawned on the assistant just how deeply Collin valued Linsey-perhaps he truly cherished her as his wife.

    When he caught the assistant''s hesitation, Collin''s frown deepened. He snapped, "Do I need to spell it out for you? Move!"

    "Right away, sir!" the assistant stammered, hurrying out of the room.

    He knew he had to alert the others immediately.

    Their normally stoic and merciless boss had unexpectedly fallen for a woman!

    If things continued this way, Grester could witness a monumental shift!

    Over at CR Corporation, Linsey was starting her second day on the job with little to do.

    Her colleagues, still shaken by her confrontation with Cynthia yesterday, were too intimidated to burden her with trivial

    tasks

    Relishing the tranquility, Linsey contentedly perused thepany''s design portfolios from her desk.

    She wasn''t content with being inactive indefinitely, she was biding her time for the perfect moment.

    Suddenly, a voice rang out sharply from the office entrance. "Who here is Linsey Riley?"

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    Chapter 49 Linsey, Are You Actually Married

    Startled, Linsey stood and responded, "I am. What''s the matter?¡±

    Cynthia, who had been brooding over her sketches, snapped her head up at the

    mention of Linsey''s name, as though it were her own being called.

    The neer peered at Linsey and announced. "Oh, your husband is downstairs waiting to see you."

    A wave of murmurs swept through the office.

    "Husband? Linsey, are you actually married?"

    "Already wedded at such a young age? Truly astounding!"

    "How does he look? And where might he be employed?"

    "When did you exchange vows? My warmest congrattions on the recent ceremony!"

    "Given Linsey''s radiant beauty, her husband must be exceptionally handsome." Cynthia, clearly taken aback, hadn''t expected Linsey to be married.

    Amid the rising tide of whispers, Cynthia derisively muttered, "For all we know, he might just be some aged, affluent man."

    Linsey remained detached from the growing buzz. The unexpected news of her husband''s arrival had caught her

    Collin hade to see her? His sudden presence was puzzling. He hadn''t even given her a heads-up. Was there trouble

    brewing?

    The thought sent a wave of unease coursing through Linsey''s veins.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50 What Do You Want To Talk About

    Linsey got out of thepany building, her eyes scanning the area in search of Collin''s car. But it wasn''t there, and there was no sign of him either.

    Her brow arched slightly as she prepared to call him, but just as she lifted her phone, a voice broke through the air behind

    her.

    "Linsey, stop looking. I''m right here," Felix said, his tone annoyingly familiar.

    Her expression hardened immediately. Without even turning around, Linsey spun on her heel and began walking away,

    determined to ignore him.

    Felix hesitated for a brief moment before quickly catching up, grabbing her wrist with a firm grip. "Linsey, hold on! I really

    need to talk to you."

    Linsey wrenched her arm free with a dismissive flick, her voice sharp and cold. "What is it now? Didn''t I make myself clear

    enough over the phone?"

    Linsey''s face was one of indifference, her eyes now devoid of any warmth or affection as they met Felix''s.

    Felix stood frozen for a moment, taken aback by the stark change in her demeanor.

    He hadn''t expected this level of coldness. It was strange to him. He had only seen Linsey yesterday, but now, as he saw her face again, his heart missed a beat.

    He was always aware that Linsey was a looker. He knew every little detail about her: her radiant smile, her gentle eyes, the way she always looked at him with warmth. Back then, her smile was always a greeting, a soft reminder of the bond they

    shared.

    Felix wondered if he had simply grown bored of her for a while, which was why he had pulled away.

    But now, when he saw her distant and cold, a strange thrill surged in his chest.

    It felt like being thrown back in time, to when they first met, when everything was new and exciting.

    Linsey, noticing Felix staring off into space, felt the weight of impatience settle in. "Felix, what do you want? I still have

    work to do."

    He snapped back to the present and forced a smile, attempting to be charming "Linsey, we really need to talk. Let''s find somewhere quiet to sit and chat."

    He paused, his expression shifting to one of persistence. "If you don''t want to, I''ll just wait here until you''re ready."

    Linsey''s chest tightened with frustration as she looked at his face, already feeling the tension of dealing with him.

    If they weren''t standing outside her workce, with people constantly walking by, Linsey would have pped Felix right

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    Chapter 50 What Do You Want To Talk About

    then and there.

    Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she said, "Fine. Let''s go to the caf¨¦ nearby and talk."

    Felix''s face brightened instantly, a satisfied grin spreading across his features.

    He knew it-Linsey still cared about him. There was no way she could havepletely let go of everything they had.

    Linsey had always been soft-hearted. He was certain that with just a little coaxing, he could win her back.

    Last night, after digging into Collin''s background, Felix felt a bitter knot twist in his gut.

    Even in his sleep, his mind was haunted by memories of the five years he spent with Linsey. When he woke up, those memories still clung to him like aforting ache.

    Felix had missed her so much that he called her the moment he woke up.

    He knew, deep down, he still couldn''t let go of her.

    And how could she marry someone with a disability, just to get back at him?

    The thought twisted in his stomach, guilt gnawing at him.

    He was determined to pull Linsey out of the mess he believed she had gotten herself into.

    Linsey, on the other hand, was tense. She knew Felix''s sudden appearance wasn''t a random coincidence.

    Without wasting any time, she typed a quick message and hit send.

    The two of them sat down at a table in the nearby caf¨¦, the air between them tense.

    Linsey raised an eyebrow, her impatience unmistakable. ¡°Well? What do you want to talk about?"

    Felix''s gaze softened as he stared at her, his eyes filled with longing.

    "Linsey, I''ve been thinking about this all night. I know you''re married to Collin now, but for the sake of what we shared.... If you divorce him, I''ll be here for you. What do you say?"

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51 Stay Away From My Wife

    The moment the words left his mouth, Linsey''s opinion of Felix crumbled all over again.

    She scoffed, barely able to look at the man seated across her.

    She couldn''t figure out what she had ever seen in him.

    Felix wasn''t even attractive-just painfully average. Next to Collin, her husband, he didn''t stand a chance.

    And when it came to talent, character, or ambition? Felix wasn''t even in the same league.

    Yet here he was, bold enough to say something so ridiculous.

    He didn''t mind that she was divorced? As if his opinion mattered. Even if she remarried a hundred times, she wouldn''t spare this jerk a second nce.

    Linsey took a deep breath, surprised by how little anger she felt. Once, Felix''s words might have sent her into a rage.

    Now, she just couldn''t bring herself to care.

    "Felix, you left me for another woman on our wedding day. And now you''re talking about taking responsibility?"

    She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, not even bothering to look at him. "It''s toote for that. Do yourself a favor and stay out of my life-and my work."

    Felix stared at her, something unfamiliar twisting in his chest. He let out a slow sigh. "Linsey, don''t stay mad at me. Even if you are, you shouldn''t joke about your marriage. And you definitely shouldn''t ruin your own happiness just to get back at

    me."

    Linsey frowned, forcing herself to stay patient. "I married my husband because I want to be with him. Keep your concerns to yourself¡ªI''m doing just fine.¡±

    She then added, "And let me say this onest time: my husband and I are happy, we love each other, and divorce is not happening. Whether you want a house full of kids is your business, not mine. Don''t you have Joanna? Why are you still bothering me?"

    Felix didn''t even acknowledge Joanna''s name. He just shook his head, as if lost in his own world. "Linsey, quit pretending. Your husband has a disability. How could he ever make you happy?"

    Her expression hardened. "Felix, enough. Don''t talk about him like that. If you keep running your mouth, don''t expect me to be polite."

    Her cold stare didn''t shake him in the slightest.

    He shed her what he clearly thought was a charming smile. "Linsey, quit ying hard to get. We were together for five

    years. How long have you even known Collin? Whatever you think you have with that disabled man doesn''tpare to

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    15:30

    Chapter 51 Stay Away From My Wife

    what we had." So..."

    Before he could finish, Linsey hurled an entire cup of cold coffee straight at his face.

    Felix let out a strangled yell, blinking rapidly as the liquid dripped from his chin. "What the hell, Linsey? Are you crazy?"

    She shot to her feet, eyes zing. "Felix, watch your mouth. Next time, it won''t just be coffee."

    Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked out of the caf¨¦.

    Watching her leave, Felix felt a sharp pang of panic rise in his chest. Ignoring the coffee soaking through his clothes, he shot to his feet and rushed after her. "Linsey! Stop right there!"

    He reached out, about to grab her arm-when a firm hand mped around his wrist, stopping him cold.

    A deep, icy voice cut through the air.

    "Stay away from my wife."

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52 I Will Never Regret My Choice

    Felix shivered at the sound of that icy voice. As he turned, his shock deepened upon seeing Collin seated in a wheelchair.

    "It''s you?" His eyes grew wide. He was puzzled by Collin''s sudden appearance.

    At that moment, Collin dutched Felix''s wrist so tightly it pained him.

    Felix attempted to break free, only to find himself unable to move as the grip on his wrist tightened further.

    "Release me!" Felix cried out, pain etching his face while sweat trickled down his back.

    Collin offered no expression, yet to Felix''s surprise, he let go.

    Felix staggered back, tripping and falling into an awkward pile on the ground.

    His tumble drewughter from the onlookers.

    Felix regained his footing, his embarrassment subsiding as he noticed the wheelchair beneath Collin.

    Felix dusted off his clothes with a sneer and demanded coldly, "What brings you

    here?"

    Any semnce of superiority quickly dissolved under Collin''s formidable presence.

    Though confined to a wheelchair, Collin radiated an undeniable authority thatmanded respect.

    A mere nce from him was enough to make the bystanders recoil.

    "I''m Linsey''s husband. Surely, it makes sense for me to be here to pick her up," Collin stated icily, dismissing Felix without

    a nce.

    Just then, Linsey approached, standing just behind Collin, her face a mask of relief.

    She had sent Collin a message discreetly as she headed to the caf¨¦.

    It was fortunate that Collin had arrived when he did. Linsey was uncertain how else she might have managed Felix.

    Linsey gave Collin a gentle smile and whispered, "Let''s go."

    Collin''s cold gaze softened briefly. "Alright, the car''s outside. Let''s head out."

    With those words, Linsey began to push Collin''s wheelchair towards their car.

    Felix, unable to let go, shouted, "Linsey, you''ll regret staying with Collin sooner orter!"

    Felix was still in disbelief that Linsey had really left him. He made onest attempt to sway her.

    Linsey stopped and turned towards him, her face expressionless and detached.

    At this, a flicker of hope sparked in Felix''s heart.

    15.30

    Chapter 52 I Will Never Regret My Choice

    However, before he could savor his fleeting victory, Linsey leaned down and kissed Collin on the cheek.

    She faced Felix and said icily, "Give up. I will never regret my choice. If you keep pestering me, don''t hold my husband responsible for his harsh reaction."

    Felix stood frozen, shocked by Linsey''s boldness in kissing another man right before his eyes.

    The impact was crushing.

    Collin was just a man in a wheelchair!

    Did Linsey still see him as less than Collin?

    Collin, caught by surprise in his wheelchair, also seemed taken aback. Linsey''s

    gentle kiss left asting warmth on his

    cheek that he couldn''t shake off.

    15:31

    100.0%

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53 Why Did You

    Kiss Me Just Now

    As Felix watched Linsey and Collin enter their car, his astonishment grew.

    He couldn''t grasp that Linsey had chosen someone with a disability over him, betraying their five-year rtionship.

    Was their time together so insignificant to herpared to someone like Collin, whom she hardly knew?

    The more Felix dwelled on it, the deeper his resentment grew. His expression darkened, showing how deeply he valued her and his inability toe to terms with losing her.

    Beneath the surface anger, fear was eating away at him-the fear of losing Linsey forever.

    It was clear now; Linsey was leaving him. She had made her choice to leave.

    Until now, Felix hadn''t realized Linsey''s true worth to him.

    Throughout their rtionship, she responded to his slightest call without hesitation, never requiring him to put in any real effort.

    Yet now, here she was, showing affection to another man.

    Felix''s fists tightened in anger.

    Curse that Collin. He refused to let someone with a disability take Linsey away from him.

    He was determined to find a way to win her back!

    Meanwhile, inside the car, Linsey experienced a surge of relief.

    She turned to Collin with a soft smile. ¡°Thank you for getting here so fast. I''m

    not sure what I would have done without you."

    When she finished, she noticed Collin hadn''t replied.

    Surprised, she leaned in, giving him a puzzled look. "Collin, is something wrong?" He appeared to be deep in thought.

    At her voice, Collin came back to reality. His brow creased slightly, and his usually reserved and calm demeanor shifted to something more troubled.

    Turning to Linsey, he pressed his lips tightly and asked softly, "Linsey, why did you kiss me just now?"

    Color rose in Linsey''s cheeks as she turned away, flustered, trying to exin, "Uh... Felix wouldn''t believe I''m really married. I wanted him to stop, so I just kissed you."

    She paused, then looked at Collin with a softer expression. "Please don''t misunderstand. If it bothered you, I promise not to

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    15:31

    Chapter 53 Why Did You Kiss Me Just Now

    do it again."

    Linsey quickly stopped talking, worried that Collin might be upset.

    She had kissed him spontaneously without any warning.

    If Collin was a man of strong personal boundaries, he might be upset by her actions.

    Despite this, Linsey felt somewhat relieved that Collin had arrived so promptly. She didn''t want to jeopardize the delicate bond they were beginning to establish because of her.

    Collin regarded her calmly and said, "Why would I be upset? You''re my wife. What you did waspletely reasonable-

    there''s nothing wrong with it."

    Although his words were logical, Linsey was taken aback. She gazed at Collin, uncertain of how to reply.

    They were indeed married, yet they had known each other only briefly. In many respects, they were still strangers.

    Was Collin truly so understanding? Could he genuinely embrace such intimacy from someone he barely knew?

    Linsey herself wasn''t particrly bothered. Collin was attractive, carried himself with grace, and she knew he had never

    been in a rtionship before.

    It seemed as though she was exploiting him by kissing him.

    Naturally, she would never confess this to him.

    Noticing Linsey deep in thought, Collin spoke again in an even tone. "You mentioned wanting to show we''re truly married. However, a simple kiss on the cheek may not be convincing enough for your ex."

    Linsey was jolted back to the present and inquired, "Then what would suffice? If

    he troubles me again, would you continue to support our charade?¡±

    Before she could utter another word, Collin moved closer.

    Hismanding presence overwhelmed Linsey, rooting her to the spot.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54 I Want Him

    Nowhere Near Linsey Ag...

    Linsey had never been so close to a man before. She instinctively leaned back, trying to create some distance between Collin and her.

    Yet, in the next instant, Collin extended his arm and firmly encircled her waist.

    A chill ran through her, causing her skin to tingle and her eyshes to flutter as her eyes slowly closed.

    Her ears and cheeks grew warm, the heat spreading uncontrobly across her skin.

    Why was Collin so close all of a sudden?

    Was he about to kiss her?

    The gap between them narrowed progressively, the air thickening with tension.

    As Linsey''s heart pounded, on the verge of bursting, she sensed a soft touch near her ear.

    His hand gently moved her hair from her face to behind her ear.

    Linsey''s eyes snapped open and she caught Collin''s gaze.

    She noticed a subtle glint of amusement in his eyes.

    "Your hair was a mess," Collin remarked softly, his deep voice resonating as he rxed his grip on her waist.

    Linsey straightened up as he did, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. She blurted out, "You pulled me close just to fix my hair?"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his tone yful and teasing. "What else would I do?"

    He continued to gaze at her flushed cheeks, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He felt a flutter in his chest but kept his tone light. "Were you expecting something else just now?"

    Linsey''s face grew even redder, and she quickly looked away, stuttering, "Of course not!"

    She nervously bit her dry lip and muttered, "Thank you."

    Linsey took a deep breath and awkwardly smoothed her hair, which Collin had already arranged.

    This gesture seemed to mask the turmoil inside her.

    Collin observed her every move, his lips curling into a slight smile before he decided to let the moment pass without furtherment.

    The driver was still present, and Collin didn''t want to embarrass Linsey further.

    After a pause, Linsey looked out the window, noticing they had already traveled a significant distance.

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    15:32

    Chapter 54 I Want Him Nowhere Near Linsey Again

    "Could you let me off somewhere up ahead? I need to return to work. If I''m found out, my pay will be cut," she exined.

    Collin replied, "Where do you work? I''ll take you there."

    Numerouspanies popted the area, including CR Corporation, which Collin had established, situated nearby.

    Linsey felt uneasy and desired some time alone.

    "There''s no need. You have your own matters to attend to. I''ll walk," she said.

    Acknowledging her firmness, Collin conceded. He instructed the driver to find a ce to stop.

    After expressing her gratitude, Linsey quickly opened the car door and nced back. "See you tonight."

    The moment she spoke, Linsey realized the potential implications of her words, as if she and Collin had a ndestine

    understanding.

    This thought only added to her difort. She exited the car rapidly without waiting for Collin''s response.

    Rushing, she nearly stumbled but regained her bnce swiftly, acting as if nothing unusual had urred. She closed the

    door and departed at a brisk pace.

    From the car, Collin observed her departing form, cracking the window open slightly. A subtle smile appeared as he watched her perturbed expression.

    Only when Linsey was no longer in view did his expression shift to one of seriousness. He rolled up the window, his look

    turning stern.

    Had Linsey not reached out to him that day, he would have remained unaware of Felix''s continued harassment.

    Moreover, Felix had audaciously attempted to touch her.

    This realization caused Collin''s face to take on a menacing seriousness.

    He directed the driver to continue on and pulled out his phone to call an aide.

    "Deal with Felix immediately. If he can''t control himself, ensure he understands clearly. I want him nowhere near Linsey

    again," hemanded.

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," came the reply.

    100.0%

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55 She''d Only Be

    A Mistress

    On her way back to the office, Linsey was preupied with thoughts of her recent encounter with Collin. Her cheeks still felt hot, and it took a considerable time for the warmth to fade.

    Annoyed, she held the cool back of her hand against her face.

    "Why did I even think Collin was about to kiss me? How embarrassing!" she mused.

    Yet, she couldn''t help but think it was Collin''s fault for being so misleading.

    Now that she wasn''t near him, Linsey found it easier to fault Collin for her misced thoughts.

    She was convinced Collin had been trying to seduce her. Didn''t he understand his own striking attractiveness?

    After some self-reassurance, Linsey managed to settle her nerves.

    Previously, she had been with Felix for five years and never experienced such a spontaneous attraction.

    Clearly, Collin''s charm surpassed Felix''s!

    Once, she harbored feelings for Felix, but now, seeing his true nature, she recognized hecked any redeeming traits.

    Indeed, Collin was a far superior choice.

    Her thoughts wandered briefly, but she soon regained her professional demeanor upon arriving at the office.

    Entering the office, Linsey noted the absence of several colleagues from their usual ces.

    She discovered why as she walked past the break room.

    The first voice she heard was Cynthia''s. "I just saw Linsey step into a luxury car earlier. That must be the guy who picked her up, right? And calling him her husband? Come on, that''s clearly just to disguise that he''s her sugar daddy."

    Another colleague sounded unsure. "No way! Is Linsey really being supported by someone? You never can tell, can you?"

    Linsey recognized the voice as belonging to a colleague who had recently be Cynthia''s devoted follower after receiving an expensive gift from her.

    A few other coworkers were also there, whispering about Linsey.

    Without hesitation, Linsey quietly activated the recording app on her phone.

    "I didn''t see thating either."

    "But perhaps he really is her husband. Linsey is quite attractive-she could easily end up with a wealthy man."

    Cynthia sneered, "It''s one thing to marry rich, but marrying some dubious old man would beughable."

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    15:33

    Chapter 55 She''d Only Be A Mistress

    After a brief pause, Cynthia dered with certainty, "I still say he''s probably just her sugar daddy. Linsey doesn''t have the connections or the background. What well-to-do young man in town would take a woman like her seriously? At best, she''d only be a mistress. I''ve noticed many women like her in high society, those more interested in money and status than anything else."

    "Wow, that''s the reality, huh?"

    "Cynthia''s correct. Why would any affluent man take interest in someone like her? Only someone of Cynthia''s stature, a

    true rich girl, would fit into a prestigious family."

    Cynthia smirked. "I figured Linsey wasn''t anything special from the start. Looks like I was right. Honestly, it wouldn''t shock

    me if she clinched the top spot in thest interview by seducing her patron."

    Linsey had heard enough. As the insults intensified, she barged into the break room, startling everyone inside.

    "Have you all had enough?" Linsey''s icy look swept across the room, settling on Cynthia.

    The others, taken aback, quickly averted their eyes. They hadn''t anticipated that Linsey would catch them gossiping about

    her.

    One colleague attempted to feign innocence. "Linsey, what''s this about? We were just engaging in a light conversation."

    "A light conversation?" Linsey held up her phone and yed back the recording. The room''s atmosphere shifted instantly

    as faces filled with rm. "Is that clear enough? I''d be d to forward this to the authorities and have them take a listen.

    They can sort out the legal ramifications of nder and defamation."

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56 You''re Not Worthy Of Meeting Him

    Linsey nced at the group before her, their faces shifting uneasily. Amused, she tilted her head and asked in a leisurely tone, "So? Do you all remember what you said now?"

    A chorus of stammered replies followed.

    "Y-yeah, we do."

    "Linsey, we were just chatting. We didn''t mean anything by it."

    "Exactly! It was just hearsay. It won''t happen again."

    Hearing their weak excuses, Linsey let out a sharp scoff. Her gaze turned cold as she warned, "You were spreading lies. Apologize and make sure it never happens again."

    Intimidated by the icy edge in her voice, they quickly muttered their apologies, bolting from the break room.

    No doubt, this was the most humiliating moment they had experiencedtely.

    With the room now nearly empty, Cynthia-who had stayed silent the whole time- turned to leave.

    But Linsey blocked her path, her eyes locking onto Cynthia''s. "Not so fast. You haven''t apologized yet. You''re not going

    anywhere."

    Cynthia''s expression twisted with anger as she snapped, "What''s that supposed to mean, Linsey?" I only told the truth. You climbed into some fancy car earlier, and I''ve got the photo to prove it. Are you going to deny it?"

    Her usation made the gossiping coworkers-who had barely left-pause in their tracks. One by one, they turned back, curiosity lighting up their faces.

    Cynthia had a photo. There was no way she could be making this up.

    They waited eagerly, wondering how Linsey would talk her way out of this one.

    But Linsey''s expression didn''t waver. Meeting Cynthia''s gaze head-on, she replied smoothly, "Yeah, I got into that car."

    The break room fell silent. Her colleagues stared at her in stunned disbelief. Then, just as quickly, their shock gave way to simmering resentment.

    Linsey had the audacity to call them out for spreading lies and even forced them to apologize-only to turn around and admit that what they had been saying was true. The humiliation stung.

    Cynthia''s lips curled into a triumphant smirk as she eyed Linsey with open disdain. ¡°Look at that. You finally admitted it."

    She folded her arms, her tone dripping with mockery. "Did you really think you could scare us with a voice recording? Everything we said was the truth. Even if the police got involved, they wouldn''t do a thing to us. If anything, they''d probably just warn you not to be someone''s mistress."

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    Chapter 56 You''re Not Worthy Of Meeting Him.

    A few of their colleagues snickered, failing to stifle theirughter.

    Linsey''s expression remained unreadable as she stated tly, "Cynthia, let me spell it out for you. That was my husband''s car. Say one more word of nonsense, and you''ll regret it."

    "Your husband?" Cynthia let out a sharp, incredulousugh, as if Linsey had just told the most absurd joke. "Come on, Linsey, who do you think you''re fooling?"

    She scoffed, eyes narrowing, "You have no family background, no connections. How could you possibly marry a wealthy

    man? There''s no way."

    Her voice dripped with mock sympathy. "And if you were really some rich man''s wife, why would you bother working at CR

    Corporation? Stop acting. No one''s buying it."

    She gave Linsey a slow, scrutinizing once-over, something calcting flickering in her gaze. "If he''s real, bring your

    husband here. Let''s all see for ourselves whether you''re lying.''

    Linsey barely spared her a nce, her tone filled withzy indifference. "You''re not worthy of meeting him."

    Cynthia scoffed, "Oh? Is he supposed to be some big shot?"

    She lifted her chin, her voiceced with arrogance. "Let me remind you¡ªI''m from the Keller family. For all you know, your

    so-called husband ranks lower than us."

    Her lips curled in derision. "You''re acting so high and mighty. What, is your husband supposed to be the mysterious

    founder of CR Corporation?"

    Seeing how Cynthia had no intention of backing down-let alone apologizing- Linsey''s gaze sharpened. "So that''s how it is. You don''t n on apologizing at all.

    Instead, you want to turn this into a spectacle."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57 Don''t Take It Personally

    Cynthia opened her mouth to snap back, but before she could, a few colleagues stepped forward and tugged at her sleeve,

    whispering urgently, "Cynthia, let it go. Coen might show up any second now. If this blows up, none of us will be able to

    deal with the consequences."

    "Exactly. Look at how sure Linsey is. What if the guy really is her husband? If you keep pushing, we might be the ones who

    end up suffering for it."

    Cynthia''s frown deepened. She hated how smug Linsey looked, but her colleagues had a point.

    If Linsey''s connections really outranked hers, this coulde back to bite herter.

    Right now, what mattered most was finding out the truth-who exactly was that man? Only then could she put Linsey in her ce once and for all.

    Forcing down her anger, Cynthia clenched her fists and muttered stiffly, "Fine. Linsey, I was wrong earlier. I spoke without thinking. Don''t take it personally."

    Linsey instantly saw through her forced apology, but she wasn''t interested in dragging this out any longer. She replied tly, "Alright then. Just be careful about what you say next time."

    Cynthia gritted her teeth in frustration, stomped her foot, and stormed back to her desk.

    "Damn you, Linsey! I won''t let this go. You''ll pay for this sooner orter," she fumed silently.

    Her nails dug into her palm as a malicious thought took root. Even if the man in that luxury car really was Linsey''s husband, she had clearly been hiding him. That could only mean one thing-he must be someone embarrassing. Maybe he was some old, balding fossil on the verge of kicking the bucket.

    She needed to find out who he was, and soon. And when she did, she would make sure the wholepany knew about it. Once the truth was out, Linsey wouldn''t have the guts to show her face at CR Corporation again.

    That evening, as soon as work ended, Linsey didn''t linger and headed straight back to Vista Vi.

    For some reason, after everything that had happened today, she actually found herself looking forward to seeing Collin

    But as she neared the vi''s entrance, a sudden wave of nerves washed over her.

    She pressed her lips together, remembering the little misunderstanding in the car earlier. The thought of facing Collin again made her cheeks flush. What was she even supposed to say to him?

    Letting out a small sigh, she cupped her face and gave herself a silent reminder to not overthink it. She just needed to act

    normal.

    Taking a steadying breath, she stepped inside.

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    Chapter 57 Don''t Take It Personally

    However, as she walked into the living room, she came to an abrupt stop. Colin was nowhere to be seen Nether were the

    few subordinates who were usually by his side.

    After a brief hesitation, she turned to the butler and asked, "Collin hasn''te back yet?

    The butler responded with a polite smile, "Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley mentioned that he''s busy tonight and won''t be returning

    home."

    Linsey blinked, momentarily caught off guard. A wave of disappointment settled in her chest before she could stop it

    She had told Collin that she was going to see him at night.

    But after a pause, she let out a soft, self-deprecatingugh. That was just her talking-Collin never actually said he would¨¡

    be back.

    She had no reason to be upset.

    Collin was always busy. It wasn''t unusual for him to stay outte or note home at all.

    Still, knowing that didn''t stop the foolish feeling creeping in. She had hyped herself up on the way here, only to be met

    with an empty house.

    She didn''t let any of this show in front of the butler. Offering a faint smile, she simply nodded and headed upstars

    freshen up.

    But the butler, ever perceptive, had caught the slight shift in her mood. After some thought he smiled Incuring''s and wasted no time in reporting the matter to Collin.

    To the butler, it was obvious-Linsey was beginning to care. And that was excellent

    news.

    With that in mind, he vowed to keep doing his part to help bring Collin and Linsey deser.

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 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58 Dustin, I Really

    Have To Go

    At that moment, Collin was seated in a private box overlooking the grandest charity auction in Grester. The venue buzzed with energy, and from above, he had a clear view of the distinguished guests mingling below.

    Dustin, sitting beside him, let out an exaggerated sigh as he watched the elegantly dressed men and women pair up. "Look at them-everyone has a date. Meanwhile, here we are, two miserable bachelors stuck in this box. It''s honestly tragic."

    Collin shot him a cool, uninterested nce. "Correction. You''re the lonely bachelor. I''m married."

    Dustin whipped his head around, gaping at him. For a second, he genuinely wondered if his best friend had been swapped with a look-alike.

    Collin-the same Collin who was always indifferent, always detached-actually said something like that? It was almost unsettling

    Just then, Collin''s phone vibrated. He checked the screen, and frowned instantly. "Dustin, something''se up. I need to head back. You handle the rest of the auction," he said.

    Before Dustin could process what was happening, Collin was already rising from his seat, preparing to leave.

    Dustin blinked in confusion. "Wait-what could possibly be so urgent?"

    Curious, he leaned over and caught a glimpse of the message on Collin''s phone. It wasn''t anything pressing-just a brief update from the butler mentioning that Linsey seemed a little down because she hadn''t seen Collin tonight.

    For this? This was why Collin was leaving?

    Dustin stared at him in sheer disbelief. "Collin! Are you serious right now?"

    His voice rose with outrage. "You''re actually ditching the auction just to go keep Linseypany? Since when were you

    two so close? What about the rest of the event? You''re just going to walk out? This ties directly to our uing deals

    Unfazed by Dustin''s exasperation, Collin casually slipped on his coat. "You''re here, aren''t you?"

    Dustin''s jaw practically hit the floor. He clutched his chest dramatically, as if personally betrayed. "Unbelievable! You''re ditching me for a woman you''ve barely known for a few days? You''ve really changed!"

    Collin shot him a withering look. His thoughts drifted to Linsey-waiting at home, disappointed that he hadn''te back

    The idea of sitting here any longer felt unbearable.

    "The past is the past. Things are different now. Dustin, I really have to go."

    Just as Collin was about to step away, Dustin suddenly seemed to remember something. He quickly moved to block Collin''s

    path. "Hold on a second."

    Collin''s brows furrowed, irritation creeping into his expression. "What now?"

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    Chapter 58 Dustin, I Really Have To Go

    Dustin let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head as if Collin were a lost cause. Typical. Collin, the walking definition of emotionally dense, had no clue how romance worked. Moments like these required intervention-and as always, it was up to Dustin, the ever-reliable best friend, to step in and prevent a disaster.

    "You''re seriously going back empty-handed?" Dustin shot him a pointed look. "Linsey misses you, man. You just got married-have you even given her a single gift since then?"

    The question made Collin pause. His mind flickered to the clothes Linsey had given him not long ago.

    She had gone out of her way to pick something for him, and yet... he hadn''t given her anything in return.

    Even after buying his story that he owed 100 million dors, she hadn''t wavered. Instead of leaving, she had promised to

    stand by him.

    Something in Collin''s usually cold gaze softened.

    For the first time, he hesitated, then asked, "What do you think I should get her?"

    Dustin''s eyebrows shot up. "Wow, so you really are losing your mind over Linsey." He folded his arms, looking amused. "And here I thought you were supposed to be brilliant. Have you forgotten where we are?"

    He gestured at the bustling auction below. "I just checked the catalog. Up next is a gemstone ne-a masterpiece by a world-famous jeweler. It''s one of a kind. Tons of people showed up tonight just for that piece."

    Dustin smirked. "If you win that auction and give the ne to Linsey, I guarantee she''ll be happy."

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59 Would You Consider Letting It Go

    Dustin was absolutely convinced that any woman would be over the moon with such a grand surprise.

    If Linsey were to discover that Collin had ced a bid on an exquisitely expensive gemstone ne for her, she would undoubtedly be touched, perhaps even enough to start falling for him.

    As Dustin pondered this possibility, his own heart raced with a surge of excitement, mirroring the thrill of a blossoming

    romance.

    Over the years, while Dustin had navigated through rtionships with numerous girlfriends, Collin had remained steadfastly single.

    As Collin''s best friend, Dustin felt almost obligated to y cupid in Collin''s quest for love.

    Collin had to admit, Dustin''s words made a lot of sense.

    After all, Linsey had thoughtfully gifted him clothing, which he had cherished deeply; reciprocating with a thoughtful gift seemed only appropriate.

    Resolved, Collin nodded firmly. "Alright, I''ll ce my bid on that ne before I leave tonight."

    The auction progressed, and soon it was time for the gemstone ne to take center stage, with the bidding starting at a staggering five million dors.

    As the ne was unveiled, a wave of awe swept through the room, lighting up the faces of many women with eager anticipation. They clutched their bidding paddles with renewed vigor.

    "Six million dors!"

    "Eight million dors!"

    "Ten million dors!"

    "Twenty million dors!"

    "Thirty million dors!"

    "Fifty million dors!"

    The bidding frenzy catapulted the price to astronomical heights, electrifying the atmosphere in the venue as fortunes were staked with a simple raise of a paddle. Suddenly, in the bustling auction hall, a female executive, dressed in a bespoke, shimmering gown, assertively raised her paddle. "One hundred million dors!" she announced, her voiceced with a mix of amusement and firm resolve. "Everyone, I''ve fallen absolutely in love with this ne. I would truly appreciate it if you would refrain from challenging this bid. I am determined to make it mine."

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    15:34

    Chapter 59 Would You Consider Letting It Go

    The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned towards her.

    There stood Ad Greville, a figure synonymous with wealth and a well-known

    connoisseur of fine jewelry. Her presence and her audacious bid cast a

    momentary spell of hesitation across the crowd.

    Recognizing her, almost everyone decided against crossing paths with Ad,

    either out of respect or simplycking the means to contest such an overwhelming amount.

    "One hundred million dors going once, twice!"

    Just as the auctioneer was poised to finalize the sale, a satisfied smile yed on Ad''s lips, her confidence peaking as she

    anticipated her victory.

    The room seemed to collectively assume the ne would soon adorn her collection.

    However, in a thrilling twist, a steady yet authoritative voice broke through the tension from one of the private boxes perched on the second floor. "One billion dors."

    The deration sent a shockwave through the audience, prompting a cacophony

    of gasps and murmurs. Heads swiveled and eyes widened in disbelief.

    "One billion dors? Did I hear that correctly? Surely, that must be a mistake!"

    The whispers grew louder, buzzing with spection and surprise.

    The auctioneer paused, his gavel hovering in mid-air, as he processed the unprecedented esction.

    In his decades of conducting auctions, never had he seen such a leap¨Cfrom one hundred million to one billion dors.

    Collin''s voice echoed crisply from the luxurious private box, slicing through the murmur of the crowd. "That''s right, one

    billion dors."

    The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone absorbed the magnitude of the bid-someone was indeed offering a

    massive one billion dors for the ne.

    The gemstone ne thaty resplendent under the spotlight was undoubtedly

    a masterpiece of craft, sparkling with an ethereal glow. Yet, despite its allure, the price tag of one billion dors catapulted it into a stratosphere of opulence far beyond its estimated value.

    This audacious bid transformed the ne into a symbol of unparalleled luxury overnight.

    An incredulous whisper swept through the room. "Who on earth has that much money? To casually drop a billion dors

    -he must be insanely rich!"

    As the whispers grew louder, someone near the stage responded with a hint of awe, "The bidder is none other than the enigmatic founder of CR Corporation."

    Murmurs of recognition and astonishment buzzed around.

    The founder of CR Corporation was a titan who had dominated the global rich list for years. His financial prowess was legendary.

    The auctioneer, a gleam of excitement in his eyes, seized the moment. As the representative of the auction house, he was eager to milk this spectacle for all it was worth-not just for the heftymission but also for the prestige it would lend

    the auction house.

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    15:35

    Chapter 59 Would You Consider Letting It Go

    He turned his attention to Ad, whose face was a mask of conflicted emotions.

    "Ms. Greville, your admiration for this piece is clear to all present. With the bid now at one billion, what will your next

    move be?"

    Ad clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The ne was the reason she was here, a gem she had longed

    to im as her own.

    But one billion dors? That price was a gulf too wide to cross.

    With a mixture of desperation and hope, she cast a pleading look towards Collin''s box. "I''ve been longing for this ne for quite some time, sir. Would you consider letting it go? I would dly make it up to you, perhaps with a personal visit to CR Corporation to express my gratitude."

    From the shadows of his box, Collin''s response was a blend of resolve and gentle finality. "I''m afraid not, Ms. Greville. I intend this ne as a special gift for my wife."

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60 My Wife

    Deserves Far More Than...

    Collin''s offhand remark sent shockwaves through the room.

    "Did I hear that right? Did the founder of CR Corporation just mention his wife? He''s married?" someone blurted out in

    disbelief.

    "No way! This is huge! How has no one ever heard about this before? He''s kept it under wraps that well?"

    "Who on earth could be lucky enough to marry the founder of CR Corporation?" a woman murmured, her voiceced with

    jealousy.

    The moment the realization settled in, the women in the room couldn''t suppress their mix of envy and admiration.

    After all, this wasn''t just any man-it was the billionaire tycoon behind CR Corporation. It was a man wrapped in mystery,

    one of the most powerful figures in the world.

    In Grester alone, countless socialites had fought for the mere chance to meet him. Not a single one had seeded.

    To be his wife wasn''t just luck.

    That was the kind of dream that defied reality.

    And to top it all off? He had just casually spent a jaw-dropping one billion dors on a gift for her.

    As that fact sank in, the atmosphere shifted. Several women started casting pointed looks at their partners, their

    expectations skyrocketing in real time.

    "Look at that! The founder of CR Corporation personally picks out a gift for his wife. And he drops a billion dors like it''s

    nothing!"

    "Exactly! And here you are, always griping about how much I spend. Have I ever asked for something worth a billion dors?"

    Put on the spot, the criticized men had no choice but to bow their heads in silent defeat. In front of so many witnesses,

    there was no way they could argue back.

    Still, inwardly, they cursed Collin for making their lives ten times harder. How were they supposed topete with that?

    From now on, no matter what they bought-jewelry, cars, luxury vacations-it wouldn''t be enough. The moment their wives or girlfriends even slightly disapproved, they would inevitably hear the same cutting remark. "The founder of CR Corporation bought his wife a ne worth one billion dors that night."

    Even Dustin, seated in the private box, was stunned. "Have youpletely lost it? It''s just a gift! A billion dors? That''s

    insane! Sure, you''re loaded, but this is beyond extravagant!" he blurted out.

    Collin, however, remainedposed. His voice was steady as he replied, "A mere billion dors is nothing. My wife.

    deserves far more than that."

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    15:40

    Chapter 60 My Wife Deserves Far More Than That

    The gemstone ne was auctioned off, and momentster, it was delivered to the private box with the utmost care.

    Without hesitation, Collin took the ne and left, with Dustin trailing close behind.

    Once they were inside the car, Collin lifted the lid of the velvet box, revealing the ne inside.

    It was a masterpiece-a radiant gemstone with an otherworldly brilliance, its craftsmanship impable. The gem itself had been sourced from the pr regions, making it exceptionally rare. Every inch of the ne exuded elegance, the kind of luxury few could ever afford.

    Collin studied it in silence, the weight of his decision settling in. The more he looked at it, the more certain he became-

    this was the perfect match for Linsey.

    Her quiet confidence, her effortless grace-they were one of a kind. Only a ne of this caliber could trulyplement

    her.

    A thought struck him then: how would she react when she saw it?

    Would she be surprised? Overwhelmed?

    The image of her delighted smile shed in his mind, and the corners of his usually impassive lips curved into a faint

    smile.

    Seated beside him, Dustin caught the subtle shift in his expression and fell silent, his emotionsplicated.

    He had known Collin for years-long enough to believe the man was incapable of sentiment.

    Cold, logical, untouchable-that was the Collin he knew.

    But tonight? Tonight had shattered that belief.

    Who would have thought Collin was actually a hopeless, over-the-top romantic?

    As Dustin held back a scoff, he found his curiosity shifting.

    He had only exchanged a few words with Linsey that day, barely enough to get a full impression of her.

    Just how extraordinary was she to have this effect on Collin?

    One thing was certain-he needed to find a chance to properly get to know her.

    100.0%

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61 Collin Came

    Back

    Collin gripped the velvet box tightly as he rushed back to Vista Vi at top speed.

    Hearing the distant hum of an approaching car, the butler frowned, puzzled. It wasn''t until he spotted Collin wheeling himself inside that he spoke up in surprise. "Mr. Riley, I thought you mentioned you might not being home tonight."

    Collin''s gaze flicked toward him, his expression unreadable.

    If it weren''t for the butler''s message, he wouldn''t havee rushing back like this.

    "Where''s Linsey?" he asked, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the box.

    The butler let out a small chuckle. "Mr. Riley, it''s the middle of the night. She''s been asleep for hours."

    Collin hesitated. Only now did he realize it was nearly two hours past midnight.

    A quietugh escaped him. Of course. Normal people would be asleep by now. There was no reason to wake Linsey at this

    hour.

    "Alright. Let her know toe to the study when she wakes up," he said.

    With that, he wheeled himself toward the study, already shifting his focus to urgentpany matters.

    The butler watched him go, scratching his head, still unsure what had prompted Collin''s sudden return.

    Linsey slept soundly until the morning light filtered through her curtains. After washing up, she made her way to the

    dining room, only to find Collin nowhere in sight. Assuming he hadn''te homest night after all, she thought nothing of it-until the butler approached her.

    "Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley asked that you go to the study after breakfast."

    Linsey blinked in surprise. "Collin came back? This morning?"

    She had woken up early. How had she not heard anything?

    The butler smiled. ¡°He returnedtest night and went straight to the study. He hasn''te out since."

    Linsey frowned, irritation flickering across her face.

    He hade home sote, yet instead of resting, he had locked himself in the study to work.

    Did he have no regard for his health at all?

    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Thevish breakfast before her suddenly lost all appeal-she had no appetite, no patience. She just wanted to find Collin and confront him directly.

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    Chapter 61 Collin Came Back

    Outside the study, she inhaled deeply, mentally running through everything she wanted to say. Then, raising her hand, she knocked firmly on the door.

    "Who is it?" Collin''s deep voice carried from inside.

    She pressed her lips together and replied softly, "It''s me."

    And just like that, her irritation wavered.

    She had intended to sound firm, but the moment she spoke to him, her voice had softened without her meaning to.

    Ever since learning about the hardships he had endured within his family, she had felt an instinctive urge to be gentler

    with him¡ªas if, somehow, she could make up for all the coldness and cruelty he had faced.

    But she knew her efforts were limited. The only thing she could do was try her best to show him that there was still

    warmth in the world.

    "Come in," Collin said.

    For a split second, she thought she heard something different in his tone-less distant, almost gentle.

    She pushed the door open and found him seated at his desk.

    The moment their eyes met, his expression softened, and he reached for the

    velvet box that had been sitting there all night,

    ready to hand it to her as she stepped forward.

    But Linsey, too focused on her frustration, didn''t notice.

    Fixing her gaze on him, she asked, "Collin, have you always been like this-pletely indifferent to your own health?"

    100.0%

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62 Who Would Care About Me Anyway

    Collin raised an eyebrow, caught slightly off guard. It was, as far as he could remember, the first time he had ever seen Linsey truly angry. For a split second, he was at a loss for words.

    Linsey''s voice broke through his haze of surprise, her toneced with frustration and concern. "I know the debt is weighing on you, and you push yourself to the limit every day. But you can''t keep this up-workingte, skipping meals-it''s taking a toll on you. You were up all night working in the study before, andst night was no different. If you don''t slow down, your body won''t be able to handle it much longer."

    As her words sank in, Collin''s realization dawned slowly.

    He gently ced the velvet box he was holding on the table and averted his gaze, his voice steady yet distant. "I''m fine, Linsey. I know my limits."

    Her anxiety spiked at his nonchnt dismissal.

    "Collin, you think you''re fine, but what about those who care about you? Can''t you see the toll it''s taking on them?"

    He paused, a flicker of self-mockery shadowing his features. "Who would care about me anyway?"

    Linsey blurted out, her tone firm, "I would!"

    The room fell silent, charged with the weight of her words.

    Collin turned to face her, his expression unreadable, eyes wide with a turbulent mix of shock and a dawning realization of something deeper, perhaps something unspoken until now.

    The next second, her senses snapped back into focus, her cheeks blooming a vivid shade of red with sudden shyness.

    What the hell was she thinking, saying that out loud? That was downright mortifying!

    Yet, deep down, she knew she meant every word.

    She wouldn''t have ventured all this way just to urge Collin to look after himself if she didn''t care about him.

    As the silence stretched, bing almost palpable between them, she hesitated, her voice a mix of urgency and embarrassment. "I... I didn''t mean it like that. Just hear me out, please..."

    Watching her fumble with her words, Collin felt an unfamiliar warmth blossoming in his chest, a gentle thawing he hadn''t experienced before.

    Prior to this, concern for him was a rarity.

    Sure, the household staff at Vista Vi expressed worry, but it was always a cautious, distant kind, muted by their apprehension of his icy exterior and imposing status. They never really pushed past their boundaries.

    But Linsey was different.

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    Chapter 62 Who Would Care About Me Anyway

    Despite his so-called disability and debt, she didn''t think little of him. Fearless and forthright, she was there, genuinely looking out for his well-being.

    A lump formed in his throat, catching him off-guard. It took every ounce of his will

    to maintain a steady facade as he responded in a subdued tone, "I see. I promise to take better care of myself."

    Only he understood the depth of the emotions veiled beneath that seeminglyposed statement, his voice nearly faltering at the end.

    Seeing the unwavering resolve in Collin''s eyes, Linsey sensed that once he made a promise, he would stand by it without

    falter. A wave of relief washed over her, and a smile began to dawn on her face.

    "You''ve been at this all night, haven''t you? You must be starving," she said, her tone light and caring. "What can I get you

    to eat? I''ll whip something up right away."

    "Wait." Collin''s voice was firm, halting her in her tracks. He still clutched the ne in his hand-the very piece that had

    upied his thoughts even during the whirlwind of his work. "Come here," he murmured softly.

    Linsey cast a quick nce at his wheelchair, assuming he needed assistance with something minor. She approached

    without hesitation, positioning herself beside him. "What do you need?"

    In an unexpected move, he reached out and sped her wrist firmly.

    A jolt of surprise shot through Linsey, her pupils widening. The contact felt as if a hot ember had touched her skin, causing

    her to recoil subtly.

    Collin''s hand was bothrge and warm, his hold steadfast,manding her full attention to his presence.

    Her heart thumped erratically in her chest, a mixture of rm and anticipation swirling within her.

    "I have something for you," he stated, his gaze lifting to meet hers.

    Caught off guard, Linsey blinked, striving topose herself. "What is it?"

    With deliberate slowness, he ced the velvet box into her hand.

    Despite his usualposure during high-stakes business deals, Collin found himself inexplicably nervous. Holding

    millions in his grasp had never made his heart race like this.

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 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63 How Could You Just Throw It Away

    Seeing the box in her hands, Linsey shot Collin a startled look. "A gift?"

    After lecturing him, she was the one receiving a present? It felt almost unreal.

    A warmth spread through her chest, and she hesitated before asking, ¡°Can I open it now?"

    Collin''s gaze remained locked on her face as he watched for even the subtlest shift in her expression.

    "Yes, you can," he replied.

    With a mixture of excitement and curiosity, Linsey lifted the lid. The moment her eyes fell on the dazzling gemstone

    ne inside, she froze. The sheer brilliance of it was overwhelming.

    A sharp gasp escaped her lips, and before she could think, she instinctively pushed the box toward him. "This... This is too

    much. I can''t take it."

    What was Collin thinking? They still had a hundred-million-dor debt hanging over their heads, and here he was, giving her a ne? And one that looked outrageously expensive.

    It didn''t add up. Wasn''t he supposed to bepletely broke? Sure, they lived in a luxurious vi, and there were high-end cars parked in the garage, but she had never once linked those things to Collin''s actual finances.

    To her, the vi and those cars were nothing more than a few handouts from the Riley family-perks they had tossed his

    way to wash their hands of him.

    From the moment she learned about his debt, she had believed, without a doubt, that he was struggling financially.

    So now, faced with this extravagant gift, she waspletely thrown off bnce.

    Collin''s anticipation shattered at her reaction, and his expression darkened. "You''re my wife. Buying you something nice-

    is that really so uneptable?"

    Linsey looked torn, frustration tightening her grip on the box. "Collin, we''re drowning in debt, and you''re spending money

    on a gemstone ne?"

    She exhaled sharply. "Besides, even if I keep it, when would I ever wear something like this? Am I supposed to show up at

    work with a giant gemstone around my neck? It''s way too shy."

    Her voice softened, but the concern in her eyes remained. "If I take it, it''ll just sit in

    a drawer collecting dust. Why don''t

    you return it? You should be saving money to pay off the debt."

    For a moment, Collin was at a loss for words. He hadn''t expected Linsey to still be so fixated on his so-called debt, especially now.

    He didn''t know whether to be touched by her concern or let out a bitterugh.

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    Chapter 63 How Could You Just Throw It Away

    But since he was the one who had spun this lie, he had no choice but to keep it believable.

    "I have a way to handle the debt. You don''t need to worry about it," he reassured her.

    Linsey let out a quiet sigh and spoke gently. "Collin, don''t be like this. I know you mean well, and I appreciate it. Once the debt is paid off, you can buy me something like this. I''d be happy to ept it then."

    Her expression grew resolute. "But right now, I just can''t. I have to think about us- and our future."

    A dull ache settled in Collin''s head. For the first time in years, he truly understood what it meant to shoot himself in the

    foot.

    His voice tensed. "You really don''t want it?"

    "That''s right! I mean it. I really don''t want it! Just take it back to wherever you bought it." Linsey folded her arms. "You

    should still be able to return it."

    Collin didn''t answer. A few seconds passed in silence before, without a word, he tossed the box into the nearby trash can,

    his face unreadable.

    "Hey! What are you doing?" Linsey gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief.

    He met her stunned gaze, his voice calm but unwavering. "If you don''t want this ne, then it''s nothing but trash. I''m

    not returning it."

    A jolt of panic shot through her. She quickly retrieved the box from the bin, relieved to see it had onlynded on discarded

    documents and wasn''t ruined.

    "Collin, you-" She stopped herself before blurting out the words circling her mind. He was being ridiculous.

    She swallowed back her frustration and tried again. "This ne is expensive! How could you just throw it away?"

    Collin''s expression didn''t waver. "If it''s something you don''t like, then it''s worthless. No different from garbage."

    Linsey clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to flick his forehead just to see if he was thinking straight.

    She inhaled deeply, forcing herself to stay calm.

    She couldn''t scold him-he had put in the effort to pick out a gift for her, and she had rejected it outright.

    If their roles were reversed, she would probably feel hurt, too.

    After a moment of contemtion, she finally relented. "Collin, since this ne

    is a gift from you... shouldn''t you help

    me put it on?"

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 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64 Let Me Help You With That

    Collin gazed at the warmth in Linsey''s tender smile, and an unexpected stir tugged at his heartstrings.

    For reasons beyond his grasp, a flicker of unease danced through him at that moment.

    Nothing ever seemed to faze him; he remained indifferent to everything and everyone.

    Life had always been peaceful and predictable for him, stretching back to the earliest days.

    Yet, Linsey''s presence was like a burst of sunlight, illuminating his gray, monochrome existence.

    "Sure, let me help you with that," he responded, his voice softening-a rare deviation from his usual frosty tone. He fought to quell the unfamiliar flutter within him as he spoke.

    Linsey''s smile widened, and she gracefully handed him the ne box before turning and lowering herself in front of him. Collin had been looking up at her from his seated position in the wheelchair since she entered the room.

    Now, at eye level, he could see the delicate swirl of hair at her crown and the way her lustrous locks cascaded gracefully

    down her back.

    His breath caught in a silent gasp. His eyes traced the line of her spine, veiled by her flowing hair, before he reluctantly set the box down on the desk with a soft click.

    Unseen by Linsey, the slight sound caused her eyshes to flutter, a subtle testament to the quiet tension between them.

    The next thing she knew, the dazzling gemstone ne was right before her.

    The radiant jewel rested elegantly against her corbone, its brilliance enchanting as it caught the light.

    Collin''srge, skilled hands cradled the ends of the ne, his movements precise as he secured it behind her neck.

    Even with her hair acting as a soft barrier, Linsey could feel theforting warmth of his palms against her skin.

    As the sp clicked securely into ce, the weight of the ne settled gently, almost caressingly, around her neck.

    Instinctively, she tilted her head forward slightly, a faint itch tickling her skin- uncertain if it was the sudden adornment at her neck or Collin''s close proximity causing the sensation.

    With the ne in ce, Linsey thought that was the end of it and prepared to stand.

    But before she could move, she felt her hair being gathered up with a gentle, deliberate touch.

    Collin leaned in closer, his presence cool andmanding, enveloping her in an unspoken promise of care.

    Her heart fluttered, skipping a beat. It wasn''t until he meticulously lifted her hair from beneath the ne and draped it

    over her shoulders that she was jolted back to reality. Flustered, Linsey quickly reached up to adjust her hair, her

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    Chapter 64 Let Me Help You With That

    movements betraying her inner turmoil.

    "Thank you," she murmured, her breath hitching slightly as she attempted to get up.

    Yet, in that very moment, her legs betrayed her, growing numb and buckling beneath her weight. She teetered precariously

    on the edge of a fall.

    He was quick to react, his reflexes sharp. Stretching out his arms, he caught her just in time, pulling her close into the

    safety of his embrace.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in shock, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she found herself suddenly pressed against him, her knee awkwardly hitting the wheelchair. Thankfully, Collin''s wheelchair was exceptionally designed, its seat cushioned and forgiving. Had it been otherwise, her knee would have surely suffered a bruise.

    But such concerns vanished as quickly as they came, her attention entirely consumed by the man who held her.

    Up close, Linsey could see the subtle blush staining the skin behind Collin''s ears,

    a stark contrast to his usualposure. His hold on her was both firm and

    protective, a surprising gentleness in his strength.

    She found herself caught in his gaze, clear and prating, as a wave of warmth rushed over her. Despite the turmoil within, Collin managed to maintain a semnce of calm.

    His heartbeat thundered in his ears, loud enough to muffle his thoughts.

    With effort, he tore his gaze away from hers, it drifting to the ne that nowy against her breasts.

    It adorned her perfectly, as if it were crafted solely for her.

    The ne, opulent and meant for the grandest of asions, seemed to find its

    true home against Linsey''s modest attire.

    Itplemented her radiant face and the unguarded purity in her gaze,

    enhancing her natural charm in a way that seemed almost destined.

    Indeed, no one else could carry the essence of that ne quite like Linsey.

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 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65 I Want To Kiss

    You

    "It''s beautiful. And it''s perfect for you," Collin murmured.

    His voice was steady, devoid of any dramatic inflection, yetced with an unmistakable sincerity.

    A flush crept up Linsey''s neck, spreading to her cheeks.

    Collin thought the ne suited her.

    Did that mean, in his eyes, she was even more dazzling than the gemstone itself?

    The thought sent a jolt through her, making her body tense, her posture subtly stiffening.

    Collin lifted his gaze to her once more, his eyes dark and unreadable.

    The moment he noticed the faint flush coloring her cheeks and the corners of her eyes, his throat tightened.

    A smoldering intensity flickered in his gaze, something deep and unshakable.

    Without warning, he let go of her arm, his fingers shifting to gently cup her chin, his grip firm but careful. His gaze dropped, locking onto her slightly parted, soft lips.

    A nervous breath hitched in Linsey''s throat. She reflexively grasped the fabric of his shirt, gripping it tightly.

    His dark, unguarded stare sent her pulse racing, stealing the air from her lungs. But after yesterday-after she had nearly misread the situation in the car-she forced herself to stay levelheaded, unwilling to let her imagination run wild.

    "Is... something wrong? Is my hair messed up again?" she asked, summoning her courage.

    His lips parted slightly, his voice dipping into a husky rasp. ¡°No. It''s not that. I just think you''re so beautiful," he murmured, his words slow, deliberate. "And suddenly... I want to kiss you."

    His breath skimmed her skin, so light it was barely there.

    Linsey''s eyes widened, her breath stalling. Had she misheard him?

    But the moment her gaze locked onto his intense, unwavering eyes, she knew he wasn''t joking.

    Her throat tightened, and she swallowed hard, her pulse hammering in her ears. This was happening-so fast, so suddenly.

    Yet, strangely, not a trace of hesitation or rejection stirred within her.

    A quiet, almost thrilling anticipation unfurled in the back of her mind.

    After all, they were married. Wasn''t this natural? Why should she push him away?

    Her fingers trembled slightly as she slowly closed her eyes, offering silent consent.

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    Chapter 65 I Want To Kiss You

    Collin''s already unsteady breath grew even more uneven at the sight.

    His grip on her chin tightened just a fraction, his thumb brushing against her soft skin. The faint, unintentional stroke

    sent the lightest shiver through her-an unfamiliar, feather-light sensation that tingled down her spine.

    His dark eyes deepened with something unreadable, something heavy.

    Leaning in, he closed the distance between them, their breaths colliding-warm, uneven, charged with an undeniable heat.

    Their lips were a mere breath away-when a sudden, sharp knock shattered the moment.

    Linsey had been holding her breath, already on edge.

    The abrupt sound jolted her, her heart lurching violently. Like a startled rabbit, she sprang to her feet-too fast, too

    careless.

    Her lips identally collided with Collin''s chin in the process.

    A sharp sting shot through her, and she let out a soft cry, instinctively pressing her fingers to her mouth.

    Her eyes stung as she covered her lips, putting instant distance between them. She looked up at him, grievance clouding her gaze, her expression pitiful.

    Collin''s face darkened in an instant.

    Who had the audacity to interrupt at such a critical moment?

    As he noticed how Linsey had instinctively backed away, his irritation spiked even

    further. His voice dropped into a cold, clipped tone. "Who is it?"

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 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66 Mrs. Riley, What Brings You Here

    Outside the door, there was a tense pause before the cautious tone of Collin''s subordinate pierced the silence. "Mr. Riley,

    there''s a pressing matter I need to discuss with you."

    The subordinate couldn''t shake the feeling, his thoughts racing. Was Mr. Riley out of sorts because of the long hours? Why

    did his voice seem so strained?

    On the other side of the door, Linsey''s cheeks burned with embarrassment.

    The study was Collin''s sanctuary, a ce where he immersed himself in his work, and she had just interrupted him.

    The realization that she had possibly hindered his tasks made her stomach twist with regret.

    "Well... you should get back to your work. I''ll... go prepare something for you to eat. You can enjoy it whenever you''re free,"

    she stammered, her words faltering under the weight of her unease.

    Before Collin could respond, Linsey spun on her heel and dashed away, her heart pounding.

    The subordinate, still waiting outside, jumped as the door suddenly swung open. He stood frozen, momentarily caught off guard, not expecting that his boss would open the door for him.

    But his surprise deepened when he saw who it was.

    "Mrs. Riley, what brings you here?" he blurted out, his voiceced with bewilderment.

    As far back as he could remember, Collin''s study was a fortress of solitude, strictly off-limits to outsiders. Even the servants, tasked with tidying the room, were required to schedule their duties well in advance.

    Oddly enough, Linsey, despite being Collin''s wife for mere days, was free to move in and out of the study without

    restriction.

    Attempting to maintain decorum, Linsey found herself at a loss for words.

    Her eyes, darting anxiously, shimmered with the vestiges of recently withheld tears, revealing her inner turmoil.

    After a palpable pause, she nervously bit her lip and told the subordinate that Collin was inside before retreating hastily.

    The bewildered subordinate stepped into the study, his gaze immediately colliding with Collin''s stern, contemtive visage

    looming from behind an imposing desk.

    Unbeknownst to him, his intrusion had ruined the moment. The image of Linsey''s

    reddened eyes haunted him briefly,

    sparking a cascade of spection.

    Could there be tension between the couple?

    Collin''s temperament was notoriously erratic, and though they were married, Linsey was barely a stranger to his deeper

    intricacies.

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    Chapter 66 Mrs. Riley, What Brings You Here

    To the subordinate, it seemed usible that Collin, in a moment of harshness, had wounded her spirit. His limited interactions with Linsey painted her as a soul of kindness and warmth-a sharp contrast to Collin''s asional coldness.

    The more he pondered, the more his empathy for Linsey deepened, stirring a blend of concern and curiosity.

    No matter the reason, when Collin''s mood turned dark, it was always his subordinates who bore the brunt of it.

    The subordinate exhaled a quiet, resigned sigh, his thoughts churning with concern over the report he was about to deliver.

    "What is it? Out with it," Collin demanded, his voice tinged with evident irritation.

    The subordinate, pausing momentarily to muster his courage, extended an ornate invitation with both hands. "Mr. Riley,

    please have a look at this."

    Collin snatched the invitation, unfolding it swiftly. As he scanned its contents, a cold, sardonic smile crept across his

    features.

    "Huntley''s grand birthday g?" he sneered, his eyes shimmering with scorn.

    Huntley Riley, his half-brother, shared the same father with him, born to Fernanda Riley-Collin''s ambitious stepmother.

    Over the years, Fernanda had maneuvered with relentless cunning, orchestrating plots to secure Huntley''s position as the

    favored heir.

    Her efforts often involved undermining Collin at every turn.

    This invitation, bearing the Riley family crest, signified a grand celebration in honor of Huntley, the golden child.

    This tradition, deeply rooted in the family''s dynamics, underscored the tant favoritism that Huntley enjoyed.

    Interestingly, this was the first year that the Riley family had extended Collin an official invitation, perhaps fearing his

    absence might embarrass them at such a high-profile event.

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 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67 You Don''t Look

    Too Well

    Collin''s subordinate maintained a respectful stance as he said, "The person delivering the invitation also mentioned that your family expects you to attend your brother''s birthday party with your wife. They specifically said... your father and Fernanda are looking forward to meeting your new bride."

    "Is that so?" Collin let out a cold chuckle, his expression unreadable.

    He wasn''t na?ve enough to believe that the Riley family had suddenly developed an interest in his marriage out of genuine

    concern.

    "They must have caught wind of Haven running off and my abrupt wedding. Now, they''re just seizing the opportunity to have a goodugh at my expense." With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the invitation onto his desk, his toneced with indifference. ¡°Since they''re so eager to meet my wife, then let them. Make the arrangements."

    "Understood," the subordinate said, turning to leave.

    But after a brief hesitation, he recalled the way Linsey had looked earlier-her red- rimmed eyes, the trace of distress on her face. He hesitated only for a second before speaking up. "It''s not my ce to interfere in your personal matters, but..... there''s something I feel I should mention."

    Collin lifted his gaze slightly, his expression sharp and unreadable. "Since when did you start hesitating to speak? If you have something to say, just say it."

    The subordinate straightened and replied at once, "When I came in earlier, I noticed Mrs. Riley seemed upset. Her eyes were red-like she''d been crying. You just got married. If there''s any misunderstanding between you two, it''s best to clear it up quickly before it turns into something worse."

    Collin''s eyes narrowed. So, his subordinate had the nerve to bring up what had just happened?

    If this guy hadn''t barged in and interrupted them earlier, what misunderstanding could there possibly be?

    "I see. You can go now," Collin said, his tone carrying a hint of thinly veiled irritation.

    The subordinate had served under Collin for years and had long learned to pick up on the subtle meanings behind his every word and movement. His pulse quickened slightly, and without another word, he swiftly exited the room.

    Once the study fell silent again, Collin finally had a chance to gather his thoughts.

    His mind drifted back to the moment when Linsey had identally bumped into his chin and cried out in pain.

    It hadn''t hurt him in the slightest, but thinking about her delicate skin, he couldn''t help but wonder if she was still hurting.

    He guessed that even if she was, she probably wouldn''t admit it.

    After a brief pause, he pushed aside his work, turned his wheelchair, and decided to check on her himself.

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    Chapter 67 You Don''t Look Too Well

    Meanwhile, Linsey was still feeling awkward about what had happened earlier.

    She had imagined her first kiss countless times before-romantic, dreamlike, something straight out of a fairy tale.

    Never in a million years did she expect it to end up like this-awkward, iplete, andpletely ridiculous.

    Her first kiss was over before it had even begun!

    As she stepped into the living room, the butler immediately noticed something

    was off. "Mrs. Riley, is everything all right?

    You don''t look too well."

    our media

    Linsey froze for a second before snapping out of her thoughts. She instinctively touched her face and quickly replied, "I''m

    fine."

    The butler misread her reaction, assuming she was frustrated over failing to convince Collin to take better care of his

    health.

    He gave her a warm, understanding smile and reassured her, "Mrs. Riley, don''t take it to heart. Mr. Riley has always been stubborn when ites to his health. We''ve all tried to persuade him to take better care of himself, but none of us have ever seeded. It''s nothing personal-he''s just like that."

    Linsey, momentarily forgetting her embarrassment, refocused her thoughts.

    She had to make food for Collin. That was what mattered right now.

    All that other stuff-the flustered emotions, the chaos, the lingering awkwardness-

    she lightly shook her head, pushing

    them aside, and made her way to the kitchen.

    Just as she did, Collin emerged from the study.

    His gaze flicked to the butler as he asked, "Who were you just talking about? Who''s the one that always ignores advice?"

    100 fr

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68 Why Are You So

    Nervous

    When she heard Collin''s voice, Linsey spun around, startled. "Collin, why are you out here?"

    Even in his wheelchair, his presencemanded attention as he approached her.

    A faint trace of amusement flickered in Collin''s eyes at her reaction.

    He raised an eyebrow and spoke in an unhurried tone. "You told me to take better care of my health. I figured you had a point, so I decided toe out for breakfast. Why? Do you have a problem with that?"

    Linsey felt the heat rise to her cheeks again as memories of what had happened in the study rushed back.

    Noticing her hesitation, the butler smiled and spoke up first. He looked at Collin apologetically and said, "Mr. Riley, I misspoke earlier. I hope you won''t hold it against me."

    Collin wasn''t particrly concerned about the butler''s words. What unsettled him was the thought of Linsey hearing too much about his past. He had no intention of letting that happen, so he cut the conversation short.

    "It''s fine," he said coolly.

    The moment Linsey met Collin''s gaze, her mind shed back to what had happened earlier in the study. She pressed her lips together and quickly said, "I''ll go make something for you to eat."

    Since he had actually listened to her advice ande out for breakfast, she felt obligated to keep her word and cook for

    him.

    But as soon as she turned to leave, Collin caught her wrist firmly.

    "Let the staff handle breakfast," he said.

    She froze for a second before replying, "But I promised to make it for you. It won''t take long."

    Before she could say anything more, he pulled her forward with unexpected force, and the next thing she knew, she was sitting on hisp.

    His presence overwhelmed her senses, his warmth and strength pulling her in. Startled, she instinctively tried to stand.

    But Collin''s grip on her waist tightened, keeping her locked in ce.

    The realization that the butler was still in the room made a fresh wave of embarrassment crash over her. She pressed her palms against Collin''s chest, pushing lightly in an attempt to free herself.

    Sitting on hisp in broad daylight-what would people think?

    Not that it would be any more eptable at night.

    Her face burned hotter at the thought. Were they even close enough for this?

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    Chapter 68 Why Are You So Nervous

    Being in a man''sp like this waspletely unfamiliar territory.

    Her body tensed, unsure of how to react.

    "Sit still," Collinmanded, his voice calm but firm, making it clear he wasn''t letting go. He could feel her hesitation, her

    resistance, but he had no intention of relenting.

    She bit her lip, lowering her gaze, debating whether she should say something.

    Collin''s hand pressed lightly against her back as he leaned in closer. His deep, velvety voice brushed against her ear. "Be

    good."

    Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. His words sent a fresh wave of heat through her, leaving her even

    more flustered.

    The butler, watching their obvious closeness, felt a quiet satisfaction. With a knowing smile, he quickly came up with an

    excuse to leave. "Oh dear, the breakfast on the table has gone cold. I''ll have them warm it up."

    Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away briskly, giving them the privacy he assumed they wanted.

    Seeing how affectionate they were, he figured it wouldn''t be long before they started preparing for a baby.

    With the butler gone, the room fell silent, leaving only Linsey and Collin.

    The absence of others meant they wouldn''t be disturbed anytime soon.

    Collin held Linsey close, acutely aware of how soft she was in his arms. She felt

    so delicate that he worried for a moment

    -if he held her any tighter, would she break?

    His gaze drifted downward,nding on her lips, slightly swollen from where she had bitten them.

    "You hit my chin earlier. Does it still hurt?" he murmured.

    Her eyes flickered away, and she answered in a barely audible voice, "I''m fine..."

    Collin caught her reaction, her obvious shyness, and found it oddly intriguing.

    She had been in a rtionship for five years with her ex-surely she had shared moments more intimate than this?

    "Why are you so nervous?" His gaze locked onto hers, his tone slow and deliberate. "Don''t tell me you''ve never kissed

    another man before."

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 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69 Do You Believe

    Me Now

    Linsey''s already uneasy expression froze, her body stiffening even more.

    The memory of their closeness in the study resurfaced instantly, and a fresh wave of embarrassment swept through her.

    She hesitated, then blurted out, stubbornly, "W-what? Of course I''ve kissed others before."

    Collin studied her flushed, delicate face, his sharp gaze catching the way she faltered. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips.

    She was lying, and not very well.

    After a brief pause, his voice took on a meaningful lilt. "I''ve never been in a rtionship before. That was my first time kissing a woman, and now my first kiss is gone-just like that. What a tragedy." His sigh was deliberate, his tone almost teasing. "So tell me, how do you n to make it up to me?"

    Linsey''s eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as she scrambled for words. She knew Collin had never been with anyone before-never dated, never kissed.

    But they hadn''t even kissed due to his subordinate''s interruption.

    And what did he mean by making it up to him? If they had kissed, then it would be her first kiss, too!

    So why did he make it sound like his first kiss was more precious than hers?

    Her thoughts spiraled, but before she could untangle them, Collin suddenly leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear. His voice dropped to a near whisper.

    "That wasn''t much of a kiss, just the lightest touch. It hardly counts. So tell me..." His breath fanned against her skin.

    "Should we try again?"

    Her pulse spiked, and she instinctively nced around. "But... what if someone sees us? You should let me up."

    A faint, knowing smile yed at the corners of Collin''s lips as he murmured, "Rx. The butler already saw you sitting on

    myp. He''ll make sure the staff stays away."

    Then his gaze dropped to her parted lips, his expression darkening slightly, though his tone carried the weight of feigned disappointment. "Or..." His voice was softer now, almost challenging. "Do you find me repulsive? Is that why you don''t

    want to get close to me?"

    She spoke up quickly, her voice filled with urgency. "That''s not true! I don''t find you repulsive at all. Don''t think that way."

    Collin slowly lifted his head, his usually unreadable eyes now betraying a flicker of uncertainty.

    As their gazes met, a strange ache settled in her chest.

    She could tell-he was feeling insecure again.

    00%

    15:44

    Chapter 69 Do You Believe Me Now

    A quiet sigh seemed to escape him as he loosened his hold on her and turned away. "You should go. I was too abrupt."

    Panic surged through her.

    She didn''t find him repulsive-far from it. She didn''t even mind being this close to him. If anything... she might even like

    1. it.

    She was just nervous.

    Collin had no experience with dating; he didn''t realize that her hesitation wasn''t rejection-it was just shyness.

    "I told you already. I don''t find you repulsive," she insisted, her voice firm.

    But his expression remained unchanged, his doubt lingering.

    She hesitated for a brief moment. Then, deciding that words weren''t enough, she grabbed his cor and kissed him.

    The second their lips met, a jolt of surprise shot through her.

    It was nothing like she had imagined. Her fingers clutched the fabric of his shirt while her free arm curled around his neck.

    Without thinking, she bit his lip lightly-only to realize just how soft and sweet his lips were, like jelly. But what made her

    heart pound even harder was the heat radiating from them.

    Her breath hitched. She instinctively licked the spot where she had bitten, but now that she had done it, she wasn''t sure

    what to do next.

    A nervous gulp slid down her throat as she pressed her lips together.

    That tiny movement shifted something in him. His eyes, already dark, grew even heavier, as if something had awakened in

    them.

    She pulled away just slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don''t find you repulsive. Do you believe me now?"

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    100.0%

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70 This Isn''t Enough For Me

    Collin paused, his gaze locking with Linsey''s for a lingering moment before he gently cradled the back of her head, his fingers threading through her hair. With a low, intense whisper, he murmured, "This isn''t enough for me."

    Without waiting for her response, he dipped his head and captured her lips once more in a kiss that was both deeper and more desperate than before.

    In contrast to Linsey''s rtive inexperience, Collin moved with an ease and confidence that belied a natural finesse. The raw passion of his kiss obliterated her senses, leaving her dazed and adrift in a sea of fervor.

    It was as if every thought she had was whipped into a frenzied storm by his insistent desire, sending electric shivers racing down her spine and tingling through her entire being.

    The scent of him enveloped her, intoxicating and rich, heightening the already intense sensations overwhelming her.

    His breaths, ragged and low, seemed to echo in the warm air between them, mingling with her own quickened breaths in a sultry dance.

    A wave of tingling electricity coursed through Linsey, igniting her nerves and leaving a trail of numbness in its wake.

    Their heartbeats thundered loudly, discordantly, yet strangely harmonious, as if each pulse wove their hearts closer

    together.

    As Collin''s kiss deepened, his hands tightened around her waist, drawing her even closer into his embrace.

    Linsey''s body grew limp, surrendering to the intensity of the moment.

    Tears welled up in her eyes as she peered up at his focused expression, her breath caught in her throat from the sheer intensity of his passion. For a fleeting second, she thought he might never stop...

    A soft, almost kittenish whimper broke from her lips, piercing the haze of passion. Collin''s senses snapped back into focus. He felt her subtle resistance as Linsey lightly pounded against his chest, a silent plea for release. He hesitated, then reluctantly, he loosened his embrace, allowing her to breathe freely again.

    The oppressive humidity enveloped her, fogging her vision until the world seemed wrapped in a steamy haze.

    The thrill of the moment coursed through her, unexpectedly exhrating, leaving her breathless and a little bewildered.

    Blinking away the daze, she slowly regained her senses and found herself staring into Collin''s eyes.

    There, reflected in the deep pools of his gaze, she caught a glimpse of her own face-flushed, vibrant, alive.

    Collin''s Adam''s apple bobbed visibly as he swallowed hard, his struggle to maintainposure palpable.

    Drawing in a deep, steadying breath, he spoke in a hoarse whisper, his voice tinged with restraint. "I''m a bit hungry. Could

    you check on the kitchen?"

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    Chapter 70 This Isn''t Enough For Me

    Her heart skipped a beat at his intense look, reminiscent of a wolf starved for days.

    It stirred a flutter of panic within her, sparking her instincts into sudden action. She nodded briskly, pushed herself up using his shoulders for leverage, and hurried toward the kitchen.

    As she moved, a giddy thought danced through her mind. She actually kissed Collin!

    Meanwhile, Collin remained seated, his gaze lingering on the space Linsey had just vacated.

    The heat of their previous close encounter hung in the air, a tantalizing reminder of their proximity. He savored the

    residual warmth on his lips, fingers clenched into fists at his sides.

    He knew he had to be patient, to let the moment breathe. This wasn''t something he could afford to rush.

    After making a quiet escape, Linsey didn''t immediately head to the kitchen. Instead, she veered off course, slipping into the bathroom with a sense of urgency.

    With a quick flick, she locked the door behind her and rushed to the mirror perched above the sink.

    Her reflection was startling-her face zed a bright crimson that crept up to her ears and dipped down her neck, while her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, giving her the appearance of a freshly boiled shrimp.

    She gaped at her own image, taken aback by the intensity of her flushedplexion, something she had never witnessed

    to such an extent before.

    Taking a steadying breath, Linsey leaned forward and sshed her face with cold water, each handful more desperate than thest, seeking relief from the scalding heat that seemed to emanate from her very pores.

    She spent several long minutes in front of the mirror, gradually regaining herposure as the coolness seeped deeper, easing the fiery flush.

    Once she felt somewhat collected, she exited the bathroom and finally made her way to the kitchen. There, she busied herself reheating the breakfast alongside the servants and even added a few extra dishes to enrich the morning spread.

    "You can take the breakfast over," Linsey instructed after a moment of contemtion. Her voice was calm, belying the

    turmoil inside.

    One of the servants blinked, taken aback by her directive. "Mrs. Riley, aren''t youing with us?"

    She fabricated a quick response, the lie smooth and practiced. "I''ve already eaten, and I have some matters to attend to. Please, go ahead without me."

    The memory of Collin''s intense gaze lingered in her mind, a vivid image she wasn''t ready to confront again. Her heart still skipped at the thought.

    100.0%

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71 Let''s Meet Up

    "Yes, Mrs. Riley," the servant answered before carrying thevish breakfast tray out of the room.

    Linsey quietly slipped back into her bedroom, needing a moment to gather her thoughts.

    The memory of that lingering, tender kiss sent a fresh wave of heat rushing to her face, her heart thudding against her ribs all over again.

    Right now, she had no idea what to make of her rtionship with Collin.

    They were married, yet they had barely known each other for long.

    Had she been too forward by kissing him like that? Would he think she was being too bold?

    Her nerves twisted, but she quickly forced herself to calm down. They were husband and wife, after all. Holding hands or sharing a kiss shouldn''t feel like something to overanalyze. It was perfectly normal... right?

    She thought back to their wedding night-she had even helped him unbutton his shirt. She hadn''t bathed him, but she had caught a glimpse of his sculpted, muscr chest.

    Without warning, that image resurfaced in her mind-his broad shoulders and the sharp definition of his waist.

    For someone who couldn''t walk, it must have taken incredible effort to maintain a figure like that.

    Her face burned hotter. Biting her lip, she screamed inwardly for what felt like forever.

    Unable to handle it, she yanked her nket over her head and buried her face in it, willing herself to settle down. It took ages before she could breathe normally again.

    Then, her phone suddenly rang, jolting her out of her daze.

    Startled, she grabbed it and nced at the screen. It was Dolores Davidson, her best friend, calling.

    Dolores had been her closest friend, someone she had met at the orphanage. Even though their personalities had always been different-Dolores had a strong- willed nature and effortlessly took charge among the other kids-they had formed a bond that nothing could break.

    Back then, Linsey had been an easy target for the older children, but the moment Dolores took her under her wing, no one dared toy a finger on her.

    As they grew older, Dolores had chosen a different path, striking out on her own to build a business from the ground up.

    Dolores now ran a thrivingpany, her schedule packed year-round. Even though they rarely had time to catch up, their friendship had never wavered.

    When Linsey saw Dolores'' name sh on her screen, a wave of excitement rushed through her.

    Without hesitation, she picked up "Dolores!"

    There was a buzz of background noise on Dolores'' end-it sounded like she was at the airport.

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    15.45

    Chapter 71 Let''s Meet Up

    "Linsey, are you free right now? I justnded. Let''s meet up," Dolores said.

    "Of course!" Linsey answered without missing a beat.

    This was a rare chance. No matter how busy she was, she wasn''t going to pass it

    up.

    It had been way too long since they hadst seen each other.

    They quickly settled on a caf¨¦ and agreed to meet in thirty minutes.

    Linsey wasted no time getting ready and soon arrived at the caf¨¦. After ordering their usual coffees, she settled in to wait.

    "Linsey!"

    Hearing her name, she looked up to see Dolores striding toward her in sleek high heels, radiating confidence with every

    step.

    She wore a chic, understated trench coat, her makeup effortlessly wless, and her waves falling in perfect, voluminous curls that matched her bold personality.

    Linsey smiled and gestured for her to sit. "Dolores,e on! I already got your usual-ck, no milk, right?"

    Dolores chuckled, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "I knew you''d still be as thoughtful as ever."

    She took a slow sip of her coffee, but her expression shifted almost instantly. Her eyes locked onto Linsey with a piercing intensity. "I heard you got married. What''s going on?"

    Linsey froze,pletely caught off guard. "How did you find out?"

    So much had happened recently, and with Dolores always busy, Linsey hadn''t wanted to disturb her. She hadn''t even found

    the time to tell her yet.

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 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72 I Ended Up With Someone Else Entirely

    The moment Dolores heard Linsey''s words, she erupted.

    "Linsey! What the hell is going on with you? I thought those rumors were total bullshit. You really got married and didn''t even bother to tell me? What kind of friend does that? How could I be thest one to find out you''re married!" Her voice

    cracked with a mix of anger and betrayal.

    As she red, her eyes zing, Linsey rushed to exin, her voice tinged with panic. "The wedding... it was all so rushed. I stupidly took Felix''s advice to keep it low-key. His parents were adamant about not having friends or family there,

    promising we''d have a real celebrationter, once Felix''s career was more stable..."

    Dolores'' anger deepened, her face contorted with frustration, yet her eyes betrayed a flicker of sympathy for Linsey.

    "You naive girl! It''s your wedding we''re talking about here-how could you not include your friends and family? What absurdity is this? To let your special day be nothing more than a formality?"

    Sighing, Dolores continued, "I can''t wrap my head around why you wasted your time on that useless scumbag, Felix. You let your emotions cloud your judgment. And honestly, Linsey, there were times I was really fed up with you. Between the

    stress at work and then this..."

    Linsey offered a sheepish grin, reaching out tentatively. "Dolores, I messed up. Please, can you forgive me?" Her voice was soft, filled with regret and a plea for understanding.

    As expected, Dolores''s anger toward Linsey didn''tst. After all, Linsey was ensnared in this mess more than anyone.

    With a weary sigh, Dolores''s tone softened, though her words retained a sharp edge. "That insufferable Felix and his despicable family-they''ve shown you nothing but contempt. He only dares to behave so recklessly because he''s aware of

    your affection for him."

    She paused, her features knitting together in concern as she regarded Linsey. "What can I even say? Marrying a man like that-how could you dream of happiness? And to think, you didn''t even confide in me before the wedding."

    Linsey''s lips quivered slightly as she hesitated. It dawned on her that Dolores was still in the dark about her secret union with Collin. In a gentle murmur, she said, "Felix didn''t get the chance to make me feel sad."

    Dolores''s gaze hardened, a mix of anger and disappointment shadowing her expression. "Fine, let''s assume Felix didn''t get the chance to make you sad. But Joanna has always been a thorn in your side. You''d be wise to keep an eye on her."

    Despite her frustration, Dolores''s concern for Linsey was palpable. Witnessing this, Linsey couldn''t suppress a soft chuckle,

    a surge of warmth flooding her.

    Indeed, she had been aplete fucking idiot-falling for a worthless piece of shit like Felix.

    Had it been anyone else, they might have abandoned her by now. But not Dolores. Despite her ims of annoyance, her

    deep-seated care for Linsey shone through unmistakably.

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    15:46

    Chapter 72 I Ended Up With Someone Else Entirely

    Linsey clenched her jaw, more resolute than ever-she wasn''t about to let love turn her into an idiot again.

    Men could spice up life, but she would never let one consume her world again.

    "Linsey, you need to stop giggling." Dolores admonished her, eyeing Linsey''s lighthearted demeanor with disapproval. With a quick flick of her wrist, she tapped Linsey''s forehead, a gentle reprimand meant to instill some seriousness. ¡°Here you are,ughing away without a care in the world at such a critical time. Honestly, you''re beyond helppletely oblivious to

    any peril."

    Linsey''s reaction was swift; she caught Dolores''s hand mid-air, her eyes earnest. "Dolores, please, don''t worry about me. I''ve cut ties with that jerk for good," she assured, squeezing Dolores''s hand gently.

    Dolores''s brows knit together in confusion. "What are you talking about? Didn''t you marry Felix?"

    A mischievous smile yed on Linsey''s lips. "Who told you Felix was the one I married? I ended up with someone else

    entirely."

    Shock shed across Dolores''s face, rendering her momentarily speechless.

    Linsey, noticing her friend''s astonishment, continued in a serene,posed voice, ¡°I was indeed supposed to marry Felix. But right before our ceremony, he received a call from Joanna. He didn''t hesitate; he just left me standing there, all alone. That was the moment I snapped out of it and saw the truth-Felix was never someone I could trust with my future."

    Her eyes sparkled with a hint of unexpected joy as she shared the twist in her story. "Coincidentally, there was another wedding nearby. The bride there got cold feet and bolted, leaving her groom stranded at the altar. So, in a spur of the

    moment decision, I married him instead."

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73 Linsey, Have

    You Lost Your Mind

    Dolores''s eyes bulged with disbelief. She swiftly reached over and gave Linsey a sharp smack on the arm.

    "Linsey, have you lost your mind? Who in their right mind marries aplete stranger?"

    Linsey, unfazed, shed her a mischievous smile. "Well, he''s quite the looker."

    Dolores''s frown softened slightly. "Oh, that does make it a bit better, I guess."

    Her irritation quickly dissolved, reced by a simmering indignation as she shifted the topic to Felix. "That Felix guy is an absolute scumbag. What the hell took you so long to dump that loser? And Linsey, you better not go getting all sentimental

    over him again."

    With a newfound firmness in her eyes, Linsey shook her head decisively. "Absolutely not. I''m married now. There''s no way I''m betraying my husband."

    Dolores cast a curious nce at Linsey, took a demure sip of her coffee, and ventured, "So, who is this dashing husband of

    yours?"

    "Collin Riley."

    The name hit Dolores like a bolt from the blue, causing her to spit out her coffee in a spectacr spray across the table.

    Linsey jumped up, a mix of concern and amusement on her face, as she hurried to dab at the mess with napkins. "Did you just choke? Take it easy and drink slower."

    Dolores had been stunned by Linsey''s revtions so often today that she had lost count. Each new shock felt like a blow to her chest, and now she braced herself as another wave of disbelief hit her hard.

    "Linsey, you can''t mean that Collin Riley-the one ousted from the Riley family, the one confined to a wheelchair?" Dolores

    eyes widened in shock, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and concern.

    Linsey met her gaze steadily, her nod resolute. "Indeed, that''s him. He''s never been romantically involved with anyone before, and despite what you might think, he''s definitely healthy."

    "You''re out of your mind!" Dolores''s voice rose, her face reddening with anger. "You finally free yourself from Felix, and now you''ve tied yourself to a man who can''t even walk? And you dare im Collin is healthy? Are you blind to the fact

    he''s in a wheelchair?"

    Linsey flinched, taken aback for a moment, but her voice was calm when she replied, "I am well aware of his condition."

    Dolores was seething. She took a deep, steadying breath, her tone bing grave. "Listen, once youe to your senses and divorce him, I''m taking you straight to a psychiatrist. You need professional help."

    Linsey stood there, dumbstruck by Dolores''s harsh words.

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    15:46

    Chapter 73 Linsey, Have You Lost Your Mind

    "Linsey, you have to end this marriage with Collin," Dolores demanded, her voice sharp with finality.

    Linsey''s jaw dropped, a mixture of shock and disbelief spreading across her face as Dolores vehemently expressed her.

    disapproval of Linsey''s marriage to Collin. Just moments earlier, Dolores had mistakenly believed Linsey was wed to Felix,

    and her anger had seemed overwhelming then. But now, as she was confronted with the reality of Linsey and Collin''s union, her fury intensified even further.

    Yet Linsey understood that beneath Dolores'' fierce exteriory a deep concern for her wellbeing.

    "Dolores, listen," Linsey implored, her voice earnest and soothing. "Collin has been nothing but kind to me. For now, at least, I see no reason to even consider ending things with him."

    Dolores, massaging her temples with a pained expression, shot back, her toneced with frustration. "Collin is just the overlooked of the Riley family, Linsey. He can''t even shield himself from his own family. How can you expect him to look after you properly?"

    can

    She then sighed heavily, her frown deepening, "I was hoping you''de to your senses by now, but it seems you''re still as na?ve as ever."

    Linsey offered her a weak, resigned smile. "And you''re as blunt as ever, Dolores," she said, feeling utterly at a loss about how to make Dolores understand how amazing Collin was.

    After a moment of contemtive silence, a spark of inspiration struck her. Hastily, she reached inside her clothing and delicately extracted a gleaming gemstone ne, handling it with utmost care.

    "Dolores, please, just look at this," Linsey insisted, her eyes brightening as she disyed the ne proudly. "Collin gave me this as a sign of hismitment."

    Dolores''s initial astonishment quickly gave way to skepticism, her eyes narrowing shrewdly as she studied the luxurious piece. "This ne? It looks outrageouslyvish. He just handed it to you, just like that? Well, I''ll be..."

    Her suspicion mounted as she leaned in closer. "Hold on a second. This looks familiar. Wasn''t there something about a ne like this in the news recently? Isn''t this the legendary piece worth a whole damn billion?"

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74 Perhaps I Misjudged Collin

    As Dolores'' deration echoed in her ears, Linsey''s heart skipped a beat, her hand quivering with the shock, the gemstone dangling precariously between her fingers.

    "What did you just say? A billion?" Linsey echoed, her voice dipping to a whisper,den with disbelief and a trace of unease. She almostughed in disbelief. A gemstone ne worth a billion dors? That was straight-up ridiculous!

    Doubt clouded her thoughts, but the earnest look in Dolores'' eyes suggested she wasn''t kidding.

    Dolores, for her part, appeared just as baffled, quickly scrolling through her phone to pull up a recent article. "Check it out -it''s fromst night''s charity auction in town," she insisted, handing the phone to Linsey.

    Linsey snatched up the phone and peered at the article. It was only then she realized that at the charity auctionst night, the enigmatic founder of CR Corporation had bid a breathtaking one billion dors for a gemstone ne.

    The ne in the photo glistened with an intense brilliance, its appearance strikingly simr to the one she wore around

    her neck.

    "Something doesn''t add up here. How in the world did this end up with you?" Dolores leaned in, her brow furrowed in

    thought.

    Linsey''s brow furrowed, a mix of confusion and suspicion swirling within her. "It''s strange, isn''t it? People say the founder of CR Corporation is a mysterious figure. And yet, this ne was auctionedst night by him, only to end up with Collin who then gave it to me..."

    Her voice trailed off as she exchanged a nce with Dolores, her thoughts tangling into a single, startling possibility.

    Could Collin actually be the elusive founder of CR Corporation?

    Just as the question hung in the air, Dolores''s eyes stretched wide in shock. "Oh my! Are you suggesting Collin handed you a counterfeit?¡± Her voice tinged with incredulity.

    Linsey momentarily stiffened, the implication taking her by surprise. After a brief pause, she shook her head vigorously.

    "No, that can''t be right. Collin wouldn''t do such a thing," she asserted firmly, her faith in him unshaken.

    Dolores, still skeptical, tilted her head thoughtfully. "But Linsey, think about it. Are you really saying that Collin might be the man behind CR Corporation? That sounded like pure madness! Not too long ago, I attended a business gathering and got a rare sighting of the CR Corporation''s founder. Though it was just his silhouette, themanding presence he projected was unmistakable. There was nothing wrong with his legs, which meant there was no way he was Collin, the crippled man confined to a wheelchair."

    She paused to scrutinize the sparkling gemstone at Linsey''s neck once more. "Yet, looking at the vibrant hue and the exquisite cut of this gem, it doesn''t look like a fake at all."

    0.0%

    Chapter 74 Perhaps I Misjudged Collin

    Now that she thought about it, Linsey felt silly. Why did she keep connecting Collin

    to the CR Corporation''s mysterious

    founder?

    Linsey traced her fingers over the ne and remarked, "I know I''m not an expert, but from what little I understand

    about gemstones, this ne seems genuine."

    Their gazes locked briefly before they leaned closer, scrutinizing the ne that dangled elegantly from Linsey''s neck

    alongside the photo from the auction.

    "Linsey, look closer. See how the facets on the gemstone are subtly different?" Dolores pointed out, her voice a mixture of

    intrigue and scrutiny.

    Linsey examined it and a wave of relief washed over her. "You''re right. They just bear a resemnce. It''s definitely not the

    same ne."

    After all, considering Collin''s staggering debt of a hundred million dors, the idea of him splurging a billion on a ne

    for her was far-fetched.

    Moreover, he would have discarded it this very morning had she not intervened.

    Dolores frowned slightly, her lips tightening in a thoughtful pout. "Alright, perhaps I misjudged Collin," she conceded, her

    toneced with frustration and concern.

    She fixed Linsey with a stern look. "But honestly, Linsey, your trust sometimes blinds you. I just don''t want to see you get

    hurt because of it."

    Linsey offered a wry, helpless smile.

    She understood Dolores'' fears; her friend''s fierce protectiveness was as familiar

    as it wasforting. They had been each

    other''s rock since childhood, making Dolores'' concern understandable.

    Dolores was getting it all wrong about Collin, and she needed to fix that. To reassure her, Linsey came up with an idea on the spot.

    "Dolores, what if we all have dinner together? Once you meet Collin, you''ll see how deeply he cares," she suggested hopefully, her eyes brightening. "He''s not the bad person you think he is."

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75 I Want You

    There With Me

    Dolores caught the spark of delight twinkling in Linsey''s eyes and couldn''t resist joining in herughter.

    "Alright, I''m in. Let''s do this!" Dolores agreed.

    Rolling her eyes dramatically, she yielded, sending Linsey a look that was both mischievous and lightly scolding. Shezily

    swirled her coffee, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as she shook her head in yful defeat.

    "It''s only been a few days since you married Collin, yet you trust him like he''s been by your side forever. Fine, I''ll believe

    you for now, but I''ll be watching to see if he really treats you right."

    Linsey''s smile broadened, her eyes shimmering with warmth. "Got it, I''ll talk to him about it as soon as I get back."

    The two women continued their leisurely chat, enjoying thefort of their long- standing friendship. Linsey leaned

    forward with sudden interest, narrowing her eyes. "By the way, what made youe back so unexpectedly this time?"

    Dolores''s gaze darted away for a fleeting moment before she masked her emotions with a casual shrug. "Nothing. Work''s been draining me, and I thought it was time for a break," she exined with a forced nonchnce.

    Linsey nodded sympathetically. Dolores had been grinding away at work for what felt like forever, never really stopping to

    take a well-earned rest.

    "You''ve really been pushing yourself too hard," she remarked, her voiceced with concern. "It''s time you took a break. How about next weekend we go out and just unwind?"

    "Sounds perfect," Dolores replied, her smile genuine this time.

    Fresh off the ne, she could already feel exhaustion creeping in-she needed to recharge.

    Linsey, being considerate, let her go without dragging things out. With Dolores back in Grester, there would be countless opportunities for them to catch up in the future.

    After they parted ways, Linsey made her way back to the grandeur of Vista Vi, her mind circling back to a promise she

    had made.

    Upon arriving, she immediately sought out the butler, her voice carrying a mix of anticipation and urgency. "Has Collin

    stepped out today?"

    With a reassuring smile, the butler responded, "Mr. Riley is currently in his room."

    Taking a moment to gather her resolve, Linsey headed towards Collin''s room. Her hand hesitated briefly before knocking

    gently on the door.

    "Collin, it''s me," she called out softly.

    Inside, Collin had just finished a shower and was adjusting to the room''s cooler air. He caught the sound of her voice as he

    15:47

    Chapter 751 Want You There With Me

    settled into his wheelchair. "Come in," he replied, his voice steady and inviting.

    Upon hearing his reply, Linsey gently pushed the door open and found Collin seated in his wheelchair, busily toweling off

    his damp hair.

    As she approached, a wave of fresh, moist air enveloped her, unmistakably emanating from him.

    Her lips tightened nervously, and she stole a brief look at Collin, her gaze inadvertently settling on his muscr chest, partially revealed under his loosely fastened bathrobe.

    A rush of warmth colored her cheeks, prompting her to avert her eyes hastily. In a soft, hesitant voice, she ventured, "Collin,

    there''s something I need to talk to you about."

    Collin, meanwhile, continued with his routine, patting the towel against his hair. "I''m listening."

    Pausing briefly, Linsey broached the subject of dinner.

    "I was hoping you could join me for dinner with Dolores. She''s a dear friend and has heard about our marriage. She''s eager

    to meet you..." As she spoke, Linsey sensed an odd tension in the air and added awkwardly, "Um, if you''re too busy, though,

    that''spletely okay..."

    Before she could finish her thought, Collin cut in, his response swift and decisive. "I can join," he said, leaving no room for

    doubt.

    Linsey, caught mid-sentence, paused and blinked, taken aback by his immediate eptance.

    A wave of relief washed over her, and she let out a soft sigh.

    Collin''s eyes flickered toward her before he rolled to the desk, snatched up an invitation, and ced it in her hands.

    "There''s also something I need to discuss," he began, his voice even but firm. "Tomorrow, my father is celebrating my half

    -brother''s birthday. I want you there with me."

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat, herposure faltering. "Tomorrow? But... I haven''t had a moment to n anything!"

    The prospect of meeting Collin''s family for the first time since their wedding sent a jolt of anxiety through her.

    Collin observed her distress, his expression softening. "Don''t worry, everything''s arranged. I''ve even picked out a dress for

    you," he assured her, his toneforting yetmanding.

    However, his gaze then sharpened, focusing intently on her. "But where is the

    ne I gave you? Why aren''t you wearing

    it?"

    100.0%

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76 I''ve Grown

    ustomed To Insomnia

    Linsey froze for a heartbeat, her fingers instinctively grazing her neck, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. It was uncanny how Collin had noticed such a detail.

    "This ne is worth so much. I couldn''t shake the nervous feeling whenever I had it on outside, so I took it off the second I got home," she murmured, her voice a low, uneasy whisper.

    It was more than just the fear of loss that troubled her. The gemstone at the heart of the ne was a masterpiece of cut and rity, its luster barely contained even beneathyers of clothing.

    To avoid unnecessary trouble, she opted to keep it out of sight.

    Collin''s gaze lingered a moment longer before he pulled it back, a subtle relief washing over him. He had harbored concerns that she disliked the gift. Knowing this wasn''t the case, he rxed.

    "It''s not a big deal, and itplements you beautifully. There''s really no need to be so cautious," he noted with a

    dismissive wave of his hand.

    Linsey''s heart skipped. This assurance from Collin made it even clearer that the ne was not the billion-dor gemstone piece auctionedst night. After all, how could he speak so nonchntly about something so immensely valuable, especially when he was still staggering under a mountain of $100 million in debt? Yet, she couldn''t deny the ne''s worth and her desire to cherish it properly.

    "It''s fine. I''ll reserve it for truly special asions. Something this luxurious doesn''t really fit into my daily work life," she

    remarked thoughtfully.

    Seeing her resolve, Collin decided not to push the matter further and simply nodded, acknowledging her decision.

    After a brief moment, Collin caught a glimpse of Linsey lingering out of the corner of his eye. He paused, his curiosity piqued, and inquired with a slightly raised brow, "Is there something else you needed?"

    As he shuffled through the stack of documents cluttering his desk, he kept a subtle watch on Linsey''s every move, although

    he pretended to be absorbed in his work.

    Linsey noticed that he had carelessly tossed the towel he used for drying his hair to the side, his locks still damp and tousled. Concern etched into her features as she said, "Aren''t you going to dry your hair? You might catch a cold or wake

    up with a headache if you sleep like that."

    Collin shrugged nonchntly, brushing off her concern. "It''s too much hassle," he muttered, his voiceced with

    indifference. "I''ll be fine..."

    However, before he could fully dismiss the matter, he looked up and met her eyes, catching the gentle reproach in her gaze.

    A flicker of realization crossed his face-he had promised her earlier that day to take better care of himself.

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    15:49

    Chapter 76 I''ve Grown ustomed To Insomnia

    With a soft, resigned sigh and a click of his tongue, Collin set aside the documents. He reached begrudgingly for the towel

    once more.

    "Let me help you," Linsey offered softly, her voice suddenly bold and firm.

    Empowered by a surge of courage, she stepped forward without hesitation, took the towel from his hands, and positioned herself behind him. Her fingers were gentle yet firm as she began to pat his damp hair dry.

    Collin tensed momentarily, then rxed under the soothing strokes of Linsey''s hands, a quiet sense offort settling between them as she tended to him with quiet care.

    A subtle, unexinable warmth bubbled up in his chest.

    "Thank you,¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible.

    Linsey encountered a fleeting moment of difort but swiftly recaptured her poise.

    With tender care, she dabbed the dampness from Collin''s cropped hair, her touches soft and deliberate.

    In the serene room, they both instinctively lowered their breaths, allowing only the soft whispers of the towel grazing his hair and the asional shuffle of pages being turned by Collin to pierce the silence.

    His short hair was a wee simplicitypared to her own, making the task at hand quicker for her.

    Soon, his hair was nearly dry.

    "Got a hairdryer? It''ll be quicker and better with warm air," she suggested.

    "In the bathroom," he responded without looking up from his work.

    Linsey fetched the hairdryer and skillfully finished the job. Only when his hair waspletely dry did she stow the hairdryer away.

    Her gaze lingered on his focused face as he carried on with histe-night tasks. "You always stay up working. Do you even get any sleep?"

    Finishing his signature on a document, Collin looked up, his expression unruffled. "I''ve grown ustomed to insomnia," he admitted calmly.

    Linsey''s eyes flickered with understanding-so that was the reason behind the dark shadows beneath his eyes.

    Hesitantly, she offered with a smile, "If you don''t mind, Collin, I can give you a head massage. It could help you rx and sleep well tonight."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77 Collin, Where

    Are You

    "Massage?" Collin quirked an eyebrow, his expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity as he turned towards Linsey. "Wait, you actually know how to do that?"

    Linsey nodded, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and challenge. "Oh, absolutely. You''d be surprised how good I am

    at this."

    Collin''s gaze drifted to the towering stack of documents cluttering his desk, his hesitation palpable.

    Linsey''s voice softened, coaxing gently, "You and Dolores are relentless, always buried in work. But remember, the work will always be there. You both need to step back and breathe a little."

    A light, disbelieving chuckle escaped Collin. "I have pretty bad insomnia. If this doesn''t help me sleep, you can forget about trying next time."

    "No problem at all," Linsey replied with a confident smile, her belief in her skills unwavering.

    Thus reassured, Collin let Linsey guide his wheelchair to the edge of the bed.

    She had initially moved to assist him further, but Collin, with a swift, graceful movement borne of years of necessity, shifted onto the bed himself. Linsey paused, struck anew by his adeptness.

    She knew that living with a disability demanded resilience and adaptability, traits Collin had clearly honed over the years.

    This realization deepened Linsey''s respect and empathy towards him, as she saw the silent strength it took for him to navigate life so independently.

    Colliny sprawled across the bed, his eyelids fluttering shut with a weary sigh. "Go ahead," he murmured.

    Linsey rolled the wheelchair to the foot of the bed before settling down beside him. She leaned over, her fingers brushing against his temples with a tender, deliberate touch. Her massage was gentle yet firm, perfectly calibrated to soothe without

    overwhelming.

    As Linsey''s skilled fingers worked their magic, Collin felt the day''s stress melt away.

    The room was filled with a delicate, sweet aroma-not the cloying scent of expensive perfume, but something pure and subtly floral, distinctly Linsey. It wasforting and pleasant, enhancing the serenity that enveloped him.

    Slowly, the tension that had knotted his muscles for too long began to unravel under Linsey''s persistent care. Collin''s consciousness faded, lulled by the rhythmic pressure and the tranquil ambiance.

    Before long, he sumbed to a deep, peaceful sleep, his breathing evening out into a calm, steady rhythm.

    Noticing the shift in his breathing, Linsey gradually slowed her movements before finally pulling her hands away.

    Without a word, she watched him sleep, his serene expression bringing a warm smile to her face.

    00%

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    Chapter 77 Collin, Where Are You

    While he was asleep, Collin''s features rxed, the usual stern facade reced by a gentle, vulnerable calm.

    With a careful, almost reverent motion, Linsey reached for a nket resting nearby. She draped it over him gently, ensuring he remained warm.

    With a final nce, she switched off the bedsidemp, and walked away in silence.

    The next morning, the bedroom was bathed in a soft glow as warm sunlight streamed through the window, gently illuminating the bed where

    Colliny deeply asleep, blissfully unaware of the morning hustle.

    Suddenly, the serene silence was shattered by the shrill ring of the phone on the bedside table.

    Collin was woken up, his eyes snapping open. He scowled, his irritation palpable as he snatched up the phone.

    "Who is it?" he grumbled, his voice thick with sleep and annoyance.

    There was a brief pause on the other end before Dustin responded, his voice tinged with surprise, "Collin, where are you? Weren''t we supposed to meet this morning to discuss the details of the acquisition? Why aren''t you here yet?"

    Collin''s mind raced as he momentarily froze, the weight of the forgotten appointment dawning on him.

    He nced at the clock and cursed under his breath for oversleeping.

    "I''m home. Juste and get me. I''ll be ready in a few," he said, his tone brisk.

    "Alright, I''m on my way," Dustin replied, a note of resignation in his voice.

    After ending the call, Collin threw back the covers and leaped out of bed. He rushed through his morning routine, and by the time he was dressed, his usualposed and aloof demeanor was firmly back in ce.

    Shortly afterward, Collin exited the vi and slid into Dustin''s car.

    As the door thudded shut, Collin sensed Dustin''s inquisitive eyes on him.

    He slightly knitted his eyebrows, fiddling with his cufflinks. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

    Dustin chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement, "Well, look at that-a rare moment in history. You''re actuallyte?"

    He nudged Collin yfully, his tone light and teasing. "Don''t tell me some enchanting romantic escapade held you up?"

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78 You''re ying With Fire, Man

    Collin''s response was sharp, his brow furrowing deeply as he huffed, "Cut the nonsense, Dustin."

    He knew Dustin was implying that he had been intimate with Linsey.

    But truth be told, they hadn''t had sex yet, and he was determined not to let anyone, not even Dustin, joke about it.

    Dustin''s face fell, his yful smirk fading into a look of mild disappointment. He hadn''t anticipated Collin''spleteck of sexual enthusiasm.

    In Dustin''s eyes, Linsey was the epitome of allure, with a figure that could easily ensnare anyone''s desires.

    Yet here was Collin, her own husband, seemingly immune to her charms.

    To Dustin, this was hardly a shock-typical Collin, always the stoic.

    Had Collin actually sumbed to Linsey''s beauty, Dustin would have been taken aback.

    Switching topics with a flicker of curiosity lighting up his face, Dustin leaned in closer. "By the way, that ne you gave

    Linseyst night-how did she react? She must have been thrilled, right? Such a stunning piece it was."

    Collin shook his head with a hint of disbelief, his voice tinged with exasperation. "No. At first, she thought it was outrageously expensive and t-out refused to ept it. I even had to threaten to toss it before she reluctantly agreed to

    keep it."

    Dustin''s eyes widened in shock. "Seriously? A woman who thinks jewelry is too expensive?"

    He squinted thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "Maybe Linsey is just ying hard-to- get, you think?"

    "No, that''s not it," Collin replied, pressing his lips into a thin line. "She''s genuinely concerned about me squandering money and not being able to clear my debt."

    This revtion left Dustin utterly dumbfounded. "Debt? What kind of debt are you talking about?"

    As Collinid out the outrageous 100-million-dor debt he had made up, Dustin burst into heartyughter, clutching his

    stomach. "I can''t believe it, Collin... Who would have thought you''d be the one to mess things up like that?"

    Regaining hisposure, Dustin leaned in, a yful smirk ying on his lips. "You know, if Linsey ever uncovers your lie,

    you''re going to be in deep trouble. From what I''ve seen, the more innocent they are, the harder they fall when they

    discover a betrayal. And Linsey? With her personality..."

    Collin''s expression darkened at Dustin''s words. A frown creased his brow as he mulled over the implications. "She won''t

    find out," he dered with a hint of defiance.

    After a brief pause, he added more quietly, "And even if she does, she won''t really care."

    "You''re ying with fire, man," Dustin warned, shaking his head disapprovingly. "You''re still a beginner in matters like

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    Chapter 78 You''re ying With Fire, Man

    these. Take my advicee clean to her at your first opportunity, or you might end up regretting it."

    Collin''s frown deepened, his gaze dropping to the floor as he contemted Dustin''s advice. After a moment of heavy silence, he murmured, "I see your point. I''ll think about it."

    Meanwhile, at the office, Linsey sneezed out of nowhere, catching herself off guard.

    She scrunched her face in displeasure, hastily reaching for a tissue to dab at her nose. A niggling suspicion that someone might be ndering her wormed its way into her thoughts.

    Little did she know, her instincts weren''t far off-Collin and Dustin were indeed talking about her.

    Almost reflexively, her eyes flicked towards Cynthia.

    Linsey caught her seemingly disengaged from her work, huddled with a few colleagues. They were chatting with enthusiasm, sneaking nces at her every so often.

    Linsey''s brows knitted together in irritation.

    It seemed some people never learned their lesson, continuing to fuel the gossip about her.

    Deciding to rise above the petty office politics, Linsey submerged herself back into her workload.

    However, her attempt at focus was abruptly interrupted when Coen approached her desk, his face etched with gravity. "Linsey,e to my office," he stated firmly.

    As she rose from her chair, Linsey''s eyes inadvertently met Cynthia''s across the room. The sight of Cynthia''s self-satisfied smirk sent a shiver of anxiety through her.

    What on earth could be going on?

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    15:55

    Chapter 78 You''re ying With Fire, Man

    these. Take my advicee clean to her at your first opportunity, or you might end up regretting it."

    Collin''s frown deepened, his gaze dropping to the floor as he contemted Dustin''s advice. After a moment of heavy silence, he murmured, "I see your point. I''ll think about it."

    Meanwhile, at the office, Linsey sneezed out of nowhere, catching herself off guard.

    She scrunched her face in displeasure, hastily reaching for a tissue to dab at her nose. A niggling suspicion that someone might be ndering her wormed its way into her thoughts.

    Little did she know, her instincts weren''t far off-Collin and Dustin were indeed talking about her.

    Almost reflexively, her eyes flicked towards Cynthia.

    Linsey caught her seemingly disengaged from her work, huddled with a few

    colleagues. They were chatting with enthusiasm,

    sneaking nces at her every so often.

    Linsey''s brows knitted together in irritation.

    It seemed some people never learned their lesson, continuing to fuel the gossip about her.

    Deciding to rise above the petty office politics, Linsey submerged herself back into her workload.

    However, her attempt at focus was abruptly interrupted when Coen approached her desk, his face etched with gravity.

    "Linsey,e to my office," he stated firmly.

    As she rose from her chair, Linsey''s eyes inadvertently met Cynthia''s across the

    room. The sight of Cynthia''s self-satisfied

    smirk sent a shiver of anxiety through her.

    What on earth could be going on?

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79 Linsey, You''d

    Better Brace Yourself

    Linsey churned through a whirlwind of thoughts, but still followed Coen into the seclusion of his office with a tentative

    step.

    As he closed the door with a soft click, he reached for a file sprawled across the desk and extended it toward her.

    "This is a major client''s order, and it''s now in your hands. I trust you''ll uphold the standards of our department," Coen stated, his voice carrying a mix ofmand and expectation.

    The assignment took Linsey by surprise, her eyes widening slightly. Her heart thudded with a sudden rush of excitement mixed with a pinch of anxiety.

    "Really? Even though I''m still within my probation period?" she queried, her voice tinged with disbelief as she epted the

    file, fingers brushing lightly against the paper.

    Coen met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Exactly, Linsey. Consider this a pivotal test of your probation. Perform

    poorly, and we may have to reconsider your position here. So, I urge you to pour your utmost dedication into this."

    Linsey''s excitement wasced with a palpable nervous tension. She was stepping into uncharted territory, her first

    substantial responsibility since she had joined thepany.

    "Coen, I''m a little nervous. Without much practical experience, I''m not sure I''ll be able to do my best," she remarked, her

    eyes earnest and seeking reassurance. ¡°In case I run into any problems, would it be alright to turn to you for help?"

    As he observed her genuine concern, Coen''s eyebrow arched slightly, a hint of approval flickering across his features.

    Feeling good, Coen decided to offer a few more helpful suggestions. "Of course. While this is your responsibility, don''t hesitate to lean on your colleagues or engage directly with the client. It''s crucial to maintain open lines ofmunication."

    "Alright, thank you, Coen." Linsey exited the office, clutching the file close to her chest.

    Her words weren''t meant to butter up Coen. Everything she said came from the heart.

    Despite her long-standing familiarity with fashion design, this was her first venture into handling a client''s design request.

    on her own.

    Her inexperience was palpable, and she knew she had to consult with seasoned colleagues before diving in.

    Coen''s aloof demeanor was one hurdle, but her own proactive approach to seeking guidance was another challenge altogether.

    If she nailed this project, not only would it bolster her confidence, but Coen, her supervisor, would reap the rewards as

    well.

    She had to figure out the best ways and resources that worked for her.

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    Chapter 79 Linsey, You''d Better Brace Yourself

    Determined, she vowed to draw on every strength she possessed to excel in this assignment.

    As Linsey navigated through the maze of desks, a mocking tone cut through the buzz of the office.

    "Look who''s finally got an order. Took you long enough," Cynthia scoffed disdainfully.

    Maintaining her poise, Linsey strode by, choosing to let Cynthia''s barb fade into the quiet rhythm of the office.

    Unwilling to back off, Cynthia pressed on, saying, ¡°Linsey, you''d better brace yourself. I''ve heard the client you''re dealing with is tough to satisfy and even knows thepany''s founder personally. The poor souls who''ve tried working with her before were so exasperated, they couldn''t stand it anymore."

    She then clicked her tongue and taunted, "It''s only a matter of time before you follow them out the door. What a pity, since we both started here on the same day."

    Linsey halted abruptly, spinning around to face Cynthia, whose lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk.

    It dawned on Linsey that this had been the hot topic of conversation among Cynthia and her clique earlier.

    There was no doubt in her mind. Cynthia and these people were just sitting around, waiting for her to make aplete fool of herself.

    Despite the sting of Cynthia''s words, Linsey maintained herposure, her voice steady and resolute. "Don''t waste your energy worrying about me. I''m certain I''ll get this done."

    Linsey turned on her heel and strode back to her desk. She dove into her research, her focus sharpened to a fine point, determined to excel.

    Cynthia, seeing her attempt to unsettle Linsey fail, felt a surge of rage.

    She clenched her jaw tightly, eyes narrowing as a cunning n began to take shape in her mind.

    It wasn''t over yet; she was hell-bent on ruining Linsey and thrown out of CR Corporation.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80 You Still Haven''t Saved My Number

    Linsey was utterly absorbed in her work, oblivious to the fading day outside her office window. One by one, her colleagues had drifted away, their desks now empty echoes around her. She remained anchored in her chair, her focus unbroken.

    As dusk settled into darkness, her phone vibrated sharply against the desk.

    Linsey, still locked onto herputer screen, reached out instinctively and snagged the phone. She answered without a nce. "Hello, who is this?"

    A pause hung on the other end, charged with an unspoken tension before a voice broke through. "You still haven''t saved my number?"

    The unexpected chill in the voice jolted Linsey from her trance.

    She blinked, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the caller.

    "Oh, it''s you, Collin," she said with a relievedugh, her eyes darting to the caller ID. "Of course, I''ve saved it. I just didn''t look at the screen when I picked up."

    Collin''s tone warmed slightly, a softening shadow in his words. "Where are you now?"

    His question was a sharp reminder, a prick of guilt. She was meant to be with him at the Riley family''s birthday celebration tonight.

    Linsey mentally berated herself for overlooking such a significant event.

    "I''m so sorry, Collin! I''ve been buried under work all day andpletely forgot," she admitted, her movements hurried as she began to pack her things and shut down herputer.

    Collin, hearing the slightmotion through the phone, couldn''t help but picture Linsey''s flustered expression, a knowing smile curving his lips. He assured her in a warm, even tone, "No worries. Just tell me where you are, and I''ll have someone pick you up right away."

    There was a brief pause before he added gently, "No rush. We have plenty of time."

    His calm assurance seemed to wash over her, soothing her nerves. She responded, her voice now steadier, "Let''s meet at the caf¨¦ we metst time. It''s a hassle to find parking near the office."

    "Sure."

    Once the call ended, Linsey quickly grabbed her bag and rushed to the caf¨¦ just around the corner.

    Soon enough, a sleek car pulled up. She slid into the passenger seat, only to be greeted by a familiar face behind the wheel. Puzzled, she queried, "Where''s Collin?"

    "He''s tied up with some urgent matters, Mrs. Riley," the driver exined politely. "I''ll take you for a quick styling, then

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    Chapter 80 You Still Haven''t Saved My Number

    he''ll catch up with us soon."

    With a slight nod, Linsey showed her understanding.

    Momentster, they arrived at a beauty studio that exuded a subtle elegance, instantly recognizable as a top-tier establishment in Grester, known for its exclusivity.

    Linsey had heard that gaining ess to this studio required not just wealth but significant social prestige.

    As she stepped out of the car, a staff member approached her with a weing smile. "Mrs. Riley, right this way, please."

    She was then ushered into the chic interior.

    Puzzled, Linsey couldn''t help but wonder how Collin had secured an appointment

    at such a sought-after location. He hardly seemed like the kind of person who could owe 100 million dors.

    If anything, it appeared as though others were in debt to him for 100 million dors...

    As the party loomed near, Linsey couldn''t afford to waste a moment lost in thought. Swiftly assisted by the attentive staff, she slipped into an exquisite gown and embarked on her transformation.

    Emerging in full splendor, Linsey captured the room with her sheer presence. The designers clustered around, their

    expressions awash with awe.

    "Oh my, she''s absolutely breathtaking!"

    "I never imagined anyone could bring such life to this gown."

    "Ma''am, your elegance is simply unparalleled."

    The purple strapless gown clung to Linsey, its luxurious fabric caressing her smooth skin, making her glow under the soft

    lighting.

    Her arms, graceful and poised, delicately lifted the hem of her dress as if she were a princess stepping right out of a fairy

    tale.

    The gown hugged her waist, emphasizing her slender silhouette, and the deep purple-a notoriously challenging shade to

    wearplemented her calm demeanor without overwhelming her natural

    beauty.

    Catching her reflection in a mirror, Linsey paused, a wave of disbelief washing over her.

    She hardly recognized the stunning woman gazing back at her.

    "I absolutely love the gown you picked for me. Thank you," she murmured, her eyes twinkling with a grateful smile.

    The makeup artist, touched by her sincerity, gave her a heartfelt smile in return. "Mrs. Riley, you might not know this, but

    it was Mr. Riley who personally selected this gown and the apanying jewelry for you."

    Surprised, Linsey''s heart fluttered. "Collin?"

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 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81 The Dress Is Lovely

    "Yep, that''s right," the makeup artist replied with a nod.

    Linsey blinked, her eyes dropping to the exquisitely tailored gown she was wearing. A hint of awe tinged her voice. "The

    measurements..."

    The makeup artist leaned in, her tone bright with a hint of pride. "Your husband provided them. Not only that, but he knew exactly what colors and styles you would want. From the way your face lit up earlier, it''s clear you really love this dress."

    Still enveloped in her reverie, Linsey listened as the hairstylist chimed in, her voiceced with a touch of envy. "You''re so lucky! Mr. Riley really gets what you like-it''s not every day you find someone so thoughtful."

    Linsey was surprised by how caring Collin was.

    She had only moved into Vista Vi a month prior, and her interactions with Collin had been scarce, his frequent absences leaving them precious little time together. Yet, despite this, he had discerned her favorite colors and styles with uncanny

    uracy. His attentiveness spoke volumes.

    That he had noted such details was a testament to his desire to understand herpletely.

    These preferences were subtly woven into her everyday life and habits; without keen observation, they would be easy to

    miss.

    The realization left Linsey feeling slightly bewildered, yet deeply touched.

    Apart from her childhood friend Dolores, Linsey had never felt such genuine care from anyone else.

    Her past rtionship with Felix had started with gentle attentiveness, yet as the years wore on, he became so distant he

    even neglected to remember her birthday.

    Lost in her reverie, Linsey was startled when Collin''s rich, deep voice cut through the silence. "Do you like the dress you''re

    wearing?¡± His question was straightforward yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.

    Jerking back to the present, Linsey realized that Collin had slipped into the room unnoticed.

    Catching her first glimpse of him today, she saw he had opted for a change in his usual attire.

    He was dressed in a deep navy-blue suit that hugged his shoulders snugly, the fabric looking like it was spun from midnight itself. The suit was impably tailored, and his tie was knotted to perfection, giving him an aura of refined elegance. His hair, slightly tousled, lent him an effortlessly sophisticated appearance, enhancing his already striking features.

    As Collin wheeled himself closer, his eyes lingered on her, a subtle glimmer of admiration flickering across his expression.

    "Collin," Linsey whispered, her voice a soft murmur as she uttered his name, her heart fluttering slightly.

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    15:56

    Chapter 81 The Dress Is Lovely

    In that intimate moment, Linsey realized the hairstylist and the makeup artist had discreetly exited, leaving them in a

    quiet bubble of newfound closeness.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Collin murmured, his deep voice vibrating with a barely concealed

    concern. He leaned slightly closer, his gaze

    probing as he repeated his earlier inquiry. "How''s the dress working for you? If it''s not your style, I can have them bring

    you a different one."

    Linsey''s gaze remained steady, her heart fluttering with intensity. As she looked at his familiar face, a heavy lump of

    emotion began to build in her throat.

    "The dress is lovely, really," Linsey assured him, her voice a soft whisperced

    with a tremor she couldn''t quite mask. She inhaled deeply, attempting topose herself, but the effort made her vulnerability all the more evident.

    Collin''s expression darkened with a mix of confusion and concern. "You don''t seem like it," he noted, his brow furrowing

    as he took a subtle step closer. "Your eyes... they tell a different story."

    Indeed, her eyes were ssy, the rims tinged with red, betraying her inner turmoil. Linsey blinked rapidly, a solitary tear

    escaping despite her best efforts to remainposed.

    Collin''s heart constricted at the sight, a pang of something resembling pain threading through his chest.

    Linsey''s eyes flickered with nervousness as he spoke, and a tear slipped gently down her cheek.

    She turned her head away, her voice shaky as she feebly attempted a diversion. "It''s nothing, really. Just something in my

    eye, that''s all."

    She made to move away, to hide her tears, but Collin was quicker.

    His hand reached out, capturing her wrist with a tender yet firm grip.

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    Chapter 82 I Won''t Make Things Harder For You

    Collin''s grip remained steady, the warmth of his palm grounding Linsey as his fingers rested lightly against her wrist. Beneath his touch, her pulse trembled, unsteady yet alive.

    "You''ve got makeup on. Stay still," he said, his voice a quietmand.

    Linsey froze, her breath catching as their eyes met. She felt the weight of the moment press against her chest, making it impossible to move.

    Her lips parted, but no words came. A shimmer of unshed tears clung to hershes, catching the dim light.

    A flicker of something unreadable passed through Collin''s gaze. She looked so fragile, so small, that it made his chest

    tighten.

    He let out a slow breath before reaching up, his rough fingers brushing away the dampness collecting at the corners of her eyes. His touch was careful, deliberate.

    "I just want to know if you like the dress. No lies," Collin said, his tone measured.

    A flicker of surprise crossed Linsey''s face. For a beat, her heart stuttered-then surged forward, sending warmth rushing through her veins.

    "I..." The single syble barely made it past her lips before dissolving into silence. ¡°Hmm?¡± A quiet hum left Collin''s lips, the depth of his own patience catching him off guard.

    Answers might note easily, but he found himself strangely content to wait.

    Linsey''s breath stuttered before she finally spoke, her voice fragile yet sincere. "I love it. Every word is true."

    After a pause, she confessed, "Marrying you... it''s something I''ll never stop being grateful for."

    The instant the words slipped from her lips, something inside him stirred, a feeling too powerful to suppress.

    Though his expression remainedposed, his next words carried an

    unmistakable weight. "And why is that? What makes someone like me worth your gratitude?"

    Doubt lingered beneath the surface, an unspoken need for reassurance gnawing at him.

    Yet in the end, uncertainty kept him from pressing further.

    Before she could respond, he flicked something toward her. "Catch."

    Instinct took over as she reached out, fingers closing around the object before she even registered what it was.

    How could she not be grateful? He had been more than she ever dared to hope for.

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    Linsey blinked down at the handkerchief in her grasp, momentarily dazed.

    "Don''t get too ahead of yourself," Collin said, amusementcing his tone. "Save your tears forter. Once you get there with

    me, you''ll have a real reason to cry," Collin said.

    She hesitated, then asked, "Are you worried they''ll single you out? Do you think I''d ever be ashamed of you?"

    His movements stilled, his gaze returning to hers.

    Gone was the hesitation in her expression. Determination had taken its ce.

    Collin narrowed his eyes, his voice was unreadable. "Say that again."

    His reaction only strengthened her resolve. She lifted her chin and said firmly, "Collin, I''d never be embarrassed because of

    you. If anything, I''ll stand up for you. And if anyone gives you trouble, I''ll make sure they regret it."

    Collin arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You? Make them regret it?"

    "Absolutely. I''m capable of more than just words. If ites down to it, I won''t hesitate to use stronger methods. But don''t worry I won''t be reckless. I won''t make things harder for you." Linsey spoke with unwavering certainty.

    A quiet chuckle escaped Collin, amusement flickering in his eyes. She had to be joking. After all, the memory of her tear-

    streaked face was still fresh in his mind.

    If those tears returned, he wasn''t sure he would know how to soothe them.

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 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83 We Must Be

    Cautious

    At that moment, Collin had entirely forgotten Linsey''s sharp words during the argument with Dustin.

    "Just stay close and steer clear of any drama. Tonight, your main task is to assist with the wheelchair," he instructed in a level tone.

    Linsey raised her eyebrows in mild surprise. "After all the effort I put into looking fabulous tonight, that''s all you''re asking of me?"

    Hisposure briefly wavered, and the corner of his mouth twitched. "What? You think that task is beneath you?"

    "Not at all!" She quickly stood, positioning herself behind him. "I''ll do as you say, no questions asked."

    Watching herply so readily, Collin felt an unsettling twinge. He was wary that she might present surprises he hadn''t considered.

    This evening, his n was simply to introduce Linsey at the Riley family''s banquet as a formality. He had no desire to draw her into hisplicated dealings with them.

    The grandest hotel in Grester was alive with the hum of prominent figures from various sectors arriving in session, filling the space with animated conversation.

    "Happy birthday, Mr. Riley!"

    "Mrs. Riley, your son is so handsome. He''s destined for great things."

    d in avish gown, Fernanda responded with a warm smile. "Thank you. We missed having a proper toast at thest wedding banquet, so let''s make up for it tonight."

    Meanwhile, Huntley, the birthday boy, leanedzily against a wall at the back, visibly showing his impatience.

    As she spotted this, Fernanda''s mood soured. She summoned an assistant to entertain the guests briefly, then pulled Huntley aside with a stern expression.

    "Mom! What are you doing?" Huntleyined irritably.

    ¡°Be quiet!¡± Fernanda retorted sharply, her expression stern. "What did you promise me before? This is your birthday celebration! If you continue with this careless demeanor, I''ll have you removed from Grester!"

    Huntley scowled and tugged at his mother''s arm, his voice tinged with frustration. "Mom, I''m really tired. When does this start? I''m starving."

    Though she was annoyed, Fernanda''s tone softened slightly out of sympathy. "Just a bit longer. The guests are here for our family''s reputation, but you must treat them with respect. If word spreads of your rudeness, it could damage your image.

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    Huntley appeared unmoved and slightly arrogant. "So what? I don''t care about mingling with these people. I''ll take over the

    family business. Dad will never pass the inheritance to Collin, that cripple."

    Fernanda''s face softened briefly. "You''re not wrong."

    She frowned again after a moment. "But don''t underestimate Collin. Despite his paralysis, he''s be quite cunning. I thought I dealt with Haven, but Collin still got married first. If he has a child before you, it couldplicate things."

    Huntley scoffed. "Collin? That cripple? Who in town would want his child? Even if he does have a child, it will make no

    difference. I''m not concerned."

    "Still, we must be cautious," Fernanda advised, her brows knitting together.

    "Yeah, yeah, I understand," Huntley responded dismissively. ¡°Later, I''ll meet that woman and figure out a way to sway her. Maybe I can use her as a spy."

    As he spoke, Huntley looked toward the hotel entrance, puzzled. "Why hasn''t Collin shown up yet? He isn''t too afraid toe, is he?"

    Just then, a staff member rushed over to inform them, "Collin and his wife have just arrived."

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 he Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 84

    Chapter 84 Don''t Mind

    Them

    "Alright," Fernanda said with a graceful smile, gently tugging Huntley along. "Let''s go greet your brother."

    Huntley cast a skeptical nce at his mother, instantly recognizing her act as a performance for the gathered crowd.

    Despite this, a sense of irritation nagged at him. He often wondered why, even after all these years, his mother maintained such a guarded stance towards Collin.

    He was merely a man confined to a wheelchair,cking his father''s favor and devoid of any significant influence in the family. What threat could he possibly pose?

    Moreover, as his parents'' favorite son, Huntley felt demeaning himself to greet Collin was beneath him. Collin didn''t deserve such recognition.

    Nheless, the prospect of meeting Collin''s wife piqued his interest. With azy stretch, he straightened up, considering that he might find some amusement in witnessing Collin''s misfortunes firsthand.

    Across the venue, Linsey was diligently maneuvering Collin''s wheelchair through the crowd as they made their entrance.

    "Is that Collin Riley?"

    "Who else would it be? Apart from him, who is always confined to a wheelchair?"

    "Tragic, isn''t it? One ident, and his legs were taken from him. It''s a shame because without his disability, Collin could

    have achieved so much more."

    "Regardless, he''s clearly fallen out of favor with the Riley n. Not just with his father, but even the extended rtives

    seem to dismiss him. It''s obvious the heir''s title will fall to Huntley."

    Hearing these scornful whispers, Linsey felt a surge of frustration tighten her chest.

    She nced at Collin, who remained stoic, his face a mask of calm resolve. She didn''t need to strain to hear the murmurs; their content was clear enough.

    Before today, Linsey had only known snippets about Collin. Now, as she witnessed the disdain he endured, her sympathy for him deepened.

    Her teeth clenched in indignation, Linsey was on the brink of confronting the rude onlookers.

    However, at that moment, Collin gently captured her hand and redirected it towards the wheelchair''s handles.

    "Don''t mind them," he murmured quietly. "Remember, you promised to stick by my side."

    Before Linsey could reply, a sneering voice echoed from the front.

    "Collin, why are you sote?" Huntley strode confidently up to Collin, fixing him with a mocking stare. "Oh, right I almost

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    forgot. You can''t move around easily, so of course you''d bete. My mistake for overthinking-I almost thought you were

    too embarrassed to show up."

    Collin met Huntley''s gaze with a detached expression. ¡°What do I have to be afraid of?"

    Fernanda, who was trailing gracefully behind, overheard Huntley''sments and couldn''t suppress her smugness.

    She looked at Collin''s wheelchair and put on a show of sympathy. "Huntley, that''s enough. Collin is already coping with his

    disability. Don''t make it harder for him."

    Huntley gave a cold snort, then turned to the gathering crowd of guests and announced loudly, "Everyone in town knows

    that not long ago, Collin''s original fianc¨¦e ran away as soon as she saw his wheelchair. Left with no choice, he had to quickly find another woman to marry."

    Huntleyughed and then turned back to Collin. "Look at you, Collin. It''s been days since your wedding, and yet you''re still hiding your wife. Mom and I are both so curious¡ªwe really want to see what your new bride looks like. Although your legs are useless, you''re still part of this family. Surely someone of your status wouldn''t just marry anyone."

    As he finished, Huntley''s eyes roamed around Collin.

    His gaze suddenly fixed on Linsey, who stood quietly behind Collin. A look of surprise crossed his face.

    Who was this woman?

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 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85 Collin, Let Go

    Of Me!

    Huntley had never even thought of Linsey as Collin''s wife. He assumed she was just another guest there to watch the

    event unfold.

    "Collin, where''s your wife? Why don''t you introduce her to everyone?" While he said this, Huntley''s eyes boldly scanned

    Linsey.

    Who was this woman? Why hadn''t he seen her around before?

    She was unlike the overly adorned women Huntley was used to. Her features were fine, her manner even finer.

    He reminded himself to find out who she waster.

    Just as Huntley was lost in thought, he noticed Linsey move gracefully forward and take Collin''s hand gently.

    Collin looked at her, and his stern expression softened. Turning to Fernanda, he introduced her. "This is my wife."

    Huntley was taken aback. He couldn''t believe such a stunning woman was married to Collin!

    Before Fernanda could reply, Huntley eximed, "Collin, are you serious? She''s your wife?"

    "Yes," Collin answered without missing a beat.

    A theory formed in Huntley''s mind, and with a mocking smile, he teased, "Collin, you didn''t hire an actress to boost your image, did you?"

    Laughing, he turned to Linsey. "So, how much is Collin paying you to make an appearance here? I''ll double it."

    Linsey''s grip on Collin''s hand tightened. Before Collin could speak, she addressed Huntley in a cold butmanding tone. "I am not an actress. Collin and I are truly married. Your insinuations insult not just him, but me as well. An apology is

    due."

    Her boldness stirred the crowd.

    "Who does she think she is? She''s quite bold."

    "Does she know she''s talking to Huntley?"

    "How dare she demand an apology from him?"

    Huntley was visibly shocked by Linsey''s boldness. Heughed harshly and looked her over with disdain. "Do you have any

    idea who I am? How dare you speak to me this way?"

    "I know exactly who you are," Linsey replied, her face unflinching. "You''re Collin''s younger brother, which makes me your sister-inw. As a younger brother, is this how you should behave toward your elder brother and sister-inw?"

    Linsey paused, then let out a soft, meaningfulugh. "It seems your parents didn''t raise you right. What exactly have you

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    Chapter 85 Collin, Let Go Of Me!

    been teaching your son, Mrs. Riley? To raise him to act like this?"

    The room fell into a heavy silence at her words.

    Everyone stared at Linsey, shocked, her calm only making them think she might be out of her mind.

    Fernanda and Huntley were both stunned by Linsey''s sharp words.

    Huntley''s face turned a deep red with anger. He pointed at Linsey, his voice

    shaking. "You wretched woman! Say that again if you dare!"

    He stormed toward her, his anger boiling over.

    This sharp-tongued woman-he was determined to put her in her ce and show her who was in charge!

    But before he could reach her, his raised hand was caught mid-air by Collin. The grip was so tight that Huntley thought his

    hand might snap.

    "Ah!" Huntley cried out, his face going pale. "Collin, let go of me!"

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 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86 You''ve Always Envied Huntley

    Fernanda''splexion drained of color as she eximed, "Collin, have youpletely lost it? This is insane!"

    Her hand shot up as she was ready to call for help. "Somebody-"

    A shadow passed over Collin''s face, his tone razor-sharp as hemanded the room. "Who dares challenge me?"

    A stunned hush settled over the crowd. For too long, they had dismissed Collin as nothing more than a powerless man bound to a wheelchair-someone easy to overlook.

    Now, the air itself seemed to chill under his icy presence.

    His every movement, every nce carried the weight of absolute dominance, the kind that made even the boldest hesitate. A flicker of defiance in the guests'' eyes was swiftly extinguished, reced by a cold sweat of unease.

    Huntley''s wrist pulsated with pain, beads of sweat rolling down his face. His carefully chosen banquet attire now hung in wrinkled disarray, a pitiful contrast to his earlier arrogance.

    "Let me go! What do you want from me, Collin?" he ground out, voice shaking with a mix of pain and frustration.

    Disdain curled at the corner of Collin''s lips. "You should be asking yourself that question. I''ve tolerated your antics for years. But now, you darey a hand on my wife? Did you truly believe I would remain silent?"

    A few feet away, Linsey stood motionless, her wide eyes fixed on the unfolding

    scene.

    Only now did she grasp the reason behind Collin''s actions-he was standing up for her.

    Huntley, unwilling to yield, retorted, "She was the one being disrespectful! I was just nning to teach her a lesson!"

    The words barely left his mouth before Collin''s grip tightened. A strangled scream tore from Huntley''s throat.

    "Ah! Stop! It hurts! Let go of me!"

    Collin was unmoved by his agony, his voice remaining calm, yet unyielding. "Apologize. Now."

    Desperation overtook Huntley, his pride crumbling under the unbearable pain. "I was wrong! I''m sorry! I never should have disrespected you! Please, I was wrong!"

    Only now did the truth sink in-Collin wasn''t the man Huntley had believed him to be.

    Before this moment, he had never seen Collin truly angry.

    A few cruel words aimed at Linsey had been enough to trigger Collin''s fury. The sheer intensity of his reaction was infuriating.

    Though frustration burned within him, Huntley forced himself to keep apologizing, his voiceced with unsteady fear.

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    Collin held his gaze for a lingering moment before suddenly letting go.

    Another pained cry escaped Huntley as he crumpled to the floor, unable to even push himself upright.

    Fernanda rushed to his side, her hands trembling as she carefully inspected his injury.

    The angry swelling and deep redness on his wrist spoke volumes about Collin''s strength.

    "Have youpletely lost your mind?" Fernanda shouted, herposure shattered. The sight of her son in pain erased any restraint, her voice raw with emotion. "You''ve always envied Huntley. Is this your pathetic way of getting back at him?"

    Collin didn''t even blink at her usations, his tone cutting andced with mockery. "Since you refuse to discipline him, 1

    suppose it falls to me¡ªas his elder brother-to set him straight."

    Disbelief spread across Fernanda''s face as she stared at Collin, her mind struggling to process the scene before her.

    For years, she had kept a firm grip on him, convinced he was nothing more than a docile, powerless inconvenience.

    Lacking influence,cking fortune, and burdened by his condition, he had always seemed incapable of posing any real

    threat.

    Her wariness had been purely superficial, an instinct to keep him in check. The most she had ever feared was the possibility of him securing a marriage alliance with some influential family.

    Linsey remained an enigma to Fernanda. She had yet to uncover the woman''s origins or the family she belonged to.

    Yet, as her eyes locked onto Collin''s unwavering, icy demeanor, a deep and unshakable unease crept into her chest.

    This looming dread had nothing to do with Linsey or anyone connected to her. It was Collin alone who sent a chill down

    her spine.

    But that made no sense. Wasn''t he just a cripple?

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 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87 My Wife Can

    Protect Me Too!

    Fernanda had barely grasped the unfolding events when Huntley, gripping his arm, screamed in pain. "Mom! My arm hurts

    so much! Is it broken? Am I going to be crippled? Help me!"

    The question echoed in the guests'' mind. "Could it be true? Did Huntley really break his arm?"

    "This is just too much."

    Nearly drowned out by the surrounding murmurs, Fernanda called out urgently, "Doctor! Someone call a doctor!"

    The birthday banquet devolved intoplete chaos. Guests collided in their haste, adding to the frantic atmosphere.

    Amidst the turmoil, Collin took Linsey''s hand gently, urging her to lean in. He whispered, "Let''s go."

    Linsey paused, her surprise evident. Were they actually leaving now? The celebration had just begun.

    Observing her hesitation, Collin chuckled. "Clearly, neither Huntley nor Fernanda wants us here. They were just curious about you. Now that they''ve seen you, there''s no reason for us to stay."

    He smirked yfully. "Unless you''re dying to chat with them? But I doubt they have time for us right now."

    Fernanda preupied with Huntley''s distress, Linsey nodded. "Okay, let''s go." They quietly exited the chaotic scene.

    Once they were in their car, the evening''s events reyed in Linsey''s mind. She remembered how Collin had shielded her, sending a shiver down her spine.

    "That was really dangerous," she remarked, her concern clear. "You didn''t have to risk yourself for me."

    Despite Huntley''s rude actions, Linsey didn''t want Collin to get into trouble because of her.

    Fernanda was fiercely protective of her son. She was yet to make a move because she was distracted by Huntley''s injury.

    Yet, Linsey knew that Fernanda would likely plot some form of retaliation.

    Linsey thought Huntley was exaggerating. She had seen everything-Collin had been forceful, sure, but not enough to break

    any bones.

    Yet there was Huntley, screaming about being crippled, feigning agony while still hurling insults at Collin. It was

    exasperating.

    Noticing Linsey''s concerned expression, Collin chuckled. "If I can''t protect my wife, what kind of man am I?"

    He raised an eyebrow, his smile teasing. "Besides, didn''t you jump in to defend me earlier without thinking twice about the

    danger?"

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    Chapter 87 My Wife Can Protect Me Too!

    Linsey paused, meeting Collin''s meaningful gaze.

    Collin''sughter was gentle. "Who would''ve thought? My wife can protect me too!

    I definitely underestimated you. You''re

    braver than I realized."

    Caught off guard and a bit flustered, Linsey found herself unable to meet his eyes.

    "I wasn''t really thinking..." she admitted softly. "I knew about your family''s

    reputation, but witnessing their behavior

    firsthand tonight-I just couldn''t hold back."

    Taking a deep breath, she added under her breath, "If I knew we could''ve gotten

    away with it, I would''ve pped Huntley

    twice while I had the chance!"

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 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88 Collin Won''t Get Away With This

    Collin chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on Linsey, warmth flickering behind his usually indifferent eyes.

    "You don''t need to bother with people like that anymore," he murmured. "Huntley and Fernanda are not worth your time. And honestly, they''re not worth dirtying your hands over. No matter what happens, I''ll always protect you."

    But Linsey met his gaze, unwavering. "It shouldn''t just be you," she said, her voice steady, conviction clear. "We''re in this

    together. That''s what marriage is, right?"

    A yful glint danced in her eyes as she arched a brow. "And besides, do you really think I was scared of them? Please. Not

    even a little."

    She smirked. "I stood up for you. Put them in their ce. Bet that drove those bullies mad."

    Collin blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

    Never in his life had he expected to be the one protected-let alone by a woman.

    Something unfamiliar stirred inside him, warmth slipping through the cracks of a heart he had long believed was immune to such things. He couldn''t exin it, but today, again and again, Linsey had reignited something in him, something he thought had burned out long ago.

    He drew in a slow breath, pushing down the emotion threatening to surface. Instead, he simply said, "Alright."

    But deep down, he made a silent vow-no matter what it took, no matter the cost, he would shield Linsey from harm. She would never have to fight alone.

    After Linsey and Collin left, the once-lively birthday banquet unraveled into an awkward, hasty conclusion. Conversations fizzled out, guests exchanged uneasy nces, and tension hung in the air like an unshakable chill.

    Meanwhile, Huntley''s groans and wails echoed through the now-empty hall. Fernanda, however, remained unimpressed.

    How much damage could Collin-a man bound by his disability-possibly inflict?

    She knew her son well. Huntley had been coddled from the moment he could walk, turning even the smallest difort into an earth-shattering ordeal. She figured this was no different, just another dramatic outburst.

    But the moment they reached the hospital, and the doctor''s expression darkened mid-examination, Fernanda''s confidence wavered. She had been dead wrong.

    "The injury doesn''t look too severe on the surface. But the damage has already reached the bone. If the force had been any stronger, his hand could have been permanently crippled,¡± the doctor said, his voice measured yet grave.

    Fernanda''s breath hitched. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "H-how is that possible?" she stammered, fingers clutching the edge of her coat.

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    Huntley let out a fresh wail, his face contorted in agony. "That bastard Collin! I swear, I''ll make him bleed for this!"

    The doctor, methodically wrapping Huntley''s hand in bandages, fought the uneasy chill creeping up his spine.

    Whatever grudge these people had, it had spiraled into something far uglier than he wanted to be caught in.

    "Be gentle, damn it!" Huntley snapped, his face slick with cold sweat.

    "Yes, yes, of course," the doctor stammered, nodding hurriedly as he adjusted his grip, careful not to provoke another

    outburst.

    Fernanda hovered beside her son, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief, her heart twisting at the sight of his pain. But as she watched him, a flicker of unease crossed her face. "I really misjudged Collin," she muttered, barely above a whisper.

    Huntley clenched his jaw, rage simmering beneath his humiliation. The thought of being nearly crippled-by Collin of all people was unbearable.

    For as long as he could remember, Collin had been nothing more than a worthless shadow in the Riley family, a burden Huntley had long dismissed. He

    was the rightful heir. He was the one destined for greatness.

    But to be humiliated by someone he had always seen as beneath him? That was a disgrace Huntley couldn''t stomach.

    Huntley''s fury simmered just beneath the surface, his teeth clenched so tightly his jaw ached. "Collin won''t get away with

    this. And that woman-how dare she humiliate me? No one in town has ever spoken to me like that and walked away

    unscathed. They''ll both regret it."

    Fernanda''s lips pressed into a thin line, her voice measured. "Huntley, control yourself. Ivy is still around. She''s never liked

    me, and because of that, she''s kept her distance from you too. If she catches wind of this, she''ll take Collin''s side without

    hesitation."

    The mention of Ivy sent another wave of anger crashing through Huntley. His fists tightened, his expression darkening

    further.

    Huntley''s voice dripped with venom. "She''s the only reason Dad still hasn''t given me the heir position."

    He turned to Fernanda, frustration crackling in his tone. "Mom, do you have any idea how much we''ve put up with because

    of her? I''m done waiting!"

    Fernanda exhaled slowly, weariness creeping into her features. "We don''t have a choice, Huntley. Timing is everything. We

    endure for now, but when the right momentes-we strike."

    Every muscle in his body resisted, but Huntley gave a stiff nod. "Fine. I get it."

    The moment Fernanda stepped out of the room, his expression shifted, soft frustration hardening into something ruthless.

    If he couldn''t destroy Collin and Linsey outright, he would find another way to make them suffer.

    His fingers moved swiftly over his phone''s screen, each tap a silent promise of vengeance.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89 I hope I''m Not Intruding

    The next morning, Linsey stepped into the office, ready to tackle the day.

    She hadn''t even settled in when Cynthia strolled over, a smirk barely hiding her amusement. "Linsey, I heard you stayedtest night. Honestly, I half-expected you to call in sick."

    Linsey nced up from her desk, instantly picking up on the mockery in Cynthia''s voice.

    It was obvious-Cynthia had already decided she would fail this deal. This sudden show of concern was just an excuse to rub it in.

    Keeping her expression neutral, Linsey met her gaze and said coolly, "Cynthia, let''s not waste time pretending we like each other. We both know better."

    Tilting her head slightly, she said with a hint of amusement, "If I hadn''te in, who would have handled the client? You? Are you sure you''re up to the task?"

    A flicker of irritation crossed Cynthia''s face. Linsey had the audacity to question her abilities!

    Scoffing, Cynthia crossed her arms. "Don''t be so full of yourself, Linsey. Just because you''re confident doesn''t mean you''ll pull this off."

    "Actually, I know I will," Linsey replied without hesitation.

    Cynthia let out a sharpugh, her eyes shing with disdain. "Keep dreaming. Before you joined CR Corporation, you had no real experience. You only outperformed me in the interview by sheer luck. Do you really think that luck won''t run out?" Her voice dropped to a steely whisper as she added, "I''ll be right here when you finally crash and burn."

    With that, she turned on her heel and strode away.

    Defeated in their exchange, Cynthia chose to step back and watch events unfold.

    Once her morning tasks wereplete, Linsey reached for her phone and dialed Anthea kely, the client tied to her current deal, hoping to set up a meeting.

    Minutes passed, yet the call remained unanswered.

    Determined not to waste time, she made a decision after lunch-to visit Anthea''s home in person. A face-to-face introduction might give her the edge she needed. Unbeknownst to her, Anthea was already entertaining an unexpected visitor. Seated in the elegant living room was none other than Collin.

    "Mrs. kely, I hope I''m not intruding," said Collin, his tone courteous yet firm.

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    Chapter 891 hope I''m Not Intruding

    Caught off guard, Anthea blinked in surprise.

    With his demanding schedule, it was rare to see Collin in person. His sudden appearance today was certainly out of the

    ordinary.

    "Collin, what a pleasant surprise! Is there something on your mind?" Anthea asked with genuine warmth.

    With his usual politeness, Collin offered a small smile. "You''ve known my mother for years and watched me grow up. It''s

    only proper that I visit you."

    A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "In that case, why keep calling me Mrs. kely? Your mother and I were close. Just call me

    Anthea."

    Without hesitation, Collin obliged. "Anthea."

    As a servant ced a steaming cup of coffee before him, Anthea studied Collin with a knowing expression. "Few in town realize you''re the mastermind behind CR Corporation, but I''ve always been aware. You''re constantly tied up with work, so I imagine today''s visit isn''t just for casual conversation. Speak freely."

    A subtle nod preceded his words as he addressed her directly. "Anthea, you and your husband have shared a lifetime together. Your experience far surpasses most. There are some matters I''d like to discuss and hear your thoughts on." Marrying A Secret Zillionaire:

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    Chapter 90 That''s Quite

    Unusual For You

    Anthea was taken aback by what she had just heard. With a teasing smile, she responded, "Wait a minute, didn''t you use to despise even talking about marriage? I heard your grandmother''s been on your case about getting married for ages, and you always dodged the topic. So why are you suddenlying to me for advice? Are you seeing someone?"

    Her voice carried a yful undertone, but for the first time, Collin didn''t mind her digging into his personal life. Thoughts of Linsey brought a subtle smile to his lips, one he didn''t even notice forming.

    "Anthea, I''m already married," Collin revealed softly, his voice filled with a hint of contentment.

    Anthea froze, her eyes widening in shock. "Hold on, did you get married just to get your grandmother off your back?"

    Her face showed a flicker of disapproval and she was ready to scold him, but Collin quickly corrected her, "No, I''m serious about my wife."

    Though initially, Collin hadn''t nned to marry for love, his feelings for Linsey had deepened genuinely over time.

    He truly wanted to share his life with Linsey-that was why he sought Anthea''s counsel today.

    Anthea''s surprise turned into delight as she pressed on. "Really?"

    Seeing the earnest look on Collin''s face, she realized he wasn''t joking. He had truly gotten married, and he sincerely cared

    for his wife.

    Knowing Collin''s character, Anthea was certain he wouldn''t fabricate such a story.

    She quickly caught on and smiled. "So, you came here today because of your wife. I''m intrigued. Who is this woman who''s

    captured your heart enough to make you seek advice? That''s quite unusual for you."

    Collinughed gently, unfazed by her teasing, and slowly replied, "Her name is Linsey. She''s from a simple background, but she''s truly remarkable. She''s intelligent, kind, and has an amazing personality. I''m sure you''d like her too if you met

    her."

    Anthea had known Collin for years, and it was the first time she had heard him praise a woman like that. It was clear-he was deeply in love.

    With a yful smirk, she raised an eyebrow and challenged him. "Since you''re so smitten, why didn''t you bring her along to meet me today?"

    Collin''s expression dimmed slightly, and he frowned, appearing a bit troubled. "There are some things I haven''t been upfront about, and now... I''m not sure how to break the news to her."

    Anthea instantly blurted out, "You haven''t told her you''re the founder of CR Corporation, and you''ve also kept the fact that your legs have already healed, haven''t you?"

    Collin sighed and nodded, the weight of his secrets feeling heavier than ever. "Yes, you''re right," he admitted, his voice

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    Chapter 90. That''s Quite Unusual For You

    tinged with a mix of relief and apprehension.

    Anthea observed him thoughtfully, then said, "You know, the fact that Linsey chose you, even without knowing everything, really does speak volumes about her character. It''s clear she values the person you are, not what you have or your status."

    Perhaps it was something Linsey had done after they got married-something profoundly kind and genuine-that had truly made him realize he was falling for her, not just the idea of her.

    Seeing the worry etched across Collin''s face, Anthea couldn''t help but smile slightly. "I never thought I''d see the day when you''d be this flustered over anything. It''s quite a sight, Collin."

    He managed a weak smile, his usual confidence overshadowed by his current dilemma. "Anthea, honestly, right now, you''re the only one I can turn to for help.¡±

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 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91 Bring Your Wife

    Next Time You Visit

    Anthea reflected on how Collin had lost his mother at such a young age, feeling a deep sympathy for him.

    After a brief pause, she offered a reassuring smile. "What''s the big challenge here? Just be genuine and upfront, and Linsey

    won''t be upset for long."

    She then suggested, "If you''re nning to apologize, make it meaningful. Perhaps a romantic dinner by candlelight? Then

    you can open up and share the truth. Once everything is out in the open, all those misunderstandings will vanish."

    Collin was doubtful, raising an eyebrow. "Is it really that straightforward?"

    Antheaughed softly at his earnest expression. "You''re making a mountain out of a molehill. You have such a keen mind for business, yet you''re like a fish out of water with romantic matters."

    She let out a gentle sigh. "There''s no need toplicate things so much between spouses. The key is to be transparent and truthful with one another. The sooner you share the truth, the better it will be. Otherwise, you''re just going to hurt both her and yourself."

    As Collin absorbed her words, they seemed familiar.

    He realized Dustin had offered simr advice before.

    Having never navigated a serious rtionship, Collin felt unsure about how to truly care for a woman.

    Yet, understanding Linsey''s exceptional nature spurred him to want to treat her with the respect and sincerity she deserved.

    Initially, he hadn''t taken his rtionship with Linsey seriously, resorting to small lies to manage situations.

    Reflecting on it now, he regretted his earlier approach.

    He acknowledged that deceiving someone who hadmitted to him was wrong. With newfound understanding, Collin responded sincerely, "I get it now. Thanks." He stood, ready to leave. "I must go now, Anthea, but do take care of yourself." ustomed to his straightforward ways, Anthea simply nodded. "Bring your wife next time you visit."

    "Will do," he agreed.

    As Collin made his way out, Linsey was just arriving at the gate, unaware of his departure.

    When she stepped out of her car, a sense of nervousness washed over her.

    She remembered that Anthea had a long-standingmitment to charity work and was known for herpassionate

    nature.

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    Chapter 91 Bring Your Wife Next Time You Visit

    Yet, several designers who had previously worked with Anthea ended up getting pissed off, which puzzled her.

    Was there a misunderstanding?

    It seemed unlikely that someone as kind-hearted as Anthea would deliberately create difficulties for others.

    Determined to make a good impression, Linsey resolved to remain alert and secure the project at all costs.

    Securing this project was crucial for her to continue at CR Corporation and assist Collin in settling his substantial debt.

    As she thought of Collin, a warmth spread through her heart.

    Linsey clenched her fists, mentally steeling herself to remain strong. She was determined not to let anyone belittle or

    intimidate them.

    As she approached the house, her mind buzzed with various potential oues of the meeting.

    Suddenly, the vi''s gates opened, and a car started to exit slowly.

    Linsey paused and stared. Something about the car struck a familiar chord.

    Upon closer inspection, her heart skipped a beat.

    Was that Collin''s car?

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92 My Husband Is Quite The Ordinary Fellow

    As the car slowly moved away, Linsey emerged from around the corner. Her face wore an expression of deepening

    confusion.

    How peculiar. Why was Collin''s car pulling away from Anthea''s residence?

    Linsey''s brow creased; she was sure of her observation. That was unmistakably Collin''s car.

    However, before she could mull over it further, she noticed Anthea standing by the vi''s entrance.

    Recognizing her from photos, Linsey didn''t hesitate.

    She quickly made her way inside just as the vi gates were about to close and called out softly, "Mrs. kely!"

    Anthea turned at the sound, her gazending on Linsey''s bright, earnest eyes.

    It had been quite some time since Anthea had encountered such open sincerity. Anthea''s face softened into a smile. "May I know who you are? It appears we haven''t met. How do you know my name?"

    Facing her directly, Linsey sensed the tranquil presence Anthea projected.

    Surely, a person with such aposed air would not needlesslyplicate matters for designers.

    Feeling even more sure of some mix-up, Linsey stood taller.

    "Hello, Mrs. kely. We haven''t met, but I''m a new designer at CR Corporation. I wanted to discuss something with you personally."

    At this, Anthea''s fleeting smile disappeared, and her demeanor cooled. She turned away, saying briskly, "There''s nothing to discuss. Please leave."

    She signaled to the butler. "And make sure we stop all design orders with CR Corporation. I''m tired of their designers."

    "Understood, Mrs. kely," replied the butler.

    Rooted to the spot, Linsey was taken aback by the abrupt dismissal. She began to speak, but the butler cut her off.

    "Please, you need to leave now. Mrs. kely has no wish to see you."

    Watching Anthea walk away, Linsey called out, her voice filled with genuine concern, "Mrs. kely, is there perhaps some misunderstanding? It seems you''re hesitant to work with CR Corporation''s designers. But I assure you, my intentions are entirely sincere. I hope you might reconsider and allow me the chance to deliver a design that meets your standards."

    Pausing, she added, "I''m Linsey Riley, by the way. If you ever reconsider, you can find me at CR Corporation."

    At that, Anthea paused in her stride and turned around, eyebrows lifted. "What was your name again?"

    Chapter 92 My Husband Is Quite The Ordinary Fellow

    Caught slightly off-guard, Linsey replied, "Linsey. My name is Linsey Riley."

    Anthea, her interest piqued, turnedpletely around. A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes as she posed her question. "You seem like a fine young woman. Are you partnered or married?"

    Linsey was taken aback by the abrupt shift to personal territory, but she responded truthfully, "Yes, I''m married."

    "You must be married to someone well-known in town, right? Someone prominent? What''s his name? Perhaps I''ve heard of him," Anthea said, herughter light and teasing.

    Linsey blinked, slightly thrown by the question. "My husband is quite the ordinary fellow. His surname is Riley. His first name, well..."

    "What, you''re hesitant to share your husband''s name? Do you think he is an embarrassment?" Anthea inquired.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93 I Have No Other

    Motives

    The question was clearly too sharp, and Linsey''s slight frown showed her difort.

    She answered with calm resolve, "Mrs. kely, I don''t see it in the same light. However, my husband''s identity is a private matter and has no bearing on my professional life. I prefer to keep that information to myself."

    Anthea observed Linsey''s firm expression and her smile softened.

    "Don''t fret. I was merely curious. As I grow older, I find myself increasingly fascinated by the romantic endeavors of the younger generation."

    Linsey was taken aback, not expecting such an open acknowledgment from Anthea.

    "It''spletely fine, Mrs. kely," Linsey replied with a courteous smile.

    Anthea then nodded to the butler and said warmly, "Let the young designere in."

    She then turned and walked back into the house.

    Linsey''s eyes sparkled with surprise at Anthea''s swift change of heart.

    She followed the butler inside and took her ce on the living room sofa.

    "What would you like to drink?¡± Anthea asked, her gaze carefully studying Linsey. "Just water, thank you, Mrs. kely," Linsey answered, her tone polite.

    Soon after, a servant brought in a ss of water and set it before Linsey on the coffee table.

    After a moment of silence, Anthea ventured another question. "Do you know why I''ve been somewhat hesitant to coborate with designers from your firm?"

    Caught off guard, Linsey shook her head, indicating no.

    Anthea exined calmly, "The designers previously sent by yourpany would begin with precise questions about my design preferences. However, it wouldn''t be long before they shifted the conversation towards yourpany''s founder. I''m well aware that many in yourpany are aware of my stake in CR Corporation and that I''ve encountered your enigmatic

    founder."

    She then added, "It seemed that all the designers, both men and women, were keen on extracting information about him from me. Eventually, I grew weary of it and decided I didn''t want to engage with any more designers from CR Corporation."

    With a gentle smile directed at Linsey, Anthea concluded, "But after our conversation today, I can tell you''re different.

    That''s why I''ve decided to give you a chance."

    A wave of relief swept through Linsey, rxing the tension she had felt building.

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    Chapter 931 Have No Other Motives

    So that was the crux of the matter.

    "Mrs. kely, please be assured that I''m here solely to discuss your design requirements. I have no other motives," Linsey

    stated earnestly.

    Anthea''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Yourpany''s founder is shrouded in mystery, possessing considerable wealth. It seems everyone is keen to unravel his secrets and, if possible, forge some connection with him. Don''t you have even a hint

    of curiosity?"

    "I admit, the mystery surrounding our boss is intriguing. However, I truly have no hidden agendas. My only aim today is to

    understand your design preferences better," Linsey responded with sincerity.

    Anthea nodded, her smile carrying a hint of amusement. "We''ll see about that," she said, her tone implying a challenge.

    Linsey held Anthea''s gaze, aware of the underlying test in her words. She wondered if Anthea was still probing her real

    purpose for the visit.

    Hastily, Linsey added, "I hope it doesn''te across as trivial, but my husband and I are newlyweds, and deeply in love. We

    have a strong bond, and I assure you, there are no hidden motives on my part.¡± Anthea''s amusement grew with the unfolding situation.

    She hadn''t anticipated such developments-Collin had just departed, and now his wife appeared on her doorstep.

    And to her astonishment, Collin''s wife was a designer from CR Corporation.

    Anthea couldn''t help but muse on what Linsey''s reaction might be if she ever discovered that her husband was the

    enigmatic founder of CR Corporation.

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    Chapter 94 I''m Willing To

    Trust You

    Although she had taken a liking to Linsey, Anthea wasn''t one to rely on first impressions. She needed to see for herself if Linsey truly lived up to Collin''s praise.

    Easing the conversation back to business, Anthea offered a knowing smile. "Don''t worry. If I had any doubts about you, I wouldn''t have let you through the door."

    She let a beat of silence linger, taking an unhurried sip of her coffee before speaking again, her voice carrying quiet authority. "But let me be clear-my expectations for designers are upromising. I''m willing to give you a chance, but if you fall short, I won''t hesitate to walk away."

    Linsey met her gaze without wavering, a flicker of certainty in her eyes. "Mrs. kely, I have absolute confidence in my work. Trust me I''ll deliver results that won''t just meet your expectations but surpass them."

    Anthea let out a light chuckle. "I''ve lost count of how many times I''ve heard promises like that. If you want me to take this

    seriously, you''ll need to show me something real."

    Linsey barely hesitated before shing a confident smile. "That''s simple enough."

    She reached into her bag, pulled out a thick folder, and handed it over. "Mrs. kely, these are designs I''ve worked on in

    my free time. Some are unfinished drafts, but they should give you a clear idea of my skill and range."

    A glimmer of interest crossed Anthea''s face as she took the folder, flipping through the pages with careful scrutiny.

    Noticing Anthea''s focused expression, Linsey spoke with quiet conviction. "To bepletely honest, Mrs. kely, I''ve

    never taken on a client project before. You would be my first, and I don''t take this opportunity lightly. I truly hope you''ll

    give me this chance-I promise to deliver a design that surpasses your expectations."

    As Anthea flipped through the pages, admiration slowly flickered across her face, her initial skepticism fading.

    Truth be told, she had only considered giving Linsey a chance out of respect for Collin. But now, as she studied the depth

    of creativity in each design, she felt something shift. Linsey wasn''t just promising talent-she was proving it.

    The designs in the folder were arranged in chronological order, tracing Linsey''s evolution as an artist. The earlier pages

    were unpolished-skilled but still tethered to the influence of other designers. Yet as the pages turned, so did her confidence. Her strokes grew bolder, her lines more intentional, and her designs shed imitation, bing undeniably her

    Own

    The sheer thickness of the folder spoke volumes about her dedication. Every sketch, every revision, was proof of her relentless pursuit of mastery.

    Anthea took her time, flipping through each page with careful attention. When she finally reached thest design, she closed the folder and set it down, her expression unreadable.

    When Anthea looked up again, admiration flickered unmistakably in her eyes.

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    Chapter 94 I''m Willing To Trust You

    "Alright," she said, her tone firm yet measured. "I''m willing to trust you. Just don''t disappoint me."

    Linsey''s heart leaped. She nodded, determination gleaming in her eyes. "I won''t!"

    Not long after, she returned to the office, clutching the signed contract like a victory in her hands.

    The moment she stepped inside, Cynthia intercepted her, blocking her path.

    "Linsey, back so soon?" Cynthia sneered, her gaze sweeping over her with thinly veiled disdain. "Let me guess-you didn''t even make it past Mrs. kely''s door before she kicked you out. How embarrassing. You might as well start packing up your desk now. If you can''t secure this deal, there''s no chance you''re staying here."

    Before Linsey could respond, Coen stepped out of his office. Catching Cynthia''s words, he immediately assumed the worst.

    His frown deepened. "Linsey, did you even manage to meet with Mrs. kely? Looks like your skills aren''t as remarkable as I was led to believe. I expected better from the top candidate."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95 You''ve Done An Excellent Job

    Linsey nced at Cynthia, her expression serene, and retrieved a contract from her bag. "Coen, Mrs. kely has agreed.

    She''s already signed and even paid a deposit."

    Coen''s eyes widened with excitement as he took the contract from Linsey, leafing through it in astonishment. "You actually

    pulled it off!"

    Relief washed over him. Thepany had failed repeatedly to secure Anthea''s business, and he had nearly lost all hope.

    It was almost miraculous how Linsey had seeded this time.

    Cynthia, standing to the side, gaped at the document in Coen''s hands. After several deep breaths, she rounded on Linsey. "Linsey, failing would have been one thing. We wouldn''t have med you. But resorting to dubious methods to win Mrs. kely''s agreement? If word gets out, our team will face a huge

    embarrassment!"

    Linsey frowned and faced Cynthia. "What are you talking about?"

    Cynthia''s re intensified, her voice tight with anger. "You know what you did! No one from our team has ever closed a

    deal with Mrs. kely, yet you nailed it after just one meeting? I can''t help but wonder what shady tactics you employed!"

    Linsey smiled slightly and cocked an eyebrow. "Really? Why don''t you spell out these supposed shady tactics that convinced

    Mrs. kely to sign?"

    Cynthia, furious, struggled to find a concrete usation.

    Had their client been a man, perhaps she could have spun a scandalous tale about Linsey.

    But with Anthea, a well-respected woman in her forties, what could she possibly invent?

    Would she dare suggest Linsey seduce Anthea to secure the contract? Such a ludicrous suggestion would hold no weight.

    "Enough," Coen interjected, his tone final. He was clearly disinterested in pursuing Cynthia''s baseless ims. "The deal is

    sealed. That''s what matters."

    He regarded Linsey with evident satisfaction. "You''ve done an excellent job. It''s been ages since we''ve had Mrs. kely on board. Dedicate yourself fully to this project and showcase our team''s skills."

    Linsey nodded, her response crisp. "Understood, Coen."

    After a brief pause, Linsey added, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll head back to my desk and start working on the designs."

    Coen''s expression sobered. "Good. Focus on your designs, but remember to take breaks. I''ll arrange for some afternoon tea. If this project seeds, you''ll be our star designer-and you might evenplete your probation early."

    "Thank you, Coen. I''ll get to work now." Linsey collected Anthea''s contract and documents before turning to head back to her desk.

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    Chapter 95 You''ve Done An Excellent Job

    Coen watched her walk away, his mind already filled with visions of the des he would receive if the deal went

    through. He waspletely oblivious to Cynthia''s rigid expression.

    Cynthia clenched her fists, her whole body quivering with barely contained rage.

    A wave of panic washed over her.

    Linsey had secured Anthea''s approval. She had sorely underestimated Linsey.

    It was well-known within CR Corporation that Anthea had a special connection with thepany''s enigmatic founder. This had added to Coen''s urgency to secure her project.

    Previous designers had faced harsh rejections from Anthea, with some even resigning after their failures.

    Yet, Linsey had triumphed against all odds.

    How was this even possible?

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 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96 Linsey, I Miss

    You

    Cynthia couldn''t bring herself to ept the fact that Linsey had sealed a deal with Anthea.

    If Linsey used Anthea to ascend further in her career, she would steal Cynthia''s spotlight in the department.

    That simply would not do.

    A determined spark ignited in Cynthia''s eyes as she resolved quietly to herself.

    She had to tank this deal.

    On the other side, Linsey''s day was consumed by her desk, where she was intently preparing design proposals to meet

    Anthea''s stringent criteria.

    Typically, a designer would create various options after understanding a client''s preferences, providing them with choices.

    This could often lead to new ideas or additional requests from the client, necessitating a flexible and responsive approach

    from the designer.

    Given the substantialpensation offered by Anthea, it was clear why she demanded nothing short of excellence.

    Linsey was meticulous, focusing on every detail to guarantee the sess of this project.

    Once she delved into her work, Linsey lost track of time. After enjoying the afternoon tea Coen had thoughtfully provided,

    she wasn''t hungry and didn''t notice that the workday had officially ended over an hour ago.

    Her phone buzzed suddenly.

    Jolted from her focus, Linsey instinctively soothed her stiff neck, a result of hours spent hunched over her work.

    She picked up her phone and read a message from Collin asking, "When are youing home?"

    She scanned the quiet office; it was empty. Everyone had left, and she was thest one stillboring past normal hours.

    With a wry smile, Linsey thought about how pleased CR Corporation must be to have someone as dedicated as her.

    It wasn''t until she stopped working that she felt a wave of tiredness wash over her. Too exhausted to text, she chose to

    call Collin back instead.

    The phone connected swiftly, and without looking away from herputer, she asked, "What''s up? Is something urgent?"

    "Hm " Collin''s voice was warm through the phone, tinged with an undertone of seriousness. "Yes, it''s quite urgent."

    Linsey paused, anxiety creeping in. "What''s happening? I''ll be there soon. Just wait for me."

    She was about to hurry and pack up when Collin spoke again, his voice now serious yet gentle. "Linsey, I miss you. There''s something important I have to discuss with you in person."

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    Chapter 96 Linsey, I Miss You

    Linsey stopped in her tracks, her cheeks warming suddenly. She was caught off guard by Collin''s directness.

    When had Collin be so forthright? She wasn''t ready for this.

    "Okay, I''ll see youter," Linsey replied.

    After ending the call, Collin looked at his phone screen, his lips curving into a soft smile.

    He couldn''t pinpoint exactly when it began, but his emotions were deeply connected to Linsey now.

    Just the sound of her voice was enough to brighten his day.

    At that moment, the butler walked in with a cheerful demeanor. "Mr. Riley, the candlelit dinner is set. I''ve checked the

    roses and the record yer-everything is perfect."

    Collin snapped back to the present and smiled warmly at the butler. "Josh, thank you."

    "You''re wee, Mr. Riley. It''s my pleasure." Josh Gomez returned the smile, adding, "I''ve ensured that your evening with

    Mrs. Riley will be undisturbed."

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 Chapter 97

    hapter 97 You Seem Truly

    Happy

    Josh''s words sent a warm rush through Collin, and his smile grew brighter.

    "Alright, I understand," Collin responded.

    Josh, having observed the scene in silence, let out a nostalgic sigh. "Mr. Riley, to speak frankly, I once doubted you''d ever marry. But look at you now-not only married but obviously in love. Your grandmother would be overjoyed and so relieved."

    Collin blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?¡±

    "You seem truly happy," Josh replied with a warm smile.

    At those words, Collin chuckled, hisugh softening his usually reserved expression and making him appear more vibrant

    than ever.

    Happiness had transformed from a distant dream into his reality, all because of Linsey.

    "Had Grandma not insisted, I might never have met Linsey," Collin said.

    Before, Collin would have dismissed the idea of fate. Now, he was a believer, hopeful that it would continue to bless Linsey

    and his life with joy and peace.

    Following Dustin and Anthea''s advice was crucial-he knew he had to be utterly transparent with Linsey about everything.

    He pondered how she would respond to learning the truth.

    Regardless of her reaction, Collin was determined to face everything with bravery.

    Thinking of Linsey made him smile once more, his expression naturally lifting into one of genuine happiness.

    On the other side, Linsey had just finished a phone call. She inhaled deeply, steadying her nerves before she began to pack

    her bag and leave.

    As she exited her office, she collided with colleagues returning from their break.

    "Hey, Linsey, leaving so early today?" one quipped, noting her quick pace.

    A blush crept into Linsey''s cheeks as she remembered Collin''s words from earlier. "Yeah, aren''t you guys headed home yet?"

    One colleague sighed. "We''ve yet to finish today''s designs. We just had a quick dinner and walk, but now it''s back to work

    for us."

    Another colleague noticed Linsey''s flushed cheeks and grinned. "Looks like someone''s eager to get home to her husband,

    huh?"

    Theirughter filled the air as they teased her good-naturedly.

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    Chapter 97 You Seem Truly Happy

    Feeling the yful vibes, Linsey smiled and nodded softly. "Yeah."

    "Then go ahead! We''ll see you tomorrow!"

    ¡°Alright, see you. Make sure you all head home soon too,¡± Linsey responded.

    As she walked past her colleagues, one of them called out, "Oh, Linsey, just a heads-up-the streetlights in the park are out

    tonight. It''s really dark out there, so be careful, okay?"

    "Got it, thanks. I''ll just take a cab home instead of the bus," Linsey replied.

    When Linsey stepped outside, she saw the park cloaked in darkness. Some people were navigating with the help of their phone shlights.

    Approaching the park''s exit, she pulled out her phone to book a ride.

    For some reason, the signal was unusually weak that evening. Opening the app took forever.

    The surrounding noises gradually dwindled, and a shiver of cold ran up her spine. Her heart raced, prompting her to whirl around, but no one was there.

    She furrowed her brow, trying to shake off the unease, convincing herself it was all in her head.

    But as she turned back, Linsey gasped. Someone was suddenly in front of her. She froze, instinctively stepping back in rm.

    Before she could react further, the figure darted forward. In the darkness, they pressed a handkerchief against her mouth and nose, stifling her breath and any scream.

    "Help..." Linsey attempted to scream, but her voice was muffled, her vision dimming rapidly until everything went ck.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98 Why Did You Kidnap Me

    The sudden ssh of icy water shattered the silence, jolting Linsey awake with its chilling shock.

    Disoriented, she couldn''t tell how much time had slipped away, but the sharp sting of cold dragged her from the depths of

    unconsciousness.

    As she shook her head to dispel the grogginess, her blurry vision slowly began to focus.

    Only then did she realize the harsh reality of her situation: she was bound to a rickety wooden chair, coarse ropes biting into her skin. The room was dimly lit, the walls decaying and the air heavy with the musty scent of damp rot, making each breath a struggle.

    Panic started to w at her chest, tightening with every shallow breath, but before it could fully take hold, a voice cut through the eerie silence.

    "Linsey, you''re finally awake."

    Her heart skipped a beat as she turned her head around, her expression a mix of disbelief and fear. Felix stood there, walking toward her with a devilish smirk. His eyes roamed over her drenched figure with an unsettling intensity, sending shivers down her spine.

    "Felix! It''s you!"

    Linsey''s voice cracked, her mind racing with confusion and betrayal. How could Felix, of all people, be her kidnapper? Did he not understand the gravity of his actions?

    As her bound hands clenched into tight fists behind her, she red at him, anger searing through her confusion. "Felix, have you lost your mind? Why did you kidnap me?"

    Even as she faced him down, Linsey covertly worked the ropes against the chair''s jagged edge, her fingers nimble in their silent quest for freedom.

    Earlier that day, before stepping out of the office, she had assured Collin she would be heading straight home. By now, he would surely sense that something was amiss.

    Time was of the essence, and her mind raced to devise an escape.

    Meanwhile, Felix remained eerilyposed. A smug grin spread across his face as he approached, his presence looming. He reached out, his fingers mping coldly around Linsey''s chin, forcing her gaze to meet his. His touch was harsh, his eyes burning with a perverse delight.

    "Why else would I resort to this, Linsey?" His voice was a low growl, dripping with betrayal. ¡°You married Collin Riley. After five years, you just walked away from me. How could you expect me to just stand by and watch the woman I love choose someone else?"

    Chapter 98 Why Did You Kidnap Me

    With a sharp twist, Linsey wrenched her face from his grip, her eyes zing with defiance yet mindful not to let her anger cloud her judgment.

    The more she provoked him, the greater the risk of things getting out of hand.

    Regaining a sliver ofposure, she sighed deeply, her voice steady butced with urgency. "Felix, you have to let me go! Do you grasp the gravity of what you''re doing? Kidnapping is no trivial offense. If you don''t stop now, there''s no turning back. Do you truly want to throw your life away behind bars?"

    Her words seemed to glide off Felix like water off a duck''s back. His chuckle wasced with unwavering confidence as he leaned in, his eyes locking with hers. "Once we have sex, Linsey, you''ll see things my way. You won''t even think about leaving me again."

    LA

    His gaze darkened, the corners of his mouth turning up in a sly, unsettling smile. "Feeling a little... warmer now?¡±

    Linsey''s body stiffened in response.

    A peculiar and overwhelming heat flushed through her, sending a shiver down her spine.

    She caught the malicious sparkle in Felix''s eyes, and a wave of dread engulfed her.

    "What have you done to me?" Linsey''s voice came out hoarse and strained, barely above a whisper.

    Felix''s smile only broadened as he leaned in closer, his breath tinged with menace. "Just rx, it''s something to enhance the evening. I''ve been longing for this moment for too long."

    His tone turned scornful. "I know you married Collin, that poor cripple-there''s no way you two could get intimate. Tonight, I''ll show you what you''ve been missing out on. After tonight, you''ll be begging to return to me. I''m sure of it."

    When he was done talking, his grin twisted into something sinister, his confidence reaching new heights.

    In his mind, once he imed her, her heart would inevitably sumb to him.

    Driven by this conviction, Felix could no longer hold back. He lunged towards Linsey, his intentions clear and dangerous.

    "No!" Linsey cried out, her voice echoing with terror and defiance.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99 You''re Sharper Than I Thought

    Meanwhile, over at Vista Vi, Collin waited patiently for Linsey''s return.

    The thought of finallying clean to her made him unusually anxious.

    His heart pounded, each beat growing more insistent-like a drumline echoing his unease.

    He had lost count of how many times he had checked his watch.

    Time had never dragged this painfully before.

    Yet as the seconds crawled by, Linsey was still nowhere in sight.

    A nagging unease crept in, tightening around his chest.

    Collin knew exactly where Linsey worked, and Vista Vi wasn''t far. Even by bus, the trip should take no more than thirty

    minutes. There was no reason for her to be thiste.

    Frowning, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number, wondering if something hade up.

    If she was in trouble, maybe he could help.

    But the call went unanswered. He tried again. Then a third time. Still nothing.

    His expression darkened, frustration tightening his grip on the phone. With a sharp exhale, he called his subordinate.

    "Track Linsey down-now. I have a bad feeling something''s wrong."

    It wasn''t long before his subordinate called back.

    "Mr. Riley, the park''s streetlights were down for maintenance, leaving entire stretches in darkness. We pulled footage from nearby cameras-Mrs. Riley was ambushed at an intersection, knocked unconscious, and dragged into a car. We ran the tes. It''s her ex-boyfriend, Felix Wells. A team is already on his tail. We should have an update soon."

    Collin''s expression hardened, his entire presence taut like a coiled spring. "Get the car. Now."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley!"

    As Felix closed in, Linsey''s eyes burned with defiance. With a sharp breath, she wrenched free from the loosened ropes and

    dodged his lunge.

    Thrown off bnce, he crashed into the chair that had held her captive. "Ah!"

    He staggered upright, rage contorting his face. "You ungrateful wretch! You never know when to give up!"

    Linsey''s pulse thundered as her gaze locked onto a wine bottle perched on a nearby cab. She lunged, fingers curling

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    Chapter 99 You''re Sharper Than I Thought

    around the neck, ready to swing.

    But Felix was faster. His hand mped around her wrist, twisting viciously until pain shot through her bones.

    "Ah!" Linsey cried out as the bottle slipped from her grasp and shattered against the floor.

    Felix''s grin curled into something cruel, his eyes gleaming with amusement at Linsey''s struggle.

    "You''re sharper than I thought," he mused aloud. "Trying to escape? Clever. But pointless. You''re not going anywhere. Be a

    good girl and cooperate-maybe I''ll go easy on you..."

    Before he could finish, Linsey lunged. She sank her teeth into his arm, biting

    down with everything she had. Felix''s scream

    tore through the air.

    "Ahhh!"

    As Felix''s grip loosened, Linsey shoved aside the pain and whirled around.

    This was it-herst chance.

    She had to escape. She had to find help.

    Stumbling toward the door, she forced one foot in front of the other, every step draining what little strength she had left.

    Her ears rang. Her vision blurred. Consciousness dangled by a thread, but she willed herself to stay upright.

    She crashed into the door, hands fumbling for the handle. Twisting it frantically- nothing. Her stomach plummeted.

    It was locked. From the outside.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 100

    Never Leave Me!

    "Linsey, you''re dead meat." Felix''s voice boomed from behind her.

    As Linsey turned, Felix lunged forward, his fingers encircling her neck with a vice-

    like grip.

    The sudden tightness stole her breath, sending her head spinning. Panic surged through her as she futilely scratched at his unyielding hands.

    "Let... let me go..." Linsey managed to choke out, her words barely a whisper amidst her struggle.

    Felix''s eyes zed with fury, his face contorting into something truly menacing. "Linsey! You piece of shit! How the fuck

    could you do this to me?!"

    He shot her a murderous re,pletely unfazed by her pale, trembling face as he unleashed his rage. "For five years, Linsey, five years we were together! Not only did you leave me, but now you dare to hit me?" Felix''s voice rose,ced with

    scorn and incredulity. "You never fail to piss me off!"

    Linsey forced out her words between gasping breaths, defiance still clinging to her voice despite the pain. "Oh, please, Felix. You were the one who fucked up first. And now you''ve got the balls to act like I''m the viin? I swear, I never did you wrong in those five years. But tell me the truth-did you ever really treat me right?¡±

    Felix''s face twisted further as he stared into Linsey''s cold, indifferent gaze. "You''re just a woman! Learn your damn ce!" His voice was thick with contempt, every word striking like a p. "We barely broke up, and you''re already married to Collin, falling for him? That''s your biggest mistake!"

    Linsey''s disgust for Felix surged to an unbearable level.

    She refused to waste another ounce of energy arguing with someone whose logic was beyond ridiculous.

    Death loomed over her, yet she ceased her struggle, her voice still unwavering. "Collin is not only handsome, but he treats me with such genuine kindness. It''s obvious why anyone would be drawn to him. He''s way out of your league."

    Felix''s face reddened, veins throbbing at his temples as her words struck a nerve. A scream of rage tore from his throat. "And what makes me inferior to Collin? He''s nothing but a useless cripple! Even his own family treats him like trash! And

    yet, you have the audacity to say he is out of my league?"

    Indeed, the esteemed Riley family had little regard for Collin, especially given his paralysis that limited his mobility.

    Felix, on the other hand, believed his health made him superior.

    But Linsey''s blunt deration-that he couldn''t hold a candle to Collin-crushed his ego like a sledgehammer.

    With a fierce stare, Linsey shot back, her voice icy and sharp, "You are nothing more than a despicable jerk. Collin is far

    more of a man than you could ever hope to be. Comparing you to Collin is an insult to him!"

    Felix''s shout echoed through the room as he yanked Linsey further inside, his grip iron-tight.

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    Chapter 100 You Will Never Leave Me!

    "Let me go!" Linsey''s voice cracked, paincing her plea.

    ¡°Linsey, listen to me!" Felix''s voice roared with a possessive fury. ¡°You will never leave me! You are mine, whether you''re alive or dead!"

    He hurled her towards the ground, and she crashed onto the filthy floor, a harsh thud resonating in the air.

    Terror flooded Linsey''s senses.

    This couldn''t be real; this couldn''t be happening...

    }

    Just as Felix loomed over her, his hands reaching to tear at her clothes, the door burst open with an explosive bang.

    The sound shattered the sinister silence, snapping Felix''s focus from his vile intent.

    spun around, his face contorted with rage. "Who dares interrupt me?" he bellowed, but his words hung unfinished in the air.

    In the doorway stood Collin, his figure framed by the broken door.

    He wasn''t alone-a group of imposing men nked him, their stances radiating authority and menace.

    A look of utter disbelief twisted Felix''s features.

    What kind of bullshit was this? How had Collin found this forsaken ce?

    Wait a damn minute-wasn''t he supposed to be a fucking cripple? How the hell was he standing there like nothing was wrong?

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    Chapter 101 What If

    Someone Sees You

    Felix had no time to dwell on those thoughts.

    A brutal kick sent him hurtling through the air. He crashed against the wall with a sickening thud.

    Pain ripped through him. A raw, broken scream tore from his throat before everything went dark.

    Collin dropped to his knees and carefully gathered Linsey into his arms. Her hair was tangled, her clothes rumpled. "Linsey,

    can you hear me?"

    Regret tightened in his chest like a vice as his gaze swept over her pale face.

    Her vision blurred, the world slipping away. But seeing Collin''s face filled her with quiet relief.

    As her body ckened, the strange heat coiling inside her erupted-wild and uncontroble. A sharp gasp escaped her lips.

    Was this real, or just another trick of fear?

    Her fingers trembled as she reached for Collin''s face, hesitant, as if touching him might shatter the fragile illusion.

    "Collin..." Her voice was barely a whisper, raw and strained. "You''re finally here..."

    A faint, relieved smile flickered across her lips before her strength gave out. Her eyelids fluttered shut, and she sank into

    the quiet pull of unconsciousness.

    "Linsey!" Panic tightened his voice.

    Then he felt it-the unnatural heat radiating from her skin. The flush on her face deepened, her body burning hot in his

    arms.

    Collin''s eyes darkened. The realization hit hard-Linsey had been drugged.

    Without hesitation, he gathered her in his arms, holding her close.

    "Mr. Riley, how do you want us to handle him?" one of his subordinates asked, casting a wary nce at Felix''s motionless

    body.

    Collin''s gaze snapped to Felix, his bloodshot eyes zing with fury.

    "Give him exactly what he gave Linsey," he said, his voice ice-cold. "But don''t let him die. Leave him just breathing-make

    sure he knows what it''s like to beg for an end that won''te."

    The subordinate stiffened, a shiver running down his spine. He quickly lowered his head. "Understood."

    For the rest of the way, Collin held Linsey tight, his grip unyielding.

    Linsey waspletely unresponsive. No matter how many times Collin called her name, she didn''t stir.

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    Chapter 101 What If Someone Sees You

    When they reached the hospital, he moved with unwavering determination, carrying her straight into the examination room.

    Dominic Larson was already waiting, arms crossed in mild impatience. At the sound of footsteps, he sighed without looking up. "Collin, what''s the emergency? I''m supposed to be on vacation. One call from you, and here I am."

    But as he finally nced up, the words died in his throat. Collin stood beside the hospital bed, lowering Linsey onto the

    mattress with a gentleness that didn''t match the storm in his eyes.

    Dominic''s breath hitched. "Are you out of your mind? What if someone recognizes you?"

    As one of Collin''s closest friends, Dominic knew the truth-Collin''s so-called

    disability was nothing more than an borate facade.

    If the public ever found out, the fallout would be catastrophic.

    Dominic shot to his feet and strode to the door. He scanned the hallway, his pulse ticking faster until he confirmed they were alone. Only then did he exhale, shutting the door with deliberate care. When he turned back, disapproval tightened his expression.

    "Collin, I''ve warned you before¡ªI can''t promise my hospital is free of prying eyes. What if someone sees you?"

    His voice was edged with exasperation, but as he stepped closer, it was obvious- Collin wasn''t listening.

    Dominic stopped cold, his breath hitching at the worry carved into Collin''s face.

    Disbelief flickered in his eyes as he followed Collin''s gaze to the hospital bed.

    A woman.

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    Chapter 102 How Did She End Up Drugged

    "This..." Dominic''s voice caught, shock shing across his face.

    Before he could press for answers, Collin cut in, his tone sharp with urgency. "Not now. Just check Linsey. I think she''s been drugged-something serious."

    One look at Collin''s uncharacteristic panic was all it took. Dominic didn''t waste another second. Without a word, he rushed

    to arrange a full-body examination for Linsey.

    Meanwhile, Collin was ushered into Dominic''s office to wait, the weight of helplessness pressing down on him.

    The wait dragged on, stretching Collin''s patience thin. Restless energy coiled inside him as he paced the room, each passing minute tightening the knot in his chest. More than once, he nearly stormed out to check on Linsey, but Dominic''s stern warning kept him tethered, forcing him to swallow his impulses.

    He couldn''t shake the image-the way Felix had pinned her down, her helpless struggle. The memory yed on an endless loop, feeding the fire burning in his veins. Rage surged through him, raw and unrelenting.

    This was on him. He had failed her.

    If he hadn''t realized something was wrong in time... The thought alone made his stomach turn. He didn''t even want to

    consider how much worse it could have been.

    Also, the marks left behind at the scene told a brutal story-Linsey had fought back hard.

    Drugged, disoriented, yet still resisting Felix with everything she had...

    The thought made Collin''s breathing turn ragged.

    No. He had been too slow.

    He should have picked her up from work himself. If he had, none of this would have happened.

    Regret sank its ws into him, dragging him deeper into the dark. He sat there, lost in thought, the weight of his failure pressing down so heavily that he didn''t even notice Dominic stepping into the room.

    Sensing the heavy tension around Collin, Dominic hesitated before stepping forward. "I found traces of a drug in Linsey''s system," he said carefully. "Luckily, you got her here in time. She''s on an IV now, and after some rest, she should be fine. But..."

    His gaze flickered over Collin, taking in the rigid posture, the storm brewing beneath his expression.

    "Collin, what the hell is going on?" Dominic''s voice was edged with urgency. "How did she end up drugged?"

    His expression darkened, suspicion flickering across his face. "You didn''t do this to her... did you?"

    Collin''s jaw tightened, but he didn''t dignify the usation with outrage. Instead, his voice was eerily calm. "She was

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    kidnapped. I got her out and brought her here."

    Dominic''s expression stiffened. "Who the hell would dare pull something like this?"

    Collin exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "The bastard''s already been dealt with. It was Linsey''s ex-Felix Wells."

    Dominic''s frown deepened. He had heard bits and pieces about Linsey''s past from Dustin, but this? This was messier than he had expected.

    "Felix''s family runs a small, insignificantpany," Dominic said, his voice measured. "But the drug in Linsey''s system... That''s not something just anyone can get their hands on. If you hadn''t brought her to me, most doctors wouldn''t have even

    recognized it, let alone traced it back to its source."

    He met Collin''s gaze, eyes sharp with suspicion. "Which means Felix probably isn''t working alone."

    Collin''s initial panic over Linsey''s condition ebbed, giving way to a cold, calcting stillness.

    Felix alone couldn''t have pulled this off. That much was certain.

    The business park where Linsey worked had top-tier security. Random streetlight repairs, like the one tonight, were

    practically unheard of. This wasn''t a coincidence-someone had orchestrated it.

    Only a handful of people had the resources to execute something this precise. One name surfaced in Collin''s mind¡ª

    Huntley.

    Huntley himself wasn''t particrly cunning, but with Fernanda backing him, there were no limits to what he could do.

    Before Collin could voice his thoughts, Dominic spoke first. "Could it be Gorman?"

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    Chapter 103 Don''t Come Any Closer!

    When Collin heard that familiar name, his face immediately clouded over.

    With growing certainty, Dominic dered, ¡°In town, for every person trying to cozy up to you as the founder of CR Corporation, there''s another trying to knock you down-especially Gorman. He''s not only made tant attempts to poach resources from CR Corporation, but he''s also been probing your identity. He''s likely tried to take you down more times than we can count. Could tonight''s incident be his handiwork? Perhaps he unearthed something and orchestrated this as revenge?"

    Collin''s expression grew more severe.

    He had spent years posing as the ineffectual eldest son of the Riley family, all the while shielding his true identity as the head of CR Corporation. This ruse was designed to divert the Rileys, but chiefly to dodge the plots of Gorman Green.

    The persistent attacks from Gorman were one matter, but if Linsey was being dragged into this mess, Collin would not stand for it!

    Drawing in a deep breath, he spoke in a subdued tone. "I''m going to uncover who''s behind this."

    At that moment, Dominic''s assistant tapped on the door and informed them, "Dr. Larson, the youngdy should be waking

    up soon."

    Hearing this, Collin instantly put everything else out of his mind and made to check on Linsey.

    Dominic swiftly stepped in front of him, his tone urgent. "You can''t just walk out like that."

    He cast a quick nce at Collin''s legs and murmured, "Too many eyes are watching us here. For Linsey''s safety, you can''t let anyone see that your disability is merely a pretense."

    Collin paused, absorbing the caution in Dominic''s voice. "Understood," he murmured.

    Inside the hospital room, Linsey slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry as she stared at the stark white ceiling, her

    mind clouded with confusion.

    Where was she? What just happened? Why couldn''t she remember anything?

    A faint frown formed on her brow.

    Suddenly, a voice filled with relief spoke from beside her. ¡°You''re awake."

    A hand reached toward her forehead.

    As soon as Linsey saw the hand, she shed back to the image of Felix lunging at her.

    "Ah!" Her heart raced with panic, and she quickly pushed herself up, scooting back. She didn''t even notice the needle

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    slipping from her hand. "Don''te near me! Stay away!"

    The nurse, taken aback by the sudden outburst, asked, "What''s wrong?"

    The sight of the unfamiliar nurse''s face heightened Linsey''s anxiety. She shook her head, her eyes wide with terror. "Don''te any closer!" she cried out hoarsely.

    The nurse, noticing the blood starting to drip from Linsey''s hand, stepped forward. "Please calm down. You''re bleeding, I

    need to treat your wound."

    But Linsey, consumed by her fear, didn''t listen. As the nurse approached, her panic escted.

    "Stay away!" Linsey screamed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. Desperately, she turned her head and

    her eyesnded on a fruit knife on the nearby table.

    Without thinking, she snatched the knife, holding it out defensively. "Stay away! If youe any closer, I''ll... I''II...........¡±

    The nurse stopped, frozen in ce, unsure how to proceed.

    Fearing Linsey might harm herself, the nurse quickly exited to seek help.

    Just as the nurse dashed out, she nearly ran into Dominic, who was pushing

    Collin''s wheelchair. ¡°Dr. Larson! Please,e quickly! The patient is agitated, and I don''t know what to do!" she eximed.

    Collin''s eyes widened with concern. He propelled himself toward the room as fast as he could.

    Upon reaching the doorway, he saw Linsey, knife in hand, her face etched with fear.

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    COMPLETED

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    ove. COMES LATE

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 Chapter 104

    With growing certainty, Dominic dered, "In town, for every person trying to cozy up to you as the founder of CR Corporation, there''s another trying to knock you down-especially Gorman. He''s not only made tant attempts to poach resources from CR Corporation, but he''s also been probing your identity. He''s likely tried to take you down more times than we can count. Could tonight''s incident be his handiwork? Perhaps he unearthed something and orchestrated this as revenge?"

    Collin''s expression grew more severe.

    He had spent years posing as the ineffectual eldest son of the Riley family, all the while shielding his true identity as the head of CR Corporation. This ruse was designed to divert the Rileys, but chiefly to dodge the plots of Gorman Green.

    The persistent attacks from Gorman were one matter, but if Linsey was being dragged into this mess, Collin would not stand for it!

    Drawing in a deep breath, he spoke in a subdued tone. "I''m going to uncover who''s behind this."

    At that moment, Dominic''s assistant tapped on the door and informed them, "Dr. Larson, the youngdy should be waking

    up soon."

    Hearing this, Collin instantly put everything else out of his mind and made to check on Linsey.

    Dominic swiftly stepped in front of him, his tone urgent. "You can''t just walk out like that."

    He cast a quick nce at Collin''s legs and murmured, "Too many eyes are watching us here. For Linsey''s safety, you can''t let anyone see that your disability is merely a pretense."

    Collin paused, absorbing the caution in Dominic''s voice. "Understood," he murmured.

    Inside the hospital room, Linsey slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry as she stared at the stark white ceiling, her

    mind clouded with confusion.

    Where was she? What just happened? Why couldn''t she remember anything?

    A faint frown formed on her brow.

    Suddenly, a voice filled with relief spoke from beside her. "You''re awake."

    A hand reached toward her forehead.

    As soon as Linsey saw the hand, she shed back to the image of Felix lunging at her.

    "Ah!" Her heart raced with panic, and she quickly pushed herself up, scooting back. She didn''t even notice the needle

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    slipping from her hand. "Don''te near me! Stay away!"

    The nurse, taken aback by the sudden outburst, asked, "What''s wrong?"

    The sight of the unfamiliar nurse''s face heightened Linsey''s anxiety. She shook her head, her eyes wide with terror. "Don''te any closer!" she cried out hoarsely.

    The nurse, noticing the blood starting to drip from Linsey''s hand, stepped forward. "Please calm down. You''re bleeding, I

    need to treat your wound."

    But Linsey, consumed by her fear, didn''t listen. As the nurse approached, her panic escted.

    "Stay away!" Linsey screamed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. Desperately, she turned her head and

    her eyesnded on a fruit knife on the nearby table.

    Without thinking, she snatched the knife, holding it out defensively. "Stay away! If youe any closer, I''ll... P¡¯H.............¡±

    The nurse stopped, frozen in ce, unsure how to proceed.

    Fearing Linsey might harm herself, the nurse quickly exited to seek help.

    Just as the nurse dashed out, she nearly ran into Dominic, who was pushing

    Collin''s wheelchair. "Dr. Larson! Please,e quickly! The patient is agitated, and I don''t know what to do!" she eximed.

    Collin''s eyes widened with concern. He propelled himself toward the room as fast as he could.

    Upon reaching the doorway, he saw Linsey, knife in hand, her face etched with fear.

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    Rmended for yo

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105 Could You

    Check On Her

    Collin hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

    He had intended to reveal everything to Linsey, but recent events had seeded doubts in his mind.

    Would learning his secrets ce her in greater peril?

    Before Collin could reply, Linsey dismissed her suspicions with a chuckle. "I must be seeing things. You''re in a wheelchair -how could you possibly..."

    As she spoke, a grimace crossed her face, and she raised a hand to her temple. "My head''s starting to ache a little..."

    Reacting swiftly, Collin grasped her hand-the one affected by the IV needle-and called out, "Dominic, could you pleasee here?" His voice carried to Dominic, who had been watching the unfolding scene from the doorway, amused. "She''s in pain. Could you check on her?"

    Dominic entered immediately, assessing Linsey while a nurse tended to her hand where the IV had been ced.

    "It''s not serious," Dominic assured them after a brief examination. "Just a typical side effect of medicine. She''ll be fine with

    some rest."

    He handed a tube of ointment to Collin. "She''s got injuries. Make sure to apply this regrly."

    Collin was taken aback. "Why are you handing this to me?"

    Dominic rolled his eyes discreetly, muttering about Collin''s naivete before exining, "She''s got injuries-some minor, but others, like the ones on her back and arm, are quite severe. Do you expect me to apply the ointment for her? Aren''t you

    her husband?"

    Hearing this, Linsey felt a surge of difort.

    Though they were married, their rtionship had remained tonic.

    Collin had always resisted any assistance with personal tasks, such as removing his shirt, so how could he be expected to

    help with her wounds?

    With this in mind, she reached for the ointment herself, saying, "I''ll take care of it..."

    Her abrupt movement aggravated the wound on her arm, causing her to wince in pain and inhale sharply.

    The nurse intervened promptly. "We should apply the ointment now. She was too agitated earlier, which likely worsened it. Now that she''s settled, the pain is more noticeable,"

    Dominic gave the nurse a discreet thumbs-up for her timely assistance.

    "We''ll leave you two to it. If you need anything, just press the nurse button," Dominic advised, patting Collin on the shoulder as he led the nurse out and carefully closed the door behind him.

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    Chapter 105 Could You Check On Her

    The room suddenly felt more tense. Linsey nced at Collin, who remained silent, then made another attempt to reach for

    the ointment.

    Collin noticed her gesture and shifted to block her hand. "I''ll handle it. Don''t move."

    His face wasposed as he looked at her and said inly, "Take off your hospital gown. I''ll apply the ointment."

    Linsey''s cheeks turned a deep shade of red. She stuttered, "That''s... not appropriate..."

    Collin, his expression serious, countered, saying, "We''re married. What''s inappropriate about that?"

    Linsey bit her lip, her mind wrestling with indecision. Finally, she turned away from him and slowly began to loosen her hospital gown. With a resigned sigh, shey down on her stomach.

    Collin''s eyes briefly traced the curve of her slender waist, causing him to swallow hard for a moment.

    However, the sight of the bruises across her back brought him back to reality. One deep wound, in particr, looked freshly aggravated, and her arm was visibly swollen and reddened.

    His expression turned grave as he picked up a sterile cotton swab and started to apply the ointment with careful precision.

    Linsey felt the cool, tingling sensation of the ointment on her skin.

    "Don''t worry," Collin whispered softly, his tone low and soothing. His touch was gentle, each application of the ointment thoughtful and tender.

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106 I Swear I''ll Stay Away From Linsey!

    The room fell silent.

    Linsey turned her head slightly, sneaking a nce at Collin''s face. His serious expression held her gaze as he meticulously applied the ointment to her wounds, treating her with the precision reserved for precious objects.

    Her heart skipped a beat.

    "What''s wrong?" Collin caught her looking and paused, cotton swab in hand. "Did I hurt you?"

    "No, you didn''t." She quickly looked away, her cheeks warming.

    After he finished applying the ointment, Linseyy on her stomach, letting it dry.

    With her back to Collin, the only sounds were him cleaning up, the faint scrape of his wheelchair moving across the floor as he went to the en suite bathroom to wash his hands. He returned shortly.

    "The ointment has soaked in. You can put your clothes back on now," he announced. He hesitated, then added, "Don''t worry. I''ll look away."

    She responded with a murmur, cautiously dressing herself before lying back down.

    Collin stayed by the bedside, his usually detached eyes now showing a rare warmth as they rested on her. "Get some sleep. I''m right here. No one can hurt you," he said in a soft tone.

    Tucked under the warm nkets, she opened her mouth to say she wasn''t sleepy.

    Yet, it might have been Collin''s reassuring presence that enveloped her in a sense of safety. This newfound security slowly drew her into slumber. Her eyelids fluttered a few times before finally closing.

    After a while, he listened to the steady rhythm of her breathing, reaching out to snugly tuck the nkets around her. His gaze softened.

    But as he thought of the injuries that marred her body, a sh of cold fury sparked in his eyes.

    He vowed silently that Felix would pay for this.

    The basement at Vista Vi was enveloped in darkness.

    The night was deep, the air thick and suffocating within the confines of the prison.

    Echoing ominously through the silence, steady footsteps descended the staircase.

    Collin, tall and imposing, emerged at the corridor''s entrance. The guards stationed at the basement immediately advanced, their demeanor respectful. "Mr. Riley."

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    Chapter 106 I Swear I''ll Stay Away From Linsey!

    "How is Felix?" Collin''s voice was icy.

    One of the guards bowed his head, replying, "Per your orders, sir, we''ve kept him alive, just barely, awaiting your interrogation."

    Collin nodded slightly and strode forward.

    He soon reached Felix.

    Felix, blurred by pain and barely conscious, sensed someone approaching. He reflexively began to wail and plead. ¡°Sir, please, I''m begging you! Let me go! I won''t dare do it again! Please, just let me go!"

    His cries and pleas continued for a long while, but there was no response.

    Confused, Felix lifted his head, only to meet Collin''s icy, expressionless gaze.

    His eyes locked onto Collin''s clearly functional legs, sparking a surge of terror that stole his breath.

    "You... you''re not disabled," Felix stammered, his face a mask of disbelief.

    For years, nearly everyone in the upper echelons of Grester society had been led to believe that Collin was physically disabled.

    However, this had been nothing more than a meticulously crafted deception.

    Felix''s eyes flicked to the guards standing by, a chilling realization dawning upon him.

    Collin had deceived everyone. He had concealed his true capabilities, and the depth of his cunning was now terrifyingly

    clear.

    Felix''splexion turned ghostly pale. Trembling, he pleaded, "Collin, please, I''m begging you. Let me go. I swear I''ll stay

    away from Linsey! I''ll neverpete with you for her again!"

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107 Did He

    Seriously Just Wet Himself

    Felix''s howls were hoarse and grating, a clear indication of his profound fear.

    As his pleas intensified, he started banging his head against the floor, his blood, now mingling with the grimy dust, seeping into his open wound.

    A heavy silence engulfed the basement, so dense that the only sound was the thumping of his own heart echoing in his

    ears.

    Just when he thought he could no longer bear the oppressive quiet, a cold, mockingugh pierced the stillness from above. "You don''t even qualify topete with me for Linsey." Collin''s voice came slowly, each word slicing through Felix like a sharp de. "Considering what you did to her, you''re definitely going to pay the price."

    Felix shook his head in desperation, his eyes wide with panic as he tried to clear his name. "I didn''t mean to do anything to Linsey. I swear I didn''t have the courage! It was Linsey herself-she tried to seduce me. She tried to set me up!" A flicker of irritation crossed Collin''s face, his deep eyes narrowing slightly. Silently, he raised his foot, encased in a sleek, custom-made leather shoe, and mmed it down on Felix''s hand, eliciting a sharp cry of pain from him.

    "Which hand did you use to touch Linsey? Tell me," Collin demanded, his voice calm but threaded with a chilling menace. Felix''splexion turned pale, his body shaking from the intense pain.

    The force of the stomp was not enough to break him, but his body bore the marks of prior brutalities inflicted by Collin''s

    henchmen.

    The fresh pain was like salt rubbed into his already festering wounds.

    His agonized screams filled the basement, bouncing off the stone walls, yet trapped in this sealed underworld, unheard by

    the outside world.

    "Collin Riley!" Felix choked out, his voice hoarse with loathing. He looked up at Collin, fury contorting his features.

    Collin regarded Felix''s animosity with an icy detachment. "Both hands, then?" His voice was devoid of any emotion. "Well, if you can''t control them, you don''t need them."

    On his signal, two of his men advanced. One held Felix down against the cold, hard floor while the other seized his hand, twisting it cruelly.

    A horrific scream ripped from Felix''s throat as his hand was forcefully twisted, the sound of snapping bones reverberating like a tolling bell. His face lost all color, and he broke out in a cold sweat. His throat, already raw from his earlier cries, felt like it was tearing.

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    Chapter 107 Did He Seriously Just Wet Himself

    As hatred zed in his eyes, Felix red at Collin, his voice quivering with venom. "Collin! You''ll get what''sing to you!"

    "Continue," Collin ordered in a t tone, cutting him off without a trace of mercy.

    Momentster, one of his underlings forcefully snapped Felix''s other hand.

    Thepounded agony overwhelmed Felix''s body. With a final, guttural scream, he fell into unconsciousness.

    His respite was fleeting. Secondster, Collinmanded one of his men to douse him with a bucket of cold water.

    Felix''s eyes snapped open, he gasped for air, and his mind was foggy.

    "For every injury Linsey suffered, I''ll make you pay twice over," Collin stated, his voice low and ominous. "It''s too early for

    you to pass out."

    Trembling, Felix looked up, locking eyes with Collin. The unmistakable intent to kill in Collin''s gaze chilled him to the

    bone. His body started to shake uncontrobly.

    Soon, a foul smell filled the air. Collin''s men exchanged looks of disgust as they noticed the dark stain spreading beneath

    Felix, the sharp scent of urine mingling with the dank air.

    "Did he seriously just wet himself?" one muttered, his expression one of disdain. "That''s vile."

    Stripped of all dignity by his fear, Felix was beyond humiliation. He groveled, his voice broken as he pleaded, "Collin, I''ll

    never do it again! Please, I swear I won''t go near Linsey ever again! Just let me go!"

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108 Who

    Orchestrated The...

    Felix''s hands were crippled, leaving him no choice but to awkwardly prop himself up on his elbows. His appearance was the epitome of embarrassment and misery. Yet, Collin regarded him with icy detachment, devoid of any hint ofpassion.

    Collin''s piercing gaze prompted one of his men to step forward. The man''s voice was calm but carried an unmistakable edge. "We can release you, but only on one condition-you must answer Mr. Riley''s questions truthfully. If you even think about lying, be ready to face the consequences."

    A spark of hope flickered across Felix''s battered face, and he eagerly responded, "Ask anything! I''ll tell everything I know!" Without missing a beat, the subordinate pressed. "Who orchestrated the kidnapping of Mrs. Riley?"

    As the question hung in the air, Felix''s fleeting smile dissolved into a tense, wary expression.

    His eyes darted around, betraying his inner turmoil as he recalled the events from a few days earlier. It was Huntley, the ambitious second son of the Riley family, who had approached him with an offer to help him have his way with Linsey. Huntley had masterminded a vile scheme, concocting rumors designed to tarnish Collin''s and Linsey''s reputations far beyond their town of Grester. Collin''s wife, stuck with a worthless cripple, had eagerly spread her legs for someone else.

    The offer was too good to resist. Huntley assured him wealth beyond his wildest dreams, and it didn''t take long for him to

    take the bait.

    For years, he had wanted her. Now, not only could he finally im her, but he would be handsomely rewarded for it. There was no way he was letting this slip through his fingers.

    What Felix hadn''t anticipated was Collin''s unexpected arrival to save Linsey. More astonishing still was the revtion that Collin was not, in fact, crippled!

    As Felix assessed his precarious situation, he couldn''t shake the thought that despite Collin''s miraculous recovery, the vast Riley family empire would end up falling into Huntley''s scheming hands.

    Telling the truth now would be a death sentence-Huntley wouldn''t just let him walk away unscathed.

    With the weight of this knowledge pressing down on him, he straightened his back and stuttered, ¡°It... it was all my idea..."

    Collin interrupted him with a scornful chuckle, his voice icy as he dismissed Felix''s lies. "Go ahead, keep up the bullshit. You might as well rot here. You''re worthless to us now."

    Felix''s heart hammered in his chest as panic surged through his veins. He nced up to find Collin and his men already

    turning their backs on him, their steps echoing ominously in the empty room.

    A surge of adrenaline spurred Felix into action, his mind racing.

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    Chapter 108 Who Orchestrated The Kidnapping Of Mrs. Riley

    If he didn''t escape now, what bleak future awaited him?

    It was better toe clean.

    Once he was free, he could snatch his family and disappear into obscurity. "I''ll talk! I''ll talk!¡± Felix''s voice cracked as he yelled after Collin, desperation tingeing his words. "I swear, it was all Huntley''s idea! He forced me into this!"

    Collin halted mid-stride, tension crackling in the air. Slowly, he pivoted to face Felix, his expression darkening into a stormy glower. With a menacing calm, he fixed Felix with a steely re andmanded, "Go on."

    Felix inhaled sharply, his voice quivering as he admitted, "A few days ago, Huntley sought me out. He demanded that I kidnap Linsey. And then... then he insisted I make a video and leak it online. You know how the Inte feeds on the scandals of the elite. With just a nudge, the rumor of Linsey''s infidelity would ignite, spreading uncontrobly."

    He paused, his gaze flickering with a mix of fear and regret. "His n all along was to destroy you and Linsey, leaving your reputations in ruins."

    As Collin absorbed Felix''s words, his expression hardened into a cial mask of fury.

    For years, he had weathered the relentless underhanded tactics of Huntley and Fernanda without striking back.

    But their audacity to ensnare Linsey crossed a line beyond forgiveness. Witnessing the ominous storm brewing in Collin''s eyes, Felix shuddered, his words tumbling out in a desperate rush.

    "Collin, please, you have to believe me-it was all Huntley''s maniption! How could I defy the influence of the Riley family? I was powerless."

    He sped his hands together, pleading, "If there''s anyone to me, it''s your ruthless family. I promise, I''ll stay away from Linsey. Just... just let me walk away, and I''ll forget everything that happened."

    At that, Collin''sughter echoed low and menacingly through the room, sending a chill down Felix''s spine.

    "Stay away from her? Trust me, you won''t even have the opportunity to nce her way ever again."

    Felix, frozen in shock, felt a chill creep down his spine before blurting out, "What do you mean by that?"

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 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109 Ensure He''s Breathing

    Collin marched out, each step resolute and unforgiving, his voice cold andmanding as he instructed his subordinates, "Ensure he''s breathing. Then turn him over to the authorities."

    Felix''s eyes burned with rage as he bellowed, "Collin! You lying piece of shit! You broke your fucking promise, you goddamn bastard!"

    But Collin paid him no mind, his features sculpted into an impassive mask as he exited the basement, leaving Felix''s desperate cries echoing in the damp air.

    Outside, the crisp night air whisked away the acrid scent of blood that clung to Collin, as his thoughts shifted to his next problem: Huntley, his pathetic, fuck-up of a younger brother.

    Meanwhile, in the dimly lit confines of a bar''s private room, the air was thick with the intoxicating aromas of liquor and

    perfume.

    Huntley lounged casually, a cunning grin ying on his lips, as he nudged the woman nestled in his arms to drink more. She choked slightly, the alcohol searing her throat.

    "Is that all you can handle?" Huntley teased, his chuckle resonant as he set down his ss and tenderly wiped the dribble of wine from her lips with a flirtatious touch. "Just a couple of drinks and you''re already fading? Have you gone soft in just

    a few days?"

    "You''re so bad!" The woman retorted yfully, her gaze flirtatious. Her voice, sugary and teasing, carried a hint of reprimand. "Mr. Riley, you''re pushing too hard."

    As he caught her charming, delicate expression, Huntley''s spirits lifted. He yfully conceded, "Alright, alright, my mistake.

    To make it up, I''ll down three sses."

    She covered his hand with hers, her voice warm and tender. "There''s no need, Mr. Riley. It would break my heart to see you

    ufortable from too much drink."

    Huntley, clearly entertained by her yfulpliments, drew her in closer, their banter growing more spirited by the

    moment.

    "Mr. Riley, judging by that look, I''d say you''re in a pretty damn good mood today," she remarked, her voiceced with a teasing tone and her smile taking on a seductive curve.

    Huntley, his mind racing with the intricate details of his scheme, couldn''t help but burst into a fit ofughter. "Absolutely! Watching an idiot who dared to mess with me finally get what''sing? Now that''s something to smile about," he replied,

    his eyes twinkling with mischief.

    His excitement soared as he held her tightly. The n he had so meticulously crafted seemed perfect in his eyes.

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    Chapter 109 Ensure He''s Breathing

    Before he made a move against Linsey and Collin, he did his research-every weakness, every w, all ready to be exploited. Discovering that Linsey had recently ended things with her ex-boyfriend, Felix, who was still obsessed with her, was a

    golden opportunity.

    This tangled web of emotions was just what he needed. He covertly had someone contact Felix, cunningly persuading him

    to act against Linsey.

    Once Felix took the bait and stirred up drama, rumors would inevitably fly, suggesting a rekindled romance between him

    and Linsey.

    In a town like Grester, no woman of good standing would ever marry a man perceived as disabled and worthless like Collin.

    If Linsey screwed around on him, no one would me her-he was hardly worth staying faithful to.

    Such a scandal would devastate Collin''s reputation, rendering him unfit to challenge Huntley for the reins of the Riley

    family.

    Huntley nced at his watch, his impatience palpable. At this point, the scandal had likely spread like wildfire, thanks to the gossip blogs he hired.

    The sheer thought of Collin, his rival, bing theughingstock of the Inte sent a wicked thrill spiraling through him.

    "Let''s see the chaos unfold," he murmured, pushing away from the conversation, his fingers itching to unlock his phone.

    As he scrolled, his anticipation built, but his smile soon faded into a perplexed frown. None of the ounts he had paid off

    had posted a damn thing.

    Irritation knitted his brows tightly as he tapped out messages to the blogs, demanding an immediate exnation.

    He wasted good money on this, and these brain-dead assholes still couldn''t deliver.

    His phone buzzed with a response, snapping him back to the screen.

    "Mr. Riley, it''s not like we''re refusing to post it-the problem is, we never got the photos. Without visual proof, the story

    Huntley''s face darkened with a scowl. So, Felix was the one who fucked this up, huh?

    With a growl of frustration, he dialed Felix''s number, his mind racing with usations.

    That fool Felix was probably too entangled in his lustful escapades with Linsey to remember his duties.

    As the phone rang unanswered, a sinking feeling coiled in Huntley''s stomach.

    Could Felix have messed this whole thing up?

    Each unanswered ring echoed like a foreboding drum, amplifying his dread of a n falling apart.

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 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110 Were You Responsible For Felix''s...

    The thought jolted Huntley upright, surprising the woman who was close to him.

    "Mr. Riley, what is it?" she asked, momentarily taken aback, instinctively reaching out to take his hand.

    Huntley was overwhelmed by panic, his mind going nk. He impatiently pulled his hand away from hers and prepared to

    leave quickly.

    Just as he was about to leave, the door to the private room was suddenly kicked open. A group of police officers rushed in.

    The people inside the room screamed in terror, huddling into the corners, too frightened to utter a word.

    Huntley''s face paled as he stood frozen, watching the officerse towards him.

    "Huntley Riley, you are suspected of being involved in a kidnapping. Pleasee with us," one of the officers said.

    Huntley''s face immediately turned grim. He understood that Felix had not only ruined the n but had also turned on him.

    "On what grounds are you arresting me? I''m from the Riley family! You have no right to arrest me!" he shouted arrogantly, his voice booming through the room. "If you even touch me, my family will ensure you pay for it!"

    The officers, unaffected by his threats, remainedposed. The lead officer simply said, "Take him into custody."

    At hismand, several officers stepped forward and quickly subdued Huntley.

    "Let me go! Let me go!" Huntley struggled desperately, but the alcohol in his system made him weak and helpless. He was quickly handcuffed and taken away. In the hospital room, Linsey was already awake, watching the news on television. "Recently, police in Grester solved a kidnapping case. The suspect, Felix Wells, pleaded guilty and confessed that Huntley Riley was the mastermind."

    Linsey was slightly surprised, wondering if it was simply a coincidence.

    She picked up her phone and opened her social media app, quickly finding conversations about the case.

    "Stop guessing, everyone. The mastermind is Huntley, the second son of the powerful Riley family."

    ¡°Be careful, OP. This post might be taken down soon."

    "There''s no need for concern. With Huntley behind bars, it appears justice has prevailed. You can rest easy now."

    "Precisely. Now that the matter is resolved, even the influential Riley family can''t circumvent the legal system."

    ¡°Perhaps it''s just my intuition, but I suspect Huntley must have antagonized a very influential person to face such

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    Chapter 110 Were You Responsible For Felix''s Confession

    consequences."

    "It''s inconsequential. Kidnapping is a grave offense, and there are no

    justifications. I heard the victim was a woman, and

    she must have suffered immense trauma."

    As Linsey read through the onlinements, she still struggled to ept the reality of the situation.

    Had Felix truly confessed? It seemed entirely out of character for him.

    She ced her phone aside, her mind wandering back to the night Collin had rescued her. She vividly recalled seeing

    several figures apanying him.

    Was it possible that Collin had somehow orchestrated Felix''s confession?

    But how was Huntley''s arrest connected to all of this?

    Before she could fully process these thoughts, Collin entered the room, propelling his wheelchair.

    Noticing the worried expression on her face, he inquired with concern, "Is everything alright?"

    She gazed at him. Observing hisposed demeanor, she couldn''t resist asking, "I saw the news reports. Were you responsible for Felix''s confession? And Huntley''s arrest as well?"

    Collin rolled his wheelchair closer to Linsey''s bed, a questioning look on his face. "You think I''m capable of such a feat? My involvement was limited to directing Felix to the police station. The subsequent events unfolded due to their own investigation. It seems Felix couldn''t withstand the interrogation."

    Linsey''s suspicion lessened when she heard his exnation, although a subtle unease remained within her.

    "Huntley is implicated in this as well. If your family discovers the full extent of what transpired, won''t they retaliate against you, perhaps even attempt to coerce you?" Linsey voiced her concerns.

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 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111 I Need To Get

    Back To Work

    Collin noticed the worry etching Linsey''s features and felt a surge of

    He reached for her hand, holding it gently. His voice carried a warmth that filled the space between them withfort. "Don''t worry. As your husband, it''s my job to protect you. Just focus on your recovery. I''ll handle the rest."

    Linsey looked up, her heart skipping a beat as she took in Collin''s reassuring presence.

    She nodded slightly, her smile tentative yet trusting. "Alright. I trust youpletely."

    Locking eyes with her, Collin paused, the weight of her trust pressing upon him. He found himself reluctant to meet her gaze again.

    Herplete faith in him was clear, yet he was burdened with secrets he could not share.

    He longed to be transparent with her, but the threat of impending crises always seemed to snuff out that possibility.

    The menacing presence of Gorman, lurking in the background, was a constant threat.

    Revealing too much to Linsey could endanger her as well.

    He couldn''t tell her the truth, not yet.

    Taking a deep breath, he gripped her hand a bit tighter.

    Despite the secrets, he resolved topensate in other ways.

    As long as she remained safe at his side, he was ready to pay any price.

    Two dayster, Linsey''s patience with the hospital had worn thin.

    "Collin, I need to be discharged," she said.

    Collin responded immediately, "No, you''re not yet fully recovered."

    Linsey''s resolve was firm. "I''ve been here long enough. I need to get back to work."

    She was still in her probationary period, and any further dys could risk her position.

    Though her boss, Coen, had granted her a few days off after securing a crucial order, she could not afford to dy her return any longer.

    The project for Anthea wouldn''tplete itself.

    Seeing her unwaveringmitment to her job, Collin felt a mix of admiration and helplessness. "How critical is your job that yourpany can''t function without you? If that''s really the case, it doesn''t bode well for their future."

    Linsey bit her lip, wrestling with whether to disclose her secret. She worked for CR Corporation, the verypany to which

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    Chapter 1111 Need To Get Back To Work

    he owed a significant debt.

    She worried that revealing this truth might bruise his pride, so she had kept her employment at CR Corporation hidden

    from him.

    "I really need to go back, okay?" Linsey insisted with a note of urgency.

    Collin exhaled slowly, his concern evident. "What kind of work is it? Maybe I can help out a bit."

    Linsey paused, considering her words carefully. She decided it was safe to mention her client as long as she steered clear

    of revealing her employer.

    "It''s just an important client," she finally said.

    As she spoke, a memory shed through her mind. She recalled seeing Collin''s

    car leave Anthea''s vi on her first visit

    there.

    "By the way, Collin, how do you know Anthea kely? She''s my client this time, and I think I saw your car at her vi," she added.

    Collin was visibly taken aback, the connection catching him off guard.

    He managed to maintain hisposure as he exined, "Myte mother and Anthea were old friends. I was just paying her a visit that day."

    Linsey was surprised by this revtion.

    She knew that Collin''s biological mother had passed away many years ago and decided not to delve deeper, not wanting to stir up painful memories.

    Just as she was about to steer the conversation away, Collin looked at her intently. "People say Anthea has close ties to the founder of CR Corporation. Are you trying to use her to gather information about the founder?" he said.

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 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112 I''ve Nearly Cleared It

    Linsey waved her hands, quick and dismissive. "That''s not true. I really am not that much of a gossip."

    Feeling a bit helpless, she found it puzzling that both Anthea and Collin would think she was eager to learn who founded

    CR Corporation.

    Eager to clear any misunderstanding, she offered, "Besides, if my curiosity was that piqued, why would I bother asking Mrs.

    kely, who barely knows them, when I could just ask you?"

    "Ask me? Why?" Collin felt his pulse quicken, wondering if Linsey was onto something.

    Softly, she looked at him and suggested, "Well, you mentioned your massive debt to CR Corporation. With such a hefty sum,

    you surely must have met the founder. I''d think if I were them, I''d keep tabs on you now and then to ensure you hadn''t

    fled."

    Collin was silent, taken aback by her logic.

    The issue of the debt seemed to linger longer than he had hoped.

    Desperate not to be seen as a failure, he quickly fabricated another tale. "Linsey, about that debt... I''ve nearly cleared it. No

    need for you to worry."

    "That quickly? You''ve settled it?" Linsey''s eyes sparkled with surprise. "Collin, clearing $100 million is no minor feat!"

    His chest swelled with a strange pride.

    But why did he feel proud? The debt was fictitious.

    Tamping down his feelings, he insisted, ¡°Enough now. You should rest.¡±

    Linsey blinked, remembering her responsibilities. She dered firmly, ¡°I''m heading back to work. We''re not drowning in

    debt anymore, but that doesn''t mean we can ck off. Collin, try to stop me again, and I''ll be really upset."

    Her determination was clear, and Collin gave in. "Alright. Let''s sort out your discharge first. If you feel unwell, tell me

    immediately."

    If that were the case, he would take her straight back to the hospital. He was determined not to let her take unnecessary

    risks.

    Linsey saw through his protective stance but felt confident in her recovery. Her injuries were minor after all.

    Finally, she made her way back to the office, ready to resume her duties.

    When Linsey returned to the office, her colleagues immediately surrounded her,

    their faces etched with concern. "Linsey, how are you feeling?"

    "Are you OK? What happened? Coen made it sound quite serious a few days ago."

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    Chapter 112 I''ve Nearly Cleared It

    Linsey hadn''t disclosed her kidnapping, and the police had kept the victim''s identity under wraps. Hence, her colleagues.

    naturally assumed she had been ill.

    It seemed Coen had likely exaggerated the story since she had clinched Anthea''s order, showing how much he valued it.

    "I''m fine now, thanks, guys," Linsey replied, offering her colleagues a reassuring smile.

    "That''s good to hear."

    Just then, a piercing voice sliced through the warm chatter. "Linsey, isn''t it a bit too convenient that you ended up in the hospital right after securing Mrs. kely''s order? You didn''t do that on purpose, did you? Were you just stalling because you felt overwhelmed by the responsibility?"

    Linsey looked up to see Cynthia smirking at her, eyes filled with suspicion.

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113 Production Is Set To Begin Shortly

    There was no hint of embarrassment on Cynthia''s face; rather, her voice took on an even sharper edge of sarcasm.

    "What''s the matter? Was I wrong? You''ve been away for so long, it''s been aplete waste. With Mrs. kely''s deadline fast approaching, I''m sure you''ll be begging for an extension," Cynthia taunted, her tone thick with derision. "But let me remind you, Mrs. kely doesn''t do second chances."

    Harsh as Cynthia''s words were, they held truth.

    Linsey understood that an extension from Anthea was not on the table.

    Their colleagues looked on, exchanging nces filled with concern for Linsey. "Cynthia''s got a point, Linsey. Time isn''t on your side."

    "Coen really let you take such a long break? Did he forget to mention this?"

    "Linsey, perhaps you should ask Coen for help. He''s spoken with Mrs. kely before; he might be able to advocate for you."

    "With just a few days left, you need to wrap up the design and kick off production. It''s a tall order for anyone."

    In response to the mix of real and feigned worry, Linsey replied with aposed smile, "Don''t fret over me. I''vepleted the design and have been in touch with Mrs. kely. Production is set to begin shortly."

    Her colleagues were visibly impressed.

    "Really? Linsey, that''s remarkable!"

    "Working through your hospital stay? That''s dedication."

    "No wonder you topped the interview. Impressive, indeed." Cynthia, on the other hand, frowned at Linsey''s confidence. With a scoff, she strained the office atmosphere even further.

    "Linsey, don''t get ahead of yourself. Just because you''ve finished the design doesn''t mean you can rx. You''re still a novice with no practical experience. Designing is one thing; managing production is an entirely different challenge. We''ll see where you end up when this project goes south," Cynthia said with a sneer.

    The room was steeped in awkward silence. Colleagues exchanged uneasy looks, each hesitant to break the tension. No one

    ventured a word.

    Yet Linsey remained unruffled. She fixed her gaze on Cynthia and spoke with deliberate calm. "Thank you for the reminder. You''re right-tackling such a major project solo is daunting. That''s why I intend to consult Coen and involve a few skilled.

    colleagues."

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    Chapter 113 Production Is Set To Begin Shortly

    Turning to her coworkers, Linsey asked with courtesy, "Would any of you be interested in joining me on this project? I assure you, your contributions will be recognized in your performance evaluations."

    Her offer immediately brightened the faces of those she addressed.

    "Really?"

    "Linsey, are you serious? I''d love to work with you!"

    "This is fantastic! Thanks for this opportunity!"

    "Count me in, Linsey. We''ll put our best effort into it."

    No one in the office was willing to let such an opportunity slip. This project with Anthea, a client renowned for her generosity, promised significant rewards.

    Not only couldpleting her project bring thepany substantial benefits, but

    it was also likely to secure a handsome bonus for each team member.

    Moreover, Linsey had already finished the design; only the production phase remained.

    With her preparationplete and a capable team behind her, even the looming deadline seemed less intimidating.

    A wave of excitement swept through the group. It was an unexpected chance, akin to striking the lottery.

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114 Work Can Wait Until Tomorrow

    Linsey''s colleagues quickly voiced their agreement. Watching them, she smiled, her expression sweet and unassuming. "I really have to thank Cynthia for the reminder. If not for her, I wouldn''t have thought of this solution at all."

    Her words had the intended effect. The group turned to Cynthia with appreciation.

    "Cynthia, thank you. Without you, we wouldn''t have had the opportunity to work on Mrs. kely''s project."

    Cynthia''s face stiffened. She had never imagined that so many of them would get the chance to participate in Anthea''s project-except for her.

    "You..." She had the urge to call them out for being opportunists.

    Frustration red in her chest, but with no outlet for it, all she could do was turn away, her expression dark with irritation.

    Linsey hadn''t exaggerated. She had finished the design on time.

    Even when she was hospitalized from her injuries, she had never let Anthea''s order slip from her mind.

    Before the kidnapping, she had already organized the initial design materials, and ideas hade easily.

    Confined to a hospital bed with nothing else to do, she made use of the time, sketching out several drafts between

    treatments.

    After a few days, she finally convinced Collin to let her be discharged. The moment she was out, she contacted Anthea and

    finalized the design online.

    So when she returned to thepany, she could begin creating the final product without dy.

    Many assumed Linsey was just a neer with little real-world experience.

    She agreed.

    That was why she followed Cynthia''s advice and sought help from a few colleagues.

    CR Corporation was one of the most respected names in the industry. Its designers were some of the best.

    During the production process, they generously shared valuable techniques with

    her.

    In return, they had the opportunity to contribute to Andrea''s project-an impressive addition to their resumes.

    And Linsey, in turn, learned a great deal.

    Even after a long, productive day, her enthusiasm didn''t wane.

    Later, as she sat down for dinner at Vista Vi, her mind remained on the project,

    still sorting through design details.

    A tter pulled her from her thoughts.

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    15:57

    Chapter 114 Work Can Wait Until Tomorrow

    Collin ced more food onto her te. "Eat. You just got out of the hospital, and your body''s still weak. You need proper

    nutrition."

    Linsey blinked, momentarily lost, then obediently picked up her fork and finished her meal.

    "I''m done," she said, wiping her mouth and standing up.

    Collin''s

    gaze followed her. "Where are you going?"

    She hesitated only briefly before answering honestly, "I just had some new inspiration. I want to go back to my room and

    refine the design."

    "You''re working overtime?" He stared at her.

    Linsey shifted slightly, feeling a bit uneasy. "Well... it''s not really overtime. I''m just wrapping things up. It won''t take long."

    Collin took a deep breath.

    In the past, people had always told him to take it easy, to stop working so much and rest.

    He never listened. He found their nagging irritating.

    Now, for the first time, he truly understood what it felt like to worry about someone else.

    But he still felt her situation was different from his.

    He had always been in good health. A little extra work never hurt him.

    But she was different.

    She had just been through a dangerous kidnapping, her body still recovering from multiple injuries.

    She hadn''t even spent much time in the hospital beforeing back to work.

    Thinking about it only made him more concerned. His tone left no room for debate. "After dinner, take a walk and then

    rest. Work can wait until tomorrow."

    Linsey pressed her lips together. She didn''t hesitate for long before agreeing. "OK. I''ll go rest in my room then."

    After all, herputer was in her room. It wouldn''t take much time to finish a little work.

    Collin studied her carefully, his doubt growing at how quickly she agreed. "You gave in too easily," he said. "You''re nning to sneak in some work once you''re in your room, aren''t you?"

    Linsey hesitated for a moment, then sighed helplessly. "How can I make you believe me?"

    She understood his concern came from a good ce. That was why she didn''t feel annoyed.

    Collin thought for a moment before replying. "I''ll keep an eye on you myself. From now on, you''ll move to the master bedroom and we''ll sleep together."

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 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115 Sharing A Bed

    Is Only Natural

    Linsey went rigid, shock crashing over her like a wave. For a moment, she wasn''t even sure she had heard him right.

    "What? Say that again." Her voice barely rose above a whisper, uncertainty threading through the words.

    Collin''s expression didn''t shift. His tone stayed level, unwavering. "I said, move into the master bedroom. We sleep

    together."

    Her breath caught. A tremor crept into her voice. "You''re serious?"

    Was this really the same Collin?

    The day she moved in, he had been livid, his fury sharp enough to cut. He hadn''t just refused her presence-he had all but

    thrown her out.

    And now here he was, casually suggesting she move in and share a bed with him.

    The shock on her face didn''t escape him. A strange, unshakable tension settled in his chest-an emotion he couldn''t quite name. Still, his expression remained as unreadable as ever.

    "We''re married. Sharing a bed is only natural." As if sensing her hesitation, he turned sharply to Josh and gave a firm order. "Josh, have someone pack Linsey''s things and move them into my room."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," Josh responded swiftly. As he turned to leave, the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

    He had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever.

    Linsey had been living in Collin''s vi for days, yet only now were they finally sharing a room.

    They were both adults. With no barriers left between them, it was only a matter of time before their rtionship took the

    next step.

    Maybe, before long, they would start a family.

    The servants worked with quiet efficiency, and soon, all of Linsey''s belongings were transferred to Collin''s room.

    As they finished their walk, Collin turned to Linsey. "You should go ahead and wash up first."

    She clung to his words like a lifeline, grateful for the excuse to escape. Springing to her feet, she hurried toward the

    master bedroom.

    It wasn''t her first time stepping inside, but somehow, tonight felt different. A quiet tension settled in her chest.

    Collin''s room, much like the man himself, was cold in its restraint-stark, meticulously arranged, with not a single unnecessary detail. Muted shades dominated the space, devoid of warmth or brightness.

    Yet beneath its calcted minimalism, the room carried his presence: cool,manding and unshakable.

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    Chapter 115 Sharing A Bed Is Only Natural

    Standing in the middle of the room, she felt an odd, almost suffocating sense that he had a hold on herpletely.

    Her eyes snapped open in rm as the thought hit her.

    "Stop it. You need to keep it together. Now that we''re sharing a room, I have to be careful. I can''t let him see how caught

    up I am in his good looks."

    She gave her cheeks a light, hurried pat, as if trying to physically shake the thoughts away.

    Moving to the wardrobe, she opened it-and froze. Her clothes were neatly arranged beside his, their presence filling the

    space.

    Each of their clothes upied half the wardrobe, as if it had always been this way.

    For some reason, seeing their clothes hanging side by side stirred a soft, almost sweet feeling in her chest.

    Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom, determined to wash off the tension.

    When she emerged, freshly bathed, her eyes immediately found therge bed- and her heart skipped a beat.

    Should she lie down before Collin came back?

    Maybe then, she could sidestep the awkwardness that lingered between them.

    Before she could settle on an answer, the door swung open with a quiet creak. Collin wheeled himself in, the sound of the

    door clicking shut behind him breaking the fragile stillness.

    "Done with your shower?" Collin''s gaze flicked over her briefly, lingering on the soft, bear-print pajamas that seemed so

    out of ce in the room. Then, without a trace of hesitation, he uttered the words that knocked her off bnce. "Take off

    your pajamas and lie down on the bed."

    Linsey''s eyes shot wide, her mind scrambling to catch up with the suddenness of it all.

    She had steeled herself for this moment, prepared for the inevitable. But his bluntness still caught her off guard, sending

    a rush of heat to her cheeks.

    They hadn''t been intimate on their wedding night. She had known that eventually, they would have sex.

    But this? It was too fast. Too soon. She had just moved into his room-couldn''t they at least have waited a day or two?

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 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116 Collin, Enough Already!

    Linsey''s heart hammered in her chest, her voice quivering as she hesitated. "Does... does it really have to happen so quickly? I... I''m not ready yet."

    Collin''s eyebrows drew together in a slight frown, perplexity coloring his tone. "What exactly do you think you need to prepare for?"

    Her cheeks red up, the red blooming vividly against her paleplexion.

    Linsey averted her gaze, her fingers nervously ying with the hem of her pajama top as she whispered, "I''m still a virgin. Naturally, I need a moment to... to gather myself."

    Collin paused, his expression unreadable for a fleeting moment. As he observed her timid and flustered state, realization dawned on him about the misunderstanding.

    He struggled to maintain hisposure, yet a chuckle escaped him, breaking through his usually reserved demeanor and filling the room with warmth.

    Linsey stared at him, bewildered and slightly hurt. "Why are youughing?" she demanded, her voice tinged with

    vulnerability.

    How could he find humor in her anxiety?

    Collin quickly smoothed his features, although the twinkling in his eyes betrayed his lingering amusement.

    He maneuvered his wheelchair closer to her side of the bed, and with a gentle, almost teasing gesture, he lifted the tube of ointment for her to see. "Linsey, what on earth did you think was happening?" he asked, his voice soft yetced with mischief. "I only needed you to take off your pajamas so I could apply this ointment."

    As Collin spoke in his deliberate, measured tone, Linsey''s eyes widened dramatically.

    Her gaze locked onto his with a mix of shock and mortification.

    She hadpletely misinterpreted his words. Collin hadn''t meant any of it!

    The seconds stretched endlessly as her cheeks blushed a vivid crimson, lending her an unexpectedly charming air.

    He watched her, captivated by her flustered demeanor. His resistance melted away, and he couldn''t help but chuckle softly,

    a teasing sparkle in his eyes.

    Linsey, sinking further into her flustered state, wished fervently she could just vanish.

    Why did she always manage to make a fool of herself whenever Collin was around?

    Shame shed across her face, but it didn''t take long for irritation to take over. With an annoyed stomp, she closed the distance, mped her hand over his mouth, and red. "Collin, enough already!"

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    Chapter 116 Collin, Enough Already!

    Though she aimed for sternness, to Collin, she resembled a feisty kitten trying to roar. Her earnest attempt at severity only

    made her more endearing.

    Still chuckling, he caught her hand and gently pulled her into hisp with a yful tug.

    "Linsey, are you really this eager to have sex with me?" he teased, his voice a blend of mischief and surprise.

    Seated in his wheelchair, he gripped her wrist firmly yet tenderly, the other hand resting lightly on her back. Despite his

    gentle hold, she feltpletely ensnared by his presence.

    His lips curled into a rare, yful smirk, his eyes twinkling with uncharacteristic boldness. "So, this was on your mind the whole time, huh? I had no idea you wanted me like that," he murmured, his warm breath brushing against her neck,

    sending yful shivers down her spine.

    Her cheeks med even hotter at his words, her heart pounding in her chest. Embarrassment surged through her, making

    her eyes water slightly, turning them a deeper shade of red.

    "I''m not eager at all-not in the slightest!" She attempted to wriggle free from his grasp, but her efforts proved futile. She retorted with feigned indignation, "I''m just worried that my charm is too much for you to resist, and you might get carried away."

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of thoughtful amusement. "Charming, indeed," he agreed, his voice

    rich with humor.

    She parted her lips to fire back, scrambling for a sharp retort,pletely brushing aside her momentary awkwardness.

    However, Collin''s calm and matter-of-fact acknowledgment only made her feel more bashful.

    His gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks, and he felt a tightness in his throat, a sudden, overwhelming urge to kiss her...

    100

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117 Don''t Leave

    Me

    Collin inhaled sharply, reining in the unruly impulse that threatened to break hisposure.

    With an earnest expression, he reassured Linsey, "Your injuries are still mending. Believe me, I''m not some beast devoid of restraint. I''ll keep my hands to myself."

    After a brief pause, he eased his grip just a little and chuckled lightly. "So, what''s it gonna be? Myp or the bed while I rub this ointment on you?"

    Startled from her reverie, Linsey quickly scrambled off hisp and turned her back to him, opting for the safety of the bed. She felt her cheeks warm with a fierce blush as she silently removed her pajama top andy facedown, trying to calm the pounding in her chest.

    The subtle sound of Collin''s wheelchair approached, the quiet rumble a sharp contrast to the silent tension hanging in the

    air.

    Linsey couldn''t see his expression, her focus entirely on the chilling sensation of the ointment as he gently applied it with a cotton swab to the healing wounds on her back.

    The room was enveloped in a hushed stillness, broken only by the asional soft clink of the ointment jar.

    Soon, Collin finished his gentle tending.

    As he capped the ointment, he advised softly, "Put your top back on. Don''t risk a chill. Try to get some rest early tonight." Linsey responded only with silence, swiftly pulling her pajama top over her head and burrowing under the nket without

    a backward nce.

    Her deliberate avoidance spoke volumes-she was not ready to talk to him. Observing her stiff back, a silent testament to her stubbornness, Collin couldn''t help but let out a gentle chuckle. His face showed a mix of fondness and resignation as he shook his head and turned his wheelchair to leave the room.

    Exhausted from the day''s relentless demands, Linsey finally sumbed to thefort of her bed.

    As she nestled her face into the soft folds of the nket, a subtle scent, unmistakably Collin''s, enveloped her, soothing her

    frazzled nerves.

    Her eyelids grew heavy, her breaths deepened, and soon, she was lost in the tranquil embrace of sleep.

    In the shadows of the room, Collin remained awake. Seated at a desk cluttered with documents, he worked diligently, the

    only light a pair ofmps casting a warm, amber glow over his solitary figure.

    Aware that Linsey had drifted off, he moved with deliberate quietness, the rustle of paper softened by his gentle touch.

    His eyes, however, frequently strayed from the documents before him to the serene figure on the bed. The sight of Linsey,

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    Chapter 117 Don''t Leave Me

    her silhouette a soft curve under the nket, stirred something within him.

    After countless nights of solitude, the simple reality of her presence was both novel andforting.

    Of all things, he hadn''t expected to find someone sleeping so calmly this close to him.

    As the clock ticked on, Linsey shifted restlessly, the nket slipping away. Noticing this, Collin abandoned his papers and rolled his chair closer to the bed, his concern evident.

    Reaching her side, he paused, taking in her pained expression-eyes squeezed shut, features contorted by some silent

    agony. There was no doubt about it-she was being haunted by something in her sleep.

    An uneasy feeling gripped his heart, sinking deep. Tentatively, he reached out, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder in

    a silent offer of reassurance.

    "Don''t..." she murmured, her voice fraught with vulnerability. Her fingers clutched at his, gripping them tightly as she pleaded in a hoarse whisper, "Don''t leave me... Please, stay with me."

    A trace of distress flickered across his eyes as he watched her.

    Without a moment''s hesitation, he sped her hand, eased himself out of the wheelchair, andy down beside her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

    "No need to be scared. I''ll never leave you," he murmured, his lips lingering softly on her forehead.

    Linsey''s furrowed brows smoothed out as she absorbed his words.

    Almost instinctively, her arms encircled him, her body pressing closer, seeking sce in his

    presence.

    During their tender embrace, her abdomen unintentionally brushed against his thigh, causing Collin to stiffen, his body taut with sudden tension as he fought the urge to pull away.

    A soft, startled whimper escaped Linsey when she sensed him retreating, and she clung to him even more desperately, her body molding tighter against his.

    This renewed contact elicited a low, hoarse groan from Collin.

    He inhaled sharply, his eyes darkening as they settled on her serene, sleeping face.

    The rhythmic cadence of her breathing lulled him, yet he could not bring himself to disturb her slumber.

    Trapped in a tumult of emotion, he steeled his resolve, forcing the rising tide of desire to recede. With closed eyes and a deep, steadying breath, he fought to clear his mind.

    That night, while Linsey slept deeply, Collin remained awake, his restless vigil marked by a storm of emotions he struggled

    to contain.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118 The Phone Is Buzzing

    The morning sun filtered into the room, and Linsey''s eyelids fluttered open, the weight of sleep still clinging to them. For

    a few disoriented seconds, she simply stared at the fabric of the shirt inches from her face, gradually realizing it was

    Collin''s chest she was using as her pillow. A wave of nervousness swept over her.

    With a cautious, barely perceptible movement, Linsey lifted her head to peek at Collin, who remained deeply asleep beside

    her.

    Her mind raced with questions. When had he joined her in bed?

    How had she failed to notice his presence until now?

    And when exactly had he enveloped her in his arms?

    She nibbled her lower lip anxiously, feeling the heat rising in her cheeks.

    Despite herself, her gaze lingered, bing transfixed on Collin''s peaceful face.

    In sleep, his usual facade of sharpness and distance melted away, revealing an expression of serene calmness that belonged

    only to him.

    The gentle warmth emanating from his body enveloped her, sending her heartbeat into a fluttering, erratic rhythm.

    She debated internally whether to rouse him, torn between prolonging this rare moment and the necessity of starting their

    day. Her deliberation was abruptly cut short by the low, persistent buzz of a vibrating phone.

    Linsey''s eyes darted toward the sound and she noticed Collin''s brows twitch in the barest hint of disturbance, signaling he

    was waking up.

    For a fleeting instant, Linsey wished the world outside could remain at bay, just a little longer.

    Seeing Collin so undisturbed was a rare and unexpectedly endearing sight she hesitated to interrupt.

    With a determined air, she carefully propped herself up on one elbow, attempting to lean over him to snatch the phone

    from the bedside table to silence its insistent buzzing.

    Yet, as she extended her hand, a husky voice halted her in her tracks. "What are you doing?" he murmured, his tone a

    blend of curiosity and amusement.

    Turning back, she found herself caught in his deep, prating gaze, sending an inexplicable shiver cascading down her

    spine.

    "The... the phone is buzzing," she stammered, her voice faltering as she hastily retreated to her own side of the bed.

    However, before she could put any real distance between them, he pressed his hand firmly against her lower back, drawing her back against his chest with a possessive tightness.

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    16:01

    Chapter 118 The Phone Is Buzzing

    He inhaled deeply, his breath warm on her neck, his voice even raspier as hemanded, "Don''t move."

    Frozen, she dared not twitch a muscle.

    A mixture of disbelief and surprise flickered in her wide, glistening eyes.

    Trapped in his embrace, she was keenly aware of his body''s reaction pressing against her.

    Wait...

    The moment she registered the nature of his pressing urgency, her cheeks burned with a fierce blush.

    She remained motionless...

    Collin held her gaze for a charged moment before finally grabbing the phone, his movements fluid and decisive.

    His subordinate''s voice crackled through the speaker. "Mr. Riley, there''s an urgent meeting this morning."

    "Got it," Collin responded, his voice a low, steady hum. "I''ll be there shortly." Despite the calm in his voice, his embrace tightened around Linsey, betraying his inner turmoil with an intense, almost overpowering closeness.

    After he hung up, he shifted his gaze back to her, his expression softening as he looked down at her, still nestled against him. "I need to take care of something today. Why don''t you stay home and rx?"

    She blinked up at him, confusion clouding her features. ¡°But it''s the weekend. Do you really have to leave so early? Is it that urgent?

    "Yes," he replied, his voice firm, yet his arms remained wrapped around her, holding her close as if he couldn''t bear to let

    1. go.

    She bit her lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. "So... what about now?" Her eyes darted downward, her question hanging heavily in the air between them. Collin was silent for a heartbeat, then replied, "I''ll manage. A cold shower should do the trick."

    He started to shift, gently easing her aside as he made to sit up.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in concern. The morning air was biting-what if he ended up catching a cold from that icy water?

    As he moved towards his wheelchair, she reached out impulsively, her fingers brushing his. "Wait."

    He paused, turning to face her, his expression inquiring.

    Taking a deep breath, she mustered her courage. "I''m your wife, Collin. It''s only

    natural for us to be close. You don''t have to keep your distance... I can give you a handy." Her voice was soft.

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 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119 Are You Feeling Alright

    Collin''s gaze darkened in an instant, a surge of longing flickering beneath the surface like smoldering embers.

    "Linsey, do you truly understand what you''re saying?" he asked.

    After voicing her thoughts, Linsey felt a wave of relief wash over her. She steadied herself, her expression calm as she responded, "I''m your wife. It''s only natural I want to be here for you, isn''t it?"

    There was something in her words, a quiet yearning for connection, that stirred within her as well.

    Collin studied her, his eyes searching, his voice softer than before. "Are you sure? I won''t ask you for anything you''re not

    ready for."

    Linsey''s cheeks flushed, but she stood firm, her resolve clear. "Yes, I''m sure. And I won''t look back."

    He took a steadying breath, then suddenly turned, moving with purpose. Before she could react, he gently pressed her back, his presence enveloping her, and a soft gasp escaped her lips.

    His voice, low and intense, brushed against her ear. "I told youst night. I wouldn''t rush anything until you were fully healed. After all, I''m not some kind of monster."

    The memory of their misunderstandingst night flooded back, and a wave of embarrassment swept over her once again.

    Then, with surprising tenderness, he cupped her cheek in hisrge hand, his touch warm against her skin.

    "But now..." His voice deepened, and there was a hint of something unspoken. ¡°I suppose I''ll have to break that promise."

    She lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushed with a soft, unmistakable shyness.

    Collin watched her, his eyes lingering on her flustered expression. A strange sensation stirred deep within him.

    Before long, their breaths came in sync, a quiet connection growing between them.

    Linsey closed her eyes, and then, as if by instinct, she felt his long fingers gently threading through her hair, his touch tender and lingering.

    The cool air outside blended with the warmth between them. Tentatively, Linsey reached out, her fingers brushing against him, only to pull back immediately, as if jolted by an electric shock.

    A low, husky chuckle escaped him, his breath warm against her ear.

    The heat between them red, undeterred, and her body instinctively curled in response to the intensity.

    She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, anchoring herself to the overwhelming presence he exuded.

    He quieted every sound she made, his entire being opening to her without hesitation.

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    Chapter 119 Are You Feeling Alright

    With a slow, careful motion, Linsey opened her misty eyes, brimming with unspoken emotion, and met his

    gaze.

    His eyes, dark and intense, held her captive. The force of them quickened her heartbeat, making her feel as though she might be swept away by the storm brewing within him.

    His low, breathy moans lingered in the air, making Linsey nce at her palm in confusion. The warmth there grew, gradually intensifying, until it felt as though she could barely control it.

    She had expected everything to be over quickly, but it wasn''t until an hour had passed that she found herself pushing Collin''s wheelchair toward the car parked at the entrance of the vi.

    For some reason-though she couldn''t tell if it was her imagination-she couldn''t shake the lingering sensation of warmth, her hands and arms still faintly tingling.

    Later that day, when Collin arrived muchter than usual, his assistant, noticing his condition, stepped forward with concern. "Mr. Riley, are you feeling alright? If you''re not up to it, we can always reschedule the meeting."

    Collin shot Linsey a look that was both knowing and satisfied, as if he had just indulged in the most exquisite meal.

    "I wasn''t feeling my best earlier," he said, his voice casual, almost nonchnt. "But my wife took good care of me."

    Linsey froze, her mind struggling to catch up with his words. Meanwhile, the assistant, clearly impressed, couldn''t help butment, "Wow, Mrs. Riley, you really have a way with things. I had no idea you were also skilled in... healing."

    Whether or not Linsey was truly a doctor, the assistant couldn''t be sure. But one thing was undeniable-Collin''s admiration for her was unmistakable, and praising her was always a safe bet.

    Linsey''s thoughts quickly drifted back to the heated moments from earlier. Embarrassed and irritated, she stamped her foot down on Collin''s, hoping to release some of her frustration.

    She knew he couldn''t feel anything below his knees, so it was a harmless way to let off steam.

    But to her surprise, he gasped sharply, causing her to freeze in shock.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120 Don''t Get Your Hopes Up Just Yet

    "Are you alright?" Linsey rushed over to Collin, her face etched with worry. After a moment of stunned silence, she asked

    in confusion, "Are you in pain? Can you feel anything in your feet?"

    Collin''s heart skipped a beat. He realized he had identally revealed something he shouldn''t have.

    Linsey hadn''t actually stepped on his foot that hard. But in a moment of spontaneity, he had instinctively decided to tease

    her, briefly forgetting that he was still pretending to be unable to walk.

    He furrowed his brows slightly, unsure of how to exin this to her.

    Should he tell her the truth now? But if Linsey found out, it would only put her at greater risk.

    Linsey, unaware of his inner turmoil, noticed his conflicted expression and suddenly had a realization. Her face lit up with

    excitement. "You can feel something! Does this mean there''s hope for your legs to heal?"

    She grinned, grabbing his hands earnestly. "Collin, it seems like there''s a chance you might be getting some feeling back in

    your legs!"

    Linsey didn''t overthink it. She simply assumed Collin was just as surprised as she was by the unexpected sensation.

    After all, he had been struggling with his disability for so many years-it was only natural that he would long to stand on

    his own two feet again.

    Collin looked at the uncontainable joy on her face, and his emotions became incrediblyplicated.

    He knew without a doubt that her happiness stemmed entirely from her concern for him.

    However, there were too many urgent issues to deal with, and he had no choice but to continue the charade.

    Pressing his lips together, he regained hisposure and offered a small smile. "It''s just a faint sensation. Don''t get your

    hopes up just yet. My doctor once mentioned there was a possibility I could recover, but it''s been almost ten years, and

    there hasn''t been any real improvement. So, I try not to get my hopes up."

    Linsey''s smile wavered, and she softly said, "I understand."

    A pang of sympathy resonated within her, but she recognized that the weight of this burden must be far heavier for him

    than for herself.

    Therefore, she resolved to steer clear of the subject, unwilling to inflict further distress upon him. With this intention in mind, she summoned a smile and said gently, "It''s alright. Go attend to your work."

    Collin nodded in acknowledgment, bid her farewell, and with the assistance of his assistant, settled into the car before swiftly departing.

    Observing the car vanish into the horizon, Linsey felt a spark of hope rekindle within her heart.

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    Chapter 120 Don''t Get Your Hopes Up Just Yet

    Perhaps, one day, Collin would indeed be back on his feet.

    Fueled by this resolve, she made up her mind to seek out Collin''s doctor and delve into the intricacies of his condition.

    Wasting no time, she returned to the vi and inquired with Josh about the doctor''s contact details and whereabouts.

    To her astonishment, she discovered that the doctor attending to Collin''s legs was none other than Dominic-the very

    same doctor she had encountered during her prior hospitalization.

    Swiftly collecting her belongings, she hailed a taxi and headed straight for the hospital.

    However, as fate would have it, just as she set foot inside the hospital, a middle- aged woman came hurtling towards her,

    resulting in a harsh collision.

    A cry of pain escaped her lips as she looked up to find the woman sprawled across the floor.

    Disregarding her own difort, she hurried to the woman''s aid. "I''m so sorry!" she eximed. "I really didn''t mean for

    that to happen. Are you alright?¡±

    "Oh, dear! Just my luck!" The middle-aged woman, her face etched with a sickly pallor, frowned in displeasure. Then,

    unleashing a torrent of expletives, she shrieked, ¡°Are you blind? What in the world is wrong with you?!"

    Still muttering under her breath, she unceremoniously propped herself up using Linsey''s arm.

    "Honestly, you..." The woman''s verbal onught screeched to a halt as she raised her eyes to meet Linsey''s gaze. "You?!" she gasped in disbelief.

    Linsey was momentarily taken aback, registering the flicker of fear that danced in the woman''s eyes.

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 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121 Dr. Larson, Am

    I Interrupting

    Linsey was baffled by the middle-aged woman''s reaction.

    Did the woman recognize her?

    Before she had a chance to speak, the woman abruptly turned and dashed off, disappearing quickly.

    ¡°Ma''am, are you alright?" A nurse approached Linsey with a look of concern. "Did you get hurt?"

    Linsey shook her head, her gaze fixed on the path the woman had taken, her

    brow furrowed in confusion. "Who was that

    woman? It was as though she''d seen a ghost when she looked at me."

    That feeling was unmistakable.

    The more Linsey reflected on the incident, the more bewildering it seemed. She had no connection to this woman. Could

    she have been mistaken for someone the woman feared?

    The nurse considered for a moment and then offered, "Maybe it''s because she has cancer, which can make her seem odd.

    Ma''am, it''s okay. Try not to dwell on it."

    Linsey nodded, her understanding deepening. The woman''s illness could exin her ghostly pallor.

    She softly bit her lip, a surge ofpassion stirring within her.

    Meanwhile, Alexa Sanderson-the middle-aged woman who had run into Linsey- was fleeing as if her life depended on it,

    terrified that Linsey might be on her heels.

    She halted, out of breath, and only then did she realize that no one was pursuing her.

    Alexa clutched her chest, herplexion having turned ghostly pale.

    Tucked away in a secluded corner, she reyed the encounter with Linsey in her mind, her thoughts marred by anxiety.

    "How can they look so simr?" she murmured, her lips parched, her eyes shadowed by a deep-seated fear.

    Seeing Linsey''s face had catapulted her thoughts back over two decades.

    "You''re Alexa Sanderson, right? I heard you''ve just had a baby, so you must know what you''re doing. I''m entrusting my

    daughter to your care. Remember, be very careful. If anything happens to her, it will be on you."

    Alexa had nodded meekly, her eyesnding on the infant in the crib.

    The baby was lovely, with the promise of a privileged life etched into her very being.

    Ferhaps it was greed, or perhaps apse in judgment, but one day Alexa had made a fateful decision. She swapped her own

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    Chapter 121 DE Larson, Am I Interrupting

    daughter with her employer''s child.

    The babies, mere newborns, were indistinguishable to most. Alexa dressed her biological daughter in the employer''s child''s opulent garments.

    As for the employer''s child, Alexa briefly hesitated before leaving her in a dumpster on the city''s outskirts.

    Jolted back to the present, Alexa pressed a hand to her throbbing head.

    She had briefly thought Linsey was her former employer, back to exact revenge.

    But reflecting on it, over twenty years had psed. Her own daughter had been living a life of affluence with the employer''s family, unsuspected all this while.

    Moreover, the employer''s child had perished shortly after being discarded-Alexa had seen it herself.

    It seemed impossible for any of this toe back to haunt her.

    Alexa allowed herself a moment of relief, a faint smile breaking through her worry. She then nced at the medical record she was holding

    Previously, fear of implicating her daughter had kept her at bay. Now, facing her own mortality, she was driven by a desire to see her biological daughter before passing.

    With renewed purpose, Alexa set off once more.

    At the same time, Linsey was visiting Dominic in his office.

    ¡°Dr. Larson, am I interrupting?" Linsey inquired as she entered.

    Dominic smiled and waved her in, offering her a ss of water. ¡°Not at all. How can I assist you today?"

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122 What If Collin Can Never Stand Again

    When Dominic posed his question, Linsey didn''t hesitate for a moment.

    She addressed him squarely. "Dr. Larson, our butler mentioned that you''ve been treating Collin''s legs."

    Dominic responded with a nod and a smile. "Yes, that''s right."

    Linsey drew a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with a mix of anxiety and hope, as she ventured, "With all the treatments

    over the years, do you think there''s still a chance for his legs to heal?"

    Dominic''s expression shifted subtly, but he kept his tone even as he mirrored a sentiment Collin had shared previously.

    "There is a chance for improvement," he admitted cautiously. "But I can''t pinpoint a timeline. There''s a lot up in the air."

    Hope sparked in Linsey''s expression. "This morning, I identally stepped on Collin''s foot, and he felt it-he actually felt

    pain. Could that be a positive sign?"

    With a reassuring smile, Dominic replied, "Mrs. Riley, it''s clear you deeply care about him. I promise to keep striving for

    any possible improvement. However..."

    Linsey interjected quickly, her voice tinged with concern, "What is it?"

    Dominic continued, "Well, I may need your support throughout this journey. After all, you''re his partner."

    "Absolutely!" Linsey responded immediately, relief flooding her voice. "Whatever it takes, I''m here to help. I''m holding onto

    hope that his condition will improve."

    While Dominic stopped short of promising a recovery, Linsey clung to the possibility of progress.

    Observing her closely, Dominic maintained a poker face.

    Since the ordeal of Linsey''s kidnapping, it had be clear to Dominic just how deeply Collin cared for her.

    Collin had even pondered revealing everything to her.

    Yet, the more people who knew the truth about Collin''s supposed disability, the greater the risk it posed to his safety.

    "Mrs. Riley, I''d like to ask you a question. It might seem a bit forward, so please feel free to decline if it makes you

    ufortable," Dominic stated unexpectedly.

    Linsey was unbothered. "Go ahead."

    Dominic''s gaze was intense, locked onto her face as if to capture every nuance of her reaction. "What if Collin can never stand again? What would you do then?" he asked.

    Linsey paused briefly, then answered with conviction, "When I married Collin, his ability to stand was not my concern. Throughout our marriage, he has been nothing but kind and courageous, even saving me. No matter what, I will stand by

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    Chapter 122 What If Collin Can Never Stand Again

    him. If he remains unable to walk, I am prepared to support and care for him for the rest of our lives."

    Dominic was visibly touched by her words.

    In that moment, he began to grasp why Collin held Linsey in such high regard.

    It was her generosity and selflessness that shone through.

    After a thoughtful pause, Dominic had a sudden inspiration. "Mrs. Riley, I have an idea that could potentially aid Collin''s

    recovery, but it will require a lot of patience on your part. Without it, it won''t work. Are you willing to give it a try?"

    Linsey''s eyes sparkled, her voice earnest. "If there''s even a chance it could help Collin, I''m ready to do whatever it takes. Dr.

    Larson, please, let me know what needs to be done."

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123 Maybe A Baby Isn''t Too Far Off

    Dominic said, "After Collin''s car ident years ago, he had major surgery on his legs. The muscles and nerves took a serious hit. If youmit to massaging him daily, it could help with his recovery. But it has to be consistent-every day, at

    least half an hour, or you won''t see results."

    Linsey nodded immediately. "Got it, Dr. Larson. I''ll do it every day."

    Dominic met her eyes. "No exceptions. You have to keep at it."

    After she thanked him and left, he got up and shut the office door.

    He exhaled in relief, then turned toward the corner of the room. "She''s gone. You cane out now. No need to hide."

    The moment he finished speaking, Collin stepped out from the shadows.

    Half an hour earlier, Josh had tipped him off that Linsey was heading to the hospital to question Dominic.

    Uneasy, he canceled his morning meetings and arrived at Dominic''s office before she did.

    Not long after, Dominic''s assistant warned him that Linsey was on her way up. With no time to talk to Dominic, he had no choice but to slip into the corner and stay out of sight.

    He couldn''t help but wonder what Linsey had wanted to ask Dominic.

    Even though he had expected it, hearing her bring up his leg injury still hit him in a way he hadn''t prepared for.

    Then she went as far as to promise Dominic she would stay by his side-whether he could stand again or not.

    Her words echoed in his mind, sinking deep and rattling something inside him.

    Noticing the shift in Collin''s expression, Dominic smirked. "You heard everything, didn''t you? I''ve got to hand it to you-

    Linsey''spletely devoted to you. What did you do, cast a spell on her?"

    "Nonsense. She''s my wife. Of course, she''s going to stay by my side." Collin shot him a sidelong nce, the corners of his lips quirking up slightly. A flicker of pride lit his eyes.

    Dominic nearly did a double take.

    For some reason, Collin reminded him of a rooster puffing out its chest, strutting around like it owned the ce.

    Something told him this was only the beginning-Collin was going to get even bolder about unting his rtionship.

    "Oh, and I suggest Linsey start giving you daily massages. Do yourself a favor- don''t slip up again," Dominic said, arching

    a brow.

    Collin''s scowl darkened. "Why would you tell her that? There was no need."

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    Chapter 123 Maybe A Baby Isn''t Too Far Off

    He was already slipping around Linsey, letting his guard down in ways he hadn''t meant to. Just this morning, he had almost exposed himself when she stepped on his foot.

    If she started massaging him every day, he wasn''t sure how much longer he could keep up the fa?ade.

    Dominic feigned innocence, sighing dramatically. "I''m just looking out for you. A little physical closeness never hurt a

    marriage."

    Then he smirked. "Besides, Linsey clearly dotes on you. If you don''t let her do this, she''ll juste back to me with more questions."

    Noticing Collin''s furrowed brows and clear irritation, Dominic adopted a pragmatic tone. "You and Linsey are married. The more time you spend together, the closer you''ll be. And who knows? Maybe a baby isn''t too far off."

    Before Collin could get a word in, Dominic pushed back his chair and stood. "I''ve got surgery this morning. I''m heading out."

    Just before stepping through the door, he threw onest jab over his shoulder. "When your kid arrives, Dustin and I will be sure to give you our blessing.¡±

    The door swung shut behind him, leaving Collin simmering in his frustration.

    Dominic and Dustin never missed a chance to stir the pot.

    He released a slow, weighted sigh.

    Dominic''s words lingered in his mind-him and Linsey, having a child.

    It was something he had never seriously considered before.

    If anything, he had always been indifferent-maybe even repelled-by the idea of

    children, avoiding them whenever possible.

    But if the child was Linsey''s-one who might inherit her bright eyes, her effortless smile...

    Somehow, the thought didn''t seem so intolerable anymore.

    Maybe kids weren''t as insufferable as he had always believed. 100.0%

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124 Linsey, Tell Me

    The Truth!

    Instead of going straight home from the hospital, Linsey decided to stop by the Grester Public Library, which was

    conveniently located nearby.

    Her knowledge about massage was limited.

    If she truly wanted to help Collin regain the use of his legs she needed to learn

    more.

    She entered the library and headed straight for the medical section, where she found several books on massage therapy.

    She settled down at a table and began to read,pletely absorbed in her task.

    Linsey was determined to help Collin walk again. It wasn''t just an empty promise; she meant it with all her heart.

    If Collin could walk again, maybe he wouldn''t have to endure the constant mockery and disdain from the Riley family.

    She was determined to learn everything she could. She spent the entire day at the library, only taking a short break for a

    quick lunch at a nearby cafe.

    Lost in her studies, she didn''t even notice the time passing by.

    Before leaving the library, she bought a few books on massage therapy that she thought would be helpful.

    When Linsey returned to Vista Vi, Jos greeted her at the door. "Mrs. Riley, we have a guest."

    "A guest?" Linsey asked, confused. "Who is it? Are they here to see me?"

    "Yes, ma''am," Josh confirmed. "A youngdy is waiting for you in the living room." Linsey immediately thought of Dolores.

    She hurried into the living room, and there was Dolores, sitting on the sofa, waiting for her.

    "Dolores!" Linsey eximed, her face breaking into a wide smile as she sat down next to her. "Why didn''t you tell me you

    wereing? Have you been waiting long? What brings you here?"

    To Linsey''s surprise, Dolores didn''t smile back. Her face was clouded with anger.

    "Do you really not know why I''m here?" Dolores demanded, her eyes fixed on Linsey with a furious intensity. "Linsey, tell

    me the truth!"

    Her voice held a trace of anger, but the worry and slight panic in her eyes revealed her true emotions.

    Linsey recoiled slightly, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "What are you talking about?"

    After a brief hesitation, she instinctively tried to deflect. "Dolores, are you hungry? What do you fancy? I''ll have the kitchen staff whip something up. They''re fantastic cooks."

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    Chapter 124 Linsey, Tell Me The Truth!

    "Linsey, I came all this way, and you''re still trying to keep me in the dark?" Dolores snapped, grabbing Linsey''s arm before she could react. Yanking up Linsey''s sleeve, she found, as expected, a horrifying sight. Deep scars marring Linsey''s delicate wrist, alongside an array of bruises and cuts of varying sizes scattered across her arm.

    In that instant, all of Dolores''s anger vanished, reced by a wave of heartache. "Oh my God, Linsey! Does it hurt?"

    Hearing the slight tremor in Dolores''s voice, Linsey felt a lump form in her own throat.

    Ever since they were children, Dolores had always been her primary source offort whenever she was hurt or upset.

    "It stopped hurting ages ago," Linsey replied, forcing a smile and trying to hide the pain in her voice.

    As Dolores stared at Linsey''s injuries, any lingering angerpletely evaporated. Her eyes were filled with nothing but pain

    and sorrow.

    "I saw the news about Felix''s arrest," Dolores eximed, her voice filled with worry. "It said he was involved in a

    kidnapping, and I immediately thought of you. I rushed over here as fast as I could. My gut feeling was right! That scumbag

    Felix! I should have pped him harder when I had the chance!"

    Linsey gently reassured her. "Dolores, it''s alright now. Felix has been sentenced, and I wasn''t really in any danger. I didn''t

    tell you because I didn''t want you to worry. You''re always so busy, and I didn''t want this to add to your stress."

    "No work is more important than you," Dolores insisted, her voiceced with hurt. "Linsey, you''ve really upset me this

    time. How could you keep something like this from me?"

    Sensing Dolores''s rising anger, Linsey quickly tried to soothe her, saying,

    "Dolores, I was wrong to keep this from you. I

    promise it won''t happen again."

    As they were talking, the sound of a car engine cutting off outside caught their attention.

    Collin had returned.

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125 I Failed To

    Keep Linsey Safe

    Collin was just about to step inside when Josh, ever the dutiful butler, informed him, "Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley''s friend has

    arrived."

    The living room crackled with tension. Collin''s brow furrowed as he surveyed the scene. "What''s with the grim faces?" he

    asked.

    Dolores'' gaze snapped up at the sound of Collin''s voice.

    Her eyes widened in surprise as they met Collin''s.

    Could this impossibly handsome man truly be the Riley family''s notorious outcast?

    Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Collin exuded an air of power and determination.

    It was no wonder that Linsey, with her well-known penchant for attractive men, had fallen for him.

    A flicker of confusion crossed Dolores''s face.

    There was something strangely familiar about Collin.

    She couldn''t shake the feeling that their paths had crossed before.

    Dolores brushed the thought aside. "You''re Collin, I presume?" she said, her voice t. "I''m Dolores Davidson, Linsey''s

    close friend."

    Before Collin could utter a response, Dolores'' expression hardened. "Linsey chose you, so it''s your responsibility to ensure her safety. Felix snatched her away, leaving her battered and bruised-all because you weren''t there to protect her," she

    used.

    Linsey''s jaw dropped. She was about to jump to Collin''s defense.

    She was a grown woman, after all. Why would she require constant protection?

    This whole ordeal was Felix''s fault, not Collin''s.

    In fact, Collin had swooped in just in the nick of time to rescue her.

    She shuddered to think what might have happened if he hadn''t been there.

    Before Linsey could utter a word, Collin intervened. "You''re absolutely right," he admitted, his voiceced with remorse. "I failed to keep Linsey safe."

    Collin''s unexpected confession stunned both Linsey and Dolores into silence.

    "I promise, I''ll do everything in my power to protect Linsey from now on. I won''t let anything like this happen ever again," Collin vowed, his voice resolute.

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    Chapter 1251 Failed To Keep Linsey Safe

    Linsey felt a surge of warmth course through her, aforting wave of affection and gratitude.

    Dolores held a somewhat different view of Collin.

    Initially, she had been disappointed by Linsey''s choice to marry a man with limited mobility. Yet now, Collin''s words caught her off guard, sparking a flicker of surprise.

    Most men, she thought, would have readily conjured a litany of excuses to evade responsibility. But here was Collin, facing

    his error head-on, without a hint of evasion.

    Perhaps, she mused, Linsey''s judgment wasn''t as wed as she had initially presumed.

    Observing the subtle shift in Dolores'' expression, a softening around the edges, Linsey couldn''t help but release a quiet sigh

    of relief.

    Years of friendship had taught Linsey just how resolute and unyielding Dolores could be.

    She recalled countless instances where Dolores and Felix, her former me, would sh at the merest hint of discord.

    Thus, Linsey couldn''t help but fret over the potential friction between Dolores and Collin, fearing she might be caught in

    the crossfire.

    Dolores paused, her expression hardening as she delivered a stern warning. "Listen, buddy, you might be Linsey''s husband,

    but I hold a special ce in her life. We''re closer than many biological sisters. If you ever even think about mistreating her,

    I''ll snatch her away from you so fast you won''t know what hit you. And trust me, you''ll regret it big time if you cross me.

    So, you''d better watch your step."

    Collin''s expression remained unfazed, betraying no hint of displeasure at her words.

    His gaze softened as he turned to Linsey, his voice unwavering. "I won''t give you the chance," he vowed.

    Dolores let out a dissatisfied huff, her disapproval evident.

    Sensing the renewed tension, Linsey quickly stepped in, seeking to diffuse the situation. "Oh right, Collin. We talked about

    you and Dolores getting to know each other better. Since she''s here now, why don''t we invite her to have dinner with us?"

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 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126 It''s One Of

    Your Favorites

    Collin smiled warmly. "Of course. Ms. Davidson, why don''t you stay for dinner? I''ll have the kitchen whip up something

    special."

    Dolores nodded, a hint of arrogance in her gesture. "Alright. It has been a while since Ist had a meal with Linsey."

    "I''ll tell the kitchen to make plenty of your favorites," Linsey said with a mischievous grin.

    As Linsey got up, she winked yfully at Collin, making sure Dolores didn''t see.

    Collin felt a warmth spread through him, and a soft smile touched his lips. His eyes were full of tenderness.

    The kitchen staff bustled about, and soon, a delicious dinner was spread out on the table.

    During dinner, Collin put some food on Linsey''s te. "Here, have some more of this. It''s one of your favorites."

    Linsey looked at the food, surprised. "How did you know I like this?"

    Collin smiled slightly at her surprised expression. "Of course I know," he said gently. "I even had the chef tweak the recipe just for you. It''s healthy but delicious. I''m sure you''ll like it."

    Linsey was even more surprised. "Wow, you really went all out... Honestly, I''m not that picky."

    Collin chuckled. "When you were in the hospital, it was pretty clear you weren''t a fan of those healthy meals. You practically choked them down every time, so I had the servants make some changes."

    Linsey cringed slightly as she remembered the nd hospital food.

    They were so healthy they were practically tasteless, and she really didn''t like them.

    But she didn''t want to waste food, so she ate it all every time.

    Most people would have thought she liked the food since she always finished it. She hadn''t expected Collin to notice that she didn''t actually enjoy it.

    "Try it," Collin said softly. "It should taste just as good, but it''s healthier now." Linsey took a bite, and her eyes lit up. "Wow, it''s delicious! Just the way I like it!" Seeing her reaction, Collin felt a wave of relief wash over him. He picked up her te and added a generous helping of her

    favorite dishes.

    "Eat up, Linsey," Collin encouraged, his voice filled with concern. "You''ve lost weight while you were in the hospital. You need to build your strength back up.¡±

    Linsey gave him a sheepish smile. "It''s really nothing, Collin. Just a couple of pounds."

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    16:05

    Chapter 126 It''s One Of Your Favorites

    At least the hospital food hadn''t been aplete disaster, she thought to herself.

    Dolores, who had been sitting quietly observing them, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of surprise.

    Growing up with Linsey had given Dolores an intimate knowledge of her friend''s quirks and preferences, especially when it

    came to food.

    She knew just how selective Linsey could be with her meals.

    But Linsey was always so polite and considerate that even if she didn''t like

    something, she would eat it without a word of

    protest, simply because she didn''t want to be wasteful.

    Dolores had once yfully teased Linsey, suggesting that she must have been a pampered wealthy girl in a past life, used to

    only the finest cuisine, which would exin her discerning taste in this one.

    Linsey was so mindful of others'' feelings that hardly anyone realized the extent of her culinary preferences.

    Yet, Collin, who was rtively new to Linsey''s life, seemed to have deciphered her tastes. He had even gone to the effort of

    modifying recipes to cater to her preferences.

    His attentiveness was remarkable.

    Dolores could see it clearly, Collin was head over heels in love with Linsey.

    How else could he remember her likes and dislikes so precisely after such a short time, unless he was truly smitten?

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 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127 She''s Slightly Allergic To Mangoes

    A spark of unexpectedpetitiveness ignited in Dolores'' eyes.

    She simply couldn''t fathom it. Could Collin truly be that incredible, surpassing even her in his knowledge of Linsey''s likes

    and dislikes?

    After a moment of contemtion, Dolores abruptly poured some mango juice into a ss.

    She adored anything and everything made with mangoes, and the mango juice present tonight had been specifically requested by Linsey for the kitchen staff to prepare.

    "Linsey, this mango juice is absolutely divine. You should definitely have some," Dolores remarked, sliding the ss of mango juice toward Linsey.

    Linsey was momentarily taken aback.

    Before she could even utter a word, Collin swiftly moved the ss of mango juice out of reach, stating tly, "I''m afraid Linsey can''t have any. She''s slightly allergic to mangoes."

    He turned to Linsey, asking, "Are you thirsty? Would you like me to have the staff prepare some fresh orange juice for you?

    I know you enjoy that."

    Without waiting for her response, Collin promptly instructed the staff to prepare the orange juice.

    Dolores was utterly dumbfounded. She hadn''t anticipated Collin knowing about Linsey''s mango allergy.

    Was there anything he didn''t know about Linsey?

    Linsey, equally surprised, stared at Collin in a daze, an unfamiliar emotion stirring within her.

    Observing her reaction, Collin presumed she was unaware of her own allergy. He exined, "When you had your check-up at the hospital, they conducted an allergen test. The reports indicated you have a mango allergy. You''ve seen those reports as well. I naturally assumed you were aware."

    Linsey replied instinctively, "There were too many reports... I didn''t get through them all..."

    The sheer volume of medical reports had been overwhelming. She had relied on Dominic''s summary, assuring her there

    was nothing serious to be concerned about.

    But Collin had read them all?

    Linsey''s eyes drifted towards Dolores, seated opposite her at the table.

    Naturally, Linsey was fully aware of her own mango allergy, and Dolores knew it all too well.

    During their time at the orphanage, Linsey had oncended in the hospital after consuming a small piece of mango.

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    Chapter 127 She''s Slightly Allergic To Mangoes

    The incident had terrified Dolores, who had been on the verge of tears, fearing that Linsey might sumb.

    Such a harrowing experience was not something Dolores could easily forget.

    Linsey swiftly grasped that Dolores had orchestrated this scenario as a test for Collin.

    Both women were now deeply impressed by Collin''s attentiveness and meticulous nature.

    Collin let out a soft chuckle in response to Linsey''s remark and said gently, ¡°It''s okay. I''vemitted everything to memory,

    and I''ll make sure to remind you in the future."

    Dinner concluded shortly thereafter.

    Linsey apanied Dolores to her car, parked in the open area in front of the vi.

    In contrast to her initial arrival, Dolores now appeared to have entirely abandoned her quest to find ws in Collin.

    "Linsey, it seems you''ve truly married an exceptional man. I''ve never encountered someone as thoughtful and considerate as Collin. If this is all an act... well, I''d be thoroughly impressed," she confessed with genuine admiration.

    Linsey couldn''t suppress augh. "Don''t worry. Collin wouldn''t bother putting on an act for someone like me. That would require far too much effort. Even I''m surprised by the things he has done."

    Witnessing the genuine happiness radiating from Linsey''s face, Dolores felt a surge of relief. Reaching out, she gently patted Linsey''s cheek. "Promise me," she pleaded. "If anything happens, you''ll tell me immediately, alright?"

    "Alright," Linsey responded dutifully.

    Content with Linsey''s assurance, Dolores finally settled into her car and drove off.

    Turning back towards the vi, Linsey spotted Collin at the door. She hurried over

    to him and said with concern, "It''s cold out heree inside before you catch a chill."

 Chapter 128

    Chapter? My Concern

    Your Health /s

    Linsey strode over to Collin''s wheelchair and, with a gentle but firm hand, propelled him into the room.

    "Hey now." Collin chuckled. "I''m notpletely helpless, you know."

    Linsey''s smile faded. "Collin, I spoke with Dr. Larson today about your legs. He''s optimistic about your chances for recovery. You promised you''d prioritize your health, and I''m holding you to that. No more excuses. Your well-being isn''t just about you anymore."

    Collin''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "And why is that?" he inquired, a yful smirk tugging at his lips.

    "Because as your wife," Linsey stated matter-of-factly. "Your health is my concern. Neglecting it is tantamount to neglecting

    me."

    A deep chuckle rumbled in Collin''s chest. "Well then, I suppose you''ll have to take extra good care of me, won''t you?" After a beat, he asked, "So, what else did Dominic have to say?"

    Linsey''s thoughts immediately flew to the stack of massage therapy books she had brought home. "Dr. Larson rmended regr massage for your legs," she exined. ¡°So, I spent the entire afternoon at the library, immersing myself in the world of massage therapy. I''m practically a professional now."

    "So," she continued, her smile widening. "How about I give it a shot? I promise I''ll be gentle. Trust me!"

    Collin''s eyes softened as he listened to Linsey''s enthusiastic proposal.

    He hadn''t expected her to go to such lengths, spending an entire day researching massage techniques.

    After a thoughtful pause, he said, "Linsey, you were just discharged from the hospital yourself. You need to rest, not exert yourself. Let''s save the massage for another time and get some sleep."

    "But I''ve been home for two days now," she countered gently. "I''m feeling much better. It''s just a massage. It won''t tire me

    out."

    Linsey was determined to help Collin walk again, and she knew that every moment counted.

    The sooner they started, the sooner he could be free of the wheelchair.

    A thoughtful expression crossed Collin''s face. "You know, you''ve done so much

    for me. I feel like I should do something for you in return. Instead of you massaging me, why don''t I give you a massage? You can take this opportunity to rx."

    Linsey was surprised by his suggestion and couldn''t help but steal a nce at his handsome face. "You know how to give a massage?" she asked, her voiceced with disbelief.

    Collin''s expression remained calm and collected. "Not yet, but I''m a fast learner. I hope you''ll give me the chance."

    His voice lowered slightly as he added, "Since you can learn to massage me, I can certainly do the same for you."

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    16:06

    100 0%

    Chapter 128 Your Health Is My Concern

    Linsey was taken aback, a strange feeling bubbling up within her.

    It was a feeling of warmth and tenderness, like a gentle spring breeze caressing her heart.

    Later that evening, after freshening up, she sat down in front of him, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

    Collin lowered his head, his gaze drawn to the delicate curve of her neck.

    Her skin was so smooth and delicate that it seemed as though even the slightest touch would leave a trace.

    "Have you been feeling any soreness or diforttely?" he asked.

    Linsey considered his question for a moment before pressing her shoulder. "I''ve been spending a lot of time hunched over my drawing table, and my shoulders are a bit sore."

    Collin nodded in understanding. Without hesitation, he ced his broad hands on her shoulders.

    The instant his hands made contact with her skin, Linsey''s heart skipped a beat. She instinctively held her breath, the warmth from his hands seeping through the thin fabric of her pajamas and onto her skin.

    Linsey tried to maintain herposure, silently chiding herself for her flustered reaction. It was just a massage; there was no need to get worked up over it.

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129 Why Are You

    So Ticklish

    Collin''s touch was initially hesitant.

    Concerned about causing Linsey pain, he used a gentle touch as he massaged her.

    "Am I hurting you?" he inquired.

    Linsey shook her head, a blush rising to her cheeks. "I can''t really feel anything."

    He gradually increased the pressure, and she felt the tension in her shoulders and neck begin to ease.

    His touch was firm yet gentle, each movement deliberate and precise. The warmth radiating from his hands was

    Soon, she felt her entire body rx.

    "Is this better?" he asked, his gaze searching her face.

    A satisfied smile spread across Linsey''s face. "That''s amazing. I feel so much better,¡± she replied, her voice filled with

    gratitude.

    Reassured, he continued the massage for another ten minutes before asking, "Do you have any other sore spots?"

    "My lower back is a little sore too..." she responded thoughtfully.

    He immediately moved his hands to her lower back.

    A tickle surged through her, causing her to tense up.

    "That tickles!" she eximed. "Don''t touch me there!"

    She lurched forward, nearly falling off the bed.

    Collin reacted quickly, catching her and pulling her back into his embrace.

    She froze, her heart racing as she felt his body against hers.

    "Careful now,¡± he whispered, holding her close.

    He chuckled at her flustered expression. "Why are you so ticklish? I barely touched you. If you''re this sensitive... what are we going to do in the future?"

    As their eyes met, the underlying meaning of his words hit her. A blush crept up her cheeks, and she mumbled, "Oh, you''re

    terrible!"

    Quickly, she disentangled herself from his embrace and settled onto the empty space beside him, pulling the covers tightly

    around herself.

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    Chapter 129 Why Are You So Ticklish

    "Alright, that''s enough," she dered, her voice slightly muffled by the nket, with a hint of warning in her tone. "I''m exhausted and I''m going to sleep. Don''t even think about waking me up."

    Collin raised an eyebrow, a yful smirk dancing on his lips. "Don''te crawling back to me in the middle of the night,"

    he teased.

    Linsey''s mind shed back to the awkward encounter that morning, rendering her speechless. She squeezed her eyes shut, feigning sleep, and resolutely ignored

    him.

    Collin watched as she defiantly turned her back to him, a small smile ying on his lips. He found her behavior absolutely endearing

    Linsey''s earlier conversation with Dominic about their future together came to mind. Collin mused that a lifetime spent with Linsey like this didn''t sound so bad after all.

    Linsey woke up the next morning with a fuzzy head, only to discover she was alone in the bed. The cold space beside her was a clear sign that Collin had already left.

    A wave of disappointment washed over her, though she couldn''t quite exin why.

    Their time together had been brief, and their connection was still developing. Yet, she was surprised to find it difficult to picture her life without him.

    Lost in her thoughts, she was jolted back to reality by the sudden ringing of her phone.

    She shook off her musings and reached for the phone, wondering if it was a work call.

    A nce at the caller ID brought a wave of surprise.

    It was Marisol Wells, Felix''s mother.

    During the five years she had been with Felix, Marisol had maintained a cool distance, never making any direct contact

    with her.

    Linsey, an orphan without any family ties, didn''t align with Marisol''s vision of an ideal daughter-inw. In Marisol''s eyes, Joanna had always been a more fitting partner for Felix.

    The unexpected call from Marisol could only mean one thing. It was about Felix.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130 Linsey, Why

    This Rush To Leave

    After a brief hesitation, Linsey answered the phone.

    Marisol''s voice filled the line. "Linsey, I''ve heard about Felix''s actions. I never imagined he would do something so awful. I feel terribly guilty. Would it be possible for me to meet with you today and apologize in person?"

    Linsey was surprised. She hadn''t expected Marisol to contact her to apologize.

    Before Linsey could reply, Marisol continued, "If you refuse to see me, I fear I''ll be consumed by guilt and regret. We''ve known each other for so long, please, do me this small favor."

    Given Marisol''s seniority and the genuine tone in her voice, Linsey felt obligated to agree.

    "Alright," Linsey conceded.

    Marisol''s voice instantly lifted with delight. "Wonderful! Let''s meet at that caf¨¦ we both like."

    The call concluded shortly thereafter.

    Unbeknownst to Linsey, Marisol wasn''t by herself. Seated beside her was Joanna. As Marisol ended the call, Joanna''s anxiety was palpable.

    "Marisol, what are you ying at? Weren''t you supposed to convince Linsey to drop the charges against Felix? Why on earth did you say you wanted to apologize?"

    The sincerity that Marisol had previously disyed vanished, instantly reced by a cold, calcting expression. She scoffed, saying, "If I had been direct, she would have never agreed. This was the only way to manipte her into meeting me. Don''t you worry. Once I have her face-to-face, I''ll ensure sheplies."

    Her tone oozed arrogance; she was utterly convinced she could easily manipte someone like Linsey.

    Joanna breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s a relief. Felix has been locked up for days now, I''m terrified something dreadful might happen to him."

    Witnessing Joanna''s concern for Felix, Marisol sighed. "Joanna, you truly are the only one worthy of being my daughter-inw. You''ve remained loyal through good times and bad, and you''re the only one who genuinely cares for Felix." Marisol''s voice hardened as she sneered, "I warned Felix before-Linseyes from nothing, she has no connections, and her personality leaves much to be desired. She''s utterly unsuitable for our family. Now he''s finally learned his lesson. Once he''s out, I''ll ensure he marries you and gives you the grand wedding you deserve."

    Joanna''s face beamed with delight, yet she retained her characteristically gentle and innocent facade, "You''re so kind to me,"

    she chirped.

    A surge of satisfaction coursed through Joanna

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    16.07

    Chapter 130 Linsey, Why This Rush To Leave

    She surmised that while Felix had once been smitten with Linsey, this ordeal would undoubtedly expose Linsey''s true nature, prompting him to move on. Linsey had lost to her. Joanna was convinced that she would soon secure her position as Felix''s wife and ascend to a coveted ce within Grester''s elite social circles.

    Meanwhile, Linsey remained blissfully ignorant of the machinations swirling around her. She had no inkling that Joanna and Marisol were under the impression that she still cared for Felix.

    7

    Having prepared herself, she departed Vista Vi and reached the designated caf¨¦. However, as she neared the entrance, something out of the ordinary caught her eye.

    A cluster of reporters armed with cameras had congregated nearby, their lenses poised like predators anticipating their prey.

    Her face clouded over.

    She had initially believed that Marisol''s apology was sincere, but the current circumstances painted a different picture, something was amiss.

    Without a moment''s dy, she turned on her heel to depart.

    However, Marisol, stationed outside, had been keenly anticipating Linsey''s arrival.

    Observing that Linsey had finally stepped into her carefullyid trap, she naturally wasn''t about to let her escape. With

    swift determination, she stepped forward and seized Linsey''s arm.

    "Linsey, why this rush to leave?"

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131 He''ll Face The Consequences Of His...

    Linsey''s gaze swept over the throng of reporters, their cameras poised and hungry for a story. Her expression hardened.

    with annoyance.

    "Marisol," she demanded, her voiceced with frustration. "What''s the meaning of this? You said you wanted to apologize.

    Why are all these vultures here?"

    Marisol''s phone call had been a carefully crafted ruse to draw Linsey into a public confrontation.

    Now that the trap was sprung, there was no need for pretense.

    Marisol''s eyes narrowed into slits. "Linsey, I advise you to choose your next words carefully. Drop all charges against my

    son, and I''ll forget this whole unpleasantness ever happened," she hissed.

    A bitterugh escaped Linsey''s lips. The sheer audacity of Marisol''s threat was almostical. How could she have been so

    naive as to believe her?

    Felix and Marisol were two peas in a pod, both masters of maniption and cruelty.

    "Marisol, let''s be clear. Felix kidnapped me and attempted to assault me. He''ll face the consequences of his actions. End of

    discussion," Linsey stated coldly.

    Linsey''s face became an impassive mask as she turned to depart.

    Before Linsey could make her escape, Marisol lunged forward, grasping her hands and dramatically falling to her knees.

    Linsey winced as Marisol''s nails dug into her flesh.

    Despite the pain she was inflicting, Marisol wailed theatrically, "Linsey, I beg you! Let my son off!"

    Marisol''s desperate plea was the cue for the reporters to emerge from their hiding ces, swarming Linsey and cutting off

    her escape route.

    Linsey, her arm throbbing, wrenched her hand free from Marisol''s grasp.

    Marisol crumpled to the ground with a dramatic flourish, eliciting gasps from the onlookers. Their eyes turned on Linsey,

    filled with condemnation.

    As if on cue, Joanna materialized at Marisol''s side, fussing over her with theatrical concern.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Joanna shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at her. "How could you be so heartless? You put Felix behind bars, and now you''re attacking his mother?"

    Joanna''s performance was a masterpiece of maniption, painting Linsey as the heartless aggressor.

    Marisol turned to the reporters, her voice dripping with feigned outrage. "Look at this heartless woman!" she shrieked. "She dumped her boyfriend to marry another man, humiliating him in front of everyone! And then she had him thrown in jail!

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    Chapter 131 He''ll Face The Consequences Of His Actions

    And now, after we came here to beg for her forgiveness, she shoved his poor mother to the ground! How cruel can she be?"

    The reporters, who were clearly in cahoots with Marisol and Joanna, instantly swarmed Linsey, their cameras shing.

    The barrage of camera shes blinded Linsey, making it impossible for her to see, let alone escape the mob of reporters.

    The reporters bombarded her with questions, their voices echoing in the small space.

    "Is it true you abandoned your boyfriend?"

    "Did you really send your ex-boyfriend to prison?"

    "How could you be so heartless?"

    "Answer the question!"

    The reporters pushed closer, forcing Linsey to step back.

    "Stop taking pictures!" Linsey shouted, her voice trembling with rage.

    In the chaos, someone deliberately stuck their foot out, tripping Linsey.

    She stumbled, losing her bnce. The reporters in front of her parted like the Red Sea, as if they had nned the whole

    thing.

    Linsey gasped, bracing herself for the fall.

    Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, preventing her from falling.

    Linsey''s heart pounded as she was pulled into a warm,forting embrace. "Don''t worry," a deep voice murmured in her ear. "You''re safe now." Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132 I Am Linsey''s Husband, Collin Riley

    Linsey''s eyes fluttered open, her vision swimming as she slowly regained her bearings.

    The sight of the man mere inches away sent her mind reeling in confusion. In a voice barely above a whisper, she asked, "Why are you here?"

    Collin''s response was a gentle smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth, his eyes locked on hers with a calm,

    reassuring intensity.

    He extended a hand, helping Linsey find her bnce as she realized she had been unwittingly resting in hisp.

    A wave of embarrassment washed over her, heating her cheeks to a rosy flush.

    Hastily, she stepped away, creating a buffer of space between them.

    The onlookers, seemed to have paused in time, their expressions frozen as they processed Collin''s silent entrance.

    Despite his confinement to a wheelchair, Collin exuded an undeniable presence thatmanded respect, his aura of

    authority silencing the murmurs in an instant.

    nking him was a group of tall, stern-faced bodyguards, their formidable appearance underscoring his importance.

    Joanna''s eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Linsey and Collin with a simmering blend of irritation and incredulity.

    She had craftily orchestrated Linsey''s fall earlier, aiming to disgrace her publicly.

    Her phone was already poised to capture the humiliation, the footage guaranteed to make waves in online ridicule.

    Yet, Joanna hadn''t anticipated an intervention, especially not from a strikingly handsome man bound to a wheelchair.

    Who indeed was this man who had so effortlessly derailed her ns?

    When Joanna first caught sight of Collin, his striking features momentarily captivated her.

    Yet, as her eyes drifted down to the wheelchair beneath him, her initial admiration soured.

    Good looks wouldn''t change the fact that he was a worthless cripple.

    What was the point of a handsome face if he couldn''t even stand on his own damn legs?

    Her frustration boiling over, Joanna''s voice cracked with venom as she confronted him. "Who are you? What right do you

    have to meddle in this?"

    Collin responded with a chilling, low chuckle, his toneced with menace as he retorted, "And who might you be to

    question me? What gives you the right to treat Linsey like this?"

    His presence, though seated, seemed to expand, filling the ce with an unsettling authority that made the others shift

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    Chapter 1321 Am Linsey''s Husband, Collin Riley

    ufortably.

    Joanna, taken aback by the assertive undertone in Collin''s voice, paused, her confidence faltering. She gathered herself quickly, her voice sharp as she dered, "Oh, Linsey knows exactly what she''s guilty of! She put an innocent person in jail, and all we want is justice for the one who truly deserves it!"

    Meanwhile, Marisol, who had been observing the exchange from a distance, felt a shiver of apprehension. Something about

    Collin hinted at depths unexplored and intentions masked.

    Despite this, the Wells family was not known for backing down without a fight.

    With a flick of her head, Marisol''s gaze turned icy, her toneced with barely concealed disdain. "I''d advise you to leave

    while you can. I''m from the Wells family. Cross us, and you''ll face consequences far beyond your reckoning."

    At her warning, a sly grin crept across Collin''s lips. He stood unflustered, his response smooth as silk. "Ah, the Wells family.

    It seems Felix''s lessons fell short. His family still wield their power so carelessly."

    Marisol''splexion drained at his retort. Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her shock. "Who... who exactly are you?"

    Collin''s stern facade softened for a fleeting moment as he turned to Linsey, gently sping her hand. His voice carried a

    weight of unwavering certainty. "I am Linsey''s husband, Collin Riley."

    Marisol''s eyes stretched wide, a mix of shock and realization dawning on her. "You... you''re Collin Riley?"

    The disabled son of the esteemed Riley family-Collin himself!

    So it turned out Linsey''s husband was none other than him! He was the mastermind behind everything!

    Beside her, Joanna''s expression mirrored Marisol''s astonishment. Joanna hardly believed that the man before her eyes was

    part of the Riley family.

    The Riley family were known for their formidable influence, well beyond their wildest reach.

    But wasn''t Collin just the family''s discarded trash, a name with no weight and no power?

    Absolutely pathetic! Linsey actually married a useless, broken cripple!

    Collin''s gaze hardened, a frosty edge slicing through his words. "Walk away while you still can, or I''ll make you regret it."

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 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133 Consider This A fair Warning

    Joanna scoffed, her voiceced with derision. "So, you''re the renowned eldest son of the Riley family. I''ve heard tales about you. But what makes you think you can talk to me like that? It''s clear you''re barely tolerated within your own family. How dare you meddle in Linsey''s affairs?"

    Joanna then addressed the reporters clustered nearby, her voice ringing with authority. "Don''t let him intimidate you! Yes, he''s part of the Riley family, but everyone in town knows he''s in a wheelchair and ostracized by his own family. Did you see the wheelchair he''s sitting in? Don''t hesitate-take all the pictures you can. Believe me, everyone craves juicy gossip about the Rileys!"

    Joanna offered a chilling smile before delivering her final blow. "Let''s reveal the truly shameful faces of this contemptible

    duo!"

    The reporters, recognizing a potentially explosive story, visibly buzzed with excitement.

    Information about the Riley family''s eldest son was a rare and prized piece of

    news.

    Hearing Joanna''s taunts against Collin, Linsey instantly retaliated, her voice rising in anger. ¡°Joanna! Shut your foul mouth! Who''s the real shameless one here? I was with Felix for five years, and for three of those years, you shamelessly chased after him. Felix isn''t a saint either! You''re naive if you think he''s a good person. He exploited you, all while refusing to end things with me. You and he are the truly shameless ones!"

    "You!" Joanna''s face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and fury as she pointed a finger at Linsey, her teeth clenched. "You''re the one who clung to Felix, and you even betrayed him! You went and married another man on your wedding day to Felix! Are you too ashamed to admit it?"

    Linsey retorted sharply, "Felix''s betrayal came first! You were the one who schemed to lure him away from our wedding, leaving me humiliated in front of everyone. Given that public abandonment, why shouldn''t I have moved on and married

    someone else?"

    Linsey''s grip on Collin''s hand tightened, her voice firm and unwavering. "My husband is far superior to Felix in every way. Felix is a despicable cheat, and mark my words, Joanna, he''ll eventually betray you just as he betrayed me. Consider this a

    fair warning."

    While the two women traded angry words, Collin maintained an air ofposure, his face giving nothing away. He discreetly gestured to one of his men positioned behind him.

    The man acknowledged the signal with a silent nod and moved away to ce a call.

    Joanna, incensed by Linsey''s words, was consumed by fury, her face burning crimson.

    Marisol, who had been observing the scene, was taken aback. She had never witnessed the normally mild-mannered Joanna

    engage in such a heated argument.

    "What are you all looking at?" Joanna snapped at the reporters, her voiceced with frustration. "This is headline news! 0.0%

    16:10

    Chapter 133 Consider This A fair Warning

    Why aren''t you recording every single moment?"

    The reporters, jolted back to reality, lifted their cameras to resume filming, only to have their phones ring in unison.

    Each reporter received a call from their respective editors, who were yelling furiously. "Where are you? Get back to the office immediately! If any of you dare

    to report on Collin Riley, your career is over! Don''t be fools!"

    The reporters were stunned into silence.

    "But this involves the eldest son of the Riley family. Why is it off-limits? We reported on the arrest of the second son, and

    the Rileys didn''t interfere. What makes this different?"

    Their editors retorted, even more enraged. "You imbeciles! This is a direct order! If you publish even a single sentence

    about Collin, you''ll be cklisted for life! No news outlet in town will ever employ you again!"

    The reporters were speechless, unable toprehend what they were being told.

    They had always understood Collin to be a wheelchair-bound, inconsequential member of the Riley family. How could he

    possibly wield such influence?

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    100.0%

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134 Linsey, You''re

    Not Leaving!

    The reporters, without a second thought, hastily gathered their gear and fled.

    Joanna, astonished, seized one of the fleeing reporters. "Why are you running away? Come back here!" she eximed.

    The reporter, clearly agitated, stammered, "We don''t want any part of this!"

    Joanna, taken aback, retorted, "You epted my payment, and now you have the audacity to run off?"

    Instantly, all the reporters thrust the money back into her hands and vanished in the blink of an eye.

    Joanna, gradually regaining herposure, understood that Linsey and Collin were the masterminds behind this. She spun around, her gaze fixed on Linsey, demanding. "What have you two done?"

    Linsey, utterly confused, instinctively sought an exnation from Collin.

    Collin offered no direct reply. Instead, he spoke softly. "Linsey, it''s finished. Let''s go home."

    As they prepared to depart, Joanna instinctively moved to obstruct their path. "Linsey, you''re not leaving!" she dered.

    However, before she could reach them, several tall and imposing bodyguards positioned behind Collin intervened, blocking

    her way.

    Joanna and Marisol could only watch, powerless, as Collin and Linsey entered a sleek, inconspicuous luxury car and drove

    away, their expressions contorted with fury.

    Inside the car, the outside world seemed to fade into silence.

    Linsey, still rattled by the recent events, found herself reying them in her thoughts. After a moment of contemtion, she quietly inquired, "Why did you suddenly appear?"

    Collin spoke, his voice gentle and reassuring. "This morning, I looked for you after leaving my study, but you were gone. Josh mentioned you''d left quickly, seeming to be in a rush. Luckily, you''d informed him of your destination. I was

    concerned, so I came to find you."

    He sighed softly, almost silently. "It''s fortunate I came. You could have been in serious danger."

    Despite Linsey''s bravery, she was alone and would have been overwhelmed by that group.

    Linsey nodded. "Yes, I''m d you came. I wouldn''t have escaped otherwise."

    Linsey''s brow furrowed, a hint of regret in her voice. "I never imagined Marisol would sink to such depths. She feigned an apology, but all along, she was nning this. I''ll be more cautious in the future."

    Collin offered a gentle smile. ¡°Whatever happens, I''ll always be there for you."

    Linsey''s gaze softened as she returned his smile, a feeling of warmth spreading through her.

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    16:11

    Chapter 134 Linsey, You''re Not Leaving!

    With the danger passed, Linsey finally rxed. However, as she did, a dull pain pulsed in her ankle.

    She winced, drawing a sharp breath as she instinctively touched the painful area.

    "What is it?" Collin asked, his concern evident, having immediately noticed her difort.

    Linsey shook her head quickly. "It''s nothing, just my ankle. It''s a little sore."

    A shadow crossed Collin''s face as the memory of her near fall resurfaced. He wordlessly knelt, his hand gently cupping her calf as he inspected her ankle.

    The sight before them made them still. Linsey''s right ankle was visibly swollen and discolored, bearing the clear marks of a sprain sustained earlier.

    The adrenaline surge from the earliermotion had numbed the pain, but now it crashed down on her like a wave.

    Collin''s features hardened, his jaw clenched tight. Linsey''s heart fluttered nervously at his reaction, and she offered weakly, "I''m really okay..."

    "How can you say that?" Collin''s voice was firm as he directed the driver, "Head to the hospital. Immediately."

    "Yes, sir," the driver replied, smoothly redirecting the vehicle towards Dominic''s private medical facility.

    Linsey opened her mouth to speak, intending to object that a hospital visit wasn''t required.

    A sprain like this could easily be managed at home with some topical medication.

    However, observing the tense, almost somber expression on Collin''s face, she kept her objections to herself, not wanting to cross him.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135 Does He Get Injured Often

    Collin and Linsey quickly reached the hospital, where Dominic arrived hurriedly.

    "Collin, you''re unbelievable!" Dominic eximed. "I just finished surgery and was about to rx, and you couldn''t wait to drag me here."

    Collin nced at Dominic and said calmly, "Linsey is injured. Please examine her."

    Dominic was taken aback and immediately turned his attention to Linsey. "What happened this time?" he asked.

    Linsey felt a bit awkward for some reason. "Uh... it''s just a sprain, nothing serious," she replied.

    Dominic crouched down in front of her, his gaze fixed on her swollen ankle. He shook his head and gave a low whistle.

    "Collin, weren''t you the one who used to avoid doctors and treat your own injuries? Now you can''t even handle something

    this minor? You had to call me in for this?" Dominic questioned.

    Linsey blinked in surprise and instinctively asked, "Does he get injured often?"

    "Dominic," Collin said, his brows furrowed in a silent warning.

    Realizing he had revealed too much, Dominic quickly cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Forget what I said," he

    deflected. "It looks serious. Let''s get an X-ray done first."

    "But..." She wanted to ask more, but...

    Seeing Collin''s stern expression, she decided against it and nodded obediently.

    Luckily, Linsey''s injury wasn''t serious.

    After a brief examination, Dominic concluded, "Don''t worry it''s nothing too severe. Just apply the medication on time, and

    try to rest more for the next couple of days."

    Linsey sighed in relief. She knew it wasn''t a big deal.

    "Thank you, Dr. Larson," Linsey said softly.

    Dominic handed the spray medication to Collin. "She''s yours to look after," he said. "I''ll head out now."

    With that, Dominic turned and departed, quietly closing the hospital room door behind him. He further instructed the hospital staff to refrain from unnecessary interruptions.

    After all, they were a newly married couple.

    A bit of privacy would undoubtedly benefit their budding rtionship.

    Once Dominic had departed, Collin maneuvered his wheelchair closer to Linsey.

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    16:12

    Chapter 135 Does He Get Injured Often

    Without a word, he bent down, gently lifted her injured foot, and carefully ced it on hisp.

    Linsey instinctively recoiled, feeling a touch of embarrassment.

    Collin firmly but gently held her leg in ce and said in a low,manding tone, "Hold still."

    The firmness in his voice caused Linsey to still. She nodded meekly, deciding acquiescence was the best course of action.

    Very well, she would remain still.

    Collin''s brow furrowed as he examined her swollen ankle. He picked up the medicated spray and gently applied it to the

    affected area.

    The cool, medicated spray, with its sharp, medicinal scent, stung slightly upon contact with her skin, sending a jolt of

    sensation through her ankle.

    Linsey bit her lip, attempting to suppress the difort.

    "Does it cause you pain?" Collin inquired, his voice even.

    Linsey offered a strained smile and replied, "No, not at all."

    Collin offered no response. He continued to administer the medication with meticulous attention.

    As the spray prated her injured tissue, the pain intensified.

    Finally, Linsey''sposure faltered, and she trembled slightly as she whispered, "Collin, perhaps a touch more gently?"

    As he heard the pain in her voice, Collin''s expression softened momentarily.

    The mere thought of Linsey being harmed again ignited a fierce surge of frustration within Collin.

    He inhaled deeply, suppressing the urge to unleash his anger, and gentled his touch as much as he could. Once he finished tending to her injury, he carefully ced her foot back on the floor.

    With her injury tended to, they both returned to the Vista Vi.

    Linsey settled onto the bed, wanting to speak to Collin, but he preempted her.

    "Rest up. I have some business to handle," he said.

    With that, Collin wheeled himself out of the room, worried that if he remained any longer, his barely contained fury might

    scare Linsey.

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 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136 Shall I Have The Article Removed...

    "Collin, wait!" Linsey''s voice echoed with a trace of anxiety as she instinctively called out to him.

    Collin paused and turned to face her with a gentle expression that belied the turmoil beneath. "What''s wrong?" he asked,

    his voice soft yet tinged with concern.

    Linsey bit her lip, grappling with her emotions. The air between them crackled with tension; his aura hinted at anger, though his demeanor remained calm.

    She wanted to voice her worries, to bridge the distance that had formed so suddenly. Yet, her words faltered, trapped by

    her hesitation. "Nothing. Just... don''t bury yourself in work for too long. Try to get some rest early, okay?"

    "Alright," Collin replied, his lips pressing into a thin line, a subtle sign of his inner conflict.

    As his figure tapered into the distance, Linsey was enveloped by a poignant sense of loss. She watched until he disappeared,

    her heart heavy with unspoken words.

    Collin, wrapped in his own storm of emotions, was oblivious to Linsey''s turmoil. His thoughts were a tangled mess,

    dominated by self-reproach.

    If only he had resolved the Wells family debacle sooner, Linsey wouldn''t have gotten injured.

    Since he had to keep up the facade, all he do was watch.

    Retreating to his study, Collin drowned himself in work, trying to smother his heavy heart under piles of paperwork.

    His solitude was abruptly shattered when one of his subordinates burst through the door, breathless with urgency. "Mr.

    Riley, we got a problem!"

    Collin''s head snapped up, his frown deepening. "What is it?" he demanded.

    The grim expression on the subordinate''s face deepened as he ryed the news to Collin. "Despite your clear instructions

    to the media to avoid any mention of you and Mrs. Riley, it appears that the story has still found its way online."

    Collin''s face darkened immediately. He shifted in his seat, leveling a piercing gaze at the messenger. "Exin to me how

    this happened. I gave explicit warnings to those outlets. How did this leak?"

    The icy intensity in Collin''s eyes sent a shiver coursing through the subordinate''s body. In a trembling voice, he replied, "We did issue the warnings, sir, but Marisol Wells has been tenacious. She actually brought in a scandal-chasing tabloid rat to do her dirty work."

    He hastily pulled out his phone, navigating to the damning article, and handed it to Collin.

    The screen disyed the freshly published scandal.

    "Explosive Expos¨¦: The Dark Secrets behind Felix Wells'' Imprisonment! Linsey Brooks, his long-term girlfriend, betrayed him

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    16:12

    Chapter 136 Shall I Have The Article Removed Immediately

    brutally. On the day they were to wed, she not only cheated but married another man. Subsequently, she crafted a devious. plot to frame Felix, alleging her own kidnapping to squeeze a fortune from his wealthy family. When her outrageous demands were refused, she and her new husband vindictively ensured Felix''s imprisonment."

    The article was a concoction of sensational fabrications, utterlycking in proof.

    But gossip-hungryizens didn''t give a damn if it was true-they ate the story up like a feast.

    "How can people be so ruthlessly cruel?"

    "Is this the same kidnapping case everyone was talking about a while back?"

    "Poor Felix! He''spletely innocent. If he actually ends up in prison, it''ll destroy his entire life."

    ¡°Linsey is the definition of shameless and rotten to the core."

    "She actually cheated on Felix? That''s downright pathetic."

    Collin scrolled through the torrent ofments, his face hardening with each swipe. Many of thesementers were clueless, simply throwing out wild usations-some, he suspected, might even be paid trolls.

    He chuckled bitterly, the sound sharp and icy.

    Noticing the brewing storm, his subordinate promptly ducked his head, tension crackling in the air like static.

    In all the years he had worked with Collin, he had never witnessed him this livid.

    It looked bleak for the Wells family now; what little hope they might have clung to was fast eroding.

    This time, Collin''s rage was unmistakable-he was absolutely livid.

    After a tense pause, his subordinate ventured cautiously, "Mr. Riley, shall I have the article removed immediately?"

    "Wait," Collin interjected, inhaling deeply topose himself. "Pulling the story now would only fuel the fire. People will assume Linsey is exactly as they say, and every attempt we make to clear the air could further tarnish her reputation."

    "Then what should we do, Mr. Riley?" the subordinate asked, eager for some direction.

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    100.0%

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137 I''ll Face It On My Own

    Collin''s eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his voice dropping to a hushed, foreboding tone. "I made the mistake of underestimating Marisol Wells. Set up a meeting with her tonight-I''ll deal with her in person."

    He paused, his expression hardening. "And keep Linsey offline for the time being. Make sure she doesn''t step outside

    either."

    "Understood," his subordinate responded with a crisp nod, turning to exit the dimly lit study.

    Yet, as the door creaked open, the subordinate halted, his body tensing in shock. "Mrs. Riley, why are you here?"

    Collin''s gaze snapped towards the door, his surprise evident as he spotted Linsey in the doorway.

    His lips pressed into a taut line, betraying his irritation. "Escort her back to her room," hemanded sharply.

    "No need for that-I already heard every word," Linsey interjected softly, her voice carrying a calm resolve.

    Her eyes, shimmering with a mix of emotions, locked onto Collin''splex gaze.

    Although she had nned to retreat to her room, the lingering thoughts of Collin''s potential anger and self-reproach drew her here instead. She had hoped for a heartfelt conversation to soothe the evident turmoil.

    Unbeknownst to her, she would stumble upon a conversationden with secrets just outside his study.

    The subordinate recoiled, his eyes widening in shock before he turned to face Collin. "Mr. Riley, my apologies-I didn''t

    secure the door properly."

    Before Collin could respond, Linsey stepped in, her tone protective. ¡°It''s really not his fault. I was at the door... let''s just say I caught a bit of the conversation by chance."

    Collin didn''t entertain the thought of ming Linsey. With a discreet nce, he urged the subordinate to exit, then reassured Linsey, "Don''t worry over this. I''ve got it covered. For now, just focus on taking it easy."

    After a brief pause, Linsey approached Collin''s desk with a determined look, asking outright, "What''s your n for handling this?"

    "I''ve reached out to someone to get in touch with Marisol. We''ll aim to clear up the misunderstanding from her end. If word spreads, it could tarnish your reputation," Collin stated, holding back the full extent of his intentions.

    In his mind, more drastic measures to coerce Marisol were already taking shape.

    However, he chose not to burden Linsey with these darker thoughts.

    Linsey bit her lip, fixing Collin with a prating gaze. "And if she decides to leverage this against you? What if she pushes her luck and asks for something even more ridiculous?"

    Without missing a beat, Collin responded, "Then I''ll concede to her demands- except for dropping the charges against Felix.

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    16:13

    Chapter 137 I''ll Face It On My Own

    That''s where I draw the line. Anything else, she can set her terms."

    "No!" Linsey eximed, her voice tinged with determination. She inhaled deeply, her words measured yet firm. "Collin, this concerns me. You shouldn''t have to shoulder the consequences. Moreover, I''m innocent. This whole mess is nothing but

    lies spun by Marisol and Joanna!"

    Collin''s eyes narrowed, a shadow falling over his features as he peered at her intently. In a hushed, urgent tone, he began,

    "I know you''re innocent, but if we don''t seize control of this situation-"

    She cut him off mid-sentence, determinationcing her voice. "Collin, I need to handle this on my own."

    A slight frown creased his brow. "Why won''t you let me help you with this?"

    "Give me just three days," she asserted firmly. "If I haven''t sort

    it out by then, you can intervene."

    He exhaled a deep, frustrated sigh, the weight of his concern evident in his voice. "Do you understand how fast rumors can ignite online? If we don''t quash this now, it won''t be long before everyst person in town is whispering about those nderous stories."

    Yet Linsey''s face was the picture of resolve. "Whateveres, I''ll face it on my own."

    Collin''s resolve wavered, his hesitation palpable in the tense air between them.

    "Collin, we''re married. We''re meant to stand by each other for a lifetime." Her voice softened, and she crouched down, taking his hands in hers. Her eyes met his, earnest and pleading. "I can''t just hide behind you forever-what kind of wife would that make me? We''re family, and that means having each other''s backs. Just trust me, alright? I''ve already found a way out of this mess."

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 Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 138

    Chapter 138 I''ve Got This All Figured Out

    Meeting Linsey''s intense, unwavering gaze, Collin found himself momentarily powerless to refuse.

    He hesitated, the weight of her stare anchoring him to the spot, before he finally gave in with a reluctant nod. "Alright, I trust you," he conceded, his voice tinged with a mixture of admiration and resignation.

    Swiftly, Collin beckoned to his subordinate and issued a firm directive. "From this moment, you''re to take your orders from

    Linsey. Whatever she demands, execute it without question."

    "Got it, Mr. Riley," the subordinate responded promptly, his toneced with deference.

    Collin turned back to Linsey, and his eyes sought hers, as if he was seeking confirmation or perhaps reassurance. "If youe up with any strategies, just inform him, and he''ll orchestrate everything on your behalf."

    Linsey paused, her mind seemingly weaving through abyrinth of thoughts before she addressed the subordinate. "There''s nothing to handle right now. If somethinges up, you''ll be the first to know. Thanks."

    "Mrs. Riley, serving you is truly a privilege," the subordinate replied, his expression one of genuine pride mixed with a touch of awe. His brow then furrowed in concern as he ventured cautiously, "With Marisol exposing this, staying silent isn''t an option-if it blows upter, it''ll put you in a tough spot."

    Linsey''s lips curled into a knowing smile, a sh of cunning flickering across her features. ¡°Let her make a fool of herself if she wants-having everyone watch will only work in our favor," she dered firmly.

    The subordinate blinked, taken aback by her audacity. He had not anticipated such a bold strategy from Linsey.

    Concern etched deeper into his features as he pondered the potential repercussions.

    "But, Mrs. Riley, if this esctes, it could tarnish more than just your reputation," he warned, his voiceden with caution.

    "No need to worry. I''ve got this all figured out," Linsey assured him with a wave of her hand, her confidence unshaken.

    Collin watched, his gaze sharpening as he noted the steadfast resolve etched into her features. With a slight arch of his

    eyebrows, he found himself swept up in her conviction, nodding in silent agreement.

    He turned towards his subordinate andmanded crisply, "Follow her lead."

    The subordinate rubbed the back of his neck, his confusion deepening. Collin''s methods often baffled him, and Linsey''s assertive stance only addedyers to his perplexity.

    Initially, he had assumed Linsey was nothing special-just another ordinary

    woman.

    Yet, standing there, her demeanor unyielding and poised against the onught of threats, she cast a whole new shadow of

    intrigue.

    Where others might crumble under such pressure, Linsey stood her ground with a calm so potent it mirrored Collin''s own.

    Chapter 138 I''ve Got This All Figured Out

    The resemnce in theirposure under pressure was uncanny.

    A thought flickered through his mind-was there truth to the old saying that

    partners grow to mirror each other over time?

    Respecting Linsey''s decision, Collin stepped back, allowing her the reinspletely.

    The online world buzzed with wild spections about her, each more sensational than thest.

    Amidst the growing storm, Dolores stumbled upon the fervent discussions and reached out to Linsey in distress.

    Without missing a beat, Linsey shared her carefullyid ns, soothing Dolores with her confidence.

    After listening to Linsey''s strategy, Dolores couldn''t help but shake her head, a gesture tinged with resignation and a hint of admiration. "Linsey, you''ve always been stubbornly independent, never needing anyone to do what you can handle yourself.

    With a sigh, Dolores continued, "I thought Collin might be the one to finally keep that fiery attitude of yours in check, but it looks like even he''s got no control over you. Well, might as well embrace it. Once you deal with Marisol, everyone will

    realize that you''re not someone to mess with."

    In the days that followed, Linsey took the time to rest and recuperate. Thankfully, her sprain was minor, and by the next morning, she was back to her routine, striding into work with her usual

    vigor.

    Yet, the atmosphere at thepany was unmistakably different. As she entered the building, she couldn''t miss the

    sidelong nces and the hushed whispers that followed her progress.

    Not a hint of surprise crossed her face-she had been prepared for this all along.

    The rumors, fueled by Marisol''s vindictive efforts, had taken on a life of their own, painting her in hues far removed from

    reality.

    It wasn''t just acquaintances who viewed her with new eyes-strangers seemed equally eager to indulge in the scandal.

    Undeterred by the murmurs and pointed stares, Linsey moved through the lobby with aposed determination.

    She was almost at her desk when Cynthia appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path with a stance that was confrontational, arms crossed and eyes gleaming with

    scorn.

    "Linsey, you''ve got some fucking nerve. After everything that''s exploded online, you still have the audacity to show up? You really don''t know shame, do you?" Cynthia sneered, her voice dripping with derision.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139 You Really Bet On The Wrong Horse

    Before heading to the office, Linsey had already braced herself for the inevitable- online rumors would be ammunition for

    her critics.

    So when Cynthia tried to stir the pot, she barely batted an eye. The provocation felt childish at best.

    Given Cynthia''s usual antics, it was no surprise she kept recycling the same tired insults.

    "If you have this much free time, maybe Coen should pile more work on your desk," Linsey said smoothly, unfazed by the

    attempt to call her out.

    Cynthia narrowed her eyes, irritation flickering across her face before she fired back. "No wonder you''ve been so secretive

    about your husband."

    Cynthia let out a sharp, mockingugh, her smirk brimming with satisfaction.

    Lifting a brow, she nced around at their watching colleagues, making sure to project her voice. "So, your husband is that

    neglected, disabled son of the Riley family, huh?"

    Linsey''s face went cold.

    A few coworkers exchanged looks before hushed whispers broke out.

    "Did you catch the drama about Linsey online?"

    "I was off all weekend. Fill me in."

    "Linsey was with her boyfriend for five years, but on her wedding day, she ended up marrying Collin-the eldest son of the

    Riley family."

    "The Riley family? That''s huge. Didn''t she just hit the jackpot?"

    "Tsk, you''re missing the bigger picture."

    "Wow, you''re really out of the loop. Everyone in town knows the Riley family wants nothing to do with Collin. If they had

    their way, he wouldn''t even exist. They cast him aside years ago.¡±

    "Why''s that?"

    "His mother passed away when he was young, and a few years back, he got into

    a car ident. He''s paralyzed now-can''t even walk. To them, he''s just dead weight!"

    Cynthia felt a thrill as the whispers spread.

    Ever since Linsey had outshined her in the interview, she had been itching for payback.

    Who would have thought Linsey, of all people, would end up tied to Collin-the most pitiful name in Grester''s elite circles?

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    16:14

    Chapter 139 You Really Bet On The Wrong Horse

    The irony was almost too good to be true.

    The more Cynthia thought about it, the funnier it became. A smirk tugged at her lips as she put on a mask of fake sympathy. "Linsey, I get it. You came from nothing and thought your looks couldnd you a golden ticket. But wow-you

    really bet on the wrong horse."

    She let out a dramatic sigh. "Collin''s practically invisible to the Riley family. Even with Huntley behind bars, they''d pull every string to get him out before ever acknowledging Collin. And if it really came down to it, they''ve got plenty of other heirs to choose from. Let''s be real-what wealthy family would ever put their legacy in the hands of a cripple?"

    Linsey''s expression darkened, the air around her turning razor-sharp. She fixed Cynthia with an icy stare. "Say that again. I dare you."

    She lifted her coffee cup slightly, fingers tightening around it.

    Clearly, Cynthia hadn''t learned her lessonst time-probably because Linsey hadn''t spilled enough.

    The moment Cynthia spotted the coffee in Linsey''s hand, a shudder ran through her. She instinctively backed away.

    "Linsey, I''m warning you-don''t do anything reckless!" Cynthia''s voice wavered, eyes locked on the cup as if bracing for impact.

    Linsey''s expression remained unreadable. "Then keep your filthy mouth shut."

    A heavy silence settled over the office. Right then, Coen walked in. Ignoring the tension in the air, he looked straight at Linsey. "My office. Now."

 Chapter 140

    hapter 140 You''re Always

    Fair

    "Alright," Linsey responded.

    As Coen walked into his office, Cynthia''s smugness returned full force. "Well, Linsey," she drawled. "Looks like you''re

    about to get the boot. I''m so excited to see this train wreck."

    Cynthia, having delivered her little jab, sauntered back to her desk without another word.

    Linsey''s lips tightened. She headed towards the manager''s office.

    Was Coen seriously considering firing her because of some online garbage?

    "Coen?" she said, closing the door behind her, a knot of nervousness twisting in her stomach.

    Standing before his desk, she asked, "You wanted to see me?"

    Predictably, Coen immediatelyunched into the online rumors. "I wanted to talk about these rumors swirling around

    about you online," he stated.

    Linsey''s heart sank. She was terrified he had actually bought into that crap. "Coen, it''s aplete misunderstanding," she

    blurted. "Please, you have to believe me. None of that stuff online is true."

    Coen scrutinized her for a moment. "It''s weird," he muttered. "You''re not exactly famous. Why would anyone bother

    spreading rumors about you?"

    He paused, then added, his tone turning serious, "I have a feeling someone''s behind this, deliberately trying to cause

    trouble. Linsey, you need to deal with this, and fast."

    Linsey nodded quickly. "I will."

    After a beat, she hesitated. "Coen, is thepany going to fire me because of this?"

    Coen raised an eyebrow. "What kind ofpany do you think we''re running here?" he asked, his voice firm. "We don''t fire

    people just because they''re having a rough time. You''ve been here long enough. You know me better than that, don''t you?"

    Linsey forced a small smile. "Of course, Coen. You''re always fair."

    Coen seemed pleased with her answer. He chuckled. "Don''t sweat it. I''ll handle this. You just focus on finishing Anthea''s design. Don''t let this whole mess distract you from actual work."

    Linsey was genuinely taken aback. She hadn''t anticipated Coen''s support. It was a pleasant surprise, to say the least.

    Coen then casually admitted, "Don''t get too carried away with the thanks. With Anthea singing your praises, we have to keep our clients happy, naturally."

    He then yfully nudged her. "Seriously, Linsey, why the hell didn''t you mention you were so tight with Anthea?"

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    16:15

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 140 You''re Always

    Fair

    "Alright," Linsey responded.

    As Coen walked into his office, Cynthia''s smugness returned full force. "Well, Linsey," she drawled. "Looks like you''re

    about to get the boot. I''m so excited to see this train wreck."

    Cynthia, having delivered her little jab, sauntered back to her desk without another word.

    Linsey''s lips tightened. She headed towards the manager''s office.

    Was Coen seriously considering firing her because of some online garbage?

    "Coen?" she said, closing the door behind her, a knot of nervousness twisting in her stomach.

    Standing before his desk, she asked, "You wanted to see me?"

    Predictably, Coen immediatelyunched into the online rumors. "I wanted to talk about these rumors swirling around

    about you online," he stated.

    Linsey''s heart sank. She was terrified he had actually bought into that crap. "Coen, it''s aplete misunderstanding," she

    blurted. "Please, you have to believe me. None of that stuff online is true."

    Coen scrutinized her for a moment. "It''s weird," he muttered. "You''re not exactly famous. Why would anyone bother

    spreading rumors about you?"

    He paused, then added, his tone turning serious, "I have a feeling someone''s behind this, deliberately trying to cause

    trouble. Linsey, you need to deal with this, and fast."

    Linsey nodded quickly. "I will."

    After a beat, she hesitated. "Coen, is thepany going to fire me because of this?"

    Coen raised an eyebrow. "What kind ofpany do you think we''re running here?" he asked, his voice firm. "We don''t fire

    people just because they''re having a rough time. You''ve been here long enough. You know me better than that, don''t you?"

    Linsey forced a small smile. "Of course, Coen. You''re always fair."

    Coen seemed pleased with her answer. He chuckled. "Don''t sweat it. I''ll handle this. You just focus on finishing Anthea''s design. Don''t let this whole mess distract you from actual work."

    Linsey was genuinely taken aback. She hadn''t anticipated Coen''s support. It was a pleasant surprise, to say the least.

    Coen then casually admitted, "Don''t get too carried away with the thanks. With Anthea singing your praises, we have to keep our clients happy, naturally."

    He then yfully nudged her. "Seriously, Linsey, why the hell didn''t you mention you were so tight with Anthea?"

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    16:15

    Chapter 140 You''re Always Fair

    Still a little bewildered, Linsey answered honestly, "I''ve only met Anthea once, actually. We mostly talked shop-you know, design stuff. We''re not exactly besties or anything."

    Coen gave a knowing nod. "Ah, I see. Anthea must have seen something special in your work, then. Makes sense. Alright, off you go. Just make sure you nail this design for Anthea, okay?"

    "Got it, Coen," Linsey replied, still a little puzzled by the whole interaction, but definitely relieved.

    After their little chat, Coen, in an unusually friendly and upbeat mood, personally escorted Linsey to the door.

    "Oh, by the way," he said, as they neared the exit. "You mentioned you twisted your ankle yesterday. How''s that holding up?" He genuinely seemed concerned.

    The other office drones exchanged surprised nces, clearly thrown by Coen''s sudden disy of actual human decency. It wasn''t exactly his usual style. Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141 I Could Lend

    A Hand

    Everyone had expected Coen to explode, to have Linsey escorted out without a second thought. But instead, he looked...

    concerned.

    The rumors about her had already swept through the office like wildfire-there was no way he hadn''t heard them.

    "I''m feeling much better now," she said, keeping her voice steady.

    Coen gave a small nod. "Good. Then head back to your desk and get some rest.¡± His tone was gentle, almost careful.

    As soon as she settled into her chair, a few coworkers inched closer, their curiosity barely concealed. One of them finally

    asked, "Linsey, why is Coen being so... nice to you? We thought="

    The sentence trailed off, thick with unspoken questions. But Linsey knew what they meant. They weren''t just asking about

    Coen. They wanted to know why she still had a job.

    Linsey met their prying eyes with a faint smile, effortlessly sidestepping the unspoken question. "I''m sure Coen has his

    reasons."

    When it became clear she wouldn''t say more, their excitement withered into disappointment. They exchanged nces,

    their lips twisting in frustration at the lost gossip.

    A short distance away, Cynthia watched, her nails biting into her palm. Not only had Linsey emerged unscathed, but Coen

    had openly shown her concern. The injustice of it burned in Cynthia''s chest, slow and simmering.

    Beside her, a colleague hesitated before leaning in. "Cynthia, do you have any idea why Coen is treating Linsey like that?"

    Cynthia''s jaw tightened. Her voice was sharp enough to cut. "Why?"

    The colleague''s eyes gleamed with intrigue as they leaned in, lowering their voice. "Word is, Coen had dinner with Antheast night, and she personally insisted that Linsey stay. That was why he didn''t push her out. Think about it-someone like Anthea? No way Coen would dare go against her."

    Cynthia''s breath hitched, disbelief flickering across her face.

    Linsey, that lucky! Even now, Anthea was shielding her.

    Cynthia inhaled sharply, her expression twisting with frustration.

    Meanwhile, Linsey shook off the whispers and headed to the conference room, determined to buckle down and finish the final product with her team.

    During her lunch break, Linsey found her thoughts drifting back to Anthea standing up for her.

    She hadn''t lied to Coen-since she took on Anthea''s design project, every conversation between them had been strictly business.

    Chapter 1411 Could Lend A Hand

    Anthea was always poised, neither particrly warm nor distant.

    Their rtionship was purely professional, the kind shared between a designer and a client.

    Had she really intervened just because she admired Linsey''s work?

    It wasn''t out of the question...

    Then, out of nowhere, a different name surfaced in her mind-Collin.

    Could Collin have had a hand in this? He did mention that Anthea was an old friend of his mother''s.

    Linsey turned the thought over in her mind, but no matter how she looked at it, the pieces didn''t quite fit.

    In the end, she decided the only thing to do was thank Anthea directly. "Mrs. kely, I really appreciate you speaking up for me with Coen. Thank you for giving me the chance to stay."

    Ten long minutes passed before Anthea replied. Her message was brief, her tone asposed as ever. "I simply didn''t want to rece a designer at such a crucial point. Your work speaks for itself-otherwise, I wouldn''t have bothered."

    The words were almost identical to what Coen had told her.

    Linsey responded with practiced politeness. "Of course, Mrs. kely. I''ll make sure to give it my all."

    For the rest of the day, she tuned out the nasty rumors circting online and poured every ounce of her focus into her work.

    By the next morning, the gown was finallyplete.

    Per the agreement, she needed to deliver it to Anthea in person.

    "When you see Antheater, be sure to pass along my regards," Coen said, watching intently as Linsey carefully packed the gown.

    Linsey gave a quick nod. "Of course, Coen."

    Just then, Cynthia approached with a pleasant smile. In front of Coen, she casually suggested, "Linsey, it might be a hassle going alone. How about Ie with you? I could lend a hand."

    Coen nced at Cynthia and chimed in, "That''s kind of you, Cynthia. Alright, you can join her."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142 Your Design Talent Is Truly Remarkable

    "Thank you, Coen!" Cynthia chirped, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness.

    Linsey''s brow furrowed just a tad, a flicker of unease crossing her face. However, she bit back whateverment she might have made.

    Cynthia, as a member of the Keller family, held a certain sway. Coen, well aware of the Kellers'' prominence and influence,

    wouldn''t dare risk causing her any public embarrassment.

    The drive to Anthea''s vi began. Linsey upied the back seat, carefully cradling the box containing the precious dress.

    Cynthia sat right next to her.

    Linsey braced herself, fully expecting Cynthia to use the car ride as an opportunity for some more of her snide remarks and

    petty jabs. To Linsey''s surprise, however, the entire twenty-minute journey passed without a single word from Cynthia.

    Cynthia''s uncharacteristic silence puzzled Linsey.

    Could it be possible? Had Cynthia actually turned over a new leaf? Was she genuinely refraining from her usual taunts for once?

    What was she up to? What schemes were brewing beneath that quiet exterior?

    Unbeknownst to Linsey, Cynthia had already formted a n. She was determined to make a grand entrance, asting impression on Anthea.

    Cynthia exuded an air of unwavering confidence.

    Cynthia had, in the past, bought into the rumors that Anthea was notoriously difficult to satisfy, a woman with impossibly high standards.

    However, after witnessing Linsey''s sessful negotiation with Anthea, Cynthia realized that those rumors were nothing more than baseless gossip.

    Cynthia now bitterly regretted missing out on what she perceived as a golden opportunity. She seethed with resentment that Linsey, someone she considered far less capable than herself, had managed to secure Anthea''s order.

    Once they got there, she would surely project an image of professionalism andpetence, outshining Linsey.

    At that time, Anthea would immediately recognize her as the more suitable business partner.

    In due course, they reached the vi.

    Linsey cautiously exited the car, carefully clutching the gown box. Her sprained ankle had significantly improved, but a lingering ache and stiffness persisted as she moved.

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    Chapter 142 Your Design Talent Is Truly Remarkable

    Just as she shut the car door, Cynthia hurried over, saying, "Linsey, your ankle is still bothering you, isn''t it? Allow me to carry the gown for you."

    Without pausing for a reply, Cynthia swiftly took the box from Linsey''s grasp.

    Linsey offered a neutral nce in response but remained silent.

    Upon entering the vi, Anthea promptly emerged to wee them.

    She greeted Linsey with a warm smile, but a hint of surprise flickered across her face as her gaze fell upon Cynthia.

    "And you are?" Anthea inquired, evidently not anticipating the presence of another guest.

    Cynthia promptly offered a smile and introduced herself. "Hello, Mrs. kely! My name is Cynthia Keller. We''ve crossed paths briefly at a few social events- perhaps you recall my parents."

    Both the kely and the Keller families were prominent figures within Grester''s elite social circles, though the kely family undeniably held a more esteemed position.

    Nevertheless, Cynthia remained confident that Anthea, belonging to aparable social stratum, would afford her due respect.

    However, Anthea merely offered a curt nod before turning back to Linsey. "Please,e in, both of you. I''ve arranged for some coffee to be prepared."

    "Thank you, Mrs. kely," Linsey responded politely.

    After they were seated, Linsey opened the dress box, unveiling the gown within.

    The dress, meticulously tailored specifically for Anthea, showcased exquisite craftsmanship and intricate details that captivated her attention.

    "Linsey, your design talent is truly remarkable. This dress is absolutely breathtaking. I adore it!" Anthea''s eyes gleamed with genuine admiration, her praise heartfelt and sincere.

    Linsey offered a polite smile in return. ¡°Your insightful suggestions were truly inspiring, elevating the design far beyond my initial vision. During the production process, Coen graciously provided the assistance of some seasoned designers, which proved invaluable in bringing the final creation to life. I''m overjoyed that you''re pleased with it."

    Observing Anthea''s evident satisfaction with Linsey''s work, Cynthia was engulfed by a surge of irritation.

    Clearing her throat, she interjected, "Mrs. kely, perhaps I could assist you in trying on the dress? After all, you can only truly appreciate its perfection once you see it on yourself."

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143 How Are Things Going At CR...

    Anthea''s frown deepened, her voice icy as she rebuked Cynthia. "This creation is Linsey''s masterpiece. If I''m going to have

    someone help me try it on, it better be her. Your involvementcks the intimate knowledge of its nuances. Just think about the mess it would cause if handled the wrong way."

    Her words sliced through the air, leaving Cynthia momentarily stunned, her expression crumpling into an ufortable

    mix of surprise and embarrassment.

    Yet, unwilling to stir further discord, Cynthia mustered a strained smile. "You''re absolutely right, Mrs. kely."

    Dismissing Cynthia with nothing more than a sharp turn of her head, Anthea beckoned Linsey. "Well, it''s about time. Let''s

    proceed with the fitting."

    "Of course," Linsey agreed, her tone respectful as she followed Anthea''s lead upstairs.

    Trailing behind, two maids handled the exquisite dress with utmost care, their steps measured and silent.

    Cynthia was left in the echo of their departure, her cheeks burning with suppressed rage.

    That fucking bitch Linsey! No doubt Linsey ran her mouth and trashed her to Anthea earlier!

    That damn woman had no idea what wasing-she was going to wish Linsey never pulled this shit!

    Meanwhile, upstairs, Linsey and Anthea entered a secluded room.

    The maids, with reverent gestures, draped the dress on a stand and discreetly exited, ensuring that Linsey and Anthea had the room to themselves.

    Anthea recalled Cynthia''s antics with a mixture of amusement and disdain.

    They were so tantly obvious. Even after all these years, it baffled her that Cynthia still thought her motives were hidden.

    Engaging with Cynthia, even briefly, was draining.

    Anthea couldn''t help but sympathize with Linsey, who had likely borne the brunt of Cynthia''s scheming far more directly.

    Her thoughts softened as she observed Linsey carefully adjusting her dress, her movements delicate and precise.

    Anthea had been a lifelong friend of Collin''s mother and had always held a

    maternal affection for Collin, almost considering him a son.

    She had resigned herself to the idea of him remaining solitary for life, yet here he

    was, having found Linsey, a truly exceptional woman.

    This revtion had stirred a protective instinct in Anthea.

    Seeking to break the contemtive quiet, Anthea inquired in a warm, concerned tone, "How are things going at CR

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    Chapter 143 How Are Things Going At CR Corporation

    Corporation? Are you fitting in well with your coworkers?"

    Linsey responded with a gentle smile that lit up her features, ¡°Quite well, actually."

    Anthea released a skeptical hum, her eyebrows arching in doubt. She said, her toneced with suspicion, "I''m not entirely

    convinced. Consider the woman who were with you today. Her actions were tantly calcted-she''s obviously trying to

    charm her way into my good graces."

    She then added, "I reviewed the list of designers Coen sent over for this project, and there''s no mention of a Cynthia.

    What''s her role here then? Watch yourself. Don''t you fear that one day I might prefer coborating with her over you?"

    Linsey straightened her posture, her expression serene and self-assured as she responded, "Mrs. kely, I have full

    confidence in my skills and your discernment. I''m sure you''ll make the wisest choice."

    A chuckle escaped Anthea, amused by Linsey''s poised reply. She yfully prodded, "Oh, so if I end up not choosing you, are

    you suggesting I have poor judgment?"

    Linsey''s lips curved into a sly smile as she swiftly rified. "Not at all, Mrs. kely. You''ve misunderstood; I only mean to

    express my trust in your decision-making."

    Anthea was reassured by Linsey''s astute rebuttal, her initial doubts about Cynthia beginning to wane. Observing Linsey''sposure and cleverness, she felt increasingly confident that Cynthia was unlikely to pose any real threat.

    If anything, it was Cynthia who needed to be wary and quit messing with Linsey before things got worse.

    "Alright, let''s try on the dress. I''ve been eagerly anticipating this all day," Anthea dered, her voice bubbling with

    enthusiasm.

    Before long, Linsey was assisting Anthea into the stunning gown.

    Standing before the mirror, Anthea twirled gracefully, a radiant smile illuminating her face as she admired her reflection, utterly delighted with her look.

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 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144 I Trust My

    Instincts

    Anthea''s fingers brushed lightly over the gown''s hem, her face radiating joy. "It''s been ages since I felt this happy," she said.

    "I knew I''d chosen the right designer."

    Seeing Anthea''s delight, Linsey felt her own happiness swell. ¡°Mrs. kely, please don''t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all in the future," she offered.

    Anthea nodded. "I''m attending a banquet overseas the day after tomorrow, so I''ll need to leave in the afternoon to prepare,"

    she exined.

    She nced at Linsey. "I''ll express my gratitude properly when I return. But for now, I need to pack, so I won''t detain you

    any longer."

    "Of course," Linsey replied. After a brief pause, she added sincerely, "Mrs. kely, thank you for choosing me. Without your support, I''m not sure I would still be at CR Corporation."

    Anthea chuckled, taking Linsey''s hand in hers. With a hint of pride, she said, "Well, I do have a knack for spotting talent. I knew you were exceptional the moment I chose you."

    Then, with a knowing look, she added, "Your husband clearly has excellent taste as well. Anyone who doubts you is simply

    blind, so don''t let their opinions bother you."

    Linsey was both touched and surprised by Anthea''s words of support.

    She realized Anthea must have seen the rumors circting online.

    Linsey hadn''t expected Anthea to trust her so readily. Others would likely have questioned her character based on the

    rumors.

    "even after seeing those rumors, you still believe in me?" Linsey asked, her voice thick with emotion.

    Anthea snorted softly and patted Linsey''s shoulder. "I trust my instincts,¡± she said. "You''re not that kind of person."

    Linsey''s eyes welled up, and she whispered, "Thank you, Mrs. kely."

    After bidding Anthea farewell, Linsey headed downstairs, ready to leave.

    "Let''s go," Linsey said to Cynthia.

    Cynthia''s eyes widened in disbelief and frustration. She remained seated, refusing to move.

    "We''ve only just arrived, and we haven''t even finished our coffee. It''s rude to leave so soon!" Cynthia protested.

    Linsey nced at Cynthia calmly and said indifferently, "Then stay and finish your coffee. I''m going back to the office."

    Cynthia bit her lip and grabbed Linsey''s wrist. Leaning closer, she whispered, "Did you say something bad about me to Mrs. kely? Why else would she be so cold to me?"

    00%

    16:17

    Chapter 1441 Trust My Instincts

    Linsey found the usationughable.

    She looked at Cynthia with a detached expression and said, "Cynthia, let''s be absolutely clear. I am the lead designer for Mrs. kely''s gown, working alongside the other designers in our office. You have no part in this project. You insisted on apanying me today; I certainly didn''t invite you."

    She then added, "And frankly, Mrs. kely''s treatment of you is of no interest to me. So, please, stop projecting your own negative thoughts onto me."

    With that, Linsey dismissed Cynthia and walked away without a backward nce.

    ?

    Cynthia remained rooted to the spot, seething with anger and humiliation, her eyes fixed on Linsey''s departing back.

    Anthea''s butler politely addressed Cynthia, "Mrs. kely is currently upied with other matters and is unable to entertain

    guests at this time."

    Cynthia was escorted off the premises.

    Damn her! That Linsey!

    Her face contorted with rage, her eyes burning with jealousy and resentment.

    She had gone to great lengths to apany Linsey, only to be treated like a mereckey.

    "Linsey, you shameless hussy!" Cynthia hissed under her breath, her voice dripping with venom.

    The online rumors about Linsey were spreading rapidly. How could she still act so high and mighty?

    Did Linsey actually believe that simply because she hadn''t been dismissed, she was beyond reproach?

    Cynthia''s fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She was determined not to let Linsey get away with

    this.

    She would show Linsey just how ruthless she was capable of being.

    Her mind made up, Cynthia pulled out her phone and ced a call.

    Perfect. She would escte the situation even further.

    She was determined to see how Linsey would handle the fallout!

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145 Get Me Some

    Water!

    After finishing her workday, Linsey went back to Vista Vi.

    ted after sessfully finishing Anthea''s design project, Linsey decided to celebrate by cooking dinner herself.

    She politely declined the servants'' offers of assistance, rolled up her sleeves, and started cooking.

    When Collin arrived home, he immediately saw Linsey in the kitchen, busily preparing dinner.

    The kitchen lights bathed her in a warm glow as she worked.

    Collin stood silently, watching Linsey as she moved around the kitchen. A rare feeling of tranquility washed over him.

    He had resigned himself to a solitary life for years.

    But now, he was married to Linsey, and for the first time, her presence made the house feel like a home.

    A small smile touched Collin''s lips as he wheeled himself toward the kitchen.

    "Need a hand?" he asked.

    Hearing him, Linsey turned around, her face a picture of surprise and happiness. "You''re home early!" she eximed.

    Collin chuckled. "I had a feeling a delicious meal was waiting for me."

    Linsey''s cheeks flushed slightly. "It''s just a simple meal. I hope you like it."

    "I''m sure I will," Collin replied, his gaze falling on the pile of unchopped vegetables. "Let me help with those."

    Linsey paused for a moment before nodding. "Okay, you can chop the vegetables. Just try to make them roughly the same

    size."

    "Got it," he replied.

    They settled into afortable silence as they worked.

    Oddly, Linsey felt no awkwardness at all. Instead, she felt a deep sense of peace.

    Perhaps, without even knowing it, she had already be ustomed to Collin''s presence.

    In a short time, Linsey had prepared four dishes.

    It wasn''t an borate meal, but it was a perfect amount for the two of them.

    Sitting opposite Collin, Linsey felt proud of the meal she had prepared. She served Collin a bowl of soup. "I tasted it earlier, and it''s perfect. Try it."

    Collin took a sip, nodded, and remarked, "It''s delicious."

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    Chapter 145 Get Me Some Water!

    Hispliment made Linsey beam. She quickly picked up a piece of steak and put it on his te.

    "Try this," she said. "I followed the recipe exactly, so it shouldn''t be greasy."

    Collin took a bite of the steak and praised it enthusiastically. "That was really good."

    Linsey''s smile widened as she added some omelet to his te.

    "This is the first time I''ve made this," she said. "I didn''t use a recipe, but it looks good. Try it; it should be fine."

    Collin tasted the omelet and, as she expected, said, "Of course. It''s very tasty."

    With eachpliment, Linsey''s confidence grew. "Really?" she said. "Looks like I''m a natural! Dolores always said I wasn''t

    cut out for cooking..."

    As she spoke, Linsey took a bite of the omelet to see if it was as good as Collin said.

    But the moment the food touched her tongue, her expression changed drastically. She struggled for a moment before

    swallowing it.

    "Water! Get me some water!" Linsey called urgently, waving to a servant.

    The servant quickly brought her a ss of water from the kitchen. "Here you go, Mrs. Riley."

    Linsey grabbed the ss and drank it quickly.

    Everyone nearby was surprised. What had just happened?

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    Chapter 146 She''s Driving Me Crazy!

    Linsey drained her ss of water and gave Collin a puzzled look. "How can you eat that? It''s incredibly salty! You need to

    stop."

    She red at the omelet, a frown creasing her brow. "I must have grabbed the wrong container... How strange. Everything

    else I made was fine."

    Collin, however, remained unfazed. He calmly took another bite of the omelet, his expression serious. "It''s actually quite good," he said sincerely.

    Linsey''s eyes grew wide as she watched him devour the salty omelet. She started to wonder if his taste buds were on strike.

    "Are you serious?" Linsey asked, incredulous. "It''s so salty, you can barely taste anything else!"

    Collin nodded, his gaze so earnest that she couldn''t doubt his sincerity.

    The staff exchanged bewildered nces, their faces mirroring their disbelief.

    Collin was known for his picky eating habits. If the kitchen made even a tiny slip- up, he wouldn''t go near the food.

    And yet, here he was, happily munching away on Linsey''s salty creation without a singleint.

    "You really should eat something else," she said, reaching for the te of omelet.

    With a perfectly straight face, Collin stopped her hand. "Hey, what are you doing? Trying to steal my food?"

    Linsey chuckled. "Okay, okay, I get it. You''re trying to be nice. But seriously, you have to stop. It''s way too salty, and that can''t be good for you. Try some of these sd instead. It''s not gourmet, but at least it''s not going to give you a heart attack."

    Worried about Collin''s well-being, Linsey told the staff to whisk the offending omelet away.

    Collin sampled the sd and nodded approvingly. "Hmm, anything you make is delicious."

    Linsey''s smile remained. She had never realized Collin had such a yful side. Noticing the easygoing atmosphere between Linsey and Collin, one of Collin''s subordinates hesitated, as if wanting to say something but thinking better of it. Linsey saw his hesitation and figured he might be hungry. "Would you like to join us?" she asked. "There''s plenty left."

    The subordinate waved his hands frantically. "Oh no, no, I''m fine, thank you."

    He scratched his head, a picture of awkwardness. ¡°Uh, Mrs. Riley, I was just wondering... you don''t seem worried at all."

    Linsey stopped, a puzzled look creasing her brow. "Worried about what?" she asked, genuinely confused.

    Seeing her genuinely puzzled expression, the subordinate figured she must have been swamped with work andpletely

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    Chapter 146 She''s Driving Me Crazy!

    missed thetest online gossip.

    He quickly filled her in. "Mrs. Riley, those rumors about you online? They''re exploding. If we don''t do something fast, it''s

    gonna get way out of hand."

    Linsey remained calm, her expression unchanged. "I know about them. But now''s not the time to react. Worrying won''t do any good, so I''d rather focus on enjoying myself for a bit."

    She paused, a faint, almost mischievous smile ying on her lips. "Besides, Marisol and Joanna are the ones who should be freaking out right now," she added.

    The subordinate nodded in confusion, but his respect for her cool headedness grew.

    Since she seemed so unconcerned, he decided it was best not to pry.

    Just as Linsey had suspected, Marisol and Joanna were in full-blown panic mode.

    "What the hell is going on with Linsey?" Marisol fumed. "I''ve paid a fortune to those paparazzi to dig up dirt on her, and she''s acting like nothing''s happening!"

    Marisol''s face was a mask of anger. "It''s been two days, and she still hasn''te crawling back to us. She''s driving me crazy!"

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147 Marisol

    Certainly Has A Knack F...

    "It is strange, isn''t it?" Joanna remarked, a puzzled tone in her voice. "Logically, Linsey should have been groveling at our feet by now. But it''s been days, and she hasn''t even attempted to contact us."

    She paused briefly, her voice taking on an edge of irritation. "Is it possible that Linsey simply doesn''t care? With countless people online parroting the tabloids, openly attacking and insulting her, how can she remain unaffected? Does she live under a rock? Is there anyone who wouldn''t be terrified by such a torrent of online vitriol?"

    Marisol''s eyes narrowed, and she let out a scornful snort. "That woman is clearly just bluffing. If we increase the pressure, she''ll break. I simply don''t believe she can hold out much longer."

    Later that evening, after Linsey had finished her evening routine, she received a call from Dolores.

    "Linsey, you won''t believe this! Marisol is at it again. You were absolutely right!" Dolores''s voice bubbled with excitement. "Get on social media right now. The timing couldn''t be better. Marisol is truly going all out to attack you."

    Linsey chuckled softly as she strolled over to her desk and turned on herputer. "Well, Felix is her only child. It''s no surprise she''s willing to do whatever it takes to get him out of this mess."

    As the local trending page loaded, Linsey couldn''t help but let out another

    chuckle, this timeced with sarcasm. "Marisol certainly has a knack for theatrics."

    A live stream link was prominently disyed on the page. It was a live stream event orchestrated by Marisol, featuring those notorious gossip reporters.

    The title even featured Linsey''s name in bold letters. It was ostensibly intended to address the rumors about Linsey that

    had been circting online.

    The live stream was a spectacle, drawing in a multitude of gossip reporters and curious spectators eager to witness the

    drama.

    Marisol upied the center stage in the camera''s frame, with Joanna beside her, tears streaming down her face.

    Linsey clicked on the link with an air ofposure, then leaned back in her chair, arms crossed.

    She was curious to see what kind of charade the two women had concocted this time.

    The live streammenced without dy, and a reporter immediatelyunched into the questioning. "Mrs. Wells, are the recent online rumors surrounding your son and Linsey urate?"

    Immediately, a chorus of reporters joined in, aggressively demanding answers. "Did she really abandon your son at the altar to marry another man?" one shouted.

    "Mrs. Wells, is your son Felix truly innocent?" another pressed. "Was it Linsey who, out of spite, had him imprisoned?"

    "Mrs. Wells, can you please address these rumors directly?" a third reporter insisted.

    Chapter 147 Marisol Certainly Has A Knack For Theatrics

    Hearing these carefully orchestrated questions, Marisol felt a wave of smug satisfaction wash over her.

    Everything was falling into ce perfectly.

    Feigning exhaustion, she let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

    Before the live stream, she and Joanna had meticulously applied makeup to make themselves appear pale and haggard.

    Now, under the harsh re of the camera lights, their faces looked even more gaunt and weary.

    Marisol squeezed out a few well-ced tears, her voice weak and trembling as she began her carefully crafted narrative. "Felix is our only son, the sole heir to the Wells fortune," she began. "I never dreamed things woulde to this. I don''t me Linsey, though. I''m sure she had her reasons for leaving Felix. Even so, I know my son. He would never do anything wrong."

    She took a deep breath, pausing for dramatic effect, and then deliberately continued, "While it''s true Linsey married another man, I''ve known her for years. She''s always been perfectly polite and well-mannered in my presence. There must be some kind of misunderstanding. I implore everyone not to rush to judgment and to stop spreading these hurtful, unfounded rumors." Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 148

    hapter 148 Linsey Is Utterly Despicable

    The instant Marisol''s carefully constructed words escaped her lips, the entire room exploded into a cacophony of excited

    chatter.

    On the surface, Marisol appeared to be rifying the misunderstandings surrounding Linsey, but in reality, she directly confirmed the swirling rumors: Linsey had indeed dumped the man she had dated for five years and married another man.

    This revtion solidified the gossip about Linsey''s alleged infidelity, transforming it into epted truth.

    "Did you hear what Mrs. Wells said? Apparently, Linsey used to put on this sweet, innocent act when she was around her.

    Turns out it was all a big sham."

    ¡°Linsey is such a two-faced phony. She''s absolutely disgusting! It''s unbelievable that Mrs. Wells even went live to defend

    her."

    "Poor Mrs. Wells. She looked absolutely drained. Her son is still locked up, so she must be worried sick to death. And yet,

    she still went out of her way to speak up for Linsey. She''s such a genuinely kind woman."

    "Exactly! And where''s Linsey in all of this? She''s still hiding, and hasn''t said a peep. She''s probably too chicken to face the

    music. They were together for five whole years, and then she had the nerve to send him to prison like that? How utterly

    heartless."

    Sensing that the moment was ripe, Joanna, affecting an air of delicate innocence, chimed in at just the right time. "Marisol

    is my godmother. And Felix and I go way back. I know the kind of person he is. Besides, Marisol has dedicated her life to

    charity work, helping countless people through their darkest times over the years. Someone as genuinely kind as her

    couldn''t possibly raise a bad kid. I refuse to believe Felix would do anything illegal. He must be the victim of some terrible

    injustice."

    Joanna''s voice trembled with manufactured concern as she added, "But Linsey has stubbornly refused toe forward and

    address any of this. Marisol and I are both beside ourselves with worry."

    Joanna''s carefully chosen words amplified the growing wave of sympathy for Marisol and Felix.

    "It''s absolutely heartbreaking. Mrs. Wells has done so much good in the world, and now her son is being dragged through

    the mud like this."

    "Linsey is utterly despicable. Why hasn''t shee out and offered some kind of exnation yet?"

    "Mrs. Wells is still trying to give Linsey the benefit of the doubt, even after all this. The difference in character between the

    two women is ringly obvious-it''s crystal clear that Linsey is the one to me here."

    "This is beyond infuriating! Is there anyone out there who can dig up some dirt on Linsey? We owe it to Mrs. Wells to teach that girl a lesson she won''t soon forget."

    "Yeah, let''s find Linsey''s social media ounts and give her a taste of her own medicine. Let''s show her what happens

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    Chapter 148 Linsey Is Utterly Despicable

    when you mess with decent, upstanding people."

    After Marisol and Joanna''s carefully orchestrated performance in the live stream,

    a tidal wave ofizens expressed their sympathy for the pair.

    Initially, everyone was just passively following the gossip, as it didn''t directly involve them.

    But now, witnessing Marisol and Joanna''s distressed state, everyone became righteously indignant and began to harshly

    criticize Linsey''s behavior.

    Some even joined the online mob in doxxing Linsey, revealing her personal information without her consent.

    "Linsey! Stop hiding and face the music! Admit what you did!"

    "Someone dug up a photo of Linsey. Honestly, she''s not even that attractive. I can''t believe any sane man would marry her."

    "That''s rich! I bet Linsey''s current husband is kicking himself for marrying such a venomous woman."

    "She looks so sweet and innocent in her pictures, but wow, what a two-faced bitch."

    "Am I the only one who thinks Linsey''s face is fake? I bet she''s had a ton of work done."

    Overnight, a cacophony of voices online were hurling insults at Linsey.

    As the online mob continued its barrage of insults and usations, ament suddenly appeared out of the blue, grabbing

    the attention of manyizens...

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 Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 149

    Chapter 149 This Was A

    Brilliant n

    The remark read, "Spill the tea-l work at the same ce as Linsey. Ourpany is super picky about who they hire, but somehow, she, a total newbie, waltzed in with the highest interview score. It''s insane. Word is, she''s got some kind of connection to one of the interviewers, which is probably how shended the job so easily."

    Theizen then remarked, "And get this-she''s a total pain to work with. Most of us can''t stand her. She uses her connections with a few big clients to throw her weight around like she owns the damn ce. She''s seriously problematic. I can''t believe she''d pull something like this-it''s just unbelievable."

    Theizen''sments shot to the top, racking up likes, and tons of people were asking questions.

    "Hey, OP, whatpany is she with?"

    "I''ve got a brilliant idea! Let''sin to herpany. No boss is going to put up with an employee like that. Let''s get her

    canned!"

    "Come on! Anyone have found out herpany? I''m ready to pounce!"

    Marisol and Joanna watched the online pile-on against Linsey with smug satisfaction.

    "These people online are so gullible-they''ll eat up anything we feed them," Marisol said, pleased with herself.

    Joanna grinned. "Marisol, you''re a genius. This was a brilliant n. If this keeps up, Linsey''s toast."

    Meanwhile, Cynthia scrolled through the nastyments about Linsey on her phone, a wide, excited grin stered on her

    face.

    All she had done was throw out two jabs to start things, and unbelievably, so many people had actually fallen for it.

    And with Anthea out of the country, there was no way she coulde to Linsey''s rescue.

    Cynthia smirked. She knew Linsey wouldn''t get away with this.

    As the online hate for Linsey reached fever pitch, Joanna felt a rush of pure triumph.

    After numerous defeats at Linsey''s hands, Joanna finally relished the opportunity to witness Linsey''s downfall.

    She remembered Linsey''s past arrogance with a bitter taste.

    As she scrolled through the seemingly endless barrage of hatefulments directed at Linsey, Joanna''s spirits lifted

    considerably.

    However, she reminded herself to stay focused on the overall strategy and not get carried away by the moment.

    After a moment of contemtion, Joanna decided to reach out to Linsey directly.

    Linsey answered promptly.

    16:20

    Chapter 149 This Was A Brilliant n

    Joanna paused, and when Linsey remained silent, she assumed that Linsey was wallowing in despair due to the online

    bacsh.

    Adopting a deceptively gentle tone, Joanna inquired, "Linsey, starting to feel the pressure?"

    Linsey responded evenly, "Joanna, what''s your point?"

    Joanna scoffed. "Linsey, I suggest you cut Felix loose and issue a public apology

    to us. Otherwise, you''ll live to regret it.

    Marisol and I are giving you one final opportunity," she warned, her voice hardening.

    Linsey let out a dryugh. "Joanna, I think you''ve got your facts twisted. You''re the ones who started this smear campaign

    against me. If anyone owes an apology, it''s you to me. The public might be clueless, but you know the truth. Felix betrayed

    me because of you, remember? That''s what drove me to marry my husband."

    She then quipped, "You and Marisol are masters of maniption, always ying the injured party."

    "Linsey!" Joanna hissed, her teeth clenched. "You''re still talking tough, huh?"

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150 Linsey, Ignore That Garbage

    Linsey spoke with unshakable calm. "Joanna, I don''t regret my decision in the slightest. Do whatever you want-I''m unfazed by your threats."

    Joanna responded with a scoff and a chillingugh, her eyes glittering cruelly. "Linsey, don''t me us for what''sing." With a sharp click, Joanna ended the call, her mind already weaving darker schemes against Linsey.

    Despite the ominous nature of Joanna''s threats, Linsey remained detached and unaffected.

    She leisurely scrolled through her phone, her eyes skimming over the barrage of insults flung at her online.

    Collin, glimpsing the toxic spew on her screen, halted and advised, "Linsey, ignore that garbage. It''s not worth your peace

    of mind."

    He understood that Linsey had strategies up her sleeve, yet the venom in thosements still gnawed at him.

    Turning to face Collin, Linsey offered aforting smile. "Don''t worry. Tomorrow marks the third day of our n. Once it passes, we''ll be free from all this chaos."

    As she reassured him, a shadow flickered across Linsey''s expression, hinting that the time for action was drawing near.

    Linsey meticulously prepared her material, uploading it to her ount for automatic posting over the ensuing days. Her anticipation was palpable; she knew the storm that was about to break.

    By the next morning, the online world was in an uproar, with Linsey at the eye of the storm.

    Her silence over the past few days had been deafening, but finally, she broke it with a post that captured the Inte''s

    frenzied attention.

    As the controversy swirled, Linsey grudgingly acknowledged Marisol and Joanna''s role in the chaos.

    Their dramatic antics had unwittingly amplified her message, ensuring it erupted across social media like wildfire.

    Whenizens clicked on the post, their screens lit up with the damning truth.

    For five years, Felix was supposedly devoted to Linsey, but the postid out undeniable proof of his entanglement with

    Joanna

    It left no room for doubt-hotel receipts with dates, Joanna''s romantic social media posts, and even photographic evidence

    of them together.

    The climax of her revtions was a gut-wrenching ount of Felix''s actions on what was meant to be their happiest day. Instead of cherishing Linsey, he had abandoned her at the altar for Joanna, leaving Linsey humiliated and alone in front of their guests.

    Thetest piece of evidence-an audio recording of Joanna''s smug conversation fromst night-had sent shockwaves

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    16:22

    Chapter 150 Linsey, Ignore That Garbage

    through social media.

    But the tale thickened far beyond mere infidelity. After Linsey''s wedding, Felix''s behavior took a dark turn, crossing straight into criminal territory. His obsession turned violent-not only did he harass her nonstop, but he also tried to

    kidnap and rape her.

    Backed by official reports and police statements, the post left no room for doubt-it was all there in writing.

    Asizens scrolled through the revtions, confusion and astonishment bubbled over in theirments.

    "What... what the hell is happening here? This can''t be real, can it?"

    "So all this time, Linsey was the one being wronged? That''s wild."

    "I knew it! The Wells family isn''t as innocent as they seemed. Some people are just too naive¨Cdo you really think the police would lock up the wrong person?"

    "Linsey''s really taking the high road, not holding any grudges against the people who dragged her name through the mud. She could''ve sued all of you for defamation by now."

    "Are you kidding me? Weren''t Marisol and her family supposed to be the victims? This plot twist is insane!"

    "We were just trying to help. It''s not our fault! If anyone''s to me, it''s the Wells family for their award-worthy performance."

    "That''s right! And Marisol had the audacity to do a livestream. How were we supposed to think she was lying?"

    "I can''t believe this! Marisol and Joanna yed us like fools."

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151 You Deserve

    To Rot In

    In Prison!

    "Joanna ims to be Marisol''s goddaughter, but the truth? She was tangled up with Felix long ago. How revolting."

    "Everyone, listen to that phone recording! Joanna''s downright vicious, yet on livestream, she ys the innocent act. What a fraud."

    "If you ask me, the real viin here is Felix. That lowlife two-timed Linsey. Even after she dumped him, he wouldn''t leave her alone... and then he kidnapped her? No wonder he got locked up."

    "Linsey''s been quiet these past few days-bet she was gathering evidence. After all the lies thrown at her, she''s finally set the record straight."

    "Marisol and Joanna areplete fools. Someone find their addresses-I''ve had enough. I have to do something."

    For a moment, the Inte buzzed with the energy of a mob catching a thief red- handed-everyone wanted to see them

    pay.

    Meanwhile, Marisol and Joanna remained blissfully unaware, still reveling in their so-called victory.

    "Look at this!" Joanna smirked, waving her phone. "It''s only been a few hours, and I''ve already gotten a flood of calls from

    unknown numbers. Linsey must be losing it."

    Marisol smirked, eyes flicking over her phone screen. "It''s toote for apologies now. This time, I want her on her knees,

    begging for my forgiveness."

    Joanna''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Linsey won''tst much longer. We just have to wait-sooner orter, she''ll

    break and beg the police to release Felix."

    Marisol''s mood lifted at the thought. "Let''s make her squirm a little longer. Joanna,e on-I''m taking you shopping.

    You''ll need something elegant. Felix will be out soon, and you should look absolutely breathtaking when he sees you."

    Joanna''s cheeks flushed as she beamed. "Thank you, Marisol. That''s so nice of you."

    As Marisol and Joanna stepped outside, a restless crowd loomed before them, hushed voices brimming with anticipation.

    The moment eyesnded on them, tension thickened, murmurs rippling through the crowd like wildfire.

    "That''s them, isn''t it? Marisol and Joanna?"

    "I caught the livestream... no doubt about it."

    Marisol and Joanna exchanged a brief, puzzled nce. Probably nosy reporters sniffing around for another headline about

    Linsey.

    Masking her curiosity with a practiced smile, Marisol stepped forward. "May I ask what brings you all here?"

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    Chapter 151 You Deserve To Rot In Prison!

    A voice rose from the crowd. "Are you Marisol and Joanna?"

    Marisol and Joanna exchanged quick nces before nodding, shing polite smiles.

    Before they could utter another word, something came hurtling through the air. The impact was instant.

    A rotten egg exploded against them, its putrid stench filling the air as sticky, yellow sludge dripped down their hair and

    clothes. Their screams cut through the chaos.

    The slimy texture clung to their skin, the rancid odor churning their stomachs. Joanna clutched her dress in horror while

    Marisol staggered back, her expression twisted with fury.

    "Are you all insane?!" she shrieked, voice raw with rage. "We''re calling the police!"

    Joanna was just as shaken. She had taken her time getting ready, carefully choosing her outfit before stepping out.

    Now, she was a disaster-clothes stained, hair matted with filth, looking no better than a street beggar.

    Her chest heaved with fury as she scanned the crowd, eyes burning with resentment.

    But instead of backing down, the onlookers only grew bolder. "You have the audacity to call the police on us?" someone shouted. "If anyone belongs behind bars, it''s you two!"

    The crowd roared in agreement. "That''s right! You framed Linsey and yed us for fools. You deserve to rot in prison!"

    "Go on, call the cops! We''d love to see them drag you away!"

    Panic shot through Marisol and Joanna like ice water. How did they know? How had the truth about Linsey gotten out?

    100.0%

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152 Did Linsey Put You Up To This

    A flicker of unease danced in Marisol''s eyes, quickly masked by a haughty sneer. "You rude, unreasonable nobodies!" she

    snapped. ¡°I haven''t the slightest idea what drivel you''re spouting!"

    Joanna jumped in, her voice shrill. "Did Linsey put you up to this?" she yelled. "Let me warn you, what you''re doing could

    get you in serious trouble! We''re the real victims here, got it?"

    The crowd, however, wasn''t fooled for a second. They erupted in a chorus of jeers and mockingughter.

    "Are you two living on another?" someone shouted. "Linsey exposed your dirty tricks ages ago! And you''re still

    ying innocent? Unbelievable! Shameless!"

    Just then, Marisol''s phone buzzed to life.

    This time, she snatched it up without hesitation, a look of bewildered hope on her face.

    Deep down, a tiny, desperate part of her hoped it was Linsey, finally groveling for forgiveness.

    "Mrs. Wells!¡± her assistant shrieked through the phone. "Why didn''t you answer sooner? Something huge has happened!

    You have to check the Inte right now!"

    The sheer panic in her assistant''s voice sent a chill down Marisol''s spine. Something was seriously wrong.

    She abruptly ended the call and fumbled for her phone. The moment the screen illuminated, her world went ck. She

    staggered backward, nearly falling.

    "No... this can''t be real," Marisol whispered, her voiceced with disbelief.

    She had assumed Linsey had orchestrated the crowd outside, but now she knew they were telling the truth. The evidence

    was undeniable.

    Linsey had been ying her cards close to her chest, secretly gathering an arsenal of damning evidence.

    She had bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike the final, crushing blow.

    Joanna stood beside her, equally stunned. Her hands trembled uncontrobly as she stared at the phone screen, the shock

    making her feel lightheaded.

    "How... how is this possible?" Joanna stammered, her voice trembling. "When did Linsey get all this? I called her... she even

    secretly recorded our conversation!"

    Before Marisol and Joanna could even begin to process the devastating blow, the crowd outside the vi grew even more enraged.

    "So, the truth finally hits home, huh? You thought you could y us all for fools? Pathetic!"

    "You''re nothing but cold-blooded vipers!" another voice chimed in.

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    17:12

    Chapter 152 Did Linsey Put You Up To This

    A barrage of rotten eggs pelted Marisol and Joanna, sttering across their clothes and faces before they could even react.

    "Stop it! Please, just stop!" Marisol shrieked, her voice raw with desperation.

    Panicked, the two women scrambled back into the vi, mming the door shut to escape the wrath of the enraged crowd.

    With the door securely closed, Marisol and Joanna finally exhaled in relief.

    Without exchanging a word, they rushed to the bathroom, eager to cleanse themselves of the disgusting mess.

    Despite their frantic scrubbing, the repulsive odor stubbornly persisted.

    Having cleaned up as best they could, the two women copsed onto the living room sofa, feeling utterly defeated.

    The angry shouts of the crowd outside still reached them, echoing through the vi.

    A brief silence fell, but then, a wave of fear washed over Joanna, hitting her with the force of a dyed reaction.

    Unable to contain her emotions any longer, she began to weep softly.

    "What are we going to do, Marisol? Linsey has released all the evidence. How can we possibly recover from this?"

    Marisol''s face hardened as she snatched her phone and dialed a paparazzo she had hired. Her voice was sharp,ced with fury.

    "I paid you a fortune! How could you allow Linsey to release all that damaging information? Fix this immediately! Remove everything Linsey posted!"

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153 Just Tell Me

    What You Want

    A tense silence filled the line before the paparazzo finally spoke, his tone cautious. "Mrs. Wells, we''re just gossip reporters -we don''t have the power to erase posts. The most we can do is sway public opinion. But right now, the evidence in Linsey''s favor is rock solid. Even if we flood the Inte with hit pieces, no one''s going to buy it."

    Marisol''s jaw tightened. "You ipetent fools! I don''t care how you do it-just make this problem disappear!" Her voice was sharp,ced with fury, daring him to argue.

    But the paparazzo had lost all patience. His tone turned icy. "Mrs. Wells, this mess is yours to clean up. We''re done here."

    Without hesitation, he hung up.

    "Greedy, spineless scum!" Marisol spat, fury boiling over.

    She redialed immediately, but the call went straight to voicemail. Realization sank in-her number had been blocked.

    Forcing herself to stayposed, she took a deep breath and opened her social media app.

    The moment the page refreshed, a tidal wave of hate crashed over her. Her inbox overflowed with venomous messages. Notifications piled up-tag after tag, each post dragging her name through the mud.

    Her chest tightened, breath hitching as she scrolled through the endless barrage of insults. The sheer volume of outrage made her pulse hammer against her ribs. The walls felt like they were closing in.

    Not long ago, Marisol had savored every cruelment hurled at Linsey, relishing the spectacle like a queen watching a public execution. In her mind, Linsey had deserved every bit of it.

    But now, with the Inte sinking its ws into her, the weight of their hatred pressed down like a boulder on her chest.

    So this was what it felt like...

    Her pulse pounded as she scrolled through the flood of insults. Each word shed at her pride, fueling the fire of her rage. She couldn''t take it anymore. Jaw clenched, she snatched up her phone and stabbed at Linsey''s number.

    The call barely rang before Linsey answered, her voice infuriatingly steady. "Marisol, what can I do for you?"

    Linsey''s steady tone only stoked Marisol''s fury. Her grip on the phone tightened, knuckles white with frustration. "Linsey, if you know what''s good for you, you''ll take down those posts immediately,¡± she hissed. ¡°Otherwise, I swear-you''ll regret

    this."

    Instead of backing down, Linsey let out a soft, almost amused chuckle. "Oh? And how exactly do you n to make me pay,

    Marisol?" Her voice was smooth, unbothered-like she was humoring a tantrum¨C throwing child.

    That smug indifference shattered thest of Marisol''s restraint. She shot to her feet, chair screeching against the floor. "I''ll call the police! I''ll hire the bestwyers and sue you into the ground! You think you''re untouchable? Think again! One way or another, you will pay for this!"

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    17:12

    Chapter 153 Just Tell Me What You Want

    Linsey let out a quiet chuckle, her tone light butced with steel. "By all means, call the police. I''d actually love to see who theye for first-you and Joanna, or me, the actual victim in all this."

    She let the words settle before adding with a sigh, "The evidence I''ve posted is crystal clear. Are you struggling with basicprehension, or are you really so desperate that you''re still trying to twist the truth?"

    For the first time, doubt flickered across Marisol''s face. Her grip on the phone tightened as her bravado wavered.

    Her voice dropped, forced into a hushed urgency. "Linsey, let''s cut the nonsense. Just tell me what you want. Name your price, and we''ll make a deal. But you will have to get Felix out first."

    Linsey let out a soft scoff, her voice dripping with mockery. "Are you still clinging to your delusions? You and Joanna might have limited yourselves to spreading lies, but Felix? He crossed the line into real crimes-physical harm, kidnapping. Do you think I''d just let that slide? Even if I wanted to show mercy, the police wouldn''t. Face it-it''s over. Stop wasting

    your breath."

    Marisol''s hands clenched into fists, her whole body trembling with rage. Her mind buzzed with frustration.

    She inhaled sharply, forcing herself to stayposed. "Fine. Forget Felix for now. Just tell me what will it take for you to take those posts down? If this drags on any longer, our family''s reputation will be in ruins."

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 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154 Why Should I Apologize

    Linsey didn''t miss a beat. "It''s straightforward, really. You and Joanna need to hold another livestream, or maybe even a full-blown press conference-whatever it takes. The point is, I expect a public apology from both of you. And of course, there''s the matter of thatpensation you mentioned earlier. I''ll be requiring that as well. Let''s call it emotional distress

    Marisol''s carefully constructed facade almost crumbled. Her lips tightened into a thin line. "Compensation? I thought you

    weren''t interested in money?"

    Linsey let out a softugh. "Did I say that? You''re swimming in money, aren''t you? I''m confident you cane up with a

    suitably generous offer."

    Marisol closed her eyes briefly, her voice raspy with suppressed fury. "The money, fine. But a public apology? Absolutely

    not."

    A public apology would be tantamount to admitting that Linsey''s usations were true.

    The situation was already a dumpster fire, but Marisol clung desperately to thest shred of her dignity.

    "Oh," Linsey replied tly. "Well then, I suppose we''re done here."

    Linsey hung up the phone so abruptly that Marisol was left speechless.

    "Hello? Linsey? Linsey!" Marisol sputtered into the dead phone.

    Marisol was utterly blindsided. She hadn''t expected Linsey to simply hang up on her like that. Fury surged through her.

    She had meticulously nned every step, yet somehow, Linsey had managed to outmaneuver her.

    Not only had she failed to get Felix out, but her own carefully crafted image was now hanging by a thread!

    Frustration gnawed at her as Marisol paced restlessly.

    As if things weren''t bad enough, Joanna waltzed in,pletely oblivious to the thick tension in the air. "Well? Did it work?

    Did Linsey agree to delete the evidence?"

    Marisol whirled around to confront Joanna.

    The hopeful expression stered across Joanna''s face ignited Marisol''s fury.

    It was all Joanna''s fault! If it weren''t for her meddling, this whole situation wouldn''t have spiraled so spectacrly out of

    control!

    Without a second thought, Marisol delivered a sharp p across Joanna''s face.

    Sheshed out angrily, "Joanna, how dare you even show your face here? If it weren''t for your shameless attempts to seduce my son, none of this would have happened!"

    00%

    17-12

    Chapter 154 Why Should I Apologize

    Joanna gasped, her hand flying to her stinging cheek, a look of disbelief etched on her face.

    "How can you say that? You''re the one who told me you hated Linsey and promised I''d be the one to marry Felix. That''s

    why I stuck by him! How can you pin all the me on me now?" Joanna retorted.

    Marisol, shaking with rage, pointed a finger at Joanna and snapped, "Enough! No more excuses. I demand that you publicly apologize to Linsey and admit you''re the one at fault! Or you''ll be sorry!"

    "Why should I apologize?" Joanna retorted defiantly. "You meddling old hag! If you hadn''t gone after Linsey, she wouldn''t have spilled the beans. This is all your doing!"

    Joanna had put up with so much over the years, all to gain Marisol''s approval.

    Joanna believed that by helping save Felix, she could be the Wells family''s savior and finally secure her ce within

    the family. But she never imagined she would be treated like this!

    Enraged, Joanna lunged at Marisol, her eyes burning with malice. Without a moment''s hesitation, she pped Marisol

    across the face.

    Marisol gasped in shock,pletely stunned that Joanna had dared to strike her.

    In an instant, the two women were locked in a fierce physical altercation...

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 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155 Why Wait To

    Retaliate

    Meanwhile, over at Vista Vi...

    "You''re saying that Marisol and Joanna had a falling out, and Marisol actually kicked Joanna out?"

    Linsey''s surprise was evident as she listened to Collin''s subordinate''s report.

    While she had anticipated a sh between the two women due to their conflicting interests, she hadn''t expected it to

    ur so swiftly.

    The subordinate nodded in confirmation.

    "Yeah, who could have predicted they''d implode so quickly? And this time, it''s aplete meltdown! There was a massive

    crowd outside the Wells family''s house when Joanna got the boot. Tons of people recorded it, and now the videos are

    stered all over the Inte. It''s the talk of the town. Want to take a look?"

    A hint of schadenfreudeced his voice. Just days ago, these women had been overflowing with arrogance.

    Now that their schemes had backfired, it seemed they were reaping what they had sown.

    Linsey, however, remained uninterested in the spectacle. She simply replied, "I see."

    Herposure surprised the subordinate, who noted theck of any vindictive satisfaction on her face.

    After a brief hesitation, he said, "Mrs. Riley, you''ve had this evidence for some time. Why did you initially tolerate their

    nder and humiliation? Why wait to retaliate?¡±

    Linsey fixed him with a serious gaze. "I preferred not to escte the situation unnecessarily. However, since they were

    determined to target me, I wasn''t going to let them walk all over me. Had I revealed the evidence immediately, it would

    have likely been suppressed. But by allowing the situation to escte, I could strike decisively and ensure there weresting consequences for their actions."

    The message had sunk in; the subordinate finally grasped the unspoken implications.

    Though her demeanor was often gentle and kind, Linsey possessed an inner strength, a core of unshakeable principles

    upon which she firmly stood.

    Marisol and Joanna had learned a valuable lesson, paying the price for their transgression.

    With the subordinate dismissed, Linsey''s focus returned to the massage book resting in her hands.

    The situation with Marisol resolved, Linsey chose not to dwell on it further. It was a closed chapter.

    Her mind was upied with more significant matters than lingering on such trivial disputes.

    Time slipped by, and soon Collin entered the room, his wheelchair gliding smoothly across the floor. He found Linsey deeply engrossed in her reading

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 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156 This Is Where You Grew Up

    "Are you asking me out?" Collin''s eyes lit up, a smile ying at the corner of his lips. "I''d say it''s about time we went on a

    real date."

    He turned to the butler, his expression turning serious. "Josh, book the best restaurant in town. Make it private if you can.

    And while you''re at it-"

    Linsey''s eyes widened. "Wait, no! That''s way too much!"

    Collin and Josh both turned to her, equally confused.

    She sighed, shaking her head with a small smile. "I just meant something simple. Laid-back. We don''t have to go all out."

    Clearing out a fancy restaurant? That felt like overkill.

    Collin hesitated before asking, ¡°Alright, then. Where do you want to go?" His voice was calm, but there was a flicker of

    uncertainty in his eyes.

    Dating was uncharted territory for him-he had never been in a rtionship, let alone nned a date.

    Even the idea of going to a restaurant was something he had learned from Dustin. Did Linsey hate that kind of setup?

    She hadn''t expected him to put so much thought into this. As she mulled it over, an idea lit up in her mind.

    ¡°Actually, I just thought of the perfect ce. Since we''re married now, it''s about time you met my family," she said, a

    bright smile forming.

    Collin stiffened, momentarily caught off guard.

    Hadn''t Linsey been raised in an orphanage? Did she have any family?

    Despite the questions swirling in his mind, he offered a warm smile. "Alright," he said simply.

    The destination didn''t matter. As long as Linsey was with him, that was enough.

    it wasn''t until the car pulled up that he realized where she had taken him-the orphanage she once called home.

    As soon as they stopped, Linsey stepped out and moved toward the entrance. She paused, eyes fixed on the sign, nostalgia flickering across her face.

    Behind her, Collin''s aide quietly wheeled him forward.

    "This is where you grew up," Collin murmured, taking in the worn brick walls and faded sign.

    Linsey smiled and nodded. "Yeah. I lived here until I was fifteen. Then Dolores and I left so I could continue my studies."

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    17:14

    Chapter 156 This Is Where You Grew Up

    Without another word, she stepped inside, Collin''s aide following close behind. Outside, children paused their games, theirughter fading as they turned toward the entrance. For a split second, they stared in surprise. Then, recognition lit up their faces.

    "Linsey''s here!"

    "It''s Linsey!"

    A chorus of excited voices rang out as the kids rushed toward her, their small hands grabbing at her arms. "You finally came back!"

    A little girl clung to Linsey''s hand, beaming up at her. "You haven''t visited in so long! We missed you so much!"

    Linsey''s chest warmed as she took in the children''s eager faces.

    She gently pinched the little girl''s cheek, her voice soft. "I''ve just been really busy with work, but I finally found time toe see you. You''re not mad at me, are you?"

    A yful smile crossed her lips. "I even brought gifts to make it up to you!"

    Off to the side, Collin watched in silence. The way the children lit up around Linsey made it clear-she wasn''t just someone they admired. She was family.

    She must have visited often after leaving-there was no other way their bond could be this strong.

    Before long, a few of the kids noticed Collin lingering nearby.

    His presence wasmanding, made even more striking by the wheelchair.

    Their excitement wavered as uncertainty crept in.

    The little girl who had spoken pressed closer to Linsey, her small fingers clutching her sleeve. She pointed timidly at Collin and whispered, "Linsey... who is that man?"

    Rmended for you

    LOVE ON THE EDGE:

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157 It''s A Pleasure

    To Meet You, E

    Linsey quickly reassured them. "That''s my husband, so you don''t have to worry!"

    The children present were visibly surprised by this revtion.

    "You''re married?!" one of the children eximed.

    "Does getting married mean you get to wear a beautiful dress and exchange rings in a church?" another child chimed in.

    Linsey couldn''t help but chuckle at their innocent curiosity, nodding with a warm smile. "Yes, that''s exactly right."

    A few of the children, emboldened by their curiosity, sized Collin up for a moment before bravely stepping forward.

    "So, you''re the husband!" one of them dered.

    "What''s your name, mister?" another piped up.

    Collin, who generally preferred thepany of adults, felt a surge of irritation as the children swarmed him.

    He was about to unleash a stern rebuke when he caught Linsey''s eye; she was standing a short distance away, watching him. with an expectant gaze.

    Collin pressed his lips together, and with a hint of reluctance, softened his tone. "Hello there," he responded.

    Despite his civil response, he was clearly ufortable with the children clinging to him.

    Thinking fast, Collin instructed his assistant, "Bring in those gifts and distribute them to the children."

    The assistant promptly appeared with an armload of gifts. The sight of toys and snacks triggered a frenzy of excitement,

    and the children promptly forgot about Collin, rushing towards the assistant to im their treasures.

    Amused by the scene, Linseyughed softly and approached Collin to take control of his wheelchair.

    Together, they kept going.

    As the excited chatter of the children faded into the background, Collin broke the silence. ¡°You seem to be quite familiar with this ce."

    Linsey nodded. "I lost my parents when I was young, but I was fortunate enough to be taken in by E. She''s the director here. She raised me, and I wouldn''t be where I am today without her. But she''s getting older now, and it''s bing harder for her to manage thisrge orphanage on her own. So I try toe by as often as I can to lend a hand."

    Collin instantly grasped the significance of E Jenkins in Linsey''s life.

    Collin''s brow furrowed slightly. "I apologize," he said. "I didn''t realize we were meeting someone so important to you. I only brought gifts for the children and didn''t think to get anything for E."

    Chapter 157 It''s A Pleasure To Meet You, E

    Linsey chuckled softly. "It''s really okay. You don''t need to worry about bringing anything. Even if you had, E wouldn''t

    ept it. That''s why I didn''t say anything beforehand. E is incredibly kind and wouldn''t mind these little details. As long

    as we show we care about the children here, that''s enough to make her happy." Soon, Linsey and Collin arrived at E''s office.

    Linsey had already told E about their visit, so E wasn''t surprised to see Collin with her.

    "Linsey, you made it!" E greeted warmly, taking Linsey''s hands and looking her over. "Well, you seem to have put on a

    little weight since Ist saw you."

    Linsey''s cheeks flushed. "E, why do you have to point out that I''ve gained weight?" she protested yfully.

    E smiled kindly, tapping Linsey''s nose affectionately. "You were too thin before. Now you look much healthier."

    As she spoke, her eyes shifted to Collin. "You must be Mr. Riley. Linsey has mentioned you. I didn''t get a chance to

    congratte you both on your wedding," she said.

    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, E," Collin replied. "Please, call me Collin."

    E smiled warmly. "Alright, Collin. Let me get you some coffee."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158 This Wasn''t Just A Fall, E!

    Linsey, brought back to the present, gently guided Collin toward the coffee table.

    E, her steps a little shaky, approached with a pot in her hands, carefully pouring coffee into a cup.

    As she reached for the second cup, her hand trembled noticeably.

    Suddenly, the cup slipped from her grasp, shattering on the floor.

    "Oh dear, I''m so sorry!" E eximed, startled, and instinctively bent down to pick up the broken pieces.

    Linsey quickly helped her back to her seat and knelt down to gather the shards herself. "E, I''ll get this," Linsey said gently.

    After clearing away the broken pieces, Linsey heard E chuckle weakly. "I guess I''m not as young as I used to be," she

    apologized.

    Linsey looked at E, about to offer some reassurance, but then she noticed several distinct scars on E''s wrist.

    rmed, Linsey reached out and gently tugged at E''s sleeve. "What happened to your wrist?" she asked, concerned.

    E flinched, startled, and instinctively tried to hide her wrist. Her expression turned evasive. "Oh, it''s nothing," she said casually. "Just a little ident."

    Linsey knew E well enough to recognize that she was lying.

    Linsey''s expression hardened. "Don''t lie to me," she insisted. "Let me see." E hesitated for a moment but finally loosened her grip on her sleeve. Linsey carefully rolled up E''s sleeve, and her face fell.

    E''s arm was covered in dark bruises and cuts, a sight that filled Linsey with worry.

    "This wasn''t just a fall, E! Have you seen a doctor?" Linsey asked, her voice filled with concern.

    Before E could answer, Linsey sighed in frustration. "Of course, you haven''t,¡± she muttered. "I should have known."

    E always prioritized the children, even to the point of using her own savings to support the orphanage.

    Collin''s voice broke the tension, calm yet firm. "E, if you''re injured, you should get it looked at. It''s still early-why don''t we swing by the hospital and get you checked out?"

    Linsey shot Collin a grateful look.

    "Oh, it''s nothing serious." E brushed off the concern with a small smile. "Just a little scrape. It''ll be fine in a couple of

    days."

    Linsey, however, wasn''t convinced. "E, be honest with me. This doesn''t look like

    a simple fall. What happened?"

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    17:15

    Chapter 158 This Wasn''t Just A Fall, E!

    E stood firm. ¡°I told you, I tripped and fell. Why don''t you believe me? It''s easy

    to get banged up at my age. It''s really

    nothing to worry about."

    Linsey was still suspicious, but before she could probe further, a suddenmotion erupted outside the orphanage.

    "What''s all that noise?" Linsey wondered aloud, her brow furrowed in confusion.

    A look of rm crossed E''s face, and she scrambled to her feet, making a beeline for the door.

    Seeing this, Linsey quickly wheeled Collin outside, a sense of foreboding washing over her.

    Several cars screeched to a halt in front of the orphanage, and a group of men in ck suits emerged, their demeanor

    radiating an air of menace.

    "Where''s E?" the leader of the group barked. "Get that old hag out here, now!"

    Inside, several children began to cry, frightened by themotion. The teachers and volunteers quickly ushered them to

    safety.

    E stood at the entrance, her face grim as she watched the scene unfold. "I didn''t expect them to find me so soon," she

    muttered under her breath.

    Linsey''s expression hardened. ¡°E, what the hell is going on?"

    Collin, taking in the scene, frowned with concern.

    E, realizing the jig was up, finally decided toe clean.

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 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159 How Could He Stoop So Low

    "About two weeks ago," E began, "apany decided they wanted thisnd. They''ve got some big development project in mind and they''ve been putting immense pressure on us to relocate. I refused, of course, and ever since, they''ve been

    making our lives hell, showing up constantly to cause trouble."

    Linsey''s brow furrowed with concern. "So, those injuries you have..." She trailed off, her voiceced with worry. "Are those from those people?"

    "They''re obnoxious and pushy. But they haven''t resorted to actual violence. I got hurt trying to stop them from damaging some of the orphanage property." She let out a sigh. "I didn''t want to tell you before because, well, I didn''t want to upset

    you."

    A wave of concern washed over Linsey. "E, how could you keep something like this from me? This is serious!"

    As Linsey spoke, her frustration grew palpable. Her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white.

    "Those heartless bastards!" Linsey eximed, her voice rising with anger. "Can''t they see this is an orphanage? That there

    are children here with nowhere else to go?"

    She paused, taking a deep breath to regain herposure. Gripping her jaw, she asked, "Do you know whichpany is

    behind this?"

    E sighed, a look of defeat crossing her face. "I''ve heard it''s Dustin Wade who''s pulling the strings."

    Collin''s eyes widened in surprise. Dustin? He couldn''t believe it.

    How on earth was Dustin mixed up in this mess?

    Suddenly, a memory shed through Collin''s mind. The plot ofnd he had given

    to Dustin a while back... It all clicked into

    ce.

    A shadow passed over Collin''s face, his brow furrowing in concern.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Dustin Wade? He''s the one doing this?"

    Dustin was the public face of CR Corporation, a well-known figure in the business world.

    Linsey had briefly encountered Dustin during a job interview at CR Corporation. They had exchanged a few pleasantries,

    nothing more.

    Even back then, Linsey had gotten a bad vibe from him. She had sensed that he wasn''t exactly a man of integrity, but she never imagined he was capable of such a heartless scheme.

    "How could he stoop so low?" Linsey fumed, her voice shaking with anger. "This is outrageous! I''m going to give him a piece of my mind!"

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    17:15

    ¤Î

    Chapter 159 How Could He Stoop So Low

    She made to storm out, but E gently ced a hand on her arm, stopping her.

    "Linsey, wait!¡± E eximed, turning to both Linsey and Collin. "You both need to hide. I''ll deal with these thugs.

    Linsey shook her head resolutely. "Absolutely not! Your injuries were clearly inflicted by them. And it seems they''ve been causing problems for some time. With the children present, how can I possibly hide?"

    With a determined glint in her eyes, Linsey ced aforting hand on E''s shoulder. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle this."

    Linsey turned towards the door, but Collin''s strong hand suddenly grasped her wrist.

    "Hold on," Collin interjected calmly.

    Linsey turned back, assuming he intended to stop her.

    Before she could speak, Collin said softly, "We''re in this together. Let''s face them together-push me out there."

    Linsey hesitated for a moment, then smiled and nodded in agreement.

    A surge of warmth coursed through her.

    E observed with surprise. A small smile touched her lips as Linsey pushed Collin''s wheelchair towards the door.

    However, her smile quickly faded, reced by a worried frown.

    She recalled Linsey mentioning that her husband was just an average man.

    They were faced with the menacing Wade family. Could they truly handle this situation?

    Linsey pushed Collin outside, and they were met with the sight of the leader of the men in ck furiously berating the

    teachers and children cowering in the corner.

    "Tell me where that old woman is hiding!" the man with a menacing scar snarled. "If you don''t talk, you''ll face the

    consequences!"

    Tears of terror streamed down the faces of the children huddled in the corner.

    As the men in ck moved to advance, Linsey''s voice rang out, firm and resolute. "Stop right where you are!"

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 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160 I Suggest You Stay Out Of This

    Linsey''s voice broke the tense silence, causing the scar-faced man to pull back his hand and swivel around.

    As he spotted Linsey pushing Collin''s wheelchair from afar, his face twisted into a sneer, a harshugh escaping his lips.

    "Well, well, what have we here?" he scoffed. "A damsel and her crippledpanion? Can''t you see I''m in the middle of something important? Why the hell are you sticking your noses in? I''m warning you, if you interfere, you''ll be sorry."

    The scar-faced man''spanion peered at the approaching figures, his eyes narrowing. "Boss, that woman looks familiar..."

    Recognition dawned quickly. "Hold on a second... isn''t that Linsey? She''s been all over the newstely. And the guy in the

    wheelchair... that''s gotta be Collin, the Riley family''s eldest son."

    The mention of the Riley family name had a visible effect on the scar-faced man. He stiffened, a flicker of uncertainty

    crossing his features.

    He frowned, muttering under his breath, "What the hell are they doing here? What''s their angle?"

    Undaunted by their aggressive demeanor, Linsey met their gazes steadily. "What exactly do you think you''re aplishing

    by causing this disruption?" she asked calmly.

    The scar-faced man stered a fake smile on his face as he addressed the orphanage staff. "Thisnd," he dered, "belongs to Mr. Wade now. I don''t give a damn how you manage it, but you''re all moving. Whether you like it or not."

    He then turned his attention back to Linsey and Collin. "And you two," he warned, "I suggest you stay out of this.

    Otherwise, you''ll regret it."

    Linsey let out a scoff. "And what if I decide not to leave? Are you going to try and force us? You seem to know who we are, judging by your reaction. I''m well aware of the Wade family''s clout, but aren''t you worried about the repercussions of making this situation any worse?"

    As he realized that Linsey was genuinely prepared to stand against them, the scar-faced man''s expression grew darker.

    He sneered, his gaze sweeping dismissively over Collin in the wheelchair. "Oh, yes, I know exactly who you are," he taunted.

    "Collin, the Riley family''s golden boy. But everyone knows you''re just a puppet. The Rileys don''t give a damn about you.

    And you," he said, turning to Linsey. "You''re just a helpless little woman who can''t do a thing. Let me give you some free

    advice. Don''t push your luck. Don''t think for a second we''re afraid to touch you."

    The scar-faced man''s cronies erupted in a chorus of mockingughter.

    "He''s right! You think we give a damn about the Riley family''s eldest son? He''s just a cripple in a wheelchair, a nobody. The Wade family could squash him like a bug!"

    "Hey there, sweetheart, we saw that little stunt you pulled with the Wells family online. Don''t get any fancy ideas; just because you managed to handle those pathetic losers doesn''t mean you can mess with us. The Wade family is on a whole

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    17:15

    Chapter 1601 Suggest You Stay Out Of This

    other level."

    Linsey''s eyes zed with fury as she listened to their taunts directed at Collin. Fixing the scar-faced man with an icy re, she calmly raised her phone. "Oh, really?¡± she said, her voice dangerously low. "Funny you should mention that, because I just happen to have recorded your little performance here today. And with the size of my online following, all it takes is one click, and this video will go viral. Imagine the headlines: ''Wade Family Bullies the Defenseless!'' The public will absolutely love that."

    Linsey offered a thin smile as she nonchntly pocketed her phone. "So, why don''t you and your buddies have a little think about that? How much damage do you think this will inflict on the Wade family''s precious reputation?"

    "You bitch!" the scar-faced man roared, his face contorted with rage. "You wouldn''t dare! If you cross the Wade family,

    you''ll regret it. We''ll crush you!"

 Bride A Lifetime of Love 161

    Chapter 161 He''ll Protect

    Me

    Unfazed by the scar-faced man''s menacing threats, Linsey grew bolder.

    With an impassive expression, she retorted, "The Wade family holds considerable sway in Grester. I''m just an ordinary person; naturally, I wouldn''t dare to cross them. But if you think you can harm anyone here, don''t expect me to stand idly

    by."

    Linsey paused, then added forcefully, "Let me be clear-I''m not making threats. If you''re willing to face the repercussions of escting this situation, then be my guest. You''ll only be giving me more ammunition to use against you."

    "You little bitch! Let me..." The scar-faced man, consumed by rage, lunged towards Linsey.

    Witnessing this, one of hisckeys frantically grabbed his arm, his face pale with fear. "Hold on, boss! We need to stay calm!" he pleaded.

    Already furious, the scar-faced man spun around and pped theckey hard. "You idiot! How dare you stop me? Do you

    have a death wish?" he roared.

    Theckey yelped in pain, clutching his head. "Boss, we need to keep this under wraps, or we''re screwed!"

    The scar-faced man knew this all too well. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to calm down, though his anger still

    simmered beneath the surface.

    Theckey cautiously gauged his boss''s expression before suggesting, "Maybe we should back off for now ande up with a different n. Linsey and Collin can''t be here every day."

    "Fine," the scar-faced man spat, his voice dripping with malice. Before leaving, he shot Linsey a venomous re. "This isn''t over. Next time I see you, you''ll regret this!"

    Linsey dismissed his threats. Watching them finally depart from the orphanage, she breathed a sigh of relief.

    She hurried over and firmly shut the orphanage door.

    She initially thought that given their aggressive demeanor, her words wouldn''t be enough to deter them.

    But it seemed they were constrained by their own internal issues.

    She was grateful for the sudden inspiration to bring Collin along that day. Otherwise, who knew how E would have dealt

    with them.

    Just then, E emerged, her face etched with worry. ¡°Linsey, you were too impulsive back there. Those men saw you; they know your name and who you are. Especially that one with the scar, he''s bad news. You made an enemy of him because of

    us, and he won''t forget it."

    Seeing the concern in E''s eyes, Linsey offered a reassuring smile. ¡°E, don''t worry about me. I''m not alone; there''s no

    need to be afraid."

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    17:16

    Chapter 161 Hell Protect Me

    She turned to Collin with a smile. "After all, my husband is here. He''ll protect me," she said.

    Collin''s lips curved into a slight smile. He reached out and took her hand, his grip firm. Turning to E, he promised, ¡°E,

    don''t worry. I won''t let anything happen to Linsey."

    Seeing the sincerity in Collin''s eyes, E felt some of her anxiety dissipate.

    Linsey nced at the closed door. ¡°E, we can''t just sit here and do nothing. Now that those thugs are gone, we need to

    call the police before theye back."

    E sighed, her expression troubled. "It won''t do any good. I''ve called the police before, but they didn''t lift a finger. I even

    tried contacting the media, but the reporters were all paid off. Nothing ever came of it."

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 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162 Perhaps I Can

    Be Of Assistance

    As E spoke, her gaze drifted towards the group of children huddled in the courtyard.

    The earliermotion had frightened them, and several teachers and volunteers were trying to soothe their frayed nerves, keeping them away from the ssrooms for now.

    "Those thugs keep showing up and causing trouble. A while back, they scared off several families who were interested in adopting, and now many of our volunteers are too terrified toe back." Worry etched deep lines on E''s face, making her appear older than her years. "I know their game. They''re deliberately trying to shut us down. If I can''t stop them, these children will be shipped off to who- knows-where. They''re so young... if they leave here, who knows what will be of

    them?"

    The thought of those vulnerable children filled Linsey with a sense of helplessness and anger. "Isn''t there anything we can do to fight back? Is there no one in town who can stand up to the Wade family?"

    E let out a heavy sigh. "We''re just small potatoes, Linsey. All we can do is try to hold on as long as possible."

    Linsey, dissatisfied with theck of options, looked down, her frustration growing.

    Just then, Collin''s calm, steady voice cut through the tension. "Perhaps I can be of assistance."

    Linsey turned to him, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

    Collin met her gaze, his expression serious. "If you trust me. I''ll do everything I can to resolve this situation."

    Linsey hesitated. She instinctively doubted that even someone as resourceful as Collin could truly challenge the Wade

    family.

    After all, she was well aware of his precarious position within the Riley family. Despite the Rileys having more clout than the Wades, Collin wasn''t exactly a favorite son. What could he realistically do?

    However, considering the dire straits the orphanage was in, Linsey couldn''t think of any other viable options.

    "Are you sure about this, Collin?" Linsey asked softly, her voiceced with concern. "I don''t want you to get caught in the

    crossfire."

    Collin offered her a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle it.¡±

    As she gazed into Collin''s eyes, a wave of calm washed over Linsey.

    At that moment, an inexplicable sense of peace settled over her.

    Perhaps Collin could actually resolve this problem.

    "Alright," Linsey said, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I trust you."

    Collin wasted no time. He immediately pulled out his phone and made few calls, dispatching some of his men to the

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    17:16

    Chapter 162 Perhaps I Can Be Of Assistance

    orphanage. "Keep an eye on things for the next few days. Make sure those thugs don''t cause any more trouble."

    E''s eyes welled up with gratitude. "Linsey, Collin, thank you. I can''t tell you how much this means to me, and to the

    children. Thank you."

    "E, please,¡± Linsey insisted. "Don''t thank us. It''s the least we could do."

    Collin nodded in agreement. "E, you took Linsey in when she had nowhere else

    to go. You gave her a second chance at life. You''re family to her. It''s only right that we look out for family."

    He paused, his voice softening. "Please, trust us."

    With their goodbyes said, Linsey and Collin left the orphanage and climbed back into the car.

    As they drove away, Linsey''s thoughts drifted back to the events of the day. A pang of guilt hit her. She turned to Collin, her expression apologetic. "I''m so sorry, Collin. I promised you a date today, and instead, we ended up dealing with all this drama. I not only ruined our ns, but I dragged you into this whole mess."

    Collin reached over and gently took her hand, his thumb stroking her knuckles reassuringly. "Hey, if we want to go on a date, we''ll have plenty of opportunities in the future. I''m just d you brought me here. What happened today wasn''t your fault. Don''t worry about it. I''ll take care of everything."

    Linsey listened to the calm assurance in Collin''s voice and nodded, the tension and worry slowly melting away.

    She didn''t press him for details about how he nned to resolve the situation. She had chosen to trust him, and she

    intended to do just that-trust himpletely.

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 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163 This Is My

    Fault

    Upon returning to Vista Vi, Collin immediately retreated to the study.

    The instant the door clicked shut behind him, his expression hardened.

    Taking out his phone, he dialed Dustin''s number.

    Dustin''s jovial voice greeted him as soon as the call connected. "Collin, to what do I owe the pleasure? What can I do for

    you, my friend?"

    Collin''s voice was somber as he inquired, "What''s happening with that plot ofnd on the outskirts of town?"

    After a brief pause, Dustin responded, "It''s already in the process of being developed."

    A short silence followed before Dustin chuckled. "Why the sudden interest? Don''t tell me you''ve had a change of heart and

    want to reim it?"

    Collin''s voice grew heavy with suppressed irritation. "Are you aware that there''s an orphanage that''s been operating there

    for years?"

    Dustin dismissed it casually. "Yeah, I know about it. I sent someone to take care of the situation a while back. It''s nothing

    to be concerned about."

    Collin''s frown deepened, his voice sharpening. "So you actually sent people to threaten the orphanage?"

    Dustin sounded genuinely surprised. "What? Threaten them? I don''t know what you''re talking about."

    Hearing the genuine confusion in Dustin''s voice, Collin rxed slightly, sensing there was more to the story.

    Having known Dustin for years, Collin understood his character implicitly.

    While Dustin could be impulsive at times, he wasn''t the type to intimidate the vulnerable or abuse his power.

    Initially, when Collin heard about Dustin''s involvement in the incident at the orphanage, he was dubious. Now, it was clear

    there was more to the situation than met the eye.

    Collin concisely ryed the information he had gathered.

    "What the hell!?" Dustin eximed in shock. "I did send someone to resolve the issue with the orphanage, but my intention was to offer them financial assistance for relocation, not to resort to intimidation!"

    Collin let out a cold snort. "It seems you''ve been toox with your subordinates. They''ve clearly pocketed your money and exploited your name to cause trouble."

    Dustin seethed with rage. "Un-fucking-believable!" he roared. "Which goddamn idiot disobeyed a direct order?"

    His initial outburst subsided, reced by a sharp inquiry. "How in the hell did you even find out about this mess?"

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    Chapter 163 This Is My Fault

    Collin paused briefly before responding. "That orphanage," he stated evenly, "is where Linsey spent her childhood. She took me there today, and we happened upon your crew causing a scene. That orphanage is strictly off-limits. You''d better get your subordinates in line, and fast, or I''ll handle it myself."

    Dustin drew a deep breath, his expression turning serious. "I apologize," he said. "This is my fault; I should have handled. this situation with more care. I owe you and Linsey a full exnation."

    Meanwhile, the scar-faced man slunk back to the office, where his boss, a portly, unkempt individual with a perpetual

    scowl etched across his face, awaited him.

    The moment the scar-faced man crossed the threshold, the portly man exploded. "You''re absolutely useless! It''s been days, and you still haven''t cleared out that orphanage? How am I supposed to exin this to my boss now?"

    He mmed a stack of papers onto the scar-faced man''s chest. "It''s just one old woman and a bunch of snot-nosed kids! How difficult can it be? If this drags on any longer, the big boss will hold us ountable, and you''ll be out on your ass!"

    The scar-faced man quickly scrambled to defend himself, his face twisting with frustration. "Boss, it''s not my fault! It''s all because of Collin Riley and that wife of his, Linsey!"

    The portly man frowned, a look of annoyance crossing his face. "What in the hell do they have to do with this mess?"

    The scar-faced man, still seething, exined, "They showed up at the orphanage today and stopped us dead in our tracks. They even threatened to go public with everything!"

    He added, "I also found out that Linsey grew up in that orphanage. She''s going to be a real pain in our asses, I can tell. So,

    what are we supposed to do now?"

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 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164 Nothing Will Threaten Your Billion-...

    The portly man shot a disdainful re at the scar-faced man. "You''re utterly worthless. That Collin is nothing more than a

    cripple, and Linsey? She''s barely worth the effort. If she''s so eager to throw her life away, why not expedite her departure?"

    The scar-faced man''s eyes widened in shock, betraying his rm. "Boss, are you suggesting..." His voice trailed off as he

    mimicked the motion of pulling a trigger. "That we resort to such drastic measures?"

    He continued, his voiceced with concern, "But what about the Riley family? What if they retaliate?"

    The portly man dismissed the concern with a careless wave of his hand. "Why would the Riley family bother? For all we

    know, we might be doing them a service. They could end up thanking me!"

    His eyes narrowed calctingly. "Remember, we''re dealing with a billion-dor venture here. We can''t afford any slip-ups.

    Pull this off, and you''ll see a handsome reward."

    Eyes alight with the promise of wealth, the scar-faced man nodded. "Understood, Boss. I''ll handle it immediately."

    He exited the office, his mind racing with ns for dealing with Linsey and Collin. But as he strategized, a convoy of cars

    suddenly lined up outside, their bright headlights slicing through the darkness, nearly blinding him.

    His heart hammered against his chest, a chilling sense of dread enveloping him. "What in the world is happening?" he

    muttered, eyes wide with apprehension.

    Abruptly, a convoy of cars jerked to a halt, unleashing a group of men who moved with lethal precision. They quickly

    formed a tight circle around the scar-faced man.

    "What''s the meaning of this?" he growled, his voice echoing with a mix of fear and defiance.

    The group''s unsmiling leader stepped forward, his gaze as hard as ice, and decisivelymanded, "Subdue him."

    Caught off guard, the scar-faced man barely had time to process the threat. He was about to react, perhaps to flee or fight,

    when strong hands mped down on him, forcing him to the cold, hard ground with brutal efficiency.

    "Do you have any idea who I am? Touching me is a fatal mistake!" he bellowed, the rage in his voice tinged with

    desperation.

    The ruckus quickly lured the portly man outside.

    The moment he saw the scar-faced man being restrained, his expression soured, and he growled, "Who the hell are you people? Do you even know where you are?"

    At that moment, another silhouette detached itself from one of the cars.

    The tension was palpable as the portly man and the scar-faced man tensed up, but their fury simmered down when they spotted Dustin approaching with a chilling, knowing smirk.

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    Chapter 164 Nothing Will Threaten Your Billion-dor Venture!

    "What have we here? It''s been a while, hasn''t it? And now you don''t even recognize me?" Dustin''s voice cut through the chilly air with a sharp edge.

    The portly man froze, his eyes widening momentarily before he hastilyposed himself, adopting a fawning grin. "Mr. Wade, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"

    Oblivious to the altercation involving the scar-faced man nearby, he scurried over to Dustin, bowing deeply, his tone oozing exaggerated deference. "Mr. Wade, it''s quite chilly out here. Perhaps we could discuss matters indoors?"

    Dustin casually shoved his hands into his coat pockets, his posture radiating undisguised arrogance. "My concern is the

    orphanage on the suburban lot."

    A shadow of dismay passed over the portly man''s face as the unresolved issue of the orphanage loomed back into focus,

    and Dustin was evidently here to press for answers.

    Casting a sharp, frustrated nce at the scar-faced man, he hastily assured, "Mr. Wade, rest assured, we''ll handle that situation promptly. You won''t have to concern yourself with it further,"

    Dustin''s gaze turned cold, his scrutiny piercing. "And how exactly do you intend to handle it?"

    The portly manughed nervously, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Naturally, we might have

    to resort to... some unconventional tactics."

    Dustin''s gaze sharpened, his smirk hardening. "I bet I know what''s next-you''re going after Collin and Linsey, right?"

    The portly man felt a chill run down his spine.

    Dustin was already aware of the recent events at the orphanage.

    He quickly attempted to reassure. "Mr. Wade, please, don''t worry. I''ll deal with

    Collin and Linsey immediately. Nothing will

    threaten your billion-dor venture!"

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 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165 Why Are You Doing This To Me

    Dustin chuckled, hisugh dripping with indifference. "Don''t worry about it. I''ve already got everything under control."

    The portly man froze, eyes widening with curiosity. "What are you nning?"

    Dustin turned to his subordinates, his voice sharp and unwavering. "Take this guy-and the one on the ground and get them both to the police station."

    The portly man stood there, stunned, as if his brain couldn''t process what was happening. In disbelief, he stammered, "Mr. Wade... what do you mean? You''re actually sending us to the police? Why are you doing this to me?"

    Dustin couldn''t hide his amusement at the man''s desperate expression. He dragged out each word like it was a slow burn. "I trusted you with thend project, but instead, you embezzled the funds I set aside for the orphanage. And as if that wasn''t bad enough, you used my name to run illegal schemes, dragging my family''s reputation through the dirt."

    His gaze

    turned ice-cold as he locked eyes with the portly man. ¡°You really thought I was that gullible? That I''d let you two idiots y me for a fool?"

    Before either the portly man or the scar-faced one could stammer a response, Dustin waved them off with a dismissive

    flick of his hand.

    These two reckless fools had confronted Collin and Linsey in his name.

    The orphanage was where Linsey had spent her childhood. If it had been destroyed, Collin wouldn''t have thought twice

    about tearing him apart.

    The portly man finally got it-Dustin wasn''t ying. He was serious about sending him to the police.

    Panicking, the portly man struggled against Dustin''s men, his mind racing for a way out.

    "Mr. Wade!" he shouted suddenly, his voice tinged with desperation. "Did Collin and Linsey say something to you? You can''t let them turn us against each other! I see it now-this is a plot by the Riley family! They''re trying to bring your family

    down. You have to believe me!"

    Dustin chuckled lightly, his tone calm and unhurried. "The Riley family isn''t exactly innocent in all this, but this? This was Collin''s idea. And of course, I''m cooperating with him."

    The portly man froze, stunned. Was Dustin really listening to that crippled Collin? How could that even be possible?

    For years, everyone in Grester knew that Collin, the eldest son of the Riley family, wasn''t just physically disabled-he was also rejected by his own family. He had no power to speak of.

    Dustin, on the other hand, was the sole heir to the Wade family-an immensely powerful man. Why on earth would he

    take orders from someone like Collin?

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    17:18

    Chapter 165 Why Are You Doing This To Me

    As those thoughts raced through his mind, the portly man couldn''t stop himself from voicing his disbelief. "Mr. Wade, you''ve got to be joking. Collin... he''s just a cripple. How could he possibly have the authority to tell you what to do?"

    But the moment the words left his mouth, a chilling realization sank in.

    Could it be that the so-called powerless Collin had been hiding his true strength all along?

    What was Collin really up to?

    Dustin, noticing the growing panic in the portly man''s eyes, spoke with chilling calm. "You don''t need to know. You embezzled funds under my watch, and I have all the evidence I need. You''ll be spending your time repenting behind bars."

    The portly man was left utterly dumbfounded. As Dustin''s men dragged him away, his mind reyed the events of the day,

    each moment weighing heavier than thest.

    Only now did he realize-Collin was someone he should never have dared to

    cross.

    But it was toote for regrets.

    Once everything was taken care of, Dustin wasted no time. He picked up the phone and dialed Collin.

    "It''s done. Are you satisfied now?" Dustin said, his tone light, almost cheerful.

    The entire mess had been a result of his own negligence-giving his subordinates just enough rope to hang themselves.

    Collin''s voice on the other end was eerily calm, almost detached. "It''s not like it was my house that got torn down. Why

    would I be satisfied?"

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166 We Have

    Visitors

    Dustin grasped the situation immediately. "Tomorrow, I''ll personally bring those guys to the orphanage to apologize. And

    I''ll make sure they apologize to Linsey too. Will that suffice?"

    "Yes," Collin replied coolly. "Get it done as soon as possible. She''s not in the best of moods right now."

    And with that, Collin ended the call.

    Dustin was momentarily taken aback. "Wow, you''re really pulling out all the stops for Linsey," he muttered to himself. "I''m

    the CEO, and I still have to personally apologize? What does that say about me?¡± After a moment''s consideration, Dustin decided it wasn''t such a bad idea after all. He had been curious for some time now-what kind of woman could capture Collin''s heart sopletely?

    After all, Collin had been single for years, and now he had finally opened his heart to someone.

    Dustin feltpelled to do whatever he could to support Collin.

    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have bothered toe over and deal with those two idiots personally.

    The following morning, Linsey sat at the dining table, listlessly picking at her breakfast. She chewed each bite endlessly

    without swallowing, herck of appetite evident.

    Collin watched her silently for a few moments before finally asking, "What''s the matter?"

    Linsey''s thoughts were interrupted, and she offered him a weak smile. "It''s nothing," she replied.

    In truth, her mind was still consumed by the events at the orphanage.

    But since Collin had assured her he would take care of it, she didn''t want to pester him further.

    Collin noticed the faint shadows under her eyes and surmised that she hadn''t slept well.

    He sighed softly. "You should try to eat something. If you don''t like what they''ve made, tell the staff, and they''ll prepare something different."

    Linsey shook her head quickly. "This is fine, really. Don''t bother them."

    Collin smiled faintly. She was always so considerate of others, putting their needs before her own.

    Linsey pushed the worries from her mind and tried to concentrate on her breakfast.

    A short whileter, her phone rang. It was E.

    When Linsey saw who was calling, her heart pounded in her chest. Were those men back to cause more problems?

    She quickly answered the phone, her voice filled with worry. "E, what''s wrong?"

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    Chapter 166 We Have Visitors

    "Linsey," E said. "We have visitors."

    Linsey''s heart raced, and she jumped to her feet. "Don''t worry, I''ll be right there."

    Noticing her distress, Collin immediately put down his fork, wiped his hands with a napkin, and prepared to go with her.

    Dustin had assured himst night that the situation was resolved. Was there still trouble?

    Collin frowned.

    E was taken aback andughed. "Linsey, it''s alright! They didn''te to cause any trouble. They''re here to apologize.

    That''s why I called."

    Linsey froze, surprised. "Apologize?" she repeated.

    So they weren''t there to cause problems, but to apologize?

    Had the problem already been taken care of?

    Linsey instinctively looked at Collin, her mind whirling.

    Just then, a man''s voice came on the phone.

    "Mrs. Riley? This is Dustin Wade. I want to sincerely apologize for the trouble we caused earlier. That''s why I''vee to the orphanage today to make amends. I understand you were raised here and have a strong connection to this ce. I

    was

    wondering if you might have some time to stop by?"

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 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167 How On Earth Did You Manage That

    The news of Dustin''s personal visit to the orphanage took Linseypletely by surprise. For a fleeting moment, she couldn''t shake off the suspicion that he might have an ulterior motive.

    However, her worry for the orphanage and E overshadowed her doubts. After a moment of contemtion, she responded,

    "Okay, I''ll be right there."

    Ending the call, Linsey turned to Collin. "I have to go to the orphanage," she informed him.

    Collin nodded calmly. "No need to rush. Finish your breakfast. Making Dustin wait a bit won''t hurt him."

    Linsey blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "How did you know Dustin went there himself?" she inquired.

    A moment of silence hung in the air as a realization dawned on her. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Hold on... did you orchestrate all of this?" she gasped. "Is Dustin making a personal apology because of you?"

    Collin merely offered a small, enigmatic smile in response.

    Consumed by curiosity, Linsey couldn''t help but press further. "Collin, how on earth did you manage that? Dustin is the heir to the Wade family, for crying out loud! How did you convince him to apologize in person?"

    Amusement flickered in Collin''s eyes as he observed her eagerness. "You really want to know, huh?" he teased.

    "Absolutely!" Linsey replied without missing a beat.

    Collin chuckled, but his expression remained serious. "Finish your breakfast first, and then I''ll fill you in."

    Linsey pouted yfully but obediently resumed her breakfast.

    However, in her eagerness, she nearly choked on her food.

    Collin sighed, wheeled himself closer, and gently patted her back. He then poured her a ss of water. "Here," he said,

    concerncing his voice. "Drink some water and slow down."

    Linsey gratefully epted the ss, took a few sips, and finally caught her breath.

    As she ced the ss back on the table, a clean handkerchief materialized in front of her.

    "Wipe your mouth," Collin instructed gently.

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat as she took the handkerchief and dabbed at her lips.

    A faint, refreshing scent emanated from the fabric, piquing her curiosity.

    "One minute you''re iming to have no appetite." Collin teased with a chuckle. "And the next you''re practically inhaling

    your food. One would think I never feed you!"

    Chapter 167 How On Earth Did You Manage That

    Linsey shot him a yful re. "Well, you''re the one who made me finish my breakfast first!" she retorted.

    Collin chuckled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "There''s more to the story," he said.

    "Dustin wasn''t actually trying to kick the orphanage out. He had already found a new location for them-a much better one, with better facilities and equipment. He even set up apensation fund for them."

    Linsey''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, I had no idea he was being so thoughtful."

    "Thatnd on the outskirts?" Collin continued. "It''s part of a huge project Dustin''s working on. Once he acquired it, every greedy shark in town started circling, hoping to get a piece of the action. Dustin''s really serious about this project, and he wanted to make sure everything was perfect with

    no loose ends. The problem started when one of his own people tried to pocket the orphanage''spensation money. That''s what caused this whole mess."

    Linsey nodded slowly, absorbing the information. But then a frown creased her brow. "Okay, that makes sense, but if it was one of his subordinates who screwed up, why did Dustin feel the need to apologize in person?"

    Collin observed, "He owes us an apology, that''s for sure. But he also owes us a big thank you. We saved him from a major PR disaster. If news got out that his people were harassing an orphanage, hispetitors would have a field day. They''d use it to sabotage his entire project."

    He let out a low scoff, his voice dripping with disdain. "Those vultures would love to see him fail."

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 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168 Do You Two

    Know Each Other

    ¡°Ah, I understand now," Linsey said, finally grasping the situation.

    Ten billion dors! If she were in Dustin''s shoes, she would be groveling, not just offering a simple apology.

    "So, when you meet Dustin, he''ll definitely apologize. If you have any requests, just let him know. He''ll agree to anything,"

    Collin assured her.

    A blush crept onto Linsey''s cheeks. "Honestly, as long as he doesn''t cause any further trouble for the orphanage, I''ll be satisfied. I''m just concerned that if we don''te to an agreement, he might be hostile and retaliate."

    Collin reassured her, "You''re the one who salvaged Dustin''s ten-billion-dor project. Believe me, you hold all the cards-

    he wouldn''t dare to retaliate."

    Despite Collin''s assurances, Linsey couldn''t shake off a lingering sense of unease. Nevertheless, she hesitantly nodded in

    agreement.

    "Understood," Linsey conceded.

    Confusion washed over her. Collin''s words implied a certain familiarity with Dustin.

    Most people would be at least slightly intimidated by the mention of Dustin. Yet, Collin appearedpletely unfazed.

    But then again, Linsey reminded herself, Collin always exuded an air of authority.

    Perhaps this was simply the inherent pride of the Riley family''s eldest son.

    Linsey decided to dismiss the thought.

    Meanwhile, Dustin had been waiting at the orphanage for a considerable amount of time. A sudden sneeze erupted from

    him, apanied by an unexpected shiver.

    He frowned, an inexplicable sense of foreboding washing over him.

    Could Collin be intending to exploit this situation to extort money from him?

    The sound of a car pulling up outside finally broke the silence.

    Dustin immediately approached and saw Linsey apanied by Collin, who was seated in a wheelchair.

    Recalling that he was supposed to feign ignorance of Collin''s identity, Dustin disregarded him and extended a hand

    towards Linsey with a warm smile. ¡°Linsey, it''s a pleasure to see you again.¡±

    In the blink of an eye, Collin seized Dustin''s wrist in a firm grip.

    "I''d be careful where you put those hands," Collin cautioned, his voice low and menacing.

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    Chapter 168 Do You Two Know Each Other

    "Ah!" Dustin yelped in pain, his face contorting in agony. As he met Collin''s cial gaze, his heart skipped a beat.

    He yanked his hand away from Collin''s grasp, rubbing his wrist with a grimace. "It was just a damn handshake! Was that

    really necessary?"

    Collin let out a harsh snort. "Your grubby hands aren''t fit to touch my wife," he stated coldly.

    Dustin''s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn''t anticipated Collin''s intense jealousy.

    Still rubbing his wrist, Dustin nced at Linsey, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Linsey, have you and Collin always been

    this... close?" he asked, deliberately needling Collin.

    Before Linsey could answer, Collin cut him off sharply. "Enough with the

    pleasantries, Dustin. Don''t forget why you''re here."

    Dustin rolled his eyes, clearly irritated by Collin''s possessive behavior.

    Collin, Dustin thought, put his wife over his friends.

    Linsey watched the exchange, a nagging feeling that something wasn''t quite right tickling her senses.

    "Do you two know each other?" Linsey asked, her curiosity piqued.

    Dustin nced at Collin, ignoring the warning re he received. He turned to

    Linsey, a wide, almost too-friendly smile stered on his face. "Of course we know each other!" he eximed. "Didn''t Collin tell you? We''re friends. I''m here today

    because of him..."

    Collin''s expression immediately hardened, his icy gaze fixed on Dustin.

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 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169 Is That Still On

    The Table

    Dustin suddenly felt a shiver crawl down his spine.

    He cleared his throat and forced a chuckle, trying to regain hisposure. "Well, to be honest, Collin once did me a massive favor-saved my neck, basically. So, you could say I''m just repaying the debt."

    Linsey nodded, the pieces clicking into ce.

    So that was the link between Collin and Dustin. It all made sense now; no wonder everything had been resolved so

    smoothly.

    Even though Collin wasn''t exactly a power yer, he was still a Riley. It wasn''t surprising that he had connections with

    someone like Dustin, the Wade family scion.

    But Dustin was the face of CR Corporation... could Collin''s billion-dor debt be somehow connected to him?

    Sensing Linsey''s curiosity, Dustin swiftly steered the conversation in a different direction. "Right, about those ipetent

    fools who work for me... Collin filled you in, I presume?"

    Dustin''s usual yful demeanor vanished, reced by a serious expression. "Bottom line, I failed to judge those idiots.

    properly and handle the situation correctly. Linsey, name your terms. I''ll agree to whatever you ask."

    Linsey''s thoughts snapped back to the present. She recalled Collin''s words before he left.

    As if on cue, Collin gave her a subtle nod, confirming that she had the green light to make any demand she wished.

    Dustin was clearly desperate to salvage thisnd development project.

    Wasn''t he worried she might take him for a ride with an outrageous ask?

    After a moment''s consideration, Linsey decided to take it easy on Dustin, considering his connection to Collin.

    "No need for grand gestures," Linsey said softly. "All I want is for the children at the orphanage and E to be safe. You

    mentioned relocating the orphanage and providingpensation. Is that still on the table?"

    "Absolutely. It''s the least I can do," Dustin confirmed without missing a beat. He then paused, a flicker of uncertainty

    crossing his face. "Are you absolutely sure there''s nothing else you want?"

    Linsey shook her head calmly. "No, that''s it."

    Dustin looked genuinely surprised. "You''re serious? Nothing else?"

    Linsey frowned. "What else would I possibly want?"

    She had been crystal clear about her demands. Why was he acting so shocked?

    Dustin blinked. "Well, money, of course."

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    Chapter 169 Is That Still On The Table

    After a short pause, he continued, "Or maybe you nned to drag my name through the mud online and ruin my reputation, just like you did with Marisol Wells."

    Linsey was surprised that her sh with Marisol had be such widespread gossip. It seemed even the wealthy couldn''t resist a juicy scandal.

    "Marisol brought that on herself. She started the fight, and I simply finished it," Linsey retorted.

    "As for you," Linsey continued calmly, "you imed this was your subordinates'' fault and that you were also a victim. Now that the situation at the orphanage has been resolved, I see no reason to escte things further."

    "Linsey, you''re truly a kind soul," Dustin remarked, unable to contain his admiration.

    Then, a sly grin spread across his face. "But how can you be sure I''m not just putting on an act? With my influence, I could

    easily make one of my subordinates take the me," he challenged.

    Linsey''s expression hardened. Her brow furrowed as she said in a cold, firm

    voice, "Then don''t say I didn''t warn you if I

    decide to retaliate."

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 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170 You And

    Dustin Seem Close

    Linsey''s clear eyes hardened, taking Dustin aback. He was a seasoned businessman, but this woman... she was something

    else.

    He had initially pegged Linsey as just another pretty face, but now he saw how wrong he had been. No wonder Collin had

    fallen for her so fast.

    Dustin chuckled. "Linsey, you''re unlike any woman I''ve ever met. If you weren''t already married, I might just try my luck..."

    He didn''t get to finish his sentence. Collin was practically radiating hostility.

    "Dustin," Collin growled, his eyes narrowed to slits. "Are you asking for a beatdown?"

    Dustin''s yful facade vanished. "Whoa, chill out, man! It was just a joke," he said hastily.

    He backpedaled towards the orphanage gates. "Oh! Something urgent just came up. Gotta run! Catch youter!"

    "Good riddance," Collin said tly, shooing him away.

    Dustin pulled a face. "Wow, Collin, you really do ditch your friends the moment you get hitched, huh?"

    With that, Dustin took off like a shot.

    Linsey burst outughing. Dustin had bolted as if Collin might actually chase him down.

    "You and Dustin seem close," Linsey remarked. "And he''s really scared of you! He doesn''t act like a CEO at all."

    She added yfully, "Anyone watching would think you were the one in charge."

    Linsey had spoken casually, unaware of how close to the truth she was.

    Collin paused, then asked calmly, "What if I were?"

    Linsey frowned. "Then I might never speak to you again," she said.

    Panic jolted through Collin. "Why?" he asked urgently.

    If he were Dustin''s boss, it would mean he was even more powerful than Dustin.

    Most people would be thrilled to learn that, wouldn''t they?

    Linsey shrugged, continuing with his hypothetical question.

    ¡°Because I hate lies and secrets. I''ve had enough of that in my life..." She sighed. ¡°I''d rather you be penniless than build our rtionship on deceit."

    Linsey smiled softly. "You''re not worried I''d think less of you for not being rich, are you? Don''t worry. We''ll build a life together, brick by brick."

    Chapter 170 You And Dustin Seem Close

    Linsey noticed Collin''s expression had changed. She frowned and leaned closer, her voice filled with concern. "Collin? Are you alright? You look pale.¡±

    Collin blinked, as if shaking off a sudden thought. A flicker ofplex emotions-a mix of sadness, perhaps even a hint of guilt-crossed his features before he quickly masked it.

    "It''s nothing," Collin dismissed, forcing a faint smile. "Okay, we''ll work hard together."

    He understood the underlying message in Linsey''s words.

    She had been deeply hurt by her ex-boyfriend''s betrayal and couldn''t bear to go through that kind of pain again.

    Linsey scrutinized Collin''s face, searching for any hint of difort he might be concealing.

    "Collin," she said, her voiceced with a yful warning. "You''re not keeping any secrets from me, are you? I''m serious-if

    you ever lie to me, I''ll seriously consider getting a divorce."

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 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171 I Will Never Agree To A Divorce

    Linsey was taken aback by the sudden shift in Collin''s demeanor. His expression hardened, and he gripped her hand tightly, his voice low and intense. "I will never agree to a divorce," he dered, his eyes burning with a fierce possessiveness.

    Linsey winced, a sharp pain shooting through her wrist. "Collin, you''re hurting me!"

    Collin instantly released her hand, his expression filled with concern. "Shit, Linsey, I''m so sorry! Are you okay?"

    He gently examined her wrist, his eyes widening as he saw the angry red marks his grip had left. A wave of regret washed

    over him.

    "I''m so sorry," he repeated, his voiceced with remorse. "I overreacted."

    Seeing the lingering seriousness in Collin''s eyes, Linsey felt a pang of sympathy.

    Trying to lighten the mood, she gave him a yful smile. "Wow, Collin," she teased. "Why so serious? It was just a joke!"

    The tension in Collin''s face finally eased a bit. "God, Linsey, I''m so d it was just a joke..."

    He looked up at her, his eyes pleading. "But... can you promise me something?"

    he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Please, never say the word ''divorce'' again. I... I might actually believe you."

    Linsey saw a flicker of vulnerability, of fear even, in his eyes, and her heart skipped a beat.

    His expression was so... endearing, so unfairly charming.

    It struck her that he hadn''t shown this vulnerable side when dealing with Dustin earlier. With Dustin, he had been all

    sharp edges and coolposure.

    "Alright, alright," she said with a resigned smile. "I won''t bring it up again."

    Internally, she couldn''t help but think, "He can really be like a child sometimes. Maybe it''s because of all those years of neglect he endured in his cold and distant family."

    The thought made her heart ache for him, and she felt a surge of sympathy. She wanted to shower him with love and

    kindness.

    Within a short time, the entire situation with the orphanage was resolved smoothly,

    E, the children, and the teachers all moved into the new facility Dustin had arranged. The generouspensation he provided was safely deposited into the orphanage''s ount.

    With the matter settled and peace restored, Linsey finally felt at ease. She returned to work, ready to resume her normal

    routine.

    However, as she stepped back into thepany building, she couldn''t help but notice the curious nces from her colleagues.

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    17:21

    Chapter 1711 Will Never Agree To A Divorce

    She knew that despite clearing her name online, she couldn''t escape the

    whispers and gossip that inevitably followed a

    scandal.

    She decided to ignore the stares and focus on her work.

    Just then, a voice cut through the air. "Linsey!"

    Linsey frowned slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. She turned to see a vaguely familiar woman approaching

    her.

    It was none other than Pandora Valdez, one of Cynthia''s most devoted followers, who had been practically attached to Cynthia''s hip ever since she joined thepany.

    "Can I help you?" Linsey inquired coolly.

    Pandora halted before Linsey, a hesitant expression on her face. She opened and closed her mouth several times, seemingly struggling to find the right words.

    "If you don''t have anything to say, I''ll be going upstairs," Linsey stated tly.

    "Wait! Please don''t go!" Pandora blurted out, clutching Linsey''s arm with a desperate look. "Linsey, I just wanted to

    apologize."

    Linsey was momentarily stunned. "Apologize? For what?"

    Observing the increasing number of curious onlookers gathering around them, Pandora hesitated briefly before pulling

    Linsey aside to a more private corner.

    ¡°Linsey, I... well, I saw those awful rumors about you online..." Pandora''s face flushed with shame. "I wasn''t thinking

    clearly at the time and ended up saying some nasty things about you, along with those other people online."

    She took a moment before continuing, "But I truly didn''t mean any of it. I never actually believed those rumors about you.

    And after you released the evidence proving your innocence, I realized how wrong I was. So, I wanted to sincerely apologize

    for my behavior."

    Seemingly aware of how weak her exnation sounded, Pandora quickly added, "If you''re still upset with me, please let me make it up to you. How about I treat you to lunch? Or if there''s anything I can do to help, just name it-I''m at your service."

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 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172 What Happened To Cynthia

    It finally clicked for Linsey. Pandora was genuinely here to apologize. And not just apologize, but it seemed she was

    determined to make amends.

    Could Pandora have genuinely turned over a new leaf?

    Linsey, however, remained indifferent. "No need," she said casually. "I have work to do, so I''m leaving."

    And with that, she turned to walk away.

    To her surprise, Pandora reached out and grabbed her arm again, her face a mask of anxiety. This time, her expression was

    so miserable she looked on the verge of tears.

    "Linsey, are you really not going to forgive me?"

    Linsey couldn''t help but chuckle. Was this some kind of guilt trip?

    "Apologizing is your prerogative,¡± Linsey replied. ¡°Whether I ept that apology is mine. You can''t force my forgiveness,

    can you?"

    Pandora''s eyes welled up, her voice trembling. "If you don''t forgive me, are you trying to make me end up like Cynthia?"

    Linsey frowned, genuinely confused. "What are you talking about?" she asked. "What happened to Cynthia? And what does

    any of this have to do with me?"

    Seeing Linsey''s bewildered expression, Pandora became convinced she was feigning ignorance. "Linsey, Marisol''s and Joanna''s reputations are in tatters because they spread those nasty rumors about you online."

    Pandora continued, her voiceced with a strange mix of fear and usation, "And it wasn''t just them. Even Cynthia, who''s always despised you, joined in on the insults during that whole scandal. Now, all her personal information has been

    leaked..."

    Pandora''s voice trembled with fear. "She''s been holed up at home, too afraid to even step outside. Isn''t this all some

    borate revenge plot of yours?"

    Linsey stared at Pandora, genuinely surprised.

    She hadn''t been aware of any of this. No wonder Cynthia hadn''t shown her face today-she probably couldn''t even bring

    herself toe to the office.

    Linsey regained herposure, a hint of a smile ying on her lips. "You''re suggesting Cynthia simply made a few offhand insults? I highly doubt that. She must have been quite busy stirring the pot. I distinctly remember several online posts iming to be from my former colleagues. It''s quite likely she orchestrated those as well."

    Linsey paused briefly, then continued calmly, "If she''s hiding at home because people online exposed her lies, that''s her own problem, not mine. I certainly didn''t instruct anyone to do that. Besides, with the sheer number of people online, do

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    17:21

    Chapter 172 What Happened To Cynthia

    you honestly believe I could control what they all say and do?"

    Pandora''s desperation grew as she realized Linsey wasn''t going to lift a finger to help. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Linsey, I don''t believe for a second that you''re not involved in this! You must have hired people to dig up dirt on Cynthia and spread it online. Am I next? Tell me the truth!"

    Linsey''s patience finally wore thin. She shook off Pandora''s hand and snapped, "Let go of me! If someone sees us like this and posts it online, it''ll just make things worse."

    Pandora froze, her eyes darting nervously. She noticed several people nearby watching them with undisguised curiosity.

    Despite her attempt to pull Linsey into a secluded corner, it did little to deter the onlookers'' prying eyes and whispers.

    Some were even taking out their phones to record the scene. Panic surged through Pandora, and she fled, terrified of bing further embroiled in the drama.

    Online gossip, like wildfire, spread rapidly but died down just as quickly.

    Cynthia had be a recluse, hiding in her home for days after being publicly outed as the source of the malicious

    rumors about Linsey.

    As the online furor subsided, Cynthia tentatively returned to work, attempting to salvage what remained of her reputation.

    Linsey paid little attention to Cynthia''s return. She had more important things to focus on. However, she made a mental note. If Cynthia tried to cross her again, she wouldn''t hesitate to retaliate.

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 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173 We Have Linsey To Thank For This!

    Thankfully, Cynthia seemed to realize she had been thoroughly embarrassed, so she refrained from bothering Linsey in the following days.

    This gave Linsey a rare respite from the drama, and her work on the design project proceeded more smoothly than ever

    before.

    That afternoon, Coen appeared with a grin, announcing, "Team dinner tonight! If you''re free,e join us. Let''s celebrate Linsey''s sessfulpletion of Anthea''s order!"

    "Awesome!"

    "Fantastic! It''s been ages since we''ve had a proper team dinner!"

    "We have Linsey to thank for this!"

    "Linsey, you''re a rockstar! If you snag another big project like this, don''t forget to bring me along for the ride!"

    Linsey blushed slightly, replying modestly, "Of course, if I need any help, I''ll definitely reach out to everyone. Teamwork

    makes the dream work!"

    When work ended, the group headed to the restaurant together.

    As they settled into the private dining room, Linsey suddenly realized something.

    She hadn''t informed Collin about the dinner ns.

    Just then, a colleague eagerly passed her the menu. "Linsey, check out the menu and see what you fancy," she said.

    Linsey pulled out her phone. "Go ahead and order," she said. "I need to step out to make a quick call."

    Her colleague grinned yfully. "Let me guess, calling the hubby to report in?" she teased. "Go ahead. We''ll wait for you to get back before we order."

    Linsey smiled at her colleague, rose from her seat, and exited the private dining room. She found a quiet spot in the hallway and dialed Collin''s number.

    Collin answered almost immediately. "Linsey? What''s up? Are you done with work? I cane and get you now," he

    offered.

    "No, no need to pick me up," Linsey replied quickly. "I just wanted to let you know I might be home a bitte tonight. We''re having a team dinner, and I''m already at the restaurant."

    "Okay," Collin replied. Then, as if remembering something important, he added, "Remember what you promised me. Don''t drink any alcohol tonight."

    Linsey was momentarily stunned. Then, a spark of indignation shed in her eyes. "Are you seriously implying I can''t

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    Chapter 173 We Have Linsey To Thank For This!

    handle my liquor? My tolerance isn''t that bad. Tonight''s dinner is to celebrate finishing Anthea''s order. Everyone''s going to be in a good mood, so a little drink won''t hurt."

    Collin, however, couldn''t shake the memory of thest time Linsey had a bit too much to drink at home.

    The image of her tipsy and carefree, with her guard down, sparked a possessive feeling within him. He didn''t want anyone

    else to witness that side of her.

    Seeing that she wasn''t taking him seriously, he let out a scoff. "You might not remember how you acted thest time you had one too many, but I do," he said. "Let me be clear. You''re not drinking a single drop of alcohol tonight. If you do, you''ll

    regret it."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed in anger. "Collin, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" she demanded. "Are you nning on threatening me like you do everyone else? Because if you are, I''m done talking to you."

    She crossed her arms and pouted,pletely unaware of how childish she sounded.

    Collin couldn''t help but chuckle. "Alright, alright," he said, his voice softening. "Of course, I won''t hurt you. I''m just

    worried, that''s all. I don''t want you getting drunk and ending up in some kind of trouble."

    Linsey knew he was genuinely concerned.

    After a moment of thought, she smiled. "How about youe pick me upter?" she suggested, telling him the name of

    the restaurant. "Don''t worry, I won''t go overboard. But if someone really pushes me to drink, I might not be able to say no."

    Collin''s eyes glinted dangerously. "Anyone who tries to force my wife to drink will live to regret it."

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 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174 Come Join Me For A Drink!

    Linsey burst intoughter again.

    It was a strange but pleasant feeling-being around Collin, even just talking to him, always seemed to lift her spirits.

    "Well," she said, finallyposing herself. "I should probably head back inside. It''s not cool to keep my colleagues waiting"

    "Go ahead," Collin replied with a nod. He waited until Linsey ended the call before setting his phone aside.

    By the time Linsey returned to the private room, her colleagues had already started eating

    Coen spotted her the moment she walked in and waved her over. "Linsey! Come join me for a drink!"

    The pungent smell of alcohol wafted towards Linsey as she sat down.

    She had only been gone for a few minutes-how much had Coen managed to guzzle down in that short time?

    "Linsey, my dear," Coen slurred, a wide grin stered across his face as he handed a ss of wine to Linsey. "We owe it all

    to you for snagging Anthea''s deal. This one''s for you!"

    Linsey eyed the brimming ss, Collin''s earlier warning echoing in her mind. "Coen, I don''t really drink. Do you mind if I

    pass?"

    To her surprise, Coen''s expression soured instantly. He scowled at her. "Linsey, are you trying to make me look bad?"

    Cynthia, never one to miss an opportunity, jumped in with a sneer. "Linsey," she drawled, "you might havended Anthea''s deal, but let''s not forget that she only gave us another shot because of Coen. Don''t tell me you''re taking all the credit?"

    Coen''s scowl deepened at Cynthia''s words.

    He mmed his ss down on the table, the liquor sloshing over the rim. "Fine," he spat. "If our precious star designer can''t handle a little drink, then forget it."

    Linsey shot Cynthia an icy re. "Coen, that''s not what I meant at all."

    With a resigned sigh, she picked up the ss and, gritting her teeth, downed the fiery liquid in one gulp.

    The potent liquor scorched its way down her throat, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. The room started to tilt.

    In the brief moment before the alcoholpletely clouded her senses, Linsey had

    a sudden realization. Collin was right. She really couldn''t hold her liquor.

    Thankfully, Coen seemed satisfied with herpliance and didn''t push her to drink any more.

    After all, Linsey was the department''s top designer, and even he had to acknowledge her value-and make concessions ordingly.

    Chapter 174 Come Join Me For A Drink!

    A short whileter, Coen''s phone rang.

    After a brief conversation, he stood up and addressed the group. "Alright, everyone, enjoy the rest of your evening. The

    bill''s taken care of. Something''se up, so I have to head out."

    The moment Coen left the room, the atmosphere instantly shifted. The tension dissipated, reced by a sense of relief.

    "Woohoo!" someone shouted. "Now that the boss is gone, let''s really get this party started!"

    "Can you believe he paid the bill before the dinner ends?" another voice chimed in. "Was he afraid we''d order the entire

    menu?"

    "That cheapskate!" Someone elseughed.

    The air in the private room grew heavy with the pungent aroma of alcohol.

    Linsey, who had foolishly neglected to eat anything before drinking, quickly felt the alcohol taking its toll. The

    overwhelming smell of liquor churned her stomach, making her feel nauseous.

    Unable to bear the stifling atmosphere any longer, Linsey quietly excused herself and slipped out of the private room,

    seeking refuge in the cool night air.

    She found a quiet corner outside the restaurant and stood there, letting the cool night breeze wash over her face as she

    tried to regain herposure.

    But she didn''t feel better. Instead, the fresh air seemed to amplify the effects of the alcohol. Her head spun relentlessly, her eyelids grew heavy, and the world around her swam in and out of focus.

    Linsey shook her head, trying to fight off the encroaching drowsiness. Suddenly, a group of thugs appeared, their eyes gleaming with predatory intent.

    "Well, hello there, gorgeous. All alone, are we?" One of the men noticed her flushed cheeks and zed eyes, instantly recognizing her intoxicated state.

    "Feeling a little under the weather, sweetheart?" another man sneered, stepping closer. "Why don''t we help you find a nice,

    cozy hotel room nearby?"

    The men exchanged leering nces, their intentions clear.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175 You''re So Handsome

    By now, Linsey''s senses were clouded. Her vision swam, and the figures before her appeared as mere hazy silhouettes.

    Thest vestiges of her rationality warned her that these men meant her harm.

    She frowned, slurring slightly, "Outta my way. I''m going home."

    The group of thugs exchanged leering nces and closed in, one of them reaching out to grab her.

    Before his hand could reach her, another hand intervened, encircling Linsey''s waist protectively.

    The neer''s face was grim as he demanded, "What do you think you''re doing?"

    Startled, the thugs looked up to see a tall, imposing man holding the clearly inebriated Linsey securely in his arms.

    His presence exuded an air of authority, momentarily intimidating them.

    But Linsey was breathtakingly beautiful. They hadn''t encountered such a stunning woman for ages, and they were

    reluctant to let her go without a fight.

    Besides, the man was outnumbered. What did they have to fear?

    Emboldened, one of the thugs sneered, "We saw her first. Who the hell are you to interfere?"

    Collin''s expression darkened further when he heard his words. Without a moment''s hesitation, heshed out with his leg,

    sending one of the thugs flying.

    The thug was propelled backward,nding with a thud on the ground.

    The remaining thugs froze, staring at Collin in stunned disbelief.

    Collin''s eyes narrowed as he let out a chillingugh. "I''m her husband. If you value your well-being, I suggest you

    disappear."

    The thugs hadn''t anticipated that Linsey was married. Combined with Collin''s formidable presence, they decided against further confrontation and slunk away.

    Witnessing their hasty retreat, Collin lowered his gaze to the woman in his arms, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol.

    "Linsey," he murmured softly.

    Just as he had suspected, Linsey merely furrowed her brow slightly and leaned against him, her head bobbing as if she

    were on the verge of nodding off. She was clearly intoxicated.

    Collin''s face hardened with anger. Fortunately, he had sent a car in advance to wait for her, nning to pick her up the moment she emerged.

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    Chapter 175 You''re So Handsome

    But she had disregarded his warnings and indulged in alcohol anyway!

    The more he dwelled on it, the angrier he grew. He couldn''t resist pinching her chin, his voice sharp with displeasure. "Linsey, what did you promise me? You still went ahead and drank? Do you realize you were almost in serious trouble just

    now? If I hadn''t arrived in time, you..."

    He couldn''t bear to contemte the potential consequences.

    Just moments ago, he had been in the car and spotted Linsey stumbling out, her face flushed, from a distance.

    One nce was all it took to confirm his suspicions; she was undeniably drunk.

    He recalled thest time she had indulged in alcohol; she hadpletely cked out the following day.

    That was why he was currently standing beside her, his legs strong and steady, without the assistance of his wheelchair.

    Had Linsey been sober, she would have been utterly astonished by the sight of him standing tall, his legs fully healed.

    Linsey''s eyes fluttered open, her gaze hazy with intoxication. She hadn''t quite grasped what Collin had said, so she simply

    stared up at his face for a moment.

    Collin faltered, a warmth creeping up his neck under her intense scrutiny.

    Just as he was about to speak, she reached up and gently cupped his face in her hands.

    "You''re so handsome,¡± she murmured, a dreamy sigh escaping her lips.

    Collin was taken aback. He hadn''t expected such a bold statement from the typically shy Linsey.

    It was a simplepliment, devoid of any borate ttery, yet it brought a smile to his face.

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 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176 What''s Your

    Name

    Collin cleared his throat, forcing himself to suppress the smile that threatened to tug at his lips. With a stern expression,

    he spoke in a low, controlled voice. "Linsey, don''t think a few sweet words can undo what you''ve done."

    But then, Linsey''s next words stopped him dead in his tracks.

    "Hey, handsome, what''s your name?" Linsey asked, her tone full of curiosity.

    Collin took a deep breath, struggling to stayposed.

    It hit him like a punch-Linsey didn''t recognize him at all.

    "Linsey, what are you saying? Say that again!" Collin''s voice wavered, but he forced himself to stay calm.

    This woman wasn''t just drunk-she didn''t even recognize him anymore.

    Collin inhaled sharply, trying to steady himself, but little did he know, Linsey was about to say something that would push

    him to the edge.

    Linsey''s eyes gleamed with admiration as she stared at him,pletely

    captivated. "Handsome, what''s your name? Got a girlfriend? What do you think of

    me? Want to take a chance and date me?"

    Collin''s barely contained anger finally snapped.

    What if he hadn''t shown up? Would she have been picking up another guy?

    Collin''s anger, so close to boiling over, couldn''t be held back any longer.

    Unaware of the storm building inside him, Linsey giggled, her fingers brushing across his sharp jawline.

    "You''re so cute," she gushed. "I can totally see us having kids someday. If we have a boy who looks like you, he''d break

    hearts. And if it''s a girl, she''d be stunning, just like you..."

    Collin''s blood boiled as she kept talking, his veins pulsing at his temples.

    Finally, unable to take it anymore, he gritted his teeth and pulled her into a kiss, stopping her rambling cold.

    Collin had only meant to make her stop saying those annoying things.

    But the moment his lips met hers, his mind went nk.

    Once the kiss started, it spiraled,pletely out of his control.

    It was hard to tell how long they stayed like that until Linsey started pounding her fists against his chest, desperate to break free. That was when he snapped out of it and pulled back just enough to give her space.

    Linsey gasped for air, like she had just been pulled from water, her cheeks flushed bright red.

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    Chapter 176 What''s Your Name

    Her lips-rosy and glistening-still held a trace of the kiss.

    Collin''s gaze darkened as he softly wiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb. Linsey shoved him away with all her might. "Are you trying to suffocate me?" She turned to run, but her legs betrayed her, and she almost copsed. Collin, thankfully, caught her just in time, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

    "Legs giving out already?" he teased, the memory of the kiss lingering in his thoughts.

    Without thinking, Linsey wrapped her arms around his neck, her body trembling from the heat of his breath on her skin.

    Soon enough, Collin carried her to the car, settling her inside with surprising ease.

    Once seated, Linsey seemed to snap out of her daze, her mind flooding with regret for letting herself fall for his charm.

    "You scoundrel! Let me out of this car right now!" she yelled, pounding on the door. "Let me out, or I''ll call the police!"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, amused by her sudden righteous fury.

    "Linsey, remind me-who was it a minute ago, talking about wanting to have kids with me?" he asked, a sly grin tugging at his lips.

    He gently pinched her chin, his voice dropping lower. "And now you''re calling me a scoundrel? Who''s really the scoundrel

    here?"

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177 Don''t You Recognize Your Own...

    "I am not the scoundrel! You are!" Linsey retorted, her voice thick with drunken defiance.

    Collin chuckled, finding her drunken bravado adorable. He reached out and yfully pinched her cheek. "Linsey,e back to reality. Don''t you recognize your own husband?"

    Linsey furrowed her brow, confusion clouding her features "My husband? When did I get married?"

    She swatted his hand away. "You''re definitely not my husband."

    Collin''s eyes narrowed, his voice deepening. "Linsey, I''ve warned you about this. Don''t say things you don''t mean."

    Linsey''s lower lip jutted out in a defiant pout, ready to fire back.

    "If you keep spouting nonsense," he murmured, leaning in close. "I''ll kiss you."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in rm. She pped her hands over her mouth as if to physically prevent him from stealing

    another kiss.

    "Scoundrel..." she mumbled, shooting him a venomous re.

    Collin leaned back with a snort.

    He couldn''t quite decipher whether Linsey was genuinely intoxicated or merely putting on an act.

    Even in her supposedly inebriated state, she still seemed remarkably aware of her surroundings. Her cleverness, as always,

    shone through.

    However, he didn''t have the time to ponder her true level of intoxication. Maintaining a neutral expression, he instructed the driver, "Take us home."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the driver acknowledged.

    Collin couldn''t suppress the memory of Linsey''sst drunken escapade the sheer chaos she had unleashed. A flicker of apprehension ran through him; he hoped she wouldn''t cause another scene.

    If they were alone, he wouldn''t have minded indulging her yful antics.

    But not now. They had an audience.

    Thankfully, Linsey seemed to calm down during the drive.

    The effects of the single drink quickly wore off, and her head soon drooped to the side as she sumbed to sleep.

    Collin noticed insey''s head drooping precariously close to the car window. He gently reached out and guided her head in

    seatfuriately against tus cheat

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    Sound asleep, Linsey instinctively snuggled closer, finding a morefortable position against him.

    A smile touched his lips as he reached for a nket in the car and draped it over her, ensuring she stayed warm.

    Soon, the car arrived at Vista Vi.

    Seeing that no one was around, Collin took advantage of the quiet night and opted to leave his wheelchair in the car. He

    carefully lifted Linsey, carrying her bridal style from the car into the vi and all the way to her room.

    Linsey remained fast asleep, but he moved with utmost care, cautious not to disturb her slumber.

    Finally, heid her gently on the bed and breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

    He carefully removed her coat and shoes, then tucked the nket securely around her.

    He lingered by the bed, watching her sleep for a few moments.

    He couldn''t help but smile again, a warmth spreading through him.

    He then turned to leave, his expression a mixture of tenderness and longing.

    Suddenly, Linsey stirred, tugging at the cor of her clothes restlessly. "It''s so hot..." she mumbled in her sleep.

    Collin turned back to see her pulling at her cor, trying to loosen her clothes.

    Her skin, usually concealed beneath her clothes, was now exposed to his gaze. Collin''s eyes darkened, and his breath

    hitched.

    He inhaled deeply, returning to the bedside. Fighting back a surge of desire, he carefully adjusted the nket to cover her properly.

    "Stay still, okay?" he murmured softly.

    Linsey''s eyes fluttered open, her gaze hazy. She reached out, grasping his hand on the nket, and whispered, "Don''t go..."

    He gazed intently at her face, flushed from the alcohol, her sweet scent filling his senses.

    "What was that?" he asked, his voice a low, tender rumble, as if afraid to startle her.

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    Chapter 178 I Want To Be

    In Charge

    Linsey''s eyes, though clouded with alcohol, remained fixed on Collin. She whispered, her voice soft, "Don''t leave. Stay with

    me."

    Her words ignited a spark in Collin, a mixture of desire and frustration. His eyes narrowed, and his voice was low and

    husky when he spoke.

    "Linsey, do you even realize what you''re saying?"

    He caught her wrist, his fingers brushing against her soft skin. "Stop this. You''re not thinking straight."

    Linsey, still under the influence, paused for a moment, her brow furrowed as if trying to decipher his words.

    Then, with a serious expression, she dered, "I''m perfectly sober."

    Collin''s breath hitched. He lowered his gaze and gently caressed her cheek, his palm warm against her skin.

    "Linsey, Tell me, who am I?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

    The moment the question left his lips, Collin''s heart pounded with anxiety.

    For a terrifying second, he feared she might utter another man''s name.

    Collin didn''t want to think about what he would do if she did.

    The seconds stretched into an eternity as he waited for her response.

    Finally, Linsey smiled, her dimples deepening, her cheeks flushed.

    "Collin, have you been drinking?" she teased, yfully patting his face. "Of course you''re Collin."

    Collin''s grip on her hand tightened, a wave of relief and excitement washing over him.

    "And who am I to you?" he pressed, his eyes searching hers.

    In that moment, Collin realized the depth of his feelings for her.

    He could look at her forever and still want more.

    Linsey giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her soft voice tickled his ear as she whispered, "You, Collin Riley, are my husband. So asking you to stay with me tonight is perfectly reasonable!"

    She giggled again, her voice yful yet firm. "You have no reason to refuse, and I won''t let you."

    Collin''s eyes darkened. He leaned closer, their breaths mingling, the space between them shrinking.

    "Do you really want me to stay, Linsey?" he asked, his voice low and husky. "I''m warning you, if you say yes, there''s no going back."

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    Linsey shook her head firmly. "I won''t regret it," she whispered.

    As soon as she finished speaking, Collin leaned in and captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

    Linsey was momentarily taken aback but quickly closed her eyes, melting into the kiss.

    Within seconds, they were both breathless, their chests heaving

    Linsey had managed topletely unravel Collin''s normally impable self- control.

    "Linsey..." Collin murmured, his voice husky with desire. "I want you."

    But Linsey suddenly turned her head away, stopping him in his tracks. "Wait," she said.

    Collin''s brow furrowed in concern. He thought she might be having second thoughts.

    Before he could speak, however, Linsey surprised him by pushing him onto the bed with unexpected strength.

    Collin, sprawled on the bed, was momentarily stunned. Even drunk, she was surprisingly strong.

    He looked up at her, a yful grin spreading across her face as she straddled him. "What are you doing?" he asked, a hint

    of amusement in his voice.

    Linsey leaned down, her expression serious as she tugged on his tie. "I want to be in charge," she dered.

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    Chapter 179 Why Are You Naked

    Collin''s breath quickened, his gaze locking with Linsey''s. His voice came out hoarse. "Cut it out, Linsey."

    He reached out, intending to pull her back down to him.

    But Linsey wasn''t backing down. In a sh, she yanked off his tie, bound his hands to the headboard, and, with a serious look, dered, "Don''t move."

    Collin almost burst intoughter at her boldness. He watched her as she inspected the knot she had tied, satisfaction written all over her face, then ripped open his shirt with surprising boldness.

    For a moment, he chose not to break free from the loose knot, more intrigued by her mischief than anything.

    He couldn''t help but watch, amused, as Linsey fumbled through her yful rebellion.

    Slowly, Collin realized he hadpletely misjudged her.

    Her movements were clumsy, far from graceful, yet he couldn''t look away. He was drawn deeper into the moment, his gaze darkening with intensity.

    "You''ve a good body, honey," Linsey teased, her fingers trailing over his abs. But when she looked up, she met his burning

    stare.

    Her heart skipped a beat, and the teasing smile slipped from her lips.

    For some reason, a wave of regret washed over her.

    She let out an awkwardugh, quickly releasing him and taking a step back.

    But in a sh, Collin broke free from the tie and pulled her back into his arms with

    ease.

    Linsey let out a startled cry as the world tilted, and she found herself pinned beneath him.

    "Collin, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice trembling with nerves, her tongue darting out to wet her lips without

    thinking.

    His eyes, dark and intent, fixated on her slightly damp, rosy lips.

    A sly, almost dangerous smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You started this, Linsey, so now you have to finish it."

    Before she could respond, his lips crashed against hers again, stopping her words before they could leave her mouth.

    What came next was a blur-a night of unrestrained, fiery passion that neither of them could pull away from.

    The faint morning sunlight crept through the window, casting a soft glow over the disheveled bed.

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    Chapter 179 Why Are You Naked

    A shrill ringtone sliced through the stillness. Linsey groggily opened her eyes, her head pounding as she fumbled for her

    phone.

    But instead of her phone, her hand met the warmth of a firm, bare chest.

    Her eyes snapped open in shock, locking onto Collin''s bare torso.

    What shocked her even more were the marks scattered across his skin-marks that made her cheeks flush and her heart

    skip a beat.

    "Ah!" Linsey gasped, a startled scream escaping her lips.

    Collin stirred beside her, his voice rough with sleep as he caught her iling hand. "What''s wrong?"

    Linsey tried to pull her hand away, but it wouldn''t budge, her face burning with a mix of embarrassment and confusion.

    "Why are you naked?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.

    They had only just started sharing a room, and now he had the nerve to sleep without clothes?

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking briefly to her corbone. "You''re not wearing anything, either."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in shock. She nced down, her heart lurching when she realized she was just as bare.

    The marks on her body stood out even more vividly than his.

    Her mind went nk. Panicking, she grabbed the nket and wrapped it tightly around herself. "Don''t look! Close your eyes!" she pleaded, her voice frantic.

    Collin propped himself up on one arm, resting his head in his hand, watching her with a hint of amusement.

    "I''ve already seen everything. Isn''t it a littlete to be covering up now?" he teased.

    His words sent a rush of vivid images through Linsey''s mind, making her pulse spike.

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    Chapter 180 You Don''t Even Remember This

    A wave of crimson flooded Linsey''s cheeks as a gasp escaped her lips. She

    stared at Collin, speechless, her mind reeling.

    She had slept with Collinst night... The thought hung heavy in the air, unspoken but undeniable.

    Why did she have to drink?

    Despite the evidence before her, Linsey still struggled toprehend the

    situation. It felt surreal, like a bad dream.

    Her voice trembled as she finally broke the silence. "Collin," she whispered. "Last night... what exactly happened?"

    Collin''s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. "Linsey," he said, his voiceced with disbelief.

    "You don''t remember? Again? You don''t even remember this?"

    Linsey bit her lip, feeling a wave of shame wash over her. "I really don''t," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "That''s

    why I''m asking you to tell me what happened."

    She paused, trying to piece together the fragments of her memory. "I remember going to the dinner party," she continued, "and having a bit to drink-just one ss! And then... everything goes nk."

    Collin leaned forward, his voice low and deliberate. "After you got drunk, Linsey, you clung to me, wouldn''t let go, teased me relentlessly, demanded I be your boyfriend, and even started talking about having kids with me."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in horror, her face burning with shame. She couldn''t believe she had acted so outrageously, so shamelessly! The earth could just swallow her whole.

    "I brought you home," Collin continued, his voice steady and unwavering. "But you wouldn''t let me leave. You tied me up

    with my tie and insisted on taking charge."

    A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, as if he were secretly relishing her embarrassment.

    Linsey was mortified. "I did all that?" she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief. "I was that out of control?"

    Had the stress of work and exhaustion really pushed her to that extreme?

    A faint memory flickered in her mind-a silk tie, expertly knotted...

    Linsey wanted to protest, to im innocence, but her eyes fell on the telltale marks on Collin''s body-the scratches on his

    chest, the red marks on his wrists where she had bound him. Her resolve crumbled.

    Collin''s gaze locked with hers, his expression unreadable. "You really don''t remember any of it?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

    Linsey desperately tried to recall the events ofst night, but all she could conjure were fragmented images, fleeting

    glimpses of a lost reality.

    But then, a chilling thought struck her. If she hadn''t initiated it, how could she have sex with Collin, with his limited

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    mobility?

    The realization filled her with a wave of self-disgust.

    She must have been utterly shameless,pletely uninhibited by alcohol, to have

    been intimate with him against his will

    Linsey felt a wave of nausea wash over her. How could she have taken

    advantage of Collin in such a vulnerable state? How

    could she have been so cruel?

    It should have been a mutual decision!

    For a moment, Linsey felt unsure how to look Collin in the eye.

    After a brief pause, Linsey inhaled deeply and dered earnestly, "Don''t worry. Even though I don''t remember everything

    clearly, I won''t shy away from this. I''ll make it up to you."

    Collin''s anxiety dissipated upon hearing her words.

    He had anticipated Linsey to be upset or even distraught, but her unexpected

    reaction caught himpletely off guard.

    Collin found the situation rather amusing.

    "Tell me, how exactly do you intend to make it up to me?" Collin''s voice was steady, but a yful liltced his words. "Linsey, you were quite unrestrainedst night. I couldn''t rein you in at all."

    "Okay, okay!" Linsey squeezed her eyes shut, overwhelmed with embarrassment. Then, regaining herposure, she dered, "Just tell me what you want me to do, and I''ll do it."

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181 What Happened To Your Lip

    Linsey racked her brain, desperately trying toe up with a way to make amends.

    She couldn''t shake the memory of Collin''s confession; he had never been with a woman before.

    Who could have predicted that his first experience with intimacy would ur under such bizarre and disorienting

    circumstances?

    Guilt gnawed at Linsey with increasing intensity, and a flicker of worry crossed her features.

    Collin, observing her troubled expression, couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle.

    "It''s alright, Linsey," Collin reassured her after a brief pause. "I don''t me you. Just kiss me, and we''ll call it even."

    Linsey froze, her eyes widening in surprise. "Huh? That''s it? It''s that simple?"

    Collin reached out and gently took her slightly cold hand in his, his voice a low, steady rumble. "Linsey, we''re husband and

    wife. What happened between us is perfectly natural. Did you really think I''d cast you aside over something like this?"

    Linsey considered his words and realized he was right.

    A smile bloomed on her face, and a wave of warmth washed over her.

    "I''m d you don''t me me," Linsey said.

    Collin shook his head. "I don''t."

    Linsey gazed at Collin''s handsome face, then, still enveloped in the nket, leaned forward and gently pressed her lips to

    his.

    The kiss was so brief that Collin barely had time to register her touch. Collin''s brow furrowed slightly. "That''s not exactly what I had in mind," he said. Linsey looked at him, puzzled. "Didn''t you just say one kiss would suffice?"

    Collin chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I didn''t mean a mere peck on the lips."

    His gaze dropped to her lips once more.

    Linsey felt a shiver run down her spine, a warmth blooming where his eyes lingered.

    She bit her lip, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

    Witnessing her bashfulness, Collin couldn''t resist teasing her further. "You were so boldst night," he remarked yfully.

    "Why so shy now?"

    Linsey''s face flushed crimson, a mix of anger and embarrassment warring within her. She felt like Collin was making fun

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    Chapter 181 What Happened To Your Lip

    of her.

    "How dare you underestimate me!" she retorted.

    With a determined glint in her eyes, Linsey leaned in once more and captured his lips with hers.

    Collin''s breath hitched, and just as he was about to deepen the kiss, Linsey pulled back.

    To add insult to injury, she yfully nipped his lower lip-not hard enough to cause pain, but enough to leave him

    wanting more.

    Collin let out a dramatic gasp, feigning offense. "Ouch! Is this payback for something?"

    "Don''t be ridiculous," Linsey retorted, trying to maintain herposure. "I''m just... a little out of practice, that''s all."

    Collin remained silent, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

    "Right, well, we should probably get up," Linsey stammered, flustered.

    Linsey snatched the pajamas from the bedside table, slipped them on, and made a beeline for the bathroom to freshen up.

    Collin watched her flee, a hint of amusement ying on his lips.

    After freshening up, Linsey deliberately steered clear of the walk-in closet where Collin was getting ready and hurried

    downstairs.

    The memory of Collin''s intense gaze sent Linsey''s heart into overdrive.

    There was something about Collin, an air of authority that clung to him like a second skin, as if he were ustomed to

    wielding power.

    If she hadn''t known about his disability and his less-than-ster standing within the Riley family, she would have easily

    believed him to be a man of great influence and power.

    Linsey paused, a yful thought crossing her mind. Perhaps this was what it felt like to be truly smitten with someone.

    She was falling for Collin, so naturally, she saw him through rose-tinted sses. Collin joined Linsey downstairs a short whileter.

    "Goodness gracious, Mr. Riley!" one of the maids eximed. "What happened to your lip?"

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 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182 I Don''t Need A Ride Anyway!

    Linsey''s heart pounded as her eyes darted to Collin''s face. A faint mark at the corner of his mouth confirmed her suspicion

    -it had definitely been bitten.

    Did she really bite him that hard?

    Sensing Linsey''s eyes on him, Collin turned his head.

    Linsey quickly averted her gaze, busying herself with her breakfast, feigning indifference.

    This wasn''t her fault, was it?

    She had already confessed to being a bit clumsy in these situations.

    Collin, noticing her evasiveness, couldn''t help but smirk. "It''s nothing," he said casually to the housekeeper. "Just a little

    scratch from a feisty kitten. Nothing serious."

    The maid blinked, a confused look on her face. "Sir, we don''t have any cats, do we?"

    "A stray," Collin replied smoothly. "It scratched me and then bolted."

    "Oh, I see. That''s quite a naughty stray," the maidmented,pletely unaware of the true culprit.

    "Indeed," Collin agreed with a nod. "yful and troublesome-quite impossible to catch."

    Linsey''s face burned crimson with embarrassment.

    That infuriating man! She fumed inwardly. How could he describe her like that?

    She quickly finished her breakfast and stood up, making a show of leaving for work.

    "Wait," Collin called out, stopping her in her tracks.

    She turned back, her voice hesitant. "What is it?"

    "I''ll have someone drive you to work," he said firmly.

    "There''s no need for that. I can go by myself," Linsey replied hastily, shaking her head.

    Collin, however, was adamant. "No. Today... it might not be the best idea for you to drive yourself."

    Linsey frowned, confused. "Why not?"

    Collin paused, then nced pointedly at her legs. "Are you sure about that? Your legs seemed a bit wobbly when you got up just now."

    Collin''s words sent a fresh wave of heat to Linsey''s cheeks, her blush deepening.

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    Chapter 182 I Don''t Need A Ride Anyway!

    He wasn''t mistaken¨Cher legs had felt a bit wobbly when she had gotten out of bed.

    She thought she had masked it well, but Collin had clearly seen through her facade.

    Frustration bubbled up inside her. Linsey red at Collin, her voiceced with annoyance. "Howe you''re perfectly fine,

    and I''m the one..."

    She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence, and added stubbornly, "I don''t need a ride anyway!"

    With that deration, she turned and stormed off.

    But the moment she turned away, she winced.

    "Damn it," she muttered under her breath. "It hurts again."

    ?

    Why did she feel like she had run a marathon?

    Collin, still seated at the table, chuckled. He subtly gestured to one of his subordinates.

    "Follow her," he instructed. "If she refuses the ride, tell her that if she doesn''t get in the car, I''ll fire you."

    "Understood, Mr. Riley," the subordinate replied.

    A few nearby maids exchanged confused nces and began whispering amongst themselves.

    "What''s with them this morning? Something''s off."

    "Mrs. Riley seems upset."

    "And look, Mr. Riley''s mouth is hurt. We don''t have any cats, do we?"

    "Could it be... Mrs. Riley bit him?"

    "Oh my gosh, did they have a fight?"

    An older maid, overhearing the whispers, chuckled knowingly. "Alright, alright,

    stop with the gossip," she said. "You don''t

    understand. This is a good thing."

    "A good thing?" the others echoed, confused.

    The older maid winked. "Just wait. It won''t be long before we have little ones running around here."

    "Little ones? Oh..."

    It only took a few seconds for the younger maids to understand, their faces lighting up with realization.

    "So Mr. and Mrs. Riley were..."

    The older maid just smiled knowingly.

    The younger maids giggled excitedly. "I hope they''re always this happy."

    "They will be!"

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183 Everyone, We Just Landed A Major Clie...

    As soon as Linsey walked into the office, a few colleagues gathered around to greet her.

    "Good morning, Linsey!"

    "Hey, why''d you leave the dinner so suddenlyst night? Didn''t even say goodbye."

    "Yeah! We had to ask the waiter what happened. He told us someone picked you up. For a moment, we thought you''d gone

    missing!"

    Linsey opened her mouth, ready to apologize. "Sorry, I had a little too much to drinkst night and wasn''t fully aware of what was happening. Totally forgot to let you guys know."

    One of her colleagues sighed. "Guess you really can''t handle your liquor, huh?" "Yeah, I guess so,¡± Linsey admitted, sinking into her chair at her desk.

    She couldn''t shake the memory of the two times she had gotten drunk recently. The first time, she had identally upset Collin. The second... well, she had ended up having sex with him.

    If she drank a third time, Linsey didn''t even want to think about what might happen.

    Alcohol always seemed to lead to trouble.

    With a deep breath, she made a silent vow-never again would she drink recklessly.

    Midway through the morning, Coen suddenly emerged from his office, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Everyone, we justnded a major client!"

    The office erupted in excitement, and one colleague leaned forward, eager for details. "Who''s the big client? Don''t leave us hanging, Coen!"

    Coen shed them a mysterious smile. "Kylee Russell."

    "Wow! Kylee!"

    "Unbelievable, it''s actually Kylee! She''s a huge star!"

    The colleague next to Linsey leaned in, her voice full of excitement. "I thought Kylee had been working overseas for the

    past few years. Is she reallying back now?"

    Coen chuckled, clearly enjoying the buzz. "Yep, she''s returning to shoot a new project. I heard it''s a big one. She''ll be walking the red carpet for a promotional event in a month, and the gown she wears? It''s going to be a major deal."

    Coen paused, scanning the room before adding, "Everyone will need to submit a design for Kylee. She''ll personally choose the one she likes, and whoever''s design gets picked willnd the project.¡±

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    Chapter 183 Everyone, We Just Landed A Major Client!

    Linsey''s eyes lit up as she immediately understood. No wonder Coen was practically glowing with excitement.

    It didn''t matter whose design was chosen-the sess would reflect well on Coen, the department head.

    Coen gave a pointed reminder, his tone serious. "Make sure you take this task seriously. If Kylee picks your design, you could be her go-to designer. Just imagine what that could do for your career."

    Once Coen left, the office buzzed with excitement again.

    "I''m such a huge fan of Kylee. She''s drop-dead gorgeous!"

    "I''d kill to get her autograph!"

    "Are you serious? If your design gets picked, getting her autograph will be a given!"

    "Forget the autograph. We need to focus on our designs!"

    Even without Coen''s reminder, everyone in the room knew how crucial this task

    was.

    If their design was chosen, it could mean not only a promotion but also a raise for the year-a career-changing moment.

    And the designer''s reputation would skyrocket-after all, this was Kylee they were dealing with!

    But Linsey wasn''t concerned with that. She just wanted to do her job right.

    Once she set her mind to something, she didn''t back down. She was all in.

    Without wasting a single moment, Linsey jumped into her research, scouring the Inte for everything she could find

    about Kylee''s style and tastes.

    The atmosphere in the office grew thick with tension as everyone hunched over their designs, fully focused.

    But one person remainedpletely unfazed-Cynthia. While everyone else worked tirelessly, she casually sipped her coffee, lookingpletely at ease.

    A colleague couldn''t resist asking, "Cynthia, why aren''t you starting yet? Don''t you want tond Kylee''s deal?"

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 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184 She''s So Bloody Full Of Herself

    Cynthia''s response was a light, arrogant chuckle. "Why the rush?" she scoffed,

    her expression oozing superiority. "With my talent,nding this deal will be a piece of cake. Why should I break a sweat like the rest of you?"

    Her eyes flickered towards Linsey, a thinly veiled insult hanging in the air. "Someone," she continued, her voice dripping

    with disdain, "might have gotten away with their shoddy

    work and fooled clients in the past. But not this time."

    A smug smirk yed on Cynthia''s lips as she picked up her coffee and sauntered

    out of the office, leaving a trail of simmering resentment in her wake.

    Linsey couldn''t help but frown as she observed the triumphant smirk stered across Cynthia''s face.

    Why was Cynthia so confident? It was as if she already knew Kylee would pick her design.

    Cynthia''s arrogant disy didn''t sit well with the other colleagues either.

    One of them rolled her eyes dramatically. "God, I can''t stand her," she muttered under her breath. "She''s so bloody full of herself. Does being the spoiled daughter of the Keller family make her royalty or something?"

    "Shhh, keep it down! What if she hears you?"

    "Yeah, just focus on your own work," another chimed in. "She''s got connections; we''ve got nothing."

    A brief silence descended upon the office, punctuated only by the clicking of keyboards and the rustling of papers.

    Suddenly, a colleague gasped. ¡°Oh shit, I just remembered something!"

    "What?" The others leaned in, curiosity piqued.

    "The Keller family and the Russell family are rted!" the colleague blurted out. "Kyleees from money, and if you think about it, she''s probably Cynthia''s cousin!"

    "What?!" another eximed in disbelief. "They''re rted? So that''s why Cynthia''s so smug! Does she seriously think Kylee

    will just hand her the project because they''re family?"

    "Ugh, this is such bullshit!"

    "This is ridiculous. What''s the point of even trying? This whole thing is rigged in Cynthia''s favor."

    Disappointment washed over the group.

    "Does Coen know about this?" someone asked.

    "Probably," another replied with a sigh. "But why the hell would Coen make uspete if it''s already a done deal?"

    "Ugh, what a waste of time and energy. I actually thought I had a shot, but now..." 0.0%

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    Chapter 184 She''s So Bloody Full Of Herself

    But not everyone was convinced. Doubts lingered in the air.

    "I don''t know about that. I''m a huge Kylee fan, and I''ve never heard her mention

    any connection to the Keller family."

    "So you''re saying... Kylee might not even know Cynthia?"

    "Exactly! Maybe they''re just distantly rted or something. It''s not like they''re besties."

    "That actually gives me a bit of hope. What if Kylee doesn''t give a damn about Cynthia? We might still be in the running!"

    Linsey tuned out the chatter and focused on her work. Their gossip and spection were irrelevant to her.

    She believed that whether she was chosen or not wasn''t the most important thing. What truly mattered was putting her

    best foot forward.

    Linsey immersed herself in her research, working diligently until the end of the

    day. When it was finally time to clock out,

    she headed back to Vista Vi, as usual.

    As she neared the vi''s entrance, a sleek, unfamiliar car caught her eye.

    Linsey recognized the car instantly-it wasn''t Collin''s.

    If she recalled correctly, it was a limited-edition model, the kind favored by the ultra-wealthy.

    Clearly, Collin had an important guest.

    Linsey was about to inquire about the visitor when a sharp, haughty voice cut through the air.

    "Just who do you think you are, barging into Collin''s vi like you own the ce?"

    Linsey whirled around, her eyes widening in surprise.

    Standing before her, radiating an air of arrogance, was none other than Kylee, the famous actress.

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 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185 I Live Here

    Linsey had researched Kylee,bing through countless photos and articles. So the moment she saw her in person, Linsey

    recognized her instantly.

    But what was Kylee doing here?

    Shock froze Linsey in ce, her mind scrambling to catch up. It took a second before she snapped out of it.

    A few steps away, Kylee studied Linsey with a scrutinizing gaze. Her delicate features and natural beauty sent an

    unexpected pang of unease through Kylee''s chest.

    Whoever this woman was, she needed to be dealt with-before Collin returned.

    With that thought, Kylee didn''t hold back. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.

    "Whoever you are, get out of this vi immediately! This is Collin''s home, not some ce for strangers to wander into!"

    Kylee''s arrogance made Linsey''s brows knit together.

    Only then did she realize how casually Kylee referred to Collin-like they were more than just acquaintances.

    Linsey had never known Collin was close to Kylee...

    Pushing that thought aside, she kept her voice steady. "You''re mistaken. I didn''t trespass-I live here."

    The second those words left Linsey''s mouth, Kylee''s expression darkened, her gaze turning razor-sharp.

    "You live here?" Kylee scoffed. "Do you even hear yourself? Women like you are everywhere-clinging to men, hoping for

    a free ride. You''re obviously just trying to get close to Collin, aren''t you?"

    Kylee took a step forward, her toneced with disdain. "Since you insist on being shameless, don''t me me for handling

    this the hard way."

    Before Linsey could respond, Kylee spun around and called out, "Someone, get in here!"

    Josh arrived swiftly, his expressionposed. ¡°Miss Russell, is something wrong?"

    Kylee shot him a sharp look. "Do you people even know how to do your jobs? Some random woman just waltzed into Collin''s vi! Get her out of here- immediately!"

    Hermanding tone carried the authority of someone who thought she belonged here.

    But Josh hesitated. His gaze flickered to Linsey, surprise shing across his face before he spoke. "Mrs. Riley, you''re back?"

    Linsey gave a small nod, her voice steady. "I just got back."

    Kylee stiffened. Her head snapped toward Josh. "What did you just call her?"

    Josh met Kylee''s incredulous stare and answered matter-of-factly, "Mrs. Riley."

    He continued, his tone polite but firm. "Miss Russell, you''ve been overseas, so you may not be aware. This is Mr. Riley''s

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    Chapter 1851 Live Here

    wife-Linsey. The rightful mistress of this vi."

    Kylee''s eyes widened in disbelief. She stared at Linsey, her expression twisting with resentment.

    "His wife? That''s impossible!" Kylee spat. "She must have married him for his money! Collin has been fooled by her!"

    Her voice grew shrill, her words turning cruel.

    Linsey''s stomach tightened. The hostility in Kylee''s gaze made her uneasy, but she refused to let it show.

    Before she could respond, Josh stepped in, his tone firm. "That''s enough, Miss Russell. Please show some respect to Mrs.

    Riley. Regardless of how long you''ve known Mr. Riley or how famous you are, if you continue this behavior, we''ll have no

    choice but to ask you to leave."

    Josh''s words made Kylee freeze, her face draining of color.

    She didn''t know much about Linsey, but she knew one thing-Josh wasn''t just any servant.

    He had worked in the vi for years, and his words often reflected Collin''s own.

    And right now, he was defending Linsey without hesitation. That could only mean one thing-this woman wasn''t just some passing fling. In Collin''s eyes, she was someone important.

    Kylee clenched her fists. She hadn''te here to pick a fight-she needed a favor from Collin. Swallowing her pride, she forced herself to hold her tongue.

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 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186 Collin And I Grew Up Together

    A flicker of annoyance crossed Kylee''s lips, but after a brief pause topose herself, she stered on a forced smile.

    "Oh, I see. You truly are Collin''s wife? I apologize profusely. I mistakenly assumed you were lying earlier, which unfortunately led to some misunderstandings. Please don''t take offense at my previous remarks."

    Linsey regarded her calmly, remaining silent for a beat.

    A momentter, Kylee drew a radiant smile and extended her hand towards Linsey. "Let''s start fresh. I''m Kylee Russell. Collin and I grew up together."

    Linsey''s impression of Kylee was less than favorable.

    However, recognizing that Kylee was Collin''s guest, Linsey politely epted her hand. "Linsey," she responded.

    Their hands met briefly before separating.

    At that moment, Collin''s car pulled up.

    Recognizing the familiar sound, Linsey stepped forward to wee him.

    However, Kylee reacted more swiftly. Gathering her dress, she rushed out, bumping forcefully into Linsey as she passed.

    The unexpected jolt caused Linsey to stumble and nearly lose her bnce.

    By the time she regained her footing, Kylee had already reached the vi''s entrance.

    As Collin was being assisted out of the car and into his wheelchair, he noticed a familiar figure he hadn''t seen for quite

    some time.

    "Collin! You''ve finally returned. I''ve been waiting for you at home,¡± Kylee eximed affectionately, her eyes brimming with emotion as she gazed at him.

    A flicker of surprise crossed Collin''s eyes as he inquired, "What brings you back to the country?"

    His entourage, noticing Kylee, greeted her respectfully, "Miss Russell."

    "I missed you, of course," Kylee replied demurely.

    Her gaze fixed on Collin, she frowned with concern. "Collin, it''s only been a short time since west saw each other, yet you''ve lost so much weight. Haven''t you been eating properly while I was away?"

    Pouting, she moved closer, attempting to take his arm, but he subtly evaded her touch.

    Kylee paused momentarily, not pressing the matter further, and said yfully, "Collin, if you don''t start taking better care of yourself, I''ll be quite cross with you."

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    Chapter 186 Collin And I Grew Up Together

    "I''m perfectly fine, Kylee," Collin replied, his voice cool andposed. "No need to fret over me."

    As if recalling something important, he said, "I heard you sustained an injury while filming abroad. Are you alright?"

    Kylee''s spirits lifted at the sound of Collin''s concern. A sheepish grin spread across her face. "Oh, it''s nothing serious," she assured him. "You know me, Collin; I''m not some fragile flower. It''s just a minor scrape, nothing to worry yourself over."

    Collin offered a curt nod, his expression remaining unchanged.

    To Linsey, their easy banter resembled a scene straight out of a movie, a handsome man and a beautiful womanpletely engrossed in each other''spany.

    For a moment, Linsey hesitated, unsure whether to intrude upon their intimate exchange. She felt a pang of awkwardness,

    like she was an outsider looking in.

    Despite being married to Collin for a considerable period, she had never once heard him mention Kylee.

    Judging by Kylee''s familiar tone, it was evident that they shared a deep bond, perhaps even a childhood connection...

    Linsey observed the scene unfold from afar, a wave of jeaqlousy washing over her.

    She silently clenched her fists, a feeling of helplessness creeping into her heart.

    She turned to walk away, unable to bear the sight any longer.

    Collin, however, had spotted her. "Linsey!" he called out.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187 Your

    Happiness Is My Priority

    Linsey paused, startled, and turned to find Collin approaching her in his wheelchair.

    Before she could utter a word, Collin came to a halt directly in front of her.

    "Linsey," Collin said softly, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he repeated her

    name.

    He reached out and captured her hand in his, his touch both gentle and firm.

    A jolt of electricity shot through Linsey the moment their hands touched, making her heart flutter.

    "Why did you leave your guest behind?" Linsey inquired, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Shouldn''t he be upied with his friend, Kylee?

    Collin arched an eyebrow, his gaze piercing as he held Linsey''s eyes. "Is something wrong?"

    Linsey''sposure faltered under his direct gaze, her true feelings momentarily exposed. She quickly recovered and shook

    her head. "No, nothing''s wrong."

    She bit her lip nervously, then said, "You should be with your guest."

    Linsey lowered her gaze, a mix of emotions swirling within her. ¡°I don''t really know your friend," she admitted quietly. "I

    think it would be best if I just... stay out of sight and go back to my room."

    Collin''s grip on her hand tightened, preventing her from withdrawing. "Linsey, you''re my wife. We host our guests together."

    The warmth of his hand enveloping hers sent her pulse racing. She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "But I don''t

    know her very well. What if I say something awkward and make a fool of myself?"

    Collin''s smile softened, his eyes reflecting a tenderness she had never witnessed before. "When you decided to marry me,

    despite all the challenges, weren''t you brave back then? Everyone in town knew about my condition, my limitations, but

    you weren''t afraid of what people would say when you chose me. So why worry about embarrassing yourself now?"

    Collin gently caressed the back of Linsey''s hand, his voice a soothing balm. "Don''t worry. As long as I''m here, no one will

    dare tough at you. And if they do, I''ll personally show them the door."

    Linsey couldn''t help but chuckle. "That''s a bit much, don''t you think?" she teased. "People might start avoiding us if they think we''re that intimidating."

    Collin''s expression remained serious, his voice firm. "Your happiness is my priority. I don''t care what others think."

    Gazing into Collin''s eyes, Linsey felt a warmth spread through her, melting away the tension she had felt earlier.

    The atmosphere surrounding them was charged with affection, and those nearby couldn''t help but smile at the sight of the

    couple.

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    Chapter 787 Your Happiness is My Priority

    Only Kylee, who stood nearby, watched the scene, her face etched with disbelief. She could scarcely believe her eyes.

    Kylee, a woman ustomed to attention, with her wealth, striking beauty, andmanding presence, felt utterly invisible. She had never experienced such apleteck of attention before.

    She and Collin had been childhood friends. After his ident, which had left him paralyzed, he had be withdrawn and unpredictable, isting himself from others.

    Back then, Collin had treated her differently than the others.

    While he wasn''t particrly affectionate, he was at least more considerate towards her than others.

    Kylee, aware of Collin''s naturally distant nature, had never expected anything more.

    But now, witnessing the expression on his face, Kylee realized she was seeing a side of Collin she had never seen before.

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 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188 That Makes You My Friend Too!

    Collin''s gaze lingered on Linsey, his eyes filled with such tenderness and warmth that it was almost tangible.

    If Kylee had ever been the recipient of such affection, she would have melted on

    the spot.

    But no, that tenderness was reserved for another.

    Jealousy red within Kylee, her breath catching in her throat. She red at Linsey, barely hiding her resentment.

    This woman, this stranger, had somehow captured Collin''s heart while she was gone!

    What a brazen, shameless hussy!

    Unable to bear it any longer, Kylee marched forward, shattering the intimate moment between them.

    "Linsey," Kylee began, feigning remorse, "are you still upset about earlier? I admit I was out of line. If you''re still angry, I''m

    truly sorry."

    Collin''s expression hardened, his gaze turning icy as he turned to Kylee. "What happened?" he asked, his voice clipped.

    Kylee bristled at his change in demeanor but quickly stered a smile on her face. "When I arrived, I overheard Linsey

    mentioning that you two were married. I was so surprised that I thought she might be someone you hired to get your family off your back. So... I might have been a little rude."

    She shed Collin a practiced smile. "But now that I see how close you two are, I realize I was mistaken. I apologize."

    Turning to Linsey, Kylee put on a sincere expression. "Linsey, I was wrong. Please forgive me."

    Linsey observed her calm, seemingly genuine demeanor. Knowing Kylee''s reputation for being polite and well-mannered,

    Linsey rxed her guard.

    "It''s alright, Kylee," Linsey replied gently.

    Perhaps she had been overthinking things earlier. Maybe Kylee really did just see Collin as a friend.

    Linsey reflected on it. Collin had never been particrly popr in Grester, so seeing him with a friend made her happy

    for him

    With that thought, her earlier unease vanishedpletely.

    Linsey smiled warmly. "Don''t worry about it. It''s really no big deal."

    Kylee let out a sigh of relief, her voice soft as silk. ¡°That''s a relief," she purred.

    After a brief pause, Kylee''s eyes flickered towards Collin before returning to Linsey with a warm, inviting smile. "Well, since you''re Collin''s wife, that makes you my friend too! Don''t hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything at all."

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    Chapter 188 That Makes You My Friend Too!

    Linsey offered a polite smile in return. "Thanks, Kylee," she replied. "I''ll keep that in mind."

    Collin, noticing Linsey''s brighter mood, shed her a small smile and gently took her hand. "Let''s go inside and chat," he

    suggested.

    Linsey returned his smile and moved to push his wheelchair. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "I''ll have the kitchen whip something up for dinner."

    Kylee, who had been hoping for an opportunity to get closer to Collin, bristled as she watched Linsey take charge.

    Swallowing her annoyance, she forced a smile and trailed after them.

    Linsey asked, ncing back at her, "Kylee, is there anything specific you''d like to eat? I can have the kitchen prepare it for

    you."

    Kylee''s eyes flickered with a hint of calction. She reached out and patted Collin''s shoulder, her voice light and yful.

    "Collin, we''ve known each other for ages. I''m sure the staff here remembers what

    I like, don''t you think?"

    Linsey merely blinked, remaining silent.

    Collin''s voice remained calm and even. "You''ve been away for quite a while, Kylee," he pointed out. "The staff has changed a few times since then. Josh is getting on in years and has a lot on his te. It''s not really fair to expect him to remember every little detail. If you have any specific requests, just let the staff know directly."

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 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189 You''re Wee To Stay Here

    Josh overheard the exchange and stepped in with a gentle smile. "Indeed, Miss Russell, my memory isn''t what it used to be. Please, don''t take offense. Just let me know what you''d like to eat, and I''ll have the kitchen prepare it right away."

    Kylee''s smile didn''t falter. "Thank you, Josh," she replied sweetly.

    Collin, Linsey and Kylee moved into the spacious living room and settled on the plush sofas.

    Kylee, eager to impress,unched into a series of amusing anecdotes from her recent trip abroad. Collin, however, responded with polite but detached interest.

    He meticulously wiped his hands with a napkin, then picked up an orange from the fruit bowl on the coffee table and began to peel it with practiced ease.

    Kylee watched, her heart fluttering with anticipation. As Collin finished peeling the orange, she instinctively extended her hand, expecting him to offer it to her.

    But to her dismay, Collin ced the peeled orange directly into Linsey''s outstretched hand.

    "These oranges are particrly sweet today," Collin remarked. "Try one."

    Linsey, who had been lost in her own thoughts, blinked in surprise. "How do you know?"

    After all, he had just returned home.

    Collin chuckled. "I had one before I left this morning," he exined.

    Linsey plucked a segment from the orange and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes lit up. "Mmm," she hummed in

    satisfaction. "It really is sweet."

    She casually broke off another segment and offered it to Collin, who leaned in and took it from her fingers without

    hesitation.

    Kylee sat on the sofa, fuming silently as she observed their easy, intimate interaction.

    After a tense silence, Kylee cleared her throat, desperate to break the spell. "Oh, Collin," she began, forcing a bright smile. ¡°I just remembered something I wanted to discuss with you."

    "Go ahead," Collin replied, his attention still focused on Linsey.

    Kylee feigned hesitation, ncing at Linsey. "Well..." she began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I''m not sure if it''s appropriate to discuss in front of Linsey."

    Linsey looked up, her brow furrowed in confusion.

    Collin''s brow furrowed slightly. "Just spit it out, Kylee."

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    Chapter 189 You''re Wee To Stay Here

    Emboldened by his response, Kylee finally revealed her motive for visiting. "I came here today hoping I could impose on you for a short stay. My return to the country has unfortunately attracted a lot of unwanted attention online. The paparazzi have exposed all of my properties, and even my parents'' home is constantly surrounded. I''m quite frightened to go back-I don''t want to cause them any more distress."

    She then continued, "I know Vista Vi is very private and secure; the paparazzi won''t be able to find me here. I was hoping I could stay here for a few days."

    Kylee sighed helplessly. "However, I wasn''t aware you were married before I arrived. Now I''m concerned that Linsey might object. Perhaps I should consider alternative arrangements. I could always stay at a hotel."

    Upon hearing this, Linsey remembered a news article she hade across earlier while conducting some research.

    The renowned actress Kylee had once found herself in a perilous situation due to the relentless harassment of the

    paparazzi.

    Some paparazzi were known to cross any line in pursuit of a sensational story.

    It couldn''t be easy for a woman like Kylee to endure such constant scrutiny and intrusion.

    Therefore, Linsey responded, "I don''t mind at all. You''re wee to stay here." Kylee was surprised by Linsey''s immediate agreement and beamed with delight. "Truly?"

    She turned her gaze back to Collin, her eyes filled with hope.

    Collin nced at Linsey, confirming her sincerity before responding, "Since Linsey has no objections, you''re wee to stay. Our bedroom is on the second floor. There are numerous guest rooms on the first floor. Choose whichever one you

    prefer, and I''ll have the staff prepare it for you."

    "Thank you," Kylee replied with a grateful smile.

    Dinnertime arrived soon after, and the three of them gathered at the table to eat.

    Linsey picked up some food with her chopsticks, intending to ce it in Collin''s bowl. "Have some more," she encouraged.

    "Hold on!" Kylee abruptly interrupted.

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    Rmended for you

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190 Collin, You Can''t Tolerate Spicy Food

    "What''s the matter?" Linsey asked, surprised.

    Kylee interjected, her voice tinged with concern. "Collin doesn''t really care for

    spicy chicken wings. Perhaps you should offer him something else."

    Linsey''s hand froze mid-air, and she instinctively turned towards Collin, anticipating his response.

    Collin smiled warmly, putting the chicken wing Linsey had intended to serve him onto his te. "I appreciate the gesture, Linsey," he said. "I''m sure I''ll enjoy whatever you choose for me."

    Kylee''s anxiety, however, was palpable. She frowned at Collin, her voiceced with worry. "Collin, you can''t tolerate spicy food. You even have a mild allergy to chili peppers. It''s really not worth the risk."

    Without waiting for a reply, Kylee swiftly removed the chicken wing from Collin''s te.

    A residue of chili oil, however, remained on the edges of the te.

    Kylee''s expression hardened as she turned to address a nearby servant. "Bring a clean te, please," she instructed.

    The servant hesitated momentarily, ncing at Linsey, before acknowledging the request and heading towards the kitchen.

    Collin''s brow furrowed slightly, his annoyance at Kylee''s interference apparent, though he managed to maintain his

    Turning towards Linsey, who appeared somewhat flustered, he offered a gentle reassurance. "Don''t worry, Linsey. I can

    handle a bit of spice."

    As if to emphasize his point, he reached for a chicken wing.

    Linsey, startled by his defiance, swiftly moved the te of chicken wings out of his reach. "Don''t eat it, Collin," she insisted.

    Her expression betrayed a lingering fear. "You''re allergic to chili peppers," she scolded. "Why didn''t you tell me?"

    Linsey had a particr fondness for spicy food. It dawned on her that, despite having shared numerous meals with Collin, she had never noticed him consuming anything containing chili peppers.

    This realization filled her with guilt.

    She recalled thest time Dolores had visited the vi for dinner; Collin had already been well-acquainted with Linsey''s

    culinary preferences.

    She, on the other hand, had been oblivious to such a crucial detail as Collin''s allergy.

    The more she dwelled on it, the more she berated herself.

    Noticing her distress, Collin set down his fork and gently took her hand in his. "It''s really not a big deal, Linsey. I didn''t

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    Chapter 190 Collin, You Can''t Tolerate Spicy Food

    even think twice about it, so you really shouldn''t me yourself."

    Kylee''s expression momentarily clouded over as she observed their intertwined hands.

    Kylee feigned concern, her lips tightening into a worried frown. "Collin, you know, allergies can be quite serious. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening."

    She then turned to the servants, her voiceced with reproach. "Why didn''t any of you inform Linsey about Collin''s allergy? He might be careless about his own well-being, but you should know better!"

    Linsey''s cheeks burned with shame. It was a stark reminder that despite their growing intimacy, she still had much to learn

    about Collin.

    Kylee, noticing Linsey''s difort, felt a thrill of victory. Seizing the opportunity, she piled more food onto Collin''s te.

    "Here, Collin, have some more fish. I remember it''s your favorite," she said sweetly.

    Kylee turned to Linsey, a sugary smile stered on her face that didn''t quite reach her eyes. "Linsey, don''t worry about it.

    You and Collin haven''t been married long. It''s perfectly natural that you wouldn''t know all his likes and dislikes yet. But

    I''ve known Collin since we were children. I know him like the back of my hand. And since I''ll be staying at Vista Vi for

    a while, please don''t hesitate to ask if there''s anything you need help with."

    Linsey''s emotions were a tangled mess as she looked at Kylee''s beaming face. She simply nodded absently, unable to find the words to respond.

    The remainder of the meal passed in strained silence.

    As Linsey rose from her seat, intending to assist Collin with his customary after- dinner stroll, Kylee interrupted. "Collin, wait! I have something for you. I think you''ll really like it."

    Kylee retrieved an elegantly wrapped gift box and presented it to Collin with a flourish.

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 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191 Do You Like It

    Collin cast a brief look at Kylee before opening the box. Nestled inside was an antique watch, its value clearly substantial.

    Linsey, standing close by, observed the surprise that flickered across his face as he beheld the timepiece.

    "Collin," Kylee began with a smile, "I''ve al

    remembered your passion for antiques, even from when we were kids. During my years working abroad, I kept my eyes peeled for anything that might be a worthy addition to your collection. Fortunately, I stumbled upon this and brought it back for you. What do you think?"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "There are less than three of these antique watches left in existence," he remarked. "I once spoke with a billionaire collector, but he refused to sell it to me. Where did you manage to find it?"

    "The collector you''re referring to wouldn''t happen to be Mr. Bruce Quimby, would it?" Kylee asked with a knowing smile. Seeing Collin nod in confirmation, Kylee exined, "It was quite a coincidence, actually. Mr. Quimby is a huge fan of one of my films and considers himself quite the admirer. I paid him a visit, and after a bit of persuasion, he agreed to part with

    it."

    Kylee tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Collin. "So, Collin, do you like it?"

    "Of course," Collin replied without missing a beat. "It''s something I''ve wanted for a long time."

    Kylee breathed a sigh of relief, cing a hand on her chest. "That''s wonderful,¡± she said. "I was so worried you might not

    like it."

    Linsey, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, felt a pang of bitterness.

    She felt utterly like an outsider.

    She realized she didn''t know Collin as well as she thought. Not only was she unaware of his allergy to chili peppers, but she also didn''t know about his passion for antique watches.

    Until this moment, she had believed they were growing closer.

    Now, Linsey recognized the naivet¨¦ of that belief.

    Throughout her conversation with Collin, Kylee had been discreetly observing Linsey''s reactions.

    Noticing Linsey''s evident disappointment, Kylee felt a surge of satisfaction.

    She firmly believed that no one understood Collin better than she did.

    Linsey was merely a temporary distraction, an insignificant blip on the radar.

    With a little more effort in theing days, she was certain she could make Collin lose interest in Linsey.

    Linsey thought she was a worthy opponent? Hardly!

    Feigning a sweet smile and a hint of regret, she said to Linsey, "I didn''t know about you before I came, so I didn''t bring a gift. I''m so sorry. I''ll definitely make it up to you next time."

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    Chapter 191 Do You Like it

    Linsey managed a polite smile. "That''s not necessary. But thank you. Since it''s been a while since you two have seen each other, I''ll leave you to catch up. I have some work to do, so I''ll head out now."

    Linsey took a deep breath, masking her mixed emotions, and turned to leave, her heart heavy.

    Collin frowned, noticing Linsey''s unusual dejection.

    He was about to follow her when Kylee suddenly blocked his path.

    Grabbing his hand, she smiled. ¡°Linsey is right. It''s been far too long. Collin, are you really going to leave me like this?"

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192 We Were Supposed To Get Married

    Collin''s brow furrowed with concern.

    Linsey was his priority. He couldn''t ignore the nagging feeling that her mood had soured.

    Was it Kylee''s presence that had upset her?

    He nced at Kylee, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

    Despite his concerns about Linsey, he couldn''t deny Kylee''s presence. They had a shared history, a bond forged in

    childhood.

    After a moment of contemtion, he decided it would be impolite to dismiss her so abruptly. "Alright, Kylee, what did you

    want to talk about?"

    A wave of triumph washed over Kylee.

    Just as she had suspected, she still held a special ce in Collin''s heart. Linsey was nopetition.

    Seizing the moment, Kylee suggested, "I''ve just returned, and Grester feels so unfamiliar now. Would you mind taking me

    for a walk? I''d love to revisit some of our childhood haunts."

    Collin hesitated for a moment before agreeing. "Okay," he said.

    He figured that by the time they returned, Linsey would probably be finished with her work, and they could finally have a

    proper conversation.

    Collin and Kylee left the vi together, unaware that Linsey stood on the balcony of the second-floor study, watching them

    depart.

    Kylee, with her statuesque figure and striking beauty, seemed perfectly suited to Collin.

    From her vantage point, Linsey couldn''t help but feel a pang of insecurity. Collin and Kylee looked like a match made in

    heaven.

    They were childhood sweethearts, their bond forged through years of shared experiences.

    And what was she? A stranger, an unworthy wife who barely knew the man she was married to.

    Linsey''s thoughts spiraled downwards, a wave of insecurity washing over her. She pressed her hand against her forehead, trying to regain herposure and focus on her work.

    With a deep breath, she returned to the study and forced herself to concentrate on the design drafts spread out before her.

    Meanwhile, Collin and Kylee arrived at a DVD store with a simple, ssic facade.

    "It''s like stepping back in time," Kylee mused aloud, a wistful smile gracing her lips as she gazed around the quaint little

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    Chapter 192 We Were Supposed To Get Married

    shop. "Do you remember, Collin? This is where we first met, all those years ago." Collin''s expression remained impassive. "I remember," he replied simply.

    Kylee bent down and picked up a ssic movie DVD from one of the shelves, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. "Back then," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, "I was convinced we''d get married someday. But then...."

    Collin''s expression remained unchanged, his voice t. "The past is the past, Kylee."

    Tears welled up in Kylee''s eyes as she turned to face him, her voice trembling with emotion. We were supposed to get married, Collin," she reminded him. "But then... you had that terrible ident."

    Her gaze flickered towards his legs, a silent reminder of the tragedy that had changed their lives. "When my parents found out... they forced me to break off the engagement. They took me away, far away. Collin, do you still me me for leaving?

    Her expression and voice were filled with remorse as she desperately tried to exin herself. "I truly didn''t want to leave I felt so guilty, so heartbroken."

    She took a deep breath, her voice barely a whisper. "I often wonder, if the ident hadn''t happened, would we be married

    by now? Would we have a family?"

    "Kylee," Collin interrupted, his voice firm but gentle, "I''ve never med you for any of it."

    Kylee lowered her eyes. "Collin, I know that if it weren''t for your support, I wouldn''t have achieved any of this."

    Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at him, her voice filled with admiration and sympathy. "Everyone in town dismisses you, Collin," she said, her voice breaking. "They call you the ck sheep of the Riley family. But I know you, I know how capable you truly are. They''ve all misunderstood you, and it breaks my heart to see how they''ve treated you."

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 he Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 193

    Chapter 193 You''re Just Joking, Right

    A pained expression washed over Kylee''s face, and deep down, she was filled with regret.

    Had it not been for Collin''s disability, she would have been his wife ages ago.

    She knew she could never marry a man who had seemingly lost everything, especially one confined to a wheelchair. For years, she had shamelessly kept Collin as a fallback option, convinced that his feelings for her remained unchanged.

    Before returning to the country, she had resolved that if she couldn''t find a man superior to Collin, she might as well

    secure him for herself.

    After all, Collin was the founder of CR Corporation, a man of significant wealth and influence.

    She had never anticipated that he would secretly marry someone else! Thoughts of Linsey ignited a spark of jealousy and resentment in her eyes.

    "Alright, alright, let''s not dwell on the past any longer. You''re absolutely right-it''s over and done with. Besides, you''re a married man now. It''s not appropriate for me to reminisce about such trivial matters." Narrowing her eyes slightly, Kylee dabbed at the corners of her eyes, feigning a tear or two, and asked with feigned curiosity, "By the way, does Linsey know

    about your true identity?"

    "Not yet," Collin replied.

    Kylee''s smugness grew upon hearing his response.

    She was convinced that Collin''s feelings for Linsey were merely a fleeting infatuation, nothing serious.

    Reassured, she gathered her courage, offered a timid smile, and boldly reached for his hand.

    In that case, she saw no harm in seizing this opportunity to strengthen their bond.

    "Collin, I understand that your grandmother must have pressured you immensely. You must have married Linsey out of

    desperation," she remarked, gazing at him with feigned affection, sping his hand between both of hers. "But now that

    I''ve returned, you can trust me to stand by your side, always and forever. Alright?"

    Collin''s eyes widened in surprise, quickly reced by a cial coldness. He withdrew his hand, his voice devoid of any

    warmth "Kylee, I am married, and I love Linsey deeply. The only reason I apanied you today is out of respect for our

    long-standing friendship. Nothing more."

    He averted his gaze, his voice brooking no argument. "So," he added, "don''t ever say anything like that again."

    Kylee was momentarily stunned, unable toprehend the iciness in his

    demeanor and the sharp edge to his words.

    "Collin, what are you saying?" she asked, a forced smile stered on her face.

    "You''re just joking, right? You''re still upset that I left for so long, so you''re

    deliberately saying these things to hurt me... You''ve only known Linsey for a short while.

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    How could you possibly have genuine feelings for her?"

    Before she could say more, his icy re silenced her.

    She flinched, her face hardening

    After a tense silence, despite her reluctance, she dared not utter another word.

    She simply lowered her head and mumbled, ¡°Alright. I understand."

    Collin didn''t even bother to look at her again. He turned his wheelchair and departed, instructing his subordinate as he left, "Please arrange for another car to take Kylee home. We''ll be leaving now."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the subordinate replied.

    Tears welled up in Kylee''s eyes as she watched Collin''s retreating figure.

    She had hoped that Collin would at least nce back at her, if only for the sake of their shared past, but he didn''t.

    It was as if she meant nothing to him, as if he could simply discard her without a second thought.

    And he had treated her like that solely because she had brought up Linsey.

    A wave of resentment washed over Kylee, her tear-filled eyes hardening with a newfound determination.

    How could this be? How could Collin possibly have fallen for someone else?

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    Chapter 194 Just You Wait, Linsey

    What was it about Linsey that captivated Collin so? How had she managed to steal his heart in such a short span of time?

    Kylee''s fists clenched, her nails digging painfully into her palms.

    If that was how it was going to be, she would find a way to destroy Collin''s illusions about Linsey and drive her away from

    him forever.

    "Just you wait, Linsey," she hissed under her breath.

    Her breath hitched with barely suppressed fury, her eyes narrowed with resentment.

    Upon returning to Vista Vi, Collin noticed Linsey''s absence from their bedroom.

    He inquired about her whereabouts and learned from a servant that Linsey had retired to the study after dinner and hadn''t

    been seen since.

    Recalling Linsey''s unusual quietness during dinner, Collin felt a pang of concern. Without hesitation, he turned his wheelchair and headed towards the study.

    He pushed open the study door and found Linsey fast asleep, her head resting on the desk.

    A tender smile touched Collin''s lips as he gazed at her sleeping form.

    He wheeled himself closer. As he was about to wake her and suggest she retire to the bedroom, his design sketches scattered across the desk.

    Surprise flickered in his eyes.

    He knew Linsey dabbled in design, but this was the first time he had seen her creations firsthand.

    eyes fell

    upon

    several

    No wonder Anthea had sung Linsey''s praises. The sketches were impressive; Linsey clearly possessed a natural talent for

    design.

    Lost in thought, Collin was startled when Linsey suddenly stirred. Sensing a presence, she abruptly opened her eyes.

    "Who''s there?" she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

    Seeing her rm, Collin quickly soothed, "It''s just me, Linsey. It''s alright."

    Linsey, initially tense, rxed visibly upon recognizing Collin. She breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Oh, it''s you. I thought..."

    Collin''s gaze softened. The memory of her recent kidnapping shed through his mind. "There''s no need to be frightened, Linsey. We''re safe here at home. The vi''s security is top-notch; no one can get in."

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    Chapter 194 Just You Wait, Linsey

    Linsey blinked, surprised by Collin''s perceptiveness. "I know," she replied softly, nodding slightly.

    Collin''s usually sharp eyes held a rare gentleness. He reached out, gently smoothing her slightly messy hair. "Why did you

    fall asleep here?" he asked softly. "You''ll catch a cold. If you''re tired, go back to the bedroom and rest."

    Linsey''s thoughts snapped back to the present. She had been so engrossed in her designs that she hadpletely lost track

    of time.

    "Right," she said, quickly gathering the drafts scattered across the desk. "I''ll go to bed now."

    Collin chuckled, amused by her flustered movements. "Why the rush to leave? Do you think I''m going to do something to you?" he teased.

    "No!" Linsey blurted out, her cheeks ming red.

    She snuck a quick nce at him, noticing the yful smirk on his lips, which only intensified her blush.

    "I was just worried you might be upset with me for getting so caught up in my work," she exined, trying to regain her

    Collin raised an eyebrow. "Not at all," he assured her. "I know how passionate you are about your work."

    He nced at the design drafts again. "Besides," he added sincerely, "your

    designs are excellent. Better than many experienced designers I''ve seen."

    Linsey blushed at thepliment. "Oh,e on," she said, flustered. "I''m not that good. You''re exaggerating."

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 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195 Are You Sure You''re Just A Layman

    Linsey stared at the design drafts spread across her desk, frustration tightening her brow. "I''ve been stalling because something about these feels off, but I can''t figure out what''s missing."

    Collin reached over, pulling the pages toward him. "Let me see."

    She blinked, surprised. "You know about design?"

    His lips curled into a faint smirk. "Not exactly. But I can give you ayman''s perspective."

    With that, he studied the drafts, his expression sharp with focus.

    A momentter, he picked up a pencil and circled a few subtle details.

    Collin tapped the marked areas with his pencil. "Here and here. Try adjusting these."

    Linsey hadn''t expected much, but when she took a closer look, her eyes widened.

    She turned to him, stunned. "Wait... you''re right!"

    Without hesitation, she grabbed an eraser, quickly fixing the areas he pointed out. Her pencil moved with confident strokes, refining the design with each adjustment.

    Minutester, she leaned back, studying the final result. A bright smile spread across her face.

    "This looks so much better! I can''t believe it-thank you, Collin! I never would''ve caught that on my own."

    Then, narrowing her eyes, she teased, "Are you sure you''re just ayman?"

    If he were truly just ayman, he wouldn''t have noticed those details so easily. Linsey watched him, her eyes bright with curiosity, but Collin only smiled, something warm flickering behind his gaze.

    "By your logic," he mused aloud, "I''ve graduated from clueless to mildly insightful."

    Then, after a short pause, he added more seriously, "I barely did anything. Your designs were already impressive-1 just pointed out a couple of things. If you really want to give me credit, just say I put the cherry on top."

    She let out a softugh. "Wouldn''t that make me sound a little too full of myself?"

    As she spoke, her thoughts drifted back to earlier that evening.

    Kylee, Collin''s childhood sweetheart, knew everything about him-his likes, his habits, the things that made him tick.

    In contrast, she was his wife-but she realized she didn''t know him at all.

    The realization made her heart sink, and her eyes dimmed slightly.

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    Chapter 195 Are You Sure You''re Just A Layman

    Collin, ever observant, caught the shift in her mood. He frowned, his voice soft with concern. "Linsey, what''s wrong? You

    seem a little off."

    After a brief pause, he ventured a guess. "Is it because Kylee is moving in with us?"

    "No," Linsey answered quickly. Her gaze softened as she met his eyes. She couldn''t stop herself from blurting out her thoughts. "I just... realized that I don''t really know anything about you. I don''t know what you like to eat, that you''re allergic to chili, or that you collect antique watches. I feel like I''ve been such a terrible wife."

    His eyes softened as he looked at her, noticing the guilt in her expression. Then, unexpectedly, he smiled. He reached out,

    brushing his fingers gently across her furrowed brow. "That''s what''s bothering you?"

    Seeing himugh at her, Linsey felt a rush of embarrassment. She tried to pull her hand away, her voice tinged with

    frustration. "Collin, I''m being serious here."

    But he didn''t let go. Instead, he took her hand in both of his, holding it gently yet firmly.

    His gaze softened as he looked into her eyes. "Linsey, it''s okay. We started as strangers, just two lives that crossed by

    chance. We didn''t know each other well before, but now we have all the time in the world to learn about each other.

    Whatever you want to know, I''ll share with you. Whatever you want to see, I''ll show you."

    His smile was warm and reassuring, his voice steady. "There''s no need to feel bad about this. We''re in this together, and

    we''ll spend the rest of our lives learning and growing side by side."

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196 It''s A Secret

    Linsey found herself drawn into Collin''s deep, soulful gaze, her heart fluttering at the affection she saw in his eyes.

    She felt a soft tug at her chest, but after a brief pause, she pouted yfully. "I know you''re right, but... I can''t help it. Emotions have a way of spiraling out of control."

    Collin''s smile softened as he took a moment to reflect. "You''re right. It''s my fault. We met at the wedding, and since then, we haven''t really had the chance to just..... be us. No real dates, no time to get to know each other outside of everything else."

    He thought for a second, then brightened. "How about this weekend? If you''re free, I''ll take you somewhere-somewhere that''ll let you get to know me better."

    Linsey raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Where are you taking me?"

    With a yful grin, Collin leaned in just slightly and whispered, "It''s a secret." He gave her nose a gentle tap, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

    The more Linsey thought about it, the more intrigued she became. Collin was keeping a secret, and the mystery of it all made her even more eager to find out what it was.

    "Somewhere to help me know you better?" she mused aloud, her mind racing with possibilities.

    Maybe it was a special ce from his childhood, a secret spot he had kept to himself for years.

    Her curiosity only grew with every thought. "There are still a few days until the weekend. Are you holding me in suspense on purpose, Collin? Trying to see how eager I''ll get?"

    Collin''s grin widened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You''ve got it. I am doing it on purpose. Instead of letting you overthink, I''d rather leave you with just a little bit of suspense. That way, you''ll spend the days looking forward to it, not worrying about what it might be."

    As expected, Linsey spent the next few days consumed by thoughts of where Collin might take her, her earlier sadness now

    a distant memory.

    The next morning, she went about her usual routine, preparing for work. When she arrived at the office, she barely had time to step through the door before she heard the excited murmur of her colleagues in the distance.

    As she entered the office, she noticed a cluster of coworkers gathered around, their faces alight with excitement, their eyes

    frequently darting toward the meeting room.

    "What''s going on?" she asked, her voiceced with confusion, following their gazes toward the closed door. "Did someone important arrive?"

    The way they were acting made it clear-something significant was happening.

    A colleague nearby turned to her in disbelief. "You don''t know? Linsey, it''s all anyone''s talking about! Kylee''s here-the

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    Chapter 196 It''s A Secret

    one and only Kylee! She''s actually in the building!"

    Linsey blinked, taken aback. "Kylee? She''s really here?"

    "Yes!" The coworker beamed, practically glowing with excitement. "She showed

    up first thing this morning and even greeted the early arrivals. She''s so down-to- earth!"

    Another colleague sighed dreamily. "Even if I don''t get to design for her, just getting her autograph would make my day."

    As the group continued to gush, the door to the meeting room swung open. Coen stepped out, apanied by Kylee, both of them smiling warmly.

    "Mr. Fuller, I''ll be personally overseeing the design you''re working on this time," Kylee said with a warm smile, her tone smooth but firm. ¡°I trust the designers in your department won''t disappoint me. After all, I''m here with the utmost sincerity. If your design helps me shine on the red carpet, it''ll be a win for both of us."

    Coen nodded eagerly, his enthusiasm evident. "Of course, Miss Russell! You''re absolutely right. We''ll have the design draft ready for you today. You can count on us to get it just right."

    Kylee''s smile softened at his response. She was clearly pleased.

    She turned, ready to leave with Coen by her side, but then her gaze caught Linsey standing among the crowd.

    Her steps faltered for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Without

    missing a beat, she stared directly at Linsey

    and asked, "What are you doing here, Linsey?"

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 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197 I''ll Choose Her

    Linsey hadn''t expected to be singled out by Kylee so openly in front of everyone, and it threw her off guard. She froze for a moment, her mind scrambling before she instinctively responded, "I work here."

    Kylee''s brow arched slightly at her answer, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "So, you''re a designer at CR Corporation, Linsey? Impressive," she said, her toneced with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

    Coen, who had been standing nearby, looked momentarily stunned. His eyes flickered between Linsey and Kylee; he was

    clearly puzzled. "Miss Russell, do you... know Linsey?"

    Before Linsey could answer, Kylee''s bright smile returned. "Of course. Linsey and I are good friends."

    There was a brief pause before Kylee''s expression shifted slightly as she nced at Coen, her words decisive. "Since Linsey

    is one of your designers, let''s save us both some time. I''ll choose her."

    Her words stunned not only Linsey but everyone else in the room as well.

    "What? She''s just choosing Linsey like that?"

    "Didn''t they say the designer would be picked based on the drafts?"

    "Shh, keep your voice down."

    The colleagues exchanged confused nces, their eyes wide with surprise, the same disbelief reflected in each of their

    faces.

    Kylee had picked Linsey, just like that.

    And to top it off, she imed to be close to her.

    It was such a huge deal. How had they never heard Linsey mention it before?

    Anyone else who was connected to a celebrity like Kylee would have been boasting about it nonstop, right?

    But Linsey had kept it under wraps all this time.

    "Kylee..." Linsey paused, momentarily caught off guard before regaining herposure. She hesitated, then said, "You haven''t even seen our designs yet. Choosing me like this doesn''t seem fair..."

    Kylee shed her a smile, stepped closer, and gently took her hand in hers. "Come on, Linsey, didn''t I tell youst time? If you ever need anything from me, just ask."

    Linsey felt a whirlwind of emotions stirring inside her, making her momentarily unsure of herself. She looked at Kylee''s warm, affectionate smile and couldn''t find a single thing to fault about her.

    "But..."

    "Alright. No need to say more," Kylee interrupted, her voice firm but gentle. "What''s unfair about this? I trust your talent. And with our connection, there''s no reason to overthink it."

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    Chapter 1971 Choose Her

    She released Linsey''s hand, turned to the room, and gave everyone a warm smile, "Well, I''ve got other things to attend to.

    I''ll take my leave now,"

    As soon as Kylee exited, the office atmosphere shifted dramatically.

    Coen walked over, giving Linsey a look that was loaded with meaning. He spoke slowly, his voice thick with surprise. "Linsey, I always thought of you as a rookie with no real connections. But now, it looks like I was mistaken. You''ve just shown us the tip of the iceberg."

    He let out a chuckle, gave Linsey a pat on the shoulder, and added, "Miss Russell just told you to get that design draft done ASAP. Oh, and congrattions-securing her order so effortlessly? That''s bound to make you a rising star."

    Things had escted quickly, and Linsey didn''t know how to respond. She could only steady herself and return to her desk,

    determined to focus on the design.

    But the way her colleagues looked at her hadpletely shifted.

    Around noon, she went to the break room to grab some water, and as she stepped inside, she overheard a few voices

    buzzing with discussion.

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 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198 Cynthia, We''re

    Cousins

    "Who would''ve thought? Linsey kept that quiet. She even knows the famous Kylee."

    "She should''ve told us earlier. I wasted so much effort on my design for nothing"

    "That exins why Linsey didn''t even flinch when Cynthia mentioned she was connected to Kylee. Linsey had this nned

    all along."

    "Forget it. I didn''t expect much anyway. But Cynthia-she must be the most embarrassed right now. She was so sure she''dnd Kylee''s order, and now... this is a real p in the face."

    "Linsey and Cynthia? They''re basically the same. Neither one is all that great. Let them fight it out."

    "Wait, did you notice? When Kylee announced she''d chosen Linsey, why didn''t Cynthia say anything?"

    "Maybe she was just too embarrassed. If I were Cynthia, I''d be furious with Linsey right now and would''ve run off in

    shame."

    The group carried on, their voicesced with mockery, oblivious to the figure standing just outside the break room.

    Then, a voice sliced through the chatter, cool and clear. "Linsey, why are you standing at the door?"

    Their words came to an abrupt halt, and they turned in unison, their faces going pale. It only took a moment for them to realize that Linsey had been standing there, silently listening to every word.

    In that instant, the room fell into a heavy, ufortable silence.

    They had been caught in the act-badmouthing the very person standing right in front of them.

    Panic gripped them as they feared Linsey might use this as an opportunity to point out their faults.

    After all, Cynthia had learned the hard way when she had spoken ill of Linsey in front of everyone.

    But just as the tension thickened, Linsey walked into the break room, her expressionposed. She filled her cup with water, then left without a word, acting as if she hadn''t heard a thing.

    Once she was out of earshot, someone finally broke the silence. "What just happened? Why was she so calm? She didn''t

    react at all."

    "Maybe she didn''t hear us?"

    "That doesn''t make sense. If she didn''t hear, she would''ve at least acknowledged us, right?"

    "You''re right. So, she must''ve overheard."

    "How unlucky. We were just chatting away during work, and now we''re stuck in this mess. Damn."

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    Chapter 199 Cynthia, We''re Cousins

    "Let''s just drop it and get back to our tasks."

    Linsey returned to her desk, the water ss steady in her hand, her expression giving nothing away. But inside, a quiet

    irritation simmered.

    Yet, she kept quiet. What her colleagues had said wasn''t entirely off the mark. Kylee had chosen her without so much as ncing at the designs.

    All Linsey could do now was focus on getting the design right. She would prove, through her work, that Kylee''s choice was

    the right one.

    What Linsey didn''t know was that, at that exact moment, Kylee was lounging in a cozy caf¨¦, enjoying her coffee with

    Cynthia

    With a forced smile, Cynthia gently slid a te of desserts toward Kylee, her voice syrupy sweet. "Kylee, please enjoy."

    Kylee took a delicate sip of her coffee, her eyes tracking Cynthia''s every move, clearly noticing the attempt at ttery.

    She curved her lips into a small smile. "Cynthia, we''re cousins. No need for all this formality."

    Cynthia''s face lit up at the mention of their familial bond, her excitement obvious.

    Thinking this meeting was a personal invitation from Kylee, she couldn''t help but ask, ¡°So, Kylee, did you ask me toe

    here for something"

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 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199 That''s Just Part Of My n

    Kylee ced her coffee cup down slowly, taking her time before answering.

    She nced at Cynthia, then elegantly picked up her fork, savoring a small bite of the dessert.

    After a moment, she wrinkled her nose slightly and remarked, "This dessert is disappointing-nowhere near the quality of

    what I had overseas."

    Cynthia immediately beamed, eager to please. "Kylee, there are other caf¨¦s in town. If you ever have time, I can take you to one of them. I''m sure we''ll find something to your taste."

    Kylee''s expression softened as she clearly appreciated Cynthia''s attentiveness. She gently dabbed at the corner of her

    mouth with a napkin before casually saying, "By the way, I heard you and Linsey don''t get along. Is that true?"

    Cynthia stiffened, caught off guard by the question. She hadn''t expected Kylee to bring up Linsey so directly.

    As Cynthia considered Kylee''s recent choice of Linsey for the order, she hesitated, unsure if she should speak freely.

    Kylee, sensing Cynthia''s uncertainty, offered a reassuring smile and said bluntly, "Cynthia, don''t overthink it. Honestly, I

    feel the same way-I don''t want Linsey staying at CR Corporation any longer."

    After being left behind by Collin yesterday, Kylee had taken the initiative to dig deeper into Linsey''s background.

    What she uncovered shocked her-Linsey had not only married Collin, but she was also now part of CR Corporation, thepany founded by him.

    Although Linsey remained unaware of Collin''s true identity, Kylee had already ced her guard up.

    Knowing how much Collin valued Linsey, Kylee realized that if she didn''t act fast, she might lose her opportunity to secure

    Collin''s affection.

    Her n was clear. Since Collin hadn''t yet revealed the truth to Linsey, she would use that to her advantage and create

    enough doubt to make Collin lose faith in Linsey entirely.

    Cynthia stared at Kylee in disbelief. "But... you just said you wanted Linsey to design for you."

    Kylee''s lips curled into a cold, almost mocking smile. She didn''t try to hide the disdain she felt for Linsey. "That''s just part of my n Keeping her close gives me more chances to knock her down a few pegs."

    Cynthia didn''t need to hear any more. One nce at Kylee was enough to see the depth of her disdain for Linsey.

    Feeling a rush of relief, Cynthia started to spill her own frustrations, her voice thick with indignation. "You don''t even know, Kylee Linsey''s maniptive, through and through. She only got into CR Corporation by ying dirty, and then she cozied up to Anthea kely Everyone in our office is sick of her games."

    Her teeth clenched as anger boiled within her, and she narrowed her eyes, her voice low and venomous. "I''m done with

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    17.58

    Chapter 199 That''s Just Part Of My n

    this. Sooner orter, I''ll make sure she gets what''sing to her."

    Kylee''s smile was soft, but her words wereced with hidden intent. "Don''t worry, I want to see Linsey''s fall even more than you do. All you need to do is follow my lead, and I''ll make sure we bring her down in one swift move. When it''s done, you''ll be my personal designer."

    Cynthia''s heart skipped a beat. For a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming It felt like a fantasy came true.

    Not only would she get the chance to see Linsey humiliated, but she would also be the exclusive designer to a superstar like Kylee.

    Her mind raced with the possibilities. If all went ording to n, her reputation in the design world would skyrocket,

    maybe even making her a household name.

    The more she thought about it, the more her excitement grew. Unable to hold back, she eagerly responded, "Of course,

    Kylee. Just tell me what to do, and I''ll follow you every step of the way."

    Kylee leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as she

    beckoned Cynthia closer. She spoke in low

    tones, revealing the next part of her n.

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200 Do You Have Other ns Tonight

    Once Kylee shared her n, Cynthia nodded with a smirk. "Alright, I understand.¡±

    To avoid drawing attention, she made sure to leave the caf¨¦ first.

    When Cynthia returned to the office, she crossed paths with Linsey, who was heading out to print some documents.

    Linsey looked up, her gaze meeting Cynthia''s-sharp, almost mocking.

    Based on their previous encounters, Linsey fully expected a biting remark, somethingced with sarcasm or an insult.

    But to her surprise, Cynthia merely nced at her, dismissively, before turning and walking off without a word.

    The silence left Linsey momentarily confused. And it wasn''t just her; several colleagues in the office noticed the odd

    tension. They exchanged puzzled nces, sensing something was off.

    "This is weird. Cynthia didn''t go after Linsey this time?"

    "Maybe she''s actually scared Linsey has some powerful connections. Doesn''t want to stir the pot."

    "Yeah, especially with Kylee involved. That''s probably what''s keeping her in check."

    Linsey didn''t pay much attention to the unusual silence from Cynthia. She simply printed her documents and got back to

    her desk, diving into her design work.

    Not far off, Cynthia shot asional nces at Linsey, a smug smile tugging at her lips.

    Inside, Cynthia''s thoughts were dark. "Enjoy it while you can, Linsey. I''m going to bring you down soon enough."

    A cold sh of malice flickered in Cynthia''s eyes, a look that betrayed her true intentions.

    When it was time to clock out, Linsey packed up her things and then felt her phone buzz. It was Collin calling.

    "Are you off work yet?" His deep, soothing voice flowed through the phone. "I''m outside that caf¨¦. Come join me."

    Linsey blinked, caught off guard "Why are you here all of a sudden?"

    The words were out before she could stop them, but then she remembered what Collin had mentionedst night. Her

    surprise turned into curiosity as she asked, "Wait... are we going to the ce you talked aboutst night? Didn''t you say we''d go over the weekend? What''s with the change of ns?"

    She started to smooth her hair down, feeling a bit flustered and caught off guard by the sudden shift.

    "I figured you might be overthinking things fromst night," he exined with a warm chuckle. "So I thought it''d be better to do it now. Do you have other ns tonight?"

    As she reyed the intimate conversation they had sharedst night, Linsey felt a warmth rise to her cheeks.

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    Chapter 200 Do You Have Other ns Tonight

    She couldn''t quite understand what hade over her in that moment to open up sopletely, but now that she thought about it, the memory made her a little embarrassed.

    She pressed her lips together, her voice soft as she replied, "I don''t have any other ns, but... you changed the time so suddenly. I''m not really prepared. How about 1 go home and get ready first?"

    After all, this felt like an official date.

    "No need for any of that. Just having you there is all I need." Collin''s voice was steady and reassuring

    Her nerves eased a little, and she smiled softly. "Alright, I''ll be there soon."

    Not long after, she slipped into his car.

    As she settled in and closed the door, he reached over and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Was work tough

    today?"

    25

    She smiled, feeling at ease. "Not really. When I''m working on something I love, it doesn''t feel tiring at all."

    A brief silence followed, and then she grew a little uneasy, ncing at him as she asked, "Where exactly are we going?"

    She looked down at her work outfit, suddenly self-conscious. "I hope it''s not some fancy ce. I might be a bit

    underdressed right now, and I don''t want to embarrass you."

    Seeing her hesitation, he chuckled softly, his voice calm. "Don''t worry. It''s not anywhere high-end."

    Then, with a yful smile, he added, "Actually, I''m more worried you won''t like it once we get there."

    At his words, she shook her head immediately, her tone earnest and unwavering. "No matter where you take me, or who

    you are, I''ll never dislike it-or you."

    For a brief moment, his gaze softened, charged with emotion. He reached for her hand, gripping it gently, and spoke with quiet intensity. "Linsey, remember that. If you decide to runter, I won''t let you."

    Her curiosity deepened.

    What kind of ce was it that made him so serious about this?

    Finally, the car came to a halt.

    "We''re here," Collin said with a smile.

    Linsey opened the door and stepped out. But as soon as she did, her breath

    caught in her throat, her body freezing in shock.

    It was in that moment that she fully understood what his earlier words had meant.

    100.00

    17:58

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201 Your Mother Was Stunning

    Linsey realized that Collin had taken her to a cemetery.

    In that moment, a realization hit her like a bolt of lightning. She turned swiftly, her gaze locking onto Collin, who was approaching in his wheelchair, and asked in disbelief, "Collin, are you bringing me to see your mother?"

    Collin''s biological mother, thete wife of the head of the Riley family, had always been a subject of curiosity for Linsey, though she''d never imagined Collin would bring her to this ce.

    She knew how much Collin cherished his mother. So, by bringing her here, did it mean that she held an irreceable spot

    in his heart?

    Collin offered a soft smile. "Yes. Didn''t you sayst night you wanted to

    understand me better? I thought I''d take you to meet my mother. But here..."

    He paused for a few seconds, his eyes searching hers, before he spoke again. "If you''re having second thoughts, it''s a little

    Linsey shook her head quickly, her expression sincere. "I''m not having second thoughts. I''ve wanted to meet your mother

    for a long time."

    She grasped his hand with certainty. "Collin, let''s go. Lead the way."

    Collin nodded, casting a brief nce at the subordinates behind them. "You don''t need to follow us."

    Linsey gently pushed his wheelchair, and they headed for Collin''s mother''s grave. Behind them, the subordinates exchanged quiet, amused nces.

    While most couples might opt for a romantic setting on a date, these two... well, they were anything but conventional.

    Linsey had invited Collin to an orphanage, and now he was guiding her to a cemetery. In their own unique way, they truly

    were a perfect match.

    After following Collin''s instructions, Linsey gently pushed his wheelchair toward a specific gravesite.

    The area was pristinely maintained, every detail showing the utmost care and respect.

    Linsey lifted her gaze to the photograph on the tombstone and froze, her breath catching in her throat. "She was so

    beautiful..."

    The woman in the photograph had a soft, serene beauty, the kind that reminded Linsey of a warm spring morning.

    "Collin, your mother was stunning," Linsey murmured, her voice filled with admiration. She turned to him, her eyes briefly meeting his strikingly handsome face.

    Now, Linsey understood where Collin got his striking good looks from.

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    19:38

    Chapter 201 Your Mother Was Stunning

    Collin stared at the photograph of the woman, his gaze filled with a mix of emotions tooplex to name.

    He pressed his lips together, his voice quiet butced with bitterness. "It''s a shame she fell for the wrong man and ended

    up dying with regret."

    The sorrow in his voice tugged at Linsey''s heart. Without thinking, she crouched beside him and gently took his hand. "Collin, whatever happened in the past is behind you now."

    She couldn''t bear to see him in pain.

    A faint, bitter smile tugged at Collin''s lips. "It''s been years... I''ve long forgotten what sadness feels like. After all, I never even got to meet her. I just feel sorry for her. Grandma always said my mom was talented, well-read, graceful... I wonder, if she hadn''t married my father, would she have lived a different life? Would she have survived giving birth?"

    As he spoke, a mockingugh escaped his lips. "It really wasn''t worth losing her life for a man like that."

    Linsey sighed quietly, her heart heavy. "Love can be blind,¡± she said softly.

    Collin turned to look at her, and the gloom on his face slowly faded, reced by a warmth and tenderness that filled the space between them.

    "You''re right,¡± he said, his voice filled with sincerity. ¡°But my greatest blessing was meeting you."

    Linsey''s face flushed instantly, her heart fluttering. Smiling, she teased, "At first, I thought I''d end up stuck with Felix, that scumbag. I never imagined I''d meet you. Looking back, it''s the best thing that ever happened to me."

    She lifted her gaze to meet his, her tone serious yet full of affection. "Collin, I''m just as grateful to have found you."

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 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202 Shouldn''t I Be The One Protecting You

    Linsey paused, her thoughts swirling for a moment before she spoke softly. "Maybe our meeting was destined-like a wish

    your mother left behind for us."

    Collin gave a small nod, his expression thoughtful. "I believe that, too."

    He gently squeezed Linsey''s hand, then turned his gaze back to the photograph

    on the tombstone. In a quiet but resolute

    voice, he said, "Mom, I''m married now. This is Linsey, my wife. She''s a remarkable woman, and we''ll be happy together, I

    promise."

    His words, simple yet profound, made Linsey''s heart flutter.

    A warm blush spread across her cheeks, but her chest felt lighter, as if something unspoken had been confirmed.

    Collin was her husband-her partner in everything now.

    With a thoughtful pause, Linsey gently bit her lip before meeting Collin''s gaze. Then, turning to the photo of the woman,

    she said with quiet sincerity, "I''m Linsey. It''s an honor to meet you."

    Her voice softened as she added, ncing at Collin and then back at the photo, "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of him. If anyone

    dares to hurt him, they''ll regret it."

    Collin chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Shouldn''t I be the one protecting you?"

    Linsey huffed lightly, her tone yful but filled with affection. "Who says wives can''t protect their husbands? I just want to

    let your mother know she can trust me."

    The two of them shared a brief, tender moment, then turned their attention back to the tombstone. They cleaned it together, the silencefortable.

    After a moment, Linsey pped her hands together, her brow furrowing as she looked around. "It looks a bit in like this."

    She nced at Collin, her eyes thoughtful. "Did your mom like flowers?"

    Collin nodded, his gaze softening. "She loved them. I used to bring flowers often, but it''s alright if we skip it today. We''ll

    get a big bouquet next time."

    Linsey waved him off, a yful smile tugging at her lips. "Wait here for a second." With that, she turned and disappeared into the nearby field.

    A few momentster, she returned, her arms full of vibrant wildflowers. "Saw these growing nearby, thought they''d be

    perfect."

    Without wasting a beat, she began weaving them into a delicate wreath. "I hope she''ll like this," Linsey murmured, her

    voice soft with intent.

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 202 Shouldn''t I Be The One Protecting You

    Linsey paused, her thoughts swirling for a moment before she spoke softly. "Maybe our meeting was destined-like a wish

    your mother left behind for us."

    Collin gave a small nod, his expression thoughtful. "I believe that, too."

    He gently squeezed Linsey''s hand, then turned his gaze back to the photograph

    on the tombstone. In a quiet but resolute

    voice, he said, "Mom, I''m married now. This is Linsey, my wife. She''s a

    remarkable woman, and we''ll be happy together, I

    promise."

    His words, simple yet profound, made Linsey''s heart flutter.

    A warm blush spread across her cheeks, but her chest felt lighter, as if something unspoken had been confirmed.

    Collin was her husband-her partner in everything now.

    With a thoughtful pause, Linsey gently bit her lip before meeting Collin''s gaze. Then, turning to the photo of the woman,

    she said with quiet sincerity, "I''m Linsey. It''s an honor to meet you."

    Her voice softened as she added, ncing at Collin and then back at the photo, "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of him. If anyone

    dares to hurt him, they''ll regret it."

    Collin chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Shouldn''t I be the one protecting you?"

    Linsey huffed lightly, her tone yful but filled with affection. "Who says wives can''t protect their husbands? I just want to

    let your mother know she can trust me."

    The two of them shared a brief, tender moment, then turned their attention back to the tombstone. They cleaned it

    together, the silencefortable.

    After a moment, Linsey pped her hands together, her brow furrowing as she looked around. "It looks a bit in like this."

    She nced at Collin, her eyes thoughtful. "Did your mom like flowers?"

    Collin nodded, his gaze softening. "She loved them. I used to bring flowers often, but it''s alright if we skip it today. We''ll

    get a big bouquet next time."

    Linsey waved him off, a yful smile tugging at her lips. "Wait here for a second." With that, she turned and disappeared into the nearby field.

    A few momentster, she returned, her arms full of vibrant wildflowers. "Saw these growing nearby, thought they''d be

    perfect."

    Without wasting a beat, she began weaving them into a delicate wreath. "I hope she''ll like this," Linsey murmured, her

    voice soft with intent.

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    Chapter 202 Shouldn''t I Be The One Protecting You

    Collin watched her in quiet admiration, surprised by her nimbleness. "I didn''t know you could do this."

    Linsey grinned, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Back in the orphanage, when things got slow, Dolores and I would make these. I got pretty good at it after a while."

    Collin, eager to join in, plucked a handful of wildflowers from the ground, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Teach me.

    I want to try, too."

    Linsey carefully guided Collin''s hands, showing him the steps to weave the wreath, one move at a time.

    She figured he would find it a bit tricky-after all, it wasn''t the usual thing men did. But to her surprise, he caught on

    quickly, his fingers moving with surprising dexterity.

    Not only did he master the basic technique, but he also started creating variations

    of his own, adding personal touches to

    the wreaths. His creativity took her by surprise.

    "Wow, you''re amazing," Linseymented, her voice full of admiration, a

    genuine smile spreading across her face.

    He chuckled, his eyes warm. "This? It''s nothing." His voice had a quiet confidence, like he was just getting started.

    Linsey couldn''t help but chuckle, her voice tinged with a yful but wistful tone. "You learn things so quickly. Last night you were giving me design advice, and today you''re making wreaths with more styles than I am. You''ve definitely outdone me, your short-term teacher."

    She sighed lightly, a flicker of mncholy in her words. "Life really isn''t fair. Howe you''re so smart?"

    Collin''s usually serious expression softened as he looked at her, a spark of amusement in his eyes.

    With a smile, he picked up one of the wreaths, delicate flowers woven together, and gently ced it on her head. He adjusted it carefully, a thoughtful look on his face, then nodded in satisfaction.

    "It''s such a beautiful flower wreath, and it looks even more beautiful on you," he

    said.

    19:39

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 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203 Collin, What Are You Doing

    Linsey met Collin''s gaze, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. Her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed with

    sudden shyness.

    "Oh, stop it," she muttered, trying to brush off thepliment. "I''ve been working all day without makeup-I must look a

    mess."

    But Collin''s focus never wavered. His eyes softened as they traced her face, his Adam''s apple bobbing slightly as he

    whispered, "You have no idea how beautiful you look right now."

    The vivid wildflowers, now a crown upon her head, seemed to amplify the radiance in her features. Linsey looked stunning effortlessly so, and Collin felt a maic pull toward her. He leaned in, unable to stop himself, wanting to be closer, to

    drink in the sight of her.

    Startled by his movement, Linsey jumped up, eyes wide, and quickly took a step back, ring at him in exasperation.

    "Collin, what are you doing? This is a cemetery!"

    Collin blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. Realizing how close he had gotten, he quickly took a step back, his face flushing with a hint of embarrassment.

    "Sorry." Collin exhaled, his face tinged with regret. He didn''t dare nce at his mother''s photo; guilt lingered in his chest

    When did he start acting so act recklessly?

    After a few moments of quiet reflection, Linsey and Collin finally said their goodbyes to his mother. They carefully tidied up the gravesite and headed back to the car.

    Linsey gently removed the flower wreath from her head, her fingers tracing the delicate petals. She smiled softly at Collin. "This flower wreath you made is really beautiful. I''m nning to keep it when we get back and put it in water. It should

    Collin raised an eyebrow, a yful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "It''s just a flower wreath. I''ll give you more gifts in the future. No need to cling to this one.¡± His voice softened, almost teasing. "Besides, I love seeing you with my gifts."

    Linsey, caught off guard by his gaze, quickly thought about the expensive ne he had gifted her not long ago.

    It felt too extravagant, so she had tucked it away.

    But since Collin mentioned it, maybe she would start wearing it more often-just hiding it under her clothes for now.

    Lost in thought, she suddenly felt the weight of Collin''s intense gaze on her.

    She instinctively reached up to touch her face, a little flustered. "What''s wrong? Did I get some dust on my face?"

    He replied with a smirk, "A little." Then, without warning, he raised the partition in the car, his voice softening. "Let me

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    19:40

    Chapter 203 Collin, What Are You Doing

    wipe it for you."

    Linsey, still processing his words, tilted her head up slightly, allowing him to gently brush his fingertips over her cheek.

    He studied her face intently, his fingertips brushing her cheek with a gentle pressure, the faint calluses on his skin sending

    a shiver through her.

    A small itch crawled beneath her skin, and she instinctively pulled back, but his grip on her waist held her firmly in ce.

    Her gaze flickered nervously, and her breath caught when she felt his fingers graze her lips, sending a rush of warmth

    through her.

    "Is it OK now?" His voice was soft, like a whisper, but it held a quiet insistence.

    For a brief moment, she was stunned, her mind struggling to catch up with the surge of emotions.

    Then it hit her-he had raised the partition, and in the cemetery, he had wanted to kiss her...

    And now, even here, he was still thinking about it.

    "Collin!" she burst out, her voice a mix of disbelief and yful usation. "You''re acting like a lecher now!"

    Collin''s face remained asposed as ever. He met her gaze with a steady calmness, his voice unwavering. "Linsey, I''m a

    man, just like any other. It''s only natural to feel... certain things for the woman I care about."

    He paused, the space between them narrowing as he leaned in a fraction closer. "Don''t you feel the same when you''re near

    me?"

    Her pulse quickened as she felt the warmth of his breath, her face flushing a deep shade of red.

    Of course, she had reactions-strong ones-but that wasn''t something she could admit so easily.

    She took a slow, steadying breath, closing her eyes for a brief moment as the flutter of her tremblingshes gave away her

    nervousness.

    Collin''s hand pressed lightly against her waist, and with a soft, teasing smile, he tilted his head, just inches from her lips.

    But just as their lips were about to meet, the shrill ring of a phone shattered the silence, cutting through the tension like

    a cold wind.

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 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204 Make Sure To

    Look After Collin For Me

    Linsey, already on edge, flinched. Heat rushed to her face, deepening the flush in her cheeks as her eyes darted anxiously

    around.

    Frustration knotted in her chest. She squeezed her eyes shut and bit down on the back of her hand, caught in a tug-of-war

    with her own impulses.

    What had she been thinking just now?

    Had she really been that eager to kiss Collin?

    Where was her self-control?

    Collin''s face remained unreadable, but the slight furrow in his brow hinted at his displeasure.

    His lips parted as he was ready to say he could ignore the call.

    But Linsey pointed at his pocket, where the phone buzzed insistently. "Answer it. What if it''s important?"

    He nced at her flushed face, his throat tightening all over again.

    The urge to kiss her still burned in his chest, but he shoved it down.

    Now all that pent-up frustration had a new target-the person who had interrupted them.

    Jaw tight, he pulled out his phone with a sullen face.

    The caller was Kylee.

    His expression darkened, frustration in his chest hardening into something heavier.

    With a slow inhale, he answered, his voice edged with impatience. "What is it?" He didn''t bother hiding his irritation.

    A brief pause. Then Kylee''s voice floated through-light, unbothered. "Oh, nothing important."

    Linsey tensed. A flicker of something unreadable crossed her face before she turned to the window, gaze fixed on the

    passing scenery.

    Kylee''s soft, almost melodic tone filled the phone, thickening the silence in the backseat.

    "It''s prettyte, and I noticed you and Linsey haven''t returned yet. I got a little worried, so I thought I''d check in. If you''re

    in any trouble, let me know-I might be able to help."

    She sounded considerate, but she knew exactly what she was doing. She was

    well aware that Linsey and Collin were out on

    a date tonight.

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    19:41

    Chapter 204 Make Sure To Look After Collin For Me

    Calling now served two purposes: to interrupt and to gauge how far their rtionship had progressed.

    Collin exhaled sharply and pinched the bridge of his nose. His voice was t. "Nothing happened. We''re heading back now."

    Kylee hummed softly, feigning relief. A beat of silence. Then, with a smile, she added, "By the way, Linsey''s with you, isn''t

    she?"

    Collin flicked a nce at Linsey. "Yeah."

    Kylee''s voice stayed light, almost teasing. "Linsey, the night air is cold. Make sure to look after Collin for me, okay?"

    Then, as if catching herself, she let out a soft, self-deprecatingugh. "Sorry, Linsey. You must think I''m ridiculous. I just

    can''t help worrying when I don''t see him. Guess I''m a little too anxious."

    "What do you think is going to happen to me?" Collin interjected, his voice devoid of emotion.

    Linsey stayed silent, listening.

    There was nothing overtly wrong with Kylee''s words, yet something about them unsettled her.

    As Collin''s wife, it was her ce to take care of him. She didn''t need Kylee, an outsider, reminding her of that.

    Though unsettled, Linsey kept her tone polite. "Of course, I will."

    The moment Collin ended the call, the warmth from earlier vanished.

    The air in the car felt heavier now, the shift in Linsey''s mood unmistakable.

    Collin noticed, but understanding women had never been his strong suit. He mulled it over, searching for the right words,

    but nothing came.

    Kylee''s cryptic words lingered in Linsey''s mind, draining any desire to continue the conversation.

    Silence stretched between them for the rest of the drive. After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the Vista Vi.

    Linsey stepped out, ready to help Collin, but someone else got there first. Kylee had hurried over, wasting no time inserting

    herself between them.

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 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205 He''s A

    Wonderful Husband

    Kylee wasted no time, guiding Collin inside with almost exaggerated enthusiasm. "Collin, you''re finally back! I was thinking of making some of your favorite dishes tonight. Eat as much as you want, okay? My cooking has improved a lot

    over the years."

    Then she turned to Linsey with a practiced smile. "Linsey, you should help me in the kitchenter. It''ll be a great chance for you to pick up a thing or two. Now that you''re married to Collin, you should at least know how to cook the meals he

    loves."

    Collin''s jaw tightened. He started to speak, ready to refuse on Linsey''s behalf.

    "Alright.¡± To his surprise, Linsey agreed without hesitation.

    She had her reasons. If helping Kylee meant understanding Collin better, it was an opportunity worth taking.

    Collin hesitated but stayed silent.

    He rarely interfered with what Linsey chose to do.

    Without another word, she followed Kylee into the kitchen.

    Kylee, slipping effortlessly intomand, gestured toward a heap of fresh vegetables. "Linsey, could you rinse these for me?"

    Linsey nced at the pile, then gave a small nod. "Sure."

    Linsey stepped forward and carefully rinsed the vegetables, ensuring each leaf was spotless.

    Just as she finished, Kylee''s voice cut in. "Linsey, go ahead and prep the meat." Without hesitation, Linsey nodded, taking the meat and nching it to remove any impurities. Her movements were steady, her focus unwavering

    Kylee stood off to the side, arms crossed, eyes narrowing.

    She had expected Linsey to falter-to hesitate, to show even the slightest sign of reluctance. If Linsey looked frustrated, Kylee could easily spin it into aint to Collin.

    But instead, Linsey carried out each task without question-duties beneath her, ones usually handled by the household staff. Worse, she did them with genuine

    care.

    Kylee''s lips curled in a silent, bitterugh.

    Kylee scoffed internally. "Linsey is so calcted. She''s obviously just trying to win Collin over. Does she really think I can''t see through her little act?"

    The more Kylee dwelled on it, the more irritated she became. Linsey was a good actress, no doubt-ying her role so convincingly, all wide-eyed obedience and quiet diligence.

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    Chapter 205 He''s A Wonderful Husband

    Sure, Collin was handsome-anyone could see that. But at the end of the day, he was a man confined to a wheelchair,

    unable to even stand.

    And yet, Linsey had married him willingly. There had to be a reason.

    Kylee''s gaze flicked toward Collin in the other room. To him, Linsey must have seemed like a woman untouched by greed

    someone who didn''t care for wealth, luxury, or material things. But Kylee wasn''t fooled. No one was that selfless.

    It was almost impressive-Linsey had kept up the act for so long without a single misstep.

    Kylee lowered her gaze, lost in thought. Collin had mentioned he still hadn''t revealed his true identity to Linsey.

    So, was she simply biding her time, waiting to secure wealth and power through his status as a member of the Riley family?

    Turning the idea over, Kylee decided to dig a little deeper. She stepped closer, her toneced with concern. "Linsey, has it

    been difficult for you, taking care of Collin all this time? I mean, he can be so distant and reserved. Most people wouldn''t

    even know how to handle someone like him."

    Linsey''s hands paused briefly before she answered, her voice soft but steady. "At first, I did think he was a little hard to

    approach. But over time, I realized he''s actually incredibly kind and thoughtful. He''s a wonderful husband, so no, it hasn''t

    been difficult at all."

    As Linsey spoke, an unguarded softness crossed her face-a quiet sweetness surfacing without her even realizing it.

    Kylee''s lips curled in silent disdain.

    Linsey might be fooled by Collin, but Kylee wasn''t. She knew exactly what kind of man he was.

    This was the same Collin who had built CR Corporation from nothing, carving his way through merciless power struggles without flinching.

    Rivals had tried to crush him. One by one, they had been erased, outmaneuvered, left with nothing.

    Even Gorman-his most persistent adversary-had yet to gain the upper hand.

    A man like that? Capable of tenderness? Kylee nearly scoffed. Linsey had no idea who she had married.

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 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206 Are You Saying Collin Is In Debt

    "Really?" Kylee responded, feigning indifference.

    Then, she was struck by a thought, and a slow smile crept onto her lips.

    She continued, "But if Collin truly cherishes you, why would he let you work? It''s exhausting, and for what? A few measly pennies? If he really loved you, wouldn''t he want you to just rx and enjoy life at home?"

    Linsey''s expression tightened, her displeasure clear. Keeping her tone even, she replied, "I''m more than capable of earning

    my own money. Why should Collin bear all the burdens alone? I''m his wife-we''re meant to share both the joys and the

    struggles. That''s what marriage is."

    Kylee chuckled, clearly amused. "Share both the joys and the struggles, huh? You should be counting your blessings for

    marrying Collin. What hardship could you possibly mean?"

    "Helping him pay off his debt and getting through tough times together," Linsey said while meeting her gaze without

    hesitation.

    Kylee blinked. "Wait-pay off his debt?"

    A beat of silence passed before she leaned in, her confusion deepening. "What debt? Are you saying Collin is in debt?"

    Linsey gave a small nod. "Yeah. He used to owe a hundred million dors. He''s paid off most of it, but he probably still needs money for other things. As his wife, I can''t just stand by and let him struggle alone."

    Kylee froze,pletely blindsided.

    Collin? In debt? That didn''t make any sense.

    He was thest person she would expect to have financial trouble.

    As someone who owned all the assets and shares of CR Corporation, a hundred million dors should have been nothing to

    him.

    Wait... was CR Corporation struggling?

    If Collin was actually in trouble, she needed to keep her distance-before she got dragged into it.

    That unsettling thought took root as Kylee cautiously asked, "Who does Collin owe a hundred million dors to?"

    Linsey responded instantly. "CR Corporation, obviously."

    Kylee''s tension melted instantly. So that was it.

    Linsey actually believed Collin owed money to his ownpany?

    Kylee nearlyughed out loud. It was almost too ridiculous. Linsey clearly had no idea about Collin''s true rtionship with

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    Chapter 206 Are You Saying Collin Is In Debt

    CR Corporation.

    So all that talk about debt-it was just another one of Collin''s lies. He must have fed Linsey a story, and she had swallowed

    it whole.

    As she realized this, Kylee''s disdain for Linsey only deepened.

    Collin had spun so many absurd lies that Kylee could only reach one conclusion- he didn''t take Linsey seriously at all.

    Maybe he yed the role of protector now, but it was probably just for his own amusement.

    Smug delight bubbled up inside Kylee, and before she could stop it, a quietugh slipped out.

    Linsey turned, puzzled. "Why are youughing?"

    Kylee quickly wiped the expression from her face and shrugged. "Oh, nothing. Just thought of a joke."

    She had been overthinking things earlier.

    Linsey was no threat-Kylee saw that clearly now.

    She could handle Linsey however she wanted, and even if Collin found out, he wouldn''t lift a finger to stop her. That much

    was certain.

    Meanwhile, Linsey remained oblivious to Kylee''s shifting demeanor.

    Focused on the ingredients before her, she took a quick nce and pieced together Collin''s food preferences.

    Even if Kylee wasn''t serious about teaching her, she was confident she could learn to make these dishes on her own.

    Kylee leaned against the counter, watching Linsey move about. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at her lips. The girl was wasting her time. And Kylee found the whole thing downright pathetic.

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 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207 Where''s Linsey

    Kylee smirked to herself. No matter how much effort Linsey put into pleasing Collin, it was a lost cause. He didn''t feel a

    thing for her. Wife or not, it wasughable that she didn''t even know who he really

    was.

    Kylee almost pitied her.

    Collin had kept his true identity from Linsey, never once revealing that he was the founder of CR Corporation. But Kylee?

    She knew every detail.

    That was all the proof she needed-she mattered to Collin in a way Linsey never would.

    His interest in Linsey? Just a passing phase. And Kylee had no doubt that, in time, he would lose interestpletely.

    Meanwhile, Linsey remained focused on her task. After an hour of effort, she finally finished preparing the dishes.

    Kylee had imed she had cook dinner for Collin herself, but in reality, she onlyzily chopped a few vegetables while

    Linsey did most of the work.

    Not that Linsey minded. As she surveyed the spread of dishes before her, a quiet sense of aplishment settled in. She

    couldn''t wait to see Collin''s reaction when he tried them.

    The thought brought a smile to her lips.

    Carefully, she lifted a steaming bowl of soup, ready to bring it out to Collin.

    Just as she turned, Kylee suddenly pivoted, knocking into her arm.

    Linsey stumbled, and before she could regain her footing, the bowl slipped from her grasp, crashing to the floor.

    At the same time, some of the hot soup sshed out, hitting the back of Linsey''s hand.

    She cried out in pain, instinctively pulling her hand away.

    But when she looked down at the shattered bowl and the soup pooling on the floor, a sharp pang of disappointment

    stabbed at her.

    The soup had been simmering for over half an hour.

    Kylee feigned panic, her voice rising with exaggerated concern. "Oh no, Linsey, are you okay? I''m so sorry-I didn''t see you

    there!"

    Linsey, her hand trembling from the burn, quickly turned to rinse it under the tap. "I''m fine."

    Kylee couldn''t suppress the smug curl of her lips as she nced at Linsey''s reddened hand, satisfaction gleaming in her

    eyes.

    Kylee turned her attention to the remaining dishes. "Let me help you bring these out so Collin doesn''t have to wait. He

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    Chapter 207 Where''s Linsey

    might be hungry."

    "Alright," Linsey replied, gritting her teeth against the sting in her hand as she continued rinsing it under cold water.

    She would need to put ointment on the burnter.

    Soon enough, Kylee and a few servants made their way to the dining table, carefully carrying the dishes.

    As they reached the table, Kylee shed Collin a bright, almost rehearsed smile. "Collin, it''s all ready. Come try it and see if

    you like it."

    Collin set his financial magazine aside and looked up, his gaze briefly flicking toward the kitchen. "Where''s Linsey?"

    Kylee responded smoothly, "Linsey said I had been doing most of the work, and she was just helping with the finishing

    touches. She''s still cleaning up, though, and told us to eat first. She doesn''t want us to wait for her."

    She then changed the topic. "Collin, try this-I worked really hard on it. If you don''t, I''ll be so disappointed."

    Collin nced away from the kitchen, picked up his utensils, and took a casual bite of one of the dishes. "Not bad," he said,

    his tone indifferent.

    Kylee let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "I''m so d you like it."

    She sat down beside him, letting the silence stretch for a moment before adding, "Collin, the truth is, my return wasn''t

    just about the movie. The real reason is that I identally offended someone. As a result, a lot of my contracts and

    coborations abroad were canceled. If I don''t fix this soon, it''ll seriously affect my future opportunities."

    Collin set his utensils down, his expression turning curious. "Who is it?"

    Kylee let out a soft sigh, her voiceced with frustration as she answered, "It''s Gorman Green."

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 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208 Gorman Is Targeting You Because O...

    Collin''s expression immediately shifted, his brow furrowing. "Gorman? How did you end up getting tangled with him?"

    In response, Kylee let the tears flow, her face twisting in distress. The emotion in her eyes was so raw and convincing that anyone who saw her would feel a tug of sympathy.

    She dabbed at her eyes, voice cracking as she sobbed, "Collin, I honestly don''t know what I did to upset him. Maybe I said

    something without thinking, and it set him off."

    Her voice trembled, thick with emotion. "Everyone knows how unpredictable he can be. No one dares to stand up to him. I really don''t know what to do. You''re the only person I can turn to... or I''ll just lose it."

    After a shaky breath, she tried to steady herself, but desperation still clung to her words. "But Collin, please, don''t worry about me. I''ll figure it out. If my career falls apart because of him... I just... I just hope you won''t abandon me."

    Collin remained silent, his face darkening. He had a pretty good idea of what was really going on.

    Gorman had always been at odds with him, and it seemed likely that he had discovered Kylee''s connection to Collin. This

    was no ident-Gorman was likely targeting Kylee to get to him.

    In short, Collin was the reason Kylee had be a pawn in Gorman''s game.

    Collin exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of it."

    For a fleeting moment, Kylee''s eyes flickered with relief, but she quickly masked it, her concern returning. "But Collin...

    you''ve kept your identity hidden for so long, lived a quiet life. If you get involved with me now, the public will find out.

    It''ll only stir up trouble for you, and I don''t want to be the cause of that."

    "It''s fine. No matter what happens, I won''t just stand by," Collin said with conviction. He turned to look at Kylee, his gaze

    steady. "Gorman is targeting you because of me. This is my fault, and I''ll fix it."

    Kylee''s eyes filled with gratitude, and without thinking, she rushed over and threw herself into his arms. "Collin, thank you for standing up for me! I''m so touched." At that moment, Linsey appeared from the kitchen, having finished cleaning up.

    When she saw them, she froze, her mind going nk for a split second.

    "What''s going on here?" she asked, her voice betraying no emotion.

    Collin hadn''t expected Kylee to throw herself into his arms like that. The sound of Linsey''s voice made his expression shift instantly. Without thinking, he shoved Kylee away.

    Caught off guard, Kylee lost her bnce and fell to the floor with a sharp cry of pain.

    Collin''s eyes quickly shifted to Linsey, whose face was a mixture of confusion and something else he couldn''t quite ce.

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    Chapter 208 Gorman is Targeting You Because Of Me

    For a moment, he was at a loss for words, panic creeping in. "Linsey... don''t misunderstand. I can exin."

    Linsey''s mind wentpletely nk.

    She had only wanted to cheer Collin up, especially after he took her to visit his mother''s grave. She hadn''t wanted him to

    be consumed by past pain.

    Because she cared about his feelings, she had buried her own difort about Kylee.

    Her gut told her that Kylee had feelings for Collin, but she kept convincing herself she was overthinking it.

    After all, Collin had reassured her justst night, telling her not to doubt him.

    But now, in this moment, she was faced with the undeniable sight of Collin and Kylee in a close, intimate embrace.

    Suddenly, memories from the past rushed back-Felix and Joanna betraying her together.

    She tried to take a deep breath, but it felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing her throat, choking her.

    As she struggled to steady herself, it felt as though her heart had been twisted into an unbreakable knot.

    She couldn''t stay here any longer. Without another word, she spun on her heel and fled, vanishing from the dining room in

    mere seconds.

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209 I Think I Twisted My Ankle

    Collin was momentarily frozen, but then he quickly spun his wheelchair around, intent on chasing after Linsey. Kylee, however, stepped directly into his path.

    "Collin... Kylee called out.

    His expression darkened immediately, his voice cold andmanding. "Move."

    Kylee''s eyes widened, her shock quickly giving way to fresh tears that streamed down her face.

    Her features twisted in a mix of confusion and hurt. "Collin, what''s happening to you?"

    She sniffled, her voice small and fragile. This was the first time that he had ever shown anger toward her since their

    childhood.

    And all of it seemed to be because of Linsey.

    Suppressing the reluctance gnawing at her, Kylee bit her lip and quickly transformed her expression into one of pitiful distress. "Collin, I can''t stand... I think I twisted my ankle. It hurts so much."

    At the sound of her voice, Collin paused, his eyes flickering with realization. In the heat of the moment, he had pushed Kylee down.

    He took a deep breath, steadying himself, then turned to his subordinate. In a calm but firm tone, he instructed, "Help Kylee up and take her to the hospital. Be discreet-don''t let the media catch wind of this."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the subordinate replied, moving quickly to assist Kylee.

    Reluctantly, Kylee watched, helpless, as Collin wheeled away, leaving her behind.

    She fumed inwardly. "Damn you, Linsey! How dare you y the victim in front of Collin? What a shameless bitch!"

    "Miss Russell, are you okay?" Collin''s subordinate asked, his voice full of concern as he noticed the sour expression on her face.

    She shot him a brief nce, then carefully masked her irritation with a calm smile. "Yes, thank you."

    After all, he was Collin''s subordinate, and she had to maintain a certain image. Thest thing she needed was for Collin''s people to start badmouthing her. That would ruin everything.

    Meanwhile, Linsey hadn''t gotten far. She had only distanced herself enough to escape the painful sight of Collin with

    another woman.

    At that moment, Linsey was hidden away in the back garden of the vi, crouched a secluded corner, tears falling freely. After being betrayed by Felix and Joanna, she had closed herself off from love, from trusting men.

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    Chapter 209 I Think I Twisted My Ankle

    Then Collin hade into her life, offering warmth and care. Gradually, she had let herself trust him again.

    But never, in her worst imaginings, had she thought she would witness Collin holding Kylee in his arms right before her

    eyes.

    What had happened when she wasn''t there?

    Collin and Kylee had shared a long history, tied by childhood memories. She, on the other hand, had only known Collin for

    a short time. How could she ever hope topete for a real ce in his heart?

    For a moment, an overwhelming wave of dejection washed over her, and her confidence crumbled.

    Then, a familiar voice broke through the silence.

    "Linsey, are you there?"

    Her body tensed at the sound, and without thinking, she jumped to her feet, ready to flee.

    She couldn''t face Collin right now.

    Seeing Linsey about to walk away, Collin instinctively moved to follow her.

    But he stopped short, his eyes falling on his wheelchair. A deep sigh escaped him, helplessness washing over him.

    If only he didn''t have to fake his disability in front of Linsey. Things would be so much simpler.

    But to keep her safe, he had no other option.

    The fear of losing her drove him to act. As Linsey was about to walk away, he noticed a step in front of him and, without

    thinking, propelled himself forward. Hended heavily on the grass with a thud.

    Sure enough, the noise reached Linsey''s ears. She spun around, her eyes widening in shock as she saw Collin lying on the

    ground. "Collin!"

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 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210 Collin, Let Me

    Go!

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat as she rushed toward Collin, panic rising. She quickly reached out, helping him up with

    urgency.

    "Collin, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"

    Before she could say another word, Collin''s hand shot out, gripping her wrist firmly.

    A faint, knowing smile tugged at his lips as his eyes held hers, unyielding. "Linsey, I''ve finally got you."

    Linsey froze for a moment, realization crashing over her-Collin had staged the fall just to make here back.

    She exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Collin, you jerk! Why would you pull a stunt like this? Let me go!"

    She fought with everything she had, but no matter how much she struggled, his grip remained unyielding.

    With a gentle but firm pull, he yanked her against his solid chest, and she gasped in surprise.

    He held her tightly, not giving her a chance to break free.

    They were so close she could feel the warmth radiating from his body, and the scent that clung to him was unmistakable. His usual clean, fresh scent was now mixed with a heavy, distinctly feminine perfume.

    Her face flushed with anger, and a wave of nausea swept over her. With all her strength, she shoved against his chest.

    "Collin, let me go!"

    For now, her mind was consumed by the image of Collin and Kylee wrapped in each other''s arms, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t shake it.

    As Collin held her tightly, desperately trying to keep her from pulling away, he rushed to exin, "Linsey, listen to me. It was all a misunderstanding. There''s nothing between Kylee and me. We were just talking, and out of nowhere, she got excited and hugged me. I didn''t see iting..."

    Linsey''s face remained expressionless, her eyes t as she processed his words, finding them utterly ridiculous.

    She had heard excuses like these before-from Felix.

    Back then, Felix had pleaded just as desperately, insisting there was nothing between him and Joanna.

    Yet, on their wedding day, Felix had turned his back on her without a second thought, choosing Joanna instead.

    "Collin, I can''t bring myself to trust you right now," Linsey said, her voice shaky. "You know what I''ve been through with my ex, and the excuses you''re giving me are exactly like the ones he made. I can''t do this again."

    Her eyes brimmed with tears.

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    Chapter 210 Collin, Let Me Gol

    Collin stood there, speechless for a moment, his mind racing.

    He knew he had made a mistake sitting too close to Kylee earlier.

    He should have been more careful with Kylee from the beginning.

    Last night, Linsey had already been unsettled by her arrival, and now he had made everything worse with his carelessness.

    The guilt gnawed at him, his frustration building. He pulled Linsey closer, unwilling to let her slip away.

    "Linsey, believe me," he said, his voice soft but insistent. "I swear, this won''t happen again. From now on, I''ll keep my

    distance from other women. Only you."

    Linsey felt the pressure of his embrace tighten, his scent enveloping her, and it

    became harder to breathe, her head swirling with confusion.

    "Collin, do I have to repeat myself? Let go of me!" she snapped, her voice trembling with fury.

    "No chance. If I let you go now, you''ll just run off again," he countered, his tone firm and unyielding.

    Her frustration boiled over. With a surge of anger, she gritted her teeth, then, without hesitation, leaned in and sank her

    teeth into his arm.

    He flinched, a muffled groan slipping from his lips, his breath catching as the pain

    hit.

    At first, her bite was a warning. But when he still didn''t release her, she bit down harder, determined to make him feel the

    sting.

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 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211 I''m Not Moving Until You Forgiv...

    Linsey''s teeth sank into Collin''s arm, breaking the skin with a sharp sting. Blood welled up almost immediately.

    She tasted it, her eyes widening in shock, before quickly pulling away. The mark she left behind-bloodied and raw-was

    undeniable.

    Her chest tightened; she was torn between confusion and something darker.

    Why didn''t he pull away? Was he numb? Was he really okay with this?

    Collin inhaled slowly, his gaze drifting to the mark on his arm. A quiet chuckle escaped him, followed by a low, teasing

    voice. "So, how''s that? Feel better? If not, I can let you take a few more bites until you''re done with your anger."

    Linsey stared at him, incredulous, but his face remained asposed as ever. After a long silence, she blurted, "Collin, are

    you out of your mind? I bit you so hard you''re bleeding, and you still won''t let go?"

    Collin''s voice was steady, unwavering. "I''m not letting go, no matter what. Linsey, please don''t be angry. I can''t picture my life without you."

    Her gaze flickered to his arm, blood staining his skin. "You''re bleeding," she said sharply.

    He shrugged it off, unfazed. "I knew."

    She tried to pull away again, but his grip only tightened, unyielding. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and her teeth clenched.

    "Collin, you''re bleeding! Let go of me, and I''ll take you inside to get that dressed."

    He stared at her, unblinking, his resolve unwavering. "I''m not moving until you forgive me. Besides, now you can stay here

    with me and enjoy the view of the garden."

    "You..." She fumed, momentarily speechless, the anger simmering inside her.

    But as his blood continued to seep out, her worry crept in, slowly overwhelming her.

    Sighing in frustration, she closed her eyes, giving in.

    She couldn''t help but wonder why she was always so soft when it came to him.

    "Fine, I won''t run off. Let go, and I''ll take care of your wound," she said, taking a slow, controlled breath.

    But Collin didn''t budge. He was too afraid that if he let go, she might slip away again.

    If this misunderstanding wasn''t cleared up tonight, he feared she might never speak to him again.

    Linsey waited, counting the seconds before frustration began to edge into her voice. "Collin, are you going to let go or not?"

    "Will you run off again?" he asked, his voice low.

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    Chapter 211 I''m Not Moving Until You Forgive Me

    "No, I won''t!" Linsey bit out, her tone almost amused by her own exasperation. "You may enjoy lying here staring at the

    stars, but I''m not that patient."

    He clenched his jaw, then released her, his concern growing that she might catch a cold from lying on the damp grass.

    Without a word, Linsey sat up quickly, her movements sharp and purposeful.

    When she looked back at him, their eyes locked for a moment. She noticed the cautious uncertainty in his expression.

    She didn''t leave as she could have. Instead, she helped him to his feet, guiding him back to his wheelchair with gentle

    assurance.

    "Let''s go inside and get that cleaned up," she said, her voice calmer now.

    By the time she wheeled him into the living room, her nerves had settled, though the weight of the evening still hung in

    the air.

    She retrieved the first aid kit, her hands steady as she carefully examined the wound on his arm.

    It wasn''t until she had the wound in front of her that she realized how badly she had bitten him.

    A knot of unease twisted in her chest. Her anger had been overwhelming, and in the heat of the moment, she had put

    everything into that bite.

    The bite was deeper than she thought. It made sense now why the blood kepting.

    As she carefully cleaned the wound, she felt a subtle shift-his eyes were on her.

    For a split second, she froze, caught off guard. Quickly, she turned her attention back to his arm, feeling the heat rise to

    her face.

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 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212 I Won''t Do

    Business With Them

    After dressing Collin''s wound, Linsey studied his face, searching for any sign of difort.

    Was he some kind of painless miracle? The cut had been deep, and the blood loss should have made him wince, but

    instead, he barely flinched.

    He only let out a soft breath, as though it were nothing. Caught in her thoughts, she stared at him.

    Collin noticed her gaze and, with a subtle smile, asked, "What''s going on, Linsey?"

    She blinked, snapping back to reality, and raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure nothing''s off with how you feel pain?"

    He took a brief pause before answering, his voice steady. "I''ve been through worse. This is nothing."

    As he spoke, she couldn''t help but recall the rough treatment he had endured from his family. It made sense now-his pain

    tolerance was extraordinary. A wave of sympathy washed over her.

    After a moment, she nced around, changing the subject. "Where''s Kylee?"

    Collin responded casually, "Sheined about her leg hurting, so I had someone take her to the hospital.¡±

    He hesitated for a beat before adding, "She won''t be back tonight."

    Linsey froze, surprised. "Why not?"

    "I made other arrangements for her," he said, his tone serious as he met her gaze. "Linsey, please don''t misunderstand. I

    promise, I''ll stay away from Kylee from now on. Can you stop being angry with me?"

    Before Linsey could respond, he quickly added, ¡°It''s not just Kylee. I''ll keep my distance from all other women, too."

    A yful grin tugged at his lips as he continued, "From now on, only you, Linsey, get to be close to me."

    Linsey found herself frozen for a moment, captivated by the warmth of his smile.

    Although Collin''s words echoed what Felix had once said, there was a sharp contrast. Back then, when Felix had learned of

    her concerns, he hadn''tforted her. Instead, he had med her for being unreasonable.

    But Collin... Collin didn''t judge her or dismiss her feelings. He made her a promise-one that felt both sincere and unwavering.

    An unfamiliar emotion stirred within her chest.

    Her heart began to race, despite herself.

    "Then... what about your work? You''ll always have female business partners,

    won''t you?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

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    Chapter 2121 Won''t Do Business With Them

    Without hesitation, he answered, "I won''t do business with them."

    His response caught her off guard, and before she could stop herself, she burst intoughter, amused by his unexpected

    answer.

    Collin watched herugh, unsure of the reason, and felt a flicker of confusion. Yet, beneath it, a wave of relief washed over

    him.

    "What''s funny?" he asked, pausing as a slight frown creased his brow. "You don''t believe me?"

    Before she could respond, he pulled his phone from his pocket. "I''ll call right now and cancel every partnership with my

    female clients."

    Linsey froze, startled by the seriousness in his tone. She quickly reached out to stop him. "Collin, you''re kidding, right?"

    But Collin remained unfazed, his expression resolute. ¡°Linsey, I''m not kidding.¡±

    "Alright, alright," she said with a sigh, giving in. "Fine, I believe you. Just drop the drama."

    She shoved the phone back into his pocket, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement. "Collin, I''m starting to think

    you''re a little out of your mind sometimes."

    Her brow furrowed. "This is between us. There''s no need to drag other people into

    it. And the whole ''staying away from all

    women'' thing? It''s over the top.¡±

    She then added," Besides, how could you just cancel business deals over

    something so small? Your partners haven''t done

    anything wrong. If you start backing out of deals like this, who''s going to want to

    work with you next time? Collin, don''t

    you care how this might affect your reputation?¡±

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 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213 I Promise It Won''t Happen Again

    Collin looked at Linsey with an intensity that made her heart race, his hands gently cradling her face. "Linsey,pared to you, everything else is nothing-my reputation, my business, all of it. I''d give it all up I''d give it all up if it meant you''d

    believe me. If you still don''t trust me..."

    Before he could finish, Linsey, fearing he might do something drastic to prove his point, quickly pressed her palm to his

    mouth. "Okay, okay. I believe you."

    His eyes lit up with relief and joy. He gently took her hand away and, with a surprised smile, asked, "Really? Linsey, you

    actually believe me?"

    Collin''s hopeful gaze made Linsey''s heart ache, softening her resolve.

    She took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay firm. She couldn''t let herself forgive him so easily.

    She had been hurt before, and she couldn''t afford to let history repeat itself.

    After a brief pause, she spoke, her voice steady. "Collin, I''ll let this slide-for now. But if you ever put me in a position to

    doubt you again, I won''t be so forgiving."

    Collin''s grip on her hand tightened, his voice sincere. "I promise it won''t happen again."

    Linsey studied his face for a moment. Then, despite herself, a smile tugged at her lips.

    Her smile eased the tension between them. Grinning, he pulled her into aforting embrace.

    The misunderstanding was behind them, and once again, they felt like the loving couple they were meant to be.

    Meanwhile, Kylee was on her way to the hospital with one of Collin''s subordinates.

    After a thorough check-up, the doctor reassured her that there was nothing physically wrong with her leg.

    Kylee was fully aware that her injury was a fabrication to manipte Collin, though it hadn''t worked.

    Once her visit was over, she climbed into the car, the driver already waiting.

    Kylee had nned to focus on driving a wedge between Collin and Linsey when she saw themter.

    But now, she was thrown off course when she noticed the car veering away from the familiar route to Vista Vi.

    Her brows furrowed as she questioned, "What''s going on? Aren''t we supposed to head back to Vista Vi? Where are we going?"

    The driver, calm andposed, met her gaze through the rearview mirror. "Miss Russell, Mr. Riley has arranged for you to stay at a five-star hotel. It''s more secure, offers excellent service, and will be morefortable than Vista Vi."

    Kylee''s lips pressed into a thin line, irritation ring inside her.

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    Chapter 2131 Promise It Won''t Happen Again

    What did a luxury hotel matter, no matter how fancy it was? It wasn''t what she wanted.

    Kylee''s mind spun in confusion. Why would Collin change his mind so suddenly? They had already agreed she would stay at Vista Vi for a few days. Something didn''t add up.

    "Did Collin really tell you to take me to a hotel?" she asked, disbelief creeping into her voice. "No way, Collin wouldn''t do this to me! This wasn''t his idea, right?"

    Then, realization hit her, and a cold, seething thought ran through her mind.

    "It must be that bitch Linsey who turned Collin against me. She must''ve twisted his mind-that''s why he''s doing this!

    Damn you, Linsey!"

    A dark glint shed in Kylee''s eyes, and a wave of vengeful thoughts clouded her judgment.

    Kylee''s fingers shook as she hurriedly dialed Collin''s number, only to watch the call fail.

    Panic gripped her chest, and without thinking, she opened WhatsApp to send him a message-only to freeze when she saw

    that Collin had blocked her.

    Her heart pounded as the weight of the situation crashed down on her. For the first time, she felt truly uneasy.

    You have unlocked exclusive limited-time benefits>>

    im Now

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214 Can We Put

    This Behind Us

    "Collin, you can''t just shut me out like this!" Kylee murmured to herself.

    She hade back to the country for one reason-she had crossed Gorman in the worst way imaginable.

    The only person with enough power to stand up to him was Collin. He was herst chance at fixing this disaster.

    If Collin turned his back on her now, she was finished.

    Panic coiled in her chest, tightening with every second. She lunged forward, gripping the arm of Collin''s subordinate in the

    front seat. "Call Collin. Right now!" Her voice shook with urgency.

    The subordinate didn''t even blink. His tone stayed level, almost indifferent. "Miss Russell, if you have something to say, I

    can pass it along to Mr. Riley."

    Kylee''s eyes widened, shock tightening her chest. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you saying Collin''s shutting me out

    for good? We''ve been friends for years! He wouldn''t just cut me off like this!"

    But the subordinate didn''t so much as flinch. His tone remained t, unwavering. "I''m just following Mr. Riley''s

    instructions. If you refuse to cooperate, you''ll only make things harder for both of

    us."

    Frustration burned in her chest, but she bit back her anger.

    This subordinate had been by Collin''s side for years. Crossing him would only m the door shut on herst chance.

    She drew in a slow, measured breath, forcing herself to keep her voice steady. "I understand."

    Kylee fell silent, forcing herself to stop protesting as the subordinate drove her to the hotel. But a sharp glint of malice

    flickered in her eyes.

    "This had to be Linsey''s doing. While I was away, that scheming bitch must have filled Collin''s head with lies. That''s why

    he is shutting her out. Linsey, you''d better watch yourself," Kylee thought bitterly as her fingers curled into fists.

    The next morning, Linsey arrived at work like any other day. But the moment she stepped into the office, Coen was already striding toward her, irritation clear on his face. "Linsey, why are you sote today?"

    She blinked, caught off guard. Late? This was the same time she always came in.

    Before she could get a word in, Coen said impatiently, "Just put your things down and get to the reception room. Now. Miss Russell is waiting."

    Linsey barely had time to process before the pieces clicked into ce.

    After yesterday''s mess at Vista Vi, Collin had arranged another ce for Kylee to stay.

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    Chapter 214 Can We Put This Behind Us

    And now, Kylee was probably here to rece her with another designer in thepany.

    A dull ache settled in Linsey''s chest. She had poured so much into this design-so close to finishing, just a little more to go.

    But there was nothing she could do. She would just have to move on to the next

    one.

    "Got it," she said, keeping her voice even. Then, without wasting another second, she headed for the reception room.

    Linsey braced herself before stepping inside, fully expecting hostility from Kylee.

    But the moment she opened the door, she was caught off guard. Kylee rose to her feet with a warm smile, as if they were

    old friends.

    "Linsey, there you are!" Before Linsey could react, Kylee reached for her hand, gripping it with practiced ease. ¡°I owe you an apology," she said, her voice dripping with sincerity. "I''m really sorry if my carelessness upset you yesterday." Linsey hesitated, momentarily thrown by the sudden shift in demeanor.

    Kylee''s smile softened, her voice turning almost pleading. "I hope there are no hard feelings. I''ve known Collin for years, so of course I lean on him sometimes. I never meant for you to misunderstand our rtionship."

    She gave Linsey''s hand a gentle squeeze. "Can we put this behind us?"

    Kylee''s words were so warm, so wlessly delivered, that Linsey couldn''t find a single crack in them.

    A tangle of emotions stirred inside her. Maybe Kylee really was being sincere.

    She pressed her lips together, turning it over in her mind. Holding a grudge over something so minor-wouldn''t that be

    petty?

    After all, Collin and Kylee had been friends for years.

    Linsey exhaled quietly, letting her shoulders ease. "Kylee, I overreacted

    yesterday. Collin already exined everything to me, so don''t worry. I''m not upset

    with either of you."

    Her voice softened as she met Kylee''s gaze.

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 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215 I''ll Give This Design My All

    Kylee sighed with relief and then hesitantly asked, "Since you''ve forgiven me, can we proceed with the coborative design we initially agreed on, right?"

    Linsey was genuinely taken aback by this.

    It surprised her that Kylee was ready to move past their previous disagreements and still wanted her to design the gown. "Do you really still want me to design for you, Kylee?" Linsey inquired.

    With a gentle smile, Kylee responded warmly, "I know Collin well. He''s a good person, so I''m willing to trust you as well. Personal issues shouldn''t affect our professional work, right?"

    This made Linsey feel even more remorseful.

    She had been unsettled by how close Kylee and Collin appeared justst night, yet here was Kylee, exhibiting such magnanimity and professionalism. No wonder she was a star.

    A pang of guilt struck Linsey, and she nodded earnestly.

    "Don''t worry. Your trust in me won''t be misced. I''ll give this design my all," Linsey assured Kylee.

    ¡°I have faith in you,¡± Kylee said, encouraging her with a smile.

    They continued to discuss the design specifics for some time.

    Soon after, Linsey rose to leave.

    As the door to the reception room shut, Kylee''s warm smile disappeared instantly.

    Her face turned stone cold, her eyes ring with open malice and hatred.

    "Linsey," she muttered through clenched teeth.

    Taking a deep breath, she picked up a sterilized hand towel and began meticulously cleaning her hands.

    "Dealing with you disgusts me," Kylee sneered.

    Once done, she threw the towel into the trash with a sharp, disdainful gesture, as though she were discarding Linsey

    herself.

    Recalling Linsey''s earnest reply, she twisted her lips into a scornful sneer. "Linsey, your naivety borders on stupidity," she said with a chillyugh. "Do you consider yourself a renowned designer? Do you actually believe I respect your skills?"

    Her eyes narrowed menacingly, a calcting expression flickering across her face.

    "Linsey, just you wait. This time, you''ll endure severe consequences and realize what it means to vie with me over a man."

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    Chapter 215 T Give This Design My All

    Linsey was unexpectedly pleased to find that Kylee was still open to coboration.

    Determined to prove herself, Linsey decided to invest extra effort to perfect her design.

    Thus, she began to work extended hours and, within two days, finished the initial draft.

    Upon submitting the draft to Kylee, she promptly received a positive response. With the draft approved, Linsey was ready to start on the final product.

    Her n was to coborate with several skilled colleagues as she had previously. However, when she approached Coen for assistance, he outright declined.

    "Linsey, working with Kylee differs from our previous project with Anthea," Coen exined gravely. "The gown Kylee will debut at her first public appearance since returning from abroad must remain strictly confidential."

    He continued, "Should this design leak and be disseminated by those with hidden agendas, it could damage both her image. and our reputation. Therefore, you must handle thepletion of this gown independently. Do you understand?"

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 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216 What Are You Doing Here

    Coen nced at Linsey, then paused as if recalling something. "It''s not easy making the dress on your own, but Kylee gave us plenty of time. You don''t need to stress. You''ll have more than enough time to finish it."

    Considering Kylee''s superstar status, Linsey figured that made sense. She sighed, still hesitant. "What about my other work?" "I''ll take care of everything," Coen immediately assured her. "Just focus on Kylee''s dress for the next few days."

    His reassurance eased her worries.

    For the next week, Linsey spent nearly every waking hour in the studio, cutting fabric and refining details. More often than not, she worked straight through meals,pletely absorbed.

    Each day, it was Collin''s calls that pulled her away from her work, reminding her to take a break.

    After several more days of meticulous work, Linsey finallypleted the dress.

    She stepped back and took in the finished design. A deep sense of aplishment settled over her.

    With Kylee''s red carpet event approaching, she couldn''t help but hope for a chance to see the dress in action. The thought sent a thrill of excitement through Linsey.

    As the night stretched on, her colleagues began leaving one by one.

    "Linsey, it''s gettingte. You should head home," a colleague called from the doorway.

    Linsey nodded. Then, she carefully draped a protective cloth over the mannequin before locking it inside the ss cab.

    Thepany provided secure storage for valuable designs, and she made sure the lock was fastened properly.

    An hour after Linsey left, a shadowy figure slipped into the studio.

    It was Cynthia. She had been keeping a low profile for some time not because she had changed her ways, but because she was waiting for the perfect moment to act on Kylee''s n.

    That moment had finally arrived. The very night Linseypleted the dress, Cynthia decided to make her move.

    She navigated the dimly lit studio with ease and headed straight for the ss cab. With a spare key she had stolen from

    Coen, she quietly unlocked it.

    As the door clicked open, her breath hitched.

    "How is this possible?" she whispered, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Linsey had created a masterpiece all by herself..."

    Cynthia clenched her fists, her eyes burning with jealousy.

    The thought of Linsey gaining recognition for this dress made her stomach twist with rage.

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    Chapter 216 What Are You Doing Here

    No. She couldn''t let that happen.

    Cynthia''s gaze darkened as an idea took shape. A slow, triumphantugh escaped her lips.

    "Linsey, it doesn''t matter how good your design is. You''re going to fail soon enough." A smirk curled at the corners of her mouth.

    While waiting for a ride outside thepany building, Linsey shivered as a sudden sneeze escaped her.

    The cold night air bit at her skin as she hurriedly opened her ride-hailing app.

    "It''s toote. I can''t find a ride," she muttered, frustration creeping in.

    Collin had told her before that if she ever got stuck like this, she could call him, and he woulde pick her up.

    But she didn''t want to bother him.

    As she stood there hesitating, a car pulled up in front of her.

    The window rolled down, and Linsey''s breath caught. A familiar face stared back at her.

    "What are you doing here?" she asked, startled.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217 Is Collin Really

    That Difficult

    The person in the car was none other than Dustin.

    Upon seeing Linsey, he raised an eyebrow in surprise and nced at the

    here sote?"

    Linsey, not giving it much thought, replied, "I just got off work."

    When he heard this, Dustin''s surprise deepened. ¡°You work at CR Corporation? In what role?"

    He joked, "With your looks, you could be a receptionist."

    But how could he not know about this? He frequented CR Corporation so regrly, it seemed unlikely he hadn''t noticed

    Linsey.

    Fight the urge to roll her eyes at him, Linsey said, "I''m a designer in the Fashion Design Department."

    A designer, really?

    Dustin''s expression transformed into one of admiration.

    Securing a designer position at CR Corporation required notable talent or a well- established reputation.

    He had pegged Linsey as an ordinary individual, yet here she was, revealing her significant aplishments.

    "You''re really good at keeping secrets, aren''t you?" He chuckled.

    Linsey felt slightly ufortable with Dustin''s lighthearted teasing.

    She responded calmly, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll be on my way."

    As she turned to leave, Dustin quickly called out, "Wait."

    Linsey turned around, puzzled.

    "Look, it''ste, and finding a cab might be tough. Can I give you a ride home? It isn''t safe for a woman to be out alone at

    this hour," Dustin offered.

    The thought was tempting to Linsey.

    Indeed, cabs were scarce.

    But... she hesitated as she looked at Dustin.

    Her trust in him wasn''t fully established yet.

    Her reluctance was clear, and Dustin responded with a lightugh. "I''m friends with Collin. What''s there to worry about? If it really bothers you, call him right now and check."

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    19:44

    Chapter 217 Is Collin Really That Difficult

    Dustin''s earnestness made Linsey reconsider her initial doubts.

    He was acquainted with Collin and had even assisted her previously with an issue concerning the orphanage.

    Considering his apparent wealth, perhaps he had even supported Collin in settling a substantial debt with CR Corporation.

    After a moment of contemtion, Linsey rxed.

    It was clear from Dustin''s demeanor that he wasn''t the type to hassle someone he considered ordinary.

    She softened her expression and said quietly, "Thank you."

    Linsey opened the passenger door and slid into the car.

    As Dustin started the engine, he chuckled. "Perfect timing. I''ve got something to discuss with Collin tonight. I''ll make sure you get home safely, and then we''ll see how he can still challenge me after that."

    Hearing this, Linsey was momentarily taken aback and asked curiously, "Challenge you? Is Collin really that difficult? I find

    that hard to believe."

    Dustin clicked his tongue. "You''ve only been married a short while, so you probably haven''t seen all his moods. Collin can be unpredictable. If you say the wrong thing, it might turn really awkward."

    Seeing Dustin so earnest, Linsey found it a bit strange.

    "That doesn''t seem quite right. But you''re a member of the Wade family, and you manage certain affairs for CR Corporation. Why would you need to be so cautious around Collin?" she blurted out.

    Dustin nearly choked, coughing as he almost bit his tongue in surprise.

    He was just making conversation and nearly revealed too much.

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 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218 He Won''t Behave Like That Again

    Dustin cleared his throat and sighed. "Well, you know Collin''s early car ident left him with a disability, and his family''s cold treatment has certainly shaped his somber personality. We should be more understanding and not hold trivial grudges,

    right?"

    Linsey was taken aback by Dustin''s insightfulments.

    Previously, she had pegged Dustin as a mere yboy who spent his time flirting.

    Now, she saw him in a new light.

    Dustin had proven himself a loyal friend, standing by Collin even in tough times.

    Collin was fortunate to have such a reliable friend like Dustin.

    After a pause, Linsey reassured him, "Don''t worry. He won''t behave like that again. I''ll remind him to be nicer to you."

    Dustin raised an eyebrow. "So, Collin listens to you?"

    "Of course, I''m his wife. Who else would he listen to?" she responded confidently. Dustin was taken aback. He knew Collin wasn''t one to be easily influenced.

    Yet, given Collin''s deep care for Linsey, Dustin wondered how far Collin might go to please her.

    "You should keep an eye on him to ensure he doesn''t inadvertently offend anyone in business. Given his delicate position within the Riley family and the effort he''s put into his career, he can''t afford any missteps due to his temper," Dustin advised pragmatically.

    Linsey agreed, "You''re right. I''ll handle it."

    Shortly thereafter, Dustin''s car arrived at Vista Vi.

    Dustin exited the car swiftly and walked briskly towards the entrance without waiting for Linsey.

    Upon spotting Josh, he immediately asked, "Josh, is Collin in the study? I need to talk to him."

    Josh, ustomed to Dustin''s rxed demeanor, nodded and answered, "He''s in the kitchen, cooking."

    "What?!" Dustin eximed, so startled he thought he might have misheard. "Are you telling me Collin is cooking? Seriously?"

    Linsey, who was a few steps behind, overheard and added, "Really? Why would Collin decide to start cooking all of a

    sudden?"

    Josh offered Linsey a warm smile and exined, "Mr. Riley knows you''ve been overwhelmed with work recently, so he wanted to make something to help boost your energy."

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    Chapter 218 He Won''t Behave Like That Again

    Despite the sincerity in Josh''s voice, Dustin was skeptical.

    Collin''s recent actions had been unusually considerate towards Linsey. It seemed every unusual thing he did was for her

    benefit.

    Dustin marveled to himself at this change. Collin had been single for many years, but since falling for Linsey, he had

    devoted himselfpletely to her.

    Curiosity getting the better of him, Dustin marched towards the kitchen, muttering, "Collin hardly ever cooks. I have to see

    what he''s managed to prepare."

    Linsey, hearing Dustin''s remarks, also grew curious.

    She realized she had never actually tasted anything made by Collin before.

    However, before they could reach the kitchen, a sudden, startling explosion echoed from within.

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 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219 Why Did The Microwave Explode

    Linsey and Dustin recoiled in shock.

    "Collin!" Linsey rushed past Dustin and darted into the kitchen.

    Upon entering, she was met with the aftermath of a microwave explosion, its contents strewn all over.

    Near the chaos, Collin sat in his wheelchair, his expression one of sheer astonishment, obviously unprepared for the appliance''s meltdown.

    Without giving the ruined microwave a second nce, Linsey hurried to Collin, gentlyying a hand on his shoulder, her

    voiceced with concern. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

    "I''m fine," Collin responded, his gaze locked on the cookbook in hisp,

    bewildered. "Why did the microwave explode?"

    Relieved to hear Collin was uninjured, Linsey let out a sigh of relief.

    She turned back to the microwave, spotted the egg remnants, and quickly pieced

    it together. "Eggs in their shells can''t go in.

    the microwave. They burst due to the pressure inside."

    Collin''s frown deepened. "I just wanted to make you dinner, you''ve been so busytely."

    "It looks like something went wrong with the process; that''s why it blew up," Linsey reasoned.

    Collin looked as if he had been wronged. He hesitated, then announced, "Wait here, I''ll try to make something else."

    "No, let''s not." Linsey quickly intervened. "Cooking should be left to those who know how. If you keep this up, you''ll only

    create more mess for us to clean."

    As she spoke, she affectionately ruffled Collin''s hair, teasing him. "Looks like there are things you can''t master after all. That makes me feel a little better about my own skills!"

    Collin managed a small smile at Linsey''s yful jab.

    "You''re right. I shouldn''t make more work for everyone," he conceded, looking down at his stained clothes. "I''ll go change."

    "Alright," Linsey said softly.

    Just then, a click sounded at the kitchen door.

    Collin was about to navigate his wheelchair when he spotted Dustin at the doorway, taking a photo with his phone.

    Upon meeting Collin''s gaze, Dustin quickly attempted to hide his phone, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

    "Dustin, what are you up to?" Collin asked, clearly annoyed.

    "Hey, don''t look at me like that! I wasn''t doing anything," Dustin protested loudly. 0.0%

    19:45

    Chapter 219 Why Did The Microwave

    He felt a twinge of annoyance. Linsey had assured him during their car ride that Collin wasn''t as difficult as he seemed. Yet here was Collin, treating him with the same old disdain.

    Dustin silentlymented to himself how Collin always seemed to treat him differently. He wished Linsey could see this disparity, as Collin was never as nice to him as he was to her.

    Collin narrowed his eyes and wheeled closer, fixing Dustin with a stern look. "I saw you taking a picture. Delete it now, or don''t me me if I get really upset."

    Dustin''s eyes flickered around as he scrambled for a way out of the confrontation.

    He had always seen Collin as theposed, untouchable one.

    This disheveled, agitated version of Collin was new to him.

    Reflecting on the photo he had captured, Dustin felt a strong urge to keep it.

    It was a snapshot of a rare, unguarded moment.

    Perhaps, he mused, this photo could serve as yful leverage against Collin in the future.

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 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220 You Look Really Handsome In This...

    Dustin yfully teased, "Collin, it''s your first time cooking, a moment to remember. I''m just capturing it for you!"

    However, Collin was not buying it. His displeasure deepened with each passing moment.

    Indeed, it was his first attempt at cooking, but he had failed spectacrly, embarrassing himself in front of Linsey. What was there really to celebrate?

    Dustin appeared intent on provoking him.

    The more Collin dwelled on it, the angrier he got.

    Just as he was about to snap, Linsey, who was right beside him, casually asked, "Mr. Wade, can I see the photo you just

    took?"

    Hearing Linsey''s voice calmed Collin immediately.

    He looked over at Linsey, filled with curiosity, and the demand to delete the photo he had been about to make was quickly

    retracted.

    Without any hesitation, Dustin eagerly showed Linsey the photo on his phone.

    "See? I''m pretty good at this, right? The lighting, theposition-everyone would agree they''re great."

    Linsey examined the photo. It showed Collin looking less reserved and more naturally disheveled, which added warmth and

    charm to his appearance.

    She thought Collin looked even more handsome in the kitchen than usual.

    Smiling, she mused, "Is this what they mean by ''beauty is in the eye of the beholder''?"

    The more Linsey viewed the photo, the more she liked it.

    She soon realized she had no photos of Collin on her phone.

    "Mr. Wade, could you send me this photo to keep?" she requested.

    Linsey felt a twinge of regret for not having captured any moments with Collin herself.

    She had no photos of him, nor any of them together.

    Dustin readily agreed, "Of course! Let''s exchange numbers on WhatsApp."

    Seeing them exchange contact information made Collin unexpectedly jealous.

    Dustin''s cheeky smile was beginning to irritate him.

    What was he still doing here anyway?

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    Chapter 220 You Look Really Handsome In This One

    Collin grasped Linsey''s wrist, his expression troubled as he murmured, "Linsey, there''s no need for that. I can take plenty

    of photos for you."

    Linsey blinked and responded with a smile, "Alright, make sure to take more of meter on."

    Collin exhaled in relief, poised to suggest she shouldn''t add Dustin on WhatsApp. However, they had already connected on

    the app.

    Dustin noticed a look of resignation on Collin''s face and suppressed a chuckle.

    "You look really handsome in this one." Linsey opened the photo, saved it, then showed it to Collin.

    "Look, Mr. Wade''s skills in candid photography are quite impressive. It''s thanks to him we have this memorable photo." Linsey smiled, tucked her phone away, and dered earnestly, "I''m going to keep this photo secure. Even if I switch phones.

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 Chapter 221`

    Chapter 221 You''re Truly

    A Devoted Husband

    Linsey still remembered the promise she had made to Dustin earlier in his car-to speak highly of him in front of Collin.

    This gesture would likely lessen the chance of Dustin steering clear of future meetings with Collin.

    Knowing how seldom Collin made friends, Linsey was keen to prevent a fleeting impulse from ruining his rtionship with

    Dustin

    Yet, Collin perceived the situation through a different lens. He noted Linsey''s genuine appreciation for the photograph,

    which coaxed him into extending a reluctant olive branch toward Dustin.

    After agreeing to keep the photograph, Collin made sure to caution Dustin. "This is a one-time thing. Do not take photos

    without permission again."

    Linsey softly patted Collin''s shoulder, urging gently, "Come on, don''t be so mean."

    Collin paused, seemed about to justify himself, then finally admitted in his defense. "I wasn''t being harsh. Just giving a

    reminder."

    Dustin, observing all this, marveled quietly to himself.

    He recognized that soliciting Linsey''s assistance had been a wise decision. The shift in Collin''s demeanor was immediate

    and remarkable.

    It struck him then-had he ever noticed how adept Collin was at modting his emotions?

    Simultaneously, Dustin experienced a quiet shock.

    Collin, typically so resolute and unwavering, was now taking heed of a woman''s advice.

    Was this moment more a testament to Linsey''s influence or a nod to Collin''s newfound adaptability?

    Linseyughed lightly, flicking away some dust from Collin''s jacket.

    Collin raised his hand, signaling her to stop, and murmured, "It''s dirty. Don''t touch it."

    "Then go change quickly. I''ll have the staff clean up the kitchen,¡± Linsey said as she turned to seek the maids out.

    Collin moved toward Dustin, inquiring, "What did you want to talk about?"

    Dustin adopted a grave tone. "It''s something important."

    Collin seemed unfazed. "I need to change first, then have dinner with Linsey. She''s been on her feet all day and hasn''t

    eaten much. I''ve already troubled her enough..."

    As Collin continued to borate on his concern for Linsey, Dustin cut in. "Alright, I get it. You care about your wife. No need to exin further. I really do have something crucial to discuss. Let''s head to the study."

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    Chapter 221 You''re Truly A Devoted Husband

    Linsey, having just spoken to the maids, caught Dustin''s plea and nced at Collin.

    To her surprise, Collin immediately declined. "I''m busy. Come back another time."

    Linsey swiftly intervened. "Collin, please head to the study and speak with Mr. Wade. I''ll take care of things here with the

    maids."

    She approached him, leaned down, and whispered softly in his ear, "Mr. Wade is your friend and our guest. Remember to be polite."

    Collin''s expression clouded with a frown, and he seemed poised to argue, but the stern look in Linsey''s eyes halted him.

    He paused, then offered her a conciliatory smile and gently took her hand.

    "Alright, I understand. Don''t overdo it, okay? Let the maids handle everything and make sure they prepare something nice for you to eat," Collin conceded.

    Linsey nodded in agreement and gestured for Collin''s assistant toe and push his wheelchair.

    After changing, Collin made his way into the study with Dustin.

    As soon as the door closed behind them, Collin caught Dustin giving him a peculiar look.

    Collin scowled. "What''s with that look?"

    Dustin shook his head, took a seat on the sofa, and let out a heavy sigh. "How did

    I not see it before? You''re truly a devoted husband. It seems you follow your wife''s suggestions without any resistance."

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    Chapter 222 Linsey Isn''t A

    Prize To Be Won

    Collin remainedposed, his voice even as he responded, "What''s the issue with following my wife''s suggestions without any resistance? Linsey genuinely cares about me, and I''m content to let her be in charge."

    He then teased Dustin. "That''s more than I can say for you. Have you even found a woman who can keep you in line? You''ve flitted from one rtionship to another and still haven''t found someone to settle down with."

    Dustin''s expression tightened at the pointed remark.

    It was a hard truth. Throughout the years, Dustin had wandered from one fleeting romance to the next, yet none of those rtionships had blossomed into something real. Each woman was drawn to his wealth and status, hoping to gain his

    favor.

    This pattern had led him to a deep skepticism about love, culminating in his decision to remain unmarried.

    By stark contrast, Linsey''s love for Collin was heartfelt. She looked beyond his material possessions and his challenges, focusing instead on supporting him as his wife.

    Indeed, Collin was a lucky man.

    The more Dustin pondered this, the more his irritation grew. He retorted, "Collin, are you truly so sure Linsey will always

    be there for you?"

    Hisugh was hollow. "Watch out. I might just charm her away from you."

    His words were impulsive, but the immediate shift in Collin''s demeanor was unmistakable¨Chis voice grew icy. "You dare?"

    Dustin stiffened as Collin''s piercing gaze bore into him, sending an icy shiver down his spine. Dustin hurriedly backpedaled.

    "No, no, I was only joking!"

    He knew a confrontation with Collin could escte quickly.

    Trying to defuse the situation, Dustin quickly added, "Remember, Collin, Linsey asked you to treat me well since I''m a guest. She would be upset to hear you were harsh with me. She''s put so much into this family, and you''re not even cooperating. She might end up crying over this!"

    Collin inhaled deeply, working to calm his rising anger. After a brief pause, he replied coldly, "I''ll overlook it this time."

    But before Dustin could feel relieved, Collin added sternly, "But bear in mind, Linsey isn''t a prize to be won. Avoid making such jokes in the future, or you might regret it."

    Dustin was taken aback, not expecting his casual remark to strike such a nerve.

    In retrospect, Dustin acknowledged his rash behavior.

    Linsey was Collin''s cherished partner, not a person to be toyed with.

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    Chapter 222 Linsey Isn''t A Prize To Be Won

    Dustin wiped the cold sweat from his brow, overwhelmed by a creeping fear he couldn''t dismiss.

    Collin had masked his true temperament so effectively in Linsey''s presence that even Dustin had nearly forgotten how daunting he could be.

    It wasmon knowledge in Grester that provoking the founder of CR Corporation was a grave mistake.

    Dustin exhaled slowly, reminding himself to tread more carefully in the future.

    Observing Collin''s deep affection for Linsey, Dustin understood that even if he upset Collin, he couldn''t risk alienating

    Linsey.

    Deciding to steer clear of the precarious subject, Dustin swiftly changed the topic. "Right, right, I almost forgot. I came to

    you today for something important-really important."

    Collin cast him a wary look. "Spit it out."

    Dustin''s expression grew grave. "Gorman is returning to Grester."

    At this news, Collin paused. "Gorman''s been overseas for years. What''s bringing him back to Grester now?"

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    Chapter 223 Look Into Woman''s Identity And...

    Dustin leaned in, his face lighting up with a mysterious grin. "I heard Gorman wasing back to find a woman."

    "A woman? Who?" Surprise flickered in Collin''s eyes as he looked up at Dustin, eager for more details.

    Dustin let out a chuckle. "Remember two years ago? Gorman was ambushed overseas. He was gravely injured, on the brink of death, and a woman saved him. After he recovered, he spent two years searching for her but never found her." Dustin paused, reflecting. "Now, his return to town probably has everything to do with finding his savior."

    Collin responded calmly, "Anyone brave enough to save Gorman in such peril must be quite remarkable."

    Yet Dustin, with a sly grin, had already moved ahead in his thoughts. "Collin, consider this: Gorman has attempted to take your life multiple times. Now that we''re aware of his motive, why don''t we locate his savior first? If we find her, we''ll gain some leverage over him."

    Without hesitation, Collin dismissed the suggestion. "There''s no need for that," he dered firmly. "This is a personal matter between Gorman and me. We shouldn''t involve an innocent person."

    Dustin sighed, clearly disappointed with the rebuttal.

    Once Collin decided on a course of action, he rarely wavered. Nevertheless, Dustin attempted another angle.

    "We don''t need to harm her. Just finding her and making contact might turn her into a valuable ally," Dustin suggested.

    Dustin continued to press his point. "Consider Gorman''s ruthlessness. With him back in town, it''s uncertain what he''s nning. We must stay one step ahead."

    Collin''s expression remained stoic, showing no sign of agreement. Seeing this, Dustin yed hisst card, the one thing that might sway his friend.

    "If you won''t consider your own safety, think of Linsey. Your marriage to her is well-known around Grester. If Gorman discovers your true identity, he won''t hesitate to target her. While you focus on keeping bystanders out of this, Linsey could already be in danger. What will you do then?"

    The mention of Linsey''s name instantly altered Collin''s expression.

    He could handle Gorman''s plots against him, but the thought of Linsey in danger was something he couldn''t bear.

    With a frown, Collin admitted, "You''re right. Gorman will stop at nothing to reach me."

    "Exactly!" Dustin pped his hands, his face lighting up with satisfaction.

    The mention of Linsey had clearly made a significant impact.

    Collin paused, considering his next steps. After a moment, he conceded, "Fine. Look into the woman''s identity and whereabouts. But remember, no harmes to her. Just ask for her cooperation."

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    "Got it, got it," Dustin replied, rising to his feet and heading out of the room.

    Meanwhile, Linsey had just finished assisting the maids with cleaning the kitchen, who was now busy preparing dinner.

    Noticing Dustin making his way out, Linsey called after him, her curiosity piqued. "Mr. Wade, you''re leaving already? Aren''t you staying for dinner with us?"

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224 Your Friend Is Quite The Narcissist

    Dustin looked back at Linsey.

    He had pressing matters to attend to and couldn''t linger for a meal with the couple.

    Moreover, knowing Collin''s tendency toward jealousy, he thought better of staying.

    With a mischievous smile, Dustin said, "Really, there''s no need. I''m just too charming. If I hang around any longer, you might start falling for me. Collin is a good friend, and it would just make things awkward."

    With those words, Dustin quickly left, leaving Linsey dumbfounded on the sofa.

    When Collin entered the room, he noticed Linsey''s puzzled look and asked, "What''s wrong?"

    Linsey managed a weak smile. "Your friend is quite the narcissist. I had him pegged all wrong."

    Collin arched an eyebrow. "Just ignore him."

    "Alright, let''s eat before I keel over. I''m really hungry." Linsey stood up and assisted Collin into his wheelchair.

    The two settled at the dining table, sharing stories andughter as they savored their meal.

    Linsey arrived at the office punctually the next day.

    To her astonishment, Kylee was already there, much earlier than anticipated.

    "Kylee, what brings you here so early?" Linsey inquired.

    Kylee responded with a bright smile, "You mentionedst night that the dress was ready. I was so thrilled, I hardly slept a

    wink. Please, let''s go try it on. I can hardly wait."

    "Certainly." Linsey agreed, and after stowing her belongings, she escorted Kylee to the studio where the dress was kept.

    As they approached the ss cab, Linsey unlocked it and carefully extracted the mannequin inside.

    "Be cautious," Kylee advised softly from behind.

    Unseen by Linsey, Kylee''s expression turned cunning.

    Linsey then gently lifted the cloth covering the dress, unveiling thepleted gown to Kylee.

    Kylee eximed with delight, her expression brightening, "Oh my! It''s stunning!"

    Just then, Coen entered and caught sight of the dress Linsey had crafted. He nodded in approval. "Impressive. Linsey has consistently wowed Anthea, proving her exceptional talent as a designer."

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    Kylee turned to Linsey with a gratified smile. "I''m so d I chose you back then."

    Linsey flushed slightly. "Kylee, would you like to try it on now?"

    "Absolutely, please assist me," Kylee agreed.

    Together, they removed the dress from the mannequin and proceeded to the adjacent changing room.

    Once Kylee slipped into the dress, she admired herself in the mirror.

    Linsey made fine adjustments from behind.

    "How does it feel? Are you pleased?" Linsey queried. "If there''s anything amiss, I can fix it right now."

    Kylee touched her waist. "The waist feels a bit snug. Could you loosen it slightly? I''ve indulged a bit too much since my

    return."

    Linsey nodded in response. "Of course, I''ll ease it out just a touch."

    Kylee suggested a few additional minor tweaks.

    "When the red carpet day arrives, I''ll wear this dress and snap a few photos for an

    online promotion," Kylee beamed. "Let''s connect on Twitter then."

    "Okay." Linsey nodded in agreement.

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    Chapter 225 Linsey Won''t Be On Top Forever

    After Kylee departed, Coen showered Linsey with praise.

    "Linsey, at first I pegged you as just another novice, but you''ve consistently impressed me. Keep pushing yourself. It''s only

    a matter of time before you''re leading our design team, and I wouldn''t be surprised if the entire fashion world soon recognizes your talent!"

    Coen was all smiles. "And when that dayes, I''ll be reaping some rewards too¨Cthink promotions and pay raises.¡±

    Linsey responded with a modest smile. "I owe it all to your mentorship, Coen. You made it possible for me to finish this gown so seamlessly. Thank you for everything you''ve taught me."

    Her gratitude made Coen''s smile broaden. He took the opportunity toud her in front of their peers, urging them to take a leaf out of her book.

    While most colleagues headed to the cafeteria for lunch, Linsey stayed behind in the studio, perfecting the gown.

    "Wow, Linsey''smitment is something else. It''s no wonder she''s held in such high esteem."

    "I''ll admit, I was a bit envious of her apparent good fortune at first, but now, seeing the effort she puts in, it feels justified. She truly earns her des."

    "Indeed, I heard she''s been the first in andst out every day for a fortnight, working tirelessly."

    "Linsey''s really carving out her niche. With Kylee''s uing red carpet appearance, she''s bound to see an influx of orders." Curiosity filled the air as one colleague pondered aloud, "What does the gown Linsey crafted for Kylee look like? We''ve yet to see it. Kylee was here for a fitting early today, and from her and Coen''s reactions, it must be quite the masterpiece."

    "Absolutely, it''s bound to dazzle. We''ll all see it at the red carpet event soon. Can''t wait!"

    At that moment, Cynthia passed by with her lunch, overhearing themendations.

    With a scoff, she remarked sarcastically, "Oh, please. The red carpet event hasn''t even happened yet. For all we know, Linsey''s design might flop, and if it does, it''ll reflect poorly on all of us."

    Herment caused a stir among the group.

    "Cynthia, you should hold off on the negativity. Maybe focus on honing your own skills instead. You''ve missed your targets thest two months. Fall short again this month, and Coen might not keep you around."

    Visibly irked, Cynthia had noeback. She said resentfully before she walked away, "Just you wait. Linsey won''t be on

    top forever."

    The others exchanged knowing looks, returning to their conversations.

    "She truly despises Linsey more than anyone else."

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    "Let''s just ignore her and enjoy our lunch."

    Atst, the day of the red carpet event arrived. CR Corporation and Kylee shared

    promotional photos on Twitter, featuring Kylee in the stunning gown.

    The moment the photos hit the Inte, excitement surged.

    "Is that really Kylee?"

    "Mom, look! Your favorite actress is shining in the spotlight again!".

    "This gown is absolutely breathtaking"

    "Kylee''s usual soft, gentle style has been transformed. This unique gown makes her look incredibly striking!"

    "The futuristic theme of the gown suits Kylee perfectly, lending her an air of mystery. I''m totally captivated by it!"

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    Chapter 226 Linsey, You''re Our Shining Star!

    "Honestly, the dress keeps true to Kylee''s signature style while introducing something fresh and unique. It''s absolutely

    stunning!

    "I''ve been a fan for years. Kylee, you''ve got my love forever!"

    "Kylee''s beauty is unparalleled, and she masters every style. Now, who can call her one-dimensional?"

    "Has anyone noticed who designed this dress? It was actually crafted by a designer from CR Corporation."

    "It appears CR Corporation''s designers hadn''t embraced this style previously. Could there be a new virtuoso among them?"

    Curiosity piqued, numerousizens delved into CR Corporation''s roster of designers but found no leads.

    Amidst the growing spection, Kylee pinned ament and tagged Linsey''s ount. ¡°Stop guessing, everyone. It''s this talented young woman-an outstanding designer!"

    Theizens were taken aback.

    "Wow, a neer designed this? That''s remarkable!"

    "Linsey, your name is one to remember."

    "She recently joined CR Corporation and already she''s designed such a magnificent dress. Quite the feat!"

    "Linsey, please design for our favorite celebrity. We''re tired of thoseckluster outfits."

    In no time, Linsey''s Twitter profile witnessed an explosion of new followers.

    Fans andizens alike thronged to her page,uding her designs. Some implored her to design for other celebrities.

    The buzz was palpable and charged with enthusiasm.

    Moreover, CR Corporation was inundated with inquiries, many requesting Linsey specifically.

    Coen couldn''t hide his delight and made his way to Linsey''s desk. "Linsey, you''re our shining star! We''ll be celebrating

    your sess after this red carpet event."

    Her colleagues came together, echoing words of congrattions.

    "Linsey, congrattions! Your fame has soared. We''re all thrilled for you!"

    Linsey responded with a smile, "Thank you."

    Coen chuckled. "This dress promotion doesn''t just benefit Linsey and the

    The entire office erupted with excitement..

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    "Really? Wasn''t this Linsey''s design? Why are they asking about us?" a colleague asked curiously.

    Coen smiled. ¡°People online are saying that if Linsey, a neer, can create such outstanding work, our seasoned designers must be even more impressive. Naturally, they''re eager to coborate. In short, the universal acim for Linsey''s design is a huge win for all of us!"

    Colleaguesughed joyfully, thanking Linsey as they sped her hands.

    "Linsey, we owe you so much!"

    Linsey was amused and touched by everyone''s gratitude. "You''re all talented-just missing opportunities. I''m d to help."

    Away from the excitement, Cynthia stood quietly at a distance, observing without a trace of resentment.

    Instead, she smiled slyly and let out a soft, cold chuckle.

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    Chapter 227 You''ll Find Out Soon Enough

    Cynthia knew all too well that Linsey''s surge in poprity was just a fleeting episode.

    The more des Linsey amassed now, the steeper her decline would be.

    With a smirk, Cynthia reveled in anticipation of Linsey''s downfall.

    Soon, everyone would turn against Linsey, criticizing and shunning her. No longer would they admire her.

    Taking a deep breath, Cynthia could barely contain her glee. She whipped out her phone and tapped out a message.

    "It''s time to start."

    Shortly after, a response popped up on her screen. "OK."

    With a smug grin, Cynthia strolled to the break room for a ss of water, her steps light with satisfaction.

    Imagining Linsey''s imminent disgrace and public disfavor, Cynthia felt a surge of pleasure.

    She was so lost in her thoughts that she began to hum.

    Several colleagues entered the break room, taken aback by Cynthia''s buoyant demeanor.

    They shared puzzled looks.

    Expecting Cynthia to be livid about Linsey''s newfound acim, they were baffled to find her not just calm but actually cheerful, humming a tune.

    Had Cynthia gone off the deep end?

    Curiosity got the better of one colleague, who asked, "Cynthia, what''s got you in such a good mood?"

    Offering a cryptic smile, Cynthia replied, "You''ll find out soon enough."

    Meanwhile, the buzz about that evening''s red carpet event was building. Online, people were already praising Linsey''s

    innovative designs.

    However, the scene shifted dramatically when renowned designer Jude Todd made his entrance.

    Jude''s tweet, tagging both Kylee and Linsey, instantly captured the attention of numerousizens.

    "Today was supposed to be just another day. I was at home working on new designs when I received a message from a friend. They mentioned that Kylee''s red carpet dress bore a striking resemnce to a design I had released earlier. Shocked, I logged into Twitter, a tform I hadn''t checked recently. There it was- several trending topics. I need to question CR Corporation, apany that''s been established for years and boasts a wealth of talented designers. Why would you need to mimic the work of an ostensibly outdated designer like myself? Has your organization be socent with its influence? And Linsey, you are young, bursting with potential and a promising future ahead. You could easily draw upon

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    Chapter 227 You''ll Find Out Soon Enough

    your own talent. So, why resort to giarism? I urge allizens to see for themselves. Visit the Grester Design tform''s official website. I uploaded this design just two weeks ago, and the dress Linsey crafted for Kylee is nearly identical, save

    for a few tweaks. I am not here to grab headlines-I simply seek a public apology. Without one, I will proceed with the

    evidence I possess to ensure the giarist faces consequences."

    This post electrified the inte.

    Kylee, a newly popr actress working to re-establish her career, had already been capturing significant attention.

    CR Corporation, a titan in Grester, had for years maintained an unblemished reputation.

    The revtion of their designer''s alleged giarism swiftly catapulted the post to the top of the trending list, igniting widespread outrage.

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 Chapter 228

    ondemn An Innocent

    Jude, once the star of the design industry, held a spot at the pinnacle, used to be chosen by top celebrities for his unique

    creations.

    However, his presence had faded recently due to a prolonged creative drought.

    "Wow, things are heating up! Twitter hasn''t buzzed like this in a long time."

    "Look at that! Kylee is wearing a dress by a designer used of giarism. That''s just absurd."

    "Please, don''t attack Kylee. She''s caught up in this too. The me lies squarely with the inexperienced designer. Kylee was merely trying to support a neer, and this is the thanks she gets? What did she do to earn this bacsh?"

    "I''m livid! As a fan of Kylee, I''ve been eagerly anticipating tonight''s red carpet. Why did it have to go wrong? CR Corporation, you need to step up. Stop dodging us! Drag that naive designer out and make her apologize to Kylee. Do it now!"

    "Linsey, you should be ashamed of yourself for copying from an established designer. You owe everyone an apology, and maybe it''s time you exited the industry."

    "The Russell family, enough with the cover-ups. It''s tiresome watching your blindly devoted fans defend you. Clearly, that rookie designer was merely a tool in Kylee''s scheme."

    "Let me put it this way. Kylee has been looking forward to this red carpet event for a whole month. She''s well aware of the caliber at CR Corporation. She reached out to them well in advance to craft her dress, knowing full well thepetition she''d face tonight. Would she really risk her reputation by knowingly choosing a giarizing designer? Open your eyes, everyone. Kylee has been framed! After her stint abroad, she''s merely trying to reim her standing among the domestic elite."

    "Linsey, you shoulde forward and clear the air. Are you trying to sabotage Kylee? After she went out of her way to promote you, this is how you repay her? Bravo. We will steer clear of CR Corporation''s designers from here on."

    Within half an hour, Jude shared a new update.

    "I began sketching this design six months back andpleted it just a month ago. After some refinements, I released it on the official tform. It baffles me how Linsey could have copied my work and even convinced Kylee to showcase it on the red carpet. This is a p in the face to the art of design, and I demand stringent action! Moreover, having worked with Kylee before, I know she''s decent. I doubt she''d stoop so low. There''s definitely more to this story. A thorough investigation is needed to clear Kylee''s name. Let''s not condemn an innocent."

    Jude''s recent post all but confirmed suspicions that Linsey had hidden the fact that Kylee''s dress was a copy.

    "Linsey is truly audacious, daring to imitate Jude''s design. Jude has far more experience than she does."

    "It''s really brazen. Kylee always draws the spotlight, and to giarize like this is akin to flirting with disaster."

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    Chapter 228 Let''s Not Condemn An Innocent

    "Perhaps Linsey ran out of original ideas and figured Jude, being considered past her prime, wouldn''t draw too much

    scrutiny."

    "Perhaps it''s not Linsey who copied Jude''s designs, is it?"

    "Who are you supporting here? Doesn''t the timeline of the release hint at giarism?"

    "Absolutely, and Jude has a solid reputation. Why would he falsely use an unknown neer?"

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229 Can You Offer

    Any rification

    "I concur with the earlierment. I had never heard of Linsey before this."

    "Ever since Kylee announced her choice of a red carpet dress designed by a neer, I''ve been skeptical. How could someone so inexperienced craft such an exquisite gown? I kept silent as the praises rolled in, but it always seemed

    suspicious."

    Within hours, the initial acim for Linsey turned into harsh criticism on Twitter, using her of giarism.

    "Are you ignoring this situation? Are you trying to sabotage Kylee? Could herpetitor have sent you?"

    "Kylee has earned numerous des over the years. It struck me as odd that she would choose an unknown like Linsey when she could easily afford a seasoned designer."

    "How dare you, a novice, so boldly copy the work of an esteemed designer? Your career might as well be finished."

    "Wait, this name sounds familiar- Linsey from Grester, wasn''t she involved in that Wells family scandal?"

    "That''s right! It all makes sense now. There''s more to Linsey than meets the eye."

    "I found a photo of her. She''s pretty. She seemed amiable initially, but looks can be deceiving."

    "Could there also be more to the story with her so-called kidnapping? Linsey might just be the real antagonist."

    The inte exploded with the scandal of Kylee''s dress and the giarism allegations.

    Enraged, Kylee''s fans demanded answers from her studio.

    "What are you all up to in that studio? Why can''t you provide Kylee with a dependable designer?"

    "It''s time to overhaul the studio! Kylee is back to advance her career. Shouldn''t the studio step up its efforts? How could you allow such an oversight during her debut on the red carpet? Do any of you even take your roles seriously?"

    "I am at a loss for words. Kylee is entitled to better than this chaos. When will she truly be valued?"

    "Remember, your earnings are courtesy of Kylee! Could you please pay more attention? What''s the n for tonight''s red

    carpet event?"

    Kylee''s studio, rather than addressing these concerns directly, swiftly removed the photos featuring her in the gown Linsey

    had designed from their tforms.

    This deletion was perceived by many as an admission of guilt, further cementing the usation that Linsey had copied

    someone else''s design.

    In the midst of this, Kylee''s manager phoned Coen.

    "Coen, what exactly is happening? Can you offer any rification? Your

    designer''s actions have tarnished Kylee''s reputation

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    Chapter 229 Can You Offer Any rification

    severely. How is she expected to appear at tonight''s event? You''re aware that Kylee now fears even to nce at her phone,

    breaking down in tears at each query from her fans! Coen, what''s your n for making amends?"

    Coen, taken aback by the rapid esction, was equally troubled. "Don''t worry, I''m on it."

    However, Kylee''s manager pressed on relentlessly. "There''s no time to dy with an investigation! Linsey, the novice

    designer, clearly copied from Jude''s creations. The dress is a total loss. We need an immediate recement, something pre-made would suffice. Send it quickly so Kylee can change!"

    You have unlocked exclusive

    limited-time benefits>>

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230 I Didn''t giarize Anything!

    Coen massaged his temples, his frustration evident. "Uh, Evie, this might be a misunderstanding. Maybe Linsey didn''t

    actually giarize. We can still salvage this."

    He had initially hoped Linsey would clinch Kylee''s design order, paving the way for a promotion and a raise. Now, with this

    scandal unfolding, it seemed like sheer bad luck.

    Evie Harmon, Kylee''s manager, snapped, "Don''t feed me that nonsense. giarism is giarism. Kylee''s about to step onto

    the red carpet, and the only sensible move is to switch designers immediately! Coen, let me be clear. If you disregard my

    advice this time, Kylee will sever ties with your firm. It all depends on your next move."

    Coen''s heart sank.

    The prospect of losing Kylee as a client over an issue with Linsey was unthinkable.

    "Evie, I hear you. I''ll do exactly as you suggest," Coen replied, attempting to soothe her with a smile. "We have a host of

    talented designers, but given the timing of the red carpet event, they might need to offer off-the-rack dresses."

    "That will be eptable," Evie stated decisively. "As long as it matches Kylee''s taste and hasn''t been disyed online, it

    will work. We''re pressed for time."

    "No worries," Coen assured her. "Has Kylee expressed any preference for a designer? We''ll ensure she''s satisfied."

    Evie responded, "Kylee mentioned her cousin Cynthia Keller, a designer in your department. Start with her. See if she has any ready-to-wear pieces that fit the bill. If not, any qualified designer will do."

    "Understood, understood," Coen replied, relieved. He then cautiously added, "What should we do about Linsey?"

    After a brief pause, Evie scoffed coldly. "Linsey''s blunder is grave-she must face strict consequences. Coen, keeping someone like her could drag down your firm and risk other client rtionships. It would be disastrous."

    Coen paused before responding solemnly, "Got it. I''ll take care of it."

    Meanwhile, Linsey was oblivious to the online bacsh. She was deep in her work, perfecting new design techniques.

    Earlier that day, Kylee had reached out, asking her toe to the red carpet event after her shift.

    Linsey''s phone had been buzzing softly for a while, but she ignored it, assuming the vibrations were merely alerts about the gown''s public unveiling earlier that day.

    Suddenly, a colleague approached Linsey, her expression troubled. "Linsey, why are you still here working? Haven''t you seen what''s happening online? You''re in a lot of trouble."

    Linsey looked up, her expression one of startled confusion. "What?"

    Her colleague paused, clearly struggling with how to deliver the news. "You really haven''t seen it? A well-known designer

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    Chapter 230 I Didn''t giarize Anything!

    has used you of giarism on the Inte.....¡±

    Linsey''s eyes widened, her brows knitting together in disbelief. "What? That''s impossible! I didn''t giarize anything!"

    "You should look at Twitter right away," the colleague suggested, her toneced with sympathy.

    Where once there might have been envy from her peers, now there was only pity.

    Though the usation of giarism was yet to be proven, public sentiment was clear, and it strongly suggested that Kylee would not be wearing Linsey''s design on the red carpet.

    Feeling a heavy sense of dread, Linsey quickly grabbed her phone and opened Twitter.

    As soon as she logged in, she was bombarded with a flood of harshments.

    Herplexion grew pale as she read through the messages, her realization dawning about the severity of the situation.

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 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231 Linsey, You''re

    So Naive

    Linsey had just learned that Jude, a renowned designer in the industry, had used her of giarism.

    But she hadn''t giarized anything. The dress was entirely her own design.

    Realizing how serious the situation had be, she stood up and hurried to Coen''s office.

    "Coen, I need to talk to you. This is important," she said.

    Seated at his desk, Coen looked up and took in her anxious expression. He smiled faintly. "I know why you''re here. It''s about what''s happening online. Sit down and have some coffee. No need to rush."

    Linsey was in no mood to enjoy coffee. She leaned forward, her voice urgent. "Coen, I swear I didn''t giarize. You have to

    believe me."

    Coen nodded, unfazed. "I believe you."

    He paused, his tone turning serious. "But you''ve seen the reaction online, right? This has gotten big, and it won''t go away overnight. We need time to handle it. For now,y low. Don''te to work. Just go home and rest."

    Linsey had been bracing for me, worried Coen might hold her responsible for the fallout.

    But hearing his words, she felt a wave of relief.

    At least he was on her side.

    After a brief hesitation, she asked, "How is thepany nning to handle this?"

    "That''s not your concern," Coen said firmly. "My superiors and I will take care of it."

    He gave her a measured look. ¡°Right now, the most important thing is for you to gather all the evidence proving you didn''t giarize and bring it to me."

    Linsey straightened, determination taking over. "I''ll get on it right away."

    Every part of that design was hers. She had drafts, sketches, and notes that showed exactly how the dress hade

    together.

    It didn''t take long to collect everything. Once she had it all, she returned to Coen''s office and set the files on his desk.

    "Is this enough?" she asked.

    Coen flipped through the documents, scanning them briefly before giving a firm nod. "This is perfect. With this, we should be able to clear things up soon."

    Linsey let out a breath she hadn''t realized she was holding.

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    Chapter 231 Linsey, You''re So Naive

    Then Coen added, his voice steady, "Let us handle your Twitter ount. We''ll release a statement to clear your name. Until then, ignore the rumors. Just focus on resting and getting ready for your next big project."

    Linsey listened carefully to all of Coen''s instructions and cooperated fully.

    She looked at him with gratitude. "Coen, thank you for believing in me."

    Coen smiled. "Of course. I''ve seen your dedication and hard work since you joined thepany. I know your character."

    Feeling reassured, Linsey left the office, convinced that Coen was on her side. The moment she was gone, his smile faded.

    His expression darkened with quiet disdain.

    Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath, "Linsey, you''re so naive. Do you really think we''re going to go out of our way to clear your name? You''re just a rookie designer. Why would we risk offending Kylee and Jude for you? I won''t waste

    my time on something so pointless."

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 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232 Linsey Is Immensely Talented

    Coen rxed in his chair, utterly untroubled by Linsey''s predicament.

    Sacrificing Linsey seemed a small price to pay for securing his own role.

    Moreover, it presented an ideal opportunity to get on the celebrated Kylee''s good side.

    To Coen, the choice was clear.

    How could Linsey, a novice in the field, ever measure up to someone of Kylee''s stature?

    With this rationale, he smoothly destroyed all evidence pertaining to Linsey.

    Across town, Kylee was preparing for the evening''s red carpet event.

    The day''s uproar over the giarism ims seemed to barely touch her.

    Remaining poised, she was trying on a dress Cynthia had crafted.

    After Kylee slipped into the gown, Cynthia wasted no time in praising her. "Kylee, you look absolutely stunning in this

    dress. No one else could wear it as perfectly as you!"

    Kylee, however, gazed at her reflection, her face void of emotion.

    Noting the silence, Cynthia approached cautiously. "Kylee, is there a problem? Does the dress not fit well?"

    Kylee let out a soft sigh and fiddled with the dress''s hem, her enthusiasm waning "Cynthia, your designs just don''t hold a

    candle to Linsey''s."

    At Kylee''s words, Cynthia''s expression hardened.

    Despite this, Kylee pressed on, oblivious to the effect of her words. "After I tried on Linsey''s dress, this one seems so in."

    A pang tightened in Cynthia''s chest, but she managed a forced smile. "I''m sorry, Kylee, I promise to elevate my next design

    to meet your expectations."

    Since she secretlymitted to coborating with Kylee, Cynthia had dedicated herself to this dress design.

    She believed her efforts had been sessful, but Kylee''s critique suggested otherwise.

    This new understanding deepened Cynthia''s frustration and bitterness.

    Kylee remained unfazed by Cynthia''s remarks, calmly asserting, "Linsey is immensely talented. You could work another decade and still not reach her level.

    Cynthia''s face nearly crumpled at these words as she clenched her teeth, struggling for a reply.

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    Chapter 232 Linsey Is Immensely Talented

    "Yet, because Linsey stands out so, I must ensure she''s out of the picturepletely," Kylee dered, her smile widening.

    The idea that Linsey might never get back up, possibly even facing disdain from Collin due to the allegations, filled Kylee

    with a dark pleasure.

    As time flew by, the red carpet event kicked off. Kylee, a highlight of the evening, made a striking entrance.

    The recent scandal had primed the crowd''s focus on her the moment she stepped into view.

    The press swiftly pivoted their cameras towards her upon noticing her outfit change.

    "Kylee''s got a new dress on. It seems that usation against the novice designer might hold water," one journalist

    remarked.

    "Remarkable, she''s with CR Corporation and still dares to make such bold moves. Truly astonishing," another added.

    Following her red carpet appearance, reporters flocked around Kylee, inundating her with a barrage of questions.

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 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233 I Believe She Won''t Repeat This Mistake

    "Kylee, why did you change the dress you were supposed to wear today? Does this mean Linsey really giarized Jude''s

    work?"

    "Kylee, why did you originally decide to coborate with Linsey?"

    "Kylee, who designed the dress you''re wearing now?"

    Kylee kept her smile polite. "I''m sorry, but these questions aren''t rted to today''s red carpet event."

    With that, she turned and walked away.

    The reporters wanted to push further, but Cynthia, who had been following closely, stepped forward to block them.

    "Please, no more questions. Kylee''s upset because of what happened today." She let out a dramatic sigh. "At least tonight''s red carpet went smoothly. Let''s give her some space and time to clear her head."

    A reporter raised an eyebrow. "And who are you?"

    Cynthia shed them a confident smile. "Hello, everyone. I''m Cynthia Keller, a designer at CR Corporation. The dress Kylee

    wore earlier was my design."

    That caught the media off guard. A brief silence hung in the air before murmurs broke out.

    "CR Corporation really changed designers? That basically confirms Linsey''s giarism."

    "Even her ownpany isn''t standing by her. She''s done for."

    Cynthia let out a deliberate sigh and said, "Since Linsey is a designer at CR Corporation, I hope everyone can give her another chance. I believe she won''t repeat this mistake. From now on, she''ll focus on designing properly."

    Though her words sounded like a defense, they did the opposite. She had just sealed Linsey''s fate.

    The reporters exchanged knowing nces before pressing on. ¡°Ms. Keller, are you saying Linsey really did giarize?"

    Feigning surprise, Cynthia covered her mouth and hesitated. "Oh, that''s not what I meant. Let''s not spread rumors. We should focus on Kylee''s uing film projects."

    With that, she turned and walked away, a smug smile creeping onto her face.

    Within moments, the interview spread online, reigniting the scandal surrounding Linsey''s giarism.

    Kylee''s and Jude''s fans flooded CR Corporation''s official ount, demanding

    answers.

    "Are you really going to ignore this? Your own designer just admitted it! Linsey hurt Kylee! Linsey needs toe out and apologize right now!"

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    Chapter 2331 Believe She Won''t Repeat This Mistake

    "How dare Linsey! Did she really think Jude''s fans wouldn''t notice? I''ve been following Jude''s work for years! And now Linsey, a rookie designer, pulls something like this? It''s an insult to the entire profession!"

    Despite the flood of questions pouring into CR Corporation''s ount, there was no response.

    Frustrated and angry, people turned their attention to Linsey''s ount, eager to vent their outrage.

    "It''s been days, and you still haven''t admitted your mistake. How shameless can you be?"

    "Even your own colleague is confirming you giarized. What''s your excuse now?"

    "You can''t stay silent forever. After this, no one''s going to hire you in the design world."

    ¡°Linsey''s photos and personal details are everywhere now. I doubt anypany will risk taking her in after this mess."

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234 You''re Home

    Early

    "I''m not a fan of Kylee, but this? This is just shameless. It''s outright giarism!¡±

    Before long, someone noticed they could no longer leavements under Linsey''s ount.

    A few tried refreshing the page and logging back in, only to find that her profile had been deactivated.

    "Damn. Linsey really shut it down."

    "Looks like she couldn''t handle the heat."

    "Linsey, do you think deactivating your ount makes this go away? Think again. Everyone, keep spreading the word! People need to know who she really is-a giarist!"

    Meanwhile, Linsey had already left work and gone home,pletely unaware of the storm brewing online.

    She still believed her supervisor and thepany would handle the situation, so she deliberately avoided checking thements. There was no point in stressing over it if the issue was already being taken care of.

    In the study, Collin was deep in thought when he heard the front door open earlier than expected.

    He wheeled himself out to meet her. "Linsey? You''re home early. Something happen at work?"

    There was a slight edge of concern in his voice.

    He knew her well enough to tell when something was off. Linsey was dedicated to her job. Leaving early wasn''t like her.

    She hesitated for half a second, caught off guard by how quickly he noticed.

    But she didn''t want to worry him. If thepany was already handling it, there was no need to make a big deal out of it.

    She smiled as she set her bag down. "Yeah, I finished early, so they gave me some time off. That''s all. You look surprised.

    Aren''t you happy to see me?"

    Collin had been busy digging into Gorman''s affairs and hadn''t kept up with what was happening online.

    He took her words at face value, relieved that she had some time to rest.

    "You''ve been pushing yourself too hardtely. It''s good you finally have a break," he said, his tone gentle. "Since you''re free, how about we go out and get some fresh air?"

    Linsey blinked at him, then smiled. "That sounds nice."

    The next morning, she was ready for their walk.

    "Where are we going today?" she asked,cing her fingers through his. "We''ve been to all the parks around here. Maybe the

    mall this time?"

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    Chapter 234 You''re Home Early

    Collin smiled and squeezed her hand. "It''s a surprise. Just trust me and follow along."

    Linsey raised an eyebrow, caught off guard but intrigued. Without hesitation, she followed him across the open space-only to stop dead in her tracks.

    A helicopter sat before her, its sleek frame gleaming under the sunlight. She blinked, her mind scrambling to catch up.

    "This..." Her voice trailed off as she struggled to process what she was seeing. She had never been this close to a helicopter before, and now one was right in front of her.

    She turned to Collin, wide-eyed.

    He had said they were just going for a walk. A simple outing.

    But somehow, he had arranged a helicopter.

    Linsey wasn''t sure whether tough or shake her head. "Where exactly are you taking me?"

    Collin only smiled, his expression teasing.

    "If I told you, it wouldn''t be much of a surprise." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a blindfold, holding it up with

    a grin. "Now, be good and crouch down a little so I can put this on."

    Linsey let out augh, shaking her head but ying along. She crouched slightly, letting him gently tie the blindfold over

    her eyes.

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235 I Haven''t Been Swimming In Ages

    The world before Linsey had dissolved into sheer darkness.

    Every sound in the vicinity sharpened, bing clearer and more pronounced.

    A wave of difort washed over Linsey, prompting her to inch closer to Collin. "Honey, please don''t leave me here alone," she murmured, her tone imbued with warmth.

    Blindfolded, her lips moved slightly as she spoke, drawing Collin''s gaze.

    As he watched her, a sudden tightness gripped his throat. The desire to kiss her was almost overwhelming.

    Nevertheless, Collin resisted the impulse.

    The timing was off.

    Under his direction, Linsey climbed into the helicopter.

    Time seemed elusive, but with each dragging minute, her anticipation intensified. She was keen to discover their

    destination.

    Atst, the helicopter began its gradual descent, stirring her excitement further.

    Once theynded, Collin''s voice broke the silence calmly. "Alright, you can take it off now."

    Quickly, Linsey removed her blindfold.

    As her vision adjusted to the brightness, astonishment overtook her.

    An ind! It was an ind!

    She had envisioned perhaps a quaint rural locale or a mountainous area near Grester, but an ind was an unexpected

    delight.

    The breeze flirted with her dress, lifting it slightly.

    "Collin! What ind is this?" Linsey surveyed the enchantingndscape. "I''ve never stumbled upon anything like this online."

    Collin let out a gentle chuckle. "It''s a private ind. Here, we can enjoy ourselves without interruption from the outside

    world."

    Linsey''s wonder grew. "A private ind? How on earth did you secure permission toe here?"

    On the verge of confessing the ind was his, Collin caught himself. With aposed expression, he responded, "I

    borrowed it."

    Linsey''s smile turned knowing "Let me guess, Dustin helped you, right?"

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    Chapter 2351 Haven''t Been Swimming In Ages

    After all, Dustin was from the Wade family. It wasn''t surprising he might have his own private ind.

    Collin remained silent.

    As Linsey marveled at the ind''s beauty, her smile brightened. "Dustin might be full of himself, but he really looks out

    for you."

    Just then, she caught a shift in Collin''s expression.

    This jealous man!

    Amused by his reaction, Linsey stepped forward and nted a kiss on his cheek.

    "But in my heart, you''re still the one. Only

    you would think to bring me here. Thank you, Collin."

    A flicker of emotion crossed Collin''s eyes, and a subtle smile graced his lips.

    He then guided Linsey towards the vi on the ind.

    Entering the vi, Linsey couldn''t contain her amazement. "Dustin built a vi here

    too? The wealthy really have more money than sense."

    The true owner of the ind, trailing quietly behind her, kept his thoughts to himself..

    If only he could be truthful with Linsey about his wealth, he longed to tell her.

    He would do anything to fulfill her wishes.

    The vi was well-appointed, featuring all the amenities they could possibly need, including a swimming pool in the backyard.

    Linsey''s expression lit up. "I haven''t been swimming in ages."

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 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236 This Swimsuit Just Feels Wrong

    Collin suggested, "Why don''t you go for a swim then?"

    Linsey, appearing troubled, replied, "But I didn''t bring a swimsuit."

    She hadn''t packed anything else either, unaware that Collin had nned this

    outing.

    Upon hearing her concern, Collin said with a raised eyebrow, "No worries, I''ll have someone fetch a swimsuit."

    Linsey, surprised, responded, "Really?"

    Indeed, within thirty minutes, a swimsuit was delivered.

    Linsey quickly opened the bag, but upon seeing the swimsuit, her cheeks flushed red.

    Her heart thumped audibly, overwhelmed.

    Reacting impulsively, Linsey pushed the swimsuit back into the bag, her

    expression one of shock.

    Collin, who had not yet seen it, was baffled by her reaction and asked, "What''s the issue? Changed your mind about

    swimming?"

    He was ready to suggest a change in their ns when Linsey, biting her lip and visibly torn, informed him, "Maybe there''s been some confusion with the staff? This swimsuit isn''t what I usually wear."

    She paused, searching for the right words, and added, "This swimsuit just feels wrong."

    Collin, puzzled, sought rity. "What''s the problem with it?"

    Linsey, blushing deeper, hesitated then confessed, "It''s a bikini and it''s too revealing. I''m notfortable wearing this."

    Now understanding, Collin couldn''t resist a tease. "We''re alone here. What do you have to be shy about?"

    Linsey shot him a yful re, not anticipating his jest. "No way! Why should I be the only one dressed like this? That''s hardly fair!"

    Collin, intrigued, suggested, "Oh? Perhaps I should join you in the water?"

    Linsey queried, "Can you swim?"

    She nced at the wheelchair under Collin.

    He replied in a casual tone, "Not very well. I might need you to rescue me if I end up swallowing water."

    Linsey, amused yet speechless, frowned and crossed her arms. "You better stay out of the water. You''re too heavy for me to pull out. We''d both end up drowning if I tried."

    Collin, nodding solemnly, responded, "That''s unfortunate. I guess I''ll have to support you from here on the sidelines."

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    Chapter 236 This Swimsuit Just Feels Wrong

    However, he then asked someone to fetch a more conservative one-piece swimsuit for her.

    Despite their many shared private moments, Linsey remained timid.

    Collin knew better than to press her on such issues.

    Once she changed, Linsey entered the water.

    Initially, Linsey felt rusty as she hadn''t swum in some time.

    Yet, within minutes, she was smoothly swimming back and forth across the pool.

    Collin, unable to join in the water, contentedly watched from the side.

    Observing Linsey swim with such freedom brought a genuine smile to his face, sharing in her joy as though it were his.

    At that moment, everything felt utterly idyllic.

    It was just them, reveling in their secluded slice of the world, free from any external interruptions.

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 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237 Did I Scare You

    For a fleeting moment, Collin felt a wave of happiness. Suddenly, his mood darkened as he remembered Gorman''s imminent return to Grester.

    He knew the arrival of Gorman heralded nothing but trouble. Gorman would undoubtedly strive toplicate his life.

    This was the reason behind Collin''s diligence in monitoring Gorman''s whereabouts, preparing for the direst scenarios, and ensuring that Linsey remained uninvolved.

    As these concerns flooded his thoughts, Collin''s forehead creased, and his face took on a graver expression.

    From her spot in the pool, Linsey caught the transformation in Collin''s face. He seemed engulfed in his thoughts, burdened by some silent distress.

    She halted her swimming and cleared the water from her face.

    Lately, Collin had been a fixture at his desk, seldom breaking away from his work.

    Often when Linsey returned from her job, she would find him engrossed in his work in the study, the hours slipping by

    unnoticed.

    Without her reminders, Collin might toil away into the night, neglecting even to sleep.

    Concern etched on her face, Linsey feltpelled to coax him into a moment of leisure.

    Since the pool was not an option for him...

    A yful idea struck her.

    She grinned mischievously, inhaled deeply, and plunged into the cool water.

    It was only when Collin emerged from his ponderings that he noticed Linsey had note up for air.

    His concern deepened, and he wheeled himself closer, calling out, "Linsey!"

    No reply came. He called her name again and again.

    His gaze fixed on the undisturbed surface of the pool, fear gripped him.

    Had something happened to Linsey?

    In a surge of rm, Collin attempted to stand from his wheelchair.

    Just then, Linsey exploded out of the water with a dramatic ssh, close to where Collin sat.

    Jolted, Collin looked at her, his eyes wide, with astonishment.

    "Collin! Did I scare you?" Linsey chuckled, her face alight with mischief as she saw his amazed expression.

    Relief washed over Collin, and he sighed deeply. "You''re okay."

    Linsey blinked and replied, "Of course I''m fine! I''m a great swimmer-nothing''s going to happen to me."

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    Chapter 237 Did I Scare You

    She burst outughing. "I knew I could scare you! I told you, you''re not invincible!"

    As he realized Linsey had orchestrated the whole scene to startle him, Collin''s initial shock gave way to amusement.

    He shook his head, half-exasperated. "You''re childish."

    His tone carried a hint of reprimand, yet his eyes softened with affection and amusement.

    Unperturbed by his mild scolding, Linsey sshed water towards him. "Humph! What''s wrong with being childish?"

    The water drenched Collin''s clothes in an instant.

    Collin looked down at his soaked attire and narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "Linsey, are you sure you want to provoke me like this? Aren''t you afraid I might retaliate?"

    Confident that Collin wouldn''t actually follow through, Linsey grinned victoriously. "You can''t even get in the water, so how are you going to catch me?"

    Collin''s expression suddenly turned mischievous. "What if I told you I could catch you?"

    "I don''t believe you. If you can, then do whatever you want," Linsey challenged, her confidence unshaken.

    "Really? Do as I please?" Collin''s gaze intensified as he watched her, a yful challenge dancing in his eyes.

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    im Now

    100.0%

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238 I''ll Honor The

    Bet

    Linsey''s face was smug.

    Collin had only intended to teach her a slight lesson. He reached out to pull her from the pool.

    But Linsey swiftly swam backward, avoiding his attempt. She chuckled, a sound full of delight, as she moved farther away.

    "Collin,e back to me when you can actually catch me!"

    Seated in his wheelchair, Collin watched her glide towards the pool''s center, his frustration evident.

    If he weren''t maintaining the fa?ade of being disabled, he would have already enveloped Linsey in his arms.

    Still, Collin had other means to make here to him willingly.

    A mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes, and a smirk crept across his face.

    He then pressed his hand against his temple, emitting a soft groan as if in pain.

    "Ugh..." Collin sped his head, feigning a severe difort.

    Linsey, noticing his act from the water, swam back immediately. Concern furrowed her brow.

    "Collin, what''s wrong?" she asked, her voiceced with worry. "Is your head hurting? Did the ssh I made earlier chill you?"

    Collin, his face turned slightly away, responded in a detached tone, "It''s nothing. Don''t worry about me. I''m just going to

    rest in my room for a while."

    When she saw his apparent distress, Linsey''s worry deepened.

    She climbed out of the pool quickly and rushed to his side.

    "Collin, wait..." she called out, eager to delve deeper into his condition.

    Before she could say more, Collin caught her wrist. "See? Didn''t I catch you?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

    Linsey stood frozen for a moment, her mind piecing together that she had been tricked.

    This clever, cunning man! And she had been genuinely concerned for him!

    She hadpletely fallen into his trap.

    Biting her lip in irritation, Linsey tried to pull away.

    However, Collin gave her no chance to escape. With a gentle pull, he drew her onto hisp and held her firmly in ce.

    "Still trying to run?" Collin''s whisper brushed against her ear, sending a tickle across her skin.

    Linsey red at him. "You''re so sneaky!"

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    Chapter 238 111 Honor The Bet

    Collin chuckled, unaffected by her usation. "Didn''t you say that if I caught you, you''d let me do whatever I wanted? Are you backing out now?"

    Linsey gave him an exasperated look, immediately noticing the yful gleam in his eyes.

    What a miscalction. How had she never realized before that this man was full of surprises?

    But then again, Collin wouldn''t actually harm her... right?

    After a moment''s thought, Linsey decided to y along reluctantly. "Fine, I''ll honor

    the bet. What do you want me to do?"

    Collin''s expression softened, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. "You just have to promise me one thing, but I haven''t

    decided what it is yet, so you''ll owe me for now."

    Linsey agreed without hesitation. "Alright."

    After all, whether she followed throughter was entirely up to her. If she didn''t

    want to, what could he really do about it?

    Having agreed, Linsey instinctively tried to stand up, but to her surprise, Collin still wouldn''t release her. Instead, he held

    her even closer, making her slightly ufortable.

    Linsey frowned, shifting in hisp to relieve the pressure.

    Suddenly, she felt her leg brush against something...

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 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239 This Is Just Petty, Collin!

    Collin''s face grew stern, and he grunted lowly, fixing Linsey with an intense stare. "Was that intentional, Linsey?" he asked.

    She felt embarrassed upon realizing her idental touch, her cheeks turning red.

    She looked away, her voice filled with defiance. "Collin, it seems you''re the one twisting the story!"

    Her conviction strengthened, Linsey faced him squarely, asserting, "You were the one who wouldn''t release me initially, that''s why this happened-"

    She paused, searching for the right words, biting her lip out of frustration before demanding, "Release me this instant!"

    She sat soaked, her swimsuit clinging to her frame.

    By this point, Collin''s clothes were thoroughly drenched as well.

    With a cold chuckle, Collin retorted, "You were ying games in the pool, making me think you were in trouble. We haven''t settled that yet, and now you ask to be freed? Not a chance."

    Linsey, taken aback, responded, "What do you mean? Didn''t we resolve this? You told me I only had toply with one request from you, and we''d be even. It seems you''re still unsure what you want from me!"

    "That''s a different matter," Collin replied firmly. "You agreed to my request because you intentionally sshed water on me. ying in the pool is a different issue altogether."

    Linsey stared at him, shocked by his persistent pettiness and attention to detail. "This is just petty, Collin!" she eximed.

    Unmoved, Collin raised an eyebrow. "Just realizing how petty I can be? You''ve stirred this up, and now luck isn''t on your side. Too bad. Even if you regret it now, it''s toote. I''m not releasing you."

    Linsey attempted to pull away again but to no avail.

    Despite his physical limitations, Collin''s strength was formidable.

    Feeling exhausted and desperate, Linsey finally questioned, "Alright, if this is a separate issue, what are you nning as

    retaliation? Are you going to hit me or something?"

    "Just kiss me," Collin replied, his eyes lowering to her lips as a smile formed.

    Linsey was taken aback by the simplicity of his request.

    Instantly, her mind was overwhelmed with vivid images that she couldn''t articte.

    She and Collin had already been intimate.

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    Chapter 239 This Is Just Petty, Collin!

    Could a mere kiss be all he desired now?

    Despite everything, Linsey couldn''t shake off the feeling of an underlying threat.

    "Is that all?" she questioned, her toneden with skepticism. "I''m concerned you''ll continue to escte your demands

    without end."

    Collin snorted lightly. "Fine, then I guess I''m not letting you go."

    "You!" Linsey stared at him, bewildered by his boldness.

    Worse still, she found that he was still erect.

    Linsey''s body tensed, and she remainedpletely still, fearing the situation might escte further.

    Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Linsey ced her hands gently on Collin''s face and leaned forward to kiss him.

    She touched her lips to his softly, hesitant to intensify the kiss.

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 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240 You''re Just Letting Me Go

    As her lips met Collin''s, Linsey nervously closed her eyes, her longshes

    fluttering gently.

    His breath warmed against her, sparking a sudden panic within her that urged her to pull away.

    Yet, Collin seemed to anticipate her movement. With a quick motion, he ced his hand firmly on the small of her back,

    preventing any retreat.

    Surprise widened Linsey''s eyes, but before she could respond, Collin drew her into a deep kiss.

    A soft sound escaped Linsey as she held her breath unconsciously.

    She quickly became breathless from the intensity of their embrace.

    Noticing her difort, Collin rxed his hold slightly, his rough fingertips tenderly brushing away a droplet of moisture

    from the corner of her lips.

    "This isn''t your first kiss. How do you still not know how to breathe properly?"

    His light-hearted tease deepened Linsey''s blush.

    She shot him a look of embarrassed defiance, though it carried no real threat. Unbeknownst to her, her flushed cheeks and bright, glistening eyes only added to her allure in Collin''s eyes.

    Her lips, soft and pink, shone enticingly, awakening desires within Collin.

    He swallowed hard, his Adam''s apple bobbing visibly as he admired her, his gaze intensifying with desire.

    Linsey''s heart raced, her breathing hastened as she bashfully averted her eyes.

    Just when she thought Collin might lean in for another kiss, he pressed his lips together, stepped back, and advised, "Go change into something dry. You''ll catch a cold."

    Linsey stared at him in disbelief, her eyes wide.

    She observed his calm,posed demeanor and momentarily wondered if she had misheard him.

    "What did you just say? You''re just letting me go?" The shock almost made her bite her tongue.

    She examined his serene expression, questioning whether the passion of their recent kiss had been a figment of her

    imagination.

    Collin chuckled, amused by her astonishment. "What else would I do?"

    He watched her reaction with curiosity and added, "If you don''t want to be close to me, I won''t force you."

    What? When had she ever indicated she didn''t want to be near him?

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    Chapter 240 You''re Just Letting Me Go

    Pointing to herself in confusion, Linsey protested. "I don''t want to?"

    Her shyness was just that, simple and innocent!

    Linsey was exasperated. Shebeled Collin as clueless and unromantic in her mind.

    Then it dawned on her-Collin was probably just trying to respect her feelings. Feeling somewhat reassured, Linsey gathered her courage and challenged, "Who said I didn''t want to?"

    However, as soon as her gaze met Collin''s, her newfound confidence wavered.

    Collin raised an eyebrow, gently pinching her chin. "Is that so?" he teased.

    He paused for a moment before letting out a sigh. "I don''t want to make things difficult for you. Thest time... it was

    because you were drunk, and I shouldn''t have taken that step."

    Collin helped Linsey to her feet, then began to turn his wheelchair to leave.

    In a panic, Linsey grasped his arm. "That''s not true! Even if I hadn''t been drinking,

    I would''ve wanted this!"

    Collin turned back, shaking his head. "You don''t need to say things just to make me feel better."

    She was telling the truth.

    Frustrated and unable to find the words to convince him, Linsey acted impulsively. She threw herself at him, capturing his

    lips in a passionate kiss. Without a second thought, she began to peel off his soaked clothes.

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 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241 Collin, Just Be Quiet

    Linsey tore Collin''s cor, leaving it casually undone.

    Collin, seated in his wheelchair, momentarily stiffened. He stared at Linsey, his eyes reflecting astonishment at her

    unexpected move.

    Catching the look of surprise on his face, Linsey hesitated, her lips just inches

    from his. In a soft murmur, she asked, "What''s going on? Your turn to be distracted?"

    Collin''s response was gentle. "I just don''t want to make you ufortable," he said, even as his arms encircled Linsey''s

    waist, holding her close.

    A slight frown crossed Linsey''s face. She wasn''t in the mood for serious conversations.

    "Collin, just be quiet," she instructed, pressing her finger against his lips to silence further discussion. "You just need to

    follow my lead from here."

    Decidedly, Linsey wanted to demonstrate that theirst moment of intimacy was more than just a fluke fueled by alcohol.

    She was genuinely fond of him and eager to bridge the gap between them.

    Collin caught his breath, a quiet "okay" escaping his lips.

    Eventually, Linsey was so exhausted she fell into a deep sleep, copsing in Collin''s arms as her consciousness faded away.

    Collin held her close, striving to regte his own breathing.

    Once he was certain Linsey was asleep, he carefully stood up from his wheelchair. He cradled her gently and ced her on

    the bed, taking care to tuck her in with tenderness.

    Sitting beside the bed, Collin softly stroked Linsey''s sweaty, tangled hair.

    His thoughts churned as he reflected on the recent events.

    Linsey''s bold move had not quenched his desire; rather, it had magnified the longing within him.

    He had to maintain the pretense of his disability in Linsey''s presence, which meant letting her lead while he restrained his

    own impulses.

    With a resigned sigh, Collin acknowledged that his only immediate relief was a cold shower.

    In all his twenty-some years, Collin had never felt so unsettled.

    He mused that if Dustin ever discovered what had urred, he would likely tease him for years toe.

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    Chapter 241 Collin, Just Be Quiet

    After his cold shower, Collin felt his restlessness abate.

    Hey down quietly beside Linsey.

    Just then, Linsey murmured in her sleep, "Mmm, cold."

    Collin paused, then without hesitation, drew Linsey close into his arms, wrapping the nket tightly around them.

    Instinctively, Linsey snuggled into Collin''s broad chest and settled back into a peaceful slumber.

    Collin watched over Linsey''s sleeping face, his longing to stand strong before her growing even more.

    He yearned to hold her openly, to offer her a sense ofplete security.

    However, danger still loomed around them.

    To protect Linsey, he could not afford any rash actions.

    Collin tightened his embrace, silently vowing to clear all hurdles swiftly.

    No matter what, he had to find that woman before Gorman could.

    Elsewhere, a tall, handsome man stood on the balcony of a luxurious vi, his gaze lost in the distance, stirred by deep

    emotions.

    He slowly lowered his head to gaze at the butterfly pendant in his hand, his warm fingertips gently tracing its contours.

    This man was Gorman, the very person who had Collin on high alert.

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 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242 I Won''t Let You Slip Away Again

    In this moment, Gorman held the butterfly pendant in his hand, his features softening into an unusual gentleness.

    Memories flooded his thoughts, reying a sequence he had envisioned countless times before.

    It was during a perilous time when he was pursued by enemies, narrowly escaping with his life. Wounded and teetering on the edge of copse, he found refuge in a quaint fishing vige.

    As his blood loss worsened, Gorman''s consciousness began to wane.

    He found himself copsing weakly on the beach, where the waves gently washed over him, sweeping away the traces of

    crimson.

    Just when Gorman was about to relinquish hope, a figure blurred by his failing vision materialized before him.

    This woman rescued him, diligently caring for his wounds and urging him to cling to life.

    She became a beacon of hope, offering him a renewed chance at survival.

    Shortly thereafter, his loyal aides whisked him away in secrecy.

    Upon his return to the vige, the woman had vanished.

    The only trace she left was a hint that she was a foreign tourist, with a butterfly pendant as the sole remnant of her

    presence.

    For years, Gorman scoured the globe in search of her, to no avail.

    However, this time, he had stumbled upon a crucial clue.

    With this thought, a smile crept across his face.

    The woman he sought hailed from Grester.

    Pulling a photograph from his pocket, he gazed at the image of a woman with a gentle smile and an elegant air.

    "Linsey, I''ve finally found you," Gorman whispered softly. "This time, I won''t let you slip away again."

    Meanwhile, Linsey was ensnared by a dream recalling distant past events.

    At that time, she was meandering through a small fishing vige overseas, seeking inspiration amid nature''s embrace.

    One crisp morning, she stumbled upon a shocking sight-a man sprawled on the deste shore, his body marred by blood.

    rmed, Linsey didn''t hesitate, she dragged the man to safety.

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    Chapter 242 I Won''t Let You Slip Away Again

    Frantically checking his breathing, she found it barely perceptible. Time was running out, and immediate action was

    crucial.

    Linsey quickly dialed for help on her phone, but the remote location meant no ambnce could arrive swiftly.

    Worse still, the local vigers cautioned her against intervening.

    "This man has lost so much blood and has been out in the sea all night. He won''t make it. Don''t waste your efforts."

    "Yeah, we''ve had unexpected deaths here before. We''re used to it."

    But Linsey couldn''t stand the thought of letting a life fade away before her eyes. She took the injured man to her rented

    amodation within the vige and scavenged for medicines to halt the bleeding.

    With limited resources at her disposal, she managed to stem the flow of blood, but then the man developed a severe fever.

    With no medical help nearby, Linsey found herself improvising ways to lower his fever, remaining by his bedside through

    several sleepless nights.

    She sensed that the man was aware, that he could hear her.

    So, Linsey whispered words of encouragement, urging him to persevere.

    Perhaps it was destined, but the man clung to life, and gradually, his fever began to subside.

    A few dayster, Linsey heard rumors of a doctor visiting near the vige. Seizing the opportunity, she gathered some gifts and approached the doctor, pleading for his assistance.

    She spent the entire day convincing the doctor to help.

    Eventually, likely worn down by her persistence, the doctor agreed to assist.

    However, when they returned to her ce, Linsey was stunned to discover that the man had disappeared.

    Her neighbors informed her that he had been taken away.

    Despite her best efforts to gather more information, Linsey found herself at a dead end. Without knowing his identity or

    name, she had no choice but to relinquish her search.

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 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243 I''m Completely Drained

    The next morning, Linsey woke up with her mind still in a haze.

    She puzzled over a dream, an old memory that had surfaced unexpectedly.

    Why had it appeared now after so much time?

    Linsey touched her forehead, feeling a mild ache.

    Perhaps her tiredness fromst night was to me.

    As she opened her mouth, a strong thirst hit her, and she longed for a drink, of water.

    Without thinking, she attempted to rise, only to find she was still wrapped in the arms of the man behind her.

    She shifted gently, and Collin, who had been holding her, stirred awake.

    ¡°Hmm? Up so early? Don''t you want to sleep more?" Collin''s voice was husky, his tone teasing. "I thoughtst night''s

    exhaustion would make you sleep in."

    His words triggered her memory ofst night, and warmth spread across her cheeks.

    She had not expected to take such initiative with Collin, especially when they were both wide awake.

    At that moment, Linsey feltpletely drained, ready to drop back into sleep. Yet, she didn''t want to seem frail in front of Collin. She clenched her teeth and dered, "I''m not that frail. Let me go!"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his amusement clear.

    He nced briefly at the marks on her neck, his eyes darkening, then he released her.

    Linsey tried to stand, but her legs failed her, and she nearly copsed.

    She cried out and fell back onto the bed.

    Collin reacted swiftly, pulling her back into his arms.

    "Collin, you''re too heavy! Let go of me!" Linsey protested, her brow furrowed.

    She tried to wriggle free, but then stopped abruptly.

    Linsey looked up into Collin''s surprised face. "Collin! You..."

    He inhaled deeply and gently stroked her cheek.

    The awkwardness that had flickered across his face vanished, reced by a soft chuckle. "What''s the issue?"

    "How can you even ask?" Linsey frowned at him. "After we stayed up sote, and you''re still like this... Aren''t you

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    Chapter 243 I''m Completely Drained

    insatiable?"

    Instead of showing any embarrassment, Collin pressed down more boldly, his gaze intense as he looked into Linsey''s eyes.

    "Honey, I''m a grown man; this is a natural reaction," he said calmly. "Besides, since we got married, our intimate moments have been few and far between. Did you really thinkst night''s brief encounter would be enough for me?"

    Linsey was so taken aback by Collin''s blunt reasoning that she was momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, she surrendered. "Collin, please let go. I''mpletely drained."

    7

    She thought back to yesterday, the sight of his wheelchair, and suddenly, she couldn''t bear to look at it.

    And truthfully, taking the initiative even once had been utterly exhausting.

    Collin''sughter broke through her thoughts, his hand slowly trailing down from Linsey''s ear.

    "It''s okay. Believe it or not, I can handle things this time, so you won''t need to make any effort," he said.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in surprise, and she shot back, "Why didn''t you say something so crucial earlier?"

    She had been so worn outst night all because of him! This infuriating man. Rmended for you

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244 It''s Okay To

    Lean On Me Sometimes

    Seeing Linsey so indignant, Collin paused and awkwardly rubbed his nose. "You seemed really into everythingst night, so

    I held back from saying anything to keep the vibe," he said.

    Linsey fixed Collin with a re, her frustration reaching a peak. "Collin, you''re unbelievable! How can you act this way?"

    Unbeknownst to Linsey, her anger had little effect on Collin.

    Collin responded with a slight smirk and a raised eyebrow.

    Irritated and embarrassed, Linsey raised her hand and pped Collin''s cheek sharply.

    Realizing she was genuinely upset, Collin softened his approach. After a moment of reflection, he spoke gently. "Alright, I

    you need." admit I was wrong. I''m here to make things right. Just let me know what

    Linsey huffed sharply. "Collin, you''re really terrible."

    Her anger red, and she bit down hard on Collin''s shoulder.

    Collin winced, a soft groan escaping him.

    Startled by his reaction, Linsey quickly pulled back, concerned she might have inflicted serious harm.

    "Did I bite too hard? Is it bleeding?" She inspected Collin''s shoulder, relieved to see only a faint bite mark.

    It was barely noticeable, especiallypared to the more pronounced marks fromst night.

    Collin''s gaze darkened, and he lowered his voice. "The shoulder''s fine, but there''s another ce that''s hurting."

    Linsey froze, suddenly catching his drift. Her face turned bright red as she looked down. She quickly turned away, biting her lip. Despite herself, she used him. "Collin, how are you so... vigorous? It''s like you''re not even disabled."

    Collin smiled and leaned in close, as if teasing her with a kiss. "Find out for yourself."

    "Collin, you jerk. You..." Before Linsey could finish, Collin''s kiss enveloped her, cutting off her protest.

    They lingered in bed a bit longer.

    Eventually, Linsey felt so drained that she couldn''t even lift her finger. Only then did Collin release her.

    "Collin! I''m starving! Let me go!"

    After they prepared for the day and made their way downstairs, Linsey felt unsteady on her feet.

    It was a good thing she was on vacation.

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    Chapter 244 It''s Okay To Lean On Me Sometimes

    In her current state, she doubted she could manage a full day at work.

    By the time they sat down to eat, it was already noon, thanks to their prolonged morning distraction.

    During the meal, Collin noticed Linsey looked exhausted and offered gently, "Let me feed you."

    Linsey shook her head. "No, I''m fine. I''m not that weak."

    She reached for the knife and fork.

    But suddenly, her grip failed, and the utensils ttered to the floor.

    The noise made Linsey flinch, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

    Collin gave her a soft smile and took her hand. "Linsey, it''s okay to lean on me sometimes."

    Her eyes shimmered with mixed emotions, but she remained silent.

    Collin fetched fresh utensils and tenderly offered her a bite. "Come on, try some."

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245 It Concerns Your Wife

    Fortunately, the dining room was empty, sparing Linsey any curious stares. Though she was a tad shy, her hunger took over, and she opened her mouth to ept a bite.

    After their meal, Collin, all smiles, extended an invitation. "Let me show you around the ind. You''re on vacation; feel

    free to stay as long as you wish."

    Linsey nodded, her worries melting away. "Okay."

    Relishing a rare moment of tranquility after months of nonstop work, she felt at peace.

    Their leisurely ind tour was abruptly interrupted when Collin''s phone rang.

    He answered it, and the voice of his subordinate, thick with urgency, cut through. "Mr. Riley, we have a situation!"

    The grave tone made Collin furrow his brows. He nced at Linsey, who returned his look with a worried gaze. "What''s

    going on?" he asked, voice low.

    After a hesitant pause, the subordinate divulged. "It concerns your wife."

    Quickly, he added more details.

    Linsey watched as Collin''s face cloud over.

    "Why are you just telling me now?" Collin demanded, his voice sharp with irritation.

    The subordinate''s frustration mirrored his own. "The focus was on the Gorman case, and we missed the developments with your wife. Mr. Riley, your guidance is needed."

    Taking a deep breath to quell his rising anger, Collin prepared to respond but paused upon seeing Linsey''s anxious

    expression.

    He pressed his lips together, pushing down his fury, and spoke quickly. "Understood. Let''s discuss when I return."

    After he hung up, Linsey, sensing the tension, asked with a frown, "What''s wrong?"

    She had seldom seen Collin this somber.

    He gazed at her, her face a picture of innocence, and hesitated to weigh her down with the heavy news.

    The issue was still up in the air-sharing it now would only stir unnecessary worry.

    "It''s nothing serious, just a small hup at work. I might need to go back for a while," Collin replied as he tried to keep his voice even. "Don''t worry, I''ll return to you once everything is sorted out."

    But Linsey was resolute. "If you''re leaving, then we''re leaving together. Collin, I want to apany you."

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    Chapter 245 It Concerns Your Wife

    Collin felt uneasy at the thought of leaving her behind too.

    Yet, the unfolding crisis in Grester lingered in his mind...

    He fell silent, pondering for a moment before taking her hand firmly. "Then you must promise me-once we''re back, stay close. It could get dangerous."

    Linseyughed lightly. "You worry too much. I''m not a child, and besides, I''ve been living in Grester for years. How bad could it possibly be?" Collin''s eyes briefly betrayed his concern. "Alright, let''s go then." Soon after, they were aboard a helicopter, heading back to Grester. Uponnding, they moved to get into a car bound for Vista Vi. Suddenly, arge crowd burst from around the corner. Someone yelled with excitement. "Over here! Linsey is here!"

    Caught off guard, Linsey and Collin found themselves encircled.

    The crowd''s leader red at Linsey, fury written all over his face. ¡°Linsey, you shameless giarist! You almost destroyed Kylee''s career! We''re here for Kylee and Jude!"

    With that, the crowd surged forward, and several people pushed Linsey to the ground.

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 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246 See If You''re Prepared For The...

    Linsey barely had time to react before she found herself hitting the ground with a thud.

    As she looked up in rm, she noticed several figures rushing towards her.

    With a sharp intake of breath, she closed her eyes tight and lifted her arms to protect her head.

    At that moment, just as a fist was about to strike her, a firm grip halted the attacker''s wrist.

    "Ah!" the attacker yelped in pain as Collin flung him aside.

    "Linsey." Collin turned towards her, extending a hand to help her up. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

    Worry etched his features, his toneced with concern.

    Taking a deep breath, Linsey managed topose herself and shook her head. "I''m fine, really."

    The attackers hadn''t anticipated Linsey having a protector.

    "Oh, now I see-you''re Linsey''s husband." The leader of the group said in a mocking tone, "A cripple and a shameless

    woman-what a match."

    Laughter erupted from the group.

    "A cripple and a disgrace, perfect together!"

    "Who else would marry Linsey if not someone fooled by her shamelessness?"

    Collin''s face darkened with each insult thrown at Linsey. His voice chilled to a frosty timbre. "Say that again. I dare you.

    See if you''re prepared for the consequences."

    Unfazed, the leader of the group crossed her arms and smirked confidently.

    "I''m a staunch Kylee supporter. I''m Allie from the wealthy Smith family in town. Do you really think I''m scared of you?" Allie Smith scoffed, scrutinizing Collin with disdain before ring at Linsey, "A cripple from the Riley family and a

    giarist for a designer-what threat do you pose to me?"

    With a sneer, Allie continued, "Since you insist on defending Linsey, you''ll get no sympathy from us!"

    She then rallied the crowd of Kylee fans. "Everyone, Linsey almost ruined Kylee''s career! We can''t let her walk free! A dishonest designer like her will only continue to cause harm! And this man, defending a known giarist-he''s no better!"

    Her words whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

    To them, this wasn''t just an attack on Linsey; it was a defense of their idol.

    They were righting a wrong, convinced their actions were justified.

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    Chapter 246 See If You''re Prepared For The Consequences

    Without hesitation, they picked up rotten vegetables and whatever trash they could find,unching them at Linsey and Collin

    Collin''s face was a mask of resolve as he wrapped his arms around Linsey, shielding her from the onught.

    "Collin!" Linsey protested, trying to cover him instead.

    Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion.

    Why were theybeling her a giarist? She hadpiled all the necessary

    evidence. Coen had even vowed to assist in

    dearing her name...

    What was happening?

    The situation quickly escted into chaos.

    But suddenly, Collin''s reinforcements arrived.

    Upon seeing Collin and Linsey cornered, they nched with shock.

    "Stop!"

    Collin''s assistant''smanding voice sliced through the tumult as he rushed in with a formidable team of bodyguards forming a protective circle around Linsey and Collin.

    100.0%

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247 You''re Not To

    me Here

    The crowd of fans was utterly shocked by the sudden, dramatic scene unfolding before them.

    Each person, one after another, froze in fear. They stopped abruptly, too scared to make a rash move.

    Allie gaped in disbelief at what was happening.

    "What''s going on here? Wasn''t it rumored that Collin, Linsey''s husband, was scorned by the Riley family and nothing more than a worthless man? How does hemand such arge following?" she muttered under her breath.

    Before she could grasp the situation, others urgently dragged her away, scrambling for safety.

    "Allie, we need to run! They''ve brought a crowd-we can''t take them on!"

    Allie had no choice but to join the fleeing masses, her heart pounding with panic.

    Seeing this, Collin let out a relieved breath. He tenderly let go of Linsey and quickly checked on her. "Linsey, are you alright?

    Did anyone hurt you?"

    Linsey, tears staining her cheeks, got up from where she was shielded in Collin''s arms. Noticing his tousled appearance, she felt a pang of sorrow.

    "I''m okay. You shielded me through it all. But you took so many blows-aren''t you in pain?" she responded.

    Collin offered a faint smile, his relief evident as he saw her unscathed.

    "Protecting you is what matters to me. I''m a man; things like this don''t bother me much. You''re my wife. I couldn''t just stand by and watch you get hurt. That wouldn''t make me much of a husband."

    Linsey''s eyes welled up with tears of guilt.

    She lowered her gaze and whispered, ¡°Collin, I''m so sorry. I''ve been keeping secrets from you. Those people were after me. I thought I could manage on my own, but it escted beyond what I anticipated, and now you''re injured because of me.

    This is all my fault."

    Collin shook his head gently, his hand softly caressing Linsey''s cheek. "You''re not to me here. You are the victim. Don''t

    carry the burden of others'' actions."

    He paused briefly, then continued, "You should head back in the car. I''ll send some men with you to ensure your safety. I''m

    here for you, so don''t worry."

    Linsey frowned, her hand reaching out to grasp Collin''s arm instinctively. "Won''t youe back with me?"

    Collin winced in pain at her touch but regained hisposure quickly.

    In a calm, steady tone, he replied, "You''re in trouble. Those people intend to harm you. I need to secure your safety first before I can rx. We must resolve this issue quickly. Now that they''ve escted things, I won''t let them get away with

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    19:52

    Chapter 247 You''re Not To me Here

    hurting you."

    "But..." Linsey began to object, but Collin took her hand gently.

    Their fingers intertwined, and the warmth from his touch spread through her skin, warming her heart.

    "That''s enough, Linsey. Trust me to handle this, okay?" Collin''s gaze captured hers, filled with deep tenderness and unwavering resolve.

    Linsey bit her lip, her mind swirling with thoughts.

    She did trust Collin.

    With the situation already out of hand, any further dys would onlyplicate things further. It made sense to heed his

    advice for now.

    "I understand," she said softly, giving a small nod as she followed his men to the

    car.

    Collin stood firm, his eyes lingering on the car as it merged with the traffic and vanished from sight.

    A momentter, he suddenly clutched at his arm, wincing as a suppressed groan of pain escaped him.

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248 It''s A Trivial Injury

    "Mr. Riley! What happened to you?" Collin''s assistant noticed the pallor on his face and stepped forward quickly, concern

    etching his features.

    Collin frowned as he shifted his arm awkwardly. "It''s nothing to worry about. Just got nicked by a rock, so it''s a bit tender."

    The assistant''s face grew solemn as he inspected the injury.

    "This could be a minor fracture," he stated with concern. "We need to get you to a hospital immediately."

    Collin waved off the concern with a shake of his head. "It''s a trivial injury. We''ve got urgent matters to attend to, and I

    don''t have time for the hospital right now."

    He took a casual look at his arm, feeling a dull ache. "I''ve handled far worse on my own. This isn''t much. Just get someone

    to wrap it up. We need to focus on sorting out Linsey''s issue first."

    He gave a subtle nod, signaling his team member to push his wheelchair.

    The ruse of disability was a burden. Had he not been feigning, he might have better protected Linsey.

    He made a silent vow to one day stand unaided before Linsey, strong and dependable.

    The assistant paused, tempted to argue, but Collin''s icy stare silenced him.

    "Understood," the assistant responded.

    Having known Collin''s fearless ascent to power, he and his colleagues were aware of his relentless spirit.

    Their concern was palpable, yet their attempts to persuade him were always in vain.

    At that moment, Linsey came to the assistant''s mind.

    She might be the only one who could sway Mr. Riley.

    Regrettably, Linsey was not there to make her case.

    With a resigned shake of his head, the assistant sighed deeply.

    Soon, Collin and his assistant made their way to the car.

    The assistant fetched a first-aid kit from the vehicle and pulled out a bandage.

    Once settled inside, Collin nonchntly slipped off his jacket and began deftly wrapping his arm.

    It wasn''t until Collin removed his shirt that the subordinate caught sight of the extensive injuries on his back-wounds of varying sizes, all incurred while shielding Linsey.

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    19:53

    Chapter 248 It''s A Trivial Injury

    The sight of these severe scars left the assistant stunned.

    The ferocity of the attack by those crazed fans was shocking-weren''t they terrified of legal repercussions?

    "Mr. Riley, those attackers crossed a line. It''s fortunate you were there to guard Mrs. Riley. The thought of her being injured

    is unthinkable..."

    The assistant''s words mirrored Collin''s own trepidations.

    Had he not been at Linsey''s side, she could have sustained serious injuries.

    A flicker of rage crossed Collin''s eyes; he vowed silently not to let the aggressors off easily.

    Nheless, Collin''s voice remained steady as he spoke. "Those assants aren''t mere fans. How else could they have

    located us?"

    With a narrowing of his eyes and a sneer, he added, "It seems we have a traitor among us."

    The assistant reacted with rm. "A traitor? I assure you, I''ll get to the bottom of this."

    Collin acknowledged with a nod. "Drive on. We need to confront Jude Todd, the designer who''s using Linsey of

    giarism."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley."

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 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249 Your Talent

    Truly Deserves Recogniti.......

    On the other side, Jude, the designer Collin had been looking for, sat leisurely sipping coffee with Cynthia.

    Cynthia smiled with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Jude. You''ve really helped me out this time by giving me the chance to part ways with Linsey."

    "There''s no need for formalities, we''ve been friends since school." Brightly, Jude responded, "I owe you thanks as well. Without our coboration, I wouldn''t have regained my poprity so swiftly. The buzz from Kylee and Linsey has attracted quite a few new clients."

    Cynthia chuckled softly. "Well done! Your talent truly deserves recognition."

    However, Jude''s expression turned to one of concern. He paused before speaking. "But, we both know Linsey didn''t giarize my work. I uploaded the piece on the official website using some hacking tricks and even changed the timestamp in the backend. It won''t stand up to detailed scrutiny. Are you sure Linsey won''te back at us with evidence?"

    Jude''s frown deepened. "If Linsey manages to counterattack, theizens will turn against me, and I could lose everything

    I''ve worked for."

    Cynthia dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand. "Don''t fret about it. Linsey won''t get the chance to fight back. She''s already crossed Kylee, and even Coen from ourpany helped us obliterate any evidence she might have had. Soon, Linsey will be ousted from CR Corporation and left with no footing in the design industry."

    Reassured by Cynthia''s confident tone, Jude felt a little more at ease. "Alright, that puts my mind at ease," he said.

    They soon parted ways, and Jude headed out of the cafe.

    Suddenly, a car pulled up, blocking his way.

    His eyes widened in surprise, not just at the interruption but because the vehicle was a rare, luxury model.

    The car door swung open, and a man in a ck suit emerged. He was Collin''s assistant.

    "Are you the designer Jude Todd?" he asked in a stern voice.

    Jude, taken aback, replied instinctively, "Yes, that''s me. Who are you?"

    Without allowing her to finish, the assistant interjected, "We''ve been looking for you. Our boss would like a word."

    Jude felt a wave of unease wash over him. His eyes flickered to the luxury car behind the man.

    Whoever owned that kind of vehicle had to be a big shot in Grester.

    "Can I ask why your boss wants to talk to me?" Jude''s voice was steady, but a tight knot was forming in his stomach.

    Had he offended someone powerful without realizing it?

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    19:53

    Chapter 249 Your Talent Truly Deserves Recognition

    The assistant curled his lips into a cold smirk. "It''s about Linsey. Our boss has a few questions for you."

    The mention of Linsey sent a chill down Jude''s spine. His expression hardened in an instant. "I''m not going with you," he stated firmly. "You have no right to take me anywhere. If you don''t move, I''ll call the police."

    The assistant said nothing. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a stack of photographs.

    "Jude, we just want to have a simple conversation. If you''re so unwilling, maybe these photos will change your mind."

    Jude scoffed. As if a few photos could intimidate him.

    Still, his eyes instinctively darted to the images the assistant was holding out.

    The moment he saw them, his breath caught in his throat. His eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

    "How... how did you get these?" His voice trembled as he stared at the pictures, his hands shaking.

    He looked up at the assistant, his face drained of color, terror gripping him like a vice.

    You have unlocked exclusive

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 dden Bride A Lifetime of Love 250

    Chapter 250 I''ll Clear Linsey''s Name!

    Collin''s assistant said nothing. He only gave Jude a cold, piercing stare, silently pressuring him to get in the car.

    Jude, shaken by the photos, had no choice but toply.

    his breath caught. A man sat across from him, his presence The door mmed shut behind him. As he lifted his gazemanding and unreadable. The dim interior cast shadows over his face, but his eyes burned with intensity.

    "Tell me, who ordered you to frame Linsey?"

    The man''s voice was steady, unhurried. He remained in the shadows, making it impossible for Jude to see his face clearly. But that didn''t matter. The weight of his presence was suffocating.

    Jude''s pulse hammered in his ears. He struggled to maintain hisposure, forcing an air of confusion. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."

    Collin let out a quiet, mockingugh. "Is that so?" He leaned back, his tone as cold as the air in the car. "Alright, since you

    don''t understand, I won''t press you."

    Jude exhaled, relief flickering across his face.

    Itsted only a second. Collin''s voice cut through the silence again, measured and deliberate. "If you won''t talk about Linsey, let''s discuss something else."

    A filended in Jude''sp.

    "You were a well-known designer five years ago. Had a bit of fame." Collin paused, his gaze unwavering. "But what most people don''t know is that every one of your so-called masterpieces came from someone else''s hands. Your ghost designer,

    Sarai Natt."

    Jude''s breath hitched. His fingers twitched against the file. His throat felt dry. "W- what are you saying?" His voice barely

    held steady.

    Collin didn''t blink. "Sarai came from nothing. A sick mother. Hospital bills piling up. You saw her talent, her potential, and you took advantage of it. You made her work for you while you took all the credit."

    Jude''s face paled.

    Collin continued, his tone sharp, "Then she wised up. Realized what a mistake she''d made. She wanted out. Even thought

    about telling the truth."

    Collin''s gaze sharpened as Jude''s face lost all color. "You were afraid the truth would ruin your reputation. So, you pushed Sarai off that building and left her in a vegetative state. She hasn''t woken up since. Without her, your work fell t, and your fame faded."

    He drummed his fingers against his leg. "Am I wrong, Jude?"

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    19:53

    Chapter 250 I''ll Clear Linsey''s Name!

    As his words settled in, his assistant flung the photos onto the floor in front of Jude.

    They showed Sarai, unmoving in a hospital bed.

    Jude''s breath hitched. His pulse pounded. This couldn''t be happening. No one was supposed to know.

    He wanted to deny it, to fight back. But the moment he opened the file Collin handed him, thest of his resistance

    crumbled.

    Collin''s voice stayed level. "This is enough to lock you up for life, isn''t it?"

    Jude shattered. His hands wed at his hair as he broke into sobs. "I-I was wrong! I didn''t know... The thing with Linsey-

    I had no choice! Someone put me up to this!"

    Collin didn''t flinch. "You already know what you have to do."

    Jude barely hesitated. He swallowed hard and nodded. "Okay! I''ll talk! I''ll clear Linsey''s name!"

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    19:53

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251 An Apology Isn''t Enough

    "Really? And how do you n to clear Linsey''s name?" Collin asked, his tone sharp.

    Jude spoke quickly, his voiceced with panic. "This was all Kylee Russell and Cynthia Keller! I was forced into it!"

    Collin''s expression hardened. His brows drew together, and the air between them turned cold. "Kylee Russell? What does

    she have to do with this?"

    The memory of the mob from earlier shed in his mind-the way they had chased after them, wild with usations.

    So, it had all been deliberate.

    Kylee. The one person he never suspected. And yet, she had been scheming behind his back all along.

    Jude swallowed hard and pressed on. "Kylee hates Linsey. Cynthia told me herself-this was all Kylee''s idea. She wanted to

    crush Linseypletely!"

    Collin remained unconvinced. His voice was steady, almost detached. "I heard Kylee got caught up in the giarism

    scandal too."

    Jude shook his head, desperation creeping into his voice. "That was just part of her n! She needed to make it look real,

    so no one would suspect her! I swear, I had no choice. I''m just a designer. I don''t have fame or power. But Kylee-she''s popr, she''s got connections. I couldn''t afford to cross her. If I didn''t do what she wanted, I would''ve been done for."

    Collin studied him for a moment before asking, "Do you have any proof?"

    Jude''s face fell. His fingers curled into fists at his sides. "The whole thing was handled by Cynthia," he admitted. "She''s the

    one who told me."

    Collin exhaled a short, humorlessugh. "So, all of this is just Cynthia''s word? No solid proof. Just a bunch of usations?"

    Jude''s panic spiked. "No! I swear, I''m telling the truth!" His hands trembled as he pleaded, his voice rising. "Please, you have to believe me! What do you want me to do? I know I messed up. I won''t do anything to Linsey again. Can''t I just apologize? She never giarized me."

    Collin said nothing for a moment.

    His focus had already shifted. Right now, clearing Linsey''s name and putting an

    end to this nder mattered more than anything else.

    As for the mastermind? He had plenty of time to deal with them.

    "An apology isn''t enough," he said finally.

    Jude looked at him anxiously. "Then what do you want me to do? Just tell me, and I''ll do it."

    Collin''s gaze was unreadable. "Don''t ask," he said coolly. "Just do as I say."

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    01:48

    After saying goodbye to Jude, Cynthia wasted no time. She arrived at a private, high-end vi, the kind only the wealthiest

    could afford.

    Inside, Kyleey stretched out on a plush massage table, eyes closed as a professional masseuse worked on her shoulders. She lookedpletely at ease, as if the world outside didn''t concern her in the slightest.

    Cynthia stepped in quietly, her tone deliberately sweet. "Kylee."

    Without opening her eyes, Kylee spoke in a soft,zy voice. "How''s everything going? Is the situation under control?"

    Cynthia smirked. "It''s going perfectly. Linsey''s getting torn apart online. Even some of your fans are saying they want to go after her. I''d be surprised if she dares to leave her house."

    She let that sink in before adding, "Oh, and I made sure one of your most loyal fans, Allie Smith, is leading the charge. She and her group are already stirring up trouble. From what I heard, Linsey was so scared she was scrambling to hide."

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252 I Won''t Let You Mess This Up!

    Kylee''s interest was piqued at once. With a smile, she eagerly asked, "Has Linsey been found?"

    Cynthia''s eyes lit up with excitement. "I was the first to track her down. I sent someone to get her, so by now, Linsey is probably already in the hospital. She''ll be all over the news again by tomorrow morning!"

    Kylee chuckled and shook her head, feigning sympathy. "Oh, poor Linsey."

    A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips, and she continued. "But since my fans caused this mess, I suppose it''s only

    right that I visit her and offer an apology."

    Cynthia scoffed, "I heard Allie brought a pile of sharp stones to throw at Linsey. Even if you show up, she might not be in

    any shape to receive visitors. Her face might be covered in blood... That would be a terrifying sight."

    Kylee''s heart pounded with anticipation, and a wicked smile crept across her face.

    Could it be that Linsey was disfigured?

    The more Kylee thought about it, the more her excitement grew.

    It would be perfect if her face waspletely ruined.

    And when Collin saw her disfigured face, he would feel nothing but disgust.

    Hopefully, he would leave Linsey, or much better, divorce her.

    Kylee and Cynthia fell silent, but they secretly reveled in the idea of Linsey suffering. Right now, their smiles were

    impossible to suppress.

    Just then, Cynthia''s phone rang.

    As she pulled it out, she could not help but frown. Jude''s name shed on the screen.

    They had just spoken not long ago. Why was he calling again?

    Could it be that Jude wasn''t satisfied with their deal and was trying to squeeze more out of her?

    Although reluctant, Cynthia answered the call. "Hey. What''s up?"

    To her surprise, Jude''s trembling voice came through the line. "Cynthia, we''re in serious trouble!"

    Cynthia''s brow knitted together. "What are you talking about? What happened? Speak clearly."

    With shallow, uneven breaths, Jude rushed to exin, "A man approached me after we split up. He knows you and Kylee paid me to frame Linsey for giarism. forcing me to apologize publicly."

    After pausing for a moment, he continued, "Cynthia, I have no choice! If I don''t do what he says, he''ll expose everything,

    0.0%

    01:49

    and I''ll be ruined! But if I apologize to Linsey now, I might have a slim chance of salvaging my future. The public will forget about this eventually. I can''t let my secrets get out!"

    Wide eyes in disbelief, Cynthia bellowed, "Jude, do you even hear yourself?!"

    Meanwhile, Kylee overheard Jude''s frantic voice through the phone and turned ghostly pale. With her expression twisted with rage, she snatched the phone from Cynthia. "What kind of madness is this? If you apologize now, everything we''ve done will be for nothing! I won''t let you mess this up! Jude, listen to me! You can''t go online! If you do, I swear you''ll

    regret it!"

    "I-I don''t have a choice. That man is forcing me. If I don''t clear things up and apologize soon, my future is over. I can''t

    follow your orders anymore."

    Kylee''s face darkened, and she pressed on, "What did you just say? Who''s forcing you?"

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 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253 Kylee, What

    Do We Do Now

    Kylee sat still, her thoughts circling in quiet suspicion.

    Could it be Collin?

    No. That was out of the question.

    There was no way he cared that much about Linsey. At best, she was just a fleeting distraction to him. Nothing more.

    Besides, Linsey didn''t even know who he really was.

    "I don''t know," said Jude, irritation creeping into his voice. "It seems like it''s a friend of Linsey''s."

    If he had known Linsey had connections like this, he never would have listened to Cynthia, let alone gotten himself tangled

    up in this mess.

    Kylee exhaled softly, her shoulders easing.

    Just as she thought. This had nothing to do with Collin.

    If this so-called threat was just one of Linsey''s friends, then it wasn''t worth worrying about.

    What kind of powerful allies could Linsey possibly have? She had no status, no background, no influence.

    Kylee let out a quietugh, full of disdain. She sneered. "Jude, don''t do anything stupid. If you act on your own, you''ll

    regret it."

    On the other end of the line, Jude hesitated.

    He couldn''t afford to cross the mysterious man, but at the same time, he couldn''t risk going against Kylee.

    Right now, he needed to look out for himself.

    "I haven''t said anything,¡± he said quickly. ¡°I ran off the second I got spooked. That''s why I called you. If you have a n, I''ll

    go along with it."

    Kylee hesitated for a moment, then said, "Don''t worry. Since we''re in this together, I''ll do everything I can to protect you.

    Come find me now, and we''ll figure out a way to handle this."

    After she hung up, Kylee''s expression darkened, a wave of unease settling over her.

    Jude was already considering a public apology. She had to stop him. No matter what.

    If he caved, they wouldn''t even get the chance to take down Linsey before their own alliance copsed from the inside.

    Beside her, Cynthia''s panic was written all over her face. "Kylee, what do we do now?" she blurted out. "If thises out, I''m done for too! You have to help me. You were the one who came to me first about Linsey."

    0.0%

    01:49

    Kylee inhaled sharply, irritation flickering in her eyes.

    She turned to Cynthia with a cold look, barely able to hide her disdain. This woman was an idiot.

    She had made a serious miscalction teaming up with Cynthia And Jude-he was proving to be just as much of a liability.

    if Cynthia hadn''t been the one to introduce him, Kylee never would have trusted something this important to a man so spineless

    A cunning glint shed across her eyes.

    Maybe it was Ure to cut them both loose.

    If she yed this right, she could get rid of these two fools before they dragged her down with them.

    The thought alone made her feel lighter.

    For the past hour, she had been tying herself in knots over nothing. Jude and Cynthia weren''t real threats. They were weak, predictable and easy to deal with. There were plenty of ways to handle them.

    And this time, Kyler was going to win.

    Meanwhile, across town, Jude sat frozen, his phone still warm in his hand. He looked up, swallowing hard. Across from him, Collin watched him in silence.

    "I did what you told me," Jude muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "You heard Kylee, right? She wants me to go see

    her now."

    Collin''s expression remained unreadable.

    He had told Jude to call Cynthia as a test. He hadn''t expected to hear Kylee on

    the other end of the line.

    So she was the one pulling all the strings.

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 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254 Why Are You Calling Me Right Now

    Collin watched as Jude disappeared into the distance, her steps steady but studied Collit''s assistant approached, voice

    low. "Mr. Riley, should we have someone follow him? I''m worried he might use the chaos to slip away"

    "No need," said Collin, his tone even

    Jude wouldn''t dare cross him, not with what he had on him

    The assistant gave a slight nod but didn''t leave right away.

    After a moment, Collin asked, "How''s Linsey?" His voice was firm, but a trace of concern slipped through

    After everything she had been through, she must be shaken.

    Just thinking about it made his chest tighten.

    He wondered how she was coping with it.

    "Mrs. Riley returned safely to Vista Vi," the assistant reported. "But she''s worried about you. Ste''s called several times

    already."

    Collin''s expression darkened in an instant. His brows drew together, urgency sparking in his eyes. "Why wasn''t I told

    sooner?" His voice was sharp as he turned to face his assistant. Turn the car around. We''re going back."

    "Yes, sir." The assistant signaled the driver immediately.

    The assistant barely registered the movement. His boss''s mind was already at Vista Vi Nothing mattered more than

    Linsey.

    From now on, anything involving her had to be reported first. No exceptions.

    As soon as Linsey stepped into Vista Vi, she grabbed her phone and logged into Twitter to check thetest updates.

    Her stomach dropped. CR Corporation hadn''t issued a single statement to rify the situation.

    Worse, her old ount was gone.

    Without an official response, the giarism scandal had only grown worse, spreading like wildfire.

    Linsey stared at the screen, frozen. She never imagined things would spiral out of control like this.

    Taking a steadying breath, she dialed Coen''s number.

    It rang endlessly before he finally picked up.

    Loud background noise spilled through the receiver-music ring, people

    00%

    01:49

    Chapter 254 Why Are You Calling Me Right Now

    "Who''s this?" Coen''s voice was thick with alcohol. "Can''t you tell I''m busy? Whatever it is, talk to me tomorrow."

    "It''s me," she said.

    He didn''t recognize her right away.

    But the people around him did. "Oh? Sounds like ady," someone teased.

    "Coen, you always say you''re single, but looks like you''ve been holding out on us! Why don''t you bring her over and

    introduce her?"

    Coen frowned, waving them off. "Come on, quit messing around. I know too many socialites to keep track of every woman

    I meet."

    The crowd erupted inughter.

    "Careful, Coen, you don''t want to hurt thedy''s feelings!" someone chimed in.

    Linsey hadn''t expected him to be surrounded by people, but she didn''t care. Her voice stayed cold and firm. "Coen, it''s me.

    Linsey."

    The crowd fell silent. A murmur broke through the hush. "Linsey? The designer used of giarizing Kylee''s dress?"

    At the mention of her name, Coen''s expression shifted. Reality clicked into ce.

    His demeanor changed in an instant. He quickly moved to a quieter corner, lowering his voice. "Linsey, why are you calling

    me right now? Are you trying to drag me into this online mess too?"

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 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255 You''re Fired

    Coen had always appeared friendly when around Linsey.

    Yet now, his tone was sharply disdainful.

    Linsey felt a chill as she sensed the change in his demeanor.

    Confronting him, she said, "Coen, you promised to manage the online rumors. I gave you all the proof-why haven''t you cleared my name? You''ve just let the ndering continue!"

    Coen had braced for this confrontation.

    But he wasn''t about to confess. Wearing a smile, he feigned confusion. "Linsey, I don''t know what you''re getting at. Your giarism issue-how is that rted to me?"

    Stunned by his response, Linsey momentarily faltered.

    She quickly recovered and responded, "Coen, what are you saying? You assured me you''d help. You even told me to rest at home these past days..."

    Coen erupted into scornfulughter. "Linsey, it''s astounding how naive you are. Did you actually think I''d help someone like you? Thatnding Anthea''s order would elevate your standing here?"

    Linsey was taken aback. "That wasn''t my intention at all."

    Before she could borate, Coen cut her off with a cold interjection. "Let''s be clear, Linsey-you''re fired. Tarnished by a giarism scandal, finding another respectable job will be a challenge. It''s best you stay out of trouble."

    At that moment, the full extent of Coen''s betrayal hit Linsey.

    Her fists clenched, she demanded, "Why did you lie to me?"

    Coenughed, a hint of mockery in his tone. "You''re asking me this? You''vepromised ourpany''s reputation. Not taking further action against you is already more than fair-you should feel grateful."

    He paused, then chuckled once more. "Face it, Linsey. You''ve upset the wrong people. It''s best you walk away now while you still can, unless you want things to escte."

    With that, he hung up abruptly.

    Reflecting on Linsey''s predicament, Coen felt no sympathy for her.

    To him, betraying Linsey was merely a step towards his own sess.

    Promotions and raises were now vividly within his reach.

    Humming to himself, Coen headed back to the private room, eager to celebrate the night away. Unbeknownst to him, the moment he decided to betray Linsey, his own fate had been sealed.

    On the other side, Linsey gritted her teeth in frustration as Coen disconnected the call.

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    < Chapter 255 You''re Fired

    She should have known better. Coen was never trustworthy.

    The evidence she had handed over to him was probably destroyed by now. Yet, she refused to give in to despair.

    No matter the obstacles, she was certain of one thing-Collin was on her side.

    Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Linsey attempted to call Collin, but received no response.

    Recalling his words before they parted, she realized he must still be upied. Instead, Linsey sent him a message.

    After confirming the message had been sent, Linsey paused to organize her thoughts. She knew precisely what her next

    steps should be.

    The individuals who had tarnished her reputation were likely reveling in her misfortune, expecting her to fall apart.

    Given that, she could not afford to let them win. She needed to regroup and mount aeback.

    Linsey slowly clenched her fist, her determination solidifying.

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 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256 I Trusted The Wrong Person

    Linsey had already formted a n.

    She needed to verify something crucial before proceeding.

    Reopening her phone, she navigated to Jude''s ount and scrutinized the designs he had shared earlier.

    It didn''t take Linsey long to spot numerous elements in Jude''s work that mirrored her own designs.

    She had no idea how Jude had managed to publish them first was beyond her, but the striking simrity actually yed

    into her hands.

    After careful consideration, Linsey set up a new Twitter ount.

    She swiftlyposed a statement and shared it, tagging it with relevant hashtags.

    "Hi everyone, this is Linsey. I want to make a formal statement today. The dress I designed for Kylee was entirely my

    creation, with absolutely no giarism involved. From start to finish, this dress was crafted through my own efforts."

    The post quickly captured the public''s attention.

    Many were taken aback to see Linsey, who had remained silent on her previous ount, suddenly activate a new one.

    Soon, a flurry of mockingments ensued.

    "Isn''t it a bitte to defend yourself now?"

    "Why create a new ount again? Afraid your poprity might wane?"

    "Stop with the excuses. If you didn''t giarize, show us proof. Why should we believe you otherwise?"

    "Exactly. Jude posted his designs half a month before you did."

    "The designs are practically identical. How can you im you didn''t copy?"

    Despite the flood of criticism, Linsey kept herposure.

    She pinned a response under her post. "I had collected all necessary evidence a few days ago, but unfortunately, I trusted

    the wrong person. Someone deliberately destroyed the original design drafts that could have proven my innocence."

    The bacsh continued unabated.

    "Oh please, not this excuse again. Surely you can think of something more original?"

    "You''ve be quite adept at fabricating stories."

    "Just one sentence to deflect all the me? What about those you''ve wronged?"

    0.0%

    01:50

    "Enough already. Apologize to Kylee and Jude-now!"

    "I''ve had enough of your charades. You''repletely disingenuous."

    "If you truly had proof, you''d have shared it immediately. Why the dy?"

    "And now you im someone deleted your evidence? Who do you think would go

    to such lengths just to sabotage you?"

    Thements section was bursting with scorn and mockery.

    Yet, Linsey did not waver.

    "I might not have the original drafts anymore, but that doesn''t mean I''m out of

    evidence. Despite everything, I maintain my

    stance this design is uniquely mine."

    Her steadfast position left some wondering about her mental state.

    "Has Linseypletely lost touch with reality after all this bacsh? What is she trying to say?"

    "No original drafts, no proof. Is there anything more to discuss?"

    "I was beginning to side with you, but now? You''ve just let everyone down."

    "A giarist with a fanbase-how has ite to this?"

    Amidst the ongoing fiery discussions, Linsey readied herself to disclose a startling revtion....

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257 Who Is The

    Real Thief Here

    "I may not have the original drafts right now, but I certainly have convincing proof. From the start of my design career, I''ve always included a personal touch in my drafts-a unique signature. If Jude didn''t giarize my work, how do you exin my initials on the drafts he uploaded?"

    Without a moment''s dy, Linsey shared all her past design drafts online.

    In these drafts, she pointed out her unique security feature-an artistic rendition of her initials.

    "I''ve taken screenshots of the drafts Jude posted online. Guess what? His drafts carry my signature too. Does he have a good exnation for this? Furthermore, I reviewed Jude''s past work. His previous designs are nothing like this one-they''repletely different in style. None of his earlier works featured my signature mark. So, who is the real thief here? And who is trying to shift the me?"

    Within ten minutes, Linsey had put together a highly professionalparison chart that clearly showcased all the evidence.

    Experienced Inte users were not easily deceived.

    Initially, they believed Jude''s ims. However, with Linsey presenting even morepelling evidence, they soon recognized that something was amiss.

    "Is this turning into a plot twist?"

    "This is unbelievable! Jude''s drafts actually have Linsey''s signature mark! I''ve checked multiple times. Oh my God! Linsey was telling the truth all along!"

    "So, who''s the real giarist here?"

    "Jude himself posted those drafts. They can''t be fakes."

    "It feels like we''re uncovering a full-scale conspiracy here..."

    Before long, several designers came forward to support Linsey, using the trending topic to increase their own exposure.

    "I originally thought Linsey was guilty of giarism, but having known Jude''s style for years, he just isn''t capable of creating something like this."

    "Linsey might be new to the scene, but her talent is undeniable. She designed a spectacr gown for a prominent socialite in Grester, which earned high praise from industry experts. I saw it myself-it was truly impressive. Given Linsey''s capabilities, it''s entirely usible that she crafted such a daring, elegant design."

    The unexpected twist in the saga left many of Linsey''s detractors in a state of confusion. Yet, some persisted, inundating thement sections with forceful denials.

    "I don''t see the point of all this drama. Jude uploaded his drafts first!"

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    < Chapter 257 Who Is The Real Thief Here

    "Exactly! It was already clear Linsey had giarized, and now suddenly, there''s a chorus of defenders? They must be paid

    shills."

    "Linsey, just stop with the lies. It''s revolting."

    Initially, the majority of online observers were convinced of Linsey''s guilt.

    However, public sentiment soon divided sharply.

    One half continued to believe Linsey was deceitful, while the other half began to suspect there was more to this story than

    met the eye.

    Driven by this division, numerousizens started their own investigations, eager to uncover additional facts.

    Among them was a renowned hacker.

    With no time wasted, this hacker prated the backend of Jude''s ount and unearthed a revtion that would turn the

    entire case on its head...

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 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258 Did You Miss

    Me That Much

    The Inte exploded when the hacker released the evidence. No one could believe what they were seeing.

    "Holy shit! Jude actually messed with the submission time!"

    ¡°Hold on¨CJude changed the submission time? And with Linsey''s signature on the design, doesn''t that mean she''s the real designer and Jude stole it from her?"

    "This is insane! How can anyone be so freaking shameless?"

    "Did you guys see that Jude actually submitted his design after Linsey''s dress was shown? This was totally nned!"

    "Jude''s the one who giarized! We all med Linsey for nothing..."

    The hacker''s screen recording left everyone speechless.

    What a crazy twist!

    "Jude stole Linsey''s design and then used her of giarism? I can''t even..."

    "What a scumbag!"

    Even with this evidence staring them in the face, some people still refused to believe Linsey.

    "Jude didn''t even know Linsey before. Why would he frame her? What''s in it for him?"

    "Are you kidding me? Still defending Jude? Hello, the guy''s gotten tons of publicity from this whole thing!"

    "Jude was fading into obscurity, and now he''s the talk of the town, raking in new clients. How is that not a benefit?"

    This unexpected turn of events left everyone reeling.

    The Inte was a dumpster fire again.

    Even after posting her statement, Linsey couldn''t rx.

    She knew she was innocent, but how could she prove it?

    If people still refused to believe her, she was screwed.

    Coen had destroyed her original sketches, and her signature was the only evidence she had left.

    Linsey was stunned when she saw the hacker''s screen recording, then overwhelmed with relief.

    She hadn''t expected anyone to find proof so fast.

    It was real! Jude had set her up!

    Relief flooded her, and tears pricked her eyes. She was finally free from those false usations.

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    < Chapter 258 Did You Miss Me That Much

    But even with the relief, confusion lingered.

    Linsey was baffled. She had never even met Jude before; there was no reason for

    her to be targeted. Why would Jude try to

    frame her?

    Before she could unravel the mystery, the sound of a car engine broke the silence.

    Collin was home!

    Linsey jumped to her feet and rushed outside. The moment she saw Collin, she couldn''t help herself-she ran straight into

    his arms.

    "Collin!" she cried.

    Collin let out a muffled groan as a sharp pain shot through his injured arm.

    Collin''s assistant''s face contorted in concern, and he instinctively moved to intervene.

    However, Collin silenced him with a chilling re.

    The assistant, defeated, bit back his words.

    Linsey, startled by Collin''s pained reaction, quickly pulled away. "What''s wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "Did I hurt you?"

    Before she could fully process the situation, Collin pulled her back into his embrace, his arm tightening around her waist. "I''m fine," he reassured her, his voice deep and gentle. "I was just surprised. I didn''t expect such an enthusiastic wee after being gone for such a short time. Did you miss me that much?"

 ireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 259

    Chapter 259 I Can Keep Designing!

    Collin''s gaze locked with Linsey''s, his eyes mirroring the depth of his emotions.

    He had been pouring his heart and soul into charming her, his gaze burning with an intensity that could melt ciers. He

    held his breath, anticipating her response.

    But Linsey, blissfully unaware of the his intentions, was consumed by her own excitement. She couldn''t wait to share her

    good news.

    *Collin!" she eximed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "I finally cleared my name! I never giarized Jude! He

    released his design after I did and messed with the timestamp to make it look like I copied him!"

    Her eyes sparkled with triumph as she threw her arms around Collin''s neck, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I''m so

    happy, Collin! Everyone online believes me now! I can keep designing!"

    Collin, who had already been informed of the good news on their drive back, nevertheless feigned surprise. "Really?" he

    asked, a broad smile spreading across his face.

    He gently caressed her cheek, his touch tender and affectionate. "That''s wonderful, Linsey," he said warmly. "You''ve been

    through so muchtely. But how did you manage to prove your innocence so quickly?"

    Linsey beamed, her chest swelling with pride. "Luckily, I''m always very careful with my work," she exined. "Every time

    I design something, I leave my signature on my drafts."

    Sheughed, shaking her head in amusement. "I never expected Jude to be so stupid! Not only did he copy my design, but

    he didn''t even bother to remove my signature! That''s what gave me the evidence I needed to clear my name."

    Collin chuckled. "He probably just copied and pasted the whole thing and changed a few minor details.

    "Exactly!" Linsey eximed, then her expression turned serious. "But I couldn''t have done it without that hacker who

    helped me find the most important evidence."

    She pulled out her phone, a hint of disappointment clouding her features. "I wanted to thank them properly. But after I posted the screen recording, they deleted their ount. I didn''t even get a chance to contact them."

    Collin''s assistant, who had been standing nearby, shifted ufortably and mumbled, "Actually, about that person..."

    Collin abruptly cleared his throat.

    The assistant, realizing his blunder, instantly mped his mouth shut.

    He was still wet behind the ears. He was terrible at keeping secrets.

    He almost blew his boss''s cover.

    Noticing Collin''s cough, Linsey gently patted his back. "Would you like some water?"

    0.0%

    01:50

    Collin covered his mouth with his hand, replying, "I''m alright, thank you."

    His cough was a deliberate attempt to silence his assistant.

    Linsey turned back to the assistant, her curiosity piqued. "So, what were you saying before? What about that person?"

    Maintaining a neutral expression, the assistant responded smoothly, "It was just spection on my part. Since they''re a hacker, they probably value their anonymity-revealing their identity could put them at risk. So, it''s best not to pry too much. We wouldn''t want to cause any unnecessary trouble."

    Linsey pondered this for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "That''s a valid point."

    After a brief lull in the conversation, Collin interjected yfully, "We can discuss everything elseter, but perhaps you

    should get off myp now? Maybe we should head inside?"

    Linsey froze, momentarily confused before understanding his implication.

    She had been so engrossed in the excitement of the moment that she hadn''t even

    realized Collin had pulled her onto his

    Numerous people were observing them!

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 Chapter 260

    Bit Embarrassed

    Suddenly, Linsey''s heart pounded in her chest.

    She abruptly sprang up from Collin''sp, creating a noticeable gap between them.

    A wave of heat flooded her cheeks.

    Even without a mirror, Linsey knew she was blushing furiously.

    What had she been thinking?

    Linsey drew a deep breath and nced around, only to find herself met with the amused smiles of several servants, including Josh, the ever-observant butler. She bit her lip, mortified, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

    This was all Collin''s fault! Why hadn''t he given her a heads-up?

    Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Linsey spun around and fled back into the vi.

    Collin watched her hasty retreat, a smile ying on his lips, his eyes filled with warmth.

    After a brief pause, Collinposed himself and addressed the staff, his tone serious. "What you just witnessed, is not to

    be discussed within this vi again. I wouldn''t want my wife to be distressed."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the servants responded in unison.

    Josh nodded, a knowing smile gracing his lips. "Understood, sir."

    The staff chimed in with their assurances, one even yfully adding that they had a terrible memory.

    The moment Collin disappeared inside, the group erupted in a flurry of excited whispers.

    "Oh my goodness, the way he dotes on her is simply incredible!"

    "I know, right? I haven''t seen him smile like that in ages!"

    "They must have a wonderful rtionship."

    Josh chuckled softly. "At this rate," he remarked, "it won''t be long before we have a little one running around the house."

    A nearby servant yfully added, "Perhaps even a whole brood of adorable little ones!"

    "Indeed! With their good looks, their children are sure to be absolutely beautiful.¡±

    "I can''t wait!"

    Josh listened to their chatter with a contented smile, more convinced than ever that Linsey and Collin were destined to be

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    < Chapter 2601 Just Feel A Bit Embarrassed

    together.

    After all, he had known Collin for many years and had witnessed firsthand his previously cold and aloof demeanor.

    But ever since Linsey had entered his life, Collin had undergone a remarkable transformation.

    He had no doubt that their future held even greater happiness and fulfillment.

    Linsey retreated to her room and sshed cold water on her face, hoping to calm her burning cheeks.

    Momentster, Collin entered the room and instantly noticed her flustered state. He paused at the bathroom door, observing as she dried her face. "Linsey, if having so many people around is bothering you,

    I can easily have them all leave."

    Linsey froze, then quickly shook her head. "No, no! It''s not that I dislike them."

    She lowered her gaze, biting her lip shyly. "I just feel a bit embarrassed, that''s all.¡±

    Collin raised an eyebrow. "Really? It''s alright. If you ever feel ufortable, just let me know, and I''ll handle it."

    Seeing his serious expression, Linsey panicked, worried he might actually dismiss the staff.

    she insisted, "No, no! I''m not ufortable at all! I like having them around. I''m just not used to being affectionate with

    you in front of other people."

    She continued, as if stating the obvious, "Besides, if you send them all away, who''s going to take care of us? You don''t

    expect me to do it, do you? I''m far too busy!"

    Collin feigned offense. "Are you saying you''ve grown tired of me already?" he teased.

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 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261 Honey, I Was

    Wrong

    In the past, Linsey might have held back, worried about hurting Collin''s feelings.

    But now, those concerns were gone. She knew Collin could handle a bit of yful teasing.

    Linsey shot Collin a yful re. "Well, duh, who told you to be so naughty?"

    Her yful banter reassured Collin. Linsey was clearly no longer bothered by the online gossip.

    He chuckled and shook his head. "You think I''m bad just because of how I am with you?" he teased. "Darling, you haven''t

    seen anything yet."

    Linsey blinked, stepping out of the bathroom to stand before him, disbelief written across her face.

    "How much worse can you possibly be?" she challenged.

    Collin''s eyes twinkled mischievously as he slowly looked her up and down, his gaze lingering on her neck. He raised an eyebrow. "You may not know all of me, but surely you''re notpletely innocent?"

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat at the suggestive glint in his eyes.

    She instinctively covered her neck, her mind shing back to their passionate encounter at the vi on the private ind...

    Was that what he was referring to?

    Realizing his implication, Linsey red at him. "Collin!" she scolded, her cheeks flushing.

    Seeing the genuine annoyance in her eyes, Collin panicked. Had he pushed it too far?

    If this led to him being banished from the bedroom tonight, it would be a tragedy.

    Desperate to avoid that oue, Collin immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Honey, I was wrong," he said quickly.

    "I''m sorry."

    Linsey lifted her chin, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Since you''re apologizing so nicely, I''ll forgive you."

    She smiled and moved behind him, taking hold of the handles of his wheelchair.

    "So, Linsey," Collin said, quickly changing the subject, "what are you going to do about Jude?"

    Linsey''s anger dissipated as quickly as it hade. After a moment of thought, she replied with determination, ¡°I''m definitely going to confront him. But tthere''s something I don''t understand."

    Collin turned to look at Linsey, who had now settled on the bed. "What''s that?" he asked.

    "I don''t get it. Jude and I have no bad blood between us. Why would he try to frame me like that?" Linsey frowned. "He was a well-known designer. He had no reason to target a neer like me."

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    Chapter 261 Honey, I Was Wrong

    Linsey concluded, "So, I think someone might be pulling his strings."

    "You''re very perceptive," Collin praised, a warm smile gracing his lips. "I had the same thought."

    He reached out and took Linsey''s hand in his. "That''s why I went out today to find Jude and get some answers."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that was quick! You actually found him? What did he say?"

    Collin''s voice was low and measured. "At first, he wasn''t willing to cooperate, so I had to... persuade him."

    His long fingers gently caressed the back of Linsey''s hand. "It won''t be long before we find out who''s behind this. And when we do, they''ll pay for what they''ve done to you."

    A steely glint entered Collin''s eyes as he spoke.

    He had already warned Kylee to stay away from Linsey.

    But she had not only ignored his warning but also dared to scheme against

    Linsey, attempting to destroy her reputation.

    That was unforgivable.

    He would show no mercy. Anyone who dared to harm his wife would face his wrath.

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 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262 I Didn''t Resort To Any Physical Violence

    A terrifying rage ignited in Collin''s eyes, his gaze darkening with fury.

    Even Linsey, standing close beside him, flinched, her heart skipping a beat at the intensity of his anger.

    She had rarely witnessed this darker side of Collin, and for a fleeting moment, he felt like a stranger.

    The outburst was fleeting, his expression quickly regaining its usualposure. Noticing Linsey''s unease, Collin immediately inquired, "Linsey, are you alright?"

    Linsey blinked, snapping back to reality. Looking into his eyes once more, she was met with his usual warmth and affection.

    Had she imagined that sh of anger?

    She pressed her lips together and instinctively shook her head. "I''m fine,¡± she murmured.

    But then, she recalled Collin''s earlier words. Was this what he had meant?

    A nagging suspicion lingered in Linsey''s mind, a feeling that Collin might be keeping secrets from her.

    However, she was certain that Collin would never harm her, so she pushed the thought aside.

    Linsey offered a lighthearted smile, teasing, "I was just a little worried. You mentioned Jude was unwilling to cooperate.

    How did you convince him? Did you go all vignte on him and beat him up?"

    She yfully punched his shoulder, emphasizing each word. "I just don''t want you ending up behind bars."

    Collin raised an eyebrow, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Linsey," he teased back, "is that really how you see me? As some

    sort of thug?"

    Linsey couldn''t help butugh.

    "Don''t worry," Collin reassured her. "I didn''t resort to any physical violence. I just dug up some dirt on him."

    Linsey''s curiosity was piqued. "What kind of dirt?" she pressed.

    She paused, recalling her earlier suspicions about Jude''s designs.

    "Wait a minute," she wondered aloud. "Did he giarize someone else''s work?"

    A sly smirk yed on Collin''s lips. "It''s a bit more serious than simple giarism," he revealed. "What he did was far more

    sinister."

    Collin continued, revealing the shocking truth about Jude''s past. Years ago, Jude had hired a ghostwriter to create designs

    for him, and then, to cover his tracks, he had framed her, leaving the poor woman in a vegetative state.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in horror, her shock growing with each revtion. She couldn''t believe the depths of Jude''s

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    Chapter 2621 Didn''t Resort To Any Physical Violence

    depravity

    The reality was far more sinister than she had ever imagined.

    "That monster!" Linsey eximed, her voice filled with disgust. "Jude is despicable! He deserves to rot in jail!"

    Collin gently patted Linsey''s head, his voice soothing. "You''re absolutely right," he agreed. "But we need to be patient. Justice will be served, but first, we need to resolve your situation. I''ve already arranged for Jude to contact the person pulling the strings in all of this."

    Collin gazed into Linsey''s eyes, a hint of mischief in his own. "A good show is about to begin, Linsey," he said, his voice

    Linsey, though curious about Collin''s n, didn''t press him for details.

    She knew, with unwavering certainty, that Collin would never do anything to hurt her.

    All she had to do was trust him.

    With a soft smile and a newfound sense of peace, Linsey wrapped her arms

    around Collin''s waist, resting her head against

    his broad chest. She felt safe and secure in his embrace.

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 Chapter 263

    hapter 263 How Can This Be Happening

    On the other side of the room, Kylee''s nerves were unraveling. Jude was still nowhere to be seen.

    With each passing minute, the unease settled deeper in her chest.

    She couldn''t exin it, but a gut feeling told her something was wrong.

    Cynthia''s sudden gasp sliced through the tension. "Kylee! We got a situation! Linsey just posted a response on Twitter!"

    Kylee''s pulse spiked. She grabbed her phone and opened the app without a second thought.

    There it was¡ªLinsey''s post, ring back at her from the homepage.

    She had dropped a rification half an hour ago, backed by undeniable proof.

    The entire story online had taken an unexpected turn.

    Where Linsey had once been the target of scorn, the tide had now shifted. People were rallying behind her, starting to point fingers at Jude.

    Kylee stared at the screen, her face twisted inplete disbelief.

    "How can this be happening?" Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "Coen swore he destroyed every piece of Linsey''s evidence. Howe she still have proof?"

    Squinting at the post, Kylee saw the telltale sign-Linsey had marked the design drafts with her signature as proof.

    And just like that, a wave of fury mmed into Kylee.

    She shot a furious look at Cynthia, her voice cutting through the tension. "Are you out of your mind? When you got Linsey''s design drafts, why didn''t you change anything? As a designer, didn''t you know better than to just copy and paste?"

    Cynthia froze, her eyes wide, struck by the brilliance of Linsey''s backup n.

    When she handed the designs to Jude, she had only focused on minor tweaks, unaware of the safeguard Linsey had hidden.

    in the drafts.

    Heat rushed to Cynthia''s face, her mind racing with the weight of her mistake.

    It hit her all at once-Kylee wasn''t just upset; she was livid, and this was about tond her in serious trouble. Desperately, she tried to shrink away from the mess she had created.

    "Kylee, this isn''t my fault! Who could''ve known Jude would be so careless? This is all on him!"

    In a rush of panic, Cynthia added, "Jude''s supposed to be here. Why is there still no sign of him? Has he just run off?"

    Kylee''s eyes narrowed, her teeth clenched. "If that idiot has actually run away, it''s over. I''ll find him and make sure he pays

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    01:51

    for this."

    Just then, a voice rang out from outside the room. "Miss Russell, Mr. Jude Todd is here to see you."

    Kylee''s eyes lit up. Without a second thought, she instructed, "Let him in. Now," Meanwhile, Jude stood at the entrance of the vi, fidgeting nervously.

    He had already seen the chaos online on his way over.

    Everything had beenid bare, and no matter what he did now, there was no escaping the consequences.

    At first, Jude''s instinct was to run. If he could just leave Grester, change his identity, start fresh, maybe no one would. remember his betrayal.

    But as the thought lingered, a bitter taste rose in his mouth. Resentment gnawed at him.

    He had nothing left, while Kylee and Cynthia were still living their lives without a

    care.

    It was all because of them.

    His mind shed back to how they had treated him-condescending, dismissive, as if he were beneath them.

    Why? Just because they were from wealthy families? Why did they think they had the right to look down on him like that?

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    Marrying A SecrM Z Montre Hency Ever

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264 Come With Me To The Study

    Jude''s frustration built as he gripped the item Collin had given him, his knuckles turning white.

    If that was the case, he would make sure Kylee and Cynthia felt the same sting of public shame.

    "Mr. Todd, Miss Russell would like to see you. Please follow me," a servant called, snapping him from his thoughts.

    Jude nodded, his heart pounding in his chest.

    As he stepped inside, he discreetly flicked the switch on the item in his hand....

    At that very moment, a notification shed on the phone of Collin''s assistant who was at Vista Vi.

    The assistant raised an eyebrow, quickly heading toward the master bedroom door. He knocked and spoke to Collin inside. "Mr. Riley, Jude''s activated the device. Should we go ahead with the n?"

    "Of course," Collin replied without hesitation.

    Linsey, overhearing the conversation, couldn''t help but ask, "Why mention Jude? What has he done?"

    Collin let out a soft chuckle and gently took Linsey''s hand.

    "Come with me to the study. You''ll find out soon enough."

    Suppressing her curiosity, Linsey followed Collin toward the study.

    Collin wheeled himself up to the desk and began working on theptop.

    Linsey stood beside him, watching as he casually clicked through a fewmands. Soon, an image flickered onto the

    screen.

    The camera view zoomed in, following the main perspective.

    "What''s this?" Linsey asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

    Collin smiled, his gaze steady. "Just watch. You''ll see soon enough."

    Linsey nced at him briefly before turning her attention back to the screen.

    It showed avish vi. Before long, a servant appeared, calling out, "Mr. Todd." When she heard the voice from the screen, Linsey''s eyes widened in realization.

    "Is this a video Jude recorded?"

    Collin nodded slightly. "Actually, this isn''t an old recording-it''s happening right now, in real-time."

    Linsey''s understanding clicked instantly.

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    Chapter 264 Come With Me To The Study

    Why this is what you meant when you said I should watch a good show?" Linsey eximed, her face lighting up with

    excitement as she pointed at the screen.

    A few seconds passed before she quickly added, "When you met Jude, you gave him something to record everything capturing the true face of the person behind all this!"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by how quickly Linsey had figured it out.

    He modded "Yes, dingo

    Linsey couldn''t help but offer her praise. "Collin, you''re brilliant!"

    Her unexpectedpliment brought a smile to Collin''s face, lifting his spirits.

    Alight enough standing Whates next might blow your mind. How about sitting down and watching?"

    34

    Linsey nodded eagerly, excited to finally uncover who was behind it all. She started to move toward a chair, but before she could sit. Collin suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto hisp.

    She was caught off guard, instantly seated on him.

    Her face was inches from his, the warmth of his presence making her heart race. She could almost hear the steady thrum of his heartbeat in her ears.

    "Hey Collin, what do you think you''re doing?" Linsey asked, her cheeks flushing with heat, unable to hide her surprise.

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 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265 What''s Wrong With Holding My Wife

    Linsey''s heart jolted in her chest, caught off guard. She tried to shift away from Collin''sp, but his arm tightened around her waist, anchoring her in ce.

    His low voice rumbled in her ear, sending a shiver up her spine. "It''s just us. No one''s around, so you don''t have to be shy."

    Linsey pulled back, her voice soft but firm. "It''s not about being shy. How can you think about stuff like that right now?"

    Collin chuckled quietly, drawing her closer. "What''s wrong with holding my wife? The important stuff is ahead. No need for a chair. Isn''t it better to rx on myp for a bit?"

    Linsey couldn''t help but feel a mix of amusement and frustration at Collin''s yful

    excuses.

    This sly, clever man was clearly up to something mischievous.

    If he truly cared about those so-called important matters, he wouldn''t be holding onto her so intentionally right now.

    But they were a close couple, so if Collin wanted to show affection, it wasn''t a big deal.

    With that thought, Linsey stopped pulling away and leaned against him, her attention still on the screen.

    Meanwhile, Jude, holding recording equipment, was guided inside by the vi''s staff.

    Before long, a familiar face appeared on the screen... It was Cynthia!

    Linsey had always suspected that Cynthia had ulterior motives toward her.

    After a brief silence, Linsey had hoped maybe Cynthia had given up, but it seemed the woman was still plotting.

    Linsey had been puzzled about how Jude hade across her design drafts.

    But now, seeing Cynthia, everything clicked into ce.

    It was all part of a scheme between Cynthia and Coen to set her up...

    As Linsey processed this, another woman''s voice suddenly cut through the

    scene.

    "Jude, what''s happening? You took forever to show up, and you still messed up with Linsey? How could you make such a huge blunder?"

    The voice hit Linsey''s ears, and her eyes widened in shock.

    Kylee?

    Linsey had always sensed that Cynthia didn''t like her, so the scheming made

    sense.

    But why was Kylee caught up in this?

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    For a moment, Linsey wondered if she had mistaken it.

    But the screen clearly showed Kylee, and after a few seconds, Linsey was sure she hadn''t imagined it.

    She couldn''t shake the memory of how uneasy she had always felt around Kylee in their previous meetings.

    Back then, Linsey had convinced herself she was just overthinking.

    Now, she saw how convincingly Kylee could y her part.

    Kylee had truly earned her reputation as an actress.

    The more Linsey dwelled on it, the angrier she grew. If she hadn''t left a mark on her design drafts, she might''ve been wrongly used of giarism and destroyed in the industry for good.

    She couldn''t allow Kylee, the mastermind, to escape unscathed. Kylee had to be held ountable.

    But then, a new thought crossed Linsey''s mind.

    Kylee and Collin had been childhood friends. How would Collin react when he learned the truth?

    Would he take Kylee''s side?

    The thought unsettled Linsey, and she instinctively nced at Collin behind her. Rmended for you

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266 Don''t You

    Want To Defend Her

    Noticing Linsey''s gaze on him, Collin raised an eyebrow and asked softly, "Why the sudden stare?"

    Linsey paused, then answered coolly, "You don''t look surprised at all."

    She nced at Kylee on the screen. "Did you already know it was Kylee who set me up?"

    "When I questioned Jude earlier, I pieced it all together-it''s all tied to Kylee," Collin replied, his expression unchanged.

    Looking at his indifferent response, Linsey bit her lip and asked carefully, "Now that you know, what do you intend to do about Kylee?

    In that moment, Linsey couldn''t shake the fear that Collin might still take Kylee''s side.

    Kylee had been his childhood friend. It was not surprising that Collin cared about her.

    Before Linsey could finish her thought, Collin spoke. "This is about your reputation. Since she set you up, I won''t hold back."

    Linsey was slightly startled by his response. She blinked, staring at him, then asked, "But you''ve known Kylee forever.... But you''ve known Kylee forever... Don''t you still have feelings for her? Don''t you want to defend her?"

    Collin hesitated, feeling the weight of Linsey''s careful questioning. It was both amusing and a little exasperating.

    She was his wife. How could Kylee ever measure up to her?

    Collin understood Linsey''s worries. He gave her a soft smile before speaking. "I''ve known Kylee for years. After my ident, when everything changed, she stuck by me. As long as she didn''t cross any major lines, she was always a friend."

    Linsey stayed quiet, her thoughts drifting as she imagined the struggles Collin must have faced.

    His words hinted that after the ident, most people had turned their backs on him.

    Collin''s expression hardened. "But this time, she really crossed a line. I won''t forgive her so easily."

    Linsey''s mind wandered for a moment before she asked without thinking, "What''s the line?"

    Collin grinned, a soft chuckle escaping him. He tapped her forehead lightly, his fingers warm against her skin.

    "Hey, answer me," Linsey muttered, raising her hand to her forehead.

    It wasn''t that Collin''s tap had been rough, but it still irked her a bit.

    She shot him a yful look. "What was that about?"

    Collin''s smile spread even wider when he saw her expression.

    "You''re such a goof," he said, his voice light and teasing. "You seriously don''t know?"

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    Chapter 266 Don''t You Want To Defend Her

    "Well, you''ve never told me," Linsey shot back. ¡°How am I supposed to know? Am

    I supposed to be a mind reader now?"

    Collinughed. "Take a guess."

    Linsey sighed lightly, her voice casual. "Is it me?"

    "Definitely." Collin didn''t miss a beat.

    Linsey hesitated for a moment, thinking he was probably just teasing.

    Since when had she be that important to him?

    Seeing the doubt in her expression, Collin grew more serious. "Linsey, I''m telling you the truth. If you don''t believe me..."

    He paused, gently guiding her hand to his chest, not giving her a chance to pull

    away. "Feel my heartbeat," he said softly. "You''ll know if I''m lying."

    A yful glint danced in his eyes. "I swear."

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 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267 You Can''t Discard Me

    Ju

    Just

    Linsey''s gaze was irresistibly pulled into the depths of Collin''s eyes, like a moth to a me. The gentle pressure of her palm against his chest let her feel the vigorous thumping of his heart, a rhythm that echoed her own heart''s bittersweet ache.

    Her cheeks soon flushed with a soft, spreading warmth, yet she didn''t retreat.

    Instead, waves of gratitude and affection surged within her, overwhelming yetforting

    With a tender look, Linsey nodded, her voice a whisper of resolve. "Alright, I will always believe in you."

    That moment deepened her gratitude for the serendipitous twist of fate that had led her to Collin-and to their unexpected marriage.

    In her world, beyond Dolores, her steadfast childhood friend, she believed Collin was the only other soul who would never betray her.

    On theptop screen, the ongoing drama between Jude and Kylee unfolded.

    Jude faced Kylee''s incisive questions with a calm that belied his inner turmoil. "On my way here, I felt eyes on me, lurking shadows tailing my every move. To shake them off, I took a few extra turns, which unfortunately ate up my time,¡± he exined, her voice tinged with a feigned hint of panic.

    "Miss Russell, surely you''ve seen the frenzy online? I''ve been exposed. Linsey''s countermove was swift and merciless. What do I do now?" Jude''s eyes were wide, his plea desperate. "Miss Russell, you have to help me."

    His words struck a nerve in Kylee, igniting a furious ze within her. She clenched her fists, itching to confront the idiot causing all the trouble.

    But the problem loomedrge and unresolved, threatening to rear its ugly head again if not swiftly dealt with.

    Kylee took a deep breath to quell the rising storm of her anger, her voice a controlled, icy whisper. "There''s no use in dragging this out. Given the mess we''re in, you''d best pack up and leave the country. Stay under the radar until things cool off. I''lle up with a way to get you back soon."

    Jude''s eyes narrowed into slits, his lips twisting into a bitter sneer. "Get me back? After all this, do you really believe I can get back?"

    He released a heavy, burdened sigh, his toneden with bitterness. "Aligning with you has shattered my reputation. And now, you''re shoving me aside like I''m just another problem to sweep under the rug? That''s not going to fix anything, Miss Russell You can''t just discard me."

    Kylee''s brow furrowed deeper, the edges of her patience fraying "What exactly do you expect from me then? I never wanted it toe to this either." Her voice, although tinged with frustration, held a note of weary resignation.

    Jude didn''t hesitate, his voice sharp and unyielding "I''m not asking for much-1 just want what''s mine. We agreed on five

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    < Chapter 267 You Can''t Just Discard Me

    million when the job was done. But now, you''ve turned my life upside down, forcing me out of town. You''ll have to pay

    extra for that."

    Kylee, her jaw set hard, asked through clenched teeth, "How much do you want?"

    "Fifty million," Jude replied without missing a beat.

    Kylee let out a sharp, bitterugh before growling, "Wow, Jude, you''ve got some serious guts asking for that kind of money!"

    Beside her, Cynthia''s temper red, her voice rising in indignation. "Are you freaking serious right now? Where the hell do you think we''re getting that kind of money? You act like fifty million is just spare change lying around!"

    Jude huffed, his disdain palpable, "You expect me to believe that? One of you is a famous actress, and the other was born rich. Look at me-I used to be a celebrated designer, admired by everyone. Now, I''m nothing, and my reputation was ruined because of you."

    He then chuckled darkly, her eyes glinting with malice, "If you don''t want your

    world to crumble, you''d better pay up. Otherwise, I''m going public with how you two schemed to set Linsey up."

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 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268 I''ve Got It All

    On Tape

    "You!" Kylee''s face flushed crimson with fury.

    Cynthia, already on edge, couldn''t mask her shock.

    Neither of them had expected Jude to stoop so low, especially given how

    obedient and honest he had always been.

    What had gotten into him?

    But both Kylee and Cynthia were determined-this couldn''t get out.

    Kylee felt more threatened. If anyone found out she was behind it all, her carefully crafted image as the sweet, innocent celebrity would shatter.

    In the future, whenever her name came up, people would think of her as the mastermind behind framing a designer for

    giarism.

    That would be the end of her career in the entertainment industry.

    It was all Cynthia and Jude''s fault-they were both idiots!

    Kylee clenched her jaw. "Fine, I''ll give you the money. But you have to swear you''ll never breathe a word of this."

    Cynthia, knowing she had no other choice, reluctantly nodded.

    But to their surprise, a sh of disbelief crossed Jude''s face.

    They actually agreed! He had only been bluffing.

    It seemed he had really struck a nerve.

    Then, greed took over Jude. A satisfied smirk crept across his face as he raised the stakes. ¡°Fifty million was the number earlier, but now? It''s changed. Each of you will owe me fifty million."

    Kylee and Cynthia seethed with fury.

    Kylee''s eyes widened, her voice trembling with disbelief. "Jude! Are you out of your mind? Fifty million each? You''ve got

    some nerve!"

    Cynthia''s fury was palpable. "Jude, we''ve known each other for years! Are you really gonna do this? You can''t honestly say you had no part in this mess. You''re supposed to be a veteran in the design world, yet you missed the signature on Linsey''s drafts. You''re just as guilty as anyone else in this fiasco!"

    But Jude didn''t flinch. "Enough with the excuses. I''ve gone out of my way to help you take Linsey down. Fifty million each is a small price to pay."

    Kylee''s disgust grew with every passing second. Her voice turned icy as she shot back, "Don''t push your luck. Messing with

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    me won''t end well for you. We''ll give you fifty million total-that''s more than generous. If you''re smart, you''ll sign the contract and get out of the country. Fast."

    Cynthia didn''t hold back either. "After everything we''ve been through, I''m not asking for much. Kylee''s already being generous with the money. Fifty million is more than enough for you to livefortably for the rest of your life. Sometimes, it''s better not to push your luck."

    But despite their words, Jude didn''t flinch.

    He knew he held all the cards. They werepletely at his mercy.

    In that moment, Jude saw them for what they really were-just as hypocritical as

    he was. As long as he kept the pressure on, they would crack, desperate to protect their reputations and hand over the cash.

    A smug grin spread across his face as he spoke, his voice dripping with

    arrogance. "Let me make this clear. From the moment I walked in, I''ve been recording everything. If you don''t want me to expose all of this, you''d better pay up fast.

    Don''t say I didn''t warn you."

    Kylee''s eyes widened in shock. "Did I hear that right?"

    Jude couldn''t help but bask in her panic. With a victorious smirk, he pulled out the

    hidden recorder, holding it up as if it

    were a trophy. "I''ve got it all on tape. The ball''s in your court now."

    Rmended for you

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 en Bride A Lifetime of Love 269

    Chapter 269 Give Me Your Final Words

    Jude braced for the moment Cynthia and Kylee would gasp in shock at what was in his hands. Instead, Kylee''s face turned

    steely, her voice slicing through the air as she sharply rebuked him. "Jude! How dare you secretly record us? You''ve

    Her eyes zed with a lethal intensity as she red at the recording device clutched in Jude''s hands. The stakes were high;

    if this got out, it would spell disaster for her.

    "Someone, get over here now!" Kylee''s voice thundered across the room.

    Pointing an using finger at Jude, she bellowed, "Seize this treacherous scum!"

    On hermand, several burly bodyguards sprang into action, closing in on Jude with determined strides.

    Jude was caught off guard by Kylee''s swift and fierce reaction, his heart hammering in his chest.

    In a desperate bid for freedom, he clutched the device closer and bolted.

    But the bodyguards were quicker, effortlessly blocking his escape and tackling him to the floor with a thud.

    "Help! Please, let me go!" Jude''s voice cracked, his face draining of color as panic engulfed him.

    Meanwhile, Kylee''s fierce mask of anger softened into a smug,posed smile as she sauntered over to the subdued Jude. With a casual flick of her wrist, she plucked the recording device from his grasp, her earlier tension melting into a cold, triumphant ease.

    Jude''s body shook violently, his voice breaking as he swiftly shifted his stance to one of begging. "Miss Russell! I admit my fault-I won''t dare repeat it, please, let me go!" His eyes were wide with desperation.

    Kylee, her lips curling into a smug grin, leisurely pointed the camera at him. "Since you''re such a fan of filming, how about we make you the star? Give me your final words," she remarked, her voice dripping with mockery.

    "Final words?" Jude''s voice caught in his throat, his face draining of color. "W- what do you mean?"

    Kylee ignored Judy''s mounting terror, her expression remaining unreadable.

    His earlier bravado had only fueled her ire, solidifying her resolve. There would be no second chances-not this time.

    With a chilling calm, Kylee nced over at the lead bodyguard and gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod. Her voice dropped to a whisper, venomous and cold. "Jude doesn''t deserve to walk away from this. The only way to deal with a snake like him... is to make sure he disappears for good."

    Horror shed across Jude''s face, his entire frame quivering as the gravity of his predicament dawned on him.

    Was Kylee truly going to end his life-just like that?

    How could she do this?

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    What the hell was she thinking?

    Killing someone like it was nothing-she was out of her damn mind!

    Frantic, he began to shout, the fear evident in every syble, "Kylee! You can''t do this! If you kill me, it won''t stay hidden! You''ll be caught!"

    Seeing Kylee''s unwavering stance, Jude finally copsed into tears. "Kylee, I was wrong! Forget the money! Just get me out of this country! I''ll do anything you say!" His voice broke, a desperate plea hanging between them.

    Kylee''s expression didn''t flicker. "It''s far toote for regrets. But before I decide your fate, I need to ensure you''ll never breathe a word of this to anyone."

    Her tone was icy, and as she spoke, a sinister glint sparkled in her eyes-a promise of dire consequences.

    §á§Ö§é§Ö§ä

    Out of the corner of her eye, Cynthia, who had been quietly observing the confrontation, felt a jolt of shock. She hadn''t imagined Kylee could take things to such an extreme.

    "Kylee... you can''t possibly mean to... are you really considering killing him? We don''t have to resort to this! Just send him overseas!" Kylee''s voice quivered uncontrobly with each word, betraying her fear.

    She had aligned herself with Kylee simply to outmaneuver Linsey and score some favorable coverage. But the situation had spiraled into something far darker than she had anticipated.

    "Shut up!" Kylee''s shout cut through the tense air, her re fierce enough to silence Cynthia on the spot.

    Cynthia recoiled, her pulse racing, as a cold, heavy dread settled over her, suffocating her thoughts.

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 Bride A Lifetime of Love 270

    Chapter 270 They''re Trying

    To Kill Me!

    Witnessing this side of Kylee was scaring Cynthia.

    "Get on with it!" Kylee snapped, her voice razor-sharp with impatience as the lead bodyguard hesitated.

    Without another second''s pause, the lead bodyguard drew a knife, inching toward Jude with measured, deliberate steps.

    Panic surged through him. He shook his head frantically as he struggled to break free, but a crushing grip pinned him in

    ce-there was no escape.

    Terror coiled around his throat, choking off any words. His eyes stayed locked on the de, every glimmer of metal a

    silent promise of the danger ahead.

    Meanwhile, Linsey and Collin watched the nightmare unfold on the screen.

    Linsey''s breath hitched. Disbelief clouded her face as she instinctively grabbed Collin''s hand. "Kylee''s not actually going to

    kill him... right?"

    Collin''s brow furrowed, his surprise reflecting Linsey''s at Kylee''s icy resolve.

    "Chill, she won''t get that far," he murmured, giving Linsey''s hand a reassuring squeeze. Still, a flicker of irritation tightened his jaw-Kylee''s cruelty had rattled her, and that didn''t sit right with him.

    Linsey nced up, confusion clouding her eyes. What did he mean by that? Before she could ask, the sharp wail of police sirens tore through the video feed. "The cops are here!" someone shouted, their voice a shaky mix of relief and lingering fear.

    The lead bodyguard jolted, panic shing across his face as the knife slipped from his grasp, hitting the floor with a sharp,

    metallic tter.

    Kylee''s fury twisted into something dangerously close toughter. Her eyes narrowed into icy slits as she leveled a re at Jude. "Well, Jude, you actually had the nerve to call the police? Guess you never nned to cooperate from the start," she

    sneered, her voice dripping with contempt.

    Jude''s heart pounded in his chest. Relief surged through him at the sound of the sirens, though confusion tugged at the

    edges of his thoughts.

    How could he have called them?

    It didn''t matter now. The police were here, and that was enough.

    Seizing his chance, he broke free from the bodyguard''s grip and sprinted for the door, desperation driving every step. "Help!

    They''re trying to kill me!" he shouted, his voice raw with panic.

    Kylee''s breath hitched. Rage surged through her, and she barked out an order, desperate to have him caught before he

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    could slip away.

    Jude bolted like lightning, disappearing before anyone could react.

    Though he had slipped through her fingers, Kylee knew the real threat wasn''t him-it was whatever recordings he had.

    Those needed to be destroyed.

    Without hesitation, she lunged for the device in her hand, ready to smash it to pieces.

    But she was already toote. A wall of police officers closed in around her, cutting off any chance of escape.

    "Kylee Russell, you''ll need toe with us," one officer said firmly. "There are some important matters we need to discuss."

    Before she or Cynthia could utter a word, the s seized them both, dragging them away without room for protest.

    The device slipped from Kylee''s grasp as an officer confiscated it, and theptop screen abruptly cut to ck.

    The sudden shift left Linsey frozen, shock rippling through her like a jolt of electricity.

    She stared at the nk screen, her mind struggling to catch up. Slowly, she turned to Collin, realization flickering in her

    eyes.

    "So, it was you all along?" she asked, her voice low,ced with equal parts awe and disbelief.

    No wonder he had been so sure Kylee wouldn''t seed-he had set the whole n in motion from the very beginning.

    "Isn''t it obvious?" Collin replied smoothly, his voice calm and steady. His gaze softened as he looked at Linsey, a gentle

    smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I did some digging on Jude Todd beforehand. With his track record-like leaving someone in a vegetative state- trustworthy isn''t exactly the word I''d use for him."

    His words flowed unhurriedly, each one measured and deliberate. All the while, his arms stayed around Linsey''s waist, the

    gesture both protective and unmistakably possessive.

    "I yed along, making it seem like I needed his help to expose whoever was pulling the strings. I knew the second he

    realized Kylee and Cynthia nned to pin everything on him, he wouldn''t just sit back. He''d retaliate-and try to squeeze

    every ounce of profit out of the situation."

    Collin''s lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with a flicker of mockery.

    "And knowing Kylee and Cynthia, they''re not exactly the type to cave under

    ckmail," he said, his voice low and edged. with quiet amusement. "It was only a matter of time before things boiled over between them."

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 ireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 271

    Chapter 271 You''re So

    Smart, Sweetheart

    Linsey connected the dots with a swift realization. "So, you had Jude bring recording equipment that could link back to us.

    It wasn''t just to gather clear evidence but also to seize the perfect moment to switch the live feed to the police. This way, they could act immediately and catch them red-handed."

    Collin chuckled and affectionately ruffled Linsey''s hair. "You''re so smart, sweetheart."

    Linsey blushed at thepliment but quickly brushed it aside. "You''re exaggerating."

    Collin nted a kiss on her cheek and continued, "The police have made the arrests, and we havepelling evidence. It

    won''t be long before your name is cleared for everyone to see."

    As Collin predicted, everything unfolded seamlessly.

    Word of Kylee''s arrest spread like wildfire across the Inte.

    A frenzy erupted anew online.

    Kylee''s staunch supporters stormed social media, furious at the police. "Why did they arrest Kylee? Do the police just do whatever they please?" "This is scandalous! I''m reporting this illegal arrest to the higher authorities." "We need an exnation from the Grester Police Department now!"

    "How could they arrest someone as kind as Kylee?"

    "I can''t begin to imagine how terrified she must be. What could she possibly have done to deserve this?"

    "She has no powerful allies or hidden agendas, yet she''s constantly facing hurdles."

    The overwhelming public reaction forced the police, initially nning a quiet investigation, to disclose the case details.

    The revtions sent shockwaves through the onlinemunity.

    "Wait, so Kylee orchestrated the giarism scandal? She put Jude up to this?"

    "It wasn''t only Jude Todd-Kylee even bribed Cynthia Keller, the designer at CR Corporation, to frame Linsey."

    "It''s like a twist in a thriller! The real schemer turned out to be the supposedly innocent Kylee."

    "Kylee went so far as to bribe Coen, Linsey''s boss, to destroy the evidence she had gathered."

    "Linsey uncovered their scheme by spotting her signature, thwarting their entire n. Overwhelmed, Kylee tried to silence

    Jude."

    "Does that mean she was contemting murder? Did Kylee actually stoop that low?"

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    01:53

    "Thank goodness the police intervened in time, or Jude might not have made it. While reputations can be mended, a life

    once lost is irreceable."

    "How could Kylee discuss murder so casually? Has she ever been involved in something like this before? It''s horrifying."

    "This ordeal dragged on for so long, and Kylee orchestrated the whole thing? She''s downright malicious!"

    "And those mindless fans who attacked Linsey owe her an apology! You really went overboard, idolizing a criminal."

    Kylee''s career came to a grinding halt.

    Productionpanies and brands previously aligned with Kylee scrambled to cut ties, swiftly terminating their contracts and releasing statements to dissociate from her, while also seeking damages.

    The magnitude of the scandal brought unprecedented scrutiny onw enforcement.

    Cynthia and Coen, as Kylee''s coborators, were dismissed from CR Corporation. Thepany''s official ount made a public apology on Twitter.

    "We sincerely apologize to our designer, Linsey Riley. Protecting her was our duty, and we fell short. In the future, wemit to enhanced oversight to ensure this does not ur again..."

    The most astonishing part of the apology was the signature at the bottom-it was from the legendary and reclusive

    founder of CR Corporation!

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 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272 I''m Not All That Special

    Everyone was shocked to their core upon discovering who had signed the apology letter.

    Nobody could have guessed that Linsey''s predicament would attract the attention of CR Corporation''s elusive founder.

    "Oh my God, am I seeing this right? Did someone at CR make a mistake? Did the founder really step in personally?"

    "Is Linsey''s issue really that serious?"

    "Apparently, you''re out of the loop. Linsey first caught the public eye as the creative mind behind actress Kylee''s celebrated

    dress. As her star began to rise, a senior designer named Jude Todd used her of giarism. Linsey was barred from

    defending herself and endured relentless scrutiny from uninformedizens for weeks. When she finally managed to

    collect evidence vindicating herself, it was revealed that Kylee and some of CR Corporation''s staff had orchestrated the

    whole charade."

    "At the very least, CR Corporation''s chief owes Linsey a heftypensation for all this drama."

    "It seems the founder is just trying to salvage thepany''s image."

    "But CR Corporation''s founder has always shied away from the limelight. Regardless of the controversy, they''ve never personally intervened before. And now, stepping forward to apologize to a newly recruited designer?"

    "None of this makes any sense."

    Linsey was just as taken aback.

    Severalizens raised a valid point-she was merely a designer. Why would the founder go out of their way to personally apologize to her?

    She shared these bewildering thoughts with Collin.

    Collin, ever the supportive spouse, brushed it off. "So what? My wife is the most extraordinary person out there. It''s about time CR Corporation owned up to their mistake and apologized."

    This made Linsey chuckle. "You''re going overboard. I''m not all that special."

    Yet, Collin''s expression remained earnest. "No, I''m serious. You deserve nothing less than absolute respect."

    As he spoke, he looked at her with tender eyes, a shadow of regret passing over his face.

    Had he known the full extent of Linsey''s troubles, he would have intervened much sooner.

    Collin was also filled with gratitude-grateful that Linsey had joined hispany. He resolved that from this point forward, he would do everything in his power to protect her.

    Once everything had calmed down, Linsey was finally able to return to work.

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    Chapter 272 Fm Not All That Special

    Upon entering the office, she encountered Coen, who was carrying a box filled with his possessions, his face the picture of defeat. It was clear he was leaving thepany.

    The moment he spotted Linsey, his expression turned sour.

    He wrongly assumed she hade to gloat.

    As his thoughts spiraled, his anger grew. With a bitter sneer, he said, "Linsey, you really had us all fooled. First, you cozy up to Anthea, and now it turns out you''ve been in touch with the founder all along I waspletely in the dark about all this. Well, I give up. It seems I was just unlucky to cross paths with you."

    Coen had once believed he could use Linsey-who appeared to have no influential ties-to advance his own career,

    He had gravely misjudged the situation.

    Now, no amount of regret could undo his mistakes.

    Coen''s misced sense of righteousness left Linseypletely taken aback.

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 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273 You''re Taking My Job

    "I''m just a designer at CR Corporation. The founder only stepped in because he couldn''t stand by and watch something unfair happen. It''s not as scandalous as you''re making it out to be," Linsey said.

    Coen narrowed his eyes. "Oh, Linsey, drop the act. There''s no point. If you didn''t already know the founder, why would he

    personally apologize to you?"

    He let out a sharp breath. "For years, no matter how high the stakes or how outrageous the scandals, nothing ever made him step in. But you-just a designer-somehow changed that? What makes you think you''re that important?"

    Linsey parted her lips, ready to fire back, but after a beat, she shut her mouth. Not worth it.

    Noticing Linsey had no intention of continuing the conversation, Coen let out a dry chuckle, feigning indifference. "You probably don''t know yet, but word just came down from the top-I''ve been fired. Which means my position as head of the Fashion Design Department is up for grabs. And guess what? You''re taking my job."

    He scoffed and strode off without another word.

    Linsey stood frozen, eyes wide with the news.

    What? She was recing Coen?

    The thought was so absurd she almost convinced herself she had misheard.

    Before she could process it, her colleagues surrounded her with excited congrattions.

    "Linsey, congrats!"

    "I knew you wouldn''t be gone for long, Linsey. Someone as talented as you was bound toe back."

    "You''re treating us to a celebratory dinner tonight!"

    Their excitement only deepened her confusion.

    She frowned. "What are you all talking about? I don''t get it."

    A colleague shot her a surprised look. "Wait... you haven''t checked thepany email yet?"

    Linsey hurriedly pulled out her phone and opened her inbox, realizing she might have missed something. At the top was a

    Her breath hitched. She had actually been promoted.

    She was the new head of the Fashion Design Department.

    The realization hit hard, leaving her stunned.

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    01:54

    Hadn''t she just joined CR Corporation not that long ago?

    She was barely getting started-how had she already be department head?

    Her mind raced as she struggled to make sense of it.

    It felt unreal. She refreshed the email over and over, half-convinced it was a mistake.

    Maybe it was just a small promotion.

    Jumping from junior designer to department head? That was way too much of a leap.

    But no matter how many times she refreshed, the email stayed the same.

    "Look at her-she''s so stunned she can''t even talk!"

    "Linsey, seriously-congrattions! You''ve been through so much, but you earned this."

    Even now, it didn''t feel real.

    She muttered, ¡°This is all moving too fast."

    Her colleaguesughed. "Come on, Linsey, you''re crazy talented. If anyone deserves this, it''s you."

    "Yeah, just go for it. You''ve got this."

    Linsey let herself rx, a smile tugging at her lips as she nodded. "I will."

    She headed back to her desk and sank into her chair.

    As department head, she would have to move her things into the manager''s

    office.

    The thought should have excited her, but instead, a new question nagged at her. ½ñ

    CR Corporation''s president was Dustin-and Dustin happened to be a close friend of Collin''s.

    Was this promotion really based on merit, or was it a favor from Dustin for Collin''s sake?

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 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274 Is Collin''s Birthday Close

    Linsey hesitated, then tapped out a message to Dustin. "Mr. Wade

    Soon after, Dustin''s call came through.

    She moved to the corridor to speak more freely.

    Dustin''s voice held a note of surprise. "What promotion?"

    were you behind my recent promotion?"

    A flicker of surprise crossed Linsey''s face. He appeared genuinely clueless.

    She quickly briefed him on her new position as department head.

    Dustin chuckled lightly. "Linsey, do you think I involve myself in such specifics?" After a brief pause, Linsey replied, "Perhaps not."

    Dustin added, "Why question it? Are you doubting your skills? I don''t manage the small details, but I''m aware ourpetitors have been eyeing you. If we hadn''t promoted you and offered a raise, might you have left us?"

    His tone was rxed. "I believe HR recognized this as well. After all, Linsey- you''re a sensation online."

    Linsey nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. Thank you, Mr. Wade. I''m sorry to have disturbed you."

    Dustin''sughter was warm. "No trouble at all. And since you''re Collin''s wife, Dustin is fine. If you need anything, just

    "Sure," Linsey agreed.

    Dustin added, "Oh, by the way, did you know Collin''s birthday is just around the corner?"

    Linsey''s interest was piqued. "Is Collin''s birthday close?"

    She had been unaware of Collin''s birthday. It was fortunate Dustin mentioned it.

    Eagerly, Linsey asked, "Any idea what he might like? I''d like to get him something special."

    Dustin''s knowingugh came through. "Collin''s a tough one to read. How could I possibly know? But I''m certain he''d treasure anything from you."

    After ending the call, Linsey didn''t linger in thought. She went straight online to hunt for a gift.

    Despite her extensive search, nothing seemed quite right.

    Then, an inspiration hit her.

    Why not bake a cake for Collin herself?

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    Chapter 274 Is Collin''s Birthday Close

    A homemade gift would surely carry more meaning.

    Resolved, Linsey decided to bake a chocte cake for Collin''s birthday, confident he would adore it.

    Over the following days, she settled into her new office and adapted smoothly to her role as department head.

    During her downtime, she watched tutorial videos on cake baking.

    The next morning, Linsey arrived at work early. With no pressing tasks, she

    resumed the tutorial video she hadn''t finished the night before.

    She had to keep this project under wraps-this cake was meant to be a surprise for Collin. She couldn''t let him find out.

    Collin seemed to always be by her side after work.

    That was why she had struggled to find time for the tutorials the previous evening.

    With Collin''s birthday fast approaching, she needed to master baking quickly.

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 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275 I''ll Be Waiting At Rayhill Hotel

    Linsey was utterly absorbed in a video when the unexpected jangle of her phone made her flinch.

    Regaining herposure, she answered the phone.

    On the other end, a voice floated through, gentle and soothing, a stark contrast to Collin''s typically robust and resonant

    tones. This voice was mellower, almost tender.

    "Is this Linsey?" the man inquired, the words simple yet somehow stirring a curious warmth in her.

    Who was this? The voice was unfamiliar, yet oddlyforting.

    "Yeah, that''s me. What''s this about?" Linsey replied, her voice tinged with a

    subtle bewilderment, her brow furrowed slightly in confusion.

    From the other side, Gorman''s heart swelled with a sudden rush of familiarity and an inexplicable warmth bloomed in his

    chest.

    He let out a soft chuckle, the sound warm and inviting. "It''s been so long. Have you really forgotten me?"

    He understood her confusion. After all, during the brief, crucial moments Linsey had saved him, he had been barely

    conscious, his world a blur.

    It made sense that she wouldn''t recognize his voice now.

    Yet, he couldn''t resist the yful tease, eager to bridge the gap that time had stretched between them.

    Linsey''s brow furrowed in confusion, her eyes narrowing with a flicker of suspicion.

    "Who exactly are you?" she demanded, her voice tinged with skepticism.

    She was now utterly convinced that she had no idea who was on the other end of the call.

    Gorman, on his side, kept his tone even and patient. "You really want to know who I am?" he teased lightly. "You''ll know

    soon enough when we meet. Tonight at seven, I''ll be waiting at Rayhill Hotel. We can catch up..."

    He was cut off abruptly by the stark "beep" of the line going dead, leaving his words hanging in the air.

    Gorman gaped at his phone, his face a mix of astonishment and indignation.

    Did a woman just hang up on him? Unbelievable. That had never happened to him-not once in his entire damn life.

    Meanwhile, Linsey tossed her phone aside and let out a scoff, returning to her video app with a dismissive snicker.

    "Where do these scammers get off?" she mused aloud, her tone icy. "They''re getting bolder by the day, even daring to target someone like me."

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    Chapter 275 III Be Waiting At Rayhill Hotel

    The Rayhill Hotel was known as the pinnacle of luxury in Grester, essible only to the elite.

    Clearly, this scammer hadn''t done his homework before trying to pull off his ruse. Linsey paused, a realization slowly creeping upon her.

    Could this be that notorious scam where con artists posed as affluent suitors to lure their victims into financial traps?

    Scammers put on the perfect act-rich, loving, and trustworthy-until they had a girl wrapped around their finger and her money in their pocket.

    The second the girl thought the scammer''s love was real and handed over her hard-earned cash, he vanished like a ghost -leaving her broke and betrayed.

    That same afternoon, Linsey''s phone rang once again.

    It was the same number.

    Her eyes narrowed, a surge of anger coursing through her veins.

    These lowlife scammers had probably tricked tons of people with their lies. It was downright infuriating!

    Without a moment''s hesitation, Linsey answered the call, her voiceced with icy fury, "Quit calling me, you lying scumbags! Go find another fool to scam! You slimy piece of shit, you really thought I''d fall for this? Not happening! Crawl

    back into whatever fucking hole you came from before I report your sorry ass!"

    After giving the caller a piece of her mind, she hung up and immediately blocked the number.

    On the other end, Gorman stared at his phone''s fading screen, engulfed in silence.

    Stunned into silence, his subordinates didn''t dare to say a word.

    After a long hunt, they finally tracked down the woman who had once saved Gorman''s life.

    They had anticipated a heartfelt reunion, but instead, they had witnessed their boss getting rebuked harshly.

    Observing Gorman''s prolonged silence, his team felt a growing unease. They worried he might direct his frustration towards them, given the unexpected turn of events.

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 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276 Don''t

    Overthink It

    After a prolonged silence, when his subordinates had all but concluded that Gorman would remain quiet,ughter burst forth, filling the room.

    His team was taken aback, wondering if they had misheard.

    Turning their eyes toward Gorman, lounging on the sofa, they were startled to see him smiling broadly.

    What was happening? Had their boss snapped?

    He had just been sharply criticized by the person who had saved his life, yet here he was,ughing.

    Were they about to bear the brunt of his frustration?

    Against their assumptions, Gorman was genuinely cheerful.

    After years of traveling the globe, he had finally tracked down the woman who had rescued him all those years ago.

    Now that he knew who she was and where she was, he approached her with remarkable patience.

    Nevertheless, Gorman hadn''t foreseen that Linsey would possess such a strong personality.

    Yet, regarding Linsey, Gorman found it effortless to persuade himself, letting her influence his emotions significantly.

    The only issue that bothered him was Linsey''s immediate dismissal of his invitation.

    Was it because he had chosen not to reveal who he was right away?

    He had intended it as a surprise.

    The more he thought about it, the more it vexed him. He turned to his subordinates and inquired, "Why do you think Linsey blocked my number?"

    He felt he had been gentle and patient during their earlier conversation.

    The subordinates hesitated, taken aback by the question.

    Indeed, a call from an unknown number was typically unwee-who wouldn''t block that?

    Although this thought crossed their minds, expressing it was another matter. Telling the truth could sometimes lead to consequences.

    So, one subordinate carefully suggested, "Maybe she was just overwhelmed. We discovered a significant giarism scandal involving her recently. That must be putting a lot of pressure on her, so she probably doesn''t have time for anything else. Boss, don''t overthink it. Linsey isn''t upset with you. She''s just preupied with those issues."

    Hearing this, Gorman nodded thoughtfully.

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    < Chapter 276 Don''t Overthink It

    "You make a good point." His brow furrowed as he continued, "What''s happening with those troublemakers?"

    The negative press surrounding Linsey had deeply troubled him.

    How could they malign Linsey in such a manner?

    If his focus hadn''t been so set on reconnecting with her, he would have already taken steps to teach those individuals the

    harsh consequences of crossing Linsey.

    One of the subordinates quickly responded, "Linsey''s former supervisor and her colleague were both dismissed by CR

    Corporation. As for Kylee Russell, she''s currently in police custody, awaiting further investigation."

    At the mention of that name, Gorman''s eyes briefly shed with revulsion. "Kylee Russell..."

    One subordinate, thinking Gorman needed a reminder, started to exin, ¡°She was the one who tried to drug you at the

    banquet..."

    Before he could finish, Gorman gave him a piercing look. "Enough.¡±

    Following that incident, Gorman had decisively sent Kylee packing back to Grester.

    Just the thought of her attempt to seduce him was enough to make his stomach turn.

    A new thought suddenly struck Gorman, altering his expression.

    "By the way, wasn''t Kylee quite close to the founder of CR Corporation? Now that she''s caught up in this mess, isn''t that person going to step in and help her?"

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 e A Lifetime of Love 277

    Chapter 277 Would That

    Interest You

    Gorman''s subordinate shook his head, puzzled. "No, maybe Kylee doesn''t know the founder of CR Corporation. After all, the founder is an enigma, and very few know what he looks like. How could someone like Kylee have any real contact with

    him?"

    Gorman nodded subtly.

    He had initially pressured Kylee to see if the elusive founder would intervene on her behalf, using this as a tactic to delve into his background.

    Now Kylee had almost ruined Linsey''s reputation.

    Gorman inhaled sharply and dered coldly, "Anyone who has crossed Linsey will not get off easily."

    The subordinate lowered his gaze and inquired, "Boss, what''s our move?"

    Gorman shot him a frosty look, his tone icy. "Do I need to spell it out? Mar Kylee''s face so she can never return to her high

    -profile celebrity life. As for the others-break a limb or two. Make sure they remember this lesson."

    "Yes, boss," the subordinate affirmed.

    Having issued hismands, Gorman was now faced with another challenge- how to reconnect with Linsey.

    "She''s blocked my number. How am I supposed to get close to her now?"

    Gorman scowled in contemtion, then a spark of an idea lit up his eyes. "What if

    I just send someone to bring her to me?"

    The subordinates were taken aback, not anticipating such a bold proposal from their boss.

    That n was clearly fraught with peril.

    The subordinate who had spoken responded quickly, "That might not be the best idea. If you force yourself on Linsey,

    she''ll only resent you more."

    Gorman''s frown deepened. "Then I..."

    Seizing the moment of his boss''s uncertainty, the subordinate suggested, ¡°Linsey''s promotion just came through. Why not present her with a significant order? She''d surely appreciate that. And it could be a way to exchange contact details under the guise of business discussions."

    Gorman listened and grinned with approval. "That sounds like a solid strategy. Let''s proceed."

    Without hesitation, Gorman set his n into motion.

    Linsey was still at her desk, tackling the backlog of work Coen had left, when her phone rang.

    "Hello, Ms. Brooks. I''m calling on behalf of Mr. Gorman Green. He''s from a wealthy family in town. We''re looking to ce

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    01:58

    Chapter 277 Would That Interest You

    an order worth five million dors. Would that interest you?"

    Five million?

    Linsey was taken aback. Sheposed herself and responded calmly, "What kind of design are you looking for?"

    The caller answered with courtesy, "Mr. Green would like tomission an outfit for his fianc¨¦e. He prefers to discuss the

    details in person at Rayhill Hotel."

    It was only then that Linsey registered who the client was.

    The Green family in town? She realized she knew little about them.

    Detecting her pause, the caller continued, "The meeting needs to be one-on-one.

    Mr. Green values privacy, and having extra

    people around would onlyplicate matters."

    Linsey''s brow furrowed slightly. Something didn''t quite feel right.

    Sensing her reluctance, the caller quickly assured her, "Linsey, please trust our intentions. If you agree to the meeting,

    we''ll transfer the deposit immediately. How does five hundred thousand dors as a down payment sound?"

    Linsey was startled by the offer.

    The client was not shy about investing in what he wanted.

    After pondering for a moment, she agreed. "Alright, send over the details. I''ll be there."

    After all, this was an affluent family; surely there was no cause for concern.

    Moments after the call ended, Linsey''s phone buzzed with the details of the meeting.

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 Bride A Lifetime of Love 278

    Chapter 278 Why This

    Hotel Again

    The message read, "Rayhill Hotel, tonight at 7 o''clock."

    "Why this hotel again?" Linsey was visibly baffled.

    She recalled the scam call that had directed her to the same location not long before.

    Could this really be a coincidence?

    Linsey shook her head, letting go of her suspicions for a moment. The client had made a deposit already. If it were a scam,

    surely they wouldn''t go to such lengths?

    Moreover, Rayhill Hotel stood as one of the most opulent in Grester. Surrounded by numerous staff members, she felt

    reassured that her safety was hardly at risk.

    Nevertheless, Linsey wasn''t taking any chances. She packed a few self-defense tools, a wise precaution given her string of

    recent mishaps.

    She didn''t want to get hurt again as Collin''s birthday was around the corner.

    Once she wrapped up at work, Linsey notified her office of her evening ns before making her way to Rayhill Hotel.

    But upon her arrival, the hotel manager halted her progress.

    His eyes swept over her with clear disapproval, pinpointing her attire as less than suitable for the luxurious setting.

    "Who are you? Are you unaware that our hotel enforces a formal dress code? Do you really think you belong here dressed as you are?" the hotel manager addressed her, disdain evident in his tone.

    Caught off guard, Linsey swiftly apologized. "Sorry, I didn''t know."

    This was her first visit to Rayhill Hotel; the dress code was news to her.

    It seemed she would have to return home to change.

    At that moment, Gorman''s assistant was back on the line, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "Ms. Brooks, have you

    arrived?"

    The question sparked a flicker of doubt in her mind.

    Why did he sound so desperate for her presence?

    Shaking off her reservations, Linsey responded, "Sorry, I''ve been stopped at the entrance. It might take me a little longer."

    After a pause, the voice on the other end assured her, "Please wait a moment."

    Perhaps she wouldn''t need to change after all.

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    Chacter 278 Why This Hotel Again

    Linsey paused, about to bail a cab for a quick retreat, but chose to wait.

    Shortly after, a man in a crisp suit emerged from the hotel.

    He recognized Linsey immediately and approached with formal courtesy. "Ms. Brooks, I''m the one who contacted you. Mr. Green awaits your arrival Flease, follow me."

    Linsey b¨¹nted "Alright."

    Without giving it much thought, she followed him inside.

    Out of nowhere, someone dashed over and blocked her path once more.

    She locked up-it was the hotel manager from earlier.

    This time, bis haughty demeanor had vanished. Instead, he clutched Linsey''s hand and implored with desperation.

    Please forgive me! I didn''t realize you were an esteemed guest of Mr. Green''s! I waspletely oblivious to your importance. Please, forgive my mistake just this once-I promise it won''t happen again!"

    Linsey stood there, dumbfounded, trying to process the sudden shift.

    Goomen''s assistant frowned deeply and called out to the security personnel behind him, "What are you waiting for?

    Remove him at once"

    Almost immediately, two bodyguards approached and seized the hotel manager.

    As they pulled him away, his face nched and he began to shout, drawing the gazes of everyone nearby.

    Linsey''s frown deepened, her confusion growing "What exactly is happening here?"

 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279 We''ll Simply Break One Of His Legs

    Danny Spall, Gorman''s assistant, addressed Linsey in an unyielding tone. "Ms. Brooks, it''se to my attention that the hotel manager showed you disrespect earlier. Rest assured, he will be disciplined. Let us not dwell on these minor irritants.

    Mr. Green is waiting for us upstairs."

    Linsey remained rooted in ce, her gaze locked on the hotel manager who quivered on the floor, his face etched with fear.

    "What do you mean by that?" Linsey''s voice was tinged with concern.

    The thought of dismissing him seemed too harsh; after all, she had barely been bothered by the encounter.

    Instances like this were not unfamiliar to her; she tended to overlook them unless they crossed a line.

    She couldn''t help but feel that taking action against the manager for such a petty issue was blowing things out of

    proportion.

    Her shock deepened as Danny replied with chilling calmness, "We''ll simply break one of his legs."

    "What?" Linsey''s voice cracked, her disbelief palpable.

    All this because he was a little rude? And now the poor bastard was about to get his leg snapped like a twig?

    "What the hell? That''s cruel and unnecessary!" Linsey''s protest grew louder, her tone fraught with urgency. "He barely did anything, and I couldn''t care less-call them off before this goes too far!"

    She stood, bewildered by the extreme measures. What was it with these affluent circles and their disproportionate

    responses to trivial slights?

    Danny regarded Linsey with wide eyes, his expression one of utter surprise. "Ms. Brooks, are you seriously suggesting we

    let him go?"

    Linsey''s patience frayed, and her voice carried a tinge of irritation. "What else could I possibly mean?"

    She shook her head, her tone sharpening. "I certainly hope you weren''t serious about breaking his leg. That''s barbaric- he''s a human being, not some disposable ything."

    After a brief pause, Danny''s shoulders slumped slightly in submission. "Alright then. If that''s what you want, we''ll go with

    it."

    He lifted his hand, signaling his men to release the captive manager. With a stern gaze, he warned, "Remember, Ms. Brooks is a distinguished guest of Mr. Green. Any further disrespect towards her won''t be taken lightly."

    His voice dropped to a frosty whisper as he snapped at the hotel manager, "Well? What are you waiting for? Thank Ms.

    Brooks now!"

    The manager shuddered, his voice quivering as he bowed over and over. "Thank you, Ms. Brooks! I swear it won''t happen

    0.0%

    01:58

    again!"

    Despite the resolution, Linsey couldn''t shake off her difort, but she managed a nod. "It''s fine. You''re free to go."

    The manager didn''t need telling twice; he nodded vigorously and scurried off, relief palpable in his hurried steps.

    Turning his cold gaze away from the retreating figure, Danny faced Linsey again. "Are you happy with how this was handled, Ms. Brooks? Let me know if you need anything else."

    "No, that''s all," Linsey replied, her voice steadier as she exhaled deeply, trying to calm the storm within.

    Danny''s smile barely touched the corners of his lips, and it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "If you would kindly

    follow me, Mr. Green has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

    There was an unsettling formality in his tone that sent a wave of unease washing over Linsey.

    She couldn''t help but feel that she had inadvertently wandered into a nest of vipers.

    The meticulousness with which his assistant orchestrated every move did not bode well for the nature of Gorman himself.

    What had initially appeared to be a straightforward business proposition was quickly morphing into something far more

    sinister.

    If they were ruthless enough to break a man''s leg over a trivial insult, what lengths would they go to if Gorman''s temper

    red against her?

    A shiver of apprehension trailed down her spine. Subconsciously, her grip on the pepper spray concealed in her pocket

    tightened.

    Could she make a swift exit if the situation turned perilous?

    Her mind teemed with potential escape routes, yet she maintained aposed facade.

    With a practiced air of nonchnce, Linsey slipped her phone from her purse, thumbing through to find Collin''s contact.

    Her finger hovered over the call button, primed to summon help at the first hint of danger.

    Eventually, Danny paused at the entrance to a private room. With a gesture that suggested she was to enter alone, he

    stepped aside and said, "Ms. Brooks, please, after you."

    His retreat from the doorway underscored the istion of the meeting ahead.

    100.0%

 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280 Linsey, Will You Marry Me

    Linsey took a deep breath, steadying her nerves as she pushed open the door and stepped into the room.

    The space was vast and eerily silent,pletely empty of any other presence. She paused momentarily, puzzled, before venturing further inside.

    Behind her, the door clicked shut with a quiet finality.

    As she scanned the room, her gazended on a painting hanging on the wall.

    At first nce, it struck a chord of familiarity.

    Then it dawned on her-it was her own creation!

    She had painted it years ago while visiting a quaint fishing vige overseas.

    She clearly remembered donating the painting to a local elementary school for educational use. How did it end up here?

    As she stared at the familiar artwork, waves of past memories engulfed her. Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted her reverie from behind.

    "Do you remember now, Linsey?"

    Startled, she whirled around to see a man standing there-Gorman.

    He was impably dressed in a tailored suit, his hair styled to perfection.

    Linsey blinked. "Who are you?" There was something vaguely familiar about him, yet she couldn''t quite ce it.

    A gentle smile yed on Gorman''s lips. "I''m Gorman Green. Many years ago, in that little fishing vige, you saved me

    when I was hurt. You cared for me for weeks."

    Linsey''s eyes widened with recognition.

    "It was you!" she eximed, her voice a mixture of surprise and joy. "You disappeared so suddenly back then. I searched. for you for ages. I''m just relieved you''re alive. You were in such bad shape-I feared the worst."

    A warmth flickered in Gorman''s eyes as he took a step closer. "I''ve been searching for you as well, to properly thank you.

    That''s why I returned to town. Seeing you again... it means everything to me."

    His voice was thick with genuine emotion.

    Linsey smiled warmly. "I''m happy to see you too."

    After a brief pause, her tone became serious. "But you don''t owe me anything. Just knowing you made it was enough for

    me."

    0.0%

    01:59

    Chapter 280 Linsey, Will You Marry Me

    Linsey had pieced together the puzzle of the night''s events.

    With a wry chuckle, she softly added, "So, that five-million-dor deal... that was your way of saying thanks, wasn''t it?"

    It all clicked for Linsey in that moment. Gorman must be the client.

    She didn''t wait for him to respond before adding, "I really don''t need any form of repayment. If you aren''t genuinely interested in my designs, you should cancel the order."

    Gorman''s eyes met hers, his face a mask of solemnity. Then, with a voice thick with earnestness, he dered, ¡°No. I owe you. You saved my life. Without you, I wouldn''t be here. Besides..."

    He paused, leaving his deeper feelings unspoken.

    Back then, he had been critically injured, convinced he was on the brink of death.

    Yet there she was, aplete stranger, dedicating her days and nights to his care, never wavering in her hope for his

    recovery.

    Linsey remained quiet, perceiving the weight of what he left unsaid. Nheless, she gently shook her head. "Mr. Green, I didn''t do it for a reward. When I helped you, my only wish was for you to survive. Nothing more."

    Gorman moved closer, his determination clear. "Linsey, will you marry me? I want to make you the happiest woman in

    Grester."

    His unexpected proposal stunned Linsey, almost taking her breath away.

    100.0%

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281 Why Cling To

    Collin

    Linsey hastily waved her hands and stepped back. "Mr. Green, please don''t do this. I''m already married."

    Gorman scoffed, his tone icy. "I know. But that cripple, Collin, could never make you happy."

    After confirming that Linsey was indeed his lifesaver, Gorman had initiated a thorough investigation into her background. He uncovered that she had been betrayed by her former boyfriend not long before marrying Collin.

    To Gorman, Collin was merely a disabled outcast within the Riley family, hardly a threat. He felt certain he could win Linsey over.

    Initially, Linsey was relieved to learn Gorman was alive, but his disparaging remarks about Collin took her by surprise. Her face clouded with displeasure. "I''d appreciate it if you would speak of my husband with respect."

    Gorman''s feelings of jealousy intensified when he saw her defend Collin so vigorously.

    Gritting his teeth, he proposed, "Linsey, I can offer you everything-money, power, anything your heart desires. Marry me, and it''s all yours. Why cling to Collin?"

    Linsey looked at him, shocked by his persistence.

    Their prior interactions had been minimal, and his desires were irrelevant to her. With this realization, she decided further discussion was pointless.

    Taking a deep breath, she replied calmly, "Mr. Green, I''m here tonight to discuss business. If you''re not interested in a serious coboration, then let''s end this conversation here."

    With that, Linsey attempted to walk past Gorman, but he blocked her path, his expression intense. "What if I''m not ready

    to let you go?"

    Her heart raced.

    The man she had rescued years ago was now threatening her.

    Her instinct was to confront him directly, yet she recalled the guards stationed outside.

    Outnumbered, she knew starting a conflict here would be unwise.

    Thus, Linsey shifted her strategy and maintained herposure. "I won''t stop you from trying to repay me."

    A glint of excitement appeared in Gorman''s eyes, reminiscent of a child with a new toy.

    Linsey continued, her voice firm, ¡°However, if you genuinely wish to repay me, shouldn''t it be on my terms? If you coerce

    me into something I resist, wouldn''t that transform gratitude into bitterness?"

    0.0%

    01:59

    Gorman''s brow furrowed. "I''m not trying to do that, Linsey. I genuinely want to treat you well."

    "Then let me leave. All I want right now is to get out of here safely."

    Gorman remained quiet.

    Linsey maintained aposed exterior, yet inside, tension brewed. She discreetly

    slid her hand into her bag, her fingers sping the self-defense spray.

    Seconds ticked by until Gorman finally yielded. "Alright, you''re free to go."

    Linsey let out a sigh of relief and began to move toward the exit when his voice halted her progress.

    With her back to him, she heard him pose a haunting question. "Linsey, will you truly never consider divorcing Collin?"

    Her response was resolute. "My husband and I share a deep love. I will never turn my back on him, no matter the

    circumstances."

    A tense silence followed. Suddenly, Gorman erupted inughter.

    Confused, Linsey turned around to face him once more, her eyebrows knitted in perplexity as she tried to decipher his

    reaction.

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 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282 You Haven''t Changed

    Gorman regarded Linsey with a measured gaze and remarked, "Not bad. You''ve managed to pass my test after all."

    "Huh?" Linsey was utterly perplexed. She looked at Gorman as though he were detached from reality.

    Gorman lifted an eyebrow, his demeanor rxed. "Had you agreed to marry me, neglecting your husband, I would have lost respect for you. But it seems you are the same person who saved me once. You haven''t changed."

    Then, he allowed a slow smile to spread across his face. "You might not want to marry me now, and that''s fine. Eventually,

    you''ll fall for me; it''ll be inevitable."

    Linsey found herself speechless. Sheughed incredulously and gave Gorman a look of sheer contempt. "You''re out of your

    mind."

    She didn''t n to stay any longer. She quickly opened the door and left.

    Outside the room, Danny was taken aback before quickly entering. "Boss, did Ms. Brooks just leave like that? Shouldn''t you

    follow her? She seemed upset."

    Gorman gave azy smirk as his eyes wandered to a painting on the wall. "She can''t escape me."

    Danny fell silent, then ventured, "Tonight was a prime opportunity. You should have spent more time with her. After all

    these years of searching..."

    Calmly, Gorman responded, "I had no intention of letting her go, but she clearly didn''t want to stay. I noticed she was

    prepared to defend herself."

    This left Danny at a loss for words.

    Why was Linsey suddenly so cautious around his boss?

    If he had known what Gorman had just done, he might have been bold enough to confront him, perhaps even shake some

    sense into him.

    No one in their right mind would leap to a proposal the moment they reunited with the woman they barely knew?

    Unfortunately, Danny was oblivious.

    Gorman''s words came out measured and deliberate. ¡°She has a strong personality. Trying to force her to stay would be

    catastrophic."

    Danny paused, then slowly nodded. "You''re right."

    ¡°I''m in no rush. In time, Linsey wille around," Gorman said, his chuckle deep and knowing.

    A frown briefly marred Danny''s face.

    0.0%

    01:50

    Come around?

    Hadn''t he just described Linsey as strong-willed?

    This doubt flickered through his mind as he observed Gorman''s assured smile. Opting for discretion, he remained silent.

    It seemed his boss had gotten on his feet and was now taking a more considered approach with Linsey.

    As his assistant, it was perhaps best to leave it at that and not overthink theplexities of his boss''s strategies.

    After arriving home safely, Linsey still felt uneasy.

    Under normal circumstances, seeing someone she had once saved flourishing

    should have been a positive experience.

    Yet, she hadn''t anticipated such a strange twist in events.

    What could Gorman possibly do next?

    At dinner, Collin observed Linsey drifting off asionally and feltpelled to

    ask, "Linsey, is something wrong? Have you

    been pushing yourself too hard?"

    01:59

 Chapter 283

    Chapter 283 How Can You Forget Your Own Birthday

    Linsey''s thoughts snapped back to the present with a jolt, and she gave her head a brisk shake. "No."

    Her voice carried a tone of finality. She refused to let her mind linger on Gorman''s pursuit, nor did she intend to breathe a

    word of it to Collin.

    She could vividly picture Collin''s reaction if she revealed that another man had dared to propose to her-his features would undoubtedly cloud over with displeasure and a hint of jealousy.

    With his birthday on the horizon, Linsey was keen on keeping spirits high.

    She tilted her head, adopting a more casual tone. "By the way, Collin, isn''t your birthday just around the corner?"

    Collin blinked, a look of genuine surprise flickering across his face. "I almost forgot."

    Linsey raised an eyebrow in mock astonishment. "How can you forget your own birthday?"

    Collin shrugged, his expression softening into a reflective gaze. "I''ve never really celebrated my birthday since I was young. Growing up, there wasn''t anyone to celebrate with. A birthday spent alone isn''t exactly a cause for celebration," he exined in a subdued tone.

    Linsey''s heart tugged at his words, and she leaned in closer, her voice warm and insistent. "But now you have me. I''m here

    with you-how could we not celebrate?"

    A slow smile began to spread across Collin''s face, a spark of something like anticipation lighting up his eyes.

    "You''re right," he responded.

    After a thoughtful pause, Collin''s mind drifted back to an earlier moment when he had curiously browsed through Linsey''s

    personal records. He remembered that the space for her birthday had been mysteriously empty. "When''s your birthday?" he

    inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.

    "I don''t know," Linsey replied, her voice soft, her eyes downturned. She shook her head gently, a wistful smile touching

    her lips. "I was left at the orphanage''s doorstep. We all celebrated our birthdays on the same day there. They just used the

    date E found me as my official birthday. Sometimes, I really envy people who know the exact day they were born."

    A sharp pang of empathy struck Collin, tightening his chest. He took a deep breath to steady himself before reaching out

    and gently sping Linsey''s hand.

    "How about this? My birthday''sing up in a few days. Why don''t we celebrate ours together this year?"

    Linsey''s face brightened, her eyes sparkling with newfound excitement. "Sure, let''s do that. It sounds like it would be a lot

    more fun."

    With their ns joyfully set, Linsey threw herself into the preparations with gusto. She transformed Vista Vi with festive decorations and meticulously handcrafted several invitation cards. Her dedication was evident, her excitement contagious.

    0.0%

    01:59

    Collin watched her bustling activities with an amused yet affectionate chuckle. "Isn''t this a bit much for just a birthday party?" he teased, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

    Linsey''s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, her sincerity undeniable. "That''s exactly why we should go all out-it''s a birthday, and it deserves a real celebration! I know you like things more low-key. We''ll keep the guest list short-only a few friends.

    you actually like."

    With a slight arch of his brow, Collin chuckled lightly. "Fine, I''ll let you handle it."

    As Linsey delicately penned the invitations, her movements precise and thoughtful, she passed the stack destined for Collin''s friends to him. "Here, these are for your friends. I''ll manage the invites for Dolores and the gang from the orphanage,¡± she said, her tone cheerful yetmanding.

    "Absolutely, darling. I''ll see this mission through to the very end," Collin proimed with theatrical ir, stowing the

    invitations away with great care.

    The next morning found Collin navigating the quiet corridors of Dominic''s private hospital, supposedly there for a check-up

    on his lingering leg injury.

    In truth, the hospital visit was a facade for a covert meeting to discuss Gorman''stest movements.

    Inside the dimly lit office, Dominic feigned a routine examination of Collin''s legs, his voice a whisper. "I heard Gorman''s been searching for his lifesaver for years-

    and guess what? He found her. They met up at Rayhill Hotelst night. Unfortunately, breaking through to Gorman is near impossible-his security is airtight. We tried to close in for some intel,

    but his men are like hawks, always one step ahead."

    Collin''s expression hardened as he processed the information. "Stay on him. We need to identify that woman at any cost," he instructed sharply, his mind racing with strategies.

    "Understood," Dominic replied, nodding discreetly before shifting gears. "And, Collin, are you responsible for Kylee''s injury?"

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    Rmended for you

 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284 This Is So

    Unlike You!

    "What are you talking about?" Collin responded, appearing baffled.

    Dominic studied him, noting the genuine confusion on his face. If Collin was acting, he was damn good at it. Raising an eyebrow, he said, "Kylee was attackedst night. Someone shed her face. She was rushed to the hospital-doctors

    managed to stop the bleeding, but the cut was too deep. It''ll scar."

    Collin barely reacted. "That has nothing to do with me." His voice was steady, unaffected. He had only just heard about it.

    himself.

    His gaze flicked to Dominic, suspicion creeping in. "Why would you think I had anything to do with it?"

    He didn''t need to y dirty. He never had.

    Dominic leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. "Because Kylee went after Linsey." His smirk was almost amused. "Dustin and I both know how you are when ites to your wife. Who''s to say you didn''t handle it yourself?"

    Collin''s expression didn''t waver. "I have no reason to go that far. Kylee did this to herself."

    If she hadn''t tried to set Linsey up, she wouldn''t have ended up humiliated and dragged through the mud for days.

    Dominic gave a small nod, satisfied enough with the answer. There was no need to dwell on it.

    Then, Collin seemed to remember something. "I have something for you."

    He reached into his inner pocket, pulling out a small item.

    Dominic eyed him warily. "You''re being weirdly formal... This isn''t bad news, is it?¡±

    Collin shot him a deadpan look before handing over an invitation. "My birthday is the day after tomorrow. Linsey wants.

    you at the party."

    Dominic blinked, momentarily wondering if he had misheard.

    He took the invitation, scanning it quickly. It was real-a birthday invitation.

    His head snapped up. "Are you seriously the same Collin I knew? Or have you been swapped out for a lookalike? You''ve never once celebrated your birthday. What''s different this year? This is so unlike you!"

    Flipping the invitation open, his gazended on the neat handwriting inside- definitely not Collin''s.

    Dominic smirked. "Ah... This was Linsey''s idea, wasn''t it?"

    "Exactly." At the mention of Linsey, Collin''s usual stoicism melted into a rare, effortless smile. ¡°She enjoys a celebration, so

    you have toe."

    "Of course," Dominic agreed without hesitation.

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    01:59

    <

    Chapter 284 This Is So Unlike You!

    Collin pulled out another invitation and held it out. "This one''s for Dustin. Pass it along."

    "Got it," Dominic said, taking it without question.

    It was almost surreal-Collin, of all people, was actually throwing a birthday party.

    Then again, since it was Linsey''s idea, it made perfect sense.

    She had Collin wrapped around her finger.

    Dustin took the invitation from Dominic and stared at it in disbelief.

    "Wow, Collin is bing aplete stranger to me!" he eximed dramatically.

    "This is all because of Linsey! If she weren''t into birthdays, would he even consider celebrating?"

    Dominic smirked. "Definitely not."

    "In that case, I need to pick out a good gift." Dustin nodded, stroking his chin in thought.

    He nced at Dominic. "So, what are you getting him?"

    They had known each other for years but had rarely exchanged gifts.

    Even as close friends, they honestly had no idea what Collin was into.

    Buttely, there was no question-Collin''s world revolved around Linsey.

    A knowing smirk crossed Dustin''s face. "Of course, I''ll make sure to get them something really special."

    100.0%

 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285 I''m Starting To

    Feel Left Out!

    Dustin leaned forward, his eyes alight with excitement. "I need you to back me up on this," he said earnestly.

    Dominic raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What''s on your mind?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

    In response, Dustin leaned closer and murmured his n into Dominic''s ear.

    Dominic''s brow furrowed in concern as he processed the idea. He shook his head slightly, a skeptical frown creasing his features. "Are you certain about this? I''m not convinced Collin will react well."

    But Dustin remained undeterred, his expression resolute. "What does it matter if he holds a grudge? As long as Linsey is okay with it, that''s what counts. Besides, don''t you want to see the look on Collin''s face when he opens the gift?"

    Dominic''s hesitation melted away, reced by a growing intrigue. "You know, that could be quite the sight."

    Dustin was emboldened by the notion of stirring up some mischief, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Meanwhile, Dominic found himself drawn to the idea of testing Collin''s limits.

    With a shared nod, the two quickly bonded over their mischievous intent and began to craft their covert scheme in earnest. As they caught up, Linsey shared exciting news with Dolores.

    Upon hearing that she was invited to a joint birthday celebration, Dolores raised her eyebrows in surprise. "A party, out of

    the blue?"

    Linsey''sughter filled the air. "It''s Collin''s birthday soon, and since I''ve never known my own, we figured we''d throw a joint celebration this year."

    Dolores responded with a yful chuckle, "You two are practically inseparable- I''m starting to feel left out!"

    Quick to reassure her, Linsey wrapped Dolores in a warm embrace and said teasingly, "Listen, no matter how well I get on with Collin, you''ll always be my number one. Seriously, propose to me now, and I''ll go home and file for divorce!"

    Dolores couldn''t contain herughter and yfully shoved Linsey away. "Remember how you used to trail after me like a puppy? It drove me crazy! Now that I''ve finally shaken you off, I couldn''t be happier. Marry you? Not in a million years."

    Linsey adopted a dramatically crestfallen look and clung to Dolores, pretending to be devastated.

    Dolores changed the subject, her expression turning serious. "I heard about the giarism usations against you. Why

    didn''t you mention it?"

    She was visibly upset, having learned only recently that Linsey had been besieged online for days.

    Dolores knew how passionate Linsey was about design, and the allegations had surely taken a heavy toll on her.

    Seeing Dolores'' worry, Linsey offered a reassuring smile. "Really, I''m okay. I holed up at home during that time and stayed off the grid. I hardly caught any of the bacsh, so it didn''t really get to me. Actually, the problem was sorted out quickly,

    0.0%

    02:00

    so I didn''t see the need to bring it up."

    With a soft smile, she reached out and patted Dolores''s hand. "You''re always swamped with work-I wouldn''t dream of troubling you with trivialities. But rest assured, if anything serious arises, you''ll definitely be the first one I call."

    Dolores replied, a note of concern still lingering in her voice, "Just make sure you''re careful, okay?"

    Dolores often fretted over Linsey''s gullible nature, fearing she had easily fallen prey to deceit.

    Fortunately, now that Collin was in the picture, Linsey had a vignt guardian to keep an eye on her.

    The two friends chatted endlessly, unwilling to say goodbye even as the night deepened.

    Two dayster, at precisely 7 PM, Vista Vi came alive in an unprecedented disy of festivity. The once subdued and quiet vi was now a spectacle of enchantment, adorned with such exquisite decorations that it demanded attention. The garden radiated a weing warmth, adorned with birthday banners that fluttered gently against the walls.

    Stepping into the transformed space, Dustin stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Whoa, is this really Collin''s ce? Or have I somehow wandered into the wrong house?"

    100.0%

    02:00

 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286 Colin, Make A Wist

    As the gift-giving continued Linsey''s eyes sparkled with delight at the bounty of thoughtful presents. She instructed the

    staff to store them safely, eager to explore their contents once the party subsided.

    The highlight of the evening arrived when Linsey, with a dramatic flick of the switch, plunged the room into darkness. A

    hush fell over the gathering as she slowly wheeled in a cartden with a decadently decorated cake.

    Her voice, soft yet clear, began to weave through the darkness. "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you... Her song. gentle and heartfelt, perfectly capped the magical evening

    Positioned in his wheelchair, Collin observed Linsey as she walked towards him, his eyes alight with a warm glow.

    The candlelight danced across her features, casting a serene glow that touched the depths of his soul.

    "Go on, Collin, make a wish!" Linsey urged, her voice gentle as she ced the cake before him on the cart.

    As Collin''s gaze lingered on the cake, Linsey flushed with a mix of pride and embarrassment.

    "I made it myself. It may not have the finesse of a bakery cake, but I promise it tastes just fine," she said.

    Emotion shimmered in Collin''s eyes.

    He looked up at her, his voice slightly hoarse with suppressed emotions.

    "When did you find the time to do this? I had no due."

    Linsey let out a softugh, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, it wouldn''t be a surprise if you knew, would it?"

    A wave of warmth surged through Collin''s heart. He reached out, extending his hand towards her.

    With a shy smile, Linsey stepped closer and slipped her hand into his.

    Their friends, witnessing the tender moment, burst into cheers andughter.

    "Thank you, Linsey," Collin whispered, his gratitude evident in his hushed tone.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287 Collin, Do You Even Know The Rules

    Dustin let out a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Come on, Linsey, don''t sell yourself short. Your cake is incredible-easily rivals anything those fancy

    bakers whip up!"

    As the candles flickered, Collin closed his eyes and made a silent wish, and after a gentle nudge, Linsey did the same.

    The moment they blew out the candles, the vi burst back into life, awash with radiant light.

    Laughter and smiles bathed every face as they shared the cake, their celebration simple but filled with warmth and cheer.

    As dusk draped the sky in a velvet cloak, E, in herter years, bid her farewells early and departed.

    The evening was winding down, and the group was poised to disperse when Dustin, caught up in the night''s magic, proposed a detour.

    "It''s still early. Why don''t we check out a bar for some extra fun?" he suggested.

    Collin was quick to refuse. "No, it''s not a good idea. Linsey doesn''t drink."

    Yet, Dustin wasn''t one to relent so easily. "We don''t have to drink to have a good time-bars have more to offer than just

    alcohol."

    He turned his gaze to Linsey, his voice full of encouragement. "I bet you haven''t experienced many bars. They''re vibrant,

    full of life! Don''t worry, it''s my ce, perfectly safe, and we''re all here with you."

    Linsey''s hesitation melted into a yful grin as she turned to Collin. "I want to go, Collin."

    Collin exhaled deeply, his head drooping slightly as a gesture of resignation. "Alright, if you''re set on going, then let''s go,"

    he conceded in a reluctant tone.

    Witnessing Collin''s swift reversal, Dustin and Dominic exchanged nces, their eyebrows raised in silentmentary.

    Just seconds earlier, Collin had been staunchly opposed to the n, but Linsey''s mere expression of interest had his resolve

    crumbled.

    His reversal was not just swift; it was startling.

    Before long, they found themselves at Dustin''s well-known hangout, his very own bar.

    Eager to make the evening unforgettable, Dustin had secured the mostvish private room they offered,plete with plush seating and ambient lighting.

    As the group settled into the opulent space, Dustin whipped out a deck of cards,

    a sly grin spreading across his face. "Let''s add a little thrill-pull a card, and whoever gets the lowest has to brave a round of Truth or Dare," he stated, shuffling the

    cards with ir.

    Somehow, fate seemed to conspire against Linsey, as she drew the lowest cards.

    0.0%

    02:00

    Attempting to keep the mood light, Collin chose a gentle question. "What was on your dinner te tonight?"

    Dustin scoffed, his face twisting into a mock scowl of exasperation, "Collin, do you even know the rules?"

    Clearly, he was hoping for a question that would add more zest to their game night.

    Linsey burst intoughter and quickly responded, "Chocte cake."

    Dustin squinted his eyes, leaning forward with a keen interest. "Linsey, are you truly content with Collin?"

    "Absolutely," Linsey replied instantly, without a trace of doubt.

    Dustin shook his head slightly. "That''s not what I meant. I was referring to Collin''s sexual prowess. Is he good in bed?"

    A blush crept across Linsey''s cheeks.

    "W-what?" Linsey faltered.

    Dustin''s smirk deepened. "Why so rattled? Could it be that Collin isn''t good in bed? If that''s the case, then marrying him has been quite the disappointment. You may not be a widow, but you''re practically living like one..."

    Shocked, Linsey gestured wildly with her hands. "No, no! Collin is quite good in bed!"

    Dustin''s eyebrows shot up in feigned astonishment. "Oh? So you two have already... you know..."

    He leaned closer, his face the picture of curiosity, clearly itching to uncover more.

    But before he could delve any further, Collin interrupted in a t tone. "Dustin, that''s enough-you''ve posed your question to Linsey already."

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288 I Can Still Outy Collin!

    Hearing that, Dustin could only sigh with regret. "Alright then." His voice carried a hint of disappointment.

    Linsey, having just exhaled a quiet sigh of relief, felt a sudden pang of frustration as she once again met defeat in the next

    round.

    A sense of helplessness washed over her, leaving her bewildered by her continuous streak of bad luck this evening.

    In sharp contrast, Dustin''s mood brightened considerably, his eyes alight with mischief and anticipation for the juicy

    details yet toe.

    However, before he could delve back into the scandalous tidbits, Collin preempted him with a keen interruption. "ording to the game''s rules, if we choose to avoid a question, we''re allowed to just take a drink, correct?" Collin inquired, his eyebrow cocked in a challenge.

    "Absolutely," Dustin replied, his voice a mix of intrigue and surprise as he processed the interruption. He then turned his

    curious gaze toward Linsey, his question tinged with concern. "But I thought Linsey didn''t drink?"

    With a dismissive snort, Collin responded, "She doesn''t drink, hence I shall drink on her behalf."

    He swiftly grabbed the ss resting before him and tossed back its contents in a fluid, decisive motion.

    Linsey, caughtpletely off guard, had no chance to protest.

    While she could have managed the question on her own, Collin''s protective stance was clear-he was intent on sparing her

    from the alcohol, and she was equally determined not to let him drink on her ount.

    "Oh,e on, Collin, that''s totally unfair!" Dustin burst out, his voice tinged with annoyance as his ns for gossip were

    cleverly sidestepped.

    Collin merely raised an eyebrow, his expression one of smug satisfaction. "I''m Linsey''s husband. It''s only natural for me to

    protect her," he dered proudly, his stance firm and resolute in the dimly lit

    room.

    Reluctantly, Dustin stepped back, opting to refrain from posing any more questions that could be deemed inappropriate.

    Provoking Collin would lead to his own downfallter.

    As the game progressed, Dustin found himself on a losing streak.

    Collin, ruthless and unyielding, dug deep into Dustin''s past heartaches.

    "Dustin, I heard your first sweetheart left you because youcked experience. Is that true?"

    "Dustin, rumor has it that you threw yourself into the nightlife after your heart was broken. Can you confirm that?"

    "Do you still linger over thoughts of your first love?"

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    02:00

    Chapter 2881 Can Still Outy Collin!

    With each probing question about his early romantic life, Dustin''s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, his embarrassment palpable.

    Linsey and Dolores soaked in the scandalous details with evident delight.

    "Wow, Dustin, who would have guessed you were such a na?ve young man back then?" Dolores remarked, herughter ringing through the air.

    All eyes were on Dustin, expecting his response. Instead, he grasped his ss and downed three hefty gulps as a form of

    self-punishment.

    With a mix of resentment and resolve, Dustin muttered, "Just you wait, Collin. Once it''s your turn to lose, I''ll have you squirming with embarrassment!"

    Collin justughed, his confidence unwavering. "Show me what you''ve got, then make me lose!"

    The game escted into a fierce rivalry between Collin and Dustin.

    The tension was palpable, drawing raucousughter and gasps from the onlookers who were thoroughly entertained by the spectacle.

    Ultimately, it was no shock when Dustin sumbed to a resounding defeat.

    After downing several sses one after another, he became so inebriated that he crumpled to the floor, utterly incapable of

    standing.

    Collin, unable to hide a grin, leaned over him and taunted, "Come on, Dustin, rise and keep going, continue the game- don''t just sprawl there like you''re out for the count."

    Amused yet concerned, Dominic approached Dustin. Realizing Dustin was drunk, he intervened with a chuckle. "Come on, Collin, give Dustin a break. He''s well beyond his limit, he''s not faking it. We should probably cut him some ck; he''s already the evening''s entertainment."

    Offering a hand, Dominic helped Dustin to his feet. "Let''s head out, I''ll get you home safely."

    Despite his unsteady condition, Dustin resisted, his words slurred but determined. "I''m not going anywhere! I can still outy Collin!"

    With a dismissive snort, Collin retorted, "Alright then, stand up on your own, and I''m all yours for another round."

    Linsey observed the scene, her expression one of disbelief. This was a side of Collin she had never seen, his usual calmposure reced by childishpetitiveness.

    It was an eye-opener: beneath his cold exterior lurked a yful, almost boyish spirit, ignited by the simplest of challenges.

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 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289 Where Did These Come From, Linsey

    Linsey could tell that Collin was genuinely content in this setting.

    It seemed that he felt most at peace when he was among his friends.

    Linsey, watching Dustin stagger slightly from too much drink, decided it was time to step in. In a gentle tone, she said to

    Collin, "Come on, cut him some ck. It''s just Dustin being Dustin, always a bit wild and carefree."

    Collin paused, then nodded slowly, his expression softening due to Linsey''s intervention.

    "Alright,¡± he conceded, "Dominic, take Dustin home. And be careful out there.¡±

    As Dominic led a swaying Dustin out, Dolores also prepared to leave.

    She sensed that Linsey and Collin would appreciate some privacy.

    "I''ve got some work piled up, so I better get back," she exined, masking her intent with a professional excuse.

    Linsey, ever concerned for Dolores, offered, "Let us drive you back. It''s no trouble at all."

    Dolores shook her head firmly, her voice resolute. "Really, there''s no need. I''m sober, and it''s not far. I''ll be fine."

    The discussion went back and forth until Collin, wanting to ease the situation, called over his assistant. "Take Dolores

    home, will you?" he instructed.

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the assistant responded promptly.

    With the others gone, the room grew quieter, leaving just Linsey and Collin alone in the soft glow of the remaining lights.

    Linsey noticed the flush on Collin''s cheeks, an unmistakable sign of the evening''s indulgences. With a touch of concerncing her voice, she said, "Collin, you''ve had quite a bit to drink tonight. Are you sure you''re alright?"

    Collin held his liquor with remarkable easepared to others.

    However, noticing Linsey''s concerned gaze, he replied with a serene smile, ¡°Just a tad, but it''s manageable. A brisk walk in the fresh air should set me right."

    Linsey offered a nod of understanding. "Okay, I''ll just pop into the restroom quick, and then we can take that walk."

    "Sounds good," Collin agreed.

    As Linsey returned from the restroom, a waiter intercepted her path.

    "Pardon me, are you Linsey Riley?" he inquired.

    Startled, Linsey eyed him with a mix of surprise and caution. ¡°Yes, and who might you be?"

    In a respectful tone, the waiter exined, "I''ve been asked to deliver a gift to you. Please, ept it."

    0.0%

    02:01

    But hey Bends already shower has will gifts sather?

    Then, the waiter extended a bouquet of stunting rest reuse, their petata vivist and tush

    Taken aback, Linsey hesitantly epted therge banquet, her mind racing with

    the rould have sent this to me?" she asked, her curisalty piqued.

    The waiter''s smile widened politely

    widened politely. "A gentleman with undentalche charm!

    At that, Lineer''s thought mmediately turned to Callin him

    the Howers were an unserpected romantis pasture from

    Indeed, they had decided that today would serve as a dual celebration for her birthday as well

    This was probably his unique gesture of presenting her with a gift on their important day.

    With this heartwarming thought, Linery allowed a radiant emite to grace her features,

    As she turned gracefully to make her way back to the room, she remained blissfully unaware of the enigmatte figurs hurking stealthily nearby

    From his hidden vantage point, Corman''s eyes sparkled with joy as he observed Linesy epting the roses he had anonymously sent. A smug smile spread across his face.

    This woman, who had vehemently opposed the idea of marrying him, was now unwittingly cherishing his rosse.

    Her eyes, reflecting the delicate hues of the petals, seemed to dance with unspoken delight

    Gorman had been tracking Linsey''s every move for some time.

    He was aware that tonight was not just any celebration but a joint birthday bash

    for Linsey and Collin, peppered with the presence of their close niends.

    With this gesture, Gorman aimed to nudge Linsey''s worthless husband out of the way.

    His confidence surged with the belief that the dissolution of Linsey and Collin''s marriage was imminent.

    Once she got a divorce, he would approach Linsey anew, beating his love authentically and wholeheartedly

    After all, wasn''t it said that a grand romantic gesture could sway even the most resolute heart?

    Unbeknownst to the dark threads of Gorman''s thoughts, Linsey reentered the room, her spirits lifted by the bouquet of roses in her arms.

    However, the sight of the bouquet prompted Collin to arch an eyebrow inquisitively and probe, "Where did thesee from, Linsey?"

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 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290 What Did You

    Wish For

    Caught off guard, Linsey eximed in disbelief, "What? You didn''t send this? And

    here I was, thinking it was your

    charming way of surprising me."

    Collin''s expression twisted into a puzzled frown. "Absolutely not. I haven''t arranged anything of the sort."

    Intrigued, Linsey stepped closer to Collin, the bouquet of roses cradled gently in her arms. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she inspected the flowers.

    "Then who could be behind this thoughtful gesture?" she murmured to herself.

    She delicately sifted through the soft petals, hoping for a hint, yet no card was tucked within to shed light on the mystery.

    Specting with a light chuckle, Linsey suggested, "Could be from another friend."

    Collin, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, offered another possibility. "It might be Dustin''s doing. He''s infamous for his

    impromptu gifts and unannounced surprises."

    Linsey looked at Collin, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "And how do you feel about that? You make it sound like you

    and Dustin have some sort of rivalry, rather than a friendship."

    With a light-hearted shrug, Collin replied, his voice tinged with humor, "Oh, I was just joking. Dustin and I are thick as

    thieves."

    "Alright then," Linsey said, her smile warming as she embraced the unexpected gift. "If these roses are indeed from Dustin, we should graciously ept and appreciate them."

    "Sure, as long as they''re to your liking," Collin offered, his tone dripping with congeniality.

    Laughing heartily, the two shuffled out of the dimly lit private room of the bar, their easy chatter blending seamlessly with

    the lively clinks and murmurs of the surrounding patrons.

    This lighthearted departure caught Gorman''s eye from a shadowy corner where he was lurking. He knit his brows in

    confusion, his mind racing.

    How peculiar it was that Linsey had epted roses from another man, yet Collin, seemingly her devoted husband, showed

    no sign of jealousy.

    Could it be that their marriage hadcked the passion one would have expected?

    As he mulled over this anomaly, a mocking sneer slowly spread across Gorman''s face.

    Just earlier, Linsey''s tender derations had convinced him of their deep, unshakeable connection. Now, it appeared

    nothing more than a facade.

    Perhaps Collin, conceding to his own inadequacies, hade to ept that he didn''t measure up to someone like Linsey?

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    02:01

    Chapter 290 What Did You Wish For

    And with a rival as formidable as Gorman in the fray, Collin was too cowardly to confront the threat openly.

    If this was indeed the case, Gorman felt a surge of triumph, sensing victory within his grasp.

    His initial n had been to drive a wedge between Linsey and Collin, capitalizing on the fallout.

    Though the plot had deviated from his expectations, Gorman remained unfazed. Any development that tilted the scales in

    his favor was a wee one.

    All the while, Linsey hadn''t given Gorman a single thought.

    After departing from the bar, she ambled along the shore, pushing Collin''s wheelchair.

    The brisk, nocturnal sea breeze swept over them, its refreshing touch instilling a profound sense of rxation.

    Amidst the serene night, an unusual tranquility enveloped them both.

    Out of the blue, Collin''s voice broke the silence with a curious tone. "So, what did you wish for when you blew out the

    candles earlier?"

    Linsey quirked an eyebrow and offered a secretive smile. "That''s a secret! If I spill it, my wish won''te true."

    "Is that so? What a pity," Collin responded earnestly. "My wish involved you. I bet you''re dying to know."

    This statement sparked Linsey''s curiosity, prompting her to probe, "What did you wish for?"

    Collin arched an eyebrow mischievously. "Are you sure you want to know? Lean in closer, and I''ll whisper it."

    Drawn by his invitation, Linsey leaned toward him, only to be greeted by Collin''s soft chuckle next to her ear as he echoed

    her earlier words.

    "It''s a secret. After all, you just mentioned that revealing a wish will prevent it froming true."

    Surprise flickered across Linsey''s face as she caught the yful smirk ying on Collin''s lips, realizing he had merely been

    messing with her.

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 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291 How About A

    Kiss First

    Annoyance washed over Linsey immediately. "Collin! Why must you act so childishly?" she eximed.

    Unperturbed by her chiding. Collin only shrugged. To him, what harm was there in being a tad childish with his wife?

    However, noticing her growing irritation, he teased, "If you''re dying of curiosity, I might consider divulging my secrets. How about a kiss first? Then, I''ll unveil any secret you wish to unravel."

    With a dismissive snort, Linsey turned away, her lips curling into a defiant pout. "I''ve lost all interest in your childish games," she dered, sure she had predicted Collin''s typical antics.

    ¡°Is that so?" Collin''s words floatedzily through the air, his tone teasing, pulling at her resolve.

    Despite her curiosity, Linsey maintained a steely posture, her arms folded tightly. "Indeed, I have no desire to know. Spare

    me your secrets."

    Collin, his back to her, could still picture the spirited fire in her eyes; it endeared her even more to him and warmed his

    heart.

    Time passed, and they reached their home.

    Linsey, weary from their day''s adventures, quickly freshened up and copsed into bed, her body sinking deeply into theforting embrace of their sheets.

    Later, when Collin wrapped up his remaining work and joined her in the quiet of the night, he overheard her talking in her sleep. "Collin... what wish did you make... you infuriating man, always hiding things..." she muttered, her words tangled in

    the threads of her dreams.

    Collin was surprised at first, and his initial shock soon morphed into a tender smile, his eyes sparkling with affection.

    Unbeknownst to him, his wish had infiltrated her dreams, an indication that his words had resonated deeply within her.

    Collin eased himself onto the seat beside her resting form, inching closer until his breath was a whisper against her ear. ¡°Linsey," he murmured with heartfelt sincerity, "my only wish is to spend eternity by your side."

    The old clock in the living room chose that exact moment to toll midnight, its deep chimes echoing through the silence like

    a solemn vow

    Holding his breath, Collin brushed a soft, affectionate kiss against Linsey''s forehead, sealing his whispered confession.

    The sun rose, and Linsey faced another day at work, her desk a mountain of pending assignments and unread emails.

    Her phone broke the morning''s routine with its shrill ring, shing an unknown number across its screen.

    A flicker of anxiety danced through her veins-her mind shing back to the disturbing calls from Gorman.

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    02:01

    Chapter 291 How About A Kiss First

    With a steadying breath, Linsey gathered her courage and answered, her voice a silent presence on the line.

    A moment passed before a voice, unexpectedly gentle, filled the void.

    "Linsey, how have you been holding up?"

    Linsey''s voice rippled with genuine surprise. "Kane, what a shock to hear from you!"

    Kane Davidson''sughter resonated warmly through the phone. "I know, it''s been ages," he said. "I was hoping you''d be free this weekend. We are getting together for a little college reunion."

    Linsey paused, a flood of memories from her university days washing over her.

    She had been stretched thin back then, barely scraping by financially and juggling several jobs, which had left her scant

    time to bond with her peers.

    Moreover, a few of her ssmates had always seemed inexplicably hostile towards her.

    Considering that, why would she spend her time on a reunion that sparked no joy in her heart?

    "I might have priormitments this weekend," Linsey responded, her tone courteous yet distant, as she subtly declined

    the invitation.

    Kane''s sigh came through the line, tinged with disappointment. "Linsey, you''ve been keeping yourself quite busytely. I

    just got off the phone with Shari-she jumped at the chance toe. She''s really looking forward to seeing you."

    At the mention of Shari Bates, Linsey''s eyebrows shot up in astonishment. "Shari? Wait, when did she return? And she''s really attending the reunion?"

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 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292 You Look Stunning

    Linsey thought back to her university days. Of all her ssmates, the only one she had truly bonded with was her

    roommate, Shari.

    Shari was soft-spoken and a little reserved, but when it came to design, she had a natural gift.

    After graduation, she got married and moved abroad. Eventually, their messages slowed, then stopped.

    From what Linsey had heard, Shari was doing just fine.

    She had never felt particrly attached to her other old ssmates, but she felt an urge to see Shari again.

    "Alright, I''ll go," Linsey said.

    Kane''s face lit up. "Saturday at seven, Freyview Grand Hotel. Don''t bete, Linsey!"

    That evening, after work, Linsey sifted through her things until she found her university graduation album.

    As she flipped through the pages, her gaze lingered on old photos of her and Shari. A familiar ache of nostalgia settled in

    her chest.

    Collin wheeled into the room, his tone light. "What''s got you so focused?"

    She nced up and held out a few pictures.

    "Just looking at my old roommate. We were pretty tight in college." Her voice softened. "There''s a reunion this weekend,

    and I have no clue what to wear."

    A thought sparked, and she turned to him with a grin. "Why don''t you help me pick? I''m hopeless at this."

    Collin arched a brow but nodded. "Alright. Let''s see what we''re working with."

    Without missing a beat, Collin pulled out his phone and ced a call. "Send over a selection of the newest dresses."

    Linsey''s head snapped up. "Wait-seriously? That''s not necessary."

    He leaned back,pletely unfazed. "Of course it is. You''re my wife. You have to turn heads at that reunion. Otherwise,

    people might start rumors that I can''t even buy you a decent dress."

    She let out a dramatic sigh but couldn''t hide the amused glint in her eyes.

    The call was already made, so there was no point in protesting. She might as well go along with it.

    Not long after, a delivery arrived-several elegant, high-end dressesid out like they belonged in a fashion show.

    Linsey slipped into a sleek ck evening gown first. Studying her reflection in the mirror, she pressed her lips together, a

    flicker of doubt crossing her face.

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    02:01

    "This feels a little too formal," Linsey murmured, adjusting the fabric. Collin, watching from the side, crossed his arms. "Try another one."

    She slipped into a white dress next and gave it a once-over. "Too in." After she cycled through two more that didn''t feel right, frustration crept in. Collin caught the way she hesitated. He studied the remaining options, then pulled one from the rack and handed it to her. "Try this."

    Linsey took it and blinked in surprise-it was red.

    She ran her fingers over the fabric, hesitating. "Isn''t this a little... bold?"

    It was just a college reunion. Did she really need to go all out?

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his tone easy. "Don''t write it off just yet. Try it on first.¡±

    Linsey let out a small sigh but took the dress and headed to change.

    The red gown red at the skirt, its fabric flowing with an almost theatrical elegance. As she slipped it on, she shifted ufortably, not quite used to something so bold.

    Carefully lifting the hem, she stepped out, suddenly aware of how the dress clung to her. She met Collin''s gaze, her voice. quieter than before. "Well? Does it look okay?"

    Their eyes met, and in his deep gaze, she caught something unmistakable- admiration.

    "It looks incredible," Collin said, his voice steady but firm. "It''s definitely the one. You look stunning."

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 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293 Have You Ever Considered Bing A...

    When she heard Collinpliment her, Linsey''s cheeks warmed. She suddenly felt too shy to meet his eyes.

    "You barely nced at me before saying I looks good. Feels like you''re just saying it to say it." Linsey pouted, letting out a small huff before turning to the mirror.

    As soon as her reflection came into view, she went still.

    The bold red dress made her skin seem even more luminous, her features striking in a way she hadn''t noticed before. For

    a fleeting second, she felt like she was glowing-like the kind of girl people couldn''t help but notice.

    Was that really her?

    Linsey gaped at her reflection, hardly recognizing herself.

    She had never dared to wear something this bold, this attention-grabbing.

    It took Collin''s offhand suggestion for her to realize just how effortlessly red suited her.

    Every detail of the dress was meticulous, the kind of craftsmanship only a professional could pull off.

    Linsey''s instincts took over before she even noticed-her trained eye tracing the fine details, assessing the artistry behind

    every stitch.

    "Collin," she murmured, almost to herself, "you might know me better than I do."

    She turned to him, her voiceced with curiosity and excitement.

    "How do you do it?" Linsey paused, a thought flickering across her mind. "Oh! You helped me tweak that design draft not long ago. And now, you''ve picked out a dress that suits me perfectly..."

    Her eyes brightened as she smiled. "Collin, have you ever considered bing a designer? Or maybe a design consultant?

    With your eye for detail, you''d be amazing at it."

    If Dustin were here, he would probably be doubled overughing.

    Collin wasn''t just good at fashion-he was the founder of CR Corporation, the driving force behind thetest trends. His

    influence stretched far beyond clothing, earning him recognition across multiple industries.

    As the founder of CR Corporation, of course, his sense of style was impable. That was a given.

    Yet, in front of Linsey, Collin stayed humble. "No matter what anyone else thinks, I just want to be your personal designer."

    His voice was low and steady, threaded with sincerity. His gaze never wavered.

    A warmth spread through her, equal parts flustered and shy.

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    02:01

    Chapter 203 Have You Ever Considered Bing A Designer

    Linsey stiffened for a moment before heat rushed to her cheeks again.

    She quickly looked away, mumbling. "You''re getting way too good at sweet talking. Who''ve you been practicing on?"

    Collin chuckled, his eyes shining with amusement. "I''m telling the truth. Why do I sound like I''m just ying around to

    you?"

    Linsey tilted her chin, pretending to be unimpressed. "Well, I''m not the type to fall for sweet talk alone. If you really mean it, then prove it-design something new for me every single day. No repeats. That''s the only way you can call yourself my personal designer."

    "Alright," Collin agreed without a second thou

    Linsey had only been teasing. She hadn''t expected him to take it literally.

    Designing something new every day was not only exhausting but also financially ridiculous-it waspletely unrealistic.

    Without a second thought, Linsey headed into the bathroom to change out of the dress.

    She had no idea that the moment Collin wheeled himself out of the room, he was already giving orders. "Set everything up," he instructed, his voice firm. ¡°I want a dedicated design channel for Linsey. From now on, she gets exclusive, custom- made

    pieces-top priority."

    His assistant froze. For a second, he wondered if he had misheard.

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 illionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 294

    Chapter 294 Is Something Wrong With The Food

    To his assistant, Collin had always been a strictly professional, no-nonsense leader.

    Yet,tely, he seemed to be making an awful lot of exceptions-for his wife.

    And now, he wasunching an entire exclusive design line just for Linsey.

    A grand gesture, to say the least.

    Still, no matter how shocked the assistant was, he didn''t dare to question him.

    "Yes, Mr. Riley," the assistant replied.

    It was obvious-Collin wasn''t just willing to go the extra mile for his wife. He was willing to go as far as it took. As his

    assistant, all he could do was silently wish them well.

    After she tried on the dress, Linsey''s stomach started to growl.

    Collin and Linsey made their way to the dining room for dinner.

    "I know you''ve had a long day, so I had the kitchen prepare some of your favorite dishes. Eat up," Collin said softly.

    Linsey smiled. "It''s only the first day of the workweek."

    Collin returned the smile. "I don''t know why, but it feels like you''ve lost a little weight since you came back."

    As he spoke, he scooped some food onto Linsey''s te.

    Without hesitation, she took a bite.

    A sudden wave of nausea hit Linsey, rising sharply from her stomach.

    She frowned, trying to push it down, but the difort only intensified.

    "Linsey, what''s wrong?" Collin immediately noticed the change. He set his utensils down, his gaze full of concern.

    Josh also looked worried. "Is something wrong with the food? Should we have it remade?"

    Linsey opened her mouth to respond, but the nausea swelled up again.

    She couldn''t hold it back. She jumped to her feet and rushed to the bathroom, barely making it to the sink before she began gagging.

    Collin''s face tightened with rm. He quickly wheeled over and gently patted her back, trying to soothe her.

    Linsey kept dry heaving, her face growing pale.

    "Get the car! We''re going to the hospital!" Collin instructed his assistant, his voice edged with urgency.

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    02.01

    Chapter 294 Is Something Wrong With The Food

    Linsey rinsed her mouth, still feeling weak. "It''s nothing. I probably just haven''t been getting enough resttely."

    She had recently be department head and was still adjusting to the overwhelming workload, which had been stressing

    her out.

    "No matter what, we''re getting you checked. It could be a stomach issue," Collin insisted.

    Seeing the determination in his eyes, Linsey couldn''t help butugh softly.

    She was about to speak when Josh suddenly blurted out, his voice filled with excitement, "Could it be that you''re pregnant,

    Mrs. Riley?"

    Josh''s words left both Linsey and Collin frozen.

    Collin''s expression shifted, uncertainty flickering across his face.

    To be honest, he had never seriously imagined himself as a father.

    But now, the idea of a child carrying Linsey''s blood-maybe even looking like her-stirred a surprising sense of anticipation.

    A child? Their child?

    Linsey''s eyes widened. "No way, that''s impossible, right?"

    She and Collin had always been careful.

    With so many people around, Linsey felt too embarrassed to voice her thoughts.

    Josh, however, was insistent. "Mrs. Riley, it''s very possible. When my wife was pregnant, she had morning sickness just

    like this. You really should take it seriously."

    Linsey felt a little dazed. She turned slowly to Collin, who looked equally stunned.

    After a brief silence, Linsey murmured, "Let''s go to the hospital and get checked. That''s the only way to know for sure."

    Taking a steadying breath, she started to step forward when Collin suddenly reached out and took her hand.

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 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295 Why Did You

    Call Me Here

    Linsey turned, locking eyes with Collin''s intense stare.

    "You''re still not well. Stop pushing yourself-sit down and rest," he suggested.

    Then, without breaking his gaze, he issued a sharp order to his assistant. "Call Dominic. I don''t care what he''s doing-tell him to get here now. If he stalls, I''ll handle it myself."

    "Got it, Mr. Riley." The assistant didn''t hesitate, disappearing to carry out themand.

    Linsey let out a smallugh, shaking her head. "Collin, you''re being dramatic. It''s just a stomachache-I''m not about to copse."

    But the unwavering seriousness in his eyes stole any fight she had left. With a quiet sigh, she sank onto the sofa, doing as

    he asked.

    Neither of them went back to the dining table.

    The unexpected revtion had stolen their appetites, leaving behind only a heavy mix of anticipation and unease.

    As they waited for Dominic''s arrival, Linsey''s thoughts drifted to a possibility she hadn''t dared consider before-she might be carrying Collin''s child. A gentle warmth spread through her chest at the thought.

    Without realizing it, she lowered her gaze, resting a hand on her stomach.

    She had grown up without parents, without family.

    The idea of having a child had never felt real to her-had never even crossed her mind.

    But now... if she really was expecting, would it be a boy or a girl?

    A soft smile tugged at her lips.

    She had always longed for a warm,plete family. Could that dream really be unfolding so soon?

    Time crawled by. Just as Collin was about to call Dominic for the third time, the door swung open, and the man strode in,

    his voice edged with urgency.

    "What happened? Is someone hurt?"

    Dominic''s mind jumped to the worst-had something happened to Linsey?

    But that didn''t seem likely. If she were in serious danger, Collin wouldn''t still be sitting there. He would have already abandoned the wheelchair and carried her to the hospital himself.

    Dominic ran through every worst-case scenario as he stepped into the living room. His gazended on Linsey, seated on the sofa with Collin right beside her, their hands tightly intertwined.

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    02:02

    Chapter 295 Why Did You Call Me Here

    They looked tense.

    But at first nce, nothing seemed obviously wrong.

    His frown deepened.

    "Why did you call me here?" He shot Collin a questioning look before turning to Linsey. "You look fine-healthy, even.

    You''re not sick, are you?"

    Collin didn''t take his eyes off her. "She felt sick at dinner. Josh suspects it might be morning sickness, so I need you to

    confirm if she''s pregnant."

    "Pregnant?" Dominic blinked in surprise. "Did you even get a pregnancy test?"

    Collin''s expression darkened. "A pregnancy test?"

    That reaction told Dominic everything he needed to know.

    He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "You two really know how to make

    things difficult. Dragging me all the way here

    without even checking first-unbelievable."

    Linsey opened her mouth, then shut it. What was she even supposed to say to that?

    Linsey had never dealt with something like this before. The thought hadn''t even crossed her mind.

    A little flustered, she forced a small smile. "I''ll have someone pick one up right away."

    "No need. I''m pretty sure I have one here." Dominic was already digging through his medical kit. A momentter, he pulled

    out a pregnancy test. "Good thing it''s not expired. Here, take it."

    Linsey hesitated as she took it, nerves creeping up her spine. Her eyes flickered

    to Collin, uncertainty clouding her

    expression. ¡°I''ll... I''ll go now," she murmured.

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 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296 Collin, I''m Not Pregnant

    "Go ahead," Collin said softly, reaching out to gently squeeze Linsey''s hand, trying to offerfort.

    Linsey nodded, clutching the pregnancy test as she made her way to the bathroom.

    As Collin''s gaze followed her, Dominic pressed his lips together, sensing the tension. He tried to reassure him. "Alright, we

    won''t know anything until she takes the test. Just rx."

    Collin, however, couldn''t tear his eyes away. After a moment, he took a deep breath, his voice low and filled with concern.

    "I''m just worried about Linsey''s health."

    Time seemed to stretch on. One minute passed, then another.

    Unable to stand the waiting, Collin wheeled himself to the bathroom door and Locked softly, his brow furrowed.

    Why was it taking so long? Had something gone wrong?

    Collin''s anxiety was palpable, and Dominic let out a helpless sigh.

    Worry was clearly clouding Collin''s judgment.

    Just as Collin''s impatience peaked, Linsey finally opened the door, barely a second after the knock.

    "How did it go?" Collin asked, his voice tinged with concern.

    Linsey''s face was tight with tension as she held up the pregnancy test for him to

    see.

    As he saw the troubled look on her face, Collin''s heart tightened in his chest. "Collin, I''m not pregnant."

    With those words, Collin finally noticed the single line on the test-it was negative.

    Linsey''s face reflected a mixture of emotions, hard to pinpoint.

    When she first suspected she might be pregnant, there had been a glimmer of hope, however fleeting.

    But it was much ado about nothing.

    Dominic''s voice cut through the silence, calm and reassuring. "If it''s not pregnancy, then it''s probably just a mild stomach issue."

    Linsey nodded, the weight lifting a little. "I haven''t been sleeping well, and dinner was too greasy. That''s probably what made me feel sick."

    Josh quickly intervened. "I''ll have the kitchen whip up something lighter for you."

    He silently regretted mentioning pregnancy earlier. If he hadn''t, none of this confusion would have happened.

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    02.02

    Chapter 296 Collin, I''m Not Pregnant

    He had gotten both Linsey''s and Collin''s hopes up, only to have them dashed.

    Dominic, unaffected by the couple''s emotional turmoil, handed Linsey some stomach medicine, then quietly gathered his

    medical kit and left.

    Later that evening, Linsey ate a simple meal, took the medicine Dominic had prescribed, and went to her room to freshen

    up and rest.

    As she settled into bed, Collin gently tucked the covers around her.

    Looking up at him, Linsey whispered softly, "Collin, I''m so sorry."

    Collin furrowed his brow. "Why are you apologizing?"

    Linsey buried her face in the nket, her voice barely audible. "I''m not pregnant. Are you disappointed? You seemed like you really wanted a child."

    Collin raised an eyebrow, a small glimmer of amusement in his eyes. He gently brushed a few stray hairs from her cheek,

    his voice warm. "You''ve got it all wrong. I don''t even like kids."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Are you just saying that to make me feel better?"

    Seeing her disbelief, Collin let out a soft sigh and exined patiently, "I don''t like kids, but I wouldn''t mind having one.

    with you. The thought of a child who takes after you makes it... a lot less unappealing."

    He took a moment before continuing, his tone serious. "But pregnancy isn''t easy. I''ve heard it''s ufortable for most of

    those nine months. I don''t want you to go through that. Honestly, I don''t see this as bad news. If anything, I feel a little

    relieved."

    Linsey looked at him, and after seeing the honesty in his eyes, she finally understood.

    If that was how he truly felt, then that was all that mattered.

    Collin watched Linsey''s gentle, calm expression, and something in his chest

    softened. With a smile, he asked, "How about

    you? Is having a child something you want?"

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 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297 Pursue This

    Lead

    Linsey paused, her thoughts swirling before she spoke. "I prefer to take things as theye," she said, her voice tinged

    with a mix of resolve and wistfulness. "I''ve always dreamed of a warm, loving family. But right now, our priority is to work

    hard and save enough to create a nurturing environment for our future child."

    Her eyes glimmered with the light of hopeful anticipation. "I want our child to be weed into a world filled with joy,

    not to endure hardships with us."

    Collin wanted to assure her that with his wealth and connections, their future child would never struggle financially and

    could enjoy afortable life without them working so tirelessly.

    Yet, he withheld the full extent of his assurances, not ready to disclose everything. Instead, he gave her a reassuring nod,

    sped her hand gently, and affirmed, "Alright, we''ll work hard together, side by side."

    As the days unfolded, Linsey stuck to her regr schedule at work.

    However, Collin made it a point to call her during her breaks, always punctual, to remind her about her medication.

    "Alright, no worries. I''ll take it after I eat," Linsey responded, her voice light and thankful, as she ended the call with a

    smile.

    A nearby colleague, overhearing the exchange, couldn''t resist a yful tease. "Linsey, you and your husband really have a

    strong bond. You''re here at work, and he still makes it a point to call you every day just to talk."

    With a helpless chuckle, Linsey rified, "It''s not quite like that. I''ve been under the weathertely, so he''s just making

    sure I remember to take my medicine."

    Her married colleagues, listening in, couldn''t hide their envy at such attentive

    care.

    "Linsey, you have no idea how fortunate you are. When I was ill, my husband barely nced my way, not a single hint of

    concern."

    "Tell me about it! Once, I came home with a fever after pulling a double shift, and there he was, expecting dinner. I was so

    close to losing it with him."

    "That''s precisely why we think your husband is such a gem!"

    Linsey sat there, her expression one ofplete astonishment, as she absorbed the stark differences in their marital

    experiences.

    It was only then did she realize of howpassionate and attentive Collin truly

    was.

    A newfound appreciation for him blossomed within her, and she made a silent pledge to cherish and appreciate him even

    more.

    Unbeknownst to Linsey, however, their casual lunchtime banter was being discreetly recorded by someone nearby.

    0.0%

    02:02

    Once Linsey and her colleagues dispersed, the mysterious person discreetly exited, promptly forwarding the recording to

    their boss.

    At the summit of Green Group, in its polished top-floor conference room.

    "Mr. Green, over the past few years, CR Corporation''s expansion in Grester has been nothing short of phenomenal. Their

    reach is almost nationwide now-a stunning achievement for apany that''s rtively new to the scene."

    Danny continued, his tone a mix of respect and concern, "As a fast-growing titan, they''ve not only overtaken us in the

    design industry but are also venturing into cutting-edge territories like artificial intelligence. If we don''t act soon, we''ll be

    utterly eclipsed by CR Corporation."

    With a serious expression, Danny handed over the report in the meeting.

    Gorman''s face clouded over with concern as he listened. "I''ve had you on this case for months, yet you still haven''t

    identified their founder?" he questioned, his voice tinged with irritation.

    Danny shook his head, his expression somber. However, a flicker of remembrance sparked in his eyes.

    "Actually, Mr. Green, something dide up recently. At an auction in town, it''s rumored that the founder of CR

    Corporation acquired an extravagant ne for his wife. This lead could help us unravel the identity of the founder," he

    revealed.

    Gorman''s response was calm and measured. "Pursue this lead. Ensure the information is precise and obtained swiftly."

    As Danny shifted the briefing to other aspects concerning the Green Group, Gorman''s focus started to drift.

    Suddenly, a buzz from his phone snagged his attention with a new notification.

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 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298 He''s Not Worthy Of Linsey

    Gorman unlocked his phone and read the message, his face hardening. He signaled Danny to stop.

    Danny fell silent immediately.

    As he scanned the message, his expression darkened further.

    "Mr. Green, is everything okay?" Danny asked, noticing the shift in his demeanor.

    It was unusual for Gorman to look so rattled.

    In a sharp tone, Gorman muttered, "That Collin guy ispletely ipetent! He

    can''t even take good care of Linsey, and now she''s sick because of him."

    "Huh?" Danny was taken aback, clearly confused by the sudden change in direction.

    What was going on? Just moments ago, they had been deep in a business discussion. How had the conversation veered

    toward Linsey?

    Gorman''s eyes remained fixed on the message from his informant, his frustration mounting.

    He had used his influence within CR Corporation to covertly monitor Linsey, making sure he was always in the loop about

    her whereabouts and activities.

    It was through thiswork that he learned of her sudden illness.

    The more Gorman thought about it, the more a sense of injustice swelled within him.

    "If Linsey had married me, none of this would''ve happened. She wouldn''t have to endure this kind of hardship. She could''ve been living a life of luxury as the wife of the Green family," he murmured.

    Collin, a loser, couldn''t manage his own responsibilities and pushed Linsey to the brink, ruining her health in the process.

    What a disgrace of a man.

    Gorman''s face twisted with resentment. "Damn Collin, he''s not worthy of Linsey."

    His eyes zed with resolve as he clenched his jaw. "I need to find a way to get Linsey away from him, and fast."

    It was clear there could be no more waiting.

    He had to move quickly.

    At CR Corporation, Linsey suddenly sneezed twice, a shiver running down her back.

    She grabbed a tissue to wipe her nose, then rose to close the window in her office.

    00%

    02:02

    The air was growing colder, and she couldn''t afford to catch a cold now.

    Her stomach issues had already been troubling Collin enough.

    If she ended up sick on top of that, he would probably make a big deal out of it again.

    Just then, her phone buzzed with a new notification.

    Opening it, she saw that Kane had added her to a group chat about a reunion happening this weekend.

    As soon as Linsey entered the group, several messages popped up, each one more eager than thest.

    "Linsey, long time no see! How have you been?"

    "I heard you got promoted to department head-impressive!"

    "You''re so young, already a supervisor. Meanwhile, we''re still stuck in the trenches."

    "Since you''re a supervisor now, helping us get jobs at CR should be a breeze, right? We did study the same major after all."

    "How''s the pay at CR Corporation? Maybe I should think about applying for a designer role there."

    "With Linsey at CR, why settle for a designer position? You should aim for team leader!"

    Seeing the messages, Linsey responded with a detached calm.

    Though they were her former ssmates, she wasn''t particrly close to any of them, and wasn''t keen on getting involved

    in their small talk.

    She replied briefly with a politement. "You all have great potential. I''m sure you''ll all do well wherever you end up.

    "Wow, what a smooth response-no wonder you''re in management now," one of them teased.

    The group chat continued to feel lighthearted.

    Then, out of nowhere, a sharpment appeared.

    "Linsey, you were so average in school. Who would''ve thought that after marrying your husband, you''d end up so far ahead

    of all of us? Looks like you really hit the jackpot. I''m honestly jealous of you!"

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299 Will Your Husband Be Joining Us

    As soon as someone brought up Linsey''s husband, a palpable tension swept through the group chat, leaving an awkward

    silence in its wake.

    Every member of the chat knew that Linsey had tied the knot with Collin, the Riley family''s eldest son, a family steeped in prestige and whispers. Wasn''t it widely whispered that Collin bore a disability?

    Indeed, the rumor circle churned with spection that marrying someone with a disability was an act of utter madness.

    The consensus behind closed doors was that Linsey''s motivations were purely financial, seeking Collin''s substantial wealth.

    Beneath the surface, there was an unspoken disdain for her choice, though nobody would dare voice their contempt aloud.

    After all, who was eager to y with fire?

    Linsey''s expression tightened, her brow creasing subtly as she picked up on the undercurrents of provocation swirling

    around her.

    Her eyes flicked to the name on thement-Beth Barnes, a former college ssmate who had always had a grudge against her.

    True to form, Beth tagged Linsey directly into the conversation.

    "Linsey, just a heads-up for this weekend''s reunion-we''re encouraged to bring our partners. Will your husband be joining

    us?"

    Merely secondster, she feigned an apology, masking her true intentions with a veneer of contrition.

    "Oh, right, I almost forgot. Your husband, Collin, is confined to a wheelchair, isn''t he? Unfortunately, he probably won''t be

    able to join us for the reunion. You must have a lot on your te. We''re old ssmates, after all-would you like me to suggest a reputable orthopedic specialist for Collin?"

    As she read Beth''s message, a shadow fell over Linsey''s face.

    She fumed at the veiled mockery in Beth''s words. Without hesitating, Linsey''s fingers flew across the keyboard, her

    response sharp as a tack.

    "Thanks, but no thanks. If you''re really in the mood to rmend doctors, perhaps a neurologist would be more appropriate for you-someone to address that relentless gossiping habit you''ve nursed since college."

    Beth''s reply came swiftly, her words tinged with fury. "Linsey, what exactly are you insinuating? Are you suggesting there''s something wrong with my brain?"

    Linsey offered a chilly smirk, her words slicing through the tension. "I didn''t say a word about your brain. But it seems you''re quick to confess. Really, if there''s an issue, seeking treatment might be wise."

    Beth, seething with anger, managed to type out another message. "Linsey, how dare you speak to me that way?"

    0.0%

    02.02

    Remaining calm, Linsey replied, "Just looking out for you since we''re old ssmates. Or did I strike a nerve? Is there really

    a problem?"

    Beth was so agitated; her response was almost frantic. "Linsey! You..."

    It was then that Kane, sensing the escting tension, decided to step in. "Come on, Beth, let''s leave it there for now. We''re

    all old ssmates, and it''s been years since west reconnected. Let''s keep this reunion pleasant."

    With a sigh, Beth relented, her voice tinged with resignation. "Okay, for the sake of old times and Kane, I''ll let it slide."

    Shifting the conversation, Linsey asked, "By the way, I was just looking through our group members. Isn''t Shari in the

    group yet?"

    Kane, scratching his head, replied, "No, she hasn''t clicked ept on my invite. Maybe she''s swamped with other things."

    Before Linsey could ponder further, Beth cut in with another sly remark. "Weren''t you and Shari inseparable back in school? After all this time, I''m surprised you haven''t kept in touch."

    Linsey''s confusion was palpable, her forehead creasing in irritation.

    Did Beth really have to pry into every little thing, like it was her personal mission?

    "Life''s been hectic for all of us; staying connected isn''t always feasible. Is that so hard to understand?" Linsey retorted.

    Beth''s next words made Linsey''s irritation bloom into a scowl.

    "Really, Linsey, it''s like you''re totally clueless about Shari''s situation, isn''t it?"

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 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300 You Guys Are

    Too Kind

    Linsey stood rooted to the spot, her heart pounding in her chest. What on earth had happened to Shari?

    Without giving her a moment to think, Beth blurted out the news. "She''s gotten divorced. Her husband left her high and dry, and now she''s juggling life as a single mom, barely scraping by. Ugh, what if she''s onlying to the reunion to squeeze some money out of us?"

    The news hit Linsey like a ton of bricks. Shari was divorced and struggling?

    A pang tightened in her chest at the thought of what Shari was going through. When Shari left for another country after graduation, their connection faded away. In Linsey''s mind, Shari was living the dream overseas, happy and content. But the truth turned out to be nothing like what she had pictured.

    Despite Beth''s reputation for being blunt, she wasn''t known to fabricate stories, especially not in front of their old

    ssmates.

    Linsey was disturbed by the revtions, her interest in the ongoing group chat dwindling. She couldn''t bear the thought of prying eyes and wagging tongues dissecting Shari''s misfortunes any further.

    Beth, seemingly oblivious to Linsey''s difort, tapped out another message with a feigned look of concern. "Just a friendly warning, Linsey-keep your guard up. If Shari clings to you, you might just find yourself in deep trouble."

    Linsey felt a rush of concern wash over her; she couldn''t just sit back and watch from the sidelines, not when it came to

    Shari''s plight.

    The first step, though, was to reconnect with Shari to gauge her current state-only then could she effectively offer her

    support.

    With a sense of urgency, Linsey reached out to Kane in a private message. "Hey, do you happen to have Shari''s contact info? Could you send it over to me, please?" she typed, her fingers moving swiftly across the keyboard.

    Kane responded promptly, providing a phone number along with a cautionary note, "Here''s Shari''s new number. I''ve tried reaching her a few times myself, but she seldom answers. She''s probably overwhelmed-juggling work and her kid, and

    on

    top of that, she''s tangled in a messy legal battle with her ex-husband."

    A pang of empathy struck Linsey as she digested Kane''s words. She thanked him and saved the number with a heavy heart.

    Her initial impulse was to call Shari right away, but she paused, her thumb hovering over the dial button.

    Memories of their college days shed through her mind-how close she and Shari had been, and how Shari had always been someone who prided herself on her independence, quiet yet stubborn to the core,

    Linsey knew that if Shari hadn''t reached out for help, it was because she chose not to.

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    02.02

    < Chapter 300 You Guys Are Too Kind

    The thought of calling out of the blue made Linsey second-guess herself. Shari might not even wee her intervention.

    Perhaps it might be wiser to wait for the uing reunion to speak to Shari in person, where she could assess the

    situation firsthand.

    With that thought simmering in her mind, Linsey bit her lip pensively, gently setting her phone aside as she steeled herself.

    No matter the consequences, she was resolute in her decision to support Shari.

    For now, she would bide her time until the reunion to see her again.

    The day of the college reunion arrived sooner than expected, casting its spell over the Freyview Grand Hotel.

    Draped in the striking red dress that Collin had thoughtfully selected for her, Linsey adorned herself with just a touch of makeup, enhancing her natural beauty rather than overshadowing it.

    As soon as she crossed the threshold of the private room, a wave of nostalgia hit her. The room buzzed with the chatter of familiar faces.

    "Is that... Linsey?" a former ssmate gasped, the first to recognize her amidst the crowd.

    Her words acted like a ma, drawing all attention towards Linsey. A chorus of awe followed.

    "Oh my God, Linsey, you look absolutely stunning!"

    "See? The right outfit really does make a world of difference. You always kept it simple back in college, but now... You could have easily been the belle of the campus!"

    "Yeah! And to think you dropped out of the campus beauty contest back then. What a loss..."

    Amidst the shower ofpliments, Linsey''sughter bubbled up, light and airy. "You guys are too kind," she responded with a yful roll of her eyes, her cheeks tinted with a bashful pink.

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 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301 Kristy''s Here

    After another round of mindless chatter, Linsey maintained a polite smile, though her attention was elsewhere. She kept ncing around the room, searching for any sign of Shari.

    Was she not here yet?

    Just then, a former ssmate approached, holding up a drink with a wide grin. "Linsey, it''s been years! We have to share a drink to make up for lost time."

    Despite the fact that Collin was often dismissed as a powerless, disabled man in Grester, he was still part of the Riley family.

    By marrying him, Linsey had secured a position in elite circles, her social standing now far beyond that of her former

    ssmates.

    Naturally, they weren''t about to let this opportunity slip by-they all wanted to stay on her good side.

    Linsey easily saw through their motives. She curved her lips into a polite smile, though itcked any real warmth. "My

    husband warned me not to drink before I left. My stomach''s been acting up, and if Ie home smelling like alcohol, he''ll definitely give me a lecture."

    One of her former ssmates grinned and teased, "Sounds like you two are really close."

    "Yeah, just look at how she lights up when she talks about him!" someone else chimed in.

    At the mention of Collin, Linsey''s expression softened, her smile turning sincere. "He takes really good care of me."

    The conversation flowed easily, full of lightughter and casual chatter.

    But across the room, Beth watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, her mood darkening with each passing second.

    Linsey, of all people, had to show up dressed like she was attending a g. Was that really necessary for a reunion?

    The second she walked in, all eyes were on her.

    Now, half the room was crowded around her, hanging onto her every word. It was unbearable.

    Back in college, Linsey had been nothing special-in, forgettable. She had never once stood out, never once

    overshadowed Beth.

    And yet, here she was, basking in all the attention. All because she married into wealth.

    And to a man in a wheelchair, no less!

    If Beth''s husband had a disability, she would have done everything in her power to keep it quiet.

    Yet Linsey paraded her life around without the slightest hint of shame.

    The more Beth dwelled on it, the more annoyed she became. Finally, she couldn''t hold back any longer and strode forward, her lips curling into a smirk.

    0.0%

    01:40

    "Linsey, it must be exhausting-marrying into wealth, yet still having no real treedom. Even at a single mention, yol t stuck following your husband''s rules. Now, take Kristy, for example. Her husband is just as wealthy, but she does witanever she wants. That''s what real power looks like."

    At the mention of Kristy Wagner, the room buzzed with interest

    "Oh yeah, isn''t Kristying tonight? Didn''t she win campus belle back in the day?""

    "Not just the campus belle-she was born into wealth. And then she went and marned someone even richer! I even heard her husband has connections to the founder of CR Corporation"

    "Ugh, talk about unfair. She''s beautiful, she''s rich, and she managed to dimb even higher Some people just have everything handed to them."

    Just then, a voice rang out from the hallway. "Kristy''s here!"

    In an instant, the group surrounding Linsey scattered, rushing toward the entrance like moths to a me.

    Linsey was curious about Kristy too, but by the time she made her way over, the doorway was already packed with people

    Beth, who had been watching Linsey, let out a scornfulugh. "See that? Kristy is the real deal. She''s the one people actually care about."

    She folded her arms, tilting her head mockingly. "You must be disappointed. Linsey. You went through all that effort to marry into wealth-even settled for a cripple-yet you still can''tpete with Kristy. Let me give you a little advice: no matter what you do, you''ll never be on her level. So why bother trying?"

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 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302 I Must Have Been Imagining Things

    Upon hearing Beth''s words, Linsey was at a loss for words.

    Beth''s reasoning made no sense. Linsey hadn''t even spoken, and yet Beth was already making all sorts of wild assumptions

    But Linsey didn''t feel like entertaining her.

    Experience had taught her that arguing with Beth was an exercise in futility-just a drain on time and energy

    Besides, Linsey hade for a specific purpose. Thest thing she wanted was to get caught up in a pointless argument a

    a reunion and be the talk of the event.

    So, Linsey simply ignored Beth, turned, and found a quiet corner to sit down and gather herself.

    Beth stood there, a smug smile on her face.

    She had thought Linsey was tough, but it took just a few sharp words to put her in her ce.

    As the crowd around Kristy began to thin, Beth saw an opportunity and eagerly moved in to tter her. "Kristy, it''s been forever! You look absolutely breathtaking tonight!"

    Kristy, draped in a red evening gown, moved with an unmistakable confidence, soaking in thepliments from Beth and

    the others, her ego clearly inted by their attention.

    But then, a voice broke through the praise. "Hold on... that dress looks so familiar. Wait-didn''t I see someone else in the

    exact same red dress earlier?"

    Kristy''s smile faltered, her expression shifting quickly to one of irritation.

    "What are you talking about?" she snapped. "This dress is custom-made, designed just for me by a top designer. It''s one of a kind. No one else could possibly have it!" Her voice oozed with condescension as she tried to silence the remark.

    The crowd around her gasped in shock.

    A one-of-a-kind dress? It must have cost a fortune! Kristy truly spared no expense.

    Realizing their mistake, the person quickly backpedaled. "Oh, never mind... I must have been imagining things."

    Beth paused, pretending to think, before a thought struck her. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Wait, are you sure you''re not talking about Linsey''s dress?"

    She turned and pointed toward Linsey, sitting quietly in the corner, a sly grin creeping onto her face.

    Kristy''s gaze sharpened, her face falling even further.

    It really was identical!

    0.0%

    what thing frem Hours was the aging eting that Linesy maha piled off the best fatter than the and

    Asosiy expresshiny started

    that the sportunity to suit the pat Emory, Idan''t understand why heart Timey

    roots aver is great poep is the feeling embarrassed or is she just pretending poi shin'' satis

    Bok pansed haemain effect then sighed heavily as though a quchten resteation had hit her "You know, the bind of rests me of that campus belle contest all theas years ago. It was suppend to be a showen toutween you and Linesy in the Roal round but out of nowhere, she pulled out. Maybe she got tos jealous of your beauty and your family, and that''s

    why she backed down, huh?

    Her words hit Kvisty like a ps dragging up memories she had tried to bury

    The huth was, Linsey''s unexpected withdrawal had always stung Knary had never been alde to understand why Hinasy

    had pulled out when they were on close to the final

    Back then, whispers echoed through the halls, and many spected that if Linsey hadn''t harked out, the title of campus

    belle would have gone to her instead

    Kinty weethed with anger, recalling the conversations she had overheard back then

    Honestly, Linvey is way prettier than Kristy

    I still don''t get why she withdrew. Do you think Kristy pressured her into it?"

    "That''s not impossible Everyone knows Linsey isn''t just beautiful she''s kind hearted too Maybe she didn''t want to make

    things difficult and just let Kristy have it

    Kristy''s chest tightened, the old bitterness rising within her

    Her hands clenched into fists, and without another word, she stormed across the

    room, her dress hem lifted high with a

    mix of fury and determination.

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 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303 I Have Nothing To Apologize For

    Beth stayed back, a smug smile tugging at her lips as she watched everything unfold.

    Linsey''s downfall wasing.

    Offending Kristy, the spoiled rich woman, was a mistake Linsey would regret. Whatever confidence Linsey had wouldn''t

    Meanwhile, Linsey remained blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind her.

    She was simply scanning the snack table when a sharp, mocking voice cut through the air.

    "Linsey, you''ve got some nerve. If I were you, I''d be too embarrassed to show up in a cheap knockoff. And yet, here you are,

    parading around like you belong. You must be shameless!"

    The venom in the words made Linsey''s brows furrow. She turned, only to find Kristy ring at her, contempt twisting her

    expression.

    What stunned Linsey even more was the ringly obvious fact-Kristy was wearing the exact same dress as her.

    In an instant, everything clicked.

    Kristy was just furious that someone else had dared to wear the same outfit.

    It was typical of her. Back in college, she had always been entitled and unreasonable.

    Linsey even remembered a time when another girl had unknowingly shown up in the same designer piece as Kristy.

    The tantrum that followed had been embarrassing to watch-Kristy had thrown usations, made a scene, and acted like

    it was some grand betrayal. That was, until she realized the girl also came from an influential family.

    It seemed time hadn''t changed her one bit.

    Linsey met Kristy''s gaze, her expression unreadable. Her voice was calm but

    getting at?"

    Kristy''s sneer widened. "Oh, don''t act clueless."

    She flicked her hair over her shoulder, her tone dripping with mockery. "This dress I''m wearing? It''s a limited edition-one

    of a kind. So that knockoff you''re parading around in? Pretty embarrassing."

    Kristy let out a scornfulugh. "Wearing a fake designer dress to a reunion? That''s beyond pathetic."

    Her sharp tone carried across the room, catching the attention of their old ssmates.

    It didn''t take long for a curious crowd to form.

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    01:40

    < Chapter 303 I Have Nothing To Apologize For

    "What''s happening" someone whispered

    "Isn''t it obvious? They''re wearing the same dress, but Kristy''s iming hers is the real deal."

    "So. does that mean Linsey showed up in a counterfeit? That''s pretty gutsy."

    "Honestly? another voice chimed in "Linsey pulls it off way better than Kristy does."

    "Shh! Do you want Kristy toe after you?" someone hissed.

    7

    Linsey blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Kristy''s usation. Her brows furrowed. "That''s impossible."

    Collin had made one phone call that night, and within hours, an entire collection of dresses had been delivered to her.

    She had assumed they were just high-end designs, nothing extraordinary. Kristy mistook Linsey''s silence for panic. Smirking, she crossed her arms. "You really don''t have a due, do you? This dress is an original Arthur Flores design- worth millions. If you''re going to wear a knockoff, at least do your homework first. And yet, you had the nerve to show up in the same dress as me."

    She scoffed, turning away in irritation. "What a buzzkill. I was having a great time until now."

    Beth stepped in with a faux-concerned look. "Kristy, don''t get upset. It''s not worth it. Linsey probably had no idea-she might''ve picked up that dress from some discount boutique. She''s not exactly well-versed in fashion. How could she possibly know this was a one-of-a-kind design?"

    Then, with a dramatic sigh, Beth turned to Linsey. "Linsey, just apologize to Kristy. We all finally got together for this reunion-don''t ruin the atmosphere over something so trivial."

    Linsey hesitated for a beat.

    If this dress was truly one-of-a-kind, how could there be two?

    But after a moment''s thought, she was sure of one thing-Collin would never lie to her.

    There was no way he would give her a counterfeit.

    Linsey squared her shoulders and met Kristy''s gaze. "I have nothing to apologize for. This dress was a gift from my husband, and I know for a fact it''s not a fake."

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 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304 You''ve Completely Ruined My.......

    Kristy narrowed her eyes at Linsey, a flicker of disquiet shadowing her features as she probed, "Your husband? Who is he?"

    Linsey''s serene facade didn''t waver, amplifying Kristy''s unease.

    Could it be that Linsey had wed into a family of considerable influence and wealth?

    Beth, ever the instigator, seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. With a sly grin, she interjected, "Kristy, you won''t believe this-Linsey''s husband is none other than Collin Riley, the so-called disgrace of the Riley dynasty."

    A scornfulugh escaped Kristy''s lips as her eyes slid contemptuously over Linsey.

    "Oh, so you''re married to Collin Riley? The pariah of the Rileys, confined to a wheelchair-how utterly pathetic."

    "Enough!" Linsey''s voice cut through the air, icy and sharp. Her usual calm was shattered, reced by a stormy re.

    Kristy was undeterred. Instead, her confidence swelled. She leaned in, her voice dripping with contempt.

    "Seriously, Linsey? Just because you''re Collin''s wife, you think you can look down on me? Marrying a cripple like Collin is

    surely a fate worse than being the trophy wife of some decrepit tycoon. Perhaps those old men might prove more useful

    than your husband."

    Her mocking tone echoed around them, and with a smug look, she turned to the onlookers, seeking theirplicity.

    "Don''t you all agree?" Herughter rang out, tinged with malice, as she awaited their affirmation.

    Kristy exuded an aura of power and wealth, a testament to her affluent roots and her husband''s immense fortune.

    She reveled in her ability to openly mock others without fear of reproach, her sharp tongue slicing through the room''s

    decorum.

    The gathered crowd, cowed by her formidable presence, could only muster strained, awkward chuckles in feeble agreement.

    Beth, however, dove into her sycophancy with eagerness, herughter overly loud and forced. "Oh, Kristy, you really do

    have a way with words!" she gushed, her voice dripping with feigned admiration.

    Kristy''s lips curled into a smug smirk, her eyes twinkling with malice. She turned her venomous attention to Linsey, whose

    face was a canvas of growing fury. "What''s with that re, Linsey? I''m only looking out for you," she stated, her voice

    sharp as a knife. "Why don''t you head home tonight and divorce that poor excuse of a husband? Who knows, I might even

    find someone-"

    Her words were abruptly cut off as Linsey, pushed beyond her limits, spilled wine all over Kristy.

    The crimson liquid sshed across Kristy''s face, slowly dripping down and staining hervish gown.

    The room erupted in a collective gasp, the sound reverberating off the walls.

    As the reality of the ruined dress set in, Kristy''s shock gave way to outrage.

    0.0%

    01:40

    AAA the gate Acted onto Linsey with Hery indignation, her va scting into a shift, hysteriest

    am Timesyl Ars

    you eet of your minds

    How beloved drees that exquisite, one of a kind creation warth a small fluns, was utterly ruined!

    Apply wedded to the put her wheck paralysing every muscle in her body.

    ven both, usually unppable, was taken aback, she had never imagined Linsey capable of such audacity

    shepletely test her mind." Beth remarked, her voice a mix of awe and disbeltet

    The dress Ainity wore wasn''t just any dress it was a globally coveted, limited edition masterpiece, Valued at a fortune

    At that hese moment, Linsey set down her empty wine ss on a nearby table with a sharp, resounding clink Her face was a mask of heyposure as she locked eyes with the now seething Niety

    Kirsty let out a piercing shriek "You''vepletely ruined my dress! Do you have any idea of its value? It''s a unique, luxury prece You''re definitely going to pay for this?"

    Despite her outward calm, Linsey''s heart was thundering against her chest.

    Her actions had been impulsive, a reckless surrender to her rising temper.

    Yet, she stood her ground, she didn''t think she did anything wrong Kristy had been the instigator, after all

    With a deep steadying breath, Linsey replied in a chilling, measured tone, "You insulted my husband and stirred up trouble. Why wouldn''t I stand up for myself? And your usations about my dress being a counterfeit can you prove them?" Her challenge hung between them, stark and defiant

 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305 Shall I Let Him

    In

    "Kristy, throwing around baseless usations without a shred of proof just makes you a gossiping liar," Linsey dered

    with a wry smile, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Who knows? Perhaps the dress I''m adorned with is the genuine piece

    from Mr. Flores'' collection, while yours might just be the imitation."

    With a smug grin, she gave a casual wave toward Kristy''s dress, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Look, it seems your dress ising apart at the seams."

    Flushed with indignation, Kristy''s face bloomed a deep crimson, her breathing quick and uneven.

    She fixed Linsey with a re that could melt steel, her whole body trembling with suppressed fury. "Linsey!"

    Linsey''s own smile faltered, a spark of anger flickering across her features. "You''re quite the persistent one, aren''t you? My husband gifted me this dress, and yet you dare to challenge its authenticity?"

    Kristy mped her teeth tightly, her voice booming through the room. "Fine, just you wait! I''ll have my husband call Mr. Flores this instant. Not only will you owe me a heftypensation, but you''ll also be ripping off that fake dress and

    crawling around the hotel, pleading for my mercy!"

    Linsey''s patience wore thin as she observed Kristy''s overblown pride.

    She found it hard to believe that the esteemed designer Arthur would ever allow such a subpar creation.

    She scrutinized the fabric and patterns of the dress draped elegantly around Kristy''s figure, puzzled. The style hardly

    resembled anything Arthur would design.

    Additionally, it was inconceivable that Collin would present her with a fake.

    "Go ahead, call him," Linsey dared, her tone icy.

    Unperturbed by the challenge, Linsey folded her arms and leaned against the wall, embodying a picture of serene

    confidence.

    Herposed stance irked Kristy, who responded with a venomous re, hastily dialing her husband to secure Arthur''s

    number.

    "Hello, Mr. Flores? Could we possibly chat now?" she asked, her voiceced with feigned politeness.

    After ending the call, Kristy turned with a self-satisfied smirk. "You''re in trouble, Linsey. Mr. Flores is nearby, and he''ll be

    here soon. You won''t know what hit you. Wearing a cheap imitation of his work in front of him? You will definitely get on

    his bad side!"

    Yet, Linsey remained cool as ever, casually pulling over a chair to sit. With a rxed air, she retorted, "Fine, I''ll stick around

    until Mr. Flores arrives. Let''s see who''s really wearing the fake."

    Kristy''s earlier rage had dissipated, reced by a mischievous glee at the thought of Linsey''s imminent embarrassment.

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    01:40

    Chapter 305 Shall I Let Him In

    Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

    Beth exchanged a confused nce between Kristy and Linsey.

    How on earth was Linsey soposed? Did she honestly believe Kristy was the one in a knockoff?

    Kristy was the wealthiest among them, not one to skimp on authenticity.

    Murmurs bubbled up among the crowd, their voices a mix of spection and entertainment.

    "Kristy wouldn''t just make things up. She ims her dress is the only one like it in the world-it has to be real."

    "But Linsey doesn''t seem worried at all. So who''s really wearing the fake?"

    "This is wild? Who would''ve guessed a reunion could serve up this kind of drama? This is better than reality TV!"

    "Honestly, I''d love to watch Linsey do the walk of shame."

    "Okay, that''s it! Shut your mouth!"

    The tension was palpable when a waiter entered, breaking the buzz of conversations. "Good evening, everyone. Mr. Arthur Flores has arrived," he announced, ncing around the room. "He was invited by one of you. Shall I let him in?"

    At this, Kristy perked up, barely containing her tion. She practically leapt from her seat. "Yes, bring him in-immediately!"

    Her voice was a blend ofmand and thrill.

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 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306 What''s The

    Hurry

    Surprise registered on everyone''s faces.

    "Mr. Flores actually made it! He''s legendary in our field, even mentioned in our textbooks."

    "I thought Kristy was just boasting, but she really did it!"

    "So, Kristy was honest after all? Linsey might be in trouble now."

    Beth shared in the excitement. "Kristy, you''re incredible! Mr. Flores is so busy and seldom attends public events. It''s amazing you got him here with just a phone call."

    Basking in the praise, Kristy replied with pride, "Of course. My husband is honored to know Mr. Flores. It was merely a phone call-nothing major."

    At this, Beth chuckled and turned to Linsey with amusement. "I''ve heard Mr. Flores is known for his blunt honesty-he

    never lies. He''ll spot a fake immediately."

    After a brief pause, Beth added with feigned concern, "Linsey, there''s still time to apologize. If Mr. Flores points out your

    dress as a fake, it could tarnish your reputation, possibly even impacting your career at CR Corporation."

    At this, some former ssmates began to side with Kristy.

    "Oh my, why is Linsey so stubborn? I almost believed her initially."

    "I suspected her dress was fake. Back in college, she always worked part-time

    due to financial issues, and now she''s

    married to that guy. How could she afford an authentic one?"

    "Linsey is such a liar."

    Kane then stepped up, attempting to persuade her. "Linsey, you should apologize

    to Kristy now, or it could get worse for

    you."

    Others expressed feigned concern.

    "Maybe Linsey got scammed. After all, her husband isn''t wealthy."

    "Linsey, if you apologize now, you might still salvage your reputation. Don''t exacerbate the situation."

    Despite the mounting pressure, Linsey stood her ground firmly. She shook her head and responded calmly, "What''s the

    hurry? Mr. Flores hasn''t arrived yet. I can''t believe a designer of his stature wouldn''t recognize his own creation."

    Witnessing her steadfastness, even Kane felt she was being unreasonable.

    He sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Linsey, you''re just too stubborn."

    Other former ssmates silently disyed mocking and scornful looks. "Clearly, she''s still utterly clueless."

    0.0%

    01:41

    Chapter 306 What''s The Hurry

    Beth and Kristy were delighted, eagerly anticipating Linsey''s potential embarrassment.

    Finally, under the watchful gaze of everyone, Arthur entered the room at a steady pace.

    He was a bearded man dressed in a white suit.

    As soon as he appeared, he was instantly recognized by everyone as the

    renowned designer, given their background as design graduates.

    Excitement surged through the crowd as many hoped to approach Arthur to make

    a favorable impression.

    This was Arthur, after all!

    Securing his attention could potentiallyunch their careers.

    While many were eager yet reluctant to approach, Kristy confidently moved forward. She greeted him with a warm smile. "Mr. Flores, it''s been a while. Thank you for traveling all this way. Please, take a seat-I''ll exin everything to you."

 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307 This Woman Is Insufferably Arrogant

    Arthur radiated an icy aloofness. As Kristy approached, trying to bridge the gap between them, he recoiled, stepping back

    with a visible shudder of disdain.

    "Wait a second! What''s up with that outfit? Don''te any closer!" Arthur grimaced, his brows knitting together in

    difort. "I can''t risk getting dirty."

    Kristy''s cheeks turned a fiery red, her embarrassment palpable.

    It was all Linsey''s doing. If she hadn''t ruined her dress, she wouldn''t have looked bad in front of Arthur.

    A silent vow formed in her mind; she would ensure Linsey paid dearly for this.

    "Mr. Flores, please, it was just an ident because of..." Kristy began, desperate to exin the mishap.

    But Arthur was quick to interrupt, his tone thick with frustration. "Just get to the point. I''ve got things to do, and I''m only

    here because your husband once did me a favor."

    His abrupt dismissal hung heavily in the air, making Kristy and her supportive former ssmates exchange uneasy nces.

    It was clear now; Arthur wasn''t acquainted with her.

    Caught in a tough spot, Kristy needed Arthur''s influence more than ever-not just to face Linsey, but to turn the tables on her. Yet, with his high standing, any misstep with Arthur could cost her dearly.

    Beth, already simmering with impatience, couldn''t contain herself any longer. She leapt into the conversation with a burst of indignation. "Mr. Flores, you simply won''t believe it! At our reunion tonight, someone had the audacity to show up in a cheap imitation of your exquisite design. Worse yet, she won''t own up to it, which is a tant disrespect to your artistry!"

    Narrowing her eyes for emphasis, she continued, her voice tinged with exasperation, "This woman is insufferably arrogant. She didn''t just sh with Kristy-she outright bullied her. You have to confront her; she must be held ountable!"

    As Beth''s words sank in, Arthur''s expression darkened, his brows knitting together in visible annoyance.

    "An imitation, you say?" Arthur''s voice was a low rumble of disbelief.

    Fame had brought him recognition, but also a flood of counterfeit versions of his creations, something he loathed deeply.

    Coming across this today was nothing short of infuriating!

    Arthur scanned the room intensely. "Who is it? Who dares wear such a thing?" Beth, noticing Arthur''s gaze sweep momentarily over Linsey, pointed her out with a mix of urgency and usation. "Mr.

    Flores, look there-it''s Linsey! She''s wearing a fake version of your design!"

    Arthur''s eyes locked onto Linsey with a sharp intensity. Then, taking a step closer, he suddenly gasped sharply, "Your dress.... there''s something wrong with it...¡±

    0.0%

    01:41

    Links for me pak mi

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    Chapter 308 It''s One Of My Original Creations

    The moment the words hit their ears, everyone nearby took a step back, not wanting to get caught up in Linsey''s disaster.

    "Poor Linsey, she''s done for now-messing with Kristy is like walking straight into a storm."

    "We warned her to just apologize earlier, but no, she had to be all high and mighty. Now, who''s she got to me but

    herself?"

    "With the biting cold outside, getting stripped would almost surelynd her with a nasty cold."

    "Catching a cold? That''s the least of her worries. If Linsey goes through with this stunt, give it half an hour-her video will

    light up the Inte. She''ll never dare show her face around here again."

    Kristy''s words seemed to be the final straw. As she spoke, several men in ck appeared out of nowhere, ready to seize

    Linsey.

    Linsey''s face drained of color, her heart hammering in her chest.

    How could she get herself out of this mess?

    She was in total disbelief-there was no way Collin would give her a fake dress!

    As the men advanced, Linsey clenched her jaw and tensed, her hands balling into fists, ready to defend her dignity.

    But just as the first hand reached out to grab her, Arthur''s voice thundered through themotion. "Stop! What the hell

    do you think you''re doing?"

    Kristy whirled around, her face a mask of bewilderment. "Mr. Flores, what''s the problem? I''m just trying to make Linsey strip off that fake dress," she protested, her voice tinged with confusion and irritation.

    Arthur''s expression darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes. "Who dared to im she''s wearing a fake? You''ve all lost your

    damn minds, you bunch of lunatics!"

    His voice boomed across the room, silencing the murmurs. Wait, what? A sudden twist?

    Hadn''t Arthur just pointed out that something was off with Linsey''s dress?

    Why had he interrupted Kristy so abruptly?

    The room buzzed with confusion.

    "Mr. Flores, aren''t you upset that Linsey is wearing a counterfeit of your design?" someone called out, urgencycing their

    voice.

    "Indeed, haven''t you always expressed disdain for such actions?"

    Arthur''s frown deepened, and he responded swiftly, his toneced with irritation. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

    0.0%

    01:41

    He gestured emphatically toward Linsey. "She is not wearing a counterfeit. It''s one of my original creations. Why on earth would I be angry about that?"

    The crowd fell into a stunned silence, everyone processing the unexpected turn in Arthur''s statice

    Kristy''s shock escted to outrage as she eximed, "What? How could Linsey be wearing an authentic thres

    Pointing at her outfit, she continued, "Mr. Flores, this dress is your design, right? You wouldn''t get that wrong, wouit you

    Arthur turned his gaze to Kristy, his eyes widening as he finally registered that her dress was identical to Linsey''s

    He rubbed his chin, perplexed, and said, "I''m sorry, Kristy, but it seems your dress got stained with red wine earlier, which altered its color. I didn''t recognize it at first nce."

    Infuriated, Kristy clenched her fists. "That was no ident! Linsey deliberately ruined my dress. It''s obvious she''s envious

    and wants to make a spectacle out of me. You must intervene! I can''t just sit back and let Linsey get away with this"

    Beth, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, stepped forward with a concerned look. "Mr. Flores, please take a

    second look. We can''t keep letting Linsey act like she''s untouchable. You''ve got to do something!"

    Amid the heated debate, Arthur pieced the story together.

    His brow furrowed as he noticed, for the first time, that Kristy''s dress mirrored Linsey''s. A chuckle escaped him suddenly.

    He shook his head in bemusement and remarked, "This is absurd. How can

    someone wearing a counterfeit dare use the

    original of being a fake? It''s utterly ridiculous."

    The room fell into stunned silence.

    What did he mean by that?

    So, Arthur was suggesting that Linsey was adorned in the genuine dress, while

    Kristy''s attire was merely an imitation?

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    CHO

    WHO DARES The Heart Of My WONDERFUL QUEEN?

    Who Dares im The Heart Of ...

    After three loveless years, Neil''s betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted

    no t....

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309 Isn''t It Time You Offered An Apology

    Kristy was utterly shocked, eximing in dismay, "Impossible! The dress I''m wearing is authentic! Linsey''s must be the

    fake!"

    She grabbed Arthur''s hand in a panic, eyes wide with disbelief. "Please, look again. My dress was stained by Linsey, that''s why you mistook it!"

    Kristy''s near-manic desperation only deepened Arthur''s revulsion.

    He swiftly brushed her hand aside as if it were something distasteful.

    "Enough!" Arthur dered, his voice cold and precise. "I''ll state it once more: the dress Linsey wears is indeed my design."

    He gave Kristy a dismissive nce, his look full of scorn as if addressing someone foolish.

    "Do you really think I wouldn''t recognize my own work? As for your dress, Kristy, it''s riddled with ws."

    Arthur scoffed, "I tried to be courteous because of your husband, but I never expected you to wear a counterfeit so tantly. It''s utterly disgraceful."

    The surrounding crowd was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

    It turned out that Kristy was actually the one in a counterfeit dress.

    Instantly, the crowd''s perception of Kristy shifted to one of disdain and contempt. "She was parading around in a fake dress, and now the irony is justughable." "Who would have thought someone in a counterfeit would dare challenge the authenticity of the real thing?"

    "I''ve always found Kristy disagreeable, and it''s somewhat satisfying to see hereuppance."

    "Linsey has endured so much today, nearly humiliated publicly. Thankfully, Arthur intervened to rify the situation."

    As despair overwhelmed her, Kristy shrieked, pushing bystanders away. "How can this be? I can''t ept it!"

    Her fury was palpable; she breathed heavily, her anger palpable as she pointed usingly at Linsey. "You''re just an orphan

    with no known family or heritage! How could someone in your position afford an authentic Arthur design, especially

    married to someone like Collin, who''s disabled? It''s just not possible!"

    Linsey, though she had braced for conflict, was still taken aback to discover her dress was authentic.

    Collin had always been truthful, never one to deceive her with a fake.

    A surge of warmth filled Linsey as she considered his integrity.

    She shot Kristy a frosty look and retorted, "Kristy, how many times must Mr. Flores exin it? Do you still not grasp the

    reality

    Linsey''s expression was resolute and serene. "I wanted no drama with you. We came for a reunion, yet you targeted me

    intentionally."

    She then added, "My attire is purely my concern. What right do you have to meddle? You baselessly used me, attempted to shame me, and even suggested I disrobe in public. Now that the truth is evident, isn''t it time you offered an apology?"

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310 I Was Merely Speaking The Truth

    From the very beginning, Linsey exuded an air of serenity, her demeanor seemingly unshakeable.

    Kristy, catching Linsey''s tranquil expression, felt her irritation rise like a tide.

    "You''re living in a fantasy if you think I''ll apologize!" Kristy burst out, her voice crackling with frustration.

    She didn''t even wait for Linsey''s response; her defiant words immediately sparked annoyance among the crowd gathered

    around.

    "Kristy, how can you be so brazen? Wasn''t it just a moment ago that you

    demanded Linsey humiliate herself by stripping off her dress right here? Didn''t

    you taunt her, iming her outfit was a counterfeit and publicly ridiculing her? You

    do owe

    her an apology."

    "I can''t fathom how Kristy would dare to sport a knockoff at a reunion. Aren''t you terrified of bing theughingstock

    once word spreads?"

    "She''s already the butt of the joke, isn''t she? It was clear from the beginning that Kristy''s dress was a cheap imitation. Justpare the craftsmanship to Linsey''s- there''s absolutely no contest."

    The difference doesn''t stop at the dress; it extends to the wearer as well. Linsey''s poise and grace are in a league of their own, something someone like Kristy could never grasp."

    The crowd''s whisperedments painted Kristy''s face with a blush of embarrassment mixed with shes of rage.

    Even Beth, who had initially rallied to Kristy''s cause against Linsey, now retreated into a shadowy corner, her voice lost in

    silence.

    Despite her reluctance, Kristy knew an apology was her only escape.

    The repercussions of this scandal threatened to ripple far beyond her own tarnished reputation.

    Clenching her teeth, she faced Linsey with a stiff expression, her toneced with forced humility. "Linsey, I admit my mistake I was wrong. Misled by others, I misunderstood youpletely. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." Linsey, her patience worn thin, chose not to extend the conversation with Kristy. While the apology was palpably hollow, she decided it wasn''t worth her energy to contest it.

    Arthur, catching the undercurrents of Kristy''s reluctance, shifted his cold gaze away dismissively. "Enough of this. I''ve got

    better things to do than waste my time here. I''m out of here," he announced with finality.

    As he turned to leave, the surrounding onlookers murmured their polite goodbyes, keen to impress him.

    Just then, Linsey mustered all her courage and took a decisive step forward. "Mr. Flores, please, just a moment," she called

    out.

    0.0%

    01:41

    Chapter 310 I Was Merely Speaking The Truth

    Arthur paused and turned, his expression one of mild curiosity "Linsey, do you have something else to say?"

    Together, they stepped out of the bustling room, seeking refuge from the nosy crowd and the relentless buzz of

    conversation.

    Once they found a quieter spot, Linsey''s eyes shone with genuine gratitude as she addressed him. "Mr. Flores, I can''t thank you enough for what you did back there. Without your intervention, my reputation might have suffered irreparably tonight."

    To her surprise, Arthur arched an eyebrow, his face registering a flicker of astonishment that she had sought him out merely to express her thanks over what he considered a minor act.

    He shrugged nonchntly, brushing off her thanks with a casual flick of his wrist. "Oh, there''s no need for that. I was merely speaking the truth."

    His tone grew firmer, edged with a mix of professional pride and a touch of irritation. "As a designer, how could I possibly stand idly by while someone parades a counterfeit as the real thing? And to top it off, iming that my dress was the

    imitation? No one in their right mind would stand for that kind of disrespect."

    Linsey blinked, taken aback by the revtion. "Wait, are you saying the dress I''m wearing is actually one of your original

    creations?"

    She had initially believed that Arthur had intervened simply out of a sense of justice or kindness.

    The dress had been a present from Collin, and it baffled her how he could have acquired an authentic piece from Arthur''s

    collection.

 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311 It Really Is You!

    Arthur chuckled warmly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Linsey, I just gave a whole speech in front of everyone. Did you seriously not hear a single word?"

    Flushed with embarrassment, Linsey''s cheeks turned a soft pink. "I apologize, Mr. Flores," she stammered, her voice tinged

    with unease. "I must admit, I was rather taken aback."

    Waving her concerns away with a reassuring smile, Arthur responded with confidence, "Not to worry, you can rely on me.

    I would never fail to recognize a dress I crafted myself. What you''re wearing is, without a doubt, a piece I created two years

    back. It''s truly an honor to see it gracing someone as radiant as you."

    "Thank you," Linsey murmured, her gratitude reflecting in her warm smile.

    Yet, curiosity furrowed her brow as she ventured further, "But if this dress is indeed your creation, why did you initially

    suggest there was something amiss when you first saw me tonight? I was quite startled, fearing I might have worn an

    imitation by mistake."

    Arthur''s expression shifted to one of rapid reassurance. "Oh, no, no. I was caught off guard seeing the dress in its finished state for the first time, especially after those alterations.

    He paused, gathering his thoughts. "When I originally designed this dress, I was thoroughly pleased with the oue. However, a mysterious buyer acquired it not long after and hinted at possible changes. Considering her generous offer, I consented without hesitation."

    Arthur appraised Linsey''s attire, his eyes gleaming with evident satisfaction as he gazed at her dress. Without a moment''s hesitation, he presumed she was the mysterious buyer. "The finished version looks absolutely stunning on you. I heard you guys majored in design, and judging by your work, you''ve got some serious talent!" he remarked, his tone tinged with a mix of surprise and admiration.

    Linsey, however, grew increasingly bewildered with every word. She hadn''t altered the dress in the slightest.

    Could it have been Collin who had secretly modified the dress? And more intriguingly, was he the mysterious buyer of Arthur''s creation?

    At this moment, whether Collin had tweaked the dress became irrelevant-Linsey had long recognized his knack for design.

    Yet, the true shock came with the sudden realization that Collin had the financial means to acquire such a pricey piece.

    This dress bore a price tag in the millions!

    Attempting to steady her fluttering heart, Linsey managed a response, her voice a blend of confusion and curiosity. "This dress... actually, it was a gift from my husband. But, it''s baffling-there''s no way he could afford something asvish as this. Honestly, I''mpletely thrown off by this..."

    Arthur, perplexed by Linsey''s evident concern, shrugged and suggested nonchntly, "Why don''t you just talk to your husband about it when you get home?"

    He didn''t dwell on the matter, instead quickly wrapping up their conversation. "Alright, Linsey, I really must be going. Let''s

    0.0%

    01:41

    catch up another time if we can.¡±

    With a brief wave, he hurried off, leaving Linsey alone with her tumultuous thoughts.

    Standing motionless, Linsey felt a whirlwind of confusion engulf her.

    Time seemed to stretch into infinity as she grappled with her emotions. Finally, taking a deep, steadying breath, she took out her phone from her purse, her fingers trembling slightly.

    Arthur''s words echoed in her mind: she needed to confront Collin directly about her doubts.

    Just as Linsey''s thumb hovered over Collin''s contact, ready to dial, a familiar voice sliced through her haze of indecision.

    "Linsey? Is that you?"

    Startled, Linsey looked up to see a familiar face breaking into a warm smile.

    "Shari!" she eximed, her own face mirroring Shari''s surprise and delight.

    Shari stepped closer, her smile broadening. "It really is you! For a moment there, I thought I was seeing things."

    Bountiful Free Coins are

    waiting for you, don''t miss out!

 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312 Have You Been Dieting

    Shari''s gaze lingered on Linsey''s ensemble, an admiring smile ying on her lips as she remarked, ¡°Linsey, it''s been a long time, and you''ve only grown more stunning."

    Linsey replied, her eyes lighting up with excitement, "Shari! You''ve finally arrived! I''ve been eagerly waiting here for what

    feels like forever."

    She stepped forward and enveloped Shari''s hand in a warm, earnest handshake.

    Shari paused, her expression a mix of surprise and nostalgia, as if Linsey''s gentle touch had transported her back through

    the years.

    As she observed Shari''s now slender face, Linsey''s eyes softened with concern. She reached out, her fingers brushing

    against Shari''s shoulder-length hair.

    Shari used to have such long hair back in college. Linsey found herself curious about when she had decided to go for the

    short look.

    "You''ve lost quite a bit of weight," Linsey noted, her tone light yetced with worry. "Have you been dieting?"

    With a yful nudge, Linsey ushered Shari forward. "Come on, let''s heads in. Everyone''s pitched in for tonight''s feast-we

    should make sure we enjoy it to the fullest!"

    Shari''s spirits visibly lifted, her enthusiasm catching up to Linsey''s vibrant energy. "Absolutely, let''s go!"

    Linking arms with Shari affectionately, Linsey guided them towards the private dining room. "Honestly, if Kane hadn''t assured me you wereing, I might have thought you''d skip out on us."

    Shari let out a sigh, a gentle note in her voice as she exined, "I''m sorry for the dy-my little one was having a tough night, and my mom was overwhelmed. It took a while to soothe my child."

    Linsey nodded and gently ushered Shari to an empty seat, her hand lightly touching Shari''s shoulder.

    The moment Shari entered, a wave of surprise rippled through the room, her arrival prompting raised eyebrows and

    stealthy nces among the students.

    Wait, Shari actually came? And Linsey was the one who brought her along?

    Although taken aback, everyone managed to mask their astonishment with bright, albeit slightly strained, smiles.

    "Hey Shari, it''s been ages! How''ve you been?"

    "Come, join us and grab a bite."

    Despite the warm wees, a veil of awkwardness soon descended upon the group, the weight of a recent unsettling event still lingering in the air, unspoken but palpable.

    0.0%

    01:41

    Shari, with her keen sense of the room''s dynamics, tilted her head slightly and inquired with a hint of concern, "Is

    something wrong?"

    Kane, caught off-guard but recovering quickly, shed her a reassuring smile and waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, don''t

    worry about it. Shari, you got herete, so you''re probably hungry. Help yourself to some food. We''ve got juice too!"

    Kane''s deration seemed to cast a veil of pretense over the crowd, each one subtly shifting to y along with the unspoken agreement to ignore the tension.

    Shari, sensing the undercurrents, chose to dismiss her uneasy thoughts, assuming she was just being paranoid.

    Linsey''s gaze meandered through the crowd, pausing when she realized Kristy was conspicuously absent.

    Had Kristy fled the scene in a flush of embarrassment, or was it something else?

    Dismissing the thought with a practiced ease, Linsey redirected her attention to Shari, pulling her into a warm, weing

    conversation.

    "It''s really been too long, hasn''t it? Seeing you here lights up the room for me," Linsey eximed, her eyes sparkling with

    genuine delight. Leaning in, she confided in a hushed tone, her breath tickling Shari''s ear. "Honestly, I almost skipped this gathering, but when Kane mentioned you''d be here, I couldn''t stay away."

    Shari''sughter, light and liberating, filled the air as she found herself easing into thefort of old friendship.

    "I actually checked with Kane too, just to make sure you''d be here. It''s a relief to have a familiar face in the crowd. Really,

    you''re making tonight so much easier for me,¡± she admitted, her voice tinged with heartfelt sincerity.

    Linsey responded with a gentle squeeze of Shari''s hand, her touchforting, "Hey, let''s drop the formalities and just

    enjoy our time, okay?"

    As she chatted, she casually picked up a piece of strawberry cake and offered it

    to Shari. ¡°Here, have some. You used to love this, right?"

 Chapter 313

    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.

    0.0%

    01:41

    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.

 Chapter 314

    Chapter 314 Beth, What

    The Hell Do You Want

    Beth feigned surprise. "Oh, right, I almost forgot. Shari, you just arrived, so you probably missed the earlier events-

    At that moment, Linsey stood up, her gaze icy as she looked straight at Beth. ¡°Beth, what the hell do you want?"

    Linsey wondered why she had to stir up trouble when she was in a good mood.

    Shari, looking concerned, stood up too and asked Linsey, "Did Kristy stop by? Why did she leave?"

    She recalled how Kristy often caused problems for Linsey during their college years,

    Given Beth''s insinuation, something significant must have transpired in her absence.

    Indeed, the atmosphere had shifted noticeably.

    Beth began to speak, but Linsey cut her off sharply. "Beth, there''s nothing left to discuss between us. And no need for apologies."

    The previous issue had been settled, and Linsey hadn''t intended to involve Shari, wishing to spare her any concern.

    However, Shari, expecting some exnation, felt a deep sense of

    disappointment.

    Years had passed since Shari had moved abroad after her marriage, losing contact with Linsey.

    Though Linsey was kind this evening, Shari guessed that she was still mad at her. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have kept her in the dark.

    Beth caught the brief look of sadness on Shari''s face and felt a secret satisfaction.

    She hadn''t really approached to apologize to Linsey.

    "Well, if that''s the situation, I suppose I was overreacting," Beth dered, then turned away with an exaggerated show of

    disappointment.

    Meanwhile, Beth subtly stepped on Shari''s gown.

    Shari stumbled suddenly, almost spilling her wine ss.

    While Shari didn''t scream, Beth reacted loudly, drawing attention.

    She quickly righted the ss and shot Shari a reproachful look. "Shari, it''s been years since we graduated, and you''re still this clumsy? Be more careful, especially next to Linsey. Did you know the dress Linsey is wearing is from the renowned designer Arthur? It''s a limited edition piece worth millions!"

    Shari went pale at the revtion. "Millions?"

    Her eyes widened as she looked at Linsey''s dress.

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    01:42

    Chapter 314 What the Hp Do You Want

    Was it that valuable in cvetainly tooted exquisite

    Linsey gave Bech att infferent kot, pershed by her motives

    It was clear Beth was not ready to let go of her antics

    Choving to remain observant, Linsey decided to wait and see what Beth would attempt next, preparing berselt to bandle

    whatever came

    This would ensure Beth didn''t stir further problems going forward

    Noticing Shari''s astonished look, Beth feigned surprise. "You might not be aware, but Linsey has a perfect husband Ne''s so affectionate that he even gifted her a dress from one of the top designers"

    Beth paused, pretending to be confused. "What? You two are close, and she never mentioned this

    Linsey scoffed at the insinuation

    Was this Beth''s tactic? It seemed Beth was attempting to sow discord between her and Shari with petty fabrications

    Shari, clearly shaken, quickly offered her apologies to Linsey. "Linsey, I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to. I just lost my bnce

    for a second."

    There was only one man in Raegan''s heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year

    of ...

 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315 How''s The

    Dress

    Shari leaned in to inspect Linsey''s dress. "Let me check if I''ve stained your dress."

    Linsey responded softly, "Shari, it''s okay. There''s nothing on my dress, and I''m not worried about it."

    From the side, Beth chimed in, ¡°Oh, Linsey, even if it''s just a dress, you shouldn''t take it lightly, especially when it''s an

    expensive gift from your husband. You should check it in the restroom. Maybe you can still do something about it."

    As she said this, Beth pointed out a mark on the dress. "Look, there''s a red wine stain right here."

    Linsey thought about the dress Collin had given her.

    Beth was irritating, but she had a point.

    Linsey knew she had to be more careful with such a valuable gift.

    Seeing Shari''s anxious look, Linsey realized she needed to act quickly to avoid further distress.

    "Alright, I''ll head to the restroom to clean it up." Linsey picked up her dress slightly and headed out.

    As Linsey departed, some onlookers whispered.

    "That dress is so expensive. It''d be a shame if it''s ruined."

    "Why are you so concerned?"

    Meanwhile, Beth saw an opportunity while others were distracted and quickly snuck a text from Linsey''s phone.

    Everything was going as Beth nned.

    Soon after, Linsey returned from the restroom, looking neater.

    Shari quickly went to her. "How''s the dress? Is everything alright?"

    Linsey smiled and reassured her, "It''s fine. It''s just a small red wine stain, and it

    seems I was the one who smeared it. It''s

    not your fault at all."

    Shari breathed a sigh of relief. "I''m relieved it''s okay."

    Despite Beth''s insinuations earlier, Shari was mainly concerned about the

    potential damage to Linsey''s expensive dress.

    Linsey grasped Shari''s hand, still showing concern, and reassured her, "Don''t worry. Even if it did get stained, it''s not a big

    deal. I''ll have it professionally cleaned after the party. They''re very thorough."

    Beth, who was still nearby, overheard this and couldn''t resist chiming in again.

    "Linsey, how can you say it''s nothing?" Beth dramatized her concern, sighing heavily. "That dress is worth millions. None of us could afford to rece it, even if we pooled our resources. And if your husband finds out and mes us, he''s not

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    01:42

    Chapter 315 How''s The Dress

    going to overlook it."

    Linsey''s expression turned stern at Beth''s insinuations.

    Collin, her husband, was not the unreasonable man Beth portrayed.

    Just recently, Beth had unfairlybeled Collin as ipetent, and now she was casting aspersions on his temperament.

    What was wrong with her?

    Caught up in the moment, Shari suddenly realized a gap in her knowledge and said, "Linsey, are you married? I''ve been so preupied with the dress situation that I forgot to ask."

    Before Linsey could respond, Beth interjected swiftly, "Of course, Linsey''s husband is..."

    She paused, giving Linsey a pointed look, full of feigned exaggeration.

    "Oh, Linsey, I''m speaking too much again. Should I continue? You wouldn''t want me to, right?"

    $Bountiful Free Coins are

    waiting for you, don''t miss out!

    GO NOW

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316 I Love My Husband Dearly

    Linsey rolled her eyes, clearly recognizing Beth''s intent to instigate drama.

    Without being perturbed, she turned to Shari and mentioned her husband casually. "Yes, I''m married. My husband is Collin Riley. We had a rushed wedding six months ago, and it was quite private, so not many people are aware."

    Shari, having returned to Grester and hearing some of the local gossip about Collin, was taken aback but responded earnestly, "From what I understand about you, your marriage must be filled with love, or you wouldn''t speak so openly

    about him."

    Linsey responded with a smile, "Absolutely, I love my husband dearly."

    Beth, unable to hide her contempt, scoffed, ¡°Linsey, weren''t you with a guy all through college? What ever happened that you ended up marrying Collin?"

    Aware that Beth was alluding to her ex-fianc¨¦, Felix, Linsey knew her old ssmates were not fully aware of Felix''s story

    due to her discretion.

    If Beth hadn''t mentioned it, Felix might have slipped from her memory, a painful echo of her past.

    "Why does it matter whom I married?" Linsey retorted coolly.

    Beth clenched her jaw, trying to keep her irritation under control as she continued to taunt Linsey. "Oh,e on, Linsey. If you and Collin truly care about each other, why isn''t he here tonight? Kane mentioned we could bring our partners. You always talk about how wonderful your marriage is. Could it be you''re just ashamed that he uses a wheelchair?"

    Before Beth could add more, Linsey''s icy stare made her retreat.

    Muttering under her breath, Beth said, "Well, try not to make a fool of yourselfter!"

    With that, she turned and walked back to her seat.

    Linsey watched her go and felt relieved. She beckoned Shari over and they continued their meal.

    Beth, now seated, couldn''t stop herself from looking towards the entrance.

    Her behavior did not go unnoticed.

    "Beth, what are you staring at?" someone asked.

    "Stop waiting. Kristy isn''ting back. Looks like you''re stuck dealing with Linsey on your own."

    Beth snapped, "Who said I''m waiting for Kristy?"

    "So, what are you looking at?"

    "Nothing," Beth replied curtly, waving them off.

    0.0%

    01:42

    She was not ready to share her ns.

    Yet, she found it odd. Why hadn''t he arrived?

    It had been over ten minutes.

    Anxiety was starting to set in.

    She had seen the confirmation that her message was sent.

    Could it be that Collin hadn''t gotten it?

    Another thought struck her. Maybe Collin just didn''t care about anything to do with Linsey.

    That might exin his absence.

    This idea gave Beth a twisted sense of pleasure.

    Considering Linsey''s earlier demeanor, she figured Collin probably felt indifferent towards her too.

    Suddenly, the sound of amotion at the entrance snapped everyone to attention.

 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317 Should I Not

    Be Here

    "What''s all themotion about?"

    "What on earth is going on? Why is it so loud out there?"

    Everyone in the private room instinctively shifted their gaze towards the door.

    With a forceful push, the door swung open, revealing a group of stern-looking bodyguards d in sleek ck suits.

    A collective murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd.

    "What the heck? Did we step into a movie scene?"

    "Where did all these bodyguardse from? Could it be Kristy staging a dramaticeback for revenge?"

    "Are you kidding? After the embarrassment she suffered tonight, there''s no way Kristy would show her face here again."

    Before the room could buzz further with wild guesses, Collin made his entrance, eased in slowly on a wheelchair.

    Despite his seated position, his aura was unmistakablymanding.

    His gaze swept across the room with a subtle intensity, promptly silencing the whispers.

    Everyone present mped their mouths shut, the weight of his stare too heavy to challenge.

    Well, damn, who on earth was this guy?

    He certainly wasn''t someone they would want to cross paths with on a bad day.

    Though each face told a different story, the same question echoed silently through the room.

    Collin lingered at the doorway, his expression unreadable, his icy gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd-enough to

    send shivers down anyone''s spine.

    Amidst them all, only Linsey reacted visibly, her eyes widening in shock.

    Why was Collin here now?

    Hadn''t they agreed he would onlye once she was done with the reunion?

    Thoughts swirled in Linsey''s mind, but she pushed them aside and strode toward him.

    As she approached, the frost in Collin''s demeanor melted away, reced by a soft warmth that transformed his face the

    moment his eyes met hers.

    "What are you doing here?" Linsey questioned, her voice tinged with astonishment, yet her lips curved into a delighted

    smile.

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    01:42

    Despite the brief separation of just a few hours, it felt to her as though they had been apart for much longer.

    Collin''s gaze softened, turning tender as he sped her hand firmly, his voice yful yet sincere. "What''s the problem? Should I not be here? Or are you just ashamed to be seen with your husband?"

    Collin was just kidding, but Linsey feigned indignation.

    With a teasing lilt to her voice, she retorted, "You''re right, I''m utterly ashamed. Thest thing I want is to make a spectacle of myself in front of an audience."

    Despite her words, her smile broadened, twinkling with mischief.

    Collin''s face fell in mock sorrow. He tenderly lifted her hand to his cheek, pressing it against his skin in a gentle caress. "Honey, it really stings to hear you say that,"

    he murmured, his toneced with feigned heartache.

    The spectacle left the onlookers dumbfounded.

    So this charismatic, dashing figure was Linsey''s husband, Collin!

    The crowd had been buzzing with whispers that Linsey''s husband was both old and a bit of an eyesore, not to mention his

    disabilities. The gossip around town was that no one wanted anything to do with marrying Collin.

    Yet here he was, defying every whisper with his suave demeanor and striking good looks, perfectlyplementing Linsey.

    Were it not for his confinement to a wheelchair, he would undoubtedly be among Grester''s most illustrious personalities.

    Now, as he drew a disarmingly handsome and tender smile, several spectators found themselves reevaluating their

    assumptions.

    His allure was undeniable-there was apelling charm about him, even seated as he was.

    As the initial shock subsided, realization dawned.

    This remarkable man not only had the means to afford the exquisitely designed

    dress that adorned Linsey, which was

    worth a fortune, but he had also chosen it with loving intent.

    Such men were indeed a rarity in the world!

    In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel ma...

 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318 We Have An Empty Seat Right Here

    Away with all out of everyone sparking aware of ency among the crowd

    with us for chuner? It''s have an empty seat right here?

    maned by a Hiker of patien

    Truth be told, as long as her old ssmates hadn''t antagonisest her during their college days, she considered them

    The idea of them "looking after her" was a stretch, but seeing Collin''s determined look, she decided to y along with his

    §Ñ§Õ§Ö§ß§Ö§è

    From the corner of the room, Beth observed the exchange with keen interest, her eyebrows arching in suprise at Collin''s willingness to go along

    Chapter 318 We Have An Empty Seat Right Here

    Her gaze lingered on his striking features, and a subtle pull of attraction tugged at her heart..

    She couldn''t help but wonder if she still had it. After all, just some words from her had this charming man sticking around.

    As for Linsey''s aloof demeanor towards her, Beth brushed it off with an inward shrug. Collin''s courteous engagement was

    what mattered. In her eyes, his politeness was a small victory in itself.

    As Beth mulled over her thoughts, her confidence swelled, yet her face betrayed a hint of displeasure at the sight of Collin

    and Linsey hand in hand.

    With all his charm and riches, Collin being just for Linsey felt like a waste.

    Around them, the others shook off their initial shock, their eyes widening with the realization of Collin''s affluence, evidenced by Linsey''s extravagantly priced dress. Their minds raced as they schemed ways to charm their way into his

    favor.

    Compliments flowed with ease from their lips.

    "Linsey, you and your husband are a match made in heaven."

    "Really, Linsey, you should have brought your husband along tonight. It would''ve been wonderful for all of us to get to

    know him better."

    "Come join our table, Mr. Riley. We''d be delighted to share a meal with you."

    Amidst the sea of insincere ttery, Linsey guided Collin to their seats, unaffected by the shallow praises.

    Meanwhile, Beth''s displeasure was palpable. She maintained a frosty demeanor, rolling her eyes before a mischievous idea

    struck her.

    With a cunning smile, she leaned towards Collin, her voice intentionally loud enough for others to hear. "Linsey, it''s fascinating how long you were with your ex. We all assumed you''d end up marrying him! It was quite the shock when you

    ended up with Mr. Riley instead..."

    She let the words hang in the air for a beat, then turned to Collin with a probing look. "Mr. Riley, does it bother you that

    Linsey had such a lengthy past with someone else?"

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 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319 Can Everyone Just Stop This Charade

    When Beth brought up Felix again, Linsey''s face turned stormy.

    Perhaps she shouldn''t have gone easy on Beth.

    Why couldn''t Beth just remain silent?

    Collin gave a small, scornful smile. In a tonecking any interest, he said, "Are you talking about Felix Wells? Had you not mentioned him, I could havepletely forgotten that lowlife. He caused my wife so much pain. He''s not worthy of being

    referred to as her ex, let alone deserving my attention."

    Beth remained adamant and continued, "It''s clear you care deeply for Linsey. Yet,

    I''ve heard from her that you were only married six months ago. Do you know

    when Linsey''s birthday is? What about your anniversary?"

    Collin, without giving Beth a nce, replied calmly, "Linsey grew up in an orphanage where a single birthday was set for

    all the kids."

    He added a date and then exined, "We''ve chosen to celebrate our birthdays together from this point forward. And yes, I

    certainly do remember our anniversary."

    He recited several dates with precision.

    Kane gestured dismissively. "Enough, Beth. Sit down. Why bother with such trivial questions?"

    Beth was stunned into silence, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she slowly took her seat.

    The room fell quiet as everyone watched Collin tenderly look after Linsey, his actions seamless and caring.

    He called over to the waiter, "Excuse me. My wife has some stomach troubles. Could we have a lighter dish instead of this

    greasy one? Thank you."

    He then offered Linsey his steak, already sliced. "Here, Linsey, take my steak."

    He suggested, "Maybe drink less wine and try some juice instead. You like this vor best."

    Linsey stayed serene, showing that Collin''s considerate actions were nothing out of the ordinary for them.

    In the quiet of the room, whispers began to circte among the onlookers.

    "Linsey''s husband is such a great guy," one person murmured.

    "Indeed, it''s rare to find a man this thoughtful," another added.

    "Wow, I''m so envious of Linsey. I wish I could find a man who treats me like that," someone else confessed.

    "And what does it matter if he can''t walk? I''ve known many men who seemed perfect but turned out to be terrible," a

    fourth voice chimed in.

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    Chapter 319 Can Everyone Just Stop This Charade

    Gradually, the quiet praise transformed into open admiration for Collin.

    Mr. Riley, you''re so good to Linsey. She''s really fortunate to have a husband like you," a voice called out.

    I don''t get it Why does someone constantly criticize Linsey, suggesting she might not find happiness?" anothermented, casting a side nce at Beth

    Beth was in disbelief. She had intended to make Linsey look bad, yet she only seeded in humiliating herself and

    boosting Linsey''s confidence.

    Overwhelmed with frustration, she burst out, "Can everyone just stop this charade? What''s the purpose of all this

    performance? Just days ago, you all mocked Linsey for marrying a man who can''t

    walk, and now here you are, showering

    him with praise Have you no decency

    Bountiful Free Coins are waiting for you, don''t miss out!

 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320 It''s Just A

    Small Token

    The crowd was taken aback, their eyes wide in astonishment as Beth unexpectedly lost control and unleashed all the gossip

    they had been covertly exchanging.

    Beth, unable to hold back, derided Linsey. "I pity you, Linsey! Your husband just bought you a dress, right? It''s hardly anything special. Why make such a fuss?"

    She scoffed, continuing, "If such a trivial gesture wins you over, you''re obviously too easy to impress. I, for one, cherish

    deeper qualities in people rather than mere materialism."

    Undeterred by the surrounding gazes, Beth turned her attention to Collin, as if she were offering sage advice.

    "Mr. Riley, choose wisely who you wed. You could find yourself with a woman of poor character. Linsey is quite shallow. She might leave her longtime boyfriend for you, but what''s stopping her from doing the same to you when another catches her eye?"

    Her statements resonated with a tone of moral superiority, as though she were bestowing essential wisdom.

    Those unaware of the backstory might even believe her assertions.

    Linsey was seething with anger, on the verge of confronting Beth.

    How much longer would Beth continue this tirade?

    Just then, a long hand reached out, preventing Linsey from standing.

    She turned to Collin next to her, catching his words just in time. "I married Linsey because I chose to. If she ever decides to

    leave, it would mean I failed to be the man she deserves."

    Collin paused briefly, then fixed a chilly stare on Beth. "Your remarks do bring something to mind."

    Beth, misled by her assumptions, wore acent grin, thinking Collin had fallen for her deceit.

    However, Collin turned warmly to Linsey, stating, "I''ve only bought Linsey a few dresses this time. Clearly, that isn''t enough to show her mymitment. I need to do more."

    Beth was left utterly dumbfounded.

    Collin pped his hands. "Come in."

    The door to the private room burst open, and a group of poised, powerful individuals stormed in.

    The entrance shocked everyone gathered there.

    Beth, particrly, turned ghostly pale and retreated, yelling, "Linsey, what is your husband up to? With so many people here, is he nning to harm me? Please, think twice before doing anything drastic!"

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    01:43

    Collin, clearly entertained, simply raised an eyebrow and responded calmly, "Who suggested I was about to hit you?"

    It wasn''t long before everyone noticed that Collin''s entourage was carrying elegant boxes,

    With a casual wave of his hand, Collin directed his men.

    One after another, each person in the room received a gift box from Collin- everyone, that was, except Beth.

    Linsey was visibly shaken by the unfolding events.

    She wondered, what could possibly be happening? What was Collin up to now?

    Around the room, puzzled looks were exchanged. Everyone seemed too wary of Collin''s formidable aura to voice their

    questions.

    Eventually, Kane mustered enough bravery to inquire, "Mr. Riley, what''s going on here?"

    Was Collin''s previous remark not a hint that he had a surprise for Linsey? And why did it involve everyone else?

    With a mild smile, Collin replied, "It''s just a small token. Go ahead and open it. Then you''ll understand."

    Rmended for you

    COMPLETED

    In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel ma...

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    Read

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    01:43

 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321 You''re Just

    Making A Fool Of Yourself

    At Collin''s prompting, the room erupted in a flurry of excitement as everyone

    began unwrapping their gift boxes with

    eager hands.

    "Look, it''s wine!"

    "Hey, I got red wine too. It looks so elegant."

    "And mine''s perfume. It smells divine and looks absolutely exquisite."

    It soon became apparent that the gifts were gendered-perfume for the women and red wine for the men.

    Yet, all the items shared an undeniable air of luxury, even withoutbels.

    A few connoisseurs among the group quickly identified both the wine and the perfume as high-end brands, the kind that

    would take most people years of saving to afford.

    Collin, with a modest tilt of his head, addressed the gathering. "I know tonight was put together on short notice, so I just

    picked up a little something. I hope it''s alright; after all, it''s the thought that counts, right?"

    His casual humility in gifting suchvish presents only added to his charm.

    The room buzzed with admiration and a touch of envy at such show of generosity paired with grace.

    "Oh, not at all! We''re absolutely delighted!"

    "Mr. Riley, this is incredibly generous! We love it!"

    Linsey was soon surrounded by a handful of astute women, their praises ringing clear.

    "Linsey, your husband really knows how to make an impression! You''ve both got such impable taste."

    Beth stood alone, conspicuously empty-handed amidst theughter and chatter, feeling awkward and out of ce.

    She watched, her gaze almost fixed with envy, as everyone else around her gleefully unwrapped theirvish gifts.

    It had never crossed her mind that Collin would go to such extravagant lengths for Linsey, splurging to curry favor with the

    others on her behalf.

    The sting of exclusion was sharp; among the smiling faces, she alone had been forgotten.

    He had singled her out.

    As the realization sank in, irritation simmered within her. Struggling to mask her rising jealousy with a veneer of disdain,

    Beth scoffed, "What''s there to be so proud of? These trinkets might dazzle those who don''t know any better, but to me,

    they reek of cheapness. It''s not shocking, seeing as they''re from the Riley family''s ck sheep." Her voice carried a mix of bitterness and forced superiority.

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    01:44

    Yes, witkeun het stadje, fast wys deemer Kin

    BEARS 14 14 Wine WAY HOM

    And them, the tension on the guy hay

    "ked this perfume? ''sy for rope showshings, only the ty key of society wash  her vay this brand

    Hay yes Going to the git boxes in their hands, WA WADA LATIN, mat, p

    That logo was uncerty a symbol of weath with firef

    wave of regret and was urged through teth, oveofhelming her sands

    STA CATARAG YAT fists, strapping to contain the worm of emotions brewing w kay

    10000%

 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322 I Haven''t Done Anything!

    Beth''s mind raced. Seriously? How could Collin afford such luxury gifts?

    Wasn''t he supposed to be a loser?

    At that moment, Linsey stared at Collin in astonishment. She reached out hesitantly, touching his arm gently. In a hushed

    voice, she questioned him, "Collin, is everything here genuine?"

    He surely wouldn''t resort to disying counterfeit items just to impress her old ssmates, would he?

    Collin''s eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement as he listened to her concerns. "Absolutely. You needn''t worry-I''ll ensure no one embarrasses or torments you ever again."

    Linsey was even more puzzled. "Have you uncovered something?"

    It made sense why Collin had arrived so punctually tonight, bearing numerous gifts.

    As Linsey''s demeanor changed with realization, Collin quizzically lifted an eyebrow and queried softly, "Why the confusion?

    You did invite me to your reunion, didn''t you?"

    Her mind reeled in confusion. "What? I''m not following. When did I invite you?"

    Given Collin''s mobility challenges, she never had expected him to make such an effort for a mere reunion.

    It was nothing beyond a normal gathering of former college ssmates. Collin''s brow creased as he immediately detected something amiss.

    His tone lowered. "You sent me a text an hour ago."

    "A text?" Linsey was shocked. "I haven''t nced at my phone all evening."

    Laughing off her bewilderment, Linsey retrieved her phone and joked, "Surely I didn''t text you while asleep?"

    She scrolled through her device then showed Collin the screen. "Look. There''s nothing. No texts."

    Collin''s face grew stern. Silently, he took out his phone and disyed the message.

    It read, "I''m in trouble! Come quickly!"

    Listed below were the address and private room details for the Freyview Grand Hotel.

    Linsey waspletely taken aback. She checked Collin''s phone and then her own once more.

    "No way. I swear, I didn''t send that," she said.

    Collin''s voice was calm yet assertive. "I came here quickly because of that message. I needed to ensure you were okay."

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    01:44

    It was clear now-this had been orchestrated by someone.

    Linsey pieced everything together and quickly suspected Beth.

    Turning to Beth, Linsey confronted her, her tone icy. "Beth, why would you do this?"

    Beth, caught off guard, winced, her expression betraying her panic. "What do you mean? I haven''t done anything! Linsey,

    don''t be so cocky!"

    Murmurs began to circte among the onlookers. "Linsey, what''s happening?"

    With a frosty demeanor, Linsey rose to her feet, her voice tinged with scorn. "Cocky? Look who''s causing trouble tonight. Beth, using my phone to send fraudulent messages takes real nerve."

    Beth''s face drained of color as her voice climbed in a frantic pitch. "What absurdity

    is this? I don''t know what you''re talking about! You can''t just me me without any evidence! Perhaps your phone sent the message by itself. What does

    this have to do with me?"

 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323 I Wasn''t Joking About Calling The Police

    "Alright, since you refuse toe clean, let''s just call the police and let them sort

    it out," Collin suggested with unnerving

    calm. "The hotel''s surveince system should give us a clear picture. We can review the footage to see exactly what

    happened."

    He gave a pointed nce toward the surveince camera tucked in the corner of the private room.

    Beth''sposure crumbled into a full-blown panic. She twisted her hands nervously, her mind scrambling for a way out. After a moment''s struggle, her resistance weakened, and her voice trembled as she admitted, "Stop! I confess! I''m the one

    who did it-no need for the police! I was trying to mess with Linsey, so I swiped her phone and sent you a message pretending to be her."

    Collin''s voice turned icy as he interrogated, ¡°What were you trying to achieve by doing this?"

    Under Collin''s piercing stare, Beth seemed to shrink, her words quivering. "All I wanted was for you to show up and

    humiliate Linsey in front of everyone. I had no idea things would turn out like this..."

    Her voice trailed off, hinting at an oue far from her malicious intent. She had aimed to embarrass Linsey, but it

    backfired spectacrly-she never imagined Collin would be someone far too powerful to cross.

    Kane let out a shocked gasp. "Beth, how could you stoop so low?"

    "Yeah, we used to think you were just a bit mean, but this..."

    "This is so messed up! If Beth can swipe Linsey''s phone and send fake messages today, who knows what kind of gossip

    she''ll start about the rest of us next?"

    "Linsey never wronged you, yet you relentlessly target her without cause. Your actions are simply cruel."

    "We don''t need your pathetic presence here. Get out and don''te back!"

    "Just leave. No one wants you here!"

    The collective mor demanding her to leave escted, setting Beth''s cheeks ame with the sting of public humiliation.

    Overwhelmed, she could endure no more. Gritting her teeth in a mixture of anger and embarrassment, she hissed defiantly,

    "Fine, I''ll go! No need to throw me out-I can walk out on my own!"

    With a mix of defiance and hurt, Beth turned on her heel to leave.

    But just as she moved toward the exit, Collin made a subtle gesture, signaling his crew to halt her departure.

    "You bullied Linsey. Did you think you could simply walk away without any repercussions?" Collin''s voice was firm, his

    intent clear. "I wasn''t joking about calling the police."

    Raising his hand, he motioned to his men decisively. "Take her to the police station. It''s time she faced the consequences

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    < Chapter 323 I Wasn''t Joking About Calling The Police

    of her actions."

    His words struck Beth like a bolt of lightning, shattering herposure. With a gasp, she copsed onto the floor, sitting dazed amidst the swirling chaos of her own making.

    "I did nothing wrong!" Beth exploded, her voice crackling with frantic energy as she flung her arms wildly. "You can''t send

    me to the police! I didn''t do a damn thing!"

    Her piercing screams reverberated through the room, slicing through the tense air. The spectacle of her meltdown drew

    mixed reactions.

    Some of her former ssmates were visibly disgusted by her theatrics, while others couldn''t hide a trace of relief.

    Clearly, Beth was spiraling out of control, and it seemed inevitable that she would face some serious consequences. Despite

    her vehement protests and struggles, Collin''s men were unyielding. With firm grips, they escorted her out of the private

    room.

    Once Beth was removed, a heavy silence descended upon the room.

    The atmosphere grew thick with unease; the crowd exchanged wary nces with Collin.

    Although none had openly supported Beth and Kristy against Linsey, their passive stance spoke volumes.

    Realizing that Collin was far more formidable than the rumors suggested, a ripple of fear spread among them. The possibility that Collin might target them next for their inaction loomedrge, urging them to distance themselves.

    Breaking the awkward silence, one ssmate awkwardly cleared his throat. "Well, I think I''ve had my fill," he muttered,

    pushing back his chair with a nervous nce. "Guess it''s time for me to head out."

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 Chapter 324

    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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    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¨CI 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."

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325 Is There Something You''re Not...

    The group inside the room watched as Linsey and Collin, nked by their entourage, made their exit.

    A collective sigh of relief washed over the room once the door clicked shut, breaking the tense silence that had hung over them like a thick fog.

    "Holy crap, that scared the life out of me!"

    "I wasn''t sure I''d make it back in one piece tonight."

    "Can someone exin what the hell is happening? After all these years, those rumors turned out to be total bullshit?"

    "Totally! Just take a look at Collin-does he look like some clueless nobody? He carries himself like he owns the ce!"

    While some remained rattled by the encounter, others expressed a hint of

    remorse.

    "It''s such a shame, really. If Collin weren''t crippled, he''d be a real force to be reckoned with."

    ¡°Lesson learned¡ªI''m keeping Linsey''s name out of my mouth from now on. It''s clear as day how protective Collin is of her. Cross him, and we might just disappear."

    Meanwhile, oblivious to the whispers and wary nces, Linsey and Collin were ensconced in the quietude of their car.

    Linsey''s mind raced as she reyed the evening''s interactions, a knot of suspicion tightening in her stomach.

    She turned to face Collin, her eyes searching his, seeking the truth. ¡°Collin, is there something you''re not telling me?" she

    asked, her voice steady but firm.

    Collin was thrown off by the sudden usation, his expression turning to confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

    Linsey held his gaze, her eyes narrowing slightly as she scrutinized his face, searching for any trace of deceit.

    "This gown I''m wearing-it was designed by Arthur Flores, wasn''t it?" she questioned, her voice steady but insistent.

    Raising an eyebrow, Collin was taken aback by her knowledge but saw no point in concealing the truth. "Yes, that''s right,"

    he admitted, his response straightforward.

    Despite having confirmed this detail with Arthur himself, Linsey couldn''t help but draw in a sharp breath at Collin''s

    confirmation.

    Did Collin truly grasp the significance of Arthur''s renown in the fashion industry?

    How had he managed tomission a designer of such stature?

    And the way he had casually arranged for the gown''s delivery, as if it were no more consequential than ordering a bouquet

    of flowers, baffled her even more.

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    01:44

    Chapter 225 is There Something You''re Not Telling Me

    Linsey gnawed on her lower lip, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity.

    There were countless questions bubbling up inside her, damoring for attention, and she hardly knew where to begin

    Finally, one concern pushed its way to the forefront. "And those gifts you were handing out so generously. Her voice trembled slightly with the weight of her inquiry. "Tell me the truth. Did you spend a fortune on all of that?"

    Collin''s response was nonchnt, almost dismissive. "Well, I guess you could say that."

    His vague reply left Linsey reeling, her eyes wide with incredulity. "What does that even mean?

    She couldn''t contain her frustration any longer and, in a sudden move, seized his cor, her words punctuated with desperate rity. "Collin, didn''t you say you were drowning in debt? Something about owing a billion? So, how on earth do you suddenly have the means for such extravagance?"

    A horrifying suspicion dawned on her.

    "Collin, don''t tell me you took out another loan just to unt in front of them? Her voice cracked,den with a mix of anger and concern. "Those old ssmates don''t mean a thing to me. You didn''t have to..."

    Linsey''s agitation mounted, and a wave of dizziness washed over her, blurring her vision momentarily.

    Noticing her distress, Collin quickly grasped her shoulders, steadying her with a firm yet gentle touch. "Easy there," he murmured, a soft chuckle escaping him as he patted her backfortingly. "Come on, Darling, Do you really see your

    husband as that worthless?"

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326 No One Will

    Dare Underestimate You

    Linsey pressed her hand against her chest and offered Collin a yful, teasing look.

    Her luminous eyes sparkled with an adorable hint of reproach.

    In response, Collin''sughter was a low, melodic chuckle as he exined, ¡°I''m not actually as poor as they think. My

    family might dismiss me, but I inherited a substantial sum from my grandmother and mother. Plus, I''ve been managing a

    smallpany thesest few years, and it''s been quite lucrative. Technically, your husband stands pretty well-off in town."

    With a knowing raise of his eyebrow, he continued, "How else do you suppose I afford living in thevish Vista Vi?

    We''ve got a decent collection of cars in the garage too."

    At that revtion, Linsey remained a bit stunned, her mind whirling. Unbeknownst to her, the "smallpany" Collin

    referred to was none other than the globally acimed CR Corporation-the very firm where she was employed.

    Even as she processed his words, she knew Collin''s life had always been absorbed by his work to the point of neglecting

    meals and sleep.

    If it weren''t for his business engagements, he likely wouldn''t have crossed paths with Dustin as often.

    Still, Linsey couldn''t shake off her worries.

    "But Collin, we can''t keep splurging like this," she protested gently. "A few of my former ssmates have been talking

    behind my back-why should we hand out suchvish gifts?"

    Her lips curled into a pout as she aired her grievances.

    Collin couldn''t contain hisughter, hisrge hand affectionately tousling her hair.

    "I hate seeing you deal with unnecessary troubles,¡± he exined with a gentle sincerity. "Now, no one will dare

    underestimate you. That alone makes everything worth it."

    Collin paused for a beat, his tonepletely serious. "I mean, it''s not like I can send all your old ssmates to jail, right?"

    A smirk yed on Linsey''s lips as she yfully pped his arm. "Stop it, you''re being ridiculous."

    The room filled with a lighter, more carefree air, washing away any lingering tension.

    Then, a thought struck her, spurred by a news report she had caught earlier. She leaned in, her tone casual yet probing. "Since you''re just a humble entrepreneur, we might need to tread more cautiously. After all, you''re not the elusive founder

    of CR Corporation. Did you hear about that? He once blew a billion dors on a ne."

    Unbeknownst to her, the very ne worth a billion was the same one resting against her corbone, avish gift from

    Collin.

    The implications hung heavily in the air as Collinpsed into a thoughtful silence.

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    01:44

    As he watched Linsey''s face closely, a sudden, overpowering impulse seized Collin,pelling him to bare his soul to her.

    He was on the verge of revealing his biggest secret-that he was the founder of CR Corporation.

    "Linsey, I need to tell you something-" he began, his voice thick with unsaid words.

    But before he could continue, their smooth ride transformed into chaos as the car jerked violently, the tires screeching

    against the pavement in a jarring cacophony.

    As the brakes mped down hard, Linsey, unprepared for the abrupt shift, was thrown forward by the force.

    "Ah!" A sharp exmation escaped her as she nearly collided with the dashboard.

    Fortunately, Collin''s reflexes were quick. His sturdy arm encircled her waist, pulling her back against him, safe in his hold.

    "Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" His voice wasced with concern as he gently supported the back of her head,

    ensuring she was cushioned from any potential impact.

    Visibly shaken, Linsey copsed into his arms, her heart racing from the fright.

    She met his worried gaze and managed a

    shaky nod. "I''m okay, really, don''t worry about me..."

    Despite her reassurance, Collin''s features remained etched with worry. He turned sharply towards the driver, his voice

    cutting through the stillness. "What the hell just happened?"

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 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327 I''ll Protect You

    The driver hastily apologized Tm terribly sorry, Mr. Riley. We''ve hit an unexpected roadblock ahead."

    Clutching Linsey to his side, Collin peered forward with a furrowed brow. "How on earth did the road get blocked so

    suddenly?"

    Ahead of them, a chaotic scene unfolded as several luxury cars sprawled across

    the road in a careless disy, tantly viting the rules of the road.

    "What''s the situation here?" Collin''s voice carried a mix of curiosity and annoyance.

    Linsey, who had managed to collect herself, joined him in surveying the scene.

    A handful of cars sat arrogantly in the center of the road, their drivers seemingly indifferent to the growing line of frustrated motorists behind them.

    Til go investigate," the driver dered, stepping out into the cool evening air.

    When he returned, he brought news that added ayer ofplexity to the situation. "I made some inquiries," he reported, catching his breath. It turns out this disruption is tied to Gorman Green. Having just returned, he decided to step out publicy tonight after a long period ofying low. Looks like all of Grester''s elite are eager to cozy up to him."

    He paused for a moment before continuing, "The police are on their way to sort this mess out."

    Collin''s expression hardened as he processed the information. "So, they''re all here to cozy up to Gorman, huh?"

    He had always known Gorman was insufferably arrogant, but he hadn''t expected him to disy such brazen and reckless

    behavior.

    Could it be that Gorman was orchestrating something sinister?

    Was this audacious spectacle tonight part of his n?

    Linsey''s pulse quickened when the driver mentioned Gorman.

    Her mind immediately shed to the man she had encountered before.

    "Who is this Gorman guy? Linsey inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.

    The driver answered, "Gorman has been a thorn in the side of CR Corporation''s founder for years. He''s been meddling in

    their affairs both in in sight and behind the scenes. This is no secret in town."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in shock. "He''s actually the founder of CR Corporation''s rival?"

    The revtion added anotheryer ofplexity to the already convoluted situation.

    Having harbored disdain for Gorman, Linsey was even more disturbed to learn about his long-standing vendetta against the founder of CR Corporation, a man she had admired and revered for years.

    Indignation stirred within her, yet Linsey knew she had to conceal her feelings.

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    01:45

    < Chapter 327 II Protect You

    Thest thing she needed was for Collin, ever the jealous type, to discover her longstanding admiration for CB Corporation''s founder.

    Oblivious to the turmoil brewing within her, Collin added, his voice tinged with disdain, ¡°Gorman is not only arrogant, Init I''ve also heard he''s got the blood of many innocents on his hands,"

    Linsey''s eyes widened in shock, disbelief etching her features as she gasped, "How could he possibly do such things?"

    The realization hit her like a cold wave; the man she had once helped out of sheer kindness had revealed himself to be

    monstrously wicked.

    With each passing moment, her annoyance intensified. Had she known his true nature, she would never have lent a hand

    -she would have left him to his own miserable fate.

    And the audacity of that man, thinking he could propose marriage to her not so long ago, sent shivers down her spine.

    She cursed her luck for inadvertently weaving such trouble into her life.

    Engrossed in her troubled thoughts, Linsey remained oblivious to Collin''s concerned gaze. Noticing her distant and frightened expression, he misread it as fear.

    He tightened his grip on her shoulders, a protective gesture, and whispered soothingly, "Don''t worry. If we ever cross paths

    with him, I''ll protect you."

    Linsey bit her lip, a wave of unease washing over her.

    Only now did the full extent of Gorman''s influence in Grester dawn on her.

    With his formidable status, he was likely surrounded by admirers.

    Considering his exposure to various women, Linsey doubted he would keep pursuing a married woman like her, especially

    after she had rejected him.

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 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328 I Want Linsey

    At a hotel, Gorman lounged on the sofa, casually swirling a ss of red wine in his hand.

    Before him, Danny stood with his head bowed, speaking with measured respect. "Boss, as you asked, word of your return

    has spread. Just as you predicted, ever since this afternoon, many prominent figures in town have been showing up, all

    with expensive gifts-clearly eager to win your favor."

    Gorman''s face remained unreadable as he asked, his voice low, "Has the Riley family arrived?"

    "Of course," Danny answered. "Would you like to meet with them now?"

    "Let them in," Gorman said, his tonezy, almost bored.

    In truth, this whole setup had been carefully orchestrated to draw the Riley family

    in.

    "Understood." Danny nodded and quickly left the room.

    A momentter, Fernanda walked in, a smile stretched across her face, her every movement calcted to please.

    She had mingled with the other visiting families, hoping for a chance to meet Gorman, but she hadn''t expected to be the

    first one he would choose to see.

    A partnership with the Green family would be nothing short of advantageous for her and her son.

    As soon as her eyesnded on Gorman, Fernanda wasted no time and presented the gift she had carefully prepared.

    "Mr. Green, this is a small token of my appreciation. I hope you''ll ept it," she said.

    Gorman didn''t even spare the gift a nce. With a casual flick of his hand, Danny stepped forward to take it from her.

    Fernanda forced a fawning smile and parted her lips, just about to speak.

    Before she could, Gorman''s voice cut through the air casually. ¡°Mrs. Riley, I recall you and Mr. Riley have a son together.

    Why didn''t hee with you today?"

    At the mention of Huntley, Fernanda''s expression faltered, her mask slipping for just a moment.

    The thought of her precious sonnguishing in prison twisted her insides, a sharp pain that deepened her hatred for Collin

    and Linsey.

    She had never forgotten who was behind her son''s suffering.

    Her lips trembled with barely contained anger.

    She took a slow, steadying breath to smother the rage rising within her, forcing out the words in a stammer, "Well...

    Huntley ran into some trouble, so he couldn''te today..."

    Gorman wasn''t interested in small talk. He sneered, "Your son isn''t here because he''s in prison, right? He couldn''t even

    handle Collin, that worthless man, and now he''s still behind bars?"

    Fernanda''s resentment red, her face tightening, her breathing in quick, sharp bursts.

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    01:45

    Chapter 328 1 Want Linsey

    Gorman noticed her reaction but dismissed it.

    He leaned forward slightly, his voice cold but piercing. "Mrs. Riley, let me ask you something-do you want your son out of

    prison?"

    Fernanda''s expression shifted in an instant. A flicker of surprise mixed with desperate hope shed in her eyes. "Mr. Green,

    do you mean..."

    Gorman set his wine ss down with a deliberate motion, his tone casual yet carrying an underlying weight. "I won''t waste

    time with niceties-I want Linsey. If you can find a way to make Linsey and Collin divorce, I''ll get your son out of prison."

    A wicked smirk tugged at the corners of Gorman''s lips, his words coated with an enticing but dangerous promise. "Mrs.

    Riley, how does that deal sound to you?"

 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329 Haven''t I Always Stood By My...

    Fernanda''s eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of shock and confusion clouding her features. She had never fathomed that Gorman would have a crush on Linsey,

    of all people.

    What elusive charm did that scheming bitch possess to make so many men fall under her spell?

    Despite her reservations, Fernanda knew she was cornered. With the stakes this high, she couldn''t afford to be choosy.

    Whatever it took to get Huntley out of trouble, she was ready to do it.

    "Alright, Mr. Green, I ept your terms," Fernanda agreed, her voice firm yet tinged with desperation. "You have my word, I''ll handle everything."

    They continued their tense conversation a little longer before Fernanda made her exit.

    As she departed, Danny, wearing an expression of bewilderment, turned to Gorman. "Turns out Huntley came dangerously. close to harming Ms. Brooks. You''re not really nning to hold up your end of the deal and get him out, right?"

    Gorman responded with a knowing chuckle, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in amusement, "Of course, I am. Haven''t I always stood by my promises?"

    But the uneasy feeling still gnawed at Danny.

    After all, Kylee had paid a steep price for merely attempting to ruin Linsey''s career.

    Could Gorman truly intend to let Huntley escape unscathed?

    The air grew heavy with tension as Gorman''s expression darkened, his eyes brimming with a chilling malice. "But I never

    assured Fernanda that her son would escape fate, did 1?" His voice carried a frosty sharpness, each sybleced with

    intent.

    With a sinister curve of his lips, he added, "After all, it''s challenging to make moves while he''s still confined. Once he''s free,

    well, things will get significantly easier."

    Danny shivered, an icy dread crawling up his spine.

    It was unmistakable-Gorman''s ruthless nature hadn''t softened in the slightest.

    Witnessing this side of Gorman again, Danny understood with chilling rity that crossing paths with him was

    tantamount to sealing one''s own doom.

    Collin was no exception, especially since he had stolen the heart of the woman Gorman cherished above all others.

    Meanwhile, enveloped by the steam in her bathroom, Linsey sank deeper into the bathtub, the warmth of the water soothing her weary bones.

    The foggy haze around her seemed to mirror the turmoil in her thoughts.

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    01:45

    Memories of the evening''s reunion flickered through her mind like an old film, leaving her more baffled than ever.

    Since marrying Collin, she had braced herself to shoulder a daunting debt alongside him.

    Yet, the reality of Collin''s hidden wealth-evident from thevish gifts he distributed, from that designer dress to fine wine and exquisite perfumes-left her reeling in shock and disbelief.

    Linsey''s brow knit together in deep confusion.

    If Collin wasn''t the loser the rumors painted him to be, then why had he so readily epted her abrupt marriage proposal?

    The question haunted her, looping endlessly in her mind without a shred of a convincing answer.

    Was it possible that Collin had fallen in love with her from their very first encounter?

    The mere thought sent a wave of crimson spreading across her cheeks, mingling with the heat radiating from the steaming bathwater, deepening the blush on her already warm face.

    Lost in her thoughts, Linsey entertained countless exnations, each more bewildering than thest.

    As she pondered, a fleeting shadow darted across her vision, startling her.

    Her skin lost all color, turning ghostly pale as a scream tore from her throat-a sharp, instinctual cry of rm.

    At that same moment, Collin was seated in a wheelchair by the bedroom door, his expression unreadable as he listened to

    his assistant detail Gorman''s recent interactions.

    "Tonight, Gorman go quite a few visitors, each vying for his favor. Yet, of all these suitors, he granted an audience to just

    one-a detail I find particrly intriguing."

    "And who might that be?" Collin asked, his voice steady, betraying no emotion.

    The assistant was just about to reveal the name when Linsey''s scream echoed through the hallways, slicing through the

    tense atmosphere like a knife.

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 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330 Honey, There''s A Spider

    The voice was unmistakable it was Linsey''s, and she was the only one in the room.

    Collin''s calm expression shifted in an instant, his focus narrowing

    Was something wrong with Linsey?

    Without pausing, he quickly turned his wheelchair around and headed straight for the bathroom.

    "Linsey!" he called out, his voice barely above a whisper as he pushed the bathroom door open.

    A wave of thick, damp heat hit him as soon as he stepped inside.

    He didn''t blink, his gaze scanning the room, searching for her.

    Linsey stood there, wrapped in a towel, her hair loosely tied up and still damp.

    Fear etched across her face, and when she saw him, she exhaled a breath she hadn''t realized she had been holding.

    Collin''s eyes swept over her quickly, relief flooding through him when he saw she was unharmed.

    He let out a quiet sigh, his voice soft as he asked, "What happened? I heard you scream."

    Linsey''s gaze was fixed on a distant corner of the room, and she spoke in a whisper, as though afraid to disturb something

    "Honey, there''s a spider..."

    Her voice trembled just enough to be noticeable.

    Noticing her anxiety, Collin followed her gaze and spotted the spider in the corner of the bathroom.

    It clicked.

    "So, you''re afraid of spiders?" Collin teased, his tone light.

    Linsey shoved him yfully, her voiceced with warning. "Collin, stop it. Don''t make fun of me."

    But her nerves were frayed, her body frozen in ce as she watched the spider, terrified it might spring at her.

    If that spider really jumped on her, she would probably lose it!

    "Collin! Do something!" Her voice trembled, barely holding back tears.

    Collin immediately dropped his teasing and reached out for her. "Come here, sweetheart. Take my hand and move slowly.

    Don''t worry, it won''te down."

    Linsey let out a soft whimper, her eyes glued to the spider, as she quickly grabbed his hand.

    In an instant, she pressed herself into his arms, trembling with fear.

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    01:46

    Chapter 330 Honey, There''s A Spiter

    She wanted to run into himpletely, her body shaking uncontrobly

    "It''s stright, it''s alright," Collin whispered, gently rubbing her back. His voles was calm and soothing Tom here You''re wake

    He looked down at Linsey, her face hidden against his cheat, and couldn''t help but emile

    Seeing Linsey, usually so bold, like this ao fragile and vulnerable was a side of her he rarely saw

    But Collin, sensing the moment, wisely chose not to tease her any further

    He stayed with her, offeringfort for a long while, until the heat and steam in the balliumom had inally faded

    Collin gently touched the back of her neck and murmured, "Good thing the bathroom''s heated, or Ed be worried you''d catch

    a cold."

    Linsey lifted her head just enough to nce at him. "I''m not cold."

    Collin tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his voice soft. "Don''t worry, the spider''s gone now."

    "Will ite back?" Linsey asked, her eyes still slightly red from the tears

    Collin spoke with quiet certainty. "I''ll have Josh send someone upter to take care of it. I promise you won''t have to worry

    about any more bugs."

    With his promise, Linsey finally exhaled, her body rxing a little.

    She nced around, double-checking for any lingering spiders, before she tried to pull away from Collin

    But the moment she moved, a strong arm snaked around her waist, holding her firmly in ce.

    Linsey looked up into Collin''s eyes, ready to ask him to let go, but then her words caught in her throat as she noticed

    something different in his gaze...

 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331 How About We

    Shower Together

    Collin''s gaze was intense,ced with a possessiveness that seemed almost palpable.

    Linsey knew that look all too well.

    She instinctively nced down at herself, realizing the towel had loosened as she moved.

    Her chest was exposed, the soft curves visible, carrying a quiet, unspoken allure. Linsey froze, her cheeks flushing deeper, a wave of embarrassment hitting her.

    Didn''t Collin understand boundaries?

    Just as she prepared to speak up, she saw him turn his head away.

    For a brief moment, Linsey wondered if Collin had changed, but then his husky voice cut through her thoughts. "Don''t worry, I''m here with you. Go ahead and change so you don''t catch a cold."

    Collin''s effort to stay calm unexpectedly made Linsey feel a warmth she hadn''t expected.

    In moments like these, his priority was always herfort.

    A small smile tugged at her lips, but she quickly noticed that Collin''s shirt was drenched too.

    Linsey said, "It''s my fault your clothes are wet. You should change too."

    After a thoughtful pause, she suggested, "I didn''t stay in the bath long, and I didn''t rinse properly. How about we shower together?"

    Her words caught Collin by surprise.

    He raised an eyebrow, a teasing note in his voice as he asked, "Are you sure about that?"

    Linsey tilted his chin up with confidence. "What''s there to doubt?"

    Why was he hesitating now?

    This wasn''t like him.

    Linsey gently pinched Collin''s chin and whispered yfully, "Come on, darling, don''t you want me?"

    The heat within Collin red up at once, sparked by her touch.

    His voice grew tense. "Of course I do, but you''ve had a long day. I''m concerned about you."

    Linseyughed softly. "I''m not made of ss."

    With a confident smile, she leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered teasingly, "Darling, since

    0.0%

    you want me, let''s not waste time."

    Collin''s gaze darkened. "You asked for it."

    In the next instant, Collin pulled her into his arms, cupped her chin, and kissed her with an intensity that left no room for

    hesitation.

    Soon, the sound of running water filled the bathroom.

    Their breaths intertwined, and through the misty ss, their silhouettes blurred into one.

    The water kept flowing, and their silhouettes remained intertwined, as if they had been tangled up like that all night.

    The next morning, as Collin was pouring milk for Linsey, she suddenly sneezed, her voice breaking the stillness.

    Collin immediately handed her a tissue, a frown forming on his face. "Did you catch a cold? It''s my fault for keeping you up

    sotest night..."

    Linsey''s eyes widened in shock and she quickly pressed her hand to his mouth. "Shh! Don''t say things like that."

    She nced over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening, relieved to see the staff busy in the kitchen.

    If anyone had overheard Collin, she would never be able to show her face again! How could he be so shameless?

    Linsey red at him, quickly pulling her hand away from his mouth and stuffing a piece of bread in instead.

    "Enough. Just eat. I''m fine," she said firmly.

    Seeing the glint in her eyes, Collin wisely stayed quiet.

    While they ate, Josh approached and gave a slight bow. "There''s someone at the door."

    "Who is it?" Collin asked, looking up.

    Josh hesitated for a moment, then replied, "It''s Fernanda."

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 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332 I''ve Come To Apologize To You, Linsey

    Collin''s face clouded over, a shadow of displeasure etching his features sharply.

    "What the hell is Fernanda doing here?" he growled, his voice tinged with annoyance.

    The Riley family were not frequent visitors; their appearances were as rare as a blue moon. So, the timing of this visit puzzled him.

    Given that Huntley caused such chaos and ended up behind bars, it made sense for Fernanda to feel even more resentment

    toward him.

    She must be up to no good this time.

    Collin was quick to decide, his voice firm and unwavering. "Send her away. We won''t see her today," hemanded.

    Josh paused, his expression uneasy, before he added a crucial piece of information, "Sir, it appears she hase to speak

    about your grandmother.¡±

    At the mention of Ivy, Collin''s scowl deepened, his brow furrowing in concern. He hesitated, visibly torn.

    Linsey, observing his troubled expression, remembered that Ivy had been overseas receiving medical treatment for several

    years.

    "Did something happen to Ivy?" Linsey''s voice broke through the tense silence,ced with genuine worry. "Perhaps we

    should let Fernanda in and hear what she has to say."

    With a soothing tone, Linsey tried to alleviate his fears. "Don''t worry. With all of us here, she wouldn''t dare cause any

    mischief," she assured him, her eyes locking with his in a silent promise of support.

    She knew all too well the lingering distrust Collin harbored towards Fernanda and Huntley, a remnant of a bitter past where they had set her up.

    With a tender squeeze of her hand, Collin met her gaze. "Thank you, Linsey."

    Linsey offered a warm smile, her voice gentle. "Your grandma is my family too. I truly care about her well-being."

    Collin''s features softened visibly at her heartfelt words. He nodded slowly, then turned toward Josh. "Let Fernanda in."

    It wasn''t long before Fernanda showed up, something clutched in her hands.

    Linsey couldn''t help but notice the shift in Fernanda''s demeanor; her usual haughtiness had melted away, reced by a humble, almost pleading posture.

    "Collin, Linsey, you''re still at breakfast? I hope I''m not intruding?" Fernanda offered them a tentative smile, her voiceced with caution.

    Linsey remained silent, observing. Collin, however, responded with cool detachment, "Fernanda, let''s cut to the chase."

    0.0%

    14:40

    Chapter 332 I''ve Come To Apologize To You, Linsey

    Fernanda''s attempt at warmth failed, her smile twisting into a strained grimace as she fought to maintain herposure.

    With a forced cheerfulness, she finally spoke. ¡°Actually, I''vee to apologize to you, Linsey."

    Linsey blinked in surprise, her gaze shifting to Fernanda with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

    Apologize? That was thest thing she had expected.

    Fernanda went on, her voice thick with earnest emotion, "I failed as a mother, and my son''s actions are a testament to that

    failure. Now that he''s behind bars, it might just be the opportunity he needs to change his course."

    She paused for a moment, her eyes searching Linsey''s face as she presented the gift she had brought with her.

    "Linsey, I brought you something," she said, her tone hopeful. "I''m truly here to apologize, and I sincerely hope you''ll ept this as a token of my remorse."

    Linsey''s response was swift and unwavering. "No, thank

    It had been a while since the incident, and Fernanda''s sudden apology now seemed like nothing more than a bted attempt to ease her own conscience.

    If Fernanda hadn''t brought it up, Linsey might have buried the memory in the farthest corners of her mind.

    Unfazed, Fernanda smiled warmly and unveiled her gift. "This is thetest model from a renowned designer," she remarked, pulling the sleek handbag from her tote. "I''m sure it will suit your taste."

    She knew well that such luxury items were the envy of many, and she hoped the allure of the handbag would soften Linsey''s resolve.

    Knowing she was an orphan with humble beginnings, Fernanda assumed Linsey had never had the luxury of owning such a fine piece.

    Perhaps, she thought disdainfully, this gift would be a first for her.

    As expected, Linsey''s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the designer handbag,

    a flicker of surprise crossing her features.

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 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333 You''re Being

    So Generous!

    "Fernanda, you''re being so generous! I never expected you to give such an expensive bag." Linsey remarked, unable to hide

    her curiosity.

    Fernanda responded smoothly, "It was quite a task to get my hands on it. But if you like it, Linsey, I can introduce you to

    some affluent women who have more of these brands. You could pick whatever you like."

    After a brief pause, she added, "And since your marriage to Collin, you haven''t been very active in the social scene. This

    might be a perfect opportunity for you."

    Fernanda was sure Linsey would be eager to ept the tempting offer.

    But Linsey''s reply was calm andposed. "No, thank you. I don''t need it."

    Once again, Fernanda''s face tightened at the unexpected rejection. "Are you sure about this? Linsey, you really shouldn''t

    overlook something so important. This is a rare chance. If youe with me, the elite circles will recognize you as Collin''s

    wife."

    Linsey raised an eyebrow and replied, "Is that so? But I don''t need the approval of high society. As long as my husband

    acknowledges me as his wife, that''s enough for me."

    Fernanda''s frustration grew. Facing rejection again, she could barely contain her anger.

    This couple truly seemed perfect for each other.

    Linsey deserved to live a life full of struggle with the disabled Collin.

    Fernanda fumed with resentment.

    But then, she recalled Gorman''s instructions.

    A brief moment of hesitation flickered in Fernanda''s eyes.

    In order to get Gorman to release her son from prison, she needed to find a way to bring Linsey to him, no matter how

    much she despised her.

    Taking a slow breath, Fernanda shifted her approach, pretending to be vulnerable. "Well, I may not mean much to you, but we are still family. And with Ivy returning soon, we''ll need to have a family gathering, don''t you think?"

    Collin''s brow furrowed at Fernanda''s words. His eyes narrowed as he asked in a quiet voice, "Why is Grandmaing back

    now?"

    Ivy was still supposed to be recovering at the overseas sanatorium.

    Fernanda forced a smile, her tone carefully neutral. "Ivy''s health has gotten a lot better. It''s time for her toe home. She''s so happy about your marriage and can''t wait to meet her granddaughter-inw."

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    < Chapter 333 You''re Being So Generous!

    With a deep sigh, Fernanda continued, "By the way, Ivy''s birthday is just around the corner. We have to host a grand celebration for her. I''m sure you wouldn''t want to miss it, right?"

    Naturally, since it involved his grandmother, Collin couldn''t refuse, "I''ll be there for Grandma''s birthday."

    Fernanda gave a satisfied smile before her gaze shifted to Linsey with a more calcting look. "Since we''re talking about Ivy''s birthday, there''s something I''d like to ask of you, Linsey. Would you be willing to help me with it?¡±

    Linsey nodded softly, her tone polite. "Of course. Just tell me what you need."

    Fernanda sighed lightly, "nning a birthday celebration isn''t easy. There''s so much to organize and so many guests to

    entertain."

    As she spoke, a hint of sorrow crossed her features. "At the moment, it''s just me and Collin''s father in the family. He''s not

    the most detail-oriented, and I can''t handle everything by myself.¡°

 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334 Do You Think Ivy Will ept Me

    Linsey quickly caught on to Fernanda''s underlying motives.

    As expected, Fernanda hesitated before asking, "Linsey, I was hoping you could lend me a hand? After all, you''re Ivy''s granddaughter-inw."

    Linsey was ready to agree right away. It felt like her responsibility as part of the family to assist with something for Collin''s grandmother.

    But before she could give her answer, Collin stepped in with a firm interruption. "Linsey hasn''t been feeling well recently, and she''s swamped with work. She simply doesn''t have the time."

    Without missing a beat, Collin ignored the growing irritation on Fernanda''s face and added, "If you''re struggling, you can always ask a few trusted staff members from Grandma''s. They''ve been with her for years and know her preferences well.¡±

    Linsey''s gaze shifted, her thoughts in turmoil.

    She understood that Collin was just trying to protect her from overdoing it.

    But Ivy had always been the one who treated Collin with the most kindness in the Riley family, and Linsey couldn''t ignore

    that. She knew she had to make an effort for her sake.

    Without saying another word, Linsey reached out, gently taking Collin''s hand. "Let me do this," she murmured.

    Collin''s eyes met hers, and in that instant, he understood everything. Her determination was clear in the depth of her gaze.

    He paused for a moment, then sighed quietly, his expression softening. "Alright," he agreed, his voice tinged with

    reluctance.

    Collin had known Linsey too well. He understood that, no matter how much he tried to protect her, she would never turn down an opportunity to help when it concerned Ivy, especially with her kind nature.

    But his concern for her well-being remained.

    "Take a few people with you," Collin suggested, his voice steady but firm. "They''ll help out when needed. And if anyone

    gives you trouble, don''t hesitate to handle it."

    His words were not only a piece of advice but also a silent challenge to Fernanda, whose authority he clearly didn''t respect.

    Fernanda, visibly displeased but unable to express it openly, quickly made her exit from Vista Vi, realizing she had no

    leverage left in the conversation.

    The tension between them hung in the air as she left, her mind already plotting the next move.

    As soon as Fernanda got into her car, her demeanor shifted dramatically. She seethed, muttering under her breath, "That ungrateful Collin! We''ve given him far too much leniency, and now he dares to challenge me? If he keeps this up, he''ll

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    14:40

    have no one to me but himself when I start ying hardball!¡±

    A cold, calcting look crossed her face as her carefullyid ns came to the forefront of her mind.

    Once Fernanda was gone, Linsey felt a slight relief, as though a burden had been lifted from her chest.

    Even though she was well aware of the scheming that surrounded her, it was still hard for her to stay entirelyposed.

    With Ivy''s birthday just around the corner, Linsey couldn''t help but feel a growing sense of unease creeping in.

    "By the way, Collin, once Ivy returns to the country, shouldn''t we pay her a visit?" Linsey asked, a little concerned.

    She couldn''t imagine waiting until Ivy''s birthday to meet her for the first time.

    "Of course," Collin responded. "As soon as I hear Grandma''s back, I''ll take you to see her."

    After a beat, he added reassuringly, "Don''t worry, Grandma lives alone, separate from the others."

    Linsey nodded, though a tinge of worry lingered. "I just can''t help but worry... Do you think Ivy will ept me?"

    Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she took Collin''s hands in hers. "Tell me, what kind of girls does Ivy like?"

 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335 You''re Everything To Me

    Collin couldn''t help but chuckle as he saw Linsey''s serious expression.

    Linsey pouted, her voice yful yet insistent. "Collin, stopughing! I''m trying to be serious here!"

    "Okay, okay," he said, wiping away the amusement from his face. "But you really don''t need to worry. You''re incredible, and my grandma will see that. She''ll love you."

    Linsey felt even more uneasy at his carefree words. "You''re brushing it off too lightly," she said, shaking her head. "That''s not an answer-it''s like you''re not saying anything at all."

    Collin squeezed her hand, his gaze steady as he looked into her eyes. His voice softened, sincere and clear. "Linsey, let me make it simple. I love you. You''re everything to me. And Grandma has told me countless times that as long as I''m happy with the woman I choose, she''ll ept her too."

    Linsey hadn''t expected him to slip in a heartfelt confession at a moment like this.

    Her face warmed instantly, her cheeks blooming with a soft pink hue. She looked away, suddenly shy, needing a few moments to steady herself.

    After a beat, she cleared her throat and tried to regain her usualposure.

    "Alright, I''ll take your word for it," she said, feigning nonchnce. Then, with a thoughtful tilt of her head, she added, "Since it''s my first time meeting your grandma, I should bring a gift, right? It''d be rude to show up empty-handed."

    She patted Collin''s arm lightly, shing him a determined smile. "So, tell me what does Ivy like? I want to be prepared."

    Collin hesitated, thinking it over. After a pause, he said slowly, "Actually, when ites to gifts... Grandma''s never been interested in gold or jewelry. She prefers..."

    His voice trailed off, and a flicker of hesitation crossed his face.

    Linsey, noticing the unusual look on Collin''s face, leaned in curiously. "What is it? Just tell me already!"

    Before Collin could respond, his assistant blurted out, unable to hold back. "Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley''s grandmother''s biggest wish has always been for him to settle down and have children-so she can finally hold her great-grandkids."

    Linsey felt her entire face heat up. "C-children..."

    So that was what this was about! No wonder Collin looked so ufortable.

    Collin''s expression darkened as he shot the assistant a sharp look. "You talk too much. Go receive your punishment."

    Linsey smacked his hand lightly, rolling her eyes. "Oh, stop it! What''s wrong with someone else saying what you were too embarrassed to admit?"

    Collin''s lips pressed into a thin line.

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    Chapter 335 You''re Everything To Me

    "I guess that makes sense. That''s probably the most natural wish for someone her age," Linsey murmured, lost in thought

    "Besides..."

    Her mind drifted back tost night-the heat of the bathroom, the way Collin had held her, the breathless moments

    between them.

    She leaned in, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "We weren''t exactly careful, were we? Maybe Ivy''s wish wille true sooner than expected."

    They hadn''t talked about contraception, hadn''t even considered it in the heat of the moment.

    And really, they were young, healthy.

    It was only a matter of time.

    Collin arched an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips. His voice dropped to a low murmur. "That might not be enough, sweetheart. Don''t you think we should put in a little more effort to make Grandma''s wishe true? So tonight..."

    Linsey let out a quietugh, shaking her head at his audacity.

    Without hesitation, she reached over and gave his leg a firm pinch.

    That man-always looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble.

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 Chapter 336

    Chapter 336 There''s A Massive Project On The...

    Collin narrowed his eyes subtly, a hint of mischief ying at the edges of his gaze. "Did Dominic ever mention that I can

    still feel something in my legs?"

    "That''s right," Linsey responded, her voiceced with a smug confidence as she shook her head slightly. "That''s precisely why I gave your leg a firm pinch. It doesn''t hurt all that much, does it? Are you really going to hold a grudge over such a trivial pain?"

    A soft chuckle escaped Collin. "It might not hurt much," he admitted. "But you have no idea how dangerous that move

    could have been."

    Linsey''s brow creased in confusion, her curiosity piqued. "What''s so dangerous about it?"

    In that moment, a familiar spark of desire flickered in Collin''s eyes, momentarily intensifying as he watched her.

    Linsey, catching the shift in his expression, hastily withdrew her hand.

    "Alright, I''ve been chatting away here, and now I''m going to bete for work," she stammered, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she recalled the events ofst night. With a hurried excuse, she rushed off.

    From his wheelchair, Collin watched Linsey''s hurried departure, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. There was a touch of

    helplessness in his expression.

    Did she think she could stir him up and escape without facing what she had started?

    He would make sure to find the perfect moment to show her exactly what happened when she yed with fire.

    Linsey''s absence left a hollow feeling in Collin, making breakfast thest thing on his mind.

    He signaled to the servants, his voice firm yet indifferent, instructing them to clear the table. Pivoting his wheelchair, he made his way toward the sanctuary of his study to immerse himself in work.

    Just as he reached the doorway, his phone erupted into a series of urgent rings. Dustin was calling.

    Collin pressed the phone to his ear and was immediately met with Dustin''s voice, crackling with an unusual fervor.

    "Collin! You won''t believe this-there''s a massive project on the table! Can you make it to the office right now?"

    His words tumbled out in a rush, underscored by breathless enthusiasm. After a sharp inhale, he pressed on. "It''s

    important that you take care of this yourself today. We don''t have time to waste- hurry up!"

    Dustin''s demeanor, often yful, concealed his true seriousness when it came to their business.

    It was this very reliability that had earned him Collin''s unwavering trust in managing the CR Corporation''s public affairs.

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    Sensing the critical nature of the call, Collin didn''t probe for more details. With resolve, he responded, "Alright, I''m on my

    way."

    Convinced by Dustin''s urgency, Collin knew it had to be a matter of significant consequence.

    Meanwhile, on the other side, Linsey made her way to the firm.

    Just as she was about to step into her office, a colleague intercepted her with a brisk stride. "Linsey, there''s a high-profile client waiting in your office. He seems like a big deal and only want to talk to you."

    A high-profile client?

    Linsey furrowed her brows in confusion; she hadn''t scheduled any meetings with significant clients recently.

    As she ced her bag down, she queried, "Do you have any clue who he might be?"

    The colleague shrugged, a clueless expression painted on her face. "No idea."

    There was a brief pause before the colleague leaned in, voice dropping to a hushed whisper. "But just so you know, it''s a major client, Linsey. You could be looking at a sweet bonusing your way! Plus, someone caught a glimpse of them him.

    Despite the sunsses, he managed to look quite stunning!"

    Linsey chuckled, shaking her head slightly.

    She pondered whether tomend her colleague for her work-focused attitude or to seize the moment for a serious

    discussion.

    It was no surprise she was a designer at CR Corporation; not only were her skills sharp, but her keen eye for aesthetics was unmistakable-clearly someone who appreciated good looks.

    Rubbing her chin thoughtfully, Linsey mused aloud, "That''s intriguing. I haven''t taken on any big client orders recently, especially not any dashing gentlemen. Who on earth could he be?"

 Chapter 337

    Chapter 337 Is That How

    You Dee Me

    Right now, overthinking wasn''t an option.

    Meeting a major client demanded wless etiquette-Linsey was representing CR Corporation, and there was no room for

    mistakes.

    Wasting no time, she instructed someone to prepare coffee, then hurried to her office.

    As she stepped inside, she immediately noticed a man seated behind the desk, his back turned to her.

    Even from this angle, his height was striking.

    There was something about his posture-poised, effortless-that exuded authority.

    And his suit? Impably high-end.

    But none of that exined why he was casually sitting in her chair.

    Linsey''s brow tensed as she swallowed her irritation. Keeping her tone crisp and professional, she said, "Hello. I understand

    you''re here to discuss a coboration. May I know who I''m speaking with?"

    The moment the words left her mouth, the chair spun around in one smooth motion.

    Gorman met her gaze with a yful smile, the corner of his lips quirking up. "Linsey, has it really been that long? You''ve

    already forgotten me?"

    With an exaggerated sigh, he ced a hand over his chest as if wounded. "Ouch. You really broke my heart."

    The instant Linsey recognized him, her expression darkened. Her voice sharpened. "What are you doing here?"

    Her gaze swept over him from head to toe.

    He had the audacity to stroll into her office like he owned the ce, making himselffortable in her chair? Unbelievable.

    "You''re not wee here. Leave." Linsey''s expression hardened as she pointed to the door.

    Gorman, unfazed, kept his easy smile. "Is this really how you treat clients? I have to say, I expected better."

    Linsey clenched her jaw, forcing herself to stayposed. Her words came slow and measured. "If someone walks in with

    an actual business proposal, I''m more than happy to hear them out. But you? I don''t even have to ask-1 already know

    you''re up to something."

    Gorman''s smile faltered, his expression darkening. His brow creased as he leveled a sharp re at her. "What? You really think I came here just to stir up trouble? Is that how you see me?"

    There was genuine confusion in his voice, as if he couldn''t quite grasp why Linsey was treating him this way.

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    Chapter 337 Is That How You Dee Me

    Linsey met his gaze head-on, unwavering. "Gorman, let''s be real-aren''t you just here to cause trouble?"

    She crossed her arms, impatience creeping into her voice. "Everyone in town knows you''ve always been at odds with our

    firm. If someone sees you in my office, what exactly am I supposed to say? You''re clearly trying to stir something up.¡±

    Gorman listened, then let out a slow, knowing smile. Instead of standing, he leaned back in her chair, settling in even more.

    "The employees here don''t even know who I am," he said smoothly. "So what''s there to worry about?"

    Linsey didn''t waver. Her tone sharpened. "Gorman, I''m telling you onest time- leave. If you don''t, I''ll call security to

    escort you out."

    For the first time, Gorman''s smile slipped.

    A flicker of something-hurt, maybe-passed through his eyes before he masked it.

    His voice carried a quiet usation.

    "Linsey, do you really have to be this heartless toward me?"

 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338 I''m Your

    Client Now

    Linsey''s voice was crisp and unwavering. "Gorman, let''s be clear-we never had a rtionship to begin with, so let''s not pretend otherwise. If anything, I''d appreciate it if you stop pestering me."

    Her firm rejection hit Gorman like a blow.

    Back in that quiet fishing vige abroad, she hadn''t been this distant.....

    It hadn''t been that long, yet now she looked at him as if he were nothing more than a stranger-maybe even an enemy. Did she have any idea how much he had endured just to find her? How many obstacles he had fought through over the years just to stand in front of her again?

    Gorman let out a slow smirk, though his eyes remained unreadable. "No rtionship, huh?"

    He turned the words over in his mind, letting the cold edge of them sink in.

    "How can you say we have no rtionship?" Gorman''s gaze held hers, steady and unrelenting. "Like it or not, I''m your client now. Before I even stepped into this office, I signed a contract with yourpany-one that guarantees I get a designer I''mpletely satisfied with."

    His eyes never left her face. "And the only designer who meets my standards... is you, Linsey. Are you really going to back out now?"

    Linsey''s stomach twisted. CR Corporation had strict policies on client assignments-backing out wasn''t an option.

    And Gorman wasn''t someone she could simply pass off to a colleague.

    "Fine. What do you want?" Her jaw tightened.

    No matter what Gorman wanted, Linsey had no intention of showing him an ounce of kindness.

    Suddenly, he pushed himself up from the chair, closing the distance between them in just a few strides.

    "What do I want? What could I possibly want?" Hisugh was low, almost amused. "Naturally, there are a few things I need to discuss with you."

    Linsey''s body tensed. Instinctively, she stepped back, her expression guarded. "If it''s about the design, I''ll hear you out. But if it''s anything beyond that, don''t waste your breath."

    As she moved, her fingers slipped into her handbag, ready to defend herself if necessary.

    Gorman''s eyes flickered. He had caught every movement.

    If he wanted to, subduing her would be effortless.

    But Gorman had no interest in forcing Linsey''s hand.

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    < Chapter 338 Tm Your Client Now

    What he wanted was for her to fall for him willingly.

    Resorting to force had never been his style.

    So, he stopped, his tone softening. "Rx. I''m only here to discuss the design."

    His gaze swept over the office before he added casually, "But this isn''t exactly an ideal ce for a conversation. Why don''t

    we go somewhere else?"

    Linsey hesitated. She didn''t like the idea, but leaving with him was better than letting him linger in her office any longer. "Fine. We can go out, but I''m choosing the ce."

    Gorman didn''t hesitate. "No problem."

    He counted it as their first official date, and he was more than happy to let Linsey take the lead.

    For now, they had a temporary truce.

    Linsey quickly pulled out her phone, booked a table at a nearby caf¨¦, then gestured for Gorman to follow. As they stepped out of her office, the workspace buzzed with colleagues engrossed in their tasks.

    Keeping a low profile, Linsey led him down a quieter corridor, sticking close to the wall to avoid running into anyone she

    knew.

    Her overly cautious behavior brought a smirk to Gorman''s lips.

    Was he really that much of a walking scandal?

    Still, watching this side of Linsey-so careful, so intent on avoiding attention-was oddly amusing.

    What surprised her most was how cooperative he was. No teasing, no unnecessaryments. Just silence as he followed

    her lead

    Finally, she stopped in front of a rarely used elevator.

    Taking this route would drop them off directly in the underground parking lot, letting them leave unnoticed.

    She was still running through the n in her head when the elevator doors slid open-Dustin stepped out.

 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339 Shut Up!

    Was it really Dustin?

    Linsey froze, caught off guard. She hadn''t expected to run into him here.

    She quickly turned around and looked for a ce to hide. Unfortunately, she bumped right into Gorman behind her.

    Gorman caught her by the waist to steady her. With eyebrows arched, he offered a teasing smile. "What''s this? In a hurry to

    get close to me?"

    "Don''t tter yourself!" Linsey snapped and quickly pushed him toward a corner to hide.

    She felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

    Of all the times and ces, why did she have to run into Dustin now?

    If he saw her with another man, he would probably rush to tell Collin.

    Justst night, Collin had warned her about Gorman.

    Yet here she was, standing with Gorman right in front of Dustin...

    No matter how many exnations she came up with, she was certain Collin wouldn''t believe any of them.

    "Linsey, have you finally realized how amazing I am?" Gorman, lost in his own delusions, gazed down at Linsey with a smug grin. "Since you''vee around, why don''t you divorce your husband today?"

    Linsey bit her lip, speechless.

    At that moment, she felt more inclined to call an ambnce for Gorman than the police. She doubted his brain was still

    functioning properly!

    The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. Unable to hold back, she stomped on his foot.

    "Ow..." Gorman gasped, taken aback by her response.

    "Who''s there?" called Dustin from the elevator entrance. His voice echoed as he heard themotion from around the

    corner.

    Linsey was panic-stricken, her eyes darting around for an escape.

    To her dismay, she realized that in her haste, she had driven Gorman into a narrow dead-end with no way out.

    She felt trapped.

    Running into Dustin was awkward enough, but this situation made it worse.

    Hidden away in a corner with Gorman, Linsey was certain Dustin would assume the worst.

    Gorman recognized the voice at once. It belonged to Dustin, the heir to the Wade family and acting CEO of CR Corporation.

    "So, it''s him," Gorman murmured with a low chuckle.

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    14:41

    He nced at Linsey, her anxiety palpable.

    Was she really that afraid of Dustin, just because she was with him? The thought amused him.

    "Rx. It''s just CR Corporation. I don''t take them too seriously. Since we''re stuck here, why don''t you join me at Green Group? It would make things easier, wouldn''t it?"

    She was probably worried about being seen with him by the acting CEO of CR Corporation, given that he was their

    While most people here might not recognize him, Dustin definitely would.

    No wonder Linsey was so nervous. Her job at CR Corporation meant everything to her.

    Gorman could easily offer her a position at Green Group. He was willing to give her any role she wanted.

    Linsey, however, was at her breaking point.

    Couldn''t he see how desperate she was? Yet he kept rambling,pletely oblivious.

    Without thinking, Linsey mped a hand over his mouth and shot him a sharp re. "Shhh! Shut up!"

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340 Let''s Not

    Twist The Story

    A flicker of surprise crossed Gorman''s face.

    The moment Linsey''s hand covered his mouth, a familiar scent wrapped around him-subtle yet unmistakable.

    That long-lost fragrance pulled him straight back to the days when Linsey had cared for him in that quiet fishing vige.

    He remained unnervingly still, making no sound.

    Yet beneath his calm exterior, he was waiting-anticipating.

    If Dustin saw them, maybe Linsey wouldn''t have to stay chained to CR Corporation.

    And really, what was so special about thispany? Sooner orter, he would take down CR Corporation.

    Just as Dustin was about to step forward, Collin''s voice rang out behind him.

    "Dustin, didn''t you say you had something urgent to discuss? What''s got your attention now?"

    Dustin spun around and spotted Collin standing at the far end of the elevator corridor.

    Unlike usual, Collin wasn''t in his wheelchair today. He had dressed for mobility, exuding an air of authority and

    To someone unfamiliar with him, he wouldn''t seem like the same man typically confined to a wheelchair.

    The sight of Collin instantly pulled Dustin back to reality-reminding him why he was here in the first ce.

    Dustin quickly dismissed the faint noise he had heard and strode toward Collin. "You''re here atst. Let''s get to the meeting room upstairs," Dustin said.

    Without another word, the two men walked off together.

    The moment their footsteps faded, the tension in Linsey''s body unraveled. She exhaled slowly, her shoulders finally

    rxing.

    But as her nerves settled, a lingering thought nagged at her.

    Something felt off. That voice-Collin''s voice-she was sure of it.

    But she hadn''t heard the familiar sound of his wheelchair.

    After spending so much time with Collin, Linsey knew the distinct sound of his wheelchair.

    If it had really been him, there was no way he would have gone out without it. Frowning, she hesitated before instinctively leaning forward to peek down the hall.

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    Caterers at that the hem

    10 bating shattered her fram of thought

    ** 40 around shocking him a sharp share if you don''t quit your numenes and stop harassing ms, deine me to 40 in te est quis

    tawa pred mnmareve, his lips cuting mis a yfu smirk. Linery, let''s not twist the story You were the une Hiew reach at me But Are you really going to deny 117 *imacy suffered as the memory of her bumping into lum Rashed Dirough her mind She couldn''t refute him, but the sheer smugness in his tone made her bleed bail MfGorman hadn''t visited her office, she wouldn''t have been so flustered in the first ce.

    Bet arguing with him was pointless he enjoyed provoking her far too much Axhaling sharply Linsey made up her mind. She needed to get this walking disaster out of thepany before he cal

    an even bigger scene

    She had barely managed to avoid Dustin earlier. If she lingered any longer, she might run into someone is MAS exining herself would be impossible.

    With that in mind, Linsey cautiously peeked around the corner, scanning the area. By the time she looked, Dustin was already gone.

    She never noticed the fleeting moment when Collin had been walking without his wheelchair

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341 In My Eyes,

    You''re Different

    Finally, Linsey and Gorman arrived at the caf¨¦ near thepany.

    "This ce hardly meets my standards, and the traffic noise is just too much. It''s hardly fitting for someone of my stature to be here," Gorman, visibly unimpressed, remarked just as Linsey settled into her seat.

    Linsey took a deep breath and tried her best to keep her cool. "I''m sorry, but I''m a designer, not your personal assistant. If you''re here to discuss business, please have a seat. Otherwise, there''s no need to waste each other''s time."

    Noticing Linsey''s unbothered demeanor, Gorman quickly dropped his fussiness and took a seat. "Let''s get to the point. I came here to discuss a potential coboration."

    With a thick of mystery, he produced a design sketch and presented it to Linsey. "Have a look. This is the concept I want to bring to life."

    Linsey eyed him with slight surprise, not expecting him toe prepared. She had assumed he was here merely to cause a disturbance.

    Seeing his serious approach to the design changed her mind. Without that, she turned her attention to the sketch.

    The instant she saw it, Linsey was taken aback. The sketch showcased a wedding dress of exquisite design, brimming with unique and thoughtful elements. Clearly, a ton of effort had been put into it.

    However, she could tell that the artist wasn''t a professional. Many ideas seemed more like rough drafts.

    Nheless, for someone outside the profession, this was an impressive start.

    This time, I''m not asking you to invent something new," Gorman stated earnestly. "I need your expertise to refine this ketch and craft the final product. I''ll supply all the materials needed for the wedding dress."

    insey blinked. "Ourpany has plenty of resources, so materials are not an issue. Besides, the production costs already over material preparation."

    No. I won''t use anything from your firm." Gorman smirked and continued, "As you''ve said, I''m yourpetitor. I refuse to se your supplies."

    insey paused for a brief moment. "If that''s the case, whye to me? I work for CR Corporation."

    orman leaned forward and locked eyes with Linsey. Then, with an amused expression, he stated, "In my eyes, you''re fferent."

    nsey rolled her eyes, deciding to ignore Gorman''s frequent sweet talks. She believed that someone as influential as orman couldn''t really be interested in her.

    He probably had hidden motives or was merely talking nonsense.

    owever, she recalled the time when Gorman first called her to discuss a coboration. He had mentioned it was for his inc¨¦e.

    14:42

    ira Dillerent

    That meant he had a fianc¨¦e, right?

    "This wedding dress is for your fianc¨¦e, isn''t it? I''ll need her measurements to urately recreate the design Linary pointed out.

    On one level, this was essential for the design process, but on another, it served as a subtle remind

    She wanted to make it clear that since he was engaged, he should focus on his uing wedding and marriage life, rather than pursuing her. Both their lives would be so much more peaceful that way.

    Being a part of the influential Green family, Gorman wielded considerable power.

    Although Linsey found him annoying, she was aware she had to tread carefully around him.

    She didn''t want him to forget that she had once saved his life, which could potentiallyplicate matters further.

    This was the reason Linsey had tolerated Gorman''s behavior until now. She just hoped he would realize the reality of their situation soon.

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342 The Esteemed

    Guest Is Inside

    Gorman froze for a brief moment, then regarded Linsey with a depth in his eyes that hinted at more than casual interest. He had been searching for her all over the world for years.

    Again and again, he had made silent promises to himself. Once he found her, he would make her the happiest woman alive.

    To achieve this, he had personally drawn up the design for an exceptionally beautiful wedding dress.

    But reality was harsh.

    When Gorman finally located Linsey, his heart leapt with joy. However, she was guarded around him, and to his dismay,

    another man had already captured her heart and swept her away.

    Despite his regret and resentment, Gorman knew he must keep his emotions in check. He had to remainposed.

    With enough patience, he was convinced he could eventually charm Linsey away from Collin.

    Gorman held onto his thought. He knew better than to voice his true feelings, so he instead advised, "You don''t need to

    worry about the measurements just yet. Let''s proceed ording to the n." Linsey''s brow furrowed. "Without the measurements, the dress will have issues." "You''re the designer. These problems are yours to fix. All I want is a wless result. Do a good job, and I''ll make sure your effort doesn''t go unnoticed. I''ll even throw in a bonus on top of the original price," Gorman dered with conviction.

    Linsey hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Alright."

    She nned to start with a standard size and tailor it once Gorman supplied the exact measurements. After all, Gorman

    was paying well.

    For the sake of the money, Linsey was willing to be a little more patient with him.

    "That said, your design still has some ws. I might make a few adjustments. I''ll keep you updated on my ideas and get your input along the way," Linsey informed him.

    "That sounds good. You''re the expert, after all. I trust your expertise and craftsmanship,¡± Gorman replied with a serene

    smile.

    This wedding dress was made for her in the first ce. With her input in the design, it could only be even better.

    Just then, Gorman''s phone buzzed. He nced at the message, and his rxed demeanor vanished in an instant. His eyes

    narrowed, and a sharp, dangerous glint flickered in his gaze.

    "Linsey, I have something to take care of. I''ll leave the design to you." Gorman

    stood up and walked out without waiting for her response.

    Linsey was momentarily taken aback. But before she could process what Gorman had said, he was already gone. She raised

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    14:42

    Chapter 942 The Patoomed texte

    an eyebrow She had expected him to be as hifcult as ever, yet he had taken the design discussion seriously been hearing

    se abruptly

    Although slightly perplexed, Linsey chose not to dwell on it. Without a word, she took Corman''s design and headed back to herpany to begin the revisions.

    Meanwhile, in the executive meeting room at CR Corporation, Dustin was still catching his breath after hurrying upstairs.

    He motioned toward the meeting room and said in a low voice, "The esteemed guest is inside. Stay calm when you mor

    him."

    Aware of Dustin''s tendency to embellish, Colin didn''t take his warning seriously and simply responded, "Gora"

    He had encountered many supposed luminaries before.

    As he pushed open the meeting room door, Collin''s gazended on the man seated inside

    The man stood as soon as the door opened, and his gare settled on Collin. With a warm, friendly demeanor, he said, "So you''re the founder of CR Corporation. I''ve heard a lot about you. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

    Collin''s gaze flickered as he studied the man. There was something familiar about him. It felt like he had seen him

    somewhere before, but he couldn''t quite ce where.

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343 Jeffery Has A Younger Sister

    Dustin quickly stepped forward and introduced the man. "Boss, this is Jeffery Lawson I mentioned earlier."

    The Lawson family was once a name of prestige and influence.

    But more than twenty years ago, a major incident had shaken their foundation. From that point on, they had faded from the public eye and rarely appeared under their family name.

    Collin greeted him with a polite smile. "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lawson. Your family has kept a low profile for years, never once engaging with anypany in town. So, what brings you here today?"

    With a subtle yet sincere smile, Jeffery answered, "I''m here to discuss a potential coboration."

    Collin recognized Jeffery''s sincerity and gestured toward the seats. "Please, have a seat, Mr. Lawson."

    Once everyone was seated, the conversation began.

    Jeffery wasted no time and went straight to the point. "I''ve heard that your medical division has developed a

    groundbreaking drug for heart disease. Is that true?"

    CR Corporation had expanded into multiple industries over the years, but its medical division was particrly known for

    pushing the boundaries of innovation.

    Collin had personally invested substantial resources into heart disease research, driven by one reason above all-lvy''s

    condition.

    CR Corporation had indeed recently developed a specialized drug for treating heart disease.

    Jeffery''s knowledge of such details was hardly surprising, given the Lawson family''s vastwork.

    "Yes, that''s correct.," Collin answered without hesitation.

    A flicker of relief crossed Jeffery''s face. "I urge you to fast-track the development

    of this project. I''m willing to invest

    whatever it takes."

    Collin had no reason to turn down such a significant offer.

    A partnership with the Lawson family would be a major advantage for CR Corporation.

    It would also help ease the pressure frompetitors like the Green Group.

    With both parties in agreement, the discussion moved along seamlessly. They worked through the finer details of their

    partnership, and before long, the contract was signed, sealing the deal.

    It wasn''t until Jeffery had left that Dustin finally let out his pent-up excitement.

    "Collin, do you believe me now? I told you this was a big deal!" Dustin clicked his tongue in satisfaction. "This time, it''s all

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    Chapter 343 Jeffery Has A Younger Sister

    thanks to me. We just secured a partnership with the Lawson family. As the mastermind behind the scenes, you owe 168 a big thank-you!"

    "Of course. You''ll get what''s due to you," Collin responded, his eyebrows raised in amusement. He paused for a brief moment, then asked, "By the way, how did youe across Jeffery?"

    After all, a coboration with the Lawson family was no small feat.

    Dustin shot Collin a knowing look and seized the chance to tease him. "You''ve been buried in work for years, andtely, it''s all about your wife. You haven''t exactly kept up with thetest gossip."

    Collin returned his gaze steadily. "Get to the point"

    Dustin smirked but didn''t push further. "Jeffery has a younger sister. She''s been doted on since the day she was born. Unfortunately, she has a congenital heart condition. As her brother, Jeffery would do anything to find a cure for her." Rmended for you

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 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344 He Resembles Linsey A Little

    Dustin stroked his chin, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Jeffery''s quite the looker. Almost as much as me. That family must

    have some strong genes. I can''t wait to see his sister. Bet she''s a stunner. What do you think, Collin?"

    Collin barely spared him a nce. "I''m not interested in other women."

    Dustin let out a chuckle and shook his head. "Oh, I knew it. Your heart belongs only to your dear wife.¡±

    At the mention of Linsey, Collin''s expression softened into a quiet smile. Then, as if a thought struck him, he frowned.

    He ced a hand on Dustin''s shoulder. "Now that I think about it, when I saw Jeffery earlier, something about him felt familiar. He resembles Linsey a little, especially the eyes."

    Dustin blinked in surprise and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The more he considered it, the more intriguing it became.

    "You''re right! Now that you mention it, there is a resemnce. Their eyes are nearly identical!" He shot Collin a yful

    look and continued, "Linsey was raised in an orphanage. What if she''s the Lawson family''s long-lost illegitimate daughter? I mean, how else do you exin the simrity?"

    Collin remained unconvinced. "You''re letting your imagination run wild again. We both know that Cruz and his wife have

    always been devoted to each other. There''s no way he have a child with another woman."

    He let the words settle before fixing Dustin with a steady look. "We just sealed a deal with the Lawson family. Watch what

    you say. Thest thing we need is trouble."

    Dustin''s expression turned serious, and he fell silent. His words had been nothing more than a joke. Even if he wanted to, he wouldn''t dare say them in front of Jeffery.

    They let the topic drop.

    "All right. Let''s focus on our coboration with the Lawson family," said Collin.

    Dustin nodded and brushed aside the earlier conversation.

    Collin didn''t dwell on it either.

    After all, the world was full of look-alikes.

    The resemnce between Linsey and Jeffery could very well be just a

    coincidence.

    Maybe Jeffery simply took after his sister more.

    And everyone in Grester knew the Lawsons had only two children-Jeffery and his sister.

    There was no long-lost child.

    Linsey had nothing to do with the Lawson family.

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    14:42

    Chapter 944 the Resembles Linsey A Little

    Ateanwhile, Linsey returned to herpany, clutching Gorman''s wedding dress sketches. Once inside, she immediately focused on bringing them to life.

    Each sketch was intricate. The details were delicate and required careful attention.

    Once she finalized the design, she intended to use the exquisite materials Gorman had provided to craft the actual wedding

    gown

    Linsey worked diligently until the end of the day.

    Just then, her phone rang. An unfamiliar number shed on the screen.

    Keeping her eyes fixed on the sketches, Linsey answered the call. "Hello?"

    "Linsey, are you still busy at work? Are you free tonight? If you are, could you drop by Ivy''s? We need to discuss the

    arrangements for her birthday party."

    "Absolutely, Fernanda," Linsey replied without hesitation. "I''ll head over right after work."

    Havingmitted herself to helping with the preparations, Linsey was determined to fulfill her role with care.

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345 You Must Be Mistaken!

    After work, Linsey swung by Vista Vi to pick up the bodyguard Collin had assigned to her.

    As Linsey arrived at Ivy''s residence, Fernanda stepped out with a bright smile, her enthusiasm almost overbearing

    "Linsey, you''ve arrived." Fernanda reached forward as if to take Linsey''s hand, but before she could, a tall, imposing bodyguard moved swiftly between them, blocking her path.

    "Mrs. Riley." His voice was calm but firm.

    Fernanda''s smile wavered, a flicker of displeasure shing in her eyes.

    Even a bodyguard dared to stand in her way now.

    Collin was getting bolder by the day.

    A flicker of resentment darkened Fernanda''s gaze.

    If she wanted her n to go smoothly, this bodyguard needed to be dealt with.

    "Linsey, bringing protection like this-so cautious," Fernanda said. "I only invited you to talk about the birthday banquet, not to hurt you."

    She then changed the topic and smiled warmly. "You probably haven''t eaten yet. The kitchen''s already prepared something Why don''t we sit down for a meal?"

    Linsey''s voice stayed cool. "That won''t be necessary, Fernanda. Let''s get straight to the point. The sooner we''re done, the sooner I can go home and rest."

    Fernanda hesitated before forcing a pleasant smile. "Why the rush? There''s plenty of space here-you could stay the night."

    Linsey let out a soft, knowingugh. "Collin and I just got married. We''re still in our honeymoon phase. I can''t exactly spend the night away, can I? I''m sure you, of all people, would understand."

    Fernanda''s smile stiffened. Her n had fallen through, but she had no choice but to go along with it.

    As Fernanda led Linsey into the living room, she wore a warm smile. "You have

    an impable eye for design. I trust you''ll make Ivy''s birthday banquet unforgettable."

    She gestured to a nearby servant. "Bring Linsey some coffee."

    At the same time, a subtle flicker in her eyes sent an unspokenmand.

    The servant bowed and stepped away.

    The bodyguard behind Linsey caught the exchange. His gaze sharpened, tracking the servant''s movements.

    0.0%

    CHAN $48 You: Ahost the Abietateni

    Without hesitation, he followed one sharp nce confirmed his suspicion the servant was tampering with the coffee

    "What we you think you''re doing? His voice was ice-cold this grip was swift and firm as he caught her wrist

    The servant yelped started. She quickly masked her panic, forcing a confused expression. "What are you talking about? Fm

    Just making coffee

    Themotion immediately drew Linsey and Fernanda''s attention.

    Fernanda''s tone turned sharp "What''s going on?"

    Linsey''s pulse quickened, her expression darkening

    Collin had personally assigned this bodyguard to ensure her safety, and Linsey had no reason to doubt him.

    The moment he grabbed the servant''s wrist, a warning prickled at the back of her mind. Something was off.

    And she was right. The bodyguard turned to Linsey, his voice calm but firm. "Mrs. Riley, I just saw this servant add

    something to your coffee. It looked highly suspicious."

    Linsey shot up from her seat. "What?"

    Fernanda gasped, her expression a mask of disbelief. "That''s absurd! My servants would never do such a thing. You must

    be mistaken!"

    The bodyguard didn''t flinch. "I know what I saw."

    With a swift twist of the servant''s wrist, he forced her fingers open.

    A tiny object slipped from her grasp, hitting the floor with a soft clink.

 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346 Did Fernanda Give You Any Trouble

    Quick to act, Linsey moved forward and retrieved the object.

    Upon examining it more closely, she paused, uncertainty flickering across her face.

    "It appears to be a sugar packet," she said.

    Her bodyguard knit his brows, growing more suspicious.

    Could this really be what it seemed?

    Fernanda offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Yeah, it''s just sugar. I prefer my coffee sweet."

    After a brief pause and a deep sigh, Fernanda''s eyes met Linsey''s, filled with a hint of sadness. "I''m truly trying to reconcile with you, Linsey, but it feels like you''re always on the defensive."

    Before Linsey had the chance to reply, Fernanda cast a stern nce towards her aide. "While I get why you might distrust me, it''s unfair to let your bodyguard hurt my servant."

    The bodyguard quickly released the servant''s wrist, his face clouding over with frustration.

    At that moment, the servant winced in pain and addressed Fernanda, "Mrs. Riley, I''m alright..."

    As she noticed the swelling on the servant''s wrist, guilt washed over Linsey. "Please forgive us; it was all a misunderstanding," Linsey said sincerely.

    With a forgiving smile, Fernanda dismissed the concern. "Think nothing of it."

    She gestured for someone to assist the servant with her injury.

    Afterward, Fernanda gracefully brought a cup of coffee to the sofa.

    ''Linsey, you really don''t need to be so guarded around me."

    With a serene smile, she added, "Collin is well aware that I invited you tonight. Anything untoward happening to you would clearly implicate me.¡±

    insey felt slightly awkward.

    fer wariness towards Fernanda wasn''t unfounded, given the historical animosity between the Riley family and her own.

    The threat they posed had almost resulted in serious injury to her.

    No one in her shoes would easily lower their defenses.

    I get what you''re saying, Fernanda," Linsey said, her voice soft as she pursed her lips.

    .0%

    Chapter 346 Did Ternanda Give You Any Trouble

    Following this, she and Fernanda nned the details for the forting birthday celebration.

    The rest of Linsey''s visit passed without incident.

    Under the cover of night, Linsey made her way back to Vista Vi.

    At the entrance, Collin was there to greet her. "Everything okay? Did Fernanda give you any trouble?"

    Approaching him, Linsey inteced her fingers with his.

    "Not really," she replied, her voice uncertain, betraying a hint of doubt.

    Collin noticed her unease and his expression grew concerned. "Is something bothering you?"

    As they stepped inside, Linsey shared the details of the evening''s events at Ivy''s home.

    She lowered her voice, saying. "It was probably because you had instructed your bodyguard to stay alert. His heightened vignce might have led to the misunderstanding."

    After a brief pause, Linsey continued, "I''m not ming you or him, though. I appreciate how you and your bodyguard looks out for me. I just hope we can avoid any unnecessary conflicts."

    She let out a soft sigh and then continued, "With Ivy''s birthday party approaching,

    it would upset her to see us at odds with your family."

    Upon hearing her words, Collin was deeply moved.

    No matter what, she always thought about others.

    ie held her hand a little tighter and said softly, "When ites to your safety, it''s always better to be too careful than to ake a risk."

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347 You Have A

    Keen Nose

    Linsey chuckled softly at Collin''s words.

    Collin''s voice remained steady. "Since you brought it up, I''ll make it official. From now on, that bodyguard will stay back and only intervene when you give the word."

    Linsey found the arrangement reasonable and nodded. "Sounds good.".

    She leaned in, her cheek brushing against his as she whispered, "You spoil me, you know that?"

    Over the next few days, Linsey made frequent trips to Ivy''s ce, helping Fernanda fine-tune the details for the birthday

    banquet.

    Everything wasing together smoothly.

    That afternoon, Fernanda called. "Linsey, the hotel just reached out. The venue is fully set up. Let''s go take a look."

    "Sure," Linsey agreed, her voice steady.

    Momentster, she arrived at the hotel with her bodyguard.

    At the entrance to the banquet hall, Linsey turned to the bodyguard. "Wait here. I''ll be back in a minute."

    "Yes, Mrs. Riley," the bodyguard replied with a nod, staying behind as Linsey stepped inside.

    As soon as she entered, Linsey spotted Fernanda nearby.

    "Mrs. Riley, is there anything you''d like to change? We can make adjustments right away," the hotel manager said to Fernanda, his voiceced with politeness. Linsey strode over. "Fernanda."

    Fernanda greeted her with a warm smile, looping her arm through Linsey''s. "Take a look-what do you think?"

    Linsey''s gaze swept across the hall. "It looks good at first nce, but I''ll need to take a closer look."

    Noticing Fernanda''s unusually affectionate tone, the hotel manager hesitated before cautiously asking, "And you are..."

    Fernanda''s smile remained steady. "This is my eldest son''s wife, Linsey. She''s overseeing all the arrangements for Ivy''s

    birthday banquet."

    The manager''s expression brightened. With a deep bow, he greeted Linsey with respect. "Ah, Mrs. Riley! It''s a pleasure to meet you. I''m Clint Figueroa, the manager of Glory Hotel. Please, feel free to call me Clint."

    With that, Clint gestured for them to follow. "Allow me to walk you through the setup."

    0.0%

    14:44

    La seged thing with a curele, treing suggestions where necessary.

    Cine nodded enchusasteily at each of her remarks. Of course, Mrs. Riley We''ll implement these changes immediately to

    eisure setting is perfect the the event."

    Though Linery was entry ustomed to the manager''s excessive ttery, she chose to let it go.

    haly, One led them to a guest lounge.

    gee stroked these lounges with everything your guests might need. Should anyone feel overwhelmed or perhaps a little se per they have afretable ce to rx

    Disy scanned the room, then paused her eyes narrowing as she inhaled deeply "I smell something unusual."

    Cure let out a softugh, dearly pleased 3 you have a teen nose. We''ve set up aromatherapy to help our guests unwind

    and create a calming atmosphere"

    de he spoke, he elegantly poured two cups of coffee, offering them with a courteous smile.

    As is a premium, imported bend-smooth, rich, and aromate. Please, do try it.

    We''ll be serving it in every lounge."

    sey took the cup with a polte ned. "Thank you"

    She lifted the cup to her lips, taking a small sip, then hesitated.

    Imported coffee

    Nothing about it stood out if anything, it had a faintly sour aftertaste.

    Just as she was about to inquire, Fermanda''s sudden, startled cry interrupted her

    thoughts

 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348 Make Sure You Keep Quiet About Tonight

    As Linsey nced over, she noticed Clint''s grip faltering. The coffee cascaded onto Fernanda''s outfit, creating a noticeable

    stain.

    Startled, Clint eximed, "Oh, Mrs. Riley, this is all my fault! Please ept my deepest apologies!"

    With a sigh, Fernanda responded, "That''s fine, just help me clean this up."

    Turning to Linsey, she instructed, "Stay here, Linsey. I''ll be back shortly."

    "Okay." Linsey simply nodded, her mind elsewhere.

    Once they left, Linsey chose not to continue drinking her coffee but instead took

    the opportunity to scrutinize the lounge''s borate decor.

    The sess of Ivy''s birthday celebration hinged on wless details.

    But as she surveyed the room, Linsey sensed that something was amiss.

    She cleared her throat, suddenly feeling an inexplicable dryness in her mouth.

    Dizziness began to cloud her thoughts...

    Her brow creased with concern.

    She quickly realized something was terribly wrong.

    Piecing together the evening''s events, she felt a surge of apprehension.

    She hastened towards the exit.

    To her dismay, she discovered the lounge door was locked!

    Her eyes widened in shock.

    It must be Fernanda''s doing!

    In frustration, Linsey attempted to open the locked door.

    It remained firmly shut....

    Meanwhile, Fernanda and Clint had moved some distance away.

    Fernanda, now in a fresh outfit,mented the loss of her designer suit used as a diversion to mislead Linsey.

    With a stern look, Fernanda halted and instructed Clint, "You may leave now. Make sure you keep quiet about tonight. You''ll bepensated, don''t worry."

    0.0%

    .Make Susy You Keep Quet About Tonight

    Chat regsundest with a grin. Of course, Mix Riley Don''t worry, I won''t say a word."

    Even when Clint was alone, Fernanda still telt annoyed due to her ruined attire.

    coffee stains had marred it irreparably

    This was all Linsey''s fault!

    Frustration colored Fernanda''s mood.

    Yet, recalling Linsey confined to the lounge brought a sense of victory

    Her recent efforts to disarm Linsey hadn''t been futile after all.

    Fernanda knew too well: a heart too tender made for easy prey.

    With a sly grin, she muttered, "Linsey should be trapped by now. Whates next..."

    Her lips twisted into a scornful sneer.

    Gorman wanted Linsey to divorce Collin so he could have her.

    But in Fernanda''s eyes, Gorman couldn''t possibly truly like Linsey.

    To Fernanda, Gorman''s interest was purely physical, and he only wanted to sleep with her.

    With the stage perfectly set, there was no chance Gorman would miss this opportunity.

    Securing Linsey would ensure Gorman upheld his end of the bargain-to free her

    son.

    At that moment, her thoughts drifted to Collin, oblivious to the unfolding betrayal. "Poor Collin, utterly clueless that his beloved wife would end up with another man."

    Fernanda didn''t care about Collin at all, nor was she afraid of any consequences.

    After all, what could a powerless cripple like Collin do against the influential Gorman?

    Emboldened by her thoughts, Fernanda''s confidence soared.

    She then took out her phone and sent a message to Gorman.

    "Mr. Green, all is in ce. Linsey awaits you at the Glory Hotel, lounge 3093."

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350 Are You Questioning My Abilities

    Fernanda lingered by the lounge door, her eyes darting over every corner. She couldn''t shake the worry that Linsey might slip away unnoticed.

    After a moment''s hesitation, Fernanda summoned a hotel attendant, slipping him some cash.

    "Head outside the banquet hall," Fernanda directed. "Look for a man in ck with a scar on his face. Tell him Linsey''s

    dress got ruined by coffee and ask him to run to the mall and get a recement."

    The attendant nodded, his face nk. "Understood."

    The excuse would buy her time, enough to pull the bodyguard away, at least for a while.

    By the time the bodyguard caught on and came back, Gorman would probably have had his way with Linsey.

    Sure enough, once Collin''s bodyguard was distracted, it wasn''t long before Gorman appeared.

    The moment he caught sight of Fernanda, he approached quickly, his voice filled with urgency. "Have you seen Linsey?"

    Fernanda''s eyes narrowed at his impatience, a flicker of disdain creeping up.

    What was so captivating about Linsey?

    How did she manage to capture both Collin''s and Gorman''s attention sopletely?

    She was like a siren, weaving her spell on every man she met.

    Fernanda silently judged her, but her smile remained sweet, a mask of politeness.

    She gestured toward the lounge, her finger tracing an arc in the air as she whispered to Gorman, "Mr. Green, I''ve got a little

    surprise waiting for you. I hope you''ll enjoy it."

    With that, Fernanda gave him a knowing smile and added, "But I wonder... once it''s all said and done, will you really keep

    your word and free Huntley?"

    Gorman, assuming she was talking about arranging a meeting with Linsey, chuckled, his toneid-back. "Are you questioning my abilities?"

    "No, no, of course not," Fernanda quickly reassured him, her voice dripping with praise. "Mr. Green, your influence

    stretches across all of Grester. Whatever you wish to do is naturally within your reach."

    She shed him another smile and continued, "Don''t worry about meeting Linsey. I''ve taken care of everything. No one will get in your way, and I''m sure you''ll be pleased."

    After speaking, Fernanda turned and walked away, not bothering to linger.

    Now, all she had to do was wait for Gorman to seed and keep his promise.

    0.0%

    14:44

    Maybe, when the time was right, she could even bring that worthless man, Collin, into the mix...

    The thought of Collin''s reaction when he found out his beloved wife had been unfaithful made her smile.

    Once Fernanda was gone, Gorman felt a sudden wave of nervousness.

    His eyes locked on the door of the lounge, his heartbeat quickening

    All his efforts over the past few days hadn''t been for nothing-Linsey was finally ready toe back to him and start over.

    Gorman couldn''t stop the excitement bubbling inside him. As long as Linsey was willing to be with him, he would cherish

    her and make her the happiest woman alive.

    But in that moment, his emotions began to swirl uncontrobly.

    He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and slowly pushed open the lounge door.

    To his surprise, the room was pitch ck-not at all the kind of ce where someone would be waiting

    Gorman''s brow furrowed in confusion as he stepped inside.

    Could Fernanda be ying games with him?

    "The audacity!"

    The excitement in Gorman''s eyes quickly morphed into a sharp, menacing re.

    Just as anger began to surge, a strange scent floated through the air.

    In an instant, he recognized it-a potent aphrodisiac, unmistakable in its intensity.

    Years of surviving assassination attempts and devious traps had taught him to recognize such tactics quickly.

    It didn''t take him long to connect the dots.

    Was this the "surprise" Fernanda had hinted at?

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351 I''m So Disappointed, Gorman

    Fernanda imed she could handle Linsey, yet she resorted to drugging her? The audacity was shocking.

    Gorman''s mood was darkening by the minute.

    As a man of power and influence, he had countless of ways to get a woman.

    However, Linsey was different. She had once saved his life, making it imperative for him to ensure her safety above all.

    A shadowy figure caught his eye on the sofa.

    "Linsey?" he called out.

    Believing it to be Linsey, he hurried over to check

    But within moments, the sound of rapid footsteps broke the silence

    In an instant, someone attacked from behind

    With swift reflexes, Gorman turned around, seizing the attacker''s wrist, poised to counterattack.

    A sharp yelp of pain halted his actions. "Linsey! Is that you?"

    With a silent re, Linsey fixed her eyes on Gorman.

    Her face was red and she breathed heavily.

    She struggled to maintain herposure, fighting the rising heat within, determined to resist the drug''s overpowering

    effects.

    Realizing she had been drugged, Linsey suspected Fernanda would soon send

    someone.

    Cleverly, she ced a pillow on the sofa to look like someone was resting, while she hid in a corner, gripping a knife, ready to strike.

    Her n was to attack anyone who approached the sofa.

    However, her frail condition slowed her down, leading to her swift capture.

    "Gorman, you bastard!" Linsey''s voice was rough with anger.

    It turned out Gorman was the mastermind!

    Lately, he had been quiet, leading her to believe his fianc¨¦e had influenced him positively.

    Unexpectedly, he had been conspiring with Fernanda to undermine her all along! The more she pondered over his betrayal, the fiercer her anger grew. "You won''t get away with this!"

    20.0%

    02:31

    With a fierce grip, she thrust the fruit knife toward Gorman again, unyielding in her determination.

    "Please, Linsey, try to stay calm!" Gorman''s quick reflexes came into y as he caught her hand, effortlessly stopping the

    knife from reaching him.

    The sight of Linsey''s tear-filled eyes and her anguished face stirred a deep pain within him.

    Fernanda, that damned fool!

    He had said he wanted to be with Linsey, but not by using such deceitful tactics.

    Gorman believed in winning a woman''s heart genuinely, ensuring she came to him willingly.

    His strong hand held her wrist gently, careful not to cause pain.

    "You''ve got it all wrong, Linsey. I didn''t drug you."

    "Back off! I''ve had enough of your lies!" Linsey''s voice was fraught with emotion. She knew she had to fight back with all

    her might, or it would be toote.

    Her eyes burned with bitterness as she confronted him. "I''m so disappointed, Gorman. After I saved your life, this is how

    you repay me?"

    A wave of remorse washed over Gorman. His face grew solemn as he insisted, "I swear, I didn''t..."

    Then, a faint scent of blood mingled with the scent caught his attention.

    He paused, quickly seeing the blood seeping from her palm.

    His heart skipped a beat, and he immediately took her hand, disregarding the knife still in her grasp.

    "Linsey, you''re injured! We need to take care of this right away," Gorman said, concern etching his features.

 Chapter 352

    Chapter 352 Please, Calm

    Down!

    Startled, Linsey quickly yanked the knife from Gorman''s shoulder and stepped back, her heart pounding in her chest.

    Soon after, the wound on Gorman''s shoulder worsened, bleeding more freely.

    Panic washed over Linsey''s features as her eyes widened.

    She had hurt someone...

    With this awareness, her grip on the fruit knife faltered, and a slight tremor ran through her hand.

    Drops of bright red blood fell from the knife''s sharp tip, tracing a trembling path downward.

    Tension gripped Linsey, she struggled to swallow, her breaths sharp and shallow, frozen in ce.

    Yet, to defend herself, she summoned a shaky calm and through clenched teeth, she warned firmly, "Gorman, let me go

    now, or it won''t end with your shoulder."

    Her fingers tightened around the knife''s handle again.

    Gorman, pale from blood loss, managed a weak smile, his eyes still soft.

    "Linsey, I''ll let you go, of course. But we need to tend to your hand first; I can''t rx otherwise."

    Linsey couldn''t hear him at this moment.

    To her, it seemed Gorman was merely finding excuses to detain her.

    "Cut the crap!" Linsey shouted hoarsely.

    Gorman maintained his steady gaze, then unexpectedly moved toward her.

    Linsey''s heart began to race wildly.

    Her gaze dropped to the still-bleeding wound on Gorman''s shoulder, her expression torn with conflict.

    Suddenly, Linsey directed the knife toward her own neck with decisive resolve.

    Gorman''s face darkened instantly at her drastic move.

    This bold move effectively kept him at bay.

    "Linsey! Please, calm down!"

    Tension marked Gorman''s voice.

    A wave of relief washed over Linsey as she realized her threat had taken effect.

    "I''m not backing down, Gorman. You won''t win. I won''t betray Collin."

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    02:32

    Chapter 352 Please, Calm Down!

    Corman''s eyes shed with anger as he heard her words.

    How could Linsey devote herself to a man who couldn''t even walk?

    Jealousy and bitterness clouded Gorman''s face as his mood soured.

    He looked at her intently and asked softly, "Do you really need to reject me this harshly, Linsey?"

    An unsettling idea then flickered across Gorman''s mind.

    Would Linsey reconsider her feelings if he imed her tonight?

    This notion quickly took hold, growing uncontroble in his mind.

    Linsey noticed a menacing spark in Gorman''s eyes, sending a shiver of dread through her.

    At that moment, Linsey''s bodyguard returned from shopping at the mall.

    As he approached the banquet hall, a waiter, following Fernanda''s instructions, intercepted him.

    "Hand me the clothes, and I''ll ensure Linsey gets them."

    The bodyguard''s brow creased with suspicion.

    "No, it''s important that I deliver them directly to her."

    He brushed past the waiter without waiting for a reply.

    But as he approached the lounge, Fernanda''s people blocked his way, already prepared for his arrival.

    "Best not take matters into your own hands. Stay out of trouble," Fernanda warned coldly.

    The bodyguard''s gaze hardened. "I must speak with Linsey. Where is she?"

    With a sly grin, Fernanda responded, hinting at more than she said, "You''re eager

    to see Linsey? Are you sure she''s even

    avable to meet with you?"

    02:32

 Chapter 353

    Chapter 353 Sadly, You''re

    Too Late

    Linsey''s bodyguard looked troubled and firmly warned, "Think twice before you set up Mrs. Riley. Mr. Riley won''t take kindly to any mischief against her!"

    Fernanda responded with a mocking smile, "Oh, you think Collin is someone powerful? A useless cripple, nothing more. That''s what he is."

    Fernanda spoke each word slowly, adding, "Even if Collin appeared right this moment, it would make no difference to me."

    Suddenly, a chilling voice cut through. "Really?"

    Fernanda was startled when she heard the voice.

    Collin! How did he get here so quickly?

    Fernanda''s gaze shot upwards, shock and disbelief widening her eyes, her pupils shrinking in an instant.

    "You!"

    She stared nkly in the direction of Collin''s approach, momentarily questioning if it was a hallucination.

    Could it really be him?

    There he was, walking towards her, nked by towering bodyguards.

    He was not on his wheelchair. How was he able to walk?

    Fernanda couldn''t look away as he stopped right in front of her.

    "How can this be? Your legs..." Fernanda gasped, staring at Collin standing tall. "This is impossible. Absolutely impossible. The ident left you broken, the doctors said you''d never walk again..."

    In that moment, understanding dawned on Fernanda.

    A look of betrayal shed across her face as she realized the deception, shouting with newfound rity, "So this was your y! Pretending to be disabled all these years!"

    Meanwhile, Collin remained unmoved by Fernanda''s emotional usations.

    To protect his grandmother and others, he had pretended to be disabled all these years.

    Collin had vowed repeatedly, driven by his love for Linsey, to protect her no matter the cost.

    Revealing his secret would make Linsey a target, as she was his most evident vulnerability.

    Yet, he could no longer maintain the facade today.

    Linsey''s safety was at stake.

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    02:32

    Facing the upset Fernanda, Collin asked, his voice chilling, "Where''s Linsey?"

    He had returned to Vista Vi, expecting Linsey to join him for dinner as usual.

    He had waited for a long time, but there was no sign of Linsey, nor any calls or messages from her.

    A sense of unease grew when Collin found her phone switched off.

    His fears deepened about Linsey''s safety, prompting him to hasten his search. Fernanda''s actions only deepened his suspicions that Linsey was in trouble.

    "You still haven''t answered my question," Fernanda insisted, clearly dissatisfied.

    This wretched man had been pretending to be disabled all along.

    What was he truly after?

    Collin had no patience for Fernanda''s trivial banter.

    He coldly ordered, "Move aside!"

    The defiance in Collin''s eyes sparked a smug triumph in Fernanda as she taunted, "Collin, I see you''vee for Linsey Sadly, you''re toote."

    Her voice dripping with mockery, Fernanda continued, "Just so you know, your

    beloved wife is currently in another man'' embrace, and she..."

    She couldn''t finish her sentence, as Collin''s hand swiftly reached out and clenched tightly around her throat!

 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354 If You Don''t

    Talk, You Die

    Fernanda choked out a muffled groan, gasping for air.

    "Ah! L-let me go." She wheezed, her face gradually turning red.

    Collin''s eyes burned with fury, his murderous intent unmistakable. "Where is Linsey?" His voice was ice-cold, terrifying enough to send chills down her spine. "If you don''t talk, you die."

    Fear flooded Fernanda''s eyes.

    Looking at the sheer rage in Collin''s expression, she finally understood-he would kill her without hesitation.

    Panicked, she thrashed against his grip and blurted, "I''ll tell you! I''ll tell you everything!"

    Collin loosened his hold just enough for her to speak.

    "She''s... She''s in lounge 3093 upstairs..."

    The moment the words left her lips, Collin released her and rushed off without a second nce.

    Fernanda copsed to the floor, clutching her bruised throat, tears streaking down her face.

    Collin... He was a demon in human form.

    She watched him and his men disappear, the suffocating pressure of his presence still lingering in the air.

    Collin and his team reached the lounge and kicked the door open without hesitation.

    "Linsey!"

    The moment they stormed inside, a thick, overpowering fragrance filled the air. Collin''s expression darkened. The scent-it had an aphrodisiac effect.

    Realization struck him like lightning. No wonder Fernanda had said those things.

    Linsey had been drugged. This was a setup.

    His chest tightened with panic.

    Pushing forward, he scanned the room and immediately froze. Arge, stark bloodstain near the sofa caught his eye.

    His heart pounded violently,

    "Linsey!"

    His frantic voice echoed through the room as his gaze darted around in desperation.

    The fear wing at his chest was unbearable.

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    02:33

    Chapter 354 If You Don''t Talk, You Die

    A faint sound came from one direction.

    Collin turned sharply and rushed toward the bathroom. There, huddled in the corner, was Linsey.

    "Linsey!" His breath hitched, his heart squeezing at the sight of her.

    He strode over and crouched beside her, his gaze locked onto her trembling form.

    Blood-too much blood. Her clothes were stained with it, and worse, fresh crimson still dripped from her hand, clenched tightly around the handle of a knife.

    a wave

    A metallic tang filled the air, sending a wave of dread through him.

    His fingers trembled as he reached out and ced a hand on her shoulder.

    The moment she felt his touch, Linsey flinched violently.

    "Let go of me! Don''t touch me!" Her voice was raw,ced with terror, her entire body struggling instinctively.

    Collin felt as if a thousand needles were stabbing into his throat.

    He sucked in a breath, then spoke, his voice gentle yet firm. "Linsey, it''s me. I''m here."

    Upon hearing this, Linsey, who had been fighting so desperately, suddenly froze. Slowly, she lifted her head, her red, tear-filled eyes locking onto his.

    "Collin?" She hesitated, her gaze dazed, as if she couldn''t trust what she was seeing.

    But the moment reality sank in, she let the knife slip from her fingers and threw herself into Collin''s arms, sobbing uncontrobly.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355 We''re Going To The Hospital Now!

    "Collin, you''re finally here!" Linsey''s voice trembled with relief, her eyes wide with lingering fear. "I was so scared....I

    thought I''d never see you again... Oh, Collin, I''m so d you''re here."

    Collin wrapped his arms around her shivering form, his gaze shadowed by a torrent of sorrow.

    "I''m so sorry I wasn''t here sooner," he murmured, his voice a soft caress against

    her ear.

    He tenderly brushed a stray lock of hair from Linsey''s forehead. "I should have been here," he remarked, his toneced

    with guilt.

    Linsey clung to him, her tears silent but persistent, soaking the cor of his shirt.

    Collin shifted slightly, his concern palpable as he noticed her clenched fist. "Linsey, what happened to your hand?"

    Her grip tightened, her voice rough with despair. "I was drugged... I had to stay awake. I cut my palm with a knife to keep

    from passing out."

    Rage red in Collin''s eyes; he wished he could tear Fernanda to bits.

    He regretted ever letting Linsey get involved with Fernanda''s birthday preparations.

    But regrets had to wait-Linsey needed him now, more than ever.

    "Hold on, Linsey. We''re getting you to a hospital right now," he said.

    With a surge of protective urgency, Collin lifted her in his arms and strode swiftly out of the lounge.

    Linsey leaned weakly against Collin, the familiar scent of him weaving through her senses, soothing her frayed nerves. Her eyelids fluttered gently, her voice a fragile whisper. "Collin..."

    His name escaped her lips, wrapping her in a nket of safety.

    Collin''s brow furrowed deeply as he looked down at her, his concern mounting when he saw her pupils start to dte.

    "Linsey, stay with me! We''re going to the hospital now!" he insisted, his voiceced with urgency.

    Despite her efforts, Linsey''s exhaustion deepened, her eyelids growing unbearably heavy.

    Resistance fading, she sumbed to the darkness, slipping into unconsciousness.

    Her thoughts swirled into a fog, obscuring the surprising fact that Collin, usually bound to his wheelchair, was now walking with firm, urgent steps.

    Right now, exnations would have to wait-keeping Linsey safe was his only priority.

    Holding her protectively, Collin hastened through the opulent lower corridors of the banquet hall.

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    02:33

    Chapter 355 We''re Going To The Hospital Now!

    As they maneuvered past, he noted fernanda and her cronies, now subdued and secured by his men, their schemes

    thwarted.

    When Fernanda saw Collin stride in with the unconscious Linsey in his arms, her disbelief was palpable.

    Her eyes darted to Linsey''s attire, scrutinizing every inch.

    Despite the blood stains smearing her clothes, there were no signs of disarray or removal.

    "You got her back so fast?" Fernanda scoffed, bitterness dripping from her voice. "What, did Mr. Green not put up a fight?"

    What the hell?

    Wasn''t Gorman dying to get his hands on Linsey?

    Fernanda herself had delivered Linsey, drugged and vulnerable, straight into Gorman''s hands.

    Any man, driven by base desires, would have seized

    How could his ns have crumbled?

    e opportunity,

    "Mr. Green?" Collin''s voice was low, dangerous. "Which Mr. Green are you referring to?"

    Fernanda''sugh was cold, scornful. "Who else but Gorman Green?"

    A shadow fell over Collin''s features, his brow furrowing in a stormy frown.

    The night''s twisted events were indeed tracing back to Gorman.

    A troubling thought crossed his mind-did Gorman know that he was the elusive founder of CR Corporation?

    Unperturbed by Collin''s mounting anger, Fernanda taunted him further. "Collin, don''t fool yourself into thinking it''s all

    good because you saved Linsey today. Gorman isn''t ying around-he wants her, and he''s not afraid to do whatever it

    takes to get her. And with the Green family''s clout in town, Linsey doesn''t stand a chance of getting away."

    100.0%

 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356 Gorman Has Started Targeting Linsey

    Fernanda paused, then sneered at Collin, eyeing his perfectly healthy legs with

    scorn.

    "You think just because you''re not a cripple means you can outmaneuver Gorman? Capturing me changes nothing. Just wait until Gorman steal Linsey

    from you!"

    Herughter then echoed wildly around them.

    Collin''s expression hardened as he tightened his hold on Linsey. He turned to his assistant and instructed, "Escort her back

    for an intensive interrogation."

    "Understood," the assistant responded, nodding respectfully.

    At the assistant''s gesture, the bodyguards hastened to lift Fernanda, preparing to take her out.

    Interrogation?

    Fear surged through Fernanda as she cried out, "Collin! How can you treat me like this? I''m your stepmother! How can you

    treat me this way? Won''t your father have something to say about this? And don''t forget Ivy-she won''t take kindly to this

    either!"

    Collin had once endured Fernanda and Huntley''s antics for the sake of family peace.

    Their petty tricks and constant insults had been ignored.

    However, their persistent targeting of Linsey was too much for him to bear.

    They had tantly vited his ultimate limit.

    Thus, Collin''s patience had worn thin.

    "Consider how you''ll justify tonight''s events," Collin said in a frosty tone.

    With a discreet nod, he signaled his assistant to remove Fernanda at once. Later, at a private hospital, Dominic burst through the doors, agitated by the unfolding events.

    His expression turned cold when he saw Collin approaching with Linsey in his

    arms.

    "Have you lost your senses?" Dominic eyed Collin''s legs. "Isn''t it risky for you to wander around so openly?"

    While Dominic was gripped by panic, Collin''s attention was solely on Linsey, cradled unconscious in his arms.

    "Gorman has started targeting Linsey," Collin said, his expression dark.

    As he mentioned Gorman, a surge of anger clouded his face.

    It was only then that Dominic noticed Linsey, his shock clear at the sight of her blood-soaked clothes.

    0.0%

    02.22

    Chap 33 Goman Has Started Targeting Linsey

    What in the world happened to Linsey?" Dominic eximed.

    Charly, the urgency of the situation had made Collin abandon his usual caution.

    What did he just say?

    Was it Gorman who harmed Linsey?

    Dominic''s face mirrored his disbelief. "Gorman did this?"

    Looking earnestly at Collin, Dominic questioned, "Has he discovered who you really are?"

    Without responding, Collin proceeded into Dominic''s office, Linsey still in his

    arms.

    "There''s no time to discuss this right now. Linsey''s been drugged, and she needs immediate detoxification. She''s also got a wound on her hand that I managed to clean, but it''s still dirty and might be infected. You need to bandage it quickly."

    Dominic entered behind him, shutting the door with caution.

    It was evident that Collin only grew talkative when discussing Linsey.

    Normally, he was a man of few words.

    "Got it!" Aware of Collin''s growing impatience, which could soon turn to anger, Dominic quickly grabbed the medical supplies needed to tend to Linsey.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357 She''s Truly Extraordinary

    "What the hell happened to give Linsey such a deep wound on her palm? That son of a bitch Gorman! He''s a total asshole -truly the scum of the earth!" Dominic clenched his fists, his voice dripping with fury.

    Collin lingered in the silence, his wordsing out in a quiet, almost haunting tone. ¡°Linsey was drugged. She sliced her palm with a knife just to keep herself conscious."

    Dominic''s eyes widened in shock as he heard this.

    As he absorbed the gravity of Linsey''s actions, his respect for her grew immensely.

    She was clearly no ordinary woman!

    After running a blood test on Linsey, Dominic exhaled a long sigh of relief when he reviewed the results.

    "Thankfully, the drug''s toxins havergely cleared from her system. It must have required unbelievable fortitude to fight through this," he remarked, his voiceden with admiration.

    Handing the report to Collin, Dominic added slowly, "She''s truly extraordinary. Most people wouldn''t have had the strength

    to endure such an ordeal."

    Collin epted the report, his expression a mix of pain and regret as he gazed at Linsey.

    He had vowed to protect her, to shield her from harm, yet here she was, getting injured again.

    The reality struck with a ruthless force, leaving a bitter ache behind.

    As he looked at Linsey lying on the hospital bed, her eyes clenched shut and herplexion ghostly pale, Collin''s heart ached with a fierce desire to swap ces and bear the agony on her behalf.

    After Linsey''s examination concluded, she was relocated to a quiet, private hospital room.

    Collin remained glued to her bedside, refusing to leave her side for even a second.

    He watched intently as the pallor of her face faded away, reced by a gradual flush of life, eager not to miss the moment her eyes fluttered open.

    As the hours slipped by unmarked, his assistant materialized at the door of the hospital room, breaking the silence with a

    low urgency.

    "Mr. Riley, I have urgent news."

    Casting one lingering look at Linsey, Collin stepped outside, his movements deliberate and gentle to avoid disturbing her peaceful slumber.

    He softly clicked the door shut behind him. "What''s the situation?" he inquired, his voice a controlled calm.

    He hadmanded that Fernanda be detained and interrogated to unearth the events of that fateful night.

    "Fernanda finally let it all out, confessing everyst detail," the assistant informed him. "Apparently, Gorman''s interest in your wife has morphed into something disturbingly obsessive. He went to Fernanda a few days back, promising to free Huntley if she helped him in sowing discord between you and your wife, hoping it would lead to a divorce."

    The assistant paused, the weight of the next revtion hanging in the air. "However, it seems Gorman is still in the dark

    about who you really are."

    Fernanda''s confession painted a clear picture¨CGorman thought Linsey would be his for the taking, believing Collin was

    nothing more than the crippled failure Grester''s rumors made him out to be.

    A deep crease formed on Collin''s brow. "If he''s not after Linsey because of me, then what''s his deal?"

    In a sudden burst of realization, the assistant gasped, breaking the tense silence. "Mr. Riley, could it be that the woman

    Gorman has been tirelessly seeking... is your wife? His obsession has been unyielding, and if she''s the one, he won''t back

    down easily."

    Collin''s expression grew stormier, the pieces of the puzzle clicking into ce in the most unsettling way.

    It turned out Linsey was the exact woman Gorman had been looking for all this time.

    "I don''t care what it takes-I''m gonna make that bastard Gorman pay for every damn thing he''s done!" Collin dered

    firmly.

    Other things could burn for all he cared.

    Linsey''s safety was the only thing on his mind.

    As time slipped by, Linsey was violently torn from the grip of a horrifying nightmare.

    Her eyes snapped open, the dted pupils quivering as they struggled to adjust.

    After a breathless moment, her gaze finally steadied on the stark white ceiling above.

    Confusion clouded her mind, her pulse racing. Where on earth was she?

    02:33

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358 It''s Gorman

    A wave of confusion washed over Linsey, quickly followed by an overwhelming

    sense of fear-the kind that only the

    unknown could bring.

    Her lips trembled as she whispered, barely audible, "Collin..."

    Since she had just emerged from a long, dark blur of unconsciousness, her voice was fragile, like a breath caught in the

    wind.

    Yet, even from the doorway, Collin heard the faintest sound.

    Without a second thought, he rushed to her side. "Linsey."

    As he reached her bedside and saw she was conscious, a spark of joy flickered in his eyes-fleeting but unmistakable.

    "Collin!"

    Linsey''s eyes filled with tears. Without a second thought, she stretched her arms toward him, craving his touch, his

    Collin didn''t hesitate. His strong hands gently lifted her, pulling her into his arms. The moment she settled against him, quiet sobs escaped her, breaking free.

    It was only in his embrace that Linsey finally allowed herself to release the fear she had been holding in for so long.

    "Collin, I was so frightened... honestly, I was terrified!" Her voice cracked, the sobs making her words barely audible.

    But Collin understood her in ways words couldn''t capture.

    His gaze softened as he lowered it, his hand moving tenderly over her fragile back, his warmth a quietfort. "Don''t be

    scared. I''m here. It''s all over now. You''re safe with me."

    Each of Linsey''s broken sobs pierced Collin''s heart-sharp and unrelenting, like a thousand tiny daggers.

    He pulled her in tighter, unwilling to let her go.

    Slowly, the storm inside her began to quiet.

    She lifted her head from his chest, her breath unsteady as she sniffled.

    Collin reached for a few tissues and gently wiped the tears from her flushed face.

    Linsey looked up at him, a flush of embarrassment creeping over her. "Sorry, I got carried away."

    Collin''s brow furrowed, but he said nothing. Instead, he raised his hand and tenderly traced his thumb along the corner of

    her swollen eye.

    "Linsey, don''t ever say sorry to me, alright?" His low voice wrapped around her like a soft nket, each word intentional, each one filled with care. "I''m your husband. With me, you don''t have to hold back. And after what you''ve been through..."

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    02:33

    Linsey noticed his sudden silence and turned to him, confusion flickering in her eyes.

    Her heart fluttered.

    In his gaze, she saw something that struck her a deep pain, a regret too heavy to bear.

    For a moment, fear gripped her, and she quickly tried tofort him instead "It''s okay. I''m alright now."

    It was rare for her to see him like this-so vulnerable.

    Collin''s lips curled into a faint smile, a quiet gesture of reassurance, as he moved to pour her a ss of water. "Here, have

    some water."

    After the drink, Linsey felt a sense of calm wash over her.

    But soon, her thoughts drifted back to the events in the hotel lounge, the fear still lingering like a shadow.

    Yet curiosity tugged at her, prompting her to ask, "How did you know something was wrong?"

    Collin''s voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it. "I waited at home for you, but you never came back. I called, but there was no answer. That''s when I started to worry. I headed to the hotel, and as soon as I got there, I saw Fernanda stopping my men from searching for you. That''s when I knew something was wrong."

    He exhaled sharply, his voice turning icy. "I knew Fernanda was up to something. But I never imagined she''d have the nerve to target you again."

    Linsey''s face hardened. After a brief pause, she couldn''t hold back. "Fernanda couldn''t have nned all of this on her own. Someone had to be pulling the strings, and that person is..."

    She opened her mouth to say Gorman''s name but faltered, weighing his influence in Grester.

    "I know," Collin interrupted, his tone dark. "It''s Gorman."

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 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359 You''re The Only One For Me

    "Rest assured, Linsey. Gorman won''t get away with this," Collin said bluntly.

    Linsey''s lips tightened, her worry clearly etched on her face.

    "But Gorman holds significant influence as a Green. Opposing him could have dire consequences for us," she said, gripping

    Collin''s hand. "We mustn''t be rash."

    Collin felt a pang in his heart as he realized she was still concerned about the consequences.

    Looking deeply into her eyes, he whispered, "Regardless of who he is, Linsey, I''mmitted to making things right for you.

    Do you honestly believe I''ll just sit idly by? That I''m incapable of defending my own wife?"

    With a helpless sigh, Linsey murmured, "It''s your safety that concerns me."

    In silence, Collin balled his fists, a surge of resolve stopping him from holding back any longer.

    "Linsey, I need to tell you..."

    However, his words were cut off by a sharp call from outside the hospital room.

    "Who''s out there?"

    The sharp call from his assistant snapped Collin to attention.

    "What''s going on?" As he protected Linsey, Collin faced the door with a piercing look.

    The assistant entered, looking uneasy. "Sir, I thought I saw someone near the hallway''s end."

    "You saw someone?" Collin questioned, his expression darkening.

    The assistant faltered. "Perhaps I was mistaken."

    Considering the hospital''s bustling activity, Collin decided to let go of his suspicions. However, he swiftly added a

    precaution. ¡°Double the security in this area."

    The assistant responded with a nod, "Right away, Mr. Riley."

    A troubling thought crossed Linsey''s mind at that moment.

    Was the figure possibly Gorman?

    Earlier that day in the hotel lounge.

    "Stay back!" With a firm grip on the knife, Linsey issued a stern warning to Gorman as he moved closer.

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    of Me

    Herplexion had turned ghostly, a clear sign of her panic and dread.

    During her desperate attempt to back away, Linsey tripped and tumbled to the floor, the knife skittering away from her

    grasp.

    "Linsey!" In his rm, Gorman''s first instinct was to rush to her aid.

    "Don''te any closer" The strain in Linsey''s voice was evident, her words barely

    a whisper as she teetered on the edge of despair.

    With eyes brimming with tears, she shot Gorman a pleading look. "Gorman, don''t push me to despise you... Stay away from

    1. me. Don''te any closer!"

    Gorman stopped in his tracks, frozen.

    The sight of Linsey''s evident fright and resistance cut through him, wrenching his heart.

    "Do you truly despise me that much?" he asked, his voice thick with sorrow.

    Linsey took a deep breath, striving to stay calm. Pondering Gorman''s question for

    a brief moment, she replied, "If you walk

    away now, there will be no hard feelings..."

    Her gaze fixed on him intensely, she continued, ¡°Trust me on this. Walk away now, and you''ll have my thanks. Gorman, don''t be so relentless. With everything you have, you could easily find someone far more suitable than me.¡±

    A heavy silence fell for a moment before Gorman chuckled softly. "Linsey, why can''t you see? You''re the only one for me."

    Linsey''s response was a stunned silence. She stared at him, her face a mix of conflict and a faint glimmer of hope that he might yet reveal a sliver of decency.

    A subtle fragrance filled the space between them.

    Gorman felt turned on as he breathed in.

    Aware that lingering was no longer an option, Gorman knew it was time to leave.

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360 Are Your Legs

    Healed

    Gorman straightened his posture and spoke calmly. "Linsey, believe it or not, this wasn''t my intention. I''ll make things

    right."

    With that, he turned and walked away without a second nce.

    Linsey stood frozen, caught off guard by his sudden departure.

    A wave of relief washed over her, but her body was still too weak to escape.

    Not knowing if Gorman woulde back, she tightened her grip on the kitchen knife and slowly made her way to the

    bathroom.

    Collin arrivedter and saved her.

    To be honest, Linsey hadn''t expected it.

    Gorman had spent so much time trying to tear her and Collin apart, yet in the moment that truly mattered, he had left

    without hesitation.

    Had her words finally reached him?

    "Linsey, what''s wrong?" Collin''s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

    She blinked and spoke softly. "Collin, I never got the chance to tell you... I actually met Gorman years ago. He was badly injured, and I helped him. That''s all. But for some reason, he''s been obsessed with me ever since."

    She paused, unsure of how to continue. "And... Back in the lounge, I had no choice. I had to defend myself. I stabbed him. You always said Gorman was dangerous. Now that I''ve hurt him, he mighte after me.¡± Her voice dropped to a whisper.

    Collin gently ran his fingers through her hair, his voice steady and reassuring. "Don''t worry. I won''t let himy a hand on

    you again."

    Lowering his gaze, he took her hand. "Dominic said you''re fine, but I won''t feel at ease until we''re home. Let''s go."

    Linsey didn''t argue-she had no desire to stay in the hospital any longer.

    But just as she looked away, something caught her attention.

    She turned back to Collin, her eyes narrowing. "Collin... Where''s your wheelchair?"

    Collin froze. It hit him then-he had been so focused on rescuing her that he hadpletely dropped the act.

    He had nned to tell her everything, but now that she was asking, an uneasy feeling twisted in his chest.

    His lips parted, but the words refused toe out.

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    Chapter 360 Are Your Legs Healed

    Linsey stared at him, unblinking.

    Then, a hazy memory surfaced.

    Back in the lounge bathroom, she had seen Collin rushing toward her-walking.

    At the time, she had been too out of it to process what she was seeing.

    Even earlier, groggy from waking up, she hadn''t noticed anything unusual.

    But now that she was fully aware, the tension in his face sent a shocking thought spiraling through her mind.

    "Are your legs healed?" Her voice barely made a sound.

    She lowered her gaze, staring at his legs as if the answery there.

    It didn''t make sense.

    Shaking her head, she mumbled to herself, "That''s impossible. I saw you in a wheelchair this morning. And now, you''re just walking? Are you kidding me? Have you been lying to me this whole time?" She lifted her eyes to his, waiting-

    needing an answer.

    Collin took a slow breath, knowing there was no more hiding. "Let me exin, Lindsey."

 Chapter 361

    < Marrying A Secret Zionaire Happy Ever After

    Chapter 361 Why Are You Crying

    The moment Linsey saw Collin''s expression, a storm of betrayal swept through her.

    Her hands balled into tight fists at her sides, shock etching deep lines into her usually calm face.

    The revtion hit her like a freight train.

    Her husband, whom she believed was confined to a wheelchair, was back on his feet.

    They had shared vows, shared a life. Why had he concealed such a monumental truth?

    As she fixed her gaze on Collin, her words dripped with unintended sarcasm.

    "Did I ever say you couldn''t exin, Collin?" Her voice, usually soft andposed, now carried a sharp edge.

    Collin, detecting the ice in Linsey''s tone, felt a surge of panic. He grasped her hands with a desperate strength.

    "Linsey, believe me, I never intended to keep this from you," he pleaded, his eyes searching hers frantically for some sign of understanding. "There were reasons-pelling reasons."

    Under the weight of her stern gaze, Collin, typically sure of himself, faltered, his words tumbling out in a rush.

    "After the car ident, the doctors weren''t hopeful. They said my legs were beyond repair. But I couldn''t ept that fate. So I fought through the pain, attended rehab in secret, all the while digging into who was really behind the ident."

    Linsey''s face remained impassive, absorbing every word in stony silence.

    With a deep, steadying breath, Collin revealed the depth of his investigation. "It was Fernanda. She orchestrated eve I kept up the act, letting them think I

    was still crippled so neither she nor Huntley would suspect a thing."

    Collin rushed to rify, his voiceced with urgency, fearing Linsey might misinterpret his actions. "Everything I''ve done was to handle Fernanda and Huntley. It was never my intention to hide things from you deliberately."

    He scrutinized Linsey''s face, his heart pounding with anticipation as he awaited her reaction.

    Linsey met his intense gaze with an unreadable expression, remaining ominously quiet.

    As the silence between them grew, Collin''s difort escted into torment.

    He found himself wishing she would justsh out at him.

    Unexpectedly, Linsey averted her eyes, bowing her head slightly. With a gentle plop, a tear escaped,nding on

    the back of Collin''s hand.

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    Chapter 261 Why Are You Crying

    The sensation hit instantly, as if that small bit of skin had been touched by mes.

    "Linsey..." Collin''s voice cracked, his worry intensifying

    Within those brief moments, his mind raced through endless possible reactions from Linsey.

    Tears, however, were thest response he had envisioned.

    He quickly reached out, cradling her face in his palms and tenderly lifting her gaze to meet his.

    The very next instant, he caught sight of her eyes, now shimmering with tears. "Why are you crying? You were just sobbing, and now your eyes are filling with tears all over again."

    A stabbing pain clenched his chest, making it hard to breathe.

    Peering deeply into Linsey''s eyes, his voice turned raspy. "Are you upset because I wasn''t honest with you?"

    Even as the words left Collin''s mouth, a nagging feeling told him that wasn''t the real reason.

    Linsey''s tears continued to stream down her face.

    She huped between sobs, struggling to regain herposure. "I-I''m not sure. Just listening to what you endured, it overwhelmed me and brought me to tears."

    It was then that Collin truly understood, feeling a prickling behind his own eyes. She wasn''t shedding tears of indignation-she was absorbing his anguish as her

    own.

    His heart churned with a poignant mix of sweetness and sorrow, as he caressed her face, brushing away her tears with a tenderness that belied his rough exterior.

    "Please don''t cry. It shatters me to see you in such agony. Remember, those torments are long behind us."

    In a gentle, calming tone, he added, "I really thought you''d be upset with me."

    Linsey met his gaze, her expression one of genuine concern. "I am upset, upset that you weren''t honest with me. I even pursued massage therapy to help you heal, only to discover there was nothing wrong with your legs to begin with."

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    16:12

    III 0 <

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

    Chapter

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362 Here, Have

    Some Water

    "All the work I put into helping you walk again feelspletely pointless now," Linsey said.

    Thinking about everything Linsey had done for him, Collin felt a warmth spread through his chest.

    "But it wasn''t for nothing. You can still give me a massage, can''t you?" he responded, trying to lighten the

    mood.

    Linsey''s expression darkened, her patience snapping. "Keep dreaming!"

    She wasn''t that clueless girl anymore.

    Now that Collin''s legs were fully functional, continuing to massage him wouldn''t be for recovery-it would be for something else entirely.

    This shameless man! He must have said that on purpose!

    Memories surfaced-Collin deceiving her, pretending to be crippled, making her take the lead during their

    encounters.

    Heat rushed to her face as irritation surged through her.

    She had no intention of staying any longer. Yanking her hand free, she flung the nket aside and climbed out

    bing of bed.

    "Where are you going?" Collin asked, watching her.

    "Home. Where else?" she snapped.

    Still concerned, he offered, "You''re not fully healed yet. Let me carry you."

    Linsey scoffed, rejecting him outright. "I''m injured, not helpless. I can walk just fine!"

    Without another nce, she stormed out of the hospital room.

    Collin sighed as he watched her disappearing figure, her defiance clear in every step.

    She was still upset.

    Running a hand through his hair, he knew he had a long road ahead to make things right.

    Back at Vista Vi, Linsey entered the bedroom, her face unreadable, ignoring Collinpletely.

    But he didn''t leave her side. "Sweetheart, it''ste. Still busy?" His voice was soft, but she barely reacted.

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    Chapter 362 Here, Have Some Water

    Eyes on her tablet, she replied tly, "Mind your own business."

    She wasn''t really working-just keeping herself upied. After all, she had rested enough at the hospital

    However, Collin wasn''t discouraged by her tope.

    After a moment of thought, he went to get her a drink. "Here, have some suster," he said, setting the fas

    beside her.

    Linsey barely nced at him. "I''m not thirsty."

    Collin ced the ss nearby, within her reach.

    Undeterred, he asked, "You must be hungry. You were unconscious for hours. You should eat something, What do you feel like having?"

    Linsey eyed him skeptically, "You''re going to cook?"

    Collin hesitated but nodded, "Tell me what you want. I''ll learn how to make it, and I promise it''ll taste great."

    Linsey nced at his serious face, then smirked and turned away, "Don''t bother. You''ll just waste food. The maids will have enough trouble cleaning up after you."

    Collin was momentarily speechless, recalling thest disaster he caused in the kitchen-the microwave explosion still fresh in his mind.

    "Fine, I''ll ask them to make something," he said, adjusting his approach.

    "I''m not hungry," Linsey answered without emotion.

    Though slightly disappointed, Collin didn''t give up. "Is the temperature in here alright? I can adjust it if you

    need."

    Linsey exhaled slowly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

    Even without looking, she could feel him hovering around her.

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 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363 Who Exactly Did This To You

    That night, Linsey looked up and, for the first time, truly noticed Collin''s towering height.

    Whenever he came near, his presence surrounded her entirely.

    Ignoring him became an impossible task.

    Feeling a mix of annoyance and an unbidden flutter in her heart, Linsey blurted

    out, "Collin, could you step out

    for a while? I need some space."

    Reluctantly, Collin began to protest, feeling an urge to stay and resolve things.

    His resolve to reconcile with Linsey was firm.

    With a firm push, Linsey ushered Collin towards the door. "Find a different room to sleep in tonight."

    The door mmed shut right before Collin.

    He lingered outside, releasing a sigh of resignation.

    Perhaps a detailed apology letter would suffice?

    At that moment, his phone interrupted his thoughts.

    "Mr. Riley! Urgent news-Fernanda has been abducted by unknown assants!"

    Collin''s face hardened when he heard the news.

    A suspect immediately came to mind.

    "This has Gorman''s fingerprints all over it. What is he plotting now?" Collin murmured.

    "Mr. Riley, what should we do next?" his assistant asked over the phone.

    His eyes narrowing, Collin''s voice deepened, saying, "We cannot allow Fernanda to be taken so easily."

    His eyes flicked back to the firmly shut bedroom door, recalling the encounter with Linsey in the hotel lounge.

    He vowed silently that anyone endangering Linsey would face severe consequences.

    He let out a bitter chuckle before saying firmly, "If Gorman is behind Fernanda''s abduction, I''ll deal with him

    myself."

    "Yes, Mr. Riley."

    After exiting the hotel, Gorman immediately contacted Danny, his most reliable assistant.

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    Chapter 363 Who Exactly Did This To You

    The lingering scent of aphrodisiac was minimal, allowing him to keep his urges at bay for the moment.

    Yet, the gash on his shoulder demanded urgent attention.

    The stab wound inflicted by Linsey was deep, continuously leaking blood.

    Gorman''s face grew increasingly pale.

    Gorman was drenched in sweat from his ordeal by the time Danny entered the

    room.

    "Boss! What happened to you?" Danny shouted, holding up Gorman as he slumped against the wall. "Who did this? I''ll go after that bastard right now!"

    "Shut up," Gorman snapped irritably, taking a deep, shaky breath before rasping, "Let''s go. Hurry back."

    Without another word, Danny quickly escorted Gorman back to his ce.

    A private doctor was always on call for Gorman.

    Upon their arrival at the vi, the doctor immediately set to work on stopping the bleeding and bandaging Gorman''s wounds.

    When the doctor removed his shirt, the deep gash on Gorman''s shoulder was starkly visible.

    "Mr. Green, how did this happen? Who stabbed you?" While tending to the wound with a blend of fear and concern, the doctor remarked, "You were inches from a fatal injury to your heart and lungs! Did you encounter an enemy tonight?"

    Danny stood by, a grave expression on his face.

    This was the first instance of Gorman suffering such grave injuries since his return to Grester.

    The Green family wielded considerable influence in Grester; it was audacious for someone to attack Gorman.

    Were they asking for trouble?

    Danny pondered why Gorman remained silent about his assant.

    "Boss, who exactly did this to you? Why won''t you tell us?" Danny asked.

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    <

 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364 I''ll Handle Her Myself!

    Gorman''s gaze darkened dramatically, his voice dropping to an icy whisper. "It''s Linsey."

    Danny recoiled in disbelief, his face a mask of shock.

    "Ms. Brooks? How could she..." he gasped, struggling to piece together the sudden turn of events. "Wait, didn''t she arrange to meet you tonight for a serious discussion? How on earth did things spiral into violence?"

    A cold snort escaped Gorman; his eyes were stormy pits of swirling darkness.

    "You might want to ask that damned fool, Fernanda." His voice was tinged with venom as he clenched his teeth, his fury palpable. "For the first time, I''ve been made aplete fool of! That fucking moron actually had the nerve to drug Linsey!"

    Danny''s eyes widened in shock. "Wait, she was the one who drugged Ms. Brooks? So, did Ms. Brooks get the wrong idea about you?"

    When he heard this, Gorman''s fury intensified.

    He had believed Linsey was softening, possibly considering giving him a shot, but he had been wrong.

    Not only that, but the night''s disastrous events likely sealed his fate in Linsey''s eyes.

    She probably couldn''t stand him now, and everything he had worked for felt like it had vanished into thin air. Seething, Gorman balled his fists, his voice a growl ofmand. "Bring me Fernanda. I''ll handle her myself!" Danny snapped to attention, urgency in his step as he confirmed, "Got it, boss!"

    It was undeniable that a storm was brewing within Gorman.

    Fernanda had better brace herself. The worst was yet toe, and it wouldn''t be pretty.

    Soon, the door creaked open, and Fernanda was ushered in by Danny.

    Meanwhile, Gorman had had his wounds hastily bandaged.

    He leaned back on a couch, his eyes shut, his expression an unreadable mask of calm.

    "Get your hands off me! Who the hell are you? Let me go!" Fernanda''s voice, muffled by the cloth over her head, was tinged with raw panic.

    Ever since her abduction by Collin, terror had clung to her like a second skin.

    Under the weight of relentless questioning, she had cracked, divulging everything to Collin''s men.

    Little did she expect to be swept up yet again so soon!

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    Chapter 64+***

    This night was turning into her wore rigmen

    Finally, the eith was yanked away, and him yes, wie with tear, the conser any afterna gor he lounged nonchntly on the bots

    A wave of relief curged through her she metekely seemed to was there to see hay

    dud stammered, "Mr Green 1 slmost had a heart stuck you are the st

    she pped a hand over her heart, her eyes widening in relief as the caw Conifers.

    Her lips curved into a relieved smile as she spoke, het tone a mixture of grade and ducted heatly fit pos have to tie me up just to drag me away from danger? I owe you one, though image I were wad mercy of that insufferable Collin."

    As she rambled on, she remained blissfully unaware of the frost creeping into Gorman''s g

    Herughter faded into a puzzled silence when he cut in, his voice chillingly sharp ''Teranda"

    A shiver of apprehension skittered down Fernanda''s spine.

    She stumbled over her words, eyes wide and searching "Mr. Green, you... What''s Gorman''sughter rang out-a dark, unsettling chuckle that made the air feel heary. He fixed her with a piercing stare and said tly, "So, you thought it wise to drug Linsey, did you? Tell me, Fernanda Why did you do that?"

    Fernanda was caughtpletely off guard. Without a moment''s hesitation, she blurted out, "I did it for you!" Drugging Linsey was practically handing her over to Gorman on a silver tter.

    To her astonishment, Gorman''s response was devoid of any warmth.

    He let out a scoff, the sound rippling through the silence with a mocking edge.

    His dark eyes bore into hers with unnerving intensity.

    "Fernanda, I am a man who could have any woman I desire. The woman I choose woulde willingly and stay loyally by my side. What makes you think you had the right to use such a disgusting tactic for me?"

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 Chapter 365

    Chapter 365 Collin Isn''t Disabled

    Fernanda shivered involuntarily at Gorman''s words. "What exactly are you trying to say, Mr. Green?"

    Was she mistaken? Did Gorman have no interest in Linsey at all?

    Were her actions this evening the cause of his displeasure?

    Panic momentarily flickered across Fernanda''s face.

    With a slight smile, Gorman asked, "How do you intend to make amends with Linsey?"

    His breath left him slowly, his face expressionless and frosty. "Linsey has always been dear to me; I would never hurt her. Yet tonight, you chose to drug her, instilling fear of me in her. What do you think your punishment should be?"

    Fernanda''s whole body shook with fear.

    It was unthinkable to her that Gorman would defend Linsey to such lengths!

    "You can''t me me, Mr. Green. I was only trying to help you." Biting her lip, Fernanda exined, "I remember you saying to break Linsey and Collin apart so they''d end their marriage. With that in mind, I came up with a n. It brings you closer to Linsey while pushing them toward a breakup. Don''t you think it''s perfect?"

    Tears nearly spilled over as she caught sight of Gorman''s cold expression.

    "If I hadn''t done this, knowing Collin''s stubborn personality, he would never have let Linsey go," she continued.

    Gorman''s eyes filled with disdain, and his voice dripped with sarcasm. "He is a cripple. How does he deserve to keep her?"

    Shocked, Fernanda eximed, "That''s not it at all. Collin isn''t disabled. He has been pretending all these years!"

    When he heard this, Gorman''s expression turned grim immediately. "You''re telling me Collin''s been faking his disability?"

    The revtion took Gorman by surprise.

    So, Collin was not actually disabled.

    As Gorman''s focus shifted towards Collin, Fernanda breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "I was at Glory Hotel earlier, where I witnessed Collin rushing to Linsey''s aid. He was walking perfectly, not using a wheelchair. When I confronted him, he admitted it himself."

    Fernanda''s voice filled with indignation. ¡°For years, Collin has masqueraded as disabled, a clear testament to his maniptive depths. He''s been ying this part to catch me off guard, ready to contend with me and my son over the family fortune. He might already be more powerful than me."

    16:12

    Chapter Ses Colester treated

    Her ansicly increased the more she spoke "How that Collin Yoows so grow feelings for key bes be a threat in you. Please be careful"

    Fernands offered a reassuring emile, saying, "Believe me, my intentions are to support you The mishap forlight was just a misjudgment on my psit From now on, I''ll be more careful"

    Gorman was taken aback that Collin''s supposed disability was nothing but a sham Had Collin really been exploiting this lie to garner Linsey''s eympathy all along? What a despicable man

    Yet, Gorman still didn''t regard Collin as a significant threat.

    "He may not be disabled, but he remains an insignificant fool in my eyes. Corman said Mundly, "Collin is simply not deserving of Linsey."

 Chapter 366

    Chapter 366 I Won''t Do It Again!

    Gorman was convinced that only the founder of CR Corporation could truly pose a real freat to him

    Gorman''s gaze flicked back to Fernanda, his eyesced with disdam

    "You''re just as reckless as the rest," he said coldly. "This time, you scared Linory, and I promised to her feat would make amends. The only way to make it right is by making you pay."

    With that, a sly, almost innocent smile curved on Gorman''s lips. TI take care of you first. Colin can wa

    Pernanda''s eyes widened in disbelief. "No, Mr. Green, please!"

    Before she could say more, Gorman casually added, "Let''s begin by making sure you''l nese e your tas

    again.

    *

    Several bodyguards immediately nodded. ''Understood.*

    They stepped toward Fernanda, who was bound and helpless

    Fear drained the color from her face.

    In frantic panic, Fernanda tried to scramble to her fest, shouting hoarsely, Hep Somebody Someone''s ming

    = til me!"

    But she barely made it a few steps before the bodyguards swiftly closed in easy overpowering re

    They pinned her down, her hands restrained, ready to snap her limbs.

    Tears streamed down Fernanda''s face as she pleaded, her voice cambing with despertion spare mel I swear, I won''t do it again I promise!"

    Green Pea

    Regret graved at her-she should never have drugged Linsey But Gotzman remained unmoved, his face as impassive as ever

    He spoke without emotion, his voice cool and distant. Proceed

    Fernanda''s eyes were wide with sheer terror, sweat pouring down her face, each drop sting on the cit

    foc

    In that moment, all the grace of a high-societydy vanished, leaving her a broken, depente figure goveing

    In doar instant, the band treh hr Fernanda Hire a blow

    The man standing before her was far more ruchless and tenying than Colin could ever be

    Chapter 366 I Won''t Do It Again!

    Had she known, she would have preferred facing prison under Collin''s hand rather than falling into Gorman''s

    grip.

    Before she could process the thought, a sharp, sickening crack split the air as a bodyguard twisted her wrist.

    A scream, raw and agonizing, tore through the room.

    The pain was so intense that Fernanda nearly lost consciousness. Her face

    draified of color, her body trembling

    soaked in cold sweat.

    Her hands hung limply, trembling uncontrobly.

    "Help... Someone help..." she croaked, her voice barely a whisper.

    Fernanda crumpled to the floor, her throat raw from screaming, the excruciating pain overwhelming every

    sense.

    Gorman watched her suffering, his face impassive, as if he were observing some insignificant spectacle.

    "Still awake? Doesn''t seem too painful to me," he remarked, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips. "Why not grab a knife and cut off your hands? At least when Linsey sees you, she might feel better."

    In that moment, Fernanda

    radiated.

    herself at a loss for words, unable toprehend the cold terror Gorman

    He was a living nightmare, a monster born from her deepest fears.

    Fernanda wavered on the brink of copse, her body shaking uncontrobly, desperate to escape the agony. In a voice raw and strained, she shouted, "Gorman! You''re a monster! With Linsey''s personality, she''d never be drawn to a man like you!"

    The moment the words left her lips, Gorman''s calm mask shattered.

    His expression darkened, his gaze turning cold and unblinking, as if Fernanda

    were nothing more than a speck of dust before him.

    Linsey would never fall for him?

    He would not, could not, ept that.

    "Continue," Gormanmanded, his voice as cold as ice. His intent was clear-he meant to end her suffering right there.

    But just as a bodyguard moved to carry out his orders, a frantic shout pierced the tense silence.

    "Something''s wrong! Boss! There''s an intruder!!"

 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367 Here''s A Piece Of Advice For You

    As Gorman''s irritation deepened, he shot a fierce re at the subordinate who had barged in to deliver news. He eximed, "Leave now! Can''t you see I''m in the middle of something important? Ensure everyone waits outside, no

    exceptions!"

    The subordinate stood there, his face etched with fear. "Sir, it''s just that the person at the door is..."

    He got cut off as a bunch of men in ck

    suits rushed in, surrounding the ce.

    Rather than reacting with anger, Gorman burst intoughter. "Who''s causing trouble now? Who thinks they can just walk into my ce? They must have

    a death wish."

    Just then, a tall figure walked through the crowd of men in ck.

    Then, Collin walked in, all cool and serious. "It''s me, Collin."

    As soon as Collin appeared, his entire presence exuded a sharp aura that made people instinctively feel

    intimidated.

    Gorman''s heart skipped a beat, a hint of fear creeping in.

    Was this Linsey''s husband, Collin?

    Realization dawned on him, and a murderous look flickered across Gorman''s face.

    Without Collin, Gorman was sure he would be the one next to Linsey.

    Gorman smirked. "Collin, you got some guts showing up here."

    A displeased snort escaped from his chest.

    Collin, not missing a beat, locked eyes with Gorman who was trying to appear rxed on his sofa. ¡°You''ve been after my wife, Linsey, more than once. I''m her husband, and I''m not standing by anymore. Today, we sort this

    out."

    Gormanughed dismissively, giving Collin a once-over. "Oh, look who decided to show up! You really think you can just walk in here and confront me? Who do you even think you are?"

    In Gorman''s eyes, Collin was just the unwanted eldest son of the Riley family. Gorman still had no respect for Collin, even though he wasn''t disabled.

    The only person who posed a threat to him was the mysterious founder of CR Corporation.

    Gorman settled deeper into the sofa, his voice chilling the air. "Here''s a piece of advice for you, Collin. Walk away from Linsey while I still have some patience. As long as you quietly divorce her, I won''t make things hard

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    16:13

    III

    <

    Chager

    Hest

    for you. Maybe I even throw you a back

    Collie''s expression didn''t waxe ever see theory love you, pas sent to dog herwing ter

    Gorman quickly retorted, "That''s not going so kaggen Litery caught my eye long bators she met you You''re

    the pearooge''

    Collia''s geze sharpened, his tone turning cold really""

    After a brief pause, be added, ¡°Well then, don''t hold it against me if things get a bir rough"

    With a smirk of amusement, Corman lodist & Colin Seresting, I''m andes to sex what you think you can pull off. Are you thanking of making a move on my swf? You swely done think

    Before Gorman could finish his taunt, Collin stepped forwed andnded a swift kick on one of Gorman''s men saching reator

    "God" the man yelged as he crashed to the foo

    Corman was visibly shocked

    Had he misjudged Coffin? It appeaed he was more capable than he had assumed Rmended for you

    idental

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368 You''re Digging Your Own Grave!

    Fernanda''s words echoed in Gorman''s mind-Collin had been pretending to be crippled all along. The revtion pressed down on Gorman like a stone.

    As he took down one of Gorman''s men with brutal precision, Collin surged forward, his eyes locked on his true

    target.

    Simultaneously, Collin''s men shed fiercely with Gorman''s, chaos erupting in every corner of Gorman''s opulent vi.

    "Have you lost your minds? How dare you cause such uproar in Mr. Green''s ce!" Gorman''s men shouted incredulously, their voicesced with shock and outrage, only to be swiftly silenced by Collin''s men''s decisive

    blows.

    The air was thick with tension, the conflict escting rapidly. Everything unfolded in a blur, causing Gorman''s pupils to dte in shock for a split second.

    As Collin''s formidable fist descended, Gorman, driven by instinct, attempted to sidestep.

    However, the action triggered a stabbing pain in his already wounded shoulder. "Ugh!" he groaned, grimacing as the pain momentarily clouded his senses.

    This fleeting hesitation was all Collin needed-his punch connected with devastating precision.

    The impact sent Gorman tumbling off the sofa, his body crashing onto the floor with a heavy thud.

    Dazed and reeling, he scrambled to regain his footing, his injured shoulder now a mere afterthought amidst the

    turmoil.

    Cradling his throbbing jaw, he glimpsed fresh blood on his arm.

    Fuming with rage, he locked eyes with Collin and hissed through clenched teeth, "You piece of shit, Collin! You really think you can hit me and get away with it? You''re digging your own grave!"

    Collin met Gorman''s re with cold indifference and threw another unyielding punch, striking him directly in

    the face.

    Gorman copsed to the floor, his body refusing to cooperate.

    "Boss!" his men eximed in shock, rushing forward to form a protective barrier around him.

    The double blow not only bruised his body but also his ego.

    He med the sharp pain in his shoulder for his current plight.

    1613

    Chapter 368 You''re Digging Your Own Grave!

    On any other night, Collin would have stood no chance against him.

    Enraged to the breaking point, Gorman barked furiously, "Everyone, take him down! Show this fool his ce!"

    At hismand, a wave of his loyal bodyguards flooded the living room, outnumbering Collin''s crew.

    With a smug grin, Gorman watched the tide turn.

    Collin had run out of luck-there was no way out this time.

    Despite any skills he might possess, he was on Gorman''s territory, surrounded and outsmarted.

    Gorman was confident that Collin was fighting a losing battle.

    Gorman''s men were swiftly closing in, their menacing steps echoing ominously. In

    a flurry, Collin''s men surged forward, forming a human barrier around him.

    "Mr. Riley, be careful!"

    Yet, despite their valor, Gorman''s forces proved overwhelming.

    They descended like a storm, quickly overpowering Collin''s men.

    "Get your filthy hands off us!" Collin''s men grunted as they struggled in vain, their efforts futile against the tightening grip of their adversaries. They could only watch, dismayed, as the enemy encircled Collin.

    Standing arrogantly, Gorman taunted him, his voice dripping with disdain. "Collin, kneel now and beg, and perhaps I''ll spare your pathetic life."

    Yet, Collin''s response was a study in cool defiance. He scanned the hostile faces surrounding him with a serene, almost dismissive nce. "It seems you''re the one who''s mistaken about who should be begging," he retorted sharply, his tone steady.

    Gorman was taken aback by Collin''s audacity, a wave of frustration washing over him.

    That arrogant bastard, Collin-how the hell had he dared to act like he owned the ce?

    He needed to teach that cocky bastard a lesson he wouldn''t forget!

    With a malevolent re, Gorman narrowed his eyes and issued a chilling

    16:13

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369 What''s This Cowardice

    Despite everything, Collin was Linsey''swfully wedded husband.

    Gorman harbored no desire to nt seeds of enduring bitterness within Linsey.

    By sparing Collin''s life, he couldter assert that it was Collin''s own perilous choice to be here.

    While Gorman was lost in his contemtion of the possible fallout, His men surged forward, a united front intent on subduing Collin.

    Yet, Collin was a tempest. His legs moved like pistons, delivering sharp, sweeping kicks that sent Gorman''s men tumbling like dominos.

    "Ah!"

    "Ow!"

    Their cries filled the air, a continuous echo of torment rippling across the field.

    In the blink of an eye, Collin had neutralized a significant number of Gorman''s men, using nothing but the raw power of his limbs.

    Throughout this whirlwind of activity, Collin''s expression remained eerily serene, his breath as calm as if he were meditating.

    Astonishment painted Gorman''s features, his eyes widening in disbelief.

    How could this be?

    How was Collin demonstrating such deadly proficiency?

    Was this not the same man dismissed as the ipetent, overlooked eldest son of the Riley family?

    From what depths had he dredged up such fearsome prowess?

    In truth, Collin had spent years faking a disability to navigate a minefield of dangers silently, all while keeping his senses sharp and his body ready.

    Collin had rigorously honed his skills in private, diligently training every single day to ensure he could defend not only himself but also those he cherished from any unforeseen threats.

    That evening, he boldly infiltrated Gorman''svish estate, apanied by only a handful of men, a testament to his unwavering confidence in his prowess.

    Collin never ventured into battle unprepared; Linsey was still at home. He needed toe back and make it up to her.

    16:13

    Chapter 369 What''s This Cowardice

    His eyes, cold and dismissive, swept over Gorman''s men, who moaned in pain on the floor.

    To Collin, these men were mere trivial chess pieces, barely worthy of his focus.

    The handful of Gorman''s men who had yet to engage inbat stood frozen, their bodies quivering as they

    watched the chaos unfold before them.

    Some even began to inch backward, their faces etched with terror-Collin''s pr¨¦sence was that intimidating.

    Gorman''s men consisted of top-tier, extensively trained bodyguards, yet Collin dispatched them with startling

    ease.

    More impressively, he seemed entirely unfazed by the fray, as though he could continue battling endlessly.

    Just who was this formidable man?

    As the seconds ticked by, a palpable sense of fear and hesitation began to permeate Gorman''s men, signaling their growing apprehension about facing this fearsome adversary.

    Watching his men grow uneasy, Gorman yelled at them with a furious scowl, "What''s this cowardice? Charge! Do you mean to tell me you can''t subdue a single man?"

    The thought of the town''s ridicule haunted him; the mere whisper of his ipetence would turn Grester''sughter against him.

    Compelled by hismand, his men rallied and surged forward, their resolve hardened.

    Collin, his face etched with contempt, stood unyielding.

    In one fluid motion, he lifted his leg and sent the advancing men tumbling with a sweeping kick.

    Then, twisting with feline agility, he delivered a crushing punch to another attacker, who thudded against the wall in a heap.

    "Damn it!" cursed one of the men, his frustration boiling over as he found no weakness in Collin''s guard.

    In a moment of desperation, he spotted a wooden stick on the floor.

    Seizing it, he swung viciously at Collin''s head, driven by blind fury.

    "No, stop!" Gorman''s voice thundered in a panic.

    He had clearly instructed them to spare Collin''s life.

    Was the man before him deaf to reason?

    But his plea hung futile in the air.

    With a foreboding calm, Collin''s eyes narrowed as he raised his arm, bracing for impact.

    The stick crashed against his arm with a resonant sound, echoing the grim reality of the strike.

    16:13

    Chapter 370 The V

 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370 The Victor ims Linsey

    Collin emitted a stifled groan, his body quivering as he suddenly broke into a cold

    sweat.

    His hand gripped the throbbing pain in his arm, yet his eyes remained steely.

    With swift motion, Collin''s foot connected with the henchman wielding the stick, knocking him to the floor and disarming him.

    The chill in Collin''s demeanor was unmistakable.

    The room''s upants were frozen, taken aback by Collin''s daunting aura.

    They had not anticipated Collin''s resilience, withstanding the wooden stick''s strike without a wince.

    A mix of fear and regret momentarily washed over the faces of Gorman''s crew.

    Realizing the danger, they didn''t linger, hastily deserting Gorman in their rush to escape.

    To them, no employment justified risking their lives.

    Gorman found a grim humor in the turn of events.

    He had believed that the strike would immobilized Collin.

    Witnessing Collin endure without faltering brought a hint of disappointment to Gorman.

    Before long, Gorman found himself almost alone, surrounded only by a handful of his most devoted men.

    "What''s our next move, boss?" asked a worried subordinate.

    Gorman hissed in anger, "Aplete waste! All of you and not one could subdue Collin."

    Fury simmered within Gorman at that moment.

    His eyes bore into Collin with venomous intent. "Fine, I''ll handle him myself."

    Raising a note of caution, the subordinate said, "Boss, remember your shoulder''s still not healed."

    Gorman waved off the concern with a cold look toward Collin''s damaged arm, saying deliberately, "He took a hit from the stick. His arm''s clearly broken,pletely out ofmission. I''ve got this."

    Despite Collin''s proven skills, Gorman felt sure of his own abilities, surviving multiple attempts on his life.

    He saw blood trickling from Collin''s wound, bolstering his confidence.

    He was convinced of the uselessness of Collin''s arm.

    Furthermore, Collin had been engaged inbat for an extended period, which must have drained much of his

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    16:14

    energy.

    The more Gorman pondered, the firmer his conviction grew that he could overpower Collin

    With confidence, he advanced,menting casually, "Collin, I must say, I do respect your prowess and bravery."

    He paused briefly, then offered in a seemingly sincere tone. "What if we settle this with a duel? The victor ims Linsey, and the defeated must leave her alone. Do you agree?"

    Collin''s expression darkened, his voice resonant as he replied, "Firstly, Linsey isn''t an object to be won or lost on a whim. If you truly care for her, you ought to treat her with the dignity she deserves."

    Gormanughed derisively, quick to ridicule.

    "Ah, so you now y the nobleman? What use is your so-called honor when you fail to keep Linsey safe?"

    With a dismissive sigh and a confident air, he added, "You''re hardly fit to be her husband. Were she with me, I''d ensure shecked for nothing and remained unscathed."

    Rmended for your

    COMPLETED

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 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371 This Is

    Between Me And Him

    Collin''s expression remained unreadable as he locked eyes with Gorman. "So, you n to keep Linsey as a captive canary in your glided cage?"

    Gorman raised an eyebrow, a smug satisfaction crossing his features. "Exactly. That''s precisely what I want."

    To him, it made perfect sense-what woman wouldn''t dream of such a life?

    Collin didn''t respond immediately.

    He knew Linsey-her heart, her dreams, her every unspoken wish.

    Linsey would never live her life confined beneath Gorman''s so-called protection.

    Collin''s lips curled into a cold smile.

    look your way."

    1, you clearly don''t understand Linsey. No wonder she won''t even

    The words hit their mark. Gorman''s expression darkened instantly. Rage red in his eyes as he red at Collin, his voice low and dangerous. "You''re making a mistake."

    Without warning, Gorman lunged at Collin, fists flying.

    Collin was quick to react, meeting the attack with equal force.

    In the chaotic struggle, blood seeped out from their recent wounds, staining their clothes.

    Both men gritted their teeth, ring at each other with nothing but pure hostility. Neither was willing to back

    down.

    Their subordinates grew more anxious with each passing second.

    "Mr. Riley! You have to stop!"

    "Boss, you''re bleeding-please, don''t continue!"

    Despite the cries of their subordinates, Collin and Gorman were resolute-if they didn''t settle this now, it would only escteter.

    Neither was willing to yield.

    Collin fixed his men with a cold,manding gaze. "Stay out of this."

    Gorman, equally fired up, growled, "Don''t interfere! This is between me and him. Anyone who steps in gets buried!"

    The fight intensified with every passing second, each man determined to bring the other down for good.

    16:14

    Chapter 371 This is Between Me And Hum

    The tension among the onlookers thickened. If this continued, someone might not walk away

    One was part of the Riley family, the other, the undisputed sessor of the Green family.

    Losing either of them would be catastrophic.

    Just then, the shrill wail of police sirens cut through the chaos.

    In an instant, officers flooded the scene, quickly surrounding everyone and halting the fight without hesitation

    "We''ve received reports of illegal entry, public violence, and a brawl," one officer announced firmly, his gaze narrowing on Collin. "You. Come with us."

    Gorman, still panting, wore a smug, triumphant smirk. "Scared, Collin? If you beg for mercy, I might let you off

    the hook."

    Collin''s eyes were calm, unwavering. He knew exactly what had happened- Gorman''s men had been the ones to alert the authorities.

    Just as the air grew heavier with tension, a ragged figure stumbled out of the shadows.

    "Officer! Please, help me!" Fernanda cried, drenched in sweat as she rushed toward the police, her voice breaking in sobs. "Help me! Gorman tried to kill me! He had my hand broken!"

    The officers exchanged sharp looks, their expressions hardening with renewed seriousness.

    "In that case, Gorman Green, you''reing with us as well."

    Gorman''s expression shifted to disbelief. He hadn''t anticipated Fernanda showing up at this moment.

    Frustration surged through him, but with no escape in sight, he reluctantlyplied and climbed into the police car.

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    < Marrying A Secret Zillionaire:

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372 Why Is The Police Station Calling

    At Vista Vi, Linsey remained in a sour mood after throwing Collin out of the bedroom.

    Even after she washed up and settled into bed, sleep refused toe.

    A growing heaviness pressed against her chest, the unease inside her swelling with each passing second.

    Eventually, she could no longer stand the suffocating tension and abruptly sat up.

    Taking a deep breath, she shot an annoyed nce toward the door.

    That fool. She had kicked him out, but couldn''t he at least try toe back?

    She had told him she needed some space, and he actually took it at face value? Not even an attempt to coax

    her?

    The more she dwelled on it, the more irritated she became.

    He had kept the truth from her for so long. Wasn''t she justified in being upset? Linsey pursed her lips, her mood sinking again.

    Yet, deep down, she understood. Collin hadn''t faked his disability out of malice. He had no other choice.

    If he had had proper protection, he wouldn''t have needed to go to such extremes to ensure his safety.

    Ultimately, the real mey with those who had forced him into that position.

    That thought took the edge off her anger.

    She got out of bed, deciding to go find him and bring him back.

    If left alone, he would probably bury himself in work until morning again.

    It would be better to call him back, have a brief conversation, and leave the rest for tomorrow.

    With that n in mind, Linsey opened the door and headed for the study.

    But before she could take more than a few steps, Collin''s assistant who looked panicked nearly ran into her.

    "Ah!" She took a step back, startled.

    The assistant quickly stopped and apologized. "Mrs. Riley, I''m so sorry! Are you alright?"

    Linsey frowned. "What''s the rush? What happened?"

    She recognized him. He was Collin''s assistant.

    16:14

    Chapter 372 Why Is The Police Station Calling

    His expression stiffened for a moment, hesitation shing in his eyes. "N-no, nothing, Mrs. Riley. Just picking up some documents Mr. Riley asked for. I''ll be on my way soon."

    After a brief pause, he added, "Oh, also... Mr. Riley might be busy for the next couple of days. He won''t being home."

    Linsey''s brows drew together. Something felt off.

    Collin had never left without a word before.

    Was he actually sulking?

    Her eyes turned cold. "Tell me the truth. What''s going on?"

    The assistant stiffened, stealing a wary nce at her.

    A slight chill ran through him.

    For some reason, standing before Linsey, he felt an inexplicable pressure-as if he were facing his boss himself. story. "It''s nothing, really. Mr. Riley just has some urgent business. He''ll He swallowed hard but stuck to his exin everything to you himself when he returns. As for the details... I don''t know much."

    Linsey studied him for a moment. He didn''t seem to be lying.

    If Collin was busy, she would find another chance to talk to himter.

    Just as she was about to dismiss the assistant, her phone rang.

    She froze the second she saw the caller ID. "Huh? Why is the police station calling?"

    The assistant''s eyes widened in rm. Panicking, he instinctively tried to stop her. "Mrs. Riley! It''s probably a scam! Don''t answer it-you shouldn''t believe random calls!"

 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373 I Need To See

    Him

    Initially, Linsey hadn''t overthought it, yet the peculiar behavior of Collin''s assistant reignited her unreme.

    She eyed him briefly and promptly took the call.

    She reasoned that if the call proved to be a joke, she could simply disconnect.

    "Hello, is this Linsey Riley?" The voice came through immediately upon connection. "This is from the Grester Police Department. We believe your husband, Collin Riley, has been involved in trespassing and creating a disturbance. Your presence might be required at the station."

    Shock widened Linsey''s eyes as she struggled to make sense of the news.

    What? Collin had trespassed? Creating a disturbance?

    That seemed more fitting for a criminal, not Collin.

    Regaining herposure, Linsey fixed the assistant with an intense stare. "What exactly is happening?"

    No longer able to withhold the truth, the assistant exhaled a weary sigh and revealed the situation

    "Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley confronted Gorman earlier today, and... both have been detained for questioning by the police at the station," he replied.

    A wave of worry washed over Linsey, momentarily clearing her thoughts of anything else. "I need to head to the station immediately."

    Upon hearing this, the assistant swiftly intervened, "Mrs. Riley, I''d advise against going. Mr. Riley can manage this situation; there''s no need for concern on your part."

    Despite his words, a wave of helplessness washed over him.

    Initially, he hadn''t intended to conceal anything from her, but the issue had escted when Collin sustained serious injuries.

    Knowing this would shatter Linsey.

    Moreover, her distress would only add to Collin''s worries.

    As the assistant continued to obstruct her path, Linsey''s expression turned stern. "What''s the reason for this? As Collin''s wife, I can''t just stand by idly if he''s in trouble."

    The assistant faltered, his demeanor filled with conflict.

    Linsey''s gaze sharpened, her intuition kicking in. She asked further, "You''re doing this because Collin instructed you, right? What''s he hiding? Did he end up fighting with Gorman? Is Collin injured?"

    16:14

    Chapter 3731 Need To See Him

    As Linsey spoke, a sharp pang clutched at her heart. She seized the assistant by his cor, her voice firm. "He''s injured, isn''t he? I need to see him, now."

    Worried that he might still obey Collin''s directive and deny her request, Linsey paused briefly before gesturing

    towards the wall.

    "Pay attention. If you don''t help me see him, I''ll bash my head against that wall. Think about it-how will Collin react if I''m injured?"

    Linsey issued the ultimatum with cold precision.

    The assistant was rendered speechless by her intensity.

    Considering Linsey had only recently left the hospital, a return visit could provoke Collin into further rash actions.

    Should the situation escte, it could lead to catastrophic results.

    With no viable alternatives, the assistant conceded and escorted her to the police station.

    At the same time, the atmosphere at the station was fraught with tension. "Officers, Gorman must be arrested!" Fernanda was frantic, showing her hands. "They''repletely mangled, due to Gorman! He''s dangerous. You have to detain him before he targets me again."

    Before any of the officers could react, Gorman scoffed, hisughter tinged with scorn. He said, "Fernanda, I suggest you choose your next words wisely. My attorney will arrive shortly. Continue making unfounded ims, and I''ll have no choice but to sue for defamation."

    Rmended for you

    A Thousand Faces

    Hide The

    GENIUS HEIRESS'' WRATH

 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374 It Was A Misunderstanding

    Fernanda gaped at Gorman, utterly dumbfounded by the sheer audacity of his words. It was as if shame simply

    didn''t exist in his world.

    Just as Gorman finished speaking, a figure stepped into the room.

    "Mr. Green," the neer greeted with practiced ease.

    It was Frederic ke, awyer whose reputation in Grester was second to none.

    Fernanda''s heart sank.

    This man was a legal powerhouse. Against him, her chances of winning were next to none.

    At that moment, Fernanda grasped the full reality-Gorman wasn''t just well- connected.

    He was ruthless, and he always made sure he had the upper hand.

    She couldn''t bring Gorman down-it had likely doomed her to a lifetime of his relentless torment. Peace would never be hers again.

    Within seconds, Fernanda steadied herself, forcing down her earlier panic.

    She inhaled deeply, avoiding the smug amusement in Gorman''s gaze, and smoothly shifted her approach. "I''m sorry, this was all a misunderstanding. My injury... it was my own carelessness."

    The officers exchanged nces. They all knew exactly who Gorman was.

    As the heir to the Green family, he had been stirring up trouble ever since his return.

    Now that they finally had a chance to hold him ountable, they weren''t about to let it slip through their

    fingers.

    "Mrs. Riley, we urge you to cooperate with our investigation and provide an urate ount of tonight''s events," an officer said firmly.

    But Fernanda had already made up her mind-she wasn''t suing Gorman.

    "I told you, it was a misunderstanding. What now? Are you trying to force a confession out of me?" Her to was sharp, defiant.

    With no solid grounds to proceed against Gorman, the police had no choice but to drop the case. The situation between him and Fernanda remained unresolved.

    Soon, Gorman was cleared to leave. Yet, he didn''t move. Instead, he gave hiswyer a subtle nod.

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    < Chapter 374 It Was A Misunderstanding

    Frederic adjusted his sleeves, his voiceposed. "Officer, my client, Mr. Green, was the victim of an unprovoked attack Collin Riley trespassed into his home and assaulted him, causing significant injury He must

    be held ountable."

    One of Collin''s men immediately stepped forward. "Gorman started the fight! He had more people on his side. Mr. Riley only defended himself and he''s injured too!"

    Frederic remained unfazed. "So you''re confirming that Mr. Riley willingly confronted Mr. Green and engaged in

    a physical altercation?"

    The subordinate opened his mouth to argue but hesitated, realizing he had walked right into the trap.

    Collin, still seated, raised a hand slightly, his voice calm. "We''ll discuss this when mywyer arrives."

    Gorman scoffed, his smirkced with condescension. "Collin, be real-who do you think you are? You really believe some no-namewyer can save you? Frederic is the bestwyer in town. Do yourself a favor-admit you were wrong. Get on your knees and apologize, and maybe I''ll be generous enough to let this slide."

    Collin met his re with unwavering calm. "Not a chance."

    Gorman''s smirk faded, irritation flickering in his eyes. He let out a low sneer. "You just don''t get it, do you? Looks like I''ll have to make sure you end up in prison myself."

    He rose from his seat, his movements slow but deliberate. "I''ll let mywyer handle the rest."

    Pain throbbed through his body with every step-a brutal reminder of the fight. Right now, he needed a hospital.

    Otherwise, he would have stayed to witness Collin''s downfall firsthand.

    Just then, hurried footsteps echoed through the station.

    "Collin!" Linsey''s voice rang out, urgent and clear.

    Gorman froze mid-step, his expression shifting.

    A slow smirk tugged at his lips as he turned-only for it to vanish instantly. Linsey

    didn''t even nce his way. She ran straight to Collin.

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 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375 Collin Has

    Only Himself To me

    As Linsey made her entrance, Collin''s expression turned soor. "What are you doing here?

    He quickly shot a disapproving look at his assistant following her. "Haven''t I made topelt den

    "You instructed him to keep this from me, correct? Linsey interjected sharply.

    The assistant, sweating heavily, responded in a helpless tone, Mr. Riley, Mrs. Elley intimidated me. Ste threatened to crash into the wall if I tried to stop her. I had no choice

    Shock crossed Linsey''s face as she spotted the blood trickling down Collin''s arm and reached out tentatively.

    "You''re hurt!"

    At her touch, Collin winced, causing Linsey to withdraw her hand quickly, startled.

    Tears began to well up in her eyes from the shock.

    "How did you get hurt? Can you still move your arm?¡±

    Her voice trembled as she clenched her teeth. "I need to know who''s responsible for this. Exin everything to

    me!"

    She regretted ever forcing Collin from the room, thinking if only she had known.

    The sight of her tears forming made Collin''s heart twist.

    He tenderly brushed the tears aside and murmured, "Don''t worry, I''m alright. You don''t have to cry."

    From a distance, Gorman observed their interaction, annoyance brewing inside him.

    Why? Why did things have to be this way?

    Why did Collin receive Linsey''s concern when he was hurt?

    And what about him?

    When Linsey arrived, she hadn''t even nced his way.

    As Gorman reflected more on the situation, his bitterness grew. He was determined not to let their interaction

    slide.

    "Stop this pathetic disy," Gorman scoffed. "Collin has only himself to me. What is there to pity?" Linsey turned at his voice, only now realizing Gorman was there. Her face fell into a scowl. "Not you again, Gorman! You orchestrated this, didn''t you? Setting up Collin tonight was your doing!"

    Gorman, already agitated, responded with a sharp chuckle. "Really, Linsey? ming me now? He was the one

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    who instigated this!"

    Pointing to his shoulder, Gorman continued, "He stormed in and assaulted me for no reason! Look at this injury -it''s gotten worse. Can''t you see?¡±

    Linsey remained unconvinced that Collin would initiate a conflict without cause. She brushed off Gorman, turning her attention to Collin for his side of the story.

    However, Collin offered no defense. He simply reassured, "Leave it to me. It''ste. You should head home."

    With a derisive snort, Gorman questioned, "Really, and how do you n to manage that? Remember, nowyer in town tops Frederic. You might as well start preparing for prison."

    Once Collin was out of the way, Gorman could pursue Linsey without hindrance.

    Soon, he believed, Linsey woulde to him willingly.

    A wave of dread washed over Linsey as she noticed the man next to Gorman.

    Even she knew Frederic was one of the topwyers in Grester.

    Panic set in. Gorman''s confidence was justified. With Frederic involved, even the slightest mistake by Collin would be magnified.

    Linsey realized that Collin''s confrontation with Gorman had been in her defense.

    With things getting worse, she couldn''t just stand by and watch Collin end up in jail.

    Her expression hardened with resolve, and she confronted Gorman directly. "Tell me straight, what do you need to drop the charges against Collin?"

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

    Chapter 376 Bu

 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376 But I Have A Condition

    Seeing Linsey''s obvious concern for Collin, Gorman was overwhelmed by jealousy and frustration. He hadn''t intended to let Collin off so easily.

    With Linsey''s attention focused entirely on Collin, Gorman was even less inclined to show him mercy.

    He kept reying the moment Linsey ignored him and rushed to Collin''s side. Each rey deepened his

    resentment.

    Suddenly, an idea formed in Gorman''s mind. He turned his gaze toward Linsey, amusement glinting in his eyes.

    "If you''re determined to free Collin, that''s fine by me," he said.

    Surprise flickered across Linsey''s face.

    Next to her, Collin''s brow twitched slightly.

    Could Gorman really be willing to let things go so easily?

    Just as Collin began doubting Gorman''s sincerity, Gorman spoke again in a casual tone. "You see, I''m injured. If you look after me until I''m back on my feet, I''ll drop the matter with Collin."

    Collin''s expression darkened immediately. "Not in a chance."

    Gorman''s smile vanished abruptly. He shot Collin a cold stare and responded, "If that''s how you feel, then we have nothing left to discuss."

    Linsey''s face mirrored Collin''s frustration. She had no interest in being alone with Gorman.

    However, given his power and influence, rejecting him could make life very difficult for Collin.

    If it were merely a personal disagreement, she and Collin might have found another way around it.

    However, Collin''s arm was badly injured. It looked quite serious.

    They couldn''t risk any dys. Linsey knew they had to act quickly to prevent permanent damage to his arm.

    With determination, Linsey brushed aside Collin''s protests and made her decision clear. "Gorman, don''t listen

    to him. I ept your terms.

    "Linsey!" Collin urgently cried out.

    Linsey squeezed his hand, silently urging him to stay calm. Then, she turned to face Gorman. "But I have one

    condition."

    As soon as those words escaped her mouth, a smug smile shed across his face. He chuckled lightly and said, "Go ahead."

    Chapter 376 But I Have A Condition

    Collin''s frown deepened. He tugged at Linsey''s hand in protest,

    Linsey nced back and shook her head reassuringly. "It''s okay,"

    She turned again to Gorman. "I''ll look after you until you recover, but it must be at the hospital. Your injuries. are serious. You''ll need proper medical care to fully heal. That''s a fair condition, considering your health."

    Gorman raised an eyebrow but didn''t challenge her. Instead, he seemed to int¨¦rpret her condition as a show of concern. "No problem. We''ll do it your way."

    Collin''s expression twisted in displeasure at Gorman''s smug look.

    Even more troubling was the thought of Linsey personally caring for Gorman.

    All three knew Gorman had hidden motives. As Linsey''s husband, Collin found the

    very idea of her agreeing to this arrangement unbearable.

    "Linsey, we can''t-" Collin began, trying to reason with her.

    Linsey faced him and held her stance. "Collin, I''ve made up my mind." Rmended for you

 Chapter 377

    Chapter 377 Are

    Are You Two Bickering Now

    Linsey nced at Collin''s bloodied arm, her jaw tightening. "You need to get to the hospital and stay there until you''re fully healed. If you don''t take care of yourself, I swear I won''t speak to you ever again!"

    After a brief silence, Linsey pressed on, "Just do as I say."

    Collin opened his mouth to protest, but under Linsey''s piercing stare, his voice faltered. "It''s really not that bad

    That was thest straw for Linsey.

    Irritated, she reached out and pinched his handsome face. "Oh? So you''re telling me it doesn''t hurt? Say that again, I dare you."

    When a wooden stick had struck his arm earlier, Collin hadn''t even flinched.

    Yet now, just a simple pinch from Linsey had him wincing.

    "Alright, alright, you win! I''ll listen to you," Collin conceded.

    Gorman watched the scene unfold, his lips twitching in exasperation.

    What an absolute drama queen.

    Once everything was settled, Gorman withdrew his charges against Collin.

    In the end, both men wound up in the hospital for treatment.

    To make things easier, Linsey personally requested that their hospital rooms be ced side by side.

    The moment Gormany down on his bed, he instructed Danny, "Go, call the best medical team to check me

    out."

    He was practically glowing with excitement at the thought of Linsey looking after him.

    In his eyes, the confrontation with Collin had been well worth it.

    Not only had he vented his anger, but he had also managed to get closer to the woman he loved.

    Meanwhile, in the next room, Collin had called Dominic from a private hospital. The second Dominic stepped inside and saw Collin''s injuries, he was dumbfounded.

    "What the hell happened to you? I saw you just a few hours ago, and now you look like this?" Dominic''s voice

    wasced with concern.

    He had just finished treating Linsey earlier.

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    And now p wes Collin?

    What was with the couple

    Laney let ou a Julptede sigh, unsure of how to exin

    De the way over, Dominic had already heard bits and pieres of the story.

    eine neuer linsey not Collin seemed eager to talk, he kept going

    "Benously, Colluny Whel possessed you to take on Gormant I heard you two even got dragged to the police adation before welding thinge And now look at you both lying in hospital beds."

    the eiged and took a seat beside them. "If word gets out, people in town are going to lose their minds."

    Collin''s expression darkened "Though. Talking about it won''t change anything-it''s just making me more

    Linsey scoffed, "oh? Now you realize how ridiculous this is?"

    Domime couldn''t hold back hisughter, ncing between the two of them, "Oh wow, are you two bickering

    now?

    Collin was already in a foul mood, and knowing that Linsey would be tending to Corman next door only made

    Just shut up!" Collin snapped,

    Dominic clutched his chest in mock offense, "Collin, where''s your decency? We''ve been friends for years, and this is how you treat me?"

    His little act worked-Linsey frowned,

    "Collin, be nice to Dr. Larson. He came all this way to treat you. The least you can do is show some gratitude."

    Linsey had put Collin in check,

    Pealizing he had upset her, Collin quickly turned to Dominic, "Sorry, I didn''t mean to take it out on you."

    Dominic''s eyes widened in shock.

    Collin was apologizing? Now that was a rare sight.

    Linsey really had him wrapped around her finger.

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 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378 Collin Will Be Just Fine

    Dominic shook his head with an exaggerated sigh "collin, Linsey has yourpletely under her spall

    have ¡ú

    For ance, Collin didn''t bristle at the testing

    He just raised an eyebrow, making no effort to argue like he fully owned it.

    Meanwhile, Linsey''s face grew warm with embarrassment.

    Collin was the one being talked about, so why was she the one feeling awkward?

    Dominic pped a hand on Collin''s shoulder and steered him toward the exam room.

    His arm took the worst of the damage.

    By now, the pain had dulled, but the marks on his arm were still startling.

    At the examination room door, Linsey started to follow Collin inside, but he held up a hand to stop her.

    "Just wait for me outside," he said.

    Linsey frowned, concern flickering across her face. "Why?"

    She needed to see his injuries for herself.

    Collin didn''t exin much. Instead, he reassured her in a soft voice, "Be good, Linsey. Wait for me outside. I won''t take long."

    Dominic shot Collin a nce and immediately understood why.

    Collin just didn''t want Linsey to see his wounds and get upset.

    Ah, love really made people act irrationally.

    Lately, reading Collin''s thoughts had be almost too easy.

    And yet, Linsey remainedpletely oblivious to his obvious affection.

    As Collin''s close friend, Dominic naturally yed along.

    "Don''t worry, Linsey. With me here, Collin will be just fine," Dominic said, shing her a grin.

    The moment he stopped talking, Collin swatted him lightly.

    "What was that for?" Dominic asked, clearly baffled.

    Collin,pletely expressionless, warned, "Don''t smile at my wife like that."

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    Linsey smacked him this time. "Cut it out."

    With all the fuss Collin was making, she decided not to push any further.

    She turned to Dominic and said softly, "Dr. Larson, I''ll leave him in your hands." Dominic nodded.

    It was just a routine wound check and dressing, but these two were acting like it was a high-risk surgery.

    Half an hourter, back in Collin''s hospital room, Dominic studied the test results in his hand-and suddenly

    wanted to take back his earlier confidence.

    His brows knit together as he examined the X-rays, his expression growing more serious by the second.

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat. "What''s wrong? Is it serious?"

    Dominic nced at Collin. "Seeing how calm he looked, I assumed his injuries weren''t too bad. But his arm bone is nearly broken. And on top of that, his other wounds barely missed vital areas."

    He let out a sharp breath before turning to Collin. "What were you thinking? You''re practically risking your life!"

    Sometimes, he forgot just how much pain Collin could endure.

    Collin''s pain tolerance was far beyond what most people could handle.

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat at Dominic''s words.

    It was that serious?

    She quickly nced at Collin''s arm, worry and lingering fear clouding her face.

    When he saw her on the verge of tears, Collin''s breath tightened.

    His voice came out low and hoarse as he reassured her, "It''s really not that bad. For me, this is just a minor injury-Dominic''s exaggerating. Once we''re home, I''ll rest properly, and recover in no time."

 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379 You Need To Remain Hospitalized

    At that moment, Collin''s mind was upied with thoughts of Linsey''s agreeing to look after Gorman in the hospital.

    For him, the severity of the injury was irrelevantpared to this concern.

    He was painfully aware of Gorman''s intentions towards Linsey-it was unthinkable to just watch his wife caring

    for another man.

    When Linsey heard what Collin said, her expression turned stern. "You need to remain hospitalized. Listen, Collin, if you persist in this, you might as well not bothering back home ever again."

    Collin instantly ceased speaking, wisely choosing not to challenge her, and silently agreed to Linsey''smand.

    Dominic, on the other hand, found the situation quite amusing.

    Dealing with Collin''s stubbornness regarding medical care had always been a challenge.

    Finally, there was someone who could manage him.

    Trying to mask his delight, Dominic handed a tube of ointment to Linsey.

    "I''ve finished treating the injury on his arm. He should keep the bandage on for the next few days. For his other wounds, you''ll need to apply this ointment."

    Linsey nodded without hesitation. "Okay."

    Dominic wasted no time and swiftly exited the room.

    Setting up a chair next to the bed, Linsey dipped a cotton swab into the ointment and gently applied it to the

    cut near Collin''s mouth.

    His face, usually striking, was marred by bruises, tugging at her heartstrings. As she leaned closer to apply the ointment, her breath softly caressed his skin. Collin averted his eyes, observing her intently, her subtle scent enveloping him. A surge of warmth flooded through him, making it difficult to remainposed. Eventually, he could no longer hold back. He grasped her hand and whispered, "Enough, Linsey. Please, stop

    moving."

    Linsey recoiled slightly, looking at him with a mix of surprise and concern. "What''s wrong? Did that hurt you?"

    She scanned his injuries quickly, mentally retracing her actions.

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    She had been exceedingly careful-was it possible she had caused him pain?

    Collin met her worried look, saying softly, "No, it''s not painful."

    After a brief pause, a slight redness tinged his ears, much to Linsey''s astonishment.

    "I just felt a sudden urge to kiss you."

    His directness remained, even amidst his embarrassment.

    Shock flickered across Linsey''s face as she gazed at Collin

    "Collin!" she scolded, sounding almost like she was trying to snap him out of a dream. "You''re badly hurt! Your arm is still wrapped up! And now you''re thinking about this? I don''t even know what to say to you!"

    Truly, Collin was a hopeless romantic at heart.

    With a sad expression, Collin blinked and said in a nearly pleading tone, "Is it so wrong to yearn for the woman I love? Is a kiss really too much to ask?"

    As he said this, he edged closer to Linsey.

    "Absolutely not!" Linsey, momentarily swayed by his charm, faltered in her response.

    She struggled to find words that might deter him.

    Then, seizing the moment, Collin encircled Linsey''s waist with his good arm, drawing her close.

    Rmended for you

    COMPLETED

    When ove

 Chapter 380

    < Marrying A Secret Zillionaire tappy Ever After

    Chapter 380 Linsey''s Not Avable

    Eager, Collin leaned in to kiss Linsey, radiating a clear desire.

    Her heart raced, and a flush spread across her cheeks as she instinctively pushed against his chest.

    With a solemn expression, she cautioned him, "Collin, take it easy. You''re still healing. Any careless movement could worsen your condition."

    Linsey was all too aware of Collin''s impulsive nature-a single kiss wouldn''t be the end of it.

    Given his current state, any extra exertion was out of the question.

    An eyebrow arched yfully, Collin''s tone was light yet provocative. "Linsey, it''s always up to you. Feel free to

    stop me at any time."

    His words made resisting him even more difficult.

    She nervously bit her lip, her eyshes fluttering. "Alright... but be quick."

    With a deep breath, Linsey closed her eyes, avoiding his intense look.

    Collin''s soft chuckle filled the air as he saw her timidity.

    He began to le

    in, his lips nearly touching hers.

    Collin back, terrified of being discovered in such a close embrace. "There''s

    someone

    Suddenly, a loud knock echoed, abruptly halting their tender moment.

    In a panic, Linsey

    at the door!"

    Collin''s annoyance was evident as he frowned deeply. "Who''s interrupting now?"

    Just earlier that day, Linsey had been furious with him for pretending to be disabled.

    Now, just as she had moved past her anger and they were about to connect- someone had to interrupt!

    How infuriating!

    As the door to the hospital room burst open, Danny marched in.

    Ignoring Collinpletely, he turned to Linsey. "Ms. Brooks, Mr. Green is asking

    for you. You promised to take care of him until he recovered. Surely, you haven''t forgotten?"

    A shadow fell over Collin''s face, his features growing stern.

    His eyes narrowed on Danny, distrust etched into his expression-clearly, the timing of this interruption was no

    ident.

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    Chapter 380 Linsey''s Not Avable

    "Linsey''s not avable," Collin said, holding her wrist tightly, showing no signs of letting her leave.

    Still, Danny seemed unfazed. "Ms. Brooks, you made a deal with Mr. Green at the station. Are you nning to go back on your word?"

    He continued, "Mr. Green may press charges against your husband at any moment."

    Snapped from her thoughts, Linsey began to rise.

    With a tug, Collin drew her back, his tone tinged with jealousy. "Linsey, you''re not allowed to take care of Gorman. Leave him to me. Stay away from that man."

    Danny''s expression was scornful. "Ms. Brooks, you have one minute."

    "Not even one minute," Linsey said, standing once more. "I''ll go with you."

    Collin''s tone became urgent. "Linsey! You mustn''t go!"

    Turning to him, Linsey replied, "Calm down, don''t be upset. Stressing out won''t aid your recovery."

    Her tone grew gentle. "I won''t be long. Trust me, okay?"

    Escting the situation was thest thing she wanted.

    It was wiser to appease Gorman for the time being, at least until Collin was well.

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381 What Took You So Long

    Collin was adamant. "Absolutely not. You''re staying here. Gorman will find any excuse to have you apply

    ointment, then he''ll exploit the situation to take advantage of you!"

    His anger was unmistakable-he would not allow it!

    Linsey, amused yet exasperated by his jealousy, thought that jealous men could be quite daunting

    She yfully pinched Collin''s cheek. "Are you being jealous?"

    Collin scowled, and responded, "Of course, I am. You''re my wife, and Gorman dares covet you"

    "Alright, fine. There are nurses for that. I wouldn''t consent to it anyway." Linsey caught the gaze of Denny behind her, who hung on every word. Anxious that Gorman might grow impatient and sue Collin, she reassured Collin, "Just rx. I''ll check in ande right back. Trust me this time, and there''ll be no hard feelings,

    After a lengthy discussion, Linsey managed to convince Collin.

    She then proceeded to Gorman''s hospital room with Danny,

    Upon entering, Linsey was greeted by Gorman''s grumbling from the hospital bed. "What took you so long? 1 was about to reach Frederic if you dyed any further."

    Suppressing her annoyance, Linsey responded coolly, "You don''t need awyer for something like that."

    Gorman was just joking, and his mood visibly improved when he saw her.

    "Don''t be upset, I was only teasing." Gorman grinned and gestured towards the chair beside his bed. "Linsey,

    Linsey remained standing, her expression stoic. "Just tell me-what do you need?"

    Clearly, she was not a nurse or a caregiver.

    Could Gorman genuinely expect her to look after him?

    Her disinterest was clear, yet Gorman seemed unfazed by it.

    He smiled and inquired, "Linsey, has it really been so long that you''ve forgotten the promises you made to me?¡±

    Still unbothered, Gorman pointed to the medicine on the table next to him. "Could you apply this for me?

    Linsey declined firmly. "No. That''s not a good idea. I''m not qualified as a nurse, andcking the proper skills, I might cause you more harm."

    Gorman''s expression turned to a frown. "Are you just going to stand there and do nothing"

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    Chapter 381 What Took You So Long

    His frustration grew as he observed her detached demeanor.

    Why was Linsey still so distant from him?

    In his frustration, Gorman attempted to sit up.

    However, in doing so, he inadvertently aggravated his wound.

    He gasped sharply, hisplexion turning ghostly pale.

    Danny, rmed, called out, "Nurse!"

    Nurses flooded into the room to attend to him.

    This urgent care was necessary sooner, but Gorman had insisted that Linsey be

    the one to apply the medicine, which caused the dy.

    From a distance, Linsey watched the scene, her expression unchanged as the nurses worked tirelessly.

    Soon, the room was permeated with the strong smell of blood.

    Catching a glimpse of Gorman, Linsey''s frown deepened.

    What she saw made her tense up.

    A deep gash had split open on his shoulder, blood still flowing freely.

    A nurse urgently said, "We need a doctor here-he requires stitches right away!"

    For a moment, Linsey was rooted to the spot. How had his injuries be so severe?

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 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382 You''re Making My Heart Race!

    Noticing Linsey''s stunned expression, Danny stepped closer and asked in an usatory tone, "Why do you seem

    so surprised, Ms. Brooks? Did you think Mr. Green was exaggerating his pain?"

    Linsey hesitated, her face reflecting a storm of mixed emotions. "No, that''s not it. I just... didn''t realize how

    serious his injuries actually were."

    "Isn''t that you and Collin''s doing?" Danny scoffed.

    Linsey shot him a sharp look. Her mind shed back to the recent fight in the Glory Hotel lounge. She had stabbed Gorman, believing at the time it was purely self-defense. She was convinced that it was another of his twisted schemes to trap her.

    Only afterward had she discovered that Fernanda, acting alone, had orchestrated the entire setup. Gorman himself had punished Fernanda harshly for stepping out of line.

    The more Linsey thought about these events, the more unsettled she felt.

    But she struggled to feel any genuine sympathy for Gorman. He had repeatedly schemed to drive her and Collin apart. As far as Linsey was concerned, he had brought this on himself.

    Linsey chose to remain silent. Sensing he had pushed his luck far enough, Danny also said nothing more.

    If Gorman decided to cause a stir about thister, he would be the one facing the consequences.

    Soon after, the doctor arrived, administered anesthesia, and began stitching Gorman''s wounds.

    Linsey stayed quietly on the sidelines throughout the procedure.

    It felt like a long wait, but eventually, the doctor finished and produced several bottles filled with a dark liquid.

    "Apply this while the anesthesia is still effective. Be careful not to aggravate his injuries," the doctor advised. A nurse nodded and epted the medication. Her gaze lingered on Gorman, whoy pale on the hospital bed. By now, many on this floor had heard a lot about Gorman, though few had imagined him to be this young or

    attractive in person.

    With his well-defined physique, a single nce was enough to make the nurse''s heart race.

    Clutching the bottle, the nurse felt a thrill of anticipation. Gaining Gorman''s favor could lift her from her ordinary life as a nurse to one filled with luxury.

    With that thought, she settled beside his bed and carefully began applying the medication to his shoulder

    wound.

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    Chapter 382 You''re Making My Heart Race!

    "Mr. Green, does this hurt? I''ll be gentle. Just let me know if you feel any difort," she said softly.

    Gorman shot her an icy nce. "The anesthesia hasn''t worn off yet. Why would it hurt?"

    The nurse was momentarily shaken but quickly regained herposure.

    At least he had responded to her.

    Emboldened, she subtly rested her other hand on his bare abdomen, hoping to charm him. "Mr. Green..."

    Linsey watched the scene unfold with an amused expression.

    It appeared Gorman was never short on admirers. If this nurse managed to

    captivate him, perhaps he would stop his relentless pursuit of her.

    Before Linsey could give the idea further thought, Gorman suddenly grabbed the nurse''s hand and snapped, "Get out!"

    His sharpmand startled both Linsey and the nurse.

    Despite her shock, the nurse recovered quickly and managed a coy smile.

    "Oh, Mr. Green, don''t be so cold. You''re making my heart race! Here, feel it yourself." As she spoke, the nurse fluttered her eyshes at Gorman and guided his hand toward her chest.

    She felt certain that her charm was irresistible to him. But in the very next moment, her confidence shattered.

    The instant she touched him, Gorman recoiled, disgust clear on his face. With a forceful shove, he sent her stumbling backward.

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 he Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 383

    Chapter 383 I Don''t Need Anyone''s Pity

    "Don''t touch me! Get out of here!" Gorman shoved himself upright, his face twisted with rage as he roared, "From now on, I don''t want to see you in this hospital again!"

    The nurse let out a terrified whimper. Terrified, she turned and bolted.

    But the sudden movement sent fresh blood seeping through his stitches.

    The wound strained against the sutures, on the verge of tearing open.

    "Mr. Green!" Danny lunged forward to steady him. "Mr. Green, please lie down! Your wound is opening up again."

    Gorman leaned back, his face shadowed, breath still ragged.

    "Mr. Green, let me get another nurse to wrap that wound," Danny suggested.

    The wound needed more than just stitches and antiseptic-it required proper bandaging, something beyond a quick fix.

    To Danny''s surprise, Gorman snapped, "Get lost! I don''t want any more strangers poking around. Keep them all away from me!"

    The thought of another nurse touching him made his skin crawl.

    Danny hesitated, eyes flicking to the injury. "Mr. Green, your injury''s serious. It needs real care. If we don''t do this right, it could get worse."

    But Gorman didn''t seem to care at all. He acted as though the pain wasn''t his to bear.

    With a cold snort, Gorman muttered, "So what? It''s not like I''m going to die." Through it all, his eyes had been glued to Linsey as he watched her in secret. But not once, from the beginning to the end, had she shown even the slightest concern for him.

    A flicker of disappointment shed across Gorman''s eyes, and a bitterugh escaped his lips.

    "Linsey, are you just here to watch me crash and burn? Fine, is that what you want? I don''t need anyone''s pity."

    He shot a fierce re at Danny. ¡°Get out! All of you, just get out!¡±

    Danny froze,pletely baffled by Gorman''s sudden demand to be left alone. "Mr. Green, I..."

    Danny''s voice trailed off as Gorman grabbed a pillow from the bed and hurled it at him.

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    Chapter 383 I Don''t Need Anyone''s Pity

    "Get out!" Gorman roared, his voice thick with anger.

    Panicking, Danny shouted, "Mr. Green, be careful with your wound!"

    Worried Gorman might act out again, Danny rushed to usher Linsey out. "Alright, Mr. Green, we''re leaving Please, just calm down."

    As the door to the hospital room clicked shut, Linsey stood frozen in shock, her mind still reeling,

    What on earth was happening? Had Gormanpletely lost it? She hadn''t done anything, yet he acted like she

    was there to mock him. It wasn''t fair!

    Linsey pressed her lips together, frustration bubbling up inside her.

    As irritating as Gorman was, she couldn''t just walk away.

    She was responsible for the wound on his shoulder. If it wasn''t treated properly tonight, it could seriously jeopardize his recovery.

    And if he died in there, wouldn''t that make her a murderer? The thought gnawed at her, unease creeping up

    her spine.

    She turned to Danny. "What do we do now?"

    Linsey stared at Gorman''s hospital room door, her expression hardening slightly,

    a flicker of concern still

    lingering.

    "Gorman''s wound hasn''t been treated properly. If he''s left alone in there, something could happen, right?" she

    continued.

    Danny''s face tightened. He nced at Linsey, noticing her faint worry, but it seemed too staged to him.

    He bit his tongue for a moment but couldn''t hold back. His voice turned sharp. "Isn''t that what you were hoping for?"

 Chapter 384

    Chapter 384 I''m Not As

    Frail As You Think

    Danny lowered his voice. "I honestly don''t get it. Mr. Green is exceptional. Why does he insist on you? If anyone else had hurt him this badly, they''d be facing severe punishment by now. Yet, Mr. Green still favors you."

    Linsey distinctly heard Danny grumbling about her and felt momentarily speechless.

    It was true, though. She had caused the injury to Gorman''s shoulder.

    A surge of guilt washed over her.

    Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Danny turned abruptly and walked away, perhaps searching for another solution.

    Limited by his position, he couldn''t openly question his boss''s orders. So, despite his worries, there was nothing more he could do.

    As she watched Danny walk away, Linsey realized that despite her earlier resolve to stay away from Gorman, she couldn''t abandon him.

    The severity of Gorman''s condition weighed heavily on her mind.

    After a brief hesitation, Linsey stepped toward the door and knocked.

    When the sound of her knock faded, Gorman''s angry voice thundered from inside. "Get lost! Stop bothering me!"

    Linsey cleared her throat and stood firm. "Gorman, please calm down. Let me in to take care of your wound. If it''s left untreated, it''ll only get worse."

    The roompsed into silence.

    Meanwhile, a hint of unease crept over Linsey.

    Had Gorman copsed from blood loss?

    Before she could speak, the door suddenly swung open, and she was yanked inside.

    "Ah!" Linsey gasped, startled. She looked up, and her gaze fell onto Gorman''s pale face.

    He gripped her wrist tightly and pulled her so close it seemed as if he intended to kiss her. Shocked, Linsey instinctively drew back from him.

    As he saw Linsey resisting, Gorman''s expression darkened. "Are you trying to run away again? Were you deceiving me earlier?"

    With Gorman''s hospital gown partly open, Linsey''s hand pressed against his chest, unavoidably touching his

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    Chapter 384 I''m Not As Frail As You Think

    bare skin.

    "Let go of me," Linsey implored, her expression tense.

    Gorman maintained his grip, eyes locked on hers. "Tell me, are you nning to abandon treating my wound?"

    "Of course not," Linsey answered, unwavering.

    She straightened herself and shifted her attention to the wound on his shoulder. "You''ve just had stitches, and the anesthesia hasn''t worn offpletely. How did you even manage to get out of bed?"

    Gorman shed her a smug smile. "I''m not as frail as you think."

    Linsey ignored his teasing and pressed firmly. "Get back in bed. I need to take care of your wound."

    Whenever Linsey spoke politely, Gorman refused to listen. Yet now, as soon as her voice took on a hint of authority, he suddenly obeyed.

    Gorman raised an eyebrow, amused by her insistence. Atst, he let go of her hand and returned to the bed. Linsey retrieved the bottles and bandages, then stood before Gorman. She carefully cleaned the wound on his shoulder, then gently applied the medication with a medical swab.

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385 It''s Not Something You Should...

    Linsey carefully observed Gorman''s face each time she dabbed the medication onto his wound, worried that she might cause him pain.

    However, he seemed utterly unbothered. He remained quiet, and his expression was calm and rxed.

    For a moment, Linsey wondered if he had lost his ability to feel pain.

    Surely, the anesthesia had worn off by now.

    If not, how had he managed to get out of bed and grab her earlier?

    Linsey pondered this silently, unaware that Gorman was too distracted to care about his injuries.

    His gaze softened as he watched her. Meanwhile, his mind drifted back to the time they spent together in a small fishing vige abroad.

    Back then, he had been seriously wounded, teetering on the brink of death. Suddenly, a woman who had a good heart appeared at his side and cared for him tirelessly.

    Even unconscious, Gorman vividly remembered Linsey''s distinctive fragrance. Her scent had captivated his senses, lingering in his memory long afterward.

    Now, the woman he had longed for was standing right in front of him.

    Emotions stirred deeply within Gorman. He took a deep breath and, without thinking, grasped Linsey''s hand. "W-what are you doing?" she asked, startled. She quickly pulled back, creating distance between them.

    "I''m... sorry." Gorman let go of her hand, and his expression turned mncholic. "I just remembered when you saved my life. Do you remember it? You took such good care of me and carefully tended my wounds."

    The nostalgic look on Gorman''s face made Linsey feel slightly uneasy.

    She bit her lip and replied rather bluntly, "I don''t really remember, Gorman. Honestly, I''ve saved many people. I''d help anyone who was hurt, even an injured stray. It''s not something you should hold onto."

    As he heard her words, Gorman''s nostalgic expression faded into quiet sadness.

    Linsey noticed the sudden shift in his mood, and a small pang of guilt stirred inside her. Had she been harsh? It was only natural for him to feel grateful, given she had saved his life.

    Perhaps she should say something kinder to ease the tension.

    Just then, Gorman cracked a confident smile. "Linsey, I missed the chance to find you sooner. But now that we''re reunited, once you spend more time with me, you''ll realize that falling in love with me was inevitable."

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    Chapter 385 It''s Not Something You Should Hold Onto

    Linsey''s words offort stalled in her throat. She was speechless and felt annoyance surge within her. At this moment, she set aside the medication, grabbed a bandage, and quickly began wrapping his wound.

    "While you''re here at the hospital, you might want to get your head checked, too. Who knows, maybe I''ll end up saving your life again." Linsey finished bandaging the wound, unwilling to stay in the room or continue the conversation. "I''m feeling hungry all of a sudden. I''m going out to get something to eat."

    Without waiting for Gorman''s reply, she made a quick exit and did not even bother to look back.

    Gorman remained seated on the bed, watching her leave with a helpless expression. He let out a wry smile and muttered to himself, "You''re worried about your own hunger, but not once did you ask if I was hungry."

    Despite the tension between them, the warmth of her care had rekindled something inside him.

    Gorman felt a renewed determination to win Linsey over. But this time, he realized he had to take a different approach.

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 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386 Their Bond Is Strong

    In the days that followed, Linsey took time off from work to stay at the hospital, looking after both Collin and

    Gorman.

    Collin''s arm injury was more serious than they had thought.

    To help him recover faster, Linsey asked a maid to teach her how to make chicken

    soup,

    "That''s it, just like that. You''re doing great, Mrs. Riley," the maid encouraged, watching from the side.

    Linsey shed her a wry smile. "You''re the one who told me what ingredients to use, I didn''t do much."

    The maid nodded seriously. "Mrs. Riley, it''s not about how perfect it turns out. What counts is the care you put into it. Mr. Riley will be really touched when he finds out you made this nutritious soup just for him."

    At the words, Linsey felt a warmth spread across her face, and a sweet smile tugged at her lips.

    Realizing she was starting to blush, Linsey quickly shook her head.

    Even after she was married to Collin for a while, these little gestures still made her feel shy,

    When the chicken soup was almost done, Linsey grabbed a thermos and began pouring the soup into it.

    But suddenly, her hand slipped, and the hot liquid sshed onto the back of her hand.

    The searing pain shot through her skin.

    Linsey gasped in pain but managed to steady her hand without dropping anything. "Mrs. Riley!" The maid gasped in shock, quickly reaching out to steady the pot. Once the maid had it safely, Linsey hurried to run her burned hand under cold water.

    Within seconds, her skin reddened, and swelling began to form, a clear sign of the burn.

    "Mrs. Riley, your hand is burned. You need to apply some ointment right away," the maid said urgently.

    Linsey winced in pain and nodded. "Yes."

    The maid quickly fetched the burn ointment and carefully applied it to Linsey''s hand.

    "Your hand is swelling quite a bit," the maid said, her voice tinged with worry. "If Mr. Riley finds out, he''ll be really upset."

    Linsey quickly reminded her, "I was just about to say-don''t tell Collin. I''ll keep it hidden."

    The maid understood Linsey''s intentions and nodded in agreement.

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    16:17

    Soon, Linsey left Vista Vi, carrying the chicken soup.

    The maid watched as Linsey got into the car and drove off.

    "Mrs. Riley is really good to Mr. Riley," she murmured.

    Josh nodded. "Yeah, their bond is strong. I just hope they don''t have to face any more hardships."

    The others, hearing this, quietly agreed.

    In the hospital room, Collin was listening to a report from his assistant about thetest developments.

    "The coboration with the Lawson family has been finalized. They''re hosting a banquet in a few days and have invited you. Will you be attending?"

    Collin immediately felt the urge to decline.

    He had never been fond of public events or being in the spotlight.

    But then, his thoughts turned to Linsey.

    His low-key nature had often caused her to suffer a lot in the past.

    If everyone in Grester knew who Linsey''s husband really was, maybe they would finally stop bothering her.

    With this in mind, Collin quickly changed his decision. "I''ll go."

    The Lawson family''s banquet would be the perfect opportunity to surprise Linsey.

    He wanted to reveal the truth about himself to her once and for all.

    Just then, a harsh voice called out from outside the hospital room. "Hey, what are you doing lurking outside Mr. Riley''s room? Are you eavesdropping?"

 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387 This Is Mr. Riley''s Wife!

    Linsey was caught off guard. She hadn''t expected to be used of eavesdropping the moment she arrived.

    The usation feltpletely unfair.

    She was simply entering her husband''s hospital room. How could anyone im she was spying in a ce where she had every right to be?

    Turning her head, she recognized a familiar face.

    Wasn''t this the same nurse who had been forcibly removed from Gorman''s room just yesterday?

    Linsey clearly remembered seeing her pushed to the floor after trying to seduce Gorman.

    Before she could say anything, the

    scoffed and raised her voice. "What are you staring at?"

    Linsey''s brow furrowed at the nurse''s hostility.

    Why was she so irritable this morning?

    She couldn''t think of anything she had done to provoke the nurse.

    At this moment, her gazended on the nurse''s name tag: via Castillo.

    "I wasn''t eavesdropping. I was just about to enter the room," Linsey exined calmly.

    via narrowed her eyes, unwilling to let it go.

    It was impossible that this woman had ess to Collin''s room.

    This woman was in Gorman''s room yesterday.

    It wasn''t surprising that via remembered her so well. Linsey had the kind of beauty that was hard to forget. More than that, she had noticed how different Gorman''s demeanor became when Linsey was around-pletely unlike how he interacted with anyone else.

    via was convinced that her humiliation at Gorman''s hands yesterday had been Linsey''s fault.

    Convinced of her own allure, she believed that Linsey had somehow sabotaged her attempt to get closer to

    Gorman.

    The thought only fueled her anger.

    "Still making excuses?" via sneered and grabbed Linsey''s wrist with a harsh grip. "Come with me to the security office!"

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    16:17

    O<

    Linsey''s frown deepened. She tried to pull free, but via only tightened her grasp.

    "Let go of me! I already told you-I wasn''t eavesdropping." Linsey exined. Why was it so impossible to reason with this woman?

    Ignoring Linsey''s protests, via yanked her forward. In the process, she carelessly bumped into Linsey''s hand, which was still tender and swollen from the burn.

    Linsey winced in pain. "Let go!"

    Just as she was about to drag Linsey away, the hospital room door swung open

    "Stop!" Collin''s assistant stepped out. His expression turned stormy when he saw via gripping Linsey''s wrist. "What do you think you''re doing?"

    via''s grip loosened instinctively, and Linsey took the opportunity to step back and gently touched the back of her hand.

    Linsey shot via a brief nce before checking the thermos in her other hand.

    The chicken soup hadn''t spilled. Otherwise, Collin would have gone without his meal.

    As she was confronted by Collin''s assistant, via''s confidence crumbled. She shot a resentful nce at Linsey before quickly turning to address the assistant with forced respect. "I caught this woman lurking around Mr. Riley''s room. I thought she was eavesdropping, so I was about to escort her to the security office."

    The assistant''s expression hardened, and he sternly said, "What nonsense are you talking about? This is Mr. Riley''s wife!"

    via''s eyes widened in shock. She turned to Linsey, her face frozen in disbelief. But Linsey remainedposed,pletely unruffled by the usation.

    Collin''s wife? That couldn''t be possible!

    via''s mind raced back to yesterday when she had seen Linsey in Gorman''s hospital room. She had taken over applying his medication.

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388 Please, Forgive

    Me

    "No, that''s impossible..." via stammered, her voiceced with disbelief.

    To her horror, Collin''s assistant raised a hand in a silent, chilling signal. Immediately, two men in ck stepped

    forward.

    "You know what to do. Make sure this nurse never finds work at any hospital again," the assistant ordered

    coldly.

    via''s face drained of color. Panic-stricken, she sped her hands together in a desperate plea. "Please! I was wrong! Don''t cklist me! I had no idea... I didn''t know she was Mrs. Riley."

    Tears spilled down her cheeks as she turned toward Linsey. Her body nearly bowed in supplication. "Mrs. Riley, I''m so sorry! I didn''t recognize you. Please, forgive me. It won''t happen again!"

    Linsey observed via''s tear-streaked face and felt a pang of sympathy. She pressed her lips together, then was only doing her job to keep the hospital secure." gently said, "Let her go. She

    Upon hearing Linsey''s merciful words, the assistant adjusted his stance. "Understood, Mrs. Riley."

    The assistant then addressed via. "Consider yourself lucky that Mrs. Riley spoke on your behalf. Don''t let this happen again. Leave now and stay out of trouble."

    With that, he turned back to Linsey and respectfully opened the hospital room door for her. ¡°Mrs. Riley, please. I''ll make sure no one disturbs you again."

    via wasted no time. Her face draining of color, she slipped away as quietly as possible. Once she was at a safe distance, she exhaled in relief.

    As the events of the day reyed in her mind, humiliation and fury burned hotter than ever.

    It turned out that that woman was Collin''s wife.

    The audacity of her to entangle herself with both Collin and Gorman, two excellent men!

    via gritted her teeth, her eyes darkening with malice. She had vowed to make Linsey pay for yesterday'' humiliation. Now, after this, she was even more determined.

    Her mind spun with possibilities as she began plotting a way to make Linsey regret ever crossing her.

    Linsey entered Collin''s hospital room, a thermos in her hand.

    Colliny stretched out on the bed, lookingpletely at ease. The moment he saw her, his face lit up with a warm smile.

    III

    16:17

    "What happened? What was all that noise outside?" he asked with concern.

    Linsey walked over to his bedside and set the thermos down on the table. Then, she dismissively said, "It''s nothing."

    She didn''t want to trouble him with the minor confrontation that had just happened.

    With practiced ease, she unscrewed the thermos and prepared to serve him a bowl of homemade chicken soup.

    But before she could pour it, Collin''s expression shifted. He reached out and gently grasped her hand, his eyes locking onto the burn mark on her arm. "How did you get hurt?"

    Caught off guard, Linsey hesitated. In her rush to handle the situation with via, she had forgotten to conceal

    her injury.

    She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, hoping to conceal the burn, but Collin was quicker.

    Without touching the wound directly, he secured her wrist and studied her with concern. "Tell me the truth. When and how did this happen?

    Her hand had been finest night, and nothing had seemed wrong when she left for Vista Vi that morning. Faced with Collin''s earnest gaze, Linsey sighed and offered a small, rueful smile. "I burned myself while making the soup. It''s really not a big deal. I''ve already put ointment on it."

    mood, Linsey gave

    Trying to lighten the her hand a you some soup."

    mall shake, subtly hinting him to let go. "I need to serve

    But Collin didn''t release her. His grip remained firm, his expression filled with concern. "You really don''t have to do this. The staff can handle it. There''s no need for you to strain yourself."

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 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389 I Know You Better Than You think

    Collin had initially thought Linsey was simply going back to pack a few things for him.

    But to his surprise, she had gone out of her way to make him chicken soup.

    The idea of Linsey hurting herself because of him made him feel uneasy.

    She had only just recovered from the effects of some harmful medication, and her palm had been cut. Her body was still in the process of healing.

    And now this.

    Linsey steadied herself and spoke softly. "You can''t see it like that. When you care about someone, you want to do things for them. I care about you, so I wanted to help however I could. I couldn''t just sit here and do nothing, could I?"

    Collin couldn''t help but smile at her words. "You don''t get it. I actually wish you''d be a littlezier and just do nothing for once. After all, even if you couldn''t do anything, I''m more than capable of taking care of you."

    "No way, I''m not having that!" Linsey huffed, pulling her hand away and starting todle the soup into the bowl. "Let me tell you, I''m aiming to be a world- renowned designer. I''m definitely not someone who sits around doing nothing. Who knows, maybe I''ll end up taking care of you one day."

    As Linsey poured the delicious chicken soup, the room quickly filled with its savory aroma.

    "Enjoy it while it''s hot," she said with a smile.

    Collin reached for the bowl but didn''t drink from it immediately. Instead, he set it down on the table next to

    him.

    "It''s too hot. I''ll wait for it to cool a bit," he said.

    Then, he gently pulled her down beside him, his gaze falling on the burn on her hand.

    "It''s still a bit swollen. Are you sure you applied the ointment?" Collin frowned, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

    Linsey gave a soft smile. "Of course, a maid helped me with it."

    Collin paused for a moment, then said, "Your burn looks pretty bad. You need something that''ll do more than just ease the pain. It needs to reduce the swelling, too. The ointment you have at home is probably meant for minor burns."

    "It''s not that bad," Linsey mumbled, brushing it off.

    Collin didn''t seem to care about her protests. He called to the assistant standing by the door. "Go to the pharmacy and get burn ointment from the doctor. Tell them it''s red, swollen, and stinging."

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    Chapter 399 I Know You Better Than You think

    The assistant nodded. "I''m on it, Mr. Riley."

    Linsey blinked, slightly surprised. "How did you know it stings?"

    Collin raised an eyebrow and gently brushed her brow with his thumb. ¡°Your brow only furrows when you''re in

    pain."

    Linsey stared at him, astonished. "How is that even possible?"

    "Don''t believe me?" Collin teased. "Whether you believe it or not, I know you better than you think."

    Soon, the assistant returned with the burn ointment.

    "The soup should be cool enough now. Go ahead and drink it. I''ll take care of the ointment," Linsey said.

    Collin didn''t give her a chance to argue. He took the ointment from the assistant. "I''ll apply it for you."

    "Your arm is still injured. Let me do it," Linsey insisted.

    Collin unscrewed the ointment cap with ease, using only one hand. "Who was it that said caring for someone means doing things for them? Are you going to deny how I feel about you, my love?"

    Linsey was left without words for a moment.

    With his uninjured hand, Collin gently applied the ointment to her burn, his touch careful and deliberate.

    Every so often, he blew lightly on the burn, as if to ease her difort.

    "This should make it hurt less," he said.

    Linsey watched him, moved by how seriously he was treating her injury. A warmth blossomed in her chest.

 Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 390

    Chapter 390 That''s Exactly Why You Should Feed Me

    By the time Collin finished applying the ointment to Linsey''s burn, the chicken soup on the table had cooled slightly

    ¡°Alright, time to drink the soup. If it gets any cooler, it won''t taste as good. This chicken soup is best when it''s hot and fresh," she said.

    Linsey ced the ointment to the side, then used her uninjured hand to pick up the bowl of soup and offer it

    to Collin.

    "Here you go, drink up," she continued.

    Collin raised an eyebrow as he took the bowl with one hand.

    He froze for a moment, not moving

    Linsey suddenly realized and let out a softugh. "Oh, right. I didn''t think about it. You can only use one hand because of your injury."

    She paused for a moment, her voice softening "It''s kind of funny, don''t you think? My hand''s burned, so in a way, we''re both hurt.¡±

    Collin gazed at her, his eyes filled with warmth. "No wonder we''re a perfect match."

    Linsey blinked, surprised. She had said it casually, not expecting Collin to take it

    that way.

    Lately, it seemed like romance was all he thought about.

    "Alright then." Linsey, feeling a little shy at his words, let her tone shift to

    something yful.

    She reached out to take the bowl from his hands. "I''ll hold the bowl for you, and you can drink the soup with the spoon."

    But Collin gently pulled the bowl back, refusing to let Linsey take it.

    Linsey blinked, confused. "You can''t drink with one hand."

    Collin nodded seriously. "That''s exactly why you should feed me."

    Linsey couldn''t stop herself fromughing and yfully teased, "I could just hold the bowl for you."

    "No way." Collin''s face remained serious, as though he were discussing a matter

    of great importance. "The bowl is too heavy. The spoon is lighter."

    What nonsense!

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    Despite the ridiculousness of it all, Linsey couldn''t help but smile warmly.

    Linsey hadn''t been wrong before.

    Collin really was acting quite childish!

    She let out a yful sigh. "Alright, since you''re injured, I''ll give in this time. Consider it me granting one of your little wishes."

    Collin grinned and yed along. "Thank you, darling, for indulging me. I feel so honored."

    His words brought a smile to Linsey''s face, and she was more than happy to feed him.

    Linsey picked up the spoon, carefully scooping a bit of the chicken soup from the bowl.

    The rich aroma of the soup filled the air, with a faint steam rising up from the surface.

    Linsey brought the spoon close, blowing gently on the soup before carefully bringing it to Collin''s lips. "Be careful, it''s hot.*

    Linsey made sure to handle the spoon with caution, worried the soup might burn him.

    Meanwhile, Collin''s gaze remained fixed on her face; he was clearly captivated by her.

    His attention was far from the soup.

    Luckily, Linsey was too focused on feeding him to notice how dazed he looked. After Collin took a couple of sips, Linsey nervously asked, "How does it taste?"

    Startled, Collin snapped back to reality and quickly answered, "It''s amazing. The soup''s rich and full of vor, the seasoning is perfect, and it''s not greasy at all. Honestly, it''s better than any chicken soup I''ve ever had."

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391 I Haven''t Forgotten My Promise To...

    Linsey listened, and a smile of satisfaction spread across her face. "I''m d you

    like it. I really put a lot of effort into getting this recipe just right."

    Collin offered a subtle smile and nced at the thermos on the table. "It''s

    excellent. I could honestly drink all of this chicken soup."

    "Sure, why not? It''s all yours. If you like it that much, I''ll prepare some more for you tomorrow," Linsey responded with a wide smile.

    When he heard this, Collin''s expression showed a hint of concern. "Your hand is injured. I don''t want you to

    overdo it."

    "Chicken soup is perfect for your recovery. I''ll ask the maid to make it and bring it over tomorrow," Linsey

    conceded.

    This way, he could enjoy the soup without her risking further injury.

    With that settled, Linsey continued to feed Collin the chicken soup. Before they knew it, the thermos was

    almost empty.

    Next door, Gorman had been eagerly waiting for Linsey since the morning. But as noon passed, she still hadn''t

    shown up.

    Annoyed, Gorman called over Danny. "Where''s Linsey? Why hasn''t she shown up yet?"

    Danny hesitated for a brief moment, then exined, "Boss, Ms. Brooks left early this morning but returned around ten. Since then, she''s been in the room next door..."

    Gorman checked the time, and his expression darkened. It was nearly one in the afternoon.

    Linsey had promised to care for him until he recovered, yet she was spending all her time with Collin.

    The more he thought about it, the more his irritation grew.

    "Go and bring Linsey here," he ordered, his voice cold. "If she''s forgotten, remind her of hermitment to me."

    "Yes, Mr. Green." Danny nodded and hurried out.

    Upon reaching Collin''s room, he was immediately blocked by Collin''s bodyguard.

    "Sorry, they''re busy right now. Please don''t disturb them," he stated firmly.

    Undeterred, Danny stepped forward and pushed past him. "Step aside."

    Caught off guard, the bodyguard stumbled back. Disbelief shed across his face as Danny shoved past him.

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    Clearly, Gorman''s people were just as audacious as he was.

    Before the bodyguard could react, Danny had already pushed open the door.

    "Ms. Brooks!" he called out as he stepped inside. The rich aroma of chicken soup immediately surrounded him,

    a stark contrast to the sterile air in Gorman''s room.

    The warm, rxed atmosphere shattered in an instant.

    Collin''s expression tensed visibly. The moment he recognized the intruder as one

    of Gorman''s men, his annoyance deepened.

    "What do you want?" he asked irritably.

    Linsey nced up, concern flickering in her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

    Danny disregarded their actions and stated bluntly, "Mr. Green is asking for you, Ms. Brooks. He wanted to

    remind you of your promise."

    Linsey remainedposed, though irritation flickered in her eyes. "I haven''t forgotten my promise to Gorman. I agreed to care for him while he was in the hospital. But he''s recovering well now. There''s no need for me to

    sit around."

    She had already tended to his initial medical needs, and his recovery was going well.

    Furthermore, she had been visiting him daily. But now that he had an entire medical team caring for him, her presence was no longer needed.

    Meanwhile, as Collin''s wife, she had her own responsibilities to manage. It only made sense for her to prioritize

    her time here.

    After all, Gorman''s recovery no longer depended on her.

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    Chapter 392 Why Does Collin Get Chicken Soup

    Upon hearing Linsey''s words, Danny paused for a brief moment before maintaining hisposed demeanor. "Ms. Brooks, Mr. Green isn''t feeling well and has requested your presence."

    Linsey met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "If he''s unwell, he should consult a doctor. This is a hospital, isn''t it? He has ess to specialists. I''m not a doctor. Why summon me?"

    Danny faltered, momentarily at a loss for words.

    Seeing his silence, Linsey sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Tell Gorman to wait.

    I''lle once I''ve finished serving my husband some chicken soup."

    "Understood," Danny said stiffly before turning to leave.

    Upon returning, he ryed the message to Gorman.

    Hearing that Linsey was busy feeding Collin chicken soup only deepened Gorman''s frustration. His mood.

    soured instantly.

    "Why does Collin get chicken soup?" he seethed.

    The question burned in Gorman''s mind. He recalled a time in a small fishing vige abroad-injured, in pain, waiting for the chicken soup Linsey had promised.

    The thought was infuriating. Why did he always seem to lose to Collin?

    Sensing his boss''s growing frustration, Danny bowed his head, not daring to say a word

    Time stretched until Linsey finally arrived, her steps steady and measured. She stopped in front of him and asked irritably, "What''s wrong with you?"

    Gorman exhaled heavily. "My heart..."

    "Gorman, if you''re not going to talk sense, I''m leaving."

    Realizing she was serious, Gorman quickly spoke up, his voice tinged with jealousy. "Why does Collin get chicken soup, and I don''t? Have you forgotten that I''m also a patient?"

    Linsey met his gaze and replied matter-of-factly, "Collin is my husband, so of course, I take care of him. You, on the other hand, have an entire team looking after you. Can''t one of them make you some chicken soup?"

    Gormantched onto a single phrase: "Collin is my husband."

    The words stoked the anger simmering in his chest. His jaw tightened, and heshed out, "Linsey, are you trying to drive me mad?"

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    Linsey offered a measured smile. "You''re overthinking things, Gorman I have no intention of spurtting you. I genuinely hope you recover soon."

    If he got better sooner, she wouldn''t have to deal with him any longer.

    Unfortunately for her, he didn''t see through her real intentions Instead, he mistook her words for genuine

    concern.

    The next second, his mood lifted, and a satisfied smile spread across his face. "Alright. With you taking care of me, I''ll be back on my feet in no time."

    He wanted Linsey to see that he was much stronger than Collin. After an arm injury, Colin had grown weak

    Gorman, on the other hand, had taken a stab wound to the shoulder, suffered significant blood loss, and endured countless stitches.

    Unlike fragile Collin, he was built to withstand anything

    As she saw Gorman''s mood improve, Linsey''s own demeanor rxed slightly. She stepped closer and eyed Gorman''s shoulder. "Did it hurtst night? The doctor said the pain might worsen at night."

    At her words, Gorman''s expression softened, and his eyes locked onto hers.

    He was certain now. She still cared. Otherwise, why would she remember the doctor''s exact words?

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393 My Shoulder Is Killing Me!

    Gorman swiftly adopted a look of distress, unabashedly disying his

    vulnerability.

    "My shoulder is killing me! It''s been like this sincest night. I can only stay t on

    my back,pletely immobilized. I haven''t been able to sleep for nights."

    In that instant, Gorman''s usual boasting about his strength slipped from his memory.

    He was aware that he couldn''t always appear invincible in front of the woman he admired.

    At times, a touch of vulnerability could indeed win Linsey''spassion.

    And Gorman''s assumption proved correct.

    Linsey, observing the dark circles beneath his eyes, believed his im.

    She had personally seen the severity of his injuries, and the doctor had indeed warned that the pain might intensify during the night.

    The thought that she had inadvertently caused Gorman''s injuries made Linsey feel increasingly remorseful.

    "Why not try to get some rest during the daytime?" Linsey suggested gently.

    Gorman shook his head. "Daytime rest isn''t possible. That''s when

    you visit."

    Linsey pursed her lips and swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere. "Wasn''t today scheduled for a dressing change on your wound? Have you had a nurse look at it?"

    Gorman hesitated. "I wasn''t aware of that."

    Linsey found herself at a loss for words.

    She didn''t buy his excuse.

    Surely, if he hadn''t remembered, his assistant would have reminded him.

    It seemed he preferred not to have a nurse''s assistance.

    Realizing this, Linsey chose not to press further. "I''ll take care of changing your dressing myself."

    She had done it before, after all.

    Gorman''s face lit up with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

    Linsey approached the table and rifled through the contents of the medicine bag. "You''re out of medicine. I''ll go to the pharmacy and get some more. Wait here."

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    Gorman, feeling uneasy about her leaving, said, ¡°Have one of my men handle it.*

    "No worries. I''m familiar with what''s needed. I''ll return shortly." With that, Linsey exited the room.

    She preferred the errand over staying alone with Gorman.

    Soon, Linsey reached the pharmacy.

    "Hello, I need to pick up medications for Gorman Green," Linsey said, presenting the prescription

    via, filling in for a coworker, looked up and recognized Linsey.

    She had been reassigned here after being expelled from Collin''s room.

    Seeing Linsey again was thest thing she had expected!

    Beneath her mask, via''s lips curled into a grimace, her eyes reflecting deep resentment.

    "Alright," she said in a low voice, taking the prescription and ncing at the list of medications.

    These were all for treating Gorman''s external injuries.

    via thought bitterly of Linsey''s audacity. As Collin''s supposed wife, here she was, entangled with Gorman!

    How could she juggle two men like that?

    via, who had once vied unsessfully for Gorman''s attention and suffered ridicule, felt this was utterly

    unfair.

    With her teeth clenched, via resolved to make Linsey regret her actions.

    A mischievous n formed in her mind, bringing a crafty smile to her lips.

    As she prepared the medications, via seized an opportunity when Linsey looked away to switch thebel on one of the bottles.

    "Linsey, this will bring you trouble," via muttered under her breath.

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 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394 Do You Want

    Me To Die

    Even after Linsey collected the medicine, she didn''t realize the nurse at the window was actually via.

    When she returned, Linsey began changing Gorman''s bandages.

    With her experience fromst time, she handled it much more smoothly this time around.

    Gorman rested against the headboard, a soft smile on his lips as he couldn''t seem to tear his eyes away from

    her.

    As he watched her tend to his wounds so carefully, his mood lifted even more.

    He was certain that, sooner orter, Linsey would recognize his good qualities and fall for him.

    Time seemed to drag on.

    Linsey had already applied more than half of the medicine to Gorman''s wound when, without warning, his expression shifted. A sharp pain shot through the wound, quickly escting.

    In just moments, the searing pain dulled into an ache so intense it was almost unbearable.

    "Linsey!" Gorman couldn''t hold back anymore. He yanked Linsey''s wrist, snatching the medicine from her hand.

    Startled, Linsey looked up, her eyes widening as she saw Gorman''s face drain of color, his forehead slick with

    cold sweat.

    Panic surged within her as she saw the distress on his face. "Gorman, what''s happening?"

    Gorman struggled to stay conscious, his gaze locking onto the bottle in his hand. His fingers trembled as he noticed the raised letters on thebel-less bottle-this wasn''t the right medication!

    His eyes widened in shock, a surge of anger and despair flooding his chest.

    With a violent throw, Gorman hurled the bottle to the floor, his voice breaking with fury. "Linsey! Do you want

    me to die?"

    Linsey stood frozen, her heart racing as confusion washed over her. She tried to make sense of the chaos

    unfolding.

    She could only watch in helpless panic as Gorman''s face paled further, his features contorting in pain.

    It was as if a thousand des were twisting inside his wound.

    "It''s not me! I didn''t know..." Linsey cried out, reaching out in an attempt tofort him.

    "Get lost!" Gorman''s eyes burned with deep disappointment as he shoved her aside, his strength taking her by

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    surprise.

    He had thought Linsey truly cared for him.

    But never in his worst thoughts had he imagined she would tamper with his medication.

    Had her hatred for him truly sunk this low?

    The next moment, a wave of pain hit him, bending him over.

    A mouthful of blood spilled from his lips, sttering onto the floor in a gruesome sight.

    "Gorman!" Linsey''s voice trembled with fear as she cried out.

    Hearing the chaos, Danny burst into the room. Upon seeing the scene, he shoved Linsey aside.

    "What did you do to Mr. Green?" Danny demanded, his face draining of color in fear.

    Before Linsey could respond, Danny rushed to Gorman''s side, trying to steady him. "Mr. Green!"

    Danny turned and yelled toward the door, "Someone! Call for a doctor!"

    A momentter, Gorman vomited anotherrge spurt of blood, copsing unconscious onto the bed.

    "Mr. Green!" Danny called out, desperately trying to rouse him.

    But Gorman remainedpletely unresponsive, lost in a deep, lifelessa.

    Linsey''s heart raced wildly in her chest, her face twisted in worry as she stared at Gorman, whose paleplexion was nothing short of terrifying.

    Her mind was a whirlwind of panic and disbelief.

    How had this happened? How could Gorman suddenly vomit blood and copse into aa?

    The ringing in her ears drowned everything out, and a wave of anxious heat spread across her face.

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    Chapter 395 It Was You!

    Danny quickly called for assistance, and together, they helped him out of the hospital room.

    As he moved past Linsey, who stood frozen in shock, Danny shot her a re filled with resentment before shoving her aside.

    "Move!" he snapped.

    Jolted from her thoughts, Linsey stumbled backward, and her body collided painfully against the cold, hard edge of the hospital bed. A sharp sting shot through her leg, but there was no time to dwell on it.

    Pushing past the pain, she rushed after them, desperate to understand what was happening.

    Amid the chaos, Gorman was wheeled into the emergency room.

    Outside, Danny lingered, his face filled with anxiety as he stared at the sealed doors.

    Suddenly, he spun toward her, his eyes zing with usation.

    "It''s you! You''re the one who harmed Mr. Green!" Danny stormed toward her, his fury barely contained.

    Had they not been within the hospital walls, he might have acted on his impulse and strangled her right then

    and there.

    Gorman had always treated her with kindness. Yet this was how she repaid him? With betrayal?

    Linsey stood frozen, paralyzed by helplessness.

    Yes, she had administered the medication, but the reaction had beenpletely unexpected. She never meant for this to happen.

    "I..." Linsey began, but Danny cut her off, his re sharp and unyielding.

    "Enough! I don''t need your fake remorse! I''m not Mr. Green, and I won''t fall for your act. Save your excuses for when he wakes up!"

    His words silenced Linsey.

    The hours that followed were agonizing. She stood alongside Danny, waiting for any word from the emergency

    room.

    With each passing moment, her anxiety deepened. She needed answers, and she needed them fast. She never meant to hurt Gorman. But until he regained consciousness, no one would believe her. The wait felt endless. Then, atst, the light above the emergency room door flickered off.

    The doors swung open, and the doctor stepped out with a grip expression. "How could you be so careless with a patient''s care? How did you allow someone with bad intentions to apply poison to Mr. Green''s wounds?"

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    "Poison?" Danny''s eyes widened in shock

    Linsey stiffened. "That''s impossible! 1 need the same medicine as before when I changed German'' bandages"

    The doctor''s frown deepened. "We ran tests. His wounds were treated with poison if he hadn''t gotten medical

    attention on time, he wouldn''t have survived."

    Danny''s face burned with fury. He jabbed a finger at Linsey and shouted, "It was you! I always knew you were spiteful! How could Mr. Green ever care about someone like you?"

    Panic shot through Linsey. She shook her head, her hands flying up in protest. "No, it wasn''t me! I had no reason to hurt Gorman! I ran out of medicine, so I went to the pharmacy for more. A nurse gave it to mem

    Before Danny could retaliate, a nurse stormed over. "How dare you throw false usations at that staff? Every medication in our pharmacy is strictly regted. There''s no way any of it was poisoned. You''re just trying to cover up your own mistake!"

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396 I Demand A Full Investigation.

    Linsey froze as the nurse approached, her heart hammering in her chest. It was via, the same woman she had seen earlier near Collin''s hospital room.

    A chill crawled down her spine, and an inexplicable sense of foreboding washed over her.

    Then, it hit her.

    Her mind shed back to the pharmacy. The nurse who had handed her the medicine through the window... It

    had been via.

    A realization dawned on Linsey. She pointed at via and dered, "It was you! You gave me that medicine.

    You set me up!"

    via smirked, but she quickly masked it with a wounded expression. "What are you talking about? You just said a nurse at the pharmacy gave it to you, and now you''re using me? Which part of your story is even true?"

    At via''s words, Danny''s expression darkened. Suspicion thickened in the air.

    Linsey took a slow, steady breath, fully aware that the situation was tipping against her. She met Danny''s eyes and firmly requested, ¡°I demand a full investigation. I had no intention of harming-"

    "Enough!"

    ny snapped, his face rigid with anger. "You and Collin nned this together! First, you made Mr. Green wait, knowing he''d grow impatient. Then, youforted him just enough to earn his trust. That''s when you switched his medicine. It was all part of your scheme!"

    Linsey''s chest tightened. "I told you I didn''t!"

    But he wasn''t listening. With jaw clenched, he gestured for Gorman''s bodyguards to arrest Linsey.

    Just then, a cold, familiar voice sliced through the tension. "I dare anyone to try." The room fell into stunned silence. Every head turned. Collin strode in with his men. Without hesitation, he stepped in front of Linsey, shielding her.

    The shift was immediate. The men who had been ready to seize Linsey faltered and instinctively stepped back.

    Danny narrowed his eyes, resentment shing across his face.

    Collin cast a sharp, warning nce around the room, then turned back to Linsey. His eyes held a mix of in and regret.

    Without a word, he lifted his hand and gently caressed her cold cheek.

    "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?" he asked, his voice low and edged with

    concern.

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    A lump formed in Linsey''s throat. A storm of emotions swirled inside her, but she forced them down. Pressing her lips together, she shook her head and murmured, "I''m fine."

    But Collin wasn''t convinced. His brow furrowed, his worry deepening. He had only been gone a short while, and she had been dragged into chaos already.

    "Don''t worry. I''m here," Collin reassured her while holding her hand.

    Watching their intimate exchange, Danny grew even more frustrated. Unable to contain his anger, he scoffed sharply, "Linsey, you really are something. Mr. Green was hurt because of you, yet here you are, acting all lovey -dovey with Collin without a shred of guilt."

    Danny''s mocking voice made Collin''s brow furrow in frustration. Slowly, he turned and locked his cold gaze

    onto Danny.

    But Danny didn''t flinch and instead met Colin''s stare head-on.

    Like Gorman, he believed that even though Collin wasn''t a cripple, he still wasn''t a match for Gorman in terms

    of ability.

    "Collin, Linsey harmed Mr. Green. As her husband, you can''t escape responsibility. The Green family won''t let you off easy!" Danny paused, letting the weight of his words settle, then continued, "But if you hand Linsey over to us, we might reconsider involving your family."

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397 His Condition

    Is Critical

    Without a moment''s hesitation, Collin dered, "Linsey would never do anything

    to hurt anyone

    Linsey lifted hay gaze to mwet kis, her eyes brimming with washed tears.

    How could he trust her soply

    He hadn''t even grasped the full scope of the situation, yet he was so certain that the wasn''t involved

    Moved by his unwavering belief in her, Linsey gently squeezed Collin''s hand in return

    Denny, irritation evident in his voice, interjected, "It was Linsey who personally changed Mr. Green''s dressing The doctor confirmed that poison was applied to his wound. At that time, only Mr. Green and Linsey were in the room. Who else could it have been?"

    With a sharp dance in Linsey''s direction, Danny continued, "Collin, I think you and Linsey are in cahoots! You''re trying to harm Mr. Green"

    Danny raised his hand again. ¡°Guys, arrest Linsey and Collin! Take them for questioning!"

    At that moment, a nurse stepped out of the emergency room. She turned to face Danny. "Mr. Green is awake. He''s regained some consciousness."

    Before Danny could even begin to feel relief, the nurse continued, "Mr. Green specifically said that no one is to touch Linsey. He also insists on leaving the hospital immediately."

    Danny''s eyes widened in disbelief, his expression hardening with resentment as he turned his gaze toward

    Linsey,

    He couldn''t believe that, even now, Gorman was still determined to protect her.

    In a low, tense voice, Danny asked, "How is Mr. Green doing now?"

    The doctor responded solemnly, "His condition is critical."

    With no time to spare on Linsey, Danny quickly ordered, "Let''s make

    arrangements for Mr. Green to leave immediately."

    Momentster, a hospital bed on wheels emerged from the emergency room.

    Danny rushed over and found Gorman lying faintly on the bed.

    "Mr. Green, we''re leaving now," Danny said, his tone cautious, aware that Gorman might still be able to hear

    him.

    Gorman, barely conscious, gave a slight nod, his eyes remaining closed.

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    As the bed was pushed past Linsey and Collin, Gorman seemed to sense something, his eyelids fluttering open

    just a bit.

    Through his blurred vision, Gorman caught sight of Linsey and Collin in an intimate embrace, as if nothing could evere between them.

    A bitter, self-deprecating smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

    As Gorman was wheeled away by his crew, a wave of difort washed over Linsey''s chest.

    She inhaled deeply and murmured, "I never imagined something like this could happen."

    Collin ced a gentle hand on the top of her head, his voice soft yet steady. "Gorman has a lot of enemies. You''re not to me for what''s happened today."

    He gave her a reassuring nce. "I''ll make sure everything is investigated thoroughly. There''s no need to worry.

    it''ll be fine."

    Linsey nodded, her eyes still slightly swollen and red, but she forced a small, grateful smile.

    As he saw Linsey like this, Collin''s heart tightened with concern.

    Without hesitation, he reached out and gently drew her into his arms, his voice soothing and low, "I''m here. I''ll stay with you."

    Not far off, hidden in the shadows, via watched the scene unfold, fury building inside her.

    Damn Linsey.

    She had assumed that after today, Linsey would end up behind bars.

    But to her surprise, Linsey emerged unscathed, not only defended by Collin but

    also by Gorman, despite everything that had happened.

    via''s anger surged as she clenched her fists, unable to bear the sight for another second.

    Determined to leave, she spun on her heel, but was suddenly stopped by Collin''s assistant who appeared out of nowhere. "You again?" he demanded, his tone sharp. "Exin yourself! What are you doing sneaking around

    here?"

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 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398 I Was Just Passing By

    via jumped, her face paling instantly as panic set in.

    When she recognized the man in front of her as Collin''s assistant, a wave of panic washed over her.

    She couldn''t bring herself to meet his eyes, her gaze darting nervously to the floor. "I... I was just passing by."

    Her voice barely above a whisper, her head bowed in a defensive posture.

    The weight of her words felt too light to be believable, even to her. The thought of getting caught now, with everything that had transpired, made her stomach churn.

    The looming presence of Collin''s trust in Linsey only deepened her unease.

    via''s mind raced, her desire to flee growing stronger by the second.

    "Please, I need to get through. I have other patients to attend to," she said, her voice wavering as she tried to maintain a sense of calm.

    The assistant''s gaze sharpened, a sense of unease creeping over him. Something wasn''t quite right.

    With via''s mask covering most of her face, he didn''t immediately recognize her as the same nurse who had blocked Linsey outside Collin''s ward earlier that day.

    "You''ve been acting strangely,¡± he said, his voice stern. "What exactly are you doing here?"

    His tone grew more intense, and his posture remained firm as he stood in her way, unwilling to let her go without an exnation.

    via flinched at his demanding tone, her body stiffening in fear. Her face flushed with panic, and her eyes welled up, betraying her growing distress.

    "Why are you treating me like this? I was just walking by!" via protested,

    quickly adopting a victimized tone. She wasted no time in ying the innocent card, hoping to deflect suspicion.

    Not far off, Linsey and Collin heard the raised voices and approached to see what was happening.

    "What''s going on?" Linsey asked, her eyes scanning the scene.

    The assistant didn''t break his intense gaze from via. "Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley, I noticed this woman acting unusually, almost as if she were eavesdropping or watching us."

    via snapped back, her voice sharp, "I was not! You''re making things up!"

    Linsey took a moment to study via''s face, and as soon as their eyes met, she recognized the nurse from

    earlier.

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    "It''s her! The nurse who gave me the medication from the pharmacy earlier!" Linsey eximed, pointing at

    via.

    As soon as Collin heard this, his face hardened, a look of menace washing over him.

    via, realizing she was in danger, quickly tried to make her escape.

    But the assistant was quicker, grabbing her wrist and stopping her in her tracks. "So, it was you who tried to harm Mrs. Riley!" he snapped, his grip tightening.

    In one swift motion, he ripped via''s mask off, revealing her face. Recognition dawned in his eyes as he stared at her. "It''s you again!"

    Linsey narrowed her eyes, a frown crossing her face as she watched via''s panicked reaction. "So, you''re the nurse Gorman kicked out of the ward a few days ago, and the one who used me of eavesdropping outside Collin''s room this morning. You''ve been holding a grudge all this time, haven''t you? You intentionally swapped Gorman''s medication with poison, didn''t you?"

    Before via could react, Collin''s expression grew dark with anger.

    "The disturbance at the door this morning was caused by this fool," Collin said, his eyes narrowing as he red at his assistant. "Why wasn''t I notified immediately when my wife was in trouble?"

    "My apologies, Mr. Riley. That was entirely my fault," the assistant said, bowing his head in regret.

    Linsey, however, gently took Collin''s hand and spoke up for the assistant. "It''s okay. This morning wasn''t important at all. I didn''t think much of it. Who would''ve known this nurse was holding onto such bitterness toward me?"

    via, seeing Linsey''s calm demeanor, felt her frustration intensify.

    via shot Linsey a venomous re, discarding any pretense, and spat out, "Linsey! You shameless bitch! You deserve this! This is your karma for being a two-timer!"

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 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399 We Should

    Leave This To Gorman''s...

    The sound of Collin''s assistant''s hand meeting via''s cheek echoed sharply. "Keep your mouth shut!" he

    snapped.

    Collin instructed, "Gag her."

    "Right away, Mr. Riley." The assistant acted swiftly, pulling out a cloth and stuffing

    it into via''s mouth,

    effectively silencing her cries.

    Linsey let out a weary sigh.

    It seemed via had attempted to climb the socialdder using Gorman, and failing that, she turned her

    bitterness towards Linsey.

    "Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley, what are our next steps with her?" the assistant asked. Unsure, Linsey nced at Collin, waiting for his decision.

    Holding Linsey''s hand reassuringly, Collin contemted briefly before answering, "We should leave this to

    Gorman''s assistant."

    The assistant paused, then asked, "Shouldn''t we take her to the police instead?"

    Collin responded with measured calm, "Directly involving the police without Gorman''s team might suggest

    we''re trying to cover for Linsey by scapegoating via."

    He continued after a moment, "Given Gorman''s current state, drifting in and out of consciousness and unable

    to manage his affairs, his assistant is effectively in charge. Let''s hand her to him; he''s well-equipped to conduct a thorough interrogation. He''s even more motivated than us to unearth the true instigator, considering

    Gorman''s grave injuries."

    Linsey gave a nod of agreement. She offered a faint smile and murmured softly, "You always see the bigger picture. Once Gorman''s associates link her directly to the wrongdoing, they''ll ensure she spends the rest of her

    life in jail."

    via felt a chill as Linsey''s calm gaze settled on her.

    She began to struggle desperately, her eyes filled with terror and remorse.

    No, a lifetime behind bars was not what she envisioned!

    Still so young, she couldn''t stand the idea of being locked forever.

    via''s muffled whimpers slipped through the gag, her eyes begging for mercy, but her voice remained unheard.

    Marrying into wealth and bing a wealthy wife was still her dream. Going to prison was out of the question!

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    In desperation, via''s eyes turned to linsey, filled with a silent plea for mercy

    She begged silently, her gaze imploring She vowed to never repeat her mistake

    It was only how that the full extent of her regret hit via.

    She realized toote that setting Linsey up had been a grave mistake.

    Words of apology would no longer suffice.

    Linsey observed via with a detached expression and said firmly, "Take her to Gorman''s assistant nor

    Having been repeatedly targeted by via, Linsey felt no inclination to offer leniency.

    The incident earlier in the day was something Linsey could easily brush off, as it had meant nothing to her

    However, the afternoon''s events were serious-via had almost caused someone''s death.

    Although Linsey was not fond of Gorman, she had never wished harm upon him.

    "Understood, Mrs. Riley," the assistant replied, forcefully pulling via away.

    With via''s guilt confirmed, Linsey allowed herself a moment of relief. Yet, even so, her heart remained heavy.

    Although she was innocent, Linsey had unknowingly applied a poisonous substance to Gorman''s injury, a fact she struggled to ept.

    "I wonder how Gorman is holding up now?" Linsey asked, her voice tinged with

    guilt. "His injury was already severe, and the poison only worsened it..."

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 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400 This Isn''t Your Fault

    Collin noticed the concern in Linsey''s eyes, and for a moment, a pang of jealousy hit him.

    But he quickly shook off the feeling.

    He knew Linsey''spassionate nature well, and after everything that had happened, it was only natural she

    would be worried, regardless of who was involved.

    She cared deeply for others.

    With that thought in mind, Collin gently ced a hand on her head in aforting gesture, his voice soft and

    reassuring. "Don''t worry. I''ll make sure someone is keeping a close eye on Gorman. We''ll be informed as soon

    as there''s any update. And I''ll have someone analyze the poison immediately, so we can find an antidote and

    help Gorman recover."

    Linsey gave a slight nod, though her expression was still tinged with worry. "Alright."

    For now, there was little more they could do, but Collin was determined to take every step necessary to resolve

    this.

    The next morning, Collin came to Linsey with some reassuring news.

    "The team I sent to investigate just reported back. Gorman made it through the night and is no longer in immediate danger. However, the toxins in his system can''t be flushed out immediately-he''ll need time to

    recover."

    Linsey exhaled in relief, her shoulders rxing. "That''s such a relief," she murmured.

    She had already caused Gorman pain once by ident, and she didn''t want to make the same mistake again.

    After a brief pause, Linsey gathered her thoughts and asked, ¡°Which hospital is Gorman in now?"

    She bit her lip slightly, deciding it was best to be transparent with Collin.

    "I still want to go see him in person," Linsey said quietly, determination in her voice.

    Collin looked at her for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. After a pause, he decided to be upfront with her.

    "He was transferred to a private hospital owned by his family," he replied..

    He then added, "If you want to visit him, I''ll go with you."

    Linsey nced at Collin''s arm, still wrapped in bandages, and shook her head. "You should stay and rest. I''ll go by myself. I feel partly responsible for what happened. I want to apologize to him directly. If I had been more cautious, I might have realized sooner that the medicine was poisoned."

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    Collin gently cupped her face, his touch tender, his voice soothing "Linsey, this

    isn''t your fault. Don''t me yourself so much."

    Linsey gave him a small, reassuring smile. ¡°I''ll be okay."

    That afternoon, as Collin was in the hospital room, handling work matters with his

    team, Linsey made her way to the Green family''s private hospital.

    Before she left, Collin had informed her of Gorman''s room number.

    However, as soon as she got near, Danny stepped in her way.

    "What brings you here?" he asked, his tone far more curt than before.

    Linsey nced at the door of the room, then spoke softly. "I heard Gorman regained consciousness, and I

    wanted to check on him."

    "I''m afraid Mr. Green doesn''t wish to see you," Danny replied coldly.

    His tone was harsh, and he sneered as he spoke, his wordsced with sarcasm.

    "I don''t get it, Ms. Brooks. You used to avoid Mr. Green at all costs, and even

    when you cared for him, you did it with clear reluctance. Now that he''s on his own, you''re supposed to be relieved. So, what''s this? Here to gloat?"

    and even

    Linsey was taken aback, her thoughts briefly scattered by the usation.

    After a beat, she steadied herself, meeting his gaze firmly. "I genuinely care about Gorman. It''s not what you

    think."

    Danny let out a bitterugh. ¡°Mr. Green doesn''t need your so-called care. Just leave already. Go back and enjoy your perfect life with your husband."

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401 How Long

    Have I Been Out

    After multiple rejections, Linsey was left with no alternative but to walk away.

    As Linsey moved away, Danny, standing by the door of the hospital room, watched her retreating form. He whispered under his breath, "You don''t really have much patience, do you? I can''t see what Mr. Green finds

    appealing in you."

    Suddenly, a frail voice echoed from inside the room. "Danny?"

    Delighted, Danny eagerly opened the door. "Mr. Green, you''ve awakened!"

    He saw that Gorman appeared pale and his lips were dry from dehydration.

    "Mr. Green, are you alright? Would you like some water?" Danny asked eagerly, already reaching to pour a ss.

    However, before he could do so, Gorman''s gaze was fixed on the ceiling, his expression troubled. After a brief pause, he asked, "How long have I been out? Where is Linsey? Is she alright? I thought I heard her voice just

    now. Did she stop by?"

    Danny was taken aback, not anticipating Gorman''s immediate concern for Linsey.

    Gorman excelled in manu

    areas-except, evidently, his choice in women.

    With so many rich, attractive, andpassionate women in Grester, why was he

    so attached to Linsey?

    Frustration bubbled with:

    Danny.

    for

    Struggling to mask his feelings, he chose to omit any mention of via and responded with a tinge of bitterness,

    "Mr. Green,

    should you

    about that indifferent woman. Linsey hasn''t shown any concern for your wellbeing. You''ve been unconscious for three days, and she didn''t visit even once. Don''t you see, Mr. Green? She doesn''t care about you at all! Please, just let her go."

    Gorman''s expression, which had briefly lit with hope, turned grim instantly.

    He chuckled bitterly and exhaled deeply. "I should have realized. Why would she bother to visit? Guess I was just fooling myself again."

    Gorman took a moment, turned his head aside, and adopted a casual tone. "Linsey once saved my life. I thought I owed her, but perhaps we''re even now."

    Danny caught a glimpse of Gorman''s hidden sorrow and felt a twinge ofpassion. He paused, torn over whether to disclose the truth.

    Then Gorman said firmly, "Get ready to leave. We''re heading out in two weeks. There''s nothing left for me in Grester. Once I leave this time, I''m noting back."

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    Chapter 401 How Long Have I Been Out

    At these words, Danny bit back the revtion he was about to share

    It seemed Gorman had epted the reality.

    There was no benefit in unveiling the truth at this point.

    Even revealing it wouldn''t alter Linsey''s feelings toward Gorman.

    Maybe it was best to leave things unresolved.

    Once they were out of Grester, Gorman would likely move past this chapter.

    "Understood, Mr. Green. I''ll handle everything." Danny responded, feeling a sense of relief

    With Gorman''smendable traits, he could attract countless other partners. Linsey was already wed to Collin-she was not worthy of Gorman.

    The incident might have traumatized him, but Danny worried that Gorman''s continued pursuit of Linsey could prove disastrous.

    On the other hand, Linsey, unaware of Gorman''s sentiments, had purchased some health supplements and instructed a nurse to deliver them to his room.

    Unbeknownst to her, these supplements were discarded by Danny and never reached their intended recipient.

 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402 Linsey, You''re Finally Back!

    Two dayster, Collin gave Linsey an update about Gorman. "The poison in Gorman''s wound has been mostly cleared, and his condition is improving. He''s recovering well, and there''s nothing major to worry about."

    Linsey sighed in relief, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She could now shift her focus back to taking care

    of Collin.

    As the days passed, Collin''s arm continued to heal, and before long, he was discharged from the hospital and

    returned to Vista Vi to rest.

    On Linsey''s first day back at work, she entered the office and immediately overheard a conversation between

    some of her colleagues.

    "Did you hear? We''re about to partner with the Lawson Group! It''s all over the Inte now!"

    "I saw that too! They even mentioned there will be a banquet for the partnership."

    "And guess what? The founder of the firm will be there, along with his wife! I''m so curious to see him, and I

    bet his wife is stunning."

    "Same here! We''ve all heard the stories about how he built CR Corporation from scratch and how he once spent a billion on his wife. This banquet might be our chance to finally see him in person."

    "Do you think the founder is cute?"

    "Or maybe he''s just an old man with gray hair."

    "Shh!"

    Linsey, though curious herself, couldn''t help but walk over and clear her throat to remind them, "Keep it down, or the higher-ups might hear you."

    Her colleagues jumped in surprise and turned to face her, not having realized she had returned.

    "Linsey, you''re finally back!" one of them eximed.

    "We''ve missed you so much!"

    "How have you beentely? Everything going well at home?"

    Linsey smiled, shaking her head. "Everything''s fine. You all should get back to work."

    "Alright, alright."

    Seeing Linsey back, the colleagues who had been gossiping quickly scattered,

    diving into their work.

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    After taking a few days off, Linsey found herself buried under a mountain of tasks.

    By the time she finished, the sky had already darkened. She rushed home.

    As soon as she stepped into the living room, she noticed Collin''s assistant handing him an invitation to a

    banquet.

    "You''re back early today?" Collin looked up at her right away.

    Linsey walked over, took a seat beside him, and gently ced her hand on his arm. ¡°Of course, I was worried about you. How''s your recovery going?"

    Collin gave a reassuring smile. "It''s been fine, no pain for a while now. You don''t need to worry."

    After a moment, he asked, "Are you hungry? Dinner should be ready. Let''s eat together."

    Linsey nodded, and then her eyes fell on the invitation in his hand. With a hint of curiosity, she asked, "Another event to attend?"

    Collin smiled and replied, "It''s a banquet."

    Linsey frowned. "You''re still recovering. Can''t you skip this one?"

    Collin held her hand and grinned. "It''s an important one. You''ll need toe with me."

    Linsey blinked. "Me? Why is it so important?"

    She took the invitation from him, opened it, and gasped. "Wait... this is an invitation to the Lawson family banquet?"

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    AG

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403 You''ve Duped

    Me Once More!

    "Why on earth would the prestigious Lawson family invite you to their grand banquet?" Linsey eximed, her brow arching in disbelief.

    The Lawson family stood at the pinnacle of Grester''s elite, their family name echoing with power and prestige, demanding respect wherever it was spoken.

    Despite their recent retreat from the public eye, their business ventures thrived, growing steadily.

    Their reach stretched beyond the local borders of Grester, cementing their status as a formidable force

    nationwide.

    Linsey, having caught wind of the uing Lawson family''s banquet, knew it would be nothing short of spectacr, with the elite of the elite on the guest list.

    She had eavesdropped earlier that day at her office, catching snippets about the founder of CR Corporation attending, alongside his wife.

    The image of the opulent gathering was easy for her to conjure up, filled with glittering lights and echoingughter, a true spectacle of wealth and power.

    It was precisely because she understood the magnitude of such an event that Linsey found the invitation to Collin so perplexing.

    Catching the puzzled expression etching deeper into her features, Collin let out a soft chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he teased, "What''s the matter? Don''t you have faith in your husband''s capabilities?"

    Linsey hadn''t anticipated his humor in such a grave moment.

    Her cheeks tinged with a soft rose as surprise flickered across her face, prompting her to yfully smack his

    arm.

    "Ouch..." Collin sucked in a breath sharply, jolting Linsey just when she was readying a sharpeback.

    "What happened?" Her heart pounded with sudden concern. She was positive she had tapped his other arm, the one free of injury.

    Tension knotted in her stomach as she leaned forward to examine the spot she had hit. "Show me."

    Yet, as she outstretched her arm, Collin''s features softened into a mischievous grin, and he swiftly captured her wrist in his grasp. His affectionate eyes locked onto hers.

    Linsey''s pulse raced. Breaking from her momentary trance, Linsey gathered her wits and scowled, her irritationced with disbelief. "Collin, you''ve duped me once more!"

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    Her expression, a mix of annoyance and yful exasperation, only made Collin cherish this unexpected glimpse of her spirited side even more.

    Linsey, usually soposed, now sparkled with an infectious energy that drew a genuine, admiring smile from Collin. His striking features softened, making him all the more captivating.

    This man possessed an almost unfair level of attractiveness.

    Even as she recognized his yful antics, Linsey found it exceedingly difficult to harbor any real anger toward

    him.

    With this thought, she released a half-exasperated, half-amused sigh.

    Collin quickly responded, tenderly caressing her cheek in aforting gesture, "Alright, I admit it-I was wrong." His tonecked any real remorse.

    "You hardly sound apologetic," Linsey retorted, her arms folded across her chest as she adopted a stern expression. "For a moment there, you really had me worried. I feared I might have identally struck your injured arm."

    As he realized his joke had genuinely rmed her, Collin''s demeanor shifted to one of earnest concern. "I promise not to tease you like that again. Please, don''t be upset, okay?"

    The genuine remorse in his apology swiftly dissolved Linsey''s irritation.

    Their conversation soon resumed its yful tone before steering back to more serious matters.

    "The Lawson family inviting you is notable, but I''m far more concerned about your arm. The banquet will be crowded-what if someone identally bumps into you?" Linsey expressed her worries.

    Collin offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t fret, I''m nearly healed. The banquet isn''t for a few more days. With ample rest at home, I''ll be in fine form. Besides, it''s crucial I attend this banquet, and I''d like you to be there with me."

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    16:20

 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404 Let''s Go

    Wee Grandma...

    Linsey blinked in surprise.

    As he spoke, Collin took her hand, his grip firm. "I''m going to use this banquet to show everyone in town that Linsey''s husband is no failure," he said, emphasizing each word.

    Linsey''s eyes flickered, her heart swelling with a mix of surprise and warmth.

    She hadn''t expected him to have such a n.

    The weight of his conviction settled in, and she realized arguing wouldn''t change a thing.

    He had already made up his mind.

    "Alright, I''ll go with you," she said, after a moment of thought. The Lawson family''s banquet was a big deal, and going with Collin would be good for both of them.

    Collin, finally hearing the words he had been hoping for, let out a quiet sigh of relief.

    Suddenly, a piece of gossip from work popped into Linsey''s mind, and she said out of curiosity, "By the way, I heard the founder of CR Corporation will be at the Lawson family banquet too. Dustin is the public face of thepany-he must have met the founder already, right?"

    Collin held back a smile, his eyes glinting with mystery. "You''ll find out when the timees."

    Linsey nodded, her curiosity momentarily satisfied. Then, a new thought struck her. "Oh, when is Ivying back? Aren''t we still nning her birthday banquet?"

    "Grandma ising back, but the birthday banquet might get canceled," Collin replied, ncing at the time. "Her flightnds tonight."

    Linsey''s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement flooding her face. She stood up quickly, her voice a little flustered. "She''s arriving in town tonight?"

    She paced for a moment, looking anxious. "How could you not tell me something this important sooner?" Taking a deep breath, Linsey shot him a pointed look. "If I hadn''t thought to ask, were you just not going to tell me at all?"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, an amused glint in his eyes. "Of course not."

    He reached out, gently guiding her back into her seat. His voice was calm, steady. "I just didn''t want you to get all worked up right away. Look at you now-you''re already shaking. Rx, we haven''t even had dinner yet." Linsey pressed her lips together, at a loss for words for a moment.

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    Chapter 404 Let''s Go Wee Grandma Together

    He was right-she was jittery and hadpletely lost her appetite.

    "I''m not hungry anymore," she murmured. "What time does Ivynd? Should we go to the airport to pick her

    up?"

    Seeing the tension in her face, Collin reached out and rubbed her back, his touch warm andforting

    "No need, I''ve got everything arranged. She should be here any minute," Collin said.

    Just as he finished speaking, the sound of a car pulling up echoed from outside the vi.

    Linsey froze, panic creeping in.

    She hadn''t even prepared a gift for Ivy''s first visit!

    That frustrating Collin hadn''t told her a thing!

    This was a disaster. Meeting Ivy for the first time, and she wasn''t even ready. What kind of impression was she going to make?

    Linsey was a whirlwind of anxiety and frustration, her anger directed squarely at Collin.

    "Collin, you''re really something! Throwing this meeting at me so suddenly." She lowered her voice, her re sharp. "If you weren''t injured, I''d seriously want to punch you right now!"

    Collin smiled faintly, his eyes soft with tenderness. He stood up, offering her a hand. "Come on, honey. Let''s go wee Grandma together."

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 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405 Where''s My Grandson''s Lovely Wife

    As a figure slowly approached the vi entrance, Linsey had no time to think. She sprang to her feet, linked her arm with Collin''s, and stered on her sweetest, most obedient smile before stepping forward to greet the

    visitor.

    Outside Vista Vi, Ivy was just getting out of the car.

    Dressed in a loose-fitting dark outfit, her silver hair neatlybed, Ivy didn''t look frail in the slightest.

    Despite the wrinkles on her face, she radiated energy.

    Collin''s assistant, who looked nervous, quickly moved to offer help, but before he could touch her arm, Ivy shot him a dismissive nce and waved him away.

    "Enough! I''m not in perfect health, but I''m hardly dying. I don''t need your help," she snapped, then grinned, her eyes filled with eager curiosity. "Now, where''s my grandson''s lovely wife? What are you waiting for? Show

    me to her."

    With that, Ivy strode forward on her own, her steps surprisingly brisk.

    The assistant scrambled after her in a panic. "Mrs. Riley, please slow down! The doctor warned you not to overexert yourself!"

    He stepped in front of Ivy, attempting to block her path and calm her down.

    Ivy clicked her tongue in irritation, raising her cane as if to strike him. "Move aside! Don''t waste my time-I''m here to see my dear granddaughter-inw!"

    Though she swung the cane in his direction, she never actually struck him.

    The assistant squeezed his eyes shut and, with a sigh of resignation, said, "Mrs. Riley, go ahead, scold me if you must! But the doctor said your body can''t handle any strain. Even if it means I end up getting beaten up, I can''t just stand here and watch you ignore medical advice!"

    Ivy kept her cane raised but didn''t lower it.

    Her re was so sharp it could have cut through stone, her breathing in uneven bursts as her aer red.

    "You brat! Did the doctor tell you to make me angry instead?" Ivy huffed, scolding him for what felt like forever, though her cane never made contact.

    The back-and-forth at the vi entrance continued, the tension growing, but Ivy''s health seemed just fine. Linsey, who had just stepped outside with Collin, couldn''t help but watch the scene unfold.

    She stood there, stunned. This was nothing like she had expected.

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    Hadn''t Collin said Ivy was in poor health? That she had been recovering in some foreign sanatorium for years?

    But now, watching Ivy banter with Collin''s assistant, Linsey couldn''t help but think that Ivy looked even

    stronger than she did.

    Ivy looked far too lively to be someone who needed rest.

    Beside her, Collin let out a resigned sigh, though he seemed used to his grandfnother''s antics.

    After a beat, he finally spoke. ¡°Grandma, please don''t pick on my assistant. He''s just doing his job. Please give

    him a break."

    Ivy immediately scowled. "Collin, what nonsense are you spouting? How am I bullying anyone? I''m just excited to meet my granddaughter-inw, and your assistant is the one slowing me down."

    She paused, then lifted her head, her eyes naturallynding on Linsey, who was standing beside Collin.

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 Chapter 406

    hapter 406 He''s Very Kind

    To Me

    Linsey''s heart raced as she locked eyes with Ivy, feeling an unexpected flutter.

    Her grip on Collin''s arm tightened without thinking.

    Before Linsey could speak, Ivy''s face lit up, her smile wide with unmistakable joy.

    With a spring in her step, Ivy quickly moved past Collin''s assistant and approached Collin and Linsey, her expression filled with excitement.

    Linsey, taken aback, initially thought Ivy was thrilled to reunite with Collin.

    She released Collin''s hand thoughtfully and murmured, "She seems eager to embrace you."

    Collin, surprised by herment, opened his arms in anticipation of a hug from his grandmother.

    It had been a long time since theirst meeting.

    Yet, as Ivy reached them, she unexpectedly bypassed Collin, pushing him slightly aside.

    "Move over," she said briskly.

    Ivy''s nce at Collin was dismissive before she turned towards Linsey, her demeanor changing to gentle warmth as she sped Linsey''s hands. "Oh, my dear granddaughter-inw! You are stunning-those sparkling eyes, that wless skin!"

    Caught off guard, Linsey stood frozen, processing the sudden shift.

    The warmth of Ivy''s hands was reassuring, easing the tension in Linsey''s shoulders and melting her initial

    shock.

    With pure delight, Ivy assessed Linsey with a gaze full of admiration. "Such a charming girl! It''s rare to find someone as endearing as you these days."

    Sighing deeply, Ivy continued, "I was overseas when I caught wind of a wild tale that Collin had wed. I dismissed it as sheer nonsense! Yet here you are, every bit the splendid bride they imed!"

    Linsey, caught off guard by the whirlwind of warmth, murmured, "Ivy..."

    Ivy''s smile grew wider. "Look at you, so gracious and polite!"

    The intensity of Ivy''s affection took Linsey by surprise. Linsey was unprepared for such a fervent reception. Ivy''s approval of Linsey was evident in her beaming expression.

    With an affectionate cluck of her tongue, Ivy eximed, "What a gem you are. Coping with my hot-headed

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    Chapter 406 He''s Very Kind To Me

    grandson can''t be easy."

    Linsey was momentarily at a loss for words, but she quickly found her voice to defend Collin "He''s very kind to me, Ivy. He''s always so considerate."

    Ivy snorted, her skepticism clear. "Hard to believe. Despite being married for a while now, you''re still so petite -Collin isn''t neglecting you, is he?"

    This portrayal made Collin bristle with irritation. "Grandma, is that how you see me?"

    Ivy nced at him, her tone grave. "Given your history of driving away girls, how can you expect me to?"

    Rmended for you

    COMPLETED

    His Scorned Bride Turned Out T...

    Rumors imed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more t....

    HIS SCORNED

    Dride

    TURNED OUT TO BE LEGENDARY

    Modern

    Revenge

    Read

 Chapter 407

    < Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 407 We''re Not In Any Rush

    Collin cast a nce at Linsey and said earnestly, "Grandma, Linsey is unlike anyone I''ve ever known."

    A twinkle of mischief sparkled in Ivy''s eyes as she listened. "Really? And how is she different from the rest?"

    Collin didn''t hesitate, his voice softening. "Linsey is everything to me because I love her. That makes her

    irreceable."

    A blush crept up Linsey''s cheeks, her heart fluttering at his words.

    "Stop talking nonsense," she whispered, yfully hitting his arm, embarrassed by his forthrightness in front of

    Ivy.

    Yet Collin seemed totally at ease, raising an eyebrow. "Is there something wrong with what I said? Or do you not feel the same way about me?"

    Linsey''s embarrassment deepened, and she looked down, unable to meet his gaze.

    Ivy observed their interaction with a contented smile on her face.

    Her grandson''s deep affection was unmistakable.

    A broad grin spread across Ivy''s features as she watched the young couple.

    As she observed their affectionate interaction, Ivy''s eyes twinkled as she looked towards Linsey''s stomach, her smile broadening. "You two are so adorable together. I''m sure it won''t be long before I''m holding a great-grandchild, right?¡± Linsey, taken aback by Ivy''s forwardment, eximed, "What?"

    With a warm, loving smile, Ivy continued, "With how close you and Collin are, I''d say a baby isn''t too far off, is

    it?"

    Linsey''s eyes met Ivy''s, filled with expectation, and she remembered her previous false rm about being pregnant. A shadow passed over her face, and she instinctively touched her stomach.

    Having grown up without a family, Linsey deeply craved the familial warmth she had never known. This fueled her desire to start a family with Collin.

    Linsey had stopped using birth control. Given that she and Collin were healthy and in prime condition, she was supposed to be expecting.

    Yet, despite their readiness, there was still no pregnancy to announce.

    "Ivy, I..." Linsey said, her voice trailing off as a wave of sadness enveloped her, rendering her momentarily speechless.

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    Noticing the change in her demeanor, Collin interjected, "Grandma, we have plenty of time. No need to rush"

    When she heard his words, Ivy''s expression grew concerned, her brows knitting together. She surmised that theck of news about a pregnancy might be because Collin was hesitant to start a family.

    Collin was likely just savoring his moments alone with his wife!

    "You young fool, are you rushing or are you too slow? Don''t act like a teen anymore." Ivy red at Collin disapprovingly and yfully pped his arm. "It''s better to start a family sooner rather thanter. Dying couldplicate things for Linsey physically."

    Collin maintained his calm, standing protectively by Linsey against Ivy''s gentle nudging "Grandma, it''s not like that. Linsey and I are prioritizing our careers at the moment. We''re not in any rush."

    Ivy''s expression shifted to one of mild frustration, her eyes widening as she said, "Who said anything about Linsey quitting her job to have children? You can bnce work and family nning. If she bes pregnant, we''ll arrange for a nutritionist to assist her at her workce. It won''t disrupt her career. And after the baby arrives, don''t worry-Grandma will be here to help with everything. You both won''t need to stress about anything!"

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 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408 Has He Actually Gained Weight

    Upon hearing this, Linsey was caught off guard. She hadn''t expected Ivy to think things through so thoroughly.

    Ivy''s words pulled Linsey out of her sadness.

    "Ivy, actually..." Linsey began, unsure of how to continue.

    Collin cut in, his voice sharp. ¡°Grandma, you need someone to take care of you now. How could we leave a

    child in your care?"

    Ivy''s face flushed with frustration. ¡°How dare you suggest I''m unwell?"

    Her expression twisted into a scowl, and she raised her hand, as if she might strike Collin. "I''ll show you I still

    have plenty of strength!"

    Linsey froze, her heart racing as she watched Ivy, her anger boiling over. Without thinking, she stepped in quickly, her hands gently guiding Ivy''s arm down.

    "Ivy, it''s getting cold out here. Let''s head inside," she suggested.

    Linsey didn''t want to be the cause of any more tension between Ivy and Collin.

    With Linsey''s intervention, Ivy reluctantly calmed down.

    However, she still shot Collin a resentful look. "You little troublemaker, always making me angry," Ivy grumbled.

    Linsey couldn''t help but smile as she gently reassured Ivy and guided her toward the door.

    "Linsey, you''re the one with the heart. Collin''s a lucky man. He''s got a real blessing in you," Ivy said warmly.

    By the time they stepped inside, dinner was just about ready.

    At the table, Ivy''s enthusiasm for Linsey showed no sign of fading.

    "Linsey,e, try this. It''s delicious. You''re looking a little too thin. You need to eat more," Ivy urged, her

    voice full of concern.

    Linsey obediently replied, "Okay, Ivy."

    The more Ivy looked at her, the more pleased she seemed. "Don''t worry, Linsey. As long as I''m aro always have whatever you want to eat."

    Linsey felt a little helpless, realizing that Ivy was convinced Collin wasn''t taking care of her properly.

    Without skipping a beat, Ivy continued to pile food onto Linsey''s te.

    No matter how quickly Linsey ate, she couldn''t keep up with Ivy''s endless servings.

    you''ll

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    Eventually, Linsey found it hard to eat any more. Not wanting to outright refuse, she shot a desperate nce at

    Collin.

    "Collin, help me out here!" Her eyes silently pleaded.

    Collin immediately picked up on her unspoken request. He cleared his throat and said, "Grandma, please stop serving Linsey. She can manage on her own. You just got off the ne and haven''t even eaten yet."

    Linsey gave a subtle nod in agreement.

    In just a few minutes, the food Ivy had loaded onto Linsey''s te had stacked up.

    Ivy looked at Collin, then suddenly grinned, a knowing smile ying on her lips. Without hesitation, she started serving him instead.

    "Oh, are you jealous? Here, let me serve you too," she teased, her tone light and yful.

    Collin paused, taken aback by his grandmother''s assumption.

    To avoid stirring up any trouble, he decided to y along.

    Ivy added some vegetables to Collin''s te and said, "You haven''t lost weight- looks like you''ve put on a bit. Maybe you should cut back on the meat."

    Linsey couldn''t help butugh. "Ivy, really? Has he actually gained weight?"

    She had been around Collin this whole time and hadn''t noticed a thing.

    "Yes! The moment I saw him, I thought he''d packed on a few pounds," Ivy said with firm certainty.

    Collin sighed in defeat. "Grandma, look again. I''ve gotten stronger, not fatter. While you''ve been abroad thesest few years, I''ve been hitting the gym regrly."

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409 Give Me Back

    The Album

    Linsey blinked, and suddenly, the image of Collin''s bare physique shed in her mind

    His body was strong and lean, muscles defined and powerful.

    An unexpected warmth spread across Linsey''s cheeks, and she quickly looked away, feeling a rush of

    embarrassment.

    Luckily, Collin and Ivy were still wrapped up in their yful banter, oblivious to her reaction.

    Otherwise, Linsey would have been mortified!

    Ivy paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face before she sighed. "It''s hard

    to believe it''s been three years since I left. So much has changed since I wasst in town. On the way here, I couldn''t help but notice how

    different it all looks."

    Linsey chuckled, trying to shake off the awkwardness. "Has it really changed that much? I hadn''t even noticed."

    Ivy took her time before replying, "Of course, things have changed. Not just Grester, but it looks like my grandson has changed quite a bit too."

    "Hmm?" At the mention of his name, Collin raised an eyebrow. "Grandma, are you saying I''ve gotten older or

    taller?"

    Ivy shot him a teasing sideways nce. "I''m saying you''ve be a lot livelier. Ever since you turned eighteen, you''ve gotten colder, more distant. But now? You''re much more pleasant to be around."

    Linsey couldn''t help but grin. "Ivy''s right. When I first met Collin, I thought he was a little intimidating."

    At her words, Collin turned toward her, his gaze softening with nostalgia.

    Their first meeting had been at the wedding.

    Ivy sighed dramatically, growing animated as she reminisced about Collin''s childhood. "Some people were just adorable when they were kids," she said fondly. "He used to be so clingy, always on the edge of tears if left alone. Never wanted to be apart from me, not even for a second!"

    Linsey''s eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn''t picture that scene at all.

    Collin was caught off guard by his grandmother''s revtion, his face immediately darkening, his embarrassment written all over it.

    "Grandma, please stop," he muttered, clearly ufortable.

    But Ivy was having too much fun,ughing as she squeezed Linsey''s hand. "I''m

    not lying! I have a whole collection of Collin''s childhood photos. I''ll show them to youter, and you''ll see for yourself!"

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    "Really?" Linsey''s interest piqued, her excitement growing.

    She had never seen Collin as a child before!

    After dinner, Ivy eagerly led Linsey to the living room sofa.

    "Go, open my suitcase and bring me the albums from the bottom," Ivy instructed a servant nearby with a smile,

    her tone casual.

    "Yes, Mrs. Riley," the servant responded promptly.

    Momentster, the servant returned with two photo albums and handed them to

    Ivy.

    As Collin approached, his eyesnded on the familiar album in his grandmother''s hands.

    He quickly stepped forward and snatched it away from her.

    The moment he saw the cover, Collin immediately recognized it as his childhood photo album.

    So his grandmother hadn''t been joking after all!

    She had actually been carrying this album around with her.

    "Collin, what are you doing? Give me back the album," Ivy said, her voiceced with displeasure.

    Collin stubbornly shook his head. "No way, Grandma. I''m keeping this album from now on. You''re not looking

    at it anymore."

    He wasn''t kidding. Why should anyone be flipping through his childhood photos while he was right there?

    Wasn''t he better looking now?

    Ivy''s irritation red instantly. "I brought this album back. What right do you have to keep it from me?"

    -2008

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410 You''re Unbelievable

    Collin stubbornly held on to the album, defending his actions. This album is all about me, so naturally, I get to

    try shot him an experted dere. "You''re unbelievable. I''ve seen these photos a million times I just want to show them to Linsey now. She''s your wife! What''s the harm to letting her see you dikood photod

    Collin hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

    Linsey, ber curiosity piqued, looked up at him with a soft, pleading expression "Honey, I really want to see them. Are you sure you''re not willing to share them with me?*

    If she could see those photos, maybe she could understand him a little better

    Seeing the hopeful look on Linsey''s face, Collin let out a long breath, unable to refuse

    Under Linsey''s ega que, he handed the album back to her.

    Linsey''s face lit up with a bright smile. "Thank you, honey!"

    From the side, Ivy couldn''t resist teasing "Well, well, who would''ve thought? This rascal''s be whipped.*

    Linsey blushed, a soft pink coloring her cheeks at Ivy''s yful jab.

    "Ivy, let''s look at the album," Linsey suggested, eager to change the subject.

    With curiosity, Linsey flipped open the album and gazed at the first photo.

    The boy in the picture was wearing a cozy red jacket, his innocent face full of wonder, taking in the world

    around him.

    Ivy pointed to the photo at just the right moment. "This was taken when Collin was one year old. Look how adorable he was. Even back then, you could tell he was going to grow up to be a handsome guy."

    Linsey studied the child in the photo, trying to imagine him as the Collin sitting beside her.

    It was hard to picture the two as the same person.

    Collin sat quietly next to Linsey, watching her as she became absorbed in the photo. He couldn''t he

    As they continued flipping through the album, his smile slowly faded.

    t smile.

    The next photo showed a small Collin, sitting in a mud puddle, his rosy cheeks smeared with tears.

    Linsey burst outughing "How did you end up in a mud puddle?"

    Ivy chuckled softly. "He was such a mischievous little thing. idents like that happened all the time. I was

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    Chapter 410 You''re Unbelievable

    used to it by then."

    They continued flipping through the album.

    In the next photo, little Collin looked utterly terrified, his eyes wide with fear.

    Ivy''s voice softened as she spoke to Linsey. "This one was taken when a caterpir scared him to tears. I remember it well. He was determined to y in the backyard. I warned him that spring brought out a lot of bugs, but he wouldn''t listen. Then, of course, he ended up crying when a caterpir freaked him out." Linsey pointed at the child in the picture. "He must have been five or six then."

    Ivy nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, about that age."

    Linsey couldn''t help but smile, too. "What a kid-afraid of bugs."

    Linsey''s gaze remained locked on the album; she grew more fond of it with each page she turned.

    Collin had been so adorable as a child, naturally endearing.

    Lost in the thought, Linsey couldn''t help but voice it aloud. "He was so cute as a kid. How did he end up so

    reserved?"

    100.0%

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411 I''ll Take Good Care Of Collin

    Ivy let out a deep sigh, her gaze settling on Collin. "I can''t shake off the guilt. Back then, I failed to protect him. He was set up, caught in a car ident, and I could do nothing to stop it. Later, to protect himself-and to keep me from getting involved¨Che spent years pretending to be disabled. All of it happened because I

    was

    powerless."

    Collin, already ufortable with the conversation drifting toward his past embarrassments, stiffened the moment Ivy med herself. A frown creased his forehead. ¡°Grandma, you can''t think that way. None of it was your fault. Please don''t say that."

    Linsey''s expression grew solemn, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the photo album.

    But Ivy still looked troubled. "I''ve always felt I failed him," she admitted. "That''s why I''ve wanted him to settle down, to have a family of his own. He''s been through too much. As his grandmother, thest thing I want is for him to go through life alone."

    A gentle smile touched her lips as she turned to Linsey and took her hand warmly. "Thankfully, fate must have finally listened to my prayers and brought you into his life. I couldn''t have asked for a better granddaughter-in

    w."

    The sincerity in Ivy''s voice didn''t go unnoticed. Linsey met her gaze with quiet determination. "Ivy, I promise you-I''ll take good care of Collin."

    Ivy and Linsey finished flipping through the thick photo album.

    Hours passed as Ivy and Linsey continued talking, their connection deepening with every shared memory and

    conversation.

    Collin, watching them from the side, realized with some amusement that he had been entirely left out.

    As night deepened, Linsey suddenly recalled something and turned to the servant. "Prepare the guest room upstairs. It has a great view and a balcony. Ivy will love it."

    Before the servant could acknowledge the request, Ivy gently waved a hand. "That won''t be necessary. I won''t be staying here. I''ll be heading to the Grester Nursing Hometer tonight."

    Her words caught both Linsey and Collin off guard.

    Linsey''s brows knitted together. "Ivy, why? You''re home now. Why would you go to a nursing home instead?"

    Collin, just as unwilling to ept it, immediately spoke up. "Grandma, no matter howfortable the nursing home is, it can''tpare to being here with family. Let the servants handle the room. It''ll be ready in no time."

    Ivy''s heart warmed at their sincerity, but her decision remained unchanged. "I appreciate the thought, but

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    Chapter 411 I''ll Take Good Care Of Collin

    everything has already been arranged. Before I came back, I made ns to stay there. My amodations are

    set."

    She paused briefly, then shed them both a yful smile. "Besides, I wouldn''t want to disrupt your married life. I think I''d much rather go to the nursing home, meet new people, and enjoy my time there."

    No matter how much the couple tried to convince her, Ivy remained firm in her decision to stay at the nursing

    home.

    With no other choice, Collin and Linsey eventually relented, though both silently hoped they could find a way to bring her back hometer.

    Not long after, Ivy left.

    That night, even after settling into bed, Linsey couldn''t shake the lingering sense of reluctance.

    Turning to Collin, she murmured, "Honey, I really like Ivy. We should visit her often at the nursing home. I want to make sure she''s happy."

    Collin watched her, amusement flickering in his eyes. He couldn''t help but smile at how earnestly she was already nning visits.

    Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, wrapping an arm securely around her waist.

    His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

    Suspicion crept into her expression as she instinctively leaned away. A faint flush crept up her cheeks. "What are you up to?"

 Chapter 412

    Merrying A Secret Zionure Happy Ever After

    Chapter 412 Forget About My Arm, Linsey

    Collin held Linsey close, chuckling softly. "Making Grandma happy isn''t too hard, is it? Now that you''ve mentioned it, I suppose I should put in some effort."

    Linsey blinked, a little confused. "What do you mean?"

    Collin''s voice turned yful. "Didn''t you hear what Grandma said? She''s eager for a great-grandchild."

    Linsey''s eyes widened as she immediately understood, her face flushing with embarrassment. She tried to pull away from Collin''s embrace.

    "You''re being cheeky again!" she protested, her voice a little strained. "Stay away from me!"

    But Collin refused to let go. Instead, he tightened his hold on her, his arms securing her in ce.

    He lowered his head, pressing soft, warm kisses against her exposed shoulder.

    Linsey''s body melted under his teasing kisses, her teeth gently catching her lip, unable to suppress a soft moan.

    "Collin, you''re being unreasonable..."

    His hand slid up her thigh, slow and steady, and Linsey''s mind began to blur. She lifted her hand to stop him but froze, remembering his arm still wasn''t fully healed.

    This infuriating man.

    Collin''s eyes

    darkened with hunger, his gaze locked on hers as he waited for her to give in.

    His deep voice, smooth and barely a whisper, grazed her ear. "You were always the one in control. Now that I don''t have to pretend to be injured, it''s my turn to take charge."

    ,

    Collin lifted her chin, pulling her into a deep kiss.

    As their lips met, breathless sighs escaped them both, their ears burning from the raw intensity. Linsey melted into his kiss, her arms circling his neck as she surrenderedpletely.

    In the next breath, Collin lifted her to his chest with ease.

    Startled, she gasped, but his kiss silenced her instantly.

    Collin''s expression was rxed, almost carefree.

    Linsey leaned back slightly, her brows knitting together as her gaze flickered to his arm. "Your arm..." Collin smiled, raising his injured arm just enough. "It''s fine. You''re light-I can carry you with one hand."

    16:21

    Chapter 412 Forget About My Arm, Linsey

    A brief silence passed before his eyes darkened once more, and he murmured, "Forget about my arm, Linsey. You should be more concerned about yourself." The sound of her name in his deep, heated voice made her heart skip a beat. Her pulse quickened, as though it might burst from her chest.

    She locked eyes with Collin, her mind spinning from the raw desire she saw there.

    Then, a sudden thought hit her-after their recent idents and injuries, they hadn''t been intimate in a while. Thinking of this, Linsey felt a wave of heat rush to her cheeks. "Collin, calm down a bit," she muttered.

    Collin raised an eyebrow, his smile teasing. "That depends on how you behave."

    Their bodies tangled together, sinking into the softness of the bed; they were lost in each other''s embrace until the night faded away.

    Linsey woke slowly, the morning light pressing against her eyelids, her body aching as if she had been run over by a truck.

    The events ofst night yed through her mind like a blur of rapid images.

    Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she wished the earth would swallow her whole.

    Collin was absolutely insane.

    Lying next to her, Collin seemed to sense her difort and pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace. "Awake?" he murmured, his voice soft.

    Rmended for you

    Diamond In Disguise:

    Now Watch ME SHINE

    Diamond In Disguise: Now Watc...

    Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daugh

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413 And What''s Your n For Punishing...

    Collin''s and Linsey''s bodiesy tangled beneath the covers, skin pressed together so closely they felt like one.

    "Collin, you''re unbelievable..." Linsey''s voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

    Collin immediately turned, reaching for the water he had set aside earlier, and gently helped her drink.

    Once her throat was soothed, Linsey didn''t hold back. "Your arm still isn''t healed. How can you be so reckless? I told you to stop a million timesst night, and you just ignored me. I''m serious, Collin. If this happens again, I might just sleep in a separate room."

    Collin propped himself up on one elbow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "So, if I behave now, does that mean when I''m healed, I can do whatever I want?"

    Linsey blinked at him, momentarily speechless, before shaking her head in disbelief. "Collin, can you please be serious for once? Are you incapable of having a rational thought? Stop filling your head with nonsense!"

    She gently pressed the cup to his lips.

    Collin took a few gulps, nearly choking in the process. He coughed a few times, wiping at his eyes. "Honey, I almost choked."

    Linsey snorted softly, not buying his act for a second.

    At this point, he had lost all credibility with her.

    "You totally deserved it! I did that on purpose just to make you choke!" she responded as she recalled everything he put her throughst night!

    They stayed close for a while, and Linsey nced at the time on her phone, letting out a quiet sigh as she started to get dressed.

    "I have to go to work. Stay home and take it easy on your arm. Don''t make it worse," she said.

    Even though their night had been intense, it was time for Linsey to get to the office.

    She had already taken a few days off to look after Collin, and unless absolutely necessary, she wasr fall behind at work by taking any more time off.

    bout to

    As Collin watched her move, his gaze drifted to her slim waist.

    His eyes darkened, and he couldn''t help himself, reaching out to gently pinch the soft curve of her side. "What are you doing?" Linsey instinctively pulled away, the lingering sensation of his touch sending a shiver down her spine.

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    Chapter 413 And Whats Your n For Punishing Me

    She shot him an exasperated look over her shoulder as she finished getting dressed if you make me be you''ll regret it."

    Collin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. ''Oh? And what''s your n for punishing my

    His voice was yful, yet held a certain intimacy that made Linsey''s lips curl into an invitary sm

    A warmth spread through her chest.

    How was it that something so simple sounded so flirtatious when it came from him?

    Linsey let out a soft, teasing huff, opting to ignore him for the moment

    But Collin caught the faint blush creeping across her face, and his heart skipped a beat

    He instantly forgot her earlier warning, propping himself up in bed as the covers slid off, revealing the streng

    of his chest.

    His broad frame pressed against her slender back.

    Collin wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close in a way that was both tender and possessive, leaving her no space to pull away.

    "Hmm? What''s wrong? Why so quiet all of a sudden?"

    His husky voice, warm and intimate, brushed against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414 I Really Miss

    Her!

    Linsey shivered slightly, a yful irritation in her tone as she nudged Collin with her elbow. "Alright, let go of

    1. me. I really need to get going."

    After a brief pause, she decided to throw in a serious threat. "If you don''t stop, I might just start sleeping in the guest room."

    This man was getting clingier by the day.

    Sure enough, the moment those words left her mouth, Collin went still.

    Even without seeing his face, Linsey could practically feel the frustration radiating from him.

    "Darling, that''s cruel. We''ve barely been married for a few months, and you''re already talking about sleeping apart? That''s a bit harsh."

    Linsey couldn''t fight the smile tugging at her lips, and she turned to gently cradle Collin''s face in her hands. Seeing the pitiful look on his face, Linsey couldn''t help butugh softly, leaning down to nt a gentle kiss on

    his lips.

    "Cut it out. Collin, you''re getting really good at ying the victim. Honestly, I don''t know where you picked that up."

    Collin watched her rosy lips, his mind wandering. "Come on. I''m being totally sincere here. No acting involved."

    It dawned on Collin then that Linsey really did have to leave.

    He knew how dedicated she was to her work and would never stand in the way of her career.

    "I''ll drive you," Collin offered.

    Linsey quickly shook her head. "No, your injury isn''t fully healed. You need to stay home and rest." Collin pressed his lips together in resignation. "Alright, then I''ll walk you to the door."

    Linsey''s face lit up with a bright smile. "Okay."

    Collin quickly got dressed and, with a thoughtful air, escorted Linsey to the vi''s entrance, lin enough to watch her get into the car.

    Just as he turned to head back inside, a loud voice called out from outside. "Collin! Hey, Collin!"

    g just long

    At the sound of that familiar, boisterous voice, Collin didn''t need to turn around to know it was Dustin.

    Of all his friends, Dustin was the only one who couldn''t keep quiet for more than five minutes.

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    Chapter 4141 Really Miss Her!

    Collin continued walking inside, his tone calm as he called back, ¡°What brings you here so early?"

    Dustin caught up to Collin, grinning wide. "I heard Ivy''s back, so I figured I''de by early to visit her!"

    Collin raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so concerned about Grandma? She is my family, not yours."

    A brief sh of surprise crossed Dustin''s face before he shrugged, his tone light. "You''re in a good mood today, huh? Messing with me."

    As he spoke, he walked further inside. "I heard Ivy came back to the countryst night. I didn''t want to disturb you guys in the middle of the night, so I thought I''d wait until now to drop by."

    Dustin nudged Collin, his excitement evident. "Come on, let''s go. I''ve been dying to see Ivy. It''s been years, and she was always so kind to me. I really miss her!"

    Collin could tell Dustin cared deeply for Ivy. Before she left for treatment abroad, Dustin would often visit, and they had developed a close friendship.

    "She had dinner with usst night, then left. She said she wanted to stay at the nursing home, so we didn''t stop her," Collin exined.

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415 Grandma Really Likes Linsey

    Dustin''s expression shifted to one of disappointment. "What? I came all the way here for nothing? Collin, I''ve got to ask-how could you let Ivy live alone in a nursing home at her age? That''s just not right!"

    His tone grew more animated, even turning a bit usatory. "Your ce is huge. Surely, you could spare a room for Ivy. If you keep this up, I''ll just take her in with me!"

    Collin fought to urge to roll his eyes at Dustin. "It was Grandma''s decision to move into the nursing home." He stopped, recalling her reasoning. "She didn''t want to disturb my married life. Honestly, she''s not as pitiful as you think. I checked out the ce. It''s actually pretty nice, and I n to invest in it so she''ll be morefortable there."

    Dustin went quiet for a few seconds, his eyes widening in surprise.

    "Ivy really said she didn''t want to you and Linsey''s married life?" Dustin chuckled softly. "So, Ivy met Linseyst night. How''d it go? She must like your wife, right? After all, Linsey''s the first woman in years to get close to

    you."

    Collin brushed off Dustin''s teasing tone and replied seriously, ¡°Grandma really likes Linsey, and Linsey likes her, too. Ever since they met, our bond has grown stronger. Grandma''s practically the only family I have left."

    As for the rest of the Riley family, they hardly mattered.

    Dustin gave a small nod, a genuine smile crossing his face, pleased for his friend.

    Then, a thought crossed Dustin''s mind, and he shot Collin a teasing look. "Speaking of which, Ivy used to pressure you about getting married. Now that you''re married, do you think she''ll start pushing for a grandkid?"

    Collin didn''t hesitate. "Yeah, Grandma did mention it."

    "I knew it." Dustin chuckled. "Ivy would definitely be on that."

    He tapped his chin, thinking. "But it''s strange. You and Linsey have been married

    for months, both perfectly healthy, yet no baby yet. What''s going on there?"

    Dustin studied Collin carefully, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Wait a minute... Could it impotent?"

    hat you''re

    Collin''s expression darkened immediately. His voice turned icy. "Dustin, are you asking for trouble? Came all the way here just to mess with me?"

    No man liked having his sexual prowess questioned, and Collin was no exception. Dustin had been talking without thinking.

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    Chapter 415 Grandma Really Likes Linsey

    Dustin''s expression shifted to one of disappointment. "What? I came all the way here for nothing? Collin, I''ve got to ask-how could you let Ivy live alone in a nursing home at her age? That''s just not right

    His tone grew more animated, even turning a bit usatory. "Your ce is huge. Surely, you could space a room for Ivy. If you keep this up, I''ll just take her in with me!"

    Collin fought to urge to roll his eyes at Dustin. "It was Grandma''s decision to move into the nursing home." He stopped, recalling her reasoning. "She didn''t want to disturb my married life. Honestly, she''s not as pitifu as you think. I checked out the ce. It''s actually pretty nice, and I n to invest in it so she''ll be morefortable there."

    Dustin went quiet for a few seconds, his eyes widening in surprise.

    "Ivy really said she didn''t want to you and Linsey''s married life?" Dustin chuckled softly. "So, Ivy met Linseyst night. How''d it go? She must like your wife, right? After all, Linsey''s the first woman in years to get close to

    you."

    Collin brushed off Dustin''s teasing tone and replied seriously, "Grandma really likes Linsey, and Linsey Ekes her. too. Ever since they met, our bond has grown stronger. Grandma''s practically the only family I have left."

    As for the rest of the Riley family, they hardly mattered.

    Dustin gave a small nod, a genuine smile crossing his face, pleased for his friend.

    Then, a thought crossed Dustin''s mind, and he shot Collin a teasing look. "Speaking of which, Ivy used to pressure you about getting married. Now that you''re married, do you think she''ll start pushing for a grandkid?"

    Collin didn''t hesitate. "Yeah, Grandma did mention it."

    "I knew it." Dustin chuckled. "Ivy would definitely be on that."

    He tapped his chin, thinking. "But it''s strange. You and Linsey have been married

    for months, both perfectly healthy, yet no baby yet. What''s going on there?"

    Dustin studied Collin carefully, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Wait a minute... Could it impotent?"

    that you''re

    Collin''s expression darkened immediately. His voice turned icy. "Dustin, are you asking for trouble? Came all the way here just to mess with me?¡±

    No man liked having his sexual prowess questioned, and Collin was no exception. Dustin had been talking without thinking.

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    But when he caught the cold, dangerous look in Collin''s eyes-like he was ready to

    rip him apart-Dustin quickly backpedaled, realizing his mistake.

    "I was just joking," Dustin said with a grin. "After all, Dominic has checked both of you. With your health, starting a family should be a breeze. You''ll probably have a whole bunch of kids."

    Dustin wasn''t wrong. Dominic had confirmed that both of them were in good health-no issues there.

    The couple was madly in love, practically joined at the hip.

    Logically, there should have been news by now...

    As Dustin spoke, Collin couldn''t help but think of Linsey''s wistful look fromst

    night, and his mood shifted, darkening.

    "We''ll just let things happen on their own," Collin replied quietly. "I don''t want Linsey to feel any more pressure."

    Rmended for you

    Diamond In Disguise:

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416 I Wasn''t Sulking

    Dustin didn''t miss the way Collin''s expression darkened-he was clearly troubled by the fact that Linsey wasn''t

    pregnancy yet.

    Wanting to steer clear of the heavy topic, Dustin shifted gears. "Since Ivy''s settled into the nursing home, why don''t you take me to see her? I brought her some health supplements. Who knows? Maybe she''ll have a little surprise for me too."

    Collin scoffed, "She didn''t give Linsey or me anything, so why would she have something for you?"

    But the moment they arrived, Collin''s face darkened. Ivy, looking delighted, handed Dustin a neatly wrapped

    gift.

    Dustin grinned,ughing triumphantly as Collin''s mood soured.

    "Ivy, you really are the best! I knew you''d never forget about my gift!" Dustin beamed, practically glowing with pride.

    Collin had always been possessive of the people he cherished.

    As a kid, he would throw a fit whenever Ivy hugged Dustin.

    Now, even as a married man, that familiar pang of jealousy crept in when Ivy seemed to favor Dustin over him.

    If Linsey had seen this side of Collin, she would probably be surprised.

    Noticing the storm brewing in her grandson''s eyes, Ivy chuckled knowingly. Without missing a beat, she reached into her suitcase and pulled out tworge boxes, handing them to Collin.

    "You sulky little thing," Ivy teased, shaking her head. "Did you really think I''d forget you and Linsey? The luggage just arrivedst night; that''s all."

    Collin took the gifts, his rigid posture easing slightly.

    "Grandma, you''ve got it all wrong," he said sincerely. "I wasn''t sulking. I was just worried that if Linsey didn''t get a gift, she might take it the wrong way."

    ''re using

    Ivy shot him a knowing look, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, please. Does Linsey even kno her as an excuse? Honestly, after all these years, you''re still the same. That stubborn little temper of yours hasn''t changed one bit."

    Collin didn''t argue.

    Laughter and easy conversation filled the room, the warmth between them making the space feel a little brighter.

    16:22

    "That reminds me," Ivy said, her expression shifting to something more serious as she turned to Collin. "You''ve already told Linsey the truth about not being disabled, but have you exined the situation with CR

    Corporation yet?"

    The ease in Collin''s face vanished instantly, reced by a rare flicker of unease. "Not yet," he admitted. "I''m nning to tell her at the Lawson family banquet in a few days."

    Dustin let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Ivy, I think Collin''s really in deep with Linsey. Have you ever

    seen him like this before?"

    Confusion and hesitation, which had never belonged to Collin, now settled on his face, unmistakable.

    For once, he truly looked uncertain.

    The thought of seeing disappointment in Linsey''s eyes unsettled him. But what scared him more was the possibility that, once she learned the truth, she might never trust him again.

    Ivy, ever perceptive, picked up on his inner turmoil. Her voice was calm yet firm. "Collin, I''ve only met Linsey once, but it''s clear she feels deeply. A girl as genuine as she is won''t tolerate being deceived by the person she loves. If you wait too long to tell her the truth, you may end up regretting it."

    Collin absorbed her words, his expression growing serious. "I understand, Grandma."

    Her advice solidified his decision.

    No matter how Linsey reacted, he couldn''t keep this from her any longer.

    And more than anything, once the world knew Linsey''s husband was the founder

    of CR Corporation, no one would darey a hand on her again.

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417 What Are You Guys Talking About

    Leaving the nursing home, Collin remained preupied, his mind tangled in the dilemma of how Linsey would react once he finally told her the truth.

    He was so lost in thought that he barely noticed night had already fallen-or that Dustin had followed him all the way back to Vista Vi.

    It wasn''t until they stepped out of the car that Dustin''s cheerful voice snapped him

    out of his reverie. "Perfect timing! Dinner''s about to be served. It''s been ages since I had your chef''s cooking-I''ve really missed it."

    Collin pressed his lips into a thin line, finally acknowledging Dustin with a look of mild irritation. "Why are you

    still here?"

    Completely unfazed, Dustin strolled inside like he owned the ce. "For dinner, obviously. And I haven''t seen

    Linsey in a while-perfect excuse to catch up."

    Collin''s expression darkened further. His voice dropped to a low, irritated murmur. "Linsey and I were supposed to have a private evening. Why are you barging in?"

    Dustin crossed his arms, feigning offense. "Wow, that''s gratitude for you. If I''d known you''d be this unappreciative, I would''ve demanded a bigger cut of CR Corporation''s profits when I agreed to help manage it."

    Before Collin could fire back, Linsey stepped outside, her voice warm and cheerful. "What are you guys talking

    about?"

    Dustin stiffened, his eyes widening in shock. He stared at Linsey as she approached, his heartbeat kicking up a

    notch.

    Wait-when did she get back?

    More importantly, what exactly had he just blurted out?

    Did he just say CR Corporation? Did Linsey hear that?

    Oh no. Collin hadn''t confessed yet, and he had just let it slip.

    Dustin went rigid, his stomach sinking. He was dead.

    He had just blurted out something huge-something Collin had kept under wraps. And now definitely going to kill him.

    ollin was

    Beside him, Collin stood frozen. His mind, usually sharp and calcted, hadpletely short-circuited.

    Linsey knew. She was aware that he was the founder of CR Corporation.

    What now? Would she forgive him for hiding it?

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    Chapter 417 What Are You Guys Talking About

    Collin didn''t dare make excuses-especially since he had been the one to test Linsey''s feelings in the first ce.

    She had told him before-she hated being lied to. She despised being kept in the dark.

    His breath grew uneven, his usualposure slipping

    He parted his lips, ready to confess everything.

    But before he could get a word out, both he and Dustin froze as Linsey removed the earbuds from her ears.

    She nced between them, her smile warm. "You seemed to be having a nice chat. What were you talking

    about?"

    Dustin stiffened, his face draining of color.

    For a split second, he thought he was done for.

    Linsey had been wearing earbuds the entire time-she hadn''t heard a single word about CR Corporation.

    Why was he even stressing over someone else''s marriage?

    Collin, who had been bracing for impact, finally let out a slow breath, the weight

    on his chest easing. Stepping closer, heced his fingers with Linsey''s, his voice warm. "You''re home early. Everything okay?"

    Linsey blinked up at him, her tone light. "Yeah, I finished up on time, so I just headed back."

    Her gaze drifted past him to Dustin, who still looked like he had barely survived a heart attack. "Did you two go somewhere today?"

    Since she wasn''t pressing about their earlier conversation, Dustin wasn''t about to bring it up. pping on a grin, he shrugged. "I heard Ivy was back, so I made Collin take me to the nursing home to see her."

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418 What If She

    Leaves Me For Good

    Dustin''s face lit up as he elbowed Collin. "Oh, that''s right! Ivy got something for

    Linsey. What are you waiting

    for? Go grab it."

    Linsey''s eyes widened with excitement. "Seriously? Ivy got me a gift?"

    She squeezed Collin''s hand, excitement bubbling over. "Let me see! I haven''t even had the chance to get Ivy anything yet. Guess I''ll need to make a trip to the mall soon. I wonder what she''d like..."

    Dustin smirked, satisfied with how smoothly he had steered the conversation in a safer direction.

    Meanwhile, Collin took in Linsey''s cheerful expression, a flicker of guilt twisting in his chest. He gave a small nod. "It''s in the car. I''ll have someone bring it in for you."

    Linsey, delighted by the gift, spent a long time admiring it before finally setting it down-almost reluctantly.

    Collin watched her closely, realizing something he hadn''t considered before. Growing up in an orphanage, she probably wasn''t used to receiving gifts.

    Aside from E, the warm-hearted head of the orphanage, who else had ever done this for her?

    The thought struck a deep chord.

    In that quiet moment, Collin made a silent promise-to cherish her, protect her, and make sure she never had to feel that kind of emptiness again.

    Unaware of the emotions stirring in him, Linsey carefully tucked the gift away and turned to Dustin with a bright smile. "Are you staying for dinner? The kitchen should be just about done."

    Dustin let out a light chuckle. "Thanks, Linsey."

    "No need to thank me. I really appreciate how much you look out for Collin." Linsey shook her head, her smile

    warm.

    At that, Dustin shot Collin a yful nce before nudging him with his elbow. "Hear that? Your wife really cares about you."

    His words weren''t just teasing-they carried an unspoken reminder. Collin needed

    to take Ivy''s advice seriously and tell Linsey the truth.

    After all, someone as sincere as Linsey was rare.

    Collin met Dustin''s gaze, understanding the weight behind his words. He gave a small nod. ¡°Yeah... my wife takes good care of me."

    Linsey stood up, cradling the gift in her hands. ¡°Alright, you two, go wash up. Dinner''s almost ready. I''ll go put

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    this away first."

    As she headed upstairs, Collin watched her go, a deep sigh escaping him. The weight in his chest only seemed

    to grow heavier.

    Dustin raised an eyebrow. "Why are you still so wound up? The Lawson family banquet is days away. Take it

    easy."

    Collin lowered his gaze, his voice quieter than before. "The closer it gets, the worse it feels. If she''s just angry, I can handle that. But what if she walks away? What if she leaves me for good?"

    Dustin blinked, caught off guard by the sheer weight of Collin''s words.

    Sure, Linsey had every right to be upset-but disappearing entirely? That felt a little dramatic.

    Collin was overthinking things.

    Yet, seeing how much Linsey meant to him, Dustin couldn''t me him for the fear gnawing at his mind. Still, the thought of Collin unraveling if things ever went south sent a shiver down Dustin''s spine.

    He didn''t even want to imagine how that would look.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419 I Want To Design A Suit For You!

    After dinner, Dustin left.

    Outside, the night sky stretched endlessly, its darkness speckled with shimmering stars.

    Collin stepped out of the bathroom, towel in hand, expecting to see Linsey in the bedroom. But she wasn''t

    there.

    Where had she gone?

    "Linsey..." he called out, running the towel through his damp hair and scanning the room.

    Just as he was about to head out, Linsey''s cheerful voice came from the walk-in closet behind him. "I''m here!"

    Collin turned and found her standing inside, a measuring tape dangling from her hands.

    "Honey,e here quickly!" she said, her eyes bright with excitement.

    Her beaming smile was contagious. Collin couldn''t help but smile back.

    He crossed the room, drawn in by the excitement in her eyes.

    "Why do you seem so happy?" He paused, then added, "Is it because of Grandma''s thoughtful gift?"

    Linsey blinked, then nodded. "That''s part of it! By the way, I still don''t have Ivy''s contact info. Maybe you could take me to the nursing home sometime so I can thank her in person."

    "Of course," Collin agreed without hesitation.

    For something so simple, he never thought twice.

    Realizing something, he studied her for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. "You said Grandma''s gift was one reason. What''s the other?"

    Linsey had been waiting for him to ask that question. With her eyes sparking with excitement, she grinned from ear to ear and held up the measuring tape. "Collin, I want to design a suit for you!"

    The flicker of surprise on his face was exactly what she had hoped for.

    "What do you think? Bet you didn''t see thating!" She chuckled, yfully swinging the measurin

    1. e.

    "Design a suit for me?" Collin arched a brow, then nodded. "You''re right. I didn''t expect that. What made you suddenly decide to do that?"

    He had always known about Linsey''s extraordinary talent for design. But right now, what mattered most wasn''t how amazing the suit would be. It was the fact that she was the one making it.

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    Anytang the geles with any was kalore we tag in words there

    The thought of an honggood

    you, 1.hpared to the pesterd

    At her words, Collier''s eyes fiocrated moud Ae breathe hitechord so Bikince year,ha jone or mod

    Lansey had Security pat a lot of thouggod twaine. Throw that we wanted There wifipitaire "is you walk ints that watopart exeryptor ho down will see that pools Lette Sadam is ent

    remarkable ma

    As she spoke, a proud smile spread across Linory''s face, and her vice Brimmed with colleu Veer''s my design skills with your great physique and hundsome looks, plus the suit i design for you, you''d be the star of the banquet"

    Collin watched her, amused by the sheer excitement in her opt. & low denile mcrged was, down by her sweet yet unwavering enthusiasm.

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420 I Just Felt Like Holding You

    "You think I should use my charm to steal the spotlight?" Collin asked, raising a brow.

    Linsey shook her head,pletely serious. "Of course not! I just think a little polish wouldn''t hurt. But at the end of the day, your skills matter most. If you present yourself well, those high-profile guests will be more inclined to engage with you. That means more opportunities."

    She paused, tapping a finger against her chin. "Even though the Lawsons have kept a low profile these past few years, their guest list is bound to be impressive."

    Something in Collin snapped. The flood of emotions he had been holding back crashed over him. Without thinking, he pulled Linsey into his arms, holding her tight.

    Her warmth pressed against him, soft and familiar. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing her in like she was the only thing keeping him grounded.

    A deep calm settled over him as he exhaled slowly, the usual cold sharpness in his expression softening into something real.

    Linsey stiffened at the sudden embrace, momentarily dazed before instinctively leaning into him. "What''s this

    about?"

    The measuring tape dangled from her fingers as she hesitated, unsure whether to hug him back or just stay

    still.

    After a beat, she lightly patted his back. "Collin, are you okay? You seem... different."

    A quiet chuckle escaped him, his deep voiceced with warmth. "No, I just felt like holding you."

    Linsey''s heart softened at his words, warmth spreading through her chest. "Alright, then. But make it quick. I still need to take your measurements. The Lawson family party ising up, and I have to get your suit ready

    in time."

    Collin''s smile lingered as he held her close, letting out a low chuckle. "Our brilliant designer Linsey-always focused on the job. So professional."

    Linseyughed, then gave the back of his neck a yful pinch. "Collin, focus."

    Knowing she was only looking out for him, Collin finally released her, letting her get back to work.

    "Alright, time to get my measurements taken." Collin took half a step back, standing before Linsey with an easygoing stance. Lifting his armszily, he smirked. "I''ll cooperate however you need."

    Linsey had just picked up the measuring tape when a thought struck her. She nced up. "Do your people already have your measurements on file?"

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    Chapter 4201 Just Felt Like Holding You

    If they did, this whole process would be unnecessary.

    Collin arched a brow, lying effortlessly. "Nope. No one''s ever designed clothes for me before. I usually just go with standard sizes-never needed custom measurements."

    Linsey narrowed her eyes. "Oh, really? Then how is it that every suit you own fits like it was made just for you?"

    Seeing his bluff unravel, Collin shamelessly doubled down. "No idea. Must be a lucky coincidence. Either way, I don''t have my measurements on hand, so you''ll have to take them yourself."

    She saw right through him.

    This man just wanted an excuse to mess with her.

    Still, after months of marriage, she had grown used to his antics-and maybe even enjoyed them a little. "Alright then." She shook her head with a smile. ¡°Stand still."

 Chapter 421

    Happy Ever After

    Chapter 421 I''m Not Done Measuring You Yet

    Linsey smoothed the measuring tape across Collin''s shoulders, stretching it from one wrist to the other.

    "Raise your arms a little. I need to measure your chest," she said.

    After noting the measurement, Linsey pulled the tape back and wrapped it around his chest, from front to back.

    Collin looked down at her, his Adam''s apple bobbing as he swallowed. His gaze grew intense.

    Linsey, absorbed in her task, didn''t notice the slight hitch in his breathing

    She adjusted the tape around his chest, marking the spot.

    Then, feeling a yful spark, Linsey tilted her head and winked at him. "Looking good there, handsome!"

    That single sentence made Collin''s eyes darkenpletely.

    He reached out quickly, pulling Linsey closer by the waist and pressing her against his chest.

    "Hey!" Linsey eximed, instinctively leaning back to avoid his kiss.

    Suppressing augh, she ced a hand on his chin and said in a mock-serious tone, "Hold on, I''m not done measuring you yet."

    Collin''s eyes were dark with undeniable desire. His voice came out low and husky. "No need for that. I''ll just give you the measurements."

    Linseyughed. "You said you

    dn''t know them earlier."

    Collin took her hand and kissed it, shing her a mischievous grin. "Thanks to your expert guidance, Linsey, I remembered."

    With that, he leaned in again, their breaths mingling in the tight space, growing warmer and more entangled. "I''ve got a more urgent matter, one that only you can solve," Collin murmured, his voice dripping with charm.

    Linsey''s head spun for a moment, her vision blurring slightly.

    "What kind of problem?" she asked, her voice soft.

    "A personal one," he replied, his tone suggestive.

    Before she could say anything else, Collin kissed her deeply.

    The next morning, Linsey woke up, still groggy, and found that Collin had already left.

    It struck her as strange.

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    < Chapter 421 I''m Not Done Measuring You Yet

    Collin had been resting at home for the past few days Where could he have gone so early?

    Confused, Linsey got out of bed, quickly freshened up, and left the bedroom.

    As she passed the study, she overheard Collin speaking with his assistant.

    His voice was low, serious. "You''re telling me Gorman''s already bought a ticket to leave the country in a week?"

    The assistant responded, "Yes, Mr. Riley. I just got word. Gorman''s been preparing to leave and doesn''t seem to have any ns ofing back."

    Linsey froze at the door, surprised.

    Why was Gorman leaving the country so suddenly? His shoulder injury had seemed pretty serious Had it really healed that quickly?

    How was that possible? Gorman wasn''t exactly superhuman.

    Just as Linsey was about to knock, the assistant suddenly turned and snapped, "Who''s there?"

    Startled, Linsey froze as the door swung open in front of her.

    The assistant blinked, clearly surprised to see her, then muttered an apology. "Sorry, Mrs. Riley. I didn''t realize

    it was you."

    Collin''s face softened into a smile when he saw her. "What''s got you up so early?"

    "It''s fine," Linsey addressed the assistant, then stepped inside and moved to stand in front of Collin. "I have work today, so I needed to get up early."

    Collin raised an eyebrow, then handed her a piece of paper.

    "What''s this?" Linsey asked, confused.

    Rmended for you

    VIP

    Mr. CEO You Have Lost

    MY HEART FOREVER!

    Mr. CEO, You Have Lost My Hea...

 Chapter 422

    Chapter 422 Is Gorman Really Leaving The Count...

    Collin didn''t say a word, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he gestured for Linsey to open the paper and

    see for herself.

    Linsey unfolded the paper and quickly spotted a series of numbers written across

    it.

    In less than two seconds, she understood exactly what they were and couldn''t

    help but give Collin a yful nudge on the chest.

    "You really tricked me!" she said, augh escaping her.

    What a shameless man!

    He clearly knew his own measurements, yetst night, he had insisted on having her measure him again.

    And as a result, they had ended up spending the entire night tangled in the closet. Even now, Linsey still felt a slight ache in her lower back.

    Collin chuckled softly, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "Don''t be mad, honey."

    He gently kneaded the sore spot on her back. "Is this where it hurts?"

    His assistant, sensing the moment, discreetly stepped out of the study and quietly shut the door behind him, giving them some privacy.

    They were so affectionate-he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy, a single man watching their closeness. Linsey didn''t pull away from his massage, though she still pouted in mild displeasure.

    "Collin, we can''t do this again tonight..." Her face flushed slightly, making it harder to continue. ¡°You need to hold back. You''re still recovering, and I have to work. We can''t keep doing this."

    Collin nced at her serious expression and couldn''t help butugh. He nodded, his tone softening. "Alright, tonight I''ll make sure you actually get some rest."

    The past few days had been a bit too intense, leading to her not getting enough sleep.

    Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Linsey finally felt somewhat satisfied.

    "By the way, I overheard you talking to your assistant earlier," Linsey said, breaking the silence. "I wasn''t snooping, though. You guys just didn''t close the door properly."

    Collin grinned, his hand still caressing her waist. "No worries. You can hear all the reports I get anyway." Linsey returned his grin and leaned forward to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "Same here. No secrets

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    Chapter 422 is Gorman Really Leaving The Country

    between us."

    For a split second, Collin''s expression stiffened, but it quickly returned to normal

    It was fine, Collin reassured himself. He would soon be able to tell her everything Linsey didn''t catch the fleeting shift in his expression. "Is Gorman really leaving the country?"

    Collin feigned annoyance. "Are you seriously that concerned about Gorman?"

    "I''m just asking." Linsey replied with a sigh, picking up on his hint of jealousy. I don''t want to hide mything from you. Last time, because of Fernanda''s plot, I ended up hurting him, and I still feel galley sout it had even though we found the person who poisoned him, I can''t fully let myself off the hook"

    Seeing the guilt in her eyes, Collin felt a wave of sympathy.

    He lifted his hand, gently cupping her soft cheek, and stroked it with his thumb, offering a quiet, tender reassurance that slowly soothed her troubled heart.

    "Don''t me yourself. None of this is on you," Collin said gently, his voice soft.

    Linsey met his gaze, her expression earnest. "Please, don''t misunderstand my rtionship with Gorman There''s truly nothing between us. The only reason we''re connected is because I saved him when we were overseas."

    Collin ran his fingers through her hair, pushing a strand away from her face, and his yful tone disappeared "I believe you," he said, his voice steady. "But it''s hard for me to buy that Gorman would just walk away. He seems obsessed with you."

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    Chapter 423 Maybe He Finally Listened

    Linsey frowned slightly. "I overheard your assistant saying Gorman has already bought a ne ticket and is packing up. It seems like he''s made up his mind to leave, right?"

    She paused, a thought surfacing. "That day at the hospital, he thought I poisoned him. Now that the truth is out, maybe he''s finallye to his senses. So, don''t worry. He won''t be interfering in our lives anymore."

    Collin remained as possessive as ever.

    Unless she reassured him properly, he wouldn''t be at ease.

    Still, something didn''t sit right with him. His brows furrowed.

    "If he knows you never meant to hurt him, why would he just give up on you?" he blurted out.

    Linsey''s response was calm. "We talked before. Maybe he finally listened. He''s the heir to the Green family. He''s been surrounded by women his whole life. Why would he waste his time holding on to me?"

    Collin didn''t want to admit it, but after crossing paths with Gorman so many times, he could tell-the man was serious about Linsey.

    And to Collin, there was no woman in the world who couldpare to her.

    The thought of Gorman returning, trying topete for her, gnawed at him.

    A new idea took root. Revealing his identity as the founder of CR Corporation had never seemed necessary before. But now? The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became.

    If Gorman knew the truth, maybe he would back off for good.

    Their conversation didn''tst much longer. Linsey needed to get to work on time.

    As always, Collin walked her to the vi''s entrance, watching until she got into the car and drove off. Only then did he turn back, finally at ease.

    At the office, a subordinate handed Linsey a stack of design drafts.

    "These need your approval," the designer said. "If everything checks out, we can move forward with production." Linsey gave a small nod. "Alright, I''ll review them and get back to you."

    Once she was alone, she ced the drafts to the side, deciding to review themter.

    But as she adjusted the stack, a single sheet caught her attention.

    Slipping it out, she immediately recognized it-the wedding dress design Gorman hadmissioned from her.

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    For a moment, she just stared at it, stunned.

    She had nearly forgotten about it.

    Linsey hesitated, the memory of Gorman''s generous payment lingering in her mind. Though she had no personal reason to reach out, professionalism dictated otherwise. After a brief pause, she picked up her phone and dialed his number. The call connected after a few seconds, but no voice greeted her-only silence. Gorman didn''t say a word.

    Linsey pressed her lips together, then decided to break the silence. "Gorman, about the wedding dress design you requested-do you still want to move forward with it?"

    The quiet stretched on.

    She frowned slightly, waiting, then nced at her screen to check if the call had dropped.

    "Gorman, are you there?"

    Just as she began to think he wasn''t going to answer, his voice finally came through. "How far along are you?" It was low, rough-tinged with exhaustion.

    Linsey flipped through the drafts in her hand, skimming the details before responding, "There are just a few final touches left. If you still want it, I can have thepleted version ready in a couple of days."

    For a moment, she heard nothing but his uneven breathing. Then, he exhaled sharply, as if grounding himself. "Just get rid of it."

    Linsey froze. "What?"

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 Chapter 424

    Chapter 424 Let''s Not Contact Each Other...

    Gorman''s voice was icy as he repeated, "Just get rid of it. It''s useless to me now."

    Linsey was momentarily stunned, struggling to steady herself. "But you''ve already paid for it."

    Gorman''sugh was dry and mocking. "Didn''t we sign a contract? You don''t need to worry about the money. It''s yours, keep it."

    There was a pause before Linsey spoke calmly, her tone steady. "You came to me for this deal personally, and I hadn''t coordinated with thepany yet. ording to the contract, thepany''s resources are only to be used once the garment''s ready for production. If you no longer need it, I can return your payment."

    Since Gorman no longer required the design, she felt no reason to keep the money.

    It wouldn''t be right.

    Gorman went silent once more.

    Linsey rubbed her forehead, uncertain about how to handle the situation.

    She felt guilty toward him, but at the same time, she wanted to distance herself from any further contact.

    Suddenly, Gorman let out a low, bitterugh. "Linsey, is this really where we are? You won''t even take my money now?"

    Linsey was caught off guard. Before she could respond, Gorman''s voice came through again, colder than ever. "If you don''t want it, just throw it all away. Let''s not contact each other anymore."

    With that, he ended the call abruptly, leaving no chance for Linsey to say another word.

    As the dial tone echoed in her ear, a wave of sadness washed over her.

    It was clear that Gorman still held some resentment toward her.

    But Linsey didn''t want to dwell on it-after all, Gorman was leaving.

    She just hoped he would find peace and be able to recover soon.

    As for the payment for the unfinished design, Linsey considered asking Collin to help return the money to Gorman when she got back.

    In the days that followed, Linsey immersed herself in designing Collin''s suit, juggling work in between.

    Before long, the suit waspleted.

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    That evening, Linsey took the suit back home, eager to have Collin try it on as soon as possible

    When Collinid eyes on the suit, a spark of admiration lit up his expression.

    The deep blue evening suit shimmered beneath the lights, its unique design setting it apart from anything

    ordinary.

    The bright bow tie matched the suit perfectly, emphasizing its luxurious tone."

    The most striking feature, however, was the contrasting silk handkerchief pinned to the chest, radiating an air of sophistication.

    "What an incredible suit!" Josh eximed. "I never thought a men''s suit could look this good! Mrs. Riley, you''ve truly outdone yourself!"

    Linsey smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You''re overdoing it, Josh. Men''s evening suits are simpler than women''s gowns. I just paid attention to the little details."

    Collin, still admiring the suit, turned his gaze to Linsey, his eyes filled with deep appreciation

    "It truly is stunning, Josh wasn''t wrong-this is the best men''s evening suit I''ve ever seen" Collin''s words were sincere, each one chosen with care.

    Linsey couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction at his praise.

    She smiled brightly, the fatigue from days of designing melting away.

    "Thank you for the kind words," Linsey replied, still grinning. "Go ahead and try it on. If it''s not a perfect fit, I can always make adjustments."

    Collin nodded, taking the suit to change.

    A few momentster, the door to the guest room opened, and Collin stepped out, wearing the suit.

    Everyone''s attention immediately shifted to him, and they were left speechless,pletely awestruck.

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 Chapter 425

    Chapter 425 I''ve Already

    Fallen For You

    Collin stood tall and lean, his broad shoulders and strong back enhanced by the wless tailoring of the evening

    suit. The outfit made him appear even more striking and authoritative.

    Linsey stood frozen, momentarily caught off guard, her heartbeat quickening against her will.

    In the blink of an eye, Collin took a step forward, his long legs moving with effortless grace, as if he were walking through a breeze. Each stride exuded a quiet, unshakable confidence.

    The soft light from the living room bathed him, casting a subtle gleam off the fabric of the suit.

    In that moment, Linsey saw Collin in a new light-he carried an air of elegance and nobility that seemed innate.

    Though he hadn''t gone out of his way to dress up tonight, his sharp, chiseled features exuded a natural refinement that couldn''t be overlooked.

    Linsey''s heart pounded. She was captivated by the sight before her. It wasn''t until Collin, a faint smile on his lips, stopped in front of her that she realized she had been staring. Yet, she still couldn''t tear her gaze away.

    As he saw the admiration in her eyes, Collin''s lips tugged into a smile.

    "Well? What do you think?" he asked, his gaze fixed on her.

    At this moment, he didn''t want to miss a single expression of hers.

    Linsey snapped out of her daze, but still found it hard to look away from him.

    She nodded enthusiastically, her excitement bubbling over. "You look amazing! So handsome! Incredibly handsome! Like a prince straight out of a fairy tale- absolutely mesmerizing."

    Collin chuckled softly, his expression shifting into something more yful as he leaned in slightly. "Looks like you''ve already fallen under my spell."

    His deep, maic voice sent a warm tingle to her ears.

    Her cheeks flushed a deep red, a mix of shyness and embarrassment swirling inside her, yet she couldn''t tear

    her gaze away.

    "Mm, I''ve already fallen for you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Collin''s face lit up with a smile, his brows arching in yful delight. "It''s my honor."

    The air between them grew thick with an unspoken tension, the atmosphere shifting to something more

    intimate.

    Sensing the growing charge, the butler and staff discreetly made their presence known to break the moment.

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    "By the way, is dinner ready in the kitchen? Mr. and Mrs. Riley must be starving."

    "Oh, I almost forgot! The nts in the back garden still need some care."

    Startled, Linsey instinctively took a step back, but before she could lose her bnce, Collin''s arm shot out and wrapped around her waist, pulling her steady.

    As Josh and the staff quickly scattered, Linsey''s face turned even redder.

    She had just been so openly affectionate with Collin in front of everyone-how embarrassing!

    At least they hadn''tpletely lost theirposure.

    If they''d been caught in a hug¡ªor worse, a kiss-there was no way she would be able to look anyone in the eye at dinnerter.

    Internally, Linsey was panicking. She gently pushed against Collin''s chest and whispered, "What are you doing? We''re still in the living room! Get a grip!"

    Collin raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "I didn''t do anything. If I recall correctly, you were the one who couldn''t resist just now." Linsey''s eyes widened, and her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She bit her lip, at a loss for words for a moment.

    What could she say? Everyone had seen it-she had been so swept up in the moment with Collin that she had forgotten herself entirely.

    And now, this man had the nerve to tease her about it!

    The more Linsey thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She quickly

    turned her head away, trying to hide her flustered expression.

    "I was just admiring my design on the suit. You were merely a model for it, that''s all-nothing special," she

    said.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

 Chapter 426

    Chapter 426 Did You Just

    Steal A Kiss

    Collin found Linsey''sment even funnier after hearing it, but instead of correcting her, he decided to y along. He nodded,pletely serious.

    "Obviously. My wife is a top designer. You couldn''t be more right. People would dream of being your fitting

    model!"

    Linsey''s eyes widened as she stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. "You''ve been getting way too bold with your

    jokes."

    Had he always been this over-the-top? How had she not noticed before?

    He must have picked up some bad habits somewhere along the way.

    "I''m only like this because my wife has trained me so well," said Collin, his expression as serious as ever.

    Hearing him get more ridiculous by the second, Linsey reached out and mped a hand over his mouth. "Collin, stop it! Do you want the whole world to hear your nonsense?"

    What on earth was he saying? He was beingpletely shameless!

    Collin only grinned, looking far too pleased with himself.

    "Alright, I think this suit is perfect on you. No need for any changes. Get changed, and let''s grab something to eat." Linsey quickly nced around, relieved that no one was paying attention. She let out a quiet sigh before lowering her hand.

    The second she did, Collin leaned in and pressed a loud kiss against her cheek.

    Without a hint of shame, he turned and strolled off to change, leaving Linsey frozen in ce.

    That kiss had been downright sneaky, and judging by the way he walked off, he was far too pleased with

    himself.

    "Collin!" Linsey gasped, about to scold him, but she quickly dropped her voice. This man was impossible!

    The days passed quickly, and before long, the Lawson family''s banquet had arrived.

    Linsey was still fast asleep when a familiar voice stirred her.

    "Wake up, honey."

    A warm hand cupped her cheek, moving in slow, gentle strokes.

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    Half awake, Linsey instinctively leaned into the warmth of the touch

    A quiet chuckle followed.

    A secondter, something soft pressed against her forehead

    Hershes fluttered as she forced her heavy eyelids open, just in time to catch Collin pulling away

    "Did you just steal a kiss?¡± she mumbled, narrowing her eyes as realization set in

    Collin raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, his expression impossible to read

    Then, without warning, he leaned down and kissed her-slow, lingering, and filled with affection

    When he finally pulled back, he met her gaze and said, "Now that''s a kiss."

    Linsey blinked, still shaking off thest traces of sleep.

    So, in his mind, a kiss on the forehead didn''t count. Only a kiss on the lips did. She shifted slightly, but before she could wake up fully, sleepiness crept in again. Mumbling, sheined, "I don''t want to get up. Why are you waking me up? You must''ve read the time wrong. It''s way too early. Let me sleep a little longer."

    Her voice trailed off as she started drifting off again.

    Collin let out an amused breath, watching her with nothing but fondness. "Honey, if you don''t get up now. you''re going to bete."

    He couldn''t help but find it amusing. This had to be the first time Linsey-who lived for her job-was refusing to get out of bed on a workday.

    His fingers brushed against her warm cheek. "I''m serious. You really have to get up now."

    After a pause, he added with a smirk, "Unless you want me to call in and get you the day off?*

    The second those words left his mouth, her drowsy eyes snapped wide open.

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 Chapter 427

    Chapter 427 So Why Are You This Drained Today

    "No way! I can''t just take the day off. I still have design drafts to go through Linery that set wies, her movements sharp and unsteady

    Collin, always alert, steadied her with a firm hand on her back Easy now. You don''t went to make yout

    dizzy."

    She let out a tired sigh, pressing her fingers to her temples. Now that you mention 1 do feel a inte lightheaded."

    His expression shifted instantly, Worry flickered in his eyes as he watched her

    Something wasn''t right.

    Without hesitation, he reached out and pressed the back of his hand to her forehead. "Are you running a fever?"

    Linsey shook her head, her gaze meeting his. "No, just exhausted."

    Collin studied her carefully before speaking, "We haven''t exactly had sex these past few days. Way."

    Before he could finish, her face turned bright red. She mped a hand over his mouth. "What are you ever saying right now?"

    Collin pried her hand away, his tone calm. "Rx. It''s just us here. No need to act so shy."

    He leaned back slightly, watching her. "But seriously. We''ve been getting plenty of rest. So why are you this drained today?"

    Linsey had no answer. No matter how she tried to brush it off, the exhaustion dung to her, heavy and

    unshakable.

    As she sat there, trying to make sense of it, Collin suddenly straightened up, his expression serious. "Looks like we might have to have sex."

    Her palm met his cheek in a light but decisive p-not hard, just enough to shut him up.

    "That''s it. I''m done talking to you." She tossed the covers aside and slid out of bed. "I''m going to freshe:

    Without sparing him another nce, she made her way to the bathroom..

    Collin got up too, stretchingzily before following "Don''t forget-the Lawson family banquet is tonight. I''ll pick you up after work."

    He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching as she turned on the faucet.

    Linsey shook her head. "No need. The driver will take me there. If youe to get me, you''ll be going out of

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    your way. It''s not necessary."

    Collin considered her words for a moment but didn''t argue.

    If he got there first, he might have time to put together a little surprise for her.

    Even after arriving at the office, Linsey still felt sluggish. The grogginess clung to her, making it hard to focus.

    As soon as she settled at her desk, a designer knocked on the door before stepping inside.

    "Linsey, I''m here for the design drafts you reviewed," the designer said.

    Pushing past her fatigue, Linsey reached for the stack of papers from yesterday and handed them over. "I''ve made some revisions. Have your team meet today to go over them. If everything checks out, you can proceed with production."

    "Got it. Thanks for your hard work, Linsey." The designer turned to leave but hesitated. Her eyes flickered over her pale face. "Are you feeling okay? You don''t look great."

    She let out a small, tiredugh. "So, you noticed? I''ve been off all morning. Woke up feeling dizzy."

    "Really?" The concern on the designer''s face deepened. "Did you eat anything?" Linsey nodded. "Just some bread."

    The designer''s face brightened with realization. "That''s probably it. Sounds like low blood sugar. You didn''t eat enough."

    Linsey frowned slightly. "You think so?"

    The idea hadn''t crossed her mind, but as she exined, it did seem possible.

    The designer''s eyes lit up. "Hold on. I''ve got some chocte in my desk. You''ll need a little boost to get through the morning."

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 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428 The Chocte

    Doesn''t Matter!

    After speaking, the designer turned and left.

    Linsey, moved by her kind gesture, found herself smiling.

    A few momentster, the designer returned with a box of choctes, setting it gently on Linsey''s desk.

    Linsey smiled softly, grateful. "Thank you. I''ll treat you to lunch sometime."

    "It''s nothing! I have plenty more. Go ahead, Linsey. Try one and see how it tastes!" the designer replied with a cheerful grin.

    The designer had only recently joined the Fashion Design Department at CR Corporation.

    From the beginning, Linsey had been the department head, guiding her team with a steady hand.

    In the designer''s eyes, Linsey wasn''t just beautiful and kind-hearted-she was incredibly skilled. She admired her, genuinely.

    "Alright." Linsey unwrapped a piece of chocte, her movements calm.

    The rich, sugary scent filled the room almost immediately.

    Linsey''s nose wrinkled at the smell, a sudden wave of nausea rising in her chest.

    Without thinking, she took a small bite.

    The sweetness hit her instantly, too much, too strong-cloying in her mouth.

    A sharp wave of nausea surged up from her stomach, relentless.

    Linsey grimaced, fighting the urge to swallow the chocte.

    She couldn''t hold it in any longer. Quickly, she covered her mouth, her face turning pale.

    "Linsey! Are you okay?" The designer''s voice wasced with worry as she rushed to Linsey''s side, gently patting her back. "Spit it out, quickly!"

    Linsey couldn''t keep it down any longer. She spat the chocte into the trash can, relief washing over her immediately.

    "Linsey, drink some water!" The designer was panicked, unable to believe that something as simple as chocte could cause such a reaction.

    Linsey hunched over, her body tense as she struggled to straighten up, the difort weighing heavily on her.

    Pressing a hand to her chest, Linsey felt as though she might throw up stomach acid.

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    At that moment, she was wide awake, the fog of exhaustionpletely gone She exhaled weakly, epting the water from the designer and taking a small sip. "Sorry for wasting your chocte, Linsey said, her voice hoarse.

    "The chocte doesn''t matter" The designer''s gaze lingered on Linsey, concern etched deeply on her face.

    After a brief pause, a thought seemed to hit her, and the eximed, "Linsey, I know you''re married... Could it

    be that you''re pregnant?

    Linsey froze, the words hitting her like a ssh of cold water.

    Pregnant?

    Linsey''s heart began to race, the thought crashing over her like a tidal wave.

    Ever since by started asking when she and Collin would have children, Linsey had been more eager to get

    pregnant

    But just as the flicker of hope ignited in her eyes, she quickly smothered it.

    She masked her disappointment with a forced chuckle. "It''s probably just my old stomach issue acting up again."

    Thest time, she had had a simr episode with dry heaving, all from not getting enough rest and dealing with stomach difort.

    Lately, she had been buried in work-especially designing a suit for Collin, which had consumed most of her

    time.

    It was probably just exhaustion. That would exin why she had been so tired this morning.

    The designer, still concerned, suggested gently, "Linsey, I really think you should see a doctor soon."

    Linsey nodded, giving a faint smile. "Alright, I''ll go to the hospital. Thank you."

    The designer didn''t linger, quickly returning to her desk to resume work.

    Linsey nced at her schedule. Tonight, she had to attend the Lawson family''s banquet.

    If she still wasn''t feeling well by the afternoon, she would ask Collin to take her to the hospital after the

    banquet.

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    Chapter 429 It''s Been A While, Mr. Riley

    After finishing work, Linsey stopped by a nearby beauty salon to change into her evening gown and apply a touch of refined yet understated makeup.

    Once she was ready, she nced at her reflection in the mirror, feeling reasonably content with her appearance.

    Earlier that afternoon, she had been feeling unwell, and herplexion had looked rather dull.

    Now, with a bit of makeup, she finally appeared refreshed andposed.

    Attending the banquet looking as drained as she had earlier would have been far from appropriate.

    Satisfied with her final look, Linsey gathered the hem of her gown and stepped into the car, setting off for the

    Lawson family''s banquet.

    Half an hourter, she noticed they had barely moved and were still near CR Corporation.

    Frowning slightly, she rolled down the window, scanning the congestion outside.

    The traffic waspletely gridlocked.

    "Mrs. Riley, we''ve been stuck in the same spot for quite some time," the driver said with a hint of frustration. "At this rate, I''m not sure we''ll make it to the banquet on time..."

    Linsey''s voice remained calm. "It''s alright, just drive carefully. Safetyes first."

    It was rush hour, so heavy traffic was to be expected.

    Just then, her phone rang, and she quickly picked up.

    "Linsey, are you close?" Collin''s voice was warm and gentle.

    A smile yed on Linsey''s lips. "Not yet. I''m caught in traffic, so I might be a littlete. If you arrive before me, don''t wait-just head inside."

    Collin frowned slightly on the other end, clearly concerned. "Do you want me toe get you?"

    After a brief pause, his voice softened with regret. "I should''ve waited for you near your office earlier."

    Linsey chuckled lightly, her tone reassuring. "Even if you did, it wouldn''t change the traffic situation. You'' ist end up stuck here with me. No need to worry about it."

    Collin sighed, feeling a tinge of disappointment.

    As the founder of CR Corporation, he had the power to arrange for a clear route.

    But given that he would be revealing his identity at tonight''s banquet, he chose to hold back.

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    Sensing his mood shift, Linsey quickly reassured him, "It''s alright. I''ll be there soon. Have you already arrived?"

    "I''m at the entrance now," Collin replied.

    Linsey nodded. "Go on in first. If you run into any influential guests, take the chance to connect with them. You gave me an invitation, so I''ll have no trouble getting inter."

    Her words made Collin chuckle.

    She was clearly hoping he would use the opportunity towork with business elites.

    Collin chuckled softly.

    What Linsey didn''t realize was that the most powerful figure at this banquet was, in fact, her husband.

    "Collin? Are you still there?" Linsey asked, puzzled by his silence.

    His lips curled into a smile. "I heard you."

    Since she insisted, he had no choice but to follow her advice and head inside first.

    After he ended the call, Collin''s warm expression faded, reced by his usualposed and authoritative

    demeanor.

    He stepped out of the car, his mere presence drawing the attention of those nearby.

    Guests whispered among themselves, wondering who he was. Just then, another

    tall figure confidently approached him.

    The sight of the neer left the crowd even more intrigued.

    "It''s been a while, Mr. Riley."

 Chapter 430

    Chapter 430 This Is My Younger Sister, Carol

    Collin lifted his gaze, a faint yetposed smile appearing on his lips. "Mr. Lawson."

    Dressed in an impably tailored suit, Jeffery carried himself with the grace of a true gentleman.

    Every movement exuded sophistication, but beneath his refined demeanory a sharp, icy glint in his eyes-an unspoken warning to those who dared to overstep their bounds.

    Stepping forward, Jeffery met Collin''s gaze. "It''s a privilege to have you at our gathering, Mr. Riley."

    With that, he gestured toward the grand entrance of the hotel, extending a courteous invitation. "Shall we?"

    Collin gave a subtle nod. "You''re too generous, Mr. Lawson."

    Side by side, the two men strode into the venue, their refined presencemanding attention.

    However, the other guests were too stunned to merely admire their distinguished figures.

    Those who had witnessed their brief exchange stood frozen in disbelief.

    "Did I just see that right? Mr. Lawson showing such deference to someone?"

    "We all know the Lawson family''s influence in this city. For Jeffery to personally greet a guest like that, this man must be someone truly remarkable!"

    "His presence alone is overwhelming. But I''ve never seen him before. Which powerful family is he from?"

    "I was thinking the same thing..."

    "Wait a second... Doesn''t he resemble Collin from the Riley family?"

    At that remark, an awkward silence fell over the group.

    "Why is everyone so quiet? He really does look like Collin, doesn''t he?"

    "Are you half-asleep? Collin Riley? No way! That useless guy could never set foot in a Lawson family event!"

    "Exactly! And don''t forget the biggest difference-Collin is wheelchair-bound. The man who just walked in Jeffery? His legs work just fine. Don''t say such ridiculous things."

    With that crucial distinction pointed out, the possibility of the mysterious man being Collin was immediately

    dismissed.

    Meanwhile, Jeffery led Collin into the extravagant banquet hall, where dazzling chandeliers illuminated the space, casting a golden glow over thevish d¨¦cor.

    Though the event had yet to begin, the room was already bustling with elegantly dressed guests.

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    As one of the most powerful families in Grester, the Lawsonsmanded respect, even though they had maintained a low profile in recent years. Their influence was undeniable, and the sheer number of attendees

    reflected that.

    Just then, a lively, radiant young woman in an opulent gown made her way toward them.

    "Jeffery!" Carol Lawson, Jeffery''s younger sister, beamed as she approached, grabbing onto his arm with yful affection "Take a good look! Don''t I look absolutely stunning tonight?"

    With a cheeky grin, she lifted the hem of her gown and spun in a graceful twirl, exuding youthful energy.

    Jeffery''s gaze softened as he regarded his sister, his smile carrying a touch of indulgence. "You look lovely."

    Satisfied with thepliment, Carol turned her attention to the man standing beside her brother.

    The moment sheid eyes on him, she couldn''t look away.

    Having spent her entire life in Grester, she had seen plenty of distinguished men. But none had ever captivated her quite like this.

    It wasn''t just his chiseled features-his entire being radiated an effortless authority, an air of dominance that demanded admiration.

    Carol openly studied Collin, a mischievous smile ying at her lips. Leaning closer to her brother, she whispered with curiosity, "Jeffery, who is this fine gentleman?"

    Anyone personally escorted by Jeffery had to be someone of extraordinary status.

    With a knowing smile, Jeffery made the introduction. "Mr. Riley, this is my younger sister, Carol."

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    THAT

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    hapter 431 How Could

    You Say That In Front Of...

    Jeffery turned to his sister and said, ¡°Carol, this is the man I mentioned earlier-the founder of CR Corporation,

    Mr. Riley."

    Carol''s eyes lit up instantly, her gaze filled with admiration. "So, you''re the founder of CR Corporation!"

    She had heard countless stories about the elusive and immensely wealthy man behind CR Corporation-one of the most powerful figures in Grester.

    In her mind, she had always pictured Collin as an older gentleman with graying hair and a bit of extra weight.

    But reality hadpletely shattered her expectations. Not only was he young, but he was also breathtakingly

    handsome!

    Her interest in him deepened. She took a step closer, her voice soft and teasing as she said, "Mr. Riley, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you. I''m Carol Lawson, but you can just call me Carol, like Jeffery does."

    With a charming smile, she extended her hand toward Collin, hoping for a handshake.

    Collin''s expression remained unreadable as he epted the handshake with brief politeness. ¡°Miss Lawson," he acknowledged, his tone cold and detached.

    He deliberately ignored her invitation to use her first name.

    More than that, the moment their hands touched, he withdrew almost instantly, as if the contact was an unnecessary formality.

    Carol''s smile faltered for a fraction of a second. Had he really just brushed her off like that?

    It was only a handshake-was there a need for such obvious distance?

    Refusing to let it dampen her spirits, she quickly masked her disappointment.

    If anything, his reserved nature only added to his appeal. A man like this-distant, unreadable, and unshaken by charm-was a rare find. To her, that made him all the more worth pursuing.

    A yful gleam flickered in her eyes as she suddenly tilted her head and smiled sweetly. "Mr. Riley, you''re more handsome and gentle than Jeffery."

    en

    Collin''s brow furrowed slightly before he masked the reaction. His voice remained steady as he replied, "Miss Lawson, this is our first meeting. That kind ofpliment seems unnecessary."

    Then, ncing at Jeffery, he joked, "Besides, if you keep this up, Mr. Lawson might get jealous."

    With CR Corporation and the Lawson Group on the brink of coboration, Collin had no desire to offend Carol outright. Regardless of her advances, she was still the treasured daughter of the Lawson family.

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    Jeffery had been observing the exchange closely. Though he was silently exasperated by Carol''s behavior, he yed along with Collin''s remark, pretending

    to be upset. "Carol, I''m standing right here. How could you say

    that in front of me?"

    Carol pouted yfully, though a flicker of dissatisfaction lingered in her expression.

    The more Collin kept his distance, the more she wanted to break past his walls.

    Men had always fallen for her charms-why should he be any different?

    Her confidence only strengthened her resolve.

    An idea suddenly popped into her mind, and before she could second-guess it, she acted.

    Reaching out, she ced a delicate hand on Collin''s shoulder. "Since this is our first meeting, shouldn''t we seal it with a friendly kiss on the cheek?"

    Before either Collin or Jeffery could react, she stood on tiptoe and leaned in toward his face.

    But just as her lips were about to brush his cheek, a firm force yanked her backward.

    The next thing she knew, she had been pushed back to where she originally stood. Collin''s grip on her arm was firm, unyielding.

    The shock in her eyes quickly turned to anger. She lifted her head to protest, only to freeze. Collin''s cold, piercing stare locked onto her, his gaze sharp enough to cut through steel.

    Her heart lurched. A strange fear crawled up her spine, making her instinctively step away. The dull ache where he had gripped her barely registered-she was too shaken by the intensity of his gaze.

    He had a terrifying look in his eyes.

    Jeffery, taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere, instinctively moved forward, stepping between them as a shield for his sister.

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    Chapter 432 What Kind Of Woman Captured Your...

    It wasn''t about anything else¡ªjust the sheer intensity of Collin''s expression.

    For a moment, it felt as if he might mercilessly fling Carol aside without a second thought.

    Jeffery''s pupils dted with shock. Forcing himself to remainposed, he managed a faint smile. "Mr. Riley, please forgive Carol''s rudeness."

    Biting her lip, Carol couldn''t help but protest, "Even if you''re the founder of CR Corporation, isn''t this a bit excessive? A true gentleman wouldn''t treat a woman that way! I only wanted to interact with you normally. Let

    go of me!"

    She struggled to pull free, but it was futile.

    Collin''s grip remained firm, his expression unreadable. His voice, however, was edged with a subtle warning. "I''m already married, Miss Lawson. I suggest you mind your behavior."

    Just like that, a wave of humiliation crashed over Carol. Her face burned, her eyes stinging with resentment. She turned to Jeffery, clutching his sleeve like a wounded child. "Jeffery..."-

    Seeing his sister this way, Jeffery felt his heart soften. With a sigh, he spoke again, his tone gentler. "Mr. Riley, I truly apologize. Carol had no idea you were married. I''ll make sure to talk to her properly about this."

    As he spoke, he cast Collin a pleading nce.

    Collin''s sharp gaze flickered. He suddenly recalled something-Carol was rumored to have a heart condition.

    The partnership between CR Corporation and the Lawson Group was far too important to strain over a situation

    like this.

    With that in mind, he reluctantly loosened his grip and gave a curt nod. "Fine."

    The moment he let go, Carol huffed in frustration, stomped her foot, and stormed off without so much as a backward nce.

    "Carol!" Jeffery called after her, but she didn''t stop.

    Watching her disappear down the corridor, he sighed helplessly before turning back to Collin.

    By now, the icy chill in Collin''s expression had softened.

    "Carol has always been willful, but my parents and I have never been too harsh on her. She''s been in poor health since childhood," Jeffery said, his eyesced with a hint of sadness

    Carol''s condition had been a constant source of worry for the Lawson family.

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    Over the years, Jeffery had done everything in his power to find a cure, hoping she could one day live without

    restrictions.

    Collin''s gaze steadied on him, his tone losing its earlier edge. ¡°She''ll get better."

    Jeffery gave a small nod, then hesitated before ncing at Collin with newfound curiosity. "I''ve heard rumors that you''re married, Mr. Riley, but I never knew they were true. Now I can''t help but wonder-what kind of woman captured your heart?"

    At the mention of Linsey, Collin''s entire demeanor shifted. The harshness in his eyes melted into something softer, a trace of warmth flickering across his usually stoic face.

    "She''s amazing. And I love her deeply," he said simply.

    Jeffery blinked, taken aback by Collin''s straightforwardness.

    Raising an eyebrow, Jeffery smirked. "You must really care about her if you''re willing to reveal your identity like this tonight."

    Then, a thought struck him, and he frowned slightly. "But why didn''t shee with you?"

    Collin''s expression remained calm. "She got caught in traffic. She''ll be here soon." Meanwhile, outside the venue, Linsey finally arrived after rushing the entire way. The driver, stepping out to assist her, nced toward the grand hotel entrance. "Mrs. Riley, why not call Mr. Riley and have hime out to meet you?" he suggested.

    Linsey shook her head with a smile. "It''s fine. I''ll go in and find him myself." Turning back, she added, "Thanks for tonight."

    "Alright, Mrs. Riley. Let me know if you need anything." The driver nodded.

    Lifting the hem of her elegant gown, Linsey made her way toward the entrance.

    She was just about to retrieve her invitation and hand it to the staff when someone suddenly rushed out from inside the venue and crashed straight into her.

 Chapter 433

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 433 Get This

    Woman Out Of Here!

    Caught off guard, Linsey let out a startled cry. She stumbled back, nearly losing her bnce.

    The person who crashed into her wasn''t as lucky.

    A woman had rushed out of the venue in a hurry, teetering on dangerously high heels. Unable to steady herself, shended squarely on the ground in an undignified heap.

    The extravagant fabric of her gown had torn slightly in the fall.

    For a moment, Carol sat there in stunned disbelief. But when no one immediately came to her aid, frustration bubbled over. "What''s wrong with all of you? Can''t you see I need help?" she shrieked.

    "Miss Lawson!" The crowd around her snapped out of their daze, hurrying forward to assist her. They carefully helped her to her feet, pretending not to notice the embarrassed flush on her face.

    "Miss Lawson, are you alright?" a hotel staff member asked with concern.

    Carol took a deep breath-then, without warning, raised her hand and pped the staff member across the

    face.

    A sharp smack echoed through the entrance.

    The employee staggered back, clutching his cheek. He didn''t dare protest.

    Linsey, watching the scene unfold, was momentarily speechless. She hadn''t expected Carol tosh out so violently-especially at someone who had only tried to help.

    How could someone be so entitled?

    Even after striking the staff member, Carol still wasn''t satisfied. She turned her re toward Linsey.

    And the moment her eyesnded on her, jealousy flickered across her face.

    Linsey wasn''t draped in an overly luxurious gown tonight. Her outfit was understated, yet effortlessly elegant. But her striking features naturally drew attention.

    "Who are you? How dare you bump into me? Are you blind? Look at what you''ve done to my gowi. snapped, narrowing her eyes.

    Carol

    Before Linsey could respond, Carol turned to the security guards and waved her hand dismissively. "Get this woman out of here! She''s banned from my family''s events from now on!"

    Not once did Carol consider that Linsey might be someone she couldn''t afford to offend.

    Having spent years in Grester, Carol had met her fair share of wealthy socialites and even a few female

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    entrepreneurs.

    But Linsey''s face was unfamiliar.

    To Carol, that could only mean one thing-she must be a nobody.

    As the daughter of the Lawson family, Carol believed she had every right to

    cklist any insignificant guest at her family''s event.

    At hermand, several security guards stepped forward, ready to escort Linsey out.

    "Ma''am, you heard Miss Lawson. Please leave," one of them said.

    It was only then that Linsey fully registered who Carol was. She was the Lawson family''s daughter.

    She quickly reminded herself-tonight, she was here as Collin''s date. It wouldn''t be wise to offend anyone from the Lawson family.

    Still, she remained calm, her tone firm yet polite. "Miss Lawson, I didn''t bump into you-you ran out and collided with me. And for the record, I''m an invited guest at this event. I have an invitation. You can''t just throw me out."

    Carol sneered, "We invited a lot of people tonight. Don''t think having an invitation gives you the right to act however you please. Let me tell you¡ª"

    She stopped mid-sentence. Her gaze hadnded on the invitation in Linsey''s hand-a ck-and-gold invitation.

    Carol''s breath hitched. For this event, the Lawson family had issued different invitations based on status.

    Most ordinary guests received blue-and-white invitations.

    Those with slightly higher standing were given red ones.

    But only the most distinguished guests-those of the highest rank-were given the exclusive ck-and-gold invitation.

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    THAT

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434 You Must Have Stolen This Invitation

    Linsey possessed a ck-and-gold invitation that puzzled Carol.

    "What''s going on with your invitation?" Carol asked, her voice tense and her eyes betraying a flicker of fear.

    She pondered whether Linsey might be someone of significant stature.

    Then, an idea struck her, and she mocked, "Now I see. You must have stolen this invitation, or it''s certainly a

    fake!"

    Linsey felt bewildered by the allegations.

    Seriously? When did invitations start being genuine or fake?

    "This invitation is valid," Linsey asserted, her eyebrows knitting together in frustration.

    Collin had given it to her. It had to be valid.

    Carol remained skeptical. She swiftly approached Linsey and grabbed the invitation from her hand.

    "You-" Linsey was taken aback by such rudeness.

    It was hard to believe that someone from the esteemed Lawson family could disy such poor manners.

    Despite her anger, Linsey kept her cool.

    She watched quietly as Carol examined the invitation.

    Carol''s scornful look soon shifted to surprise.

    "You are actually-" she stammered, staring at the words "CR Corporation". It dawned on her that Linsey was indeed the wife of the founder of the renowned CR Corporation.

    It made perfect sense that Linsey had a ck-and-gold invitation.

    Linsey, perplexed, raised an eyebrow at Carol. "Is there a problem, Miss Lawson?"

    While noticing Carol''s fingers pressing on the CR Corporation''s name, Linsey did not give it much thought.

    Memories of Collin ignoring her earlier filled Carol with jealousy towards Linsey.

    How was this woman any better than her? Carol wondered silently.

    The founder of CR Corporation wouldn''t even nce at her because of this

    woman.

    Just as Linsey expected more unreasonable behavior, Carol''s expression softened and she smiled. "I''m sorry. It was all a misunderstanding. Please, don''t be upset."

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    This abrupt change made Linsey even more wary.

    What was Miss Lawson really nning?

    Trying not to show her doubt, Linsey calmly inquired, "May I enter now?" "Absolutely," Carol responded, handing back the invitation. She waved over a waiter, saying, "To show my apologies, let this gentleman escort you inside." With a subtle nod, Carol signaled the waiter who caught the cue instantly. Carol''s knowing look indicated she was up to something.

    The waiter eagerly approached Linsey, saying, "This way, Ma''am."

    Having been on guard due to previous experiences, Linsey quickly declined, "There''s no need. I''ll go in alone."

    She then took her invitation and walked inside, bypassing everyone else.

    As Linsey entered and her n unraveled, Carol''s displeasure was evident.

    She stood there, staring bitterly at Linsey''s retreating figure, her heart seething with hatred.

    Just wait. Her time woulde.

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435 It''s You Again!

    Linsey entered the hotel, immediately captivated by thevish decorations around her.

    "Such over-the-top decor," she mused silently.

    Unaware, she had ventured deep into the building

    Despite her searching, the Lawson family''s banquet on the first floor remained elusive.

    "Why can''t I find it?" she wondered, the invitation had been clear about the location.

    Feeling a bit lost, Linsey was slightly embarrassed.

    Perhaps she should have epted Carol''s offer for guidance.

    Now, regret was pointless.

    Her worry grew just as her phone began to ring.

    She saw Collin''s name and answered swiftly.

    "Linsey, have you arrived?" Collin asked in his deep voice.

    Trying to mask her confusion, she replied with feigned assurance, "I''ve just left the car. I''ll be there shortly."

    Collin''sughter

    me through. "Are you sure you''re not lost?"

    "I am not lost! I''m nearly there, so don''t rush me," Linsey retorted, feeling teased.

    "Okay," Collin responded. "But if you''re not here soon, I might ask the hotel to page you."

    Page her? Linsey panicked at the thought.

    She imagined the announcement. "Attention, Mrs. Riley! Your husband, Collin Riley, is waiting in the first-floor banquet hall. Pleasee immediately!"

    The idea alone made her shudder with embarrassment.

    "Collin, don''t you darel If you embarrass me like that, I will not speak to you again!" Linsey said, her tone mixing frustration with a threat.

    As Collin heard her voice, he could visualize her slightly annoyed yet endearing expression. "Okay, I''ll behave. Just make sure you''re quick."

    His smile lingered, drawing the attention of Jeffery, who was close by.

    After Collin hung up, Jeffery, with a teasing grin, remarked, "Wow, seeing you like

    this... I''d almost suspect there''s another Mr. Riley in town."

    Unperturbed, Collinughed. "There''s no mystery here-you''ll meet my wife soon enough."

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    Jeffery, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. "That, I have to see."

    Meanwhile, Linsey was still making her way around the first floor of the hotel, searching for the correct banquet hall.

    Atst, she noticed a cleaningdy in a corner.

    Feeling a wave of relief, Linsey gathered her gown and approached quickly.

    "Excuse me, can you tell me where the Lawson family banquet is?"

    Alexa straightened and turned to respond but stopped short upon seeing Linsey''s face, her expression turning to one of shock.

    "It''s you again!" she eximed, staring at Linsey in utter disbelief.

    "Huh?¡± Linsey responded, taken aback.

    Alexa looked at her, overwhelmed. She had not expected to encounter Linsey again, especially not here.

    Linsey bore an uncanny resemnce to M Lawson.

    And strikingly, she was about the same age as Alexa''s daughter, Carol.

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    Chapter 436 Why Are We Taking The Stairs

    In an instant, Alexa realized that Linsey was the real daughter of the Lawson family, the very child she had

    secretly switched all those years ago.

    Alexa''s pulse quickened. She took a shaky breath and demanded, "Who are you?"

    Linsey caught the flicker of emotions crossing Alexa''s face-shock, fear, then something almost menacing, it was unsettling.

    Frowning, she instinctively stepped back. "I''m just a guest at the Lawson family banquet. Is there a problem? Her gaze settled on the middle-aged woman before her, and she continued, "Just now... you said, "It''s me again." What did you mean by that? Have we met before?"

    Linsey studied Alexa carefully. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t ce her.

    So why did this woman look at her as if she had just seen a ghost?

    Alexa, however, remembered Linsey perfectly, even if Linsey had no idea who she

    was.

    Not long ago, Alexa had been diagnosed with cancer. The day she picked up her test results, she had unexpectedly run into Linsey.

    And now, here she was again, at the Lawson family''s banquet, where every single member of the family was gathered.

    Alexa''s expression darkened. She couldn''t let Linsey meet them.

    If they saw her face, everything would unravel.

    With time slipping through her fingers, Alexa was determined to take this secret to the grave. No one, especially not Linsey, could ruin her daughter''s life as a Lawson.

    "Oh, I must''ve mistaken you for someone else. I thought you were my friend''s daughter," Alexa reasoned. She forced a smile and added, "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to offend you."

    Linsey watched her closely. As she noticed the strained smile on Alexa''s face, a chill crept up her spine.

    Something about this woman was unsettling.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± she asked, masking the suspicion in her eyes. ¡°If you don''t know, I''ll just ask someone else."

    There was something in Alexa''s gaze that made her uneasy.

    Just as Linsey turned to leave, a rough, dry hand mped around her wrist.

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    "Wait!" Alexa called through gritted her teeth.

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat Instinctively, she tried to pull free. "Excuse me, could you let go of me?"

    However, Alexa''s grip only tightened. Fear seemed to fuel her hold. She couldn''t let Linsey walk away.

    With narrowed eyes, Alexa asked, enunciating each word slowly. "Didn''t you say you were going to the Lawson family banquet? I''ll take you there."

    Linsey ignored the difort in her wrist and forced herself to stay calm. "Just tell me which way to go.

    That''ll be enough."

    Alexa''s hollow cheeks made her forced smile even more unsettling

    "Please, allow me to take you there." Alexa paused briefly, then finally let go of Linsey''s wrist, not wanting to raise too much suspicion.

    Setting her cleaning tools aside, she turned and started walking ahead. "Follow me. The Lawson family banquet is about to begin. You wouldn''t want to bete."

    For a moment, Linsey only watched as the woman walked forward. After a few seconds of hesitation, she

    followed.

    No matter how she looked at it, something about this woman felt off.

    Since this woman was so insistent on leading the way, Linsey decided to y along and see what she was really

    up to.

    Before long, Alexa led her into the stairwell.

    Linsey arched an eyebrow but kept her expression neutral. "Why are we taking the stairs?"

    Without looking back, Alexa replied, "The hotel elevators aren''t working. We have no choice but to take the

    stairs."

    Linsey gave a faint smile. ¡°But isn''t the Lawson family banquet on the first floor? Why are you taking me upstairs? And in a hotel this big, could all the elevators really be broken?"

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 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437 What Is Your

    Motive

    As they conversed, Linsey trailed Alexa to the second floor.

    Alexa led silently, her head tilting slightly, her eyes briefly flickering with malice.

    Suddenly, Alexa turned and moved to forcefully push Linsey.

    In a swift move, Linsey caught Alexa''s arm, her stance steady.

    With a frown, Linsey stared intently at Alexa. "Were you attempting to push me?"

    After a pause, Linsey pressed on, "I don''t know you. We have no prior disputes. What reason do you have to

    harm me?"

    Linsey was cautious since her arrival, but she hadn''t anticipated an attack from a cleaner she had never met, who now seemed intent on pushing her down the stairs!

    A realization dawned on her.

    Perhaps this wasn''t their first encounter. Maybe this woman had always known her.

    "What are you implying? I''m confused." Alexa, caught in her failed scheme, panicked and tried to pull away. "Release me! I warn you, if you don''t, I''ll call the police!"

    Linsey chuckled coldly. "Call them. We''ll discuss everything-the reasons you brought me here, your attempt to push me down the stairs. Tell me, what is your motive?"

    Panic flickered in Alexa''s eyes.

    "You''re misunderstanding! I was ensuring you were behind me, that''s all. Don''t twist my actions." Alexa, frustrated, vehemently countered, "This is unfair! I was merely assisting you in finding your way, and now you use me of wrongdoing? I''m merely a cleaner!"

    Linsey, unfazed and tightening her hold, replied nonchntly, "Whether it''s a false im or the truth, that''s not for you to decide. We''ll go to security. The cameras in this hallway will reveal the truth. Let''s see how you defend your actions."

    Determined to uncover the truth, Linsey knew this was more than mere suspicion. The cleaner''s actions were deliberately harmful-there must be a deeper reason. Linsey, without a word, forcefully grabbed Alexa and began pulling her downstairs. Alexa''s eyes widened in sheer panic as she struggled vehemently to break free. However, her efforts were futile. Her prolonged illness had left her weakened, and she could not escape Linsey''s firm hold.

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    Chapter 437 What is Your Motive

    Linsey mustered unexpected strength and dragged Aleys down to the first floor

    "Release me!" Alexs screamed in desperation

    As they neared the hotel''s security office, Alexs''s fear intensified

    In a sudden move, she stomped on Linsey''s gown, causing Linsey to be jerked backward and lose ber fote

    "Ah Linsey cried out in surprise.

    Seizing the moment, Alexa pushed Linsey sside and ran

    "Stop right there!" Linsey called out, chasing after her.

    In her rush, Linsey''s heel twisted, causing her to stumble forward dramatically

    A faint sound echoed, followed immediately by a sharp pain shooting through her arthe

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 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438 She Wouldn''t Just Vanish Into Thin Air

    Linsey caught herself just in time. She threw out a hand to brace against the wall before she could hit the floor. She drew in a sharp breath, ignoring the sting in her foot, and lifted her head.

    The cleaningdy was gone.

    Linsey''s frown deepened.

    The woman had spoken in riddles and acted strangely. And now, she had vanished without a trace.

    What was she hiding?

    Linsey had a feeling that this woman''s secret was tangled up with her in a way she couldn''t yet understand.

    Otherwise, why had the cleaningdy tried to hurt her the moment they met?

    Meanwhile, the Lawson family''s banquet was in full swing.

    As the event officially began, Jeffery stepped onto the stage.

    "Everyone, wee to our banquet."

    As he spoke, he gave a practiced smile, the kind that held just the right amount of charm to capture a room. Eyes followed him, especially those of the young women scattered throughout the crowd.

    "As you all know, it''s been years since we hosted a public gathering. Tonight, wee together under the name of Lawson Group to share an important announcement," Jeffery continued.

    A flicker of intrigue passed through the audience. Jeffery let the moment linger, the corners of his mouth pulling into a knowing smile.

    "What could be so important that the Lawson family would go through all this trouble and make such a grand announcement?" someone whispered.

    "You think it has anything to do with that man Jeffery personally weed earlier?"

    "Could be. No one knows who he is yet."

    As anticipation swelled, Jeffery''s smile widened. Raising his voice just enough tomand the room, he dered in a steady tone, "From today onward, we''re officially partnering with CR Corporation."

    Excitement rippled through the crowd.

    "CR Corporation? No way!"

    "Lawson Group just secured a deal with the most powerfulpany in town!"

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    "So this whole banquet was just to announce the partnership?"

    "If that''s the case, then they must really see this as a big deal."

    "Big? It''s CR Corporation we''re talking about. Companies would do anything for a partnership like this!"

    "Do you think the founder of CR Corporation is here tonight?"

    "I''d love to finally see what he looks like! No media outlet has ever managed to get a picture of him all these

    years."

    Jeffery let the excitement settle before continuing, "In half an hour, we will hold an official signing ceremony. We invite everyone to witness this historic moment with us."

    "Official signing ceremony? So the founder really is here?"

    "Shh! I heard a rumor-he is. And not just that, he''s nning to introduce his wife publicly for the first time."

    "If that''s true, that''s-wow. That''s something else."

    "Exactly! We''re talking about the founder of CR Corporation-a billionaire and one

    of the most powerful figures in town. Whoever his wife is, she must be extraordinary."

    "I can''t wait to find out!"

    With the announcement made, Jeffery stepped off the stage with practiced ease and headed toward a private room at the back of the banquet hall.

    Inside, Collin paced restlessly, phone in hand, his expression tense.

    Nearby, Dustin, who was also attending the Lawson family''s banquet, offered a

    calm reassurance. "Come on, Collin, don''t stress. Linsey is an adult. She wouldn''t just vanish into thin air. She''ll turn up soon enough."

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    Chapter 439 I''ll Go Find Her Myself

    Collin''s expression didn''t ease. If anything, it grew even more tense.

    "I haven''t been able to reach Linsey on her phone." He turned to Dustin, his jaw tight. "She said she''d be here in ten minutes, but she''s still not here."

    Dustin let out a weary sigh. Just as he was about to respond, Jeffery walked in. "Ah, Mr. Lawson, you''re here."

    Jeffery strode toward them and shifted his gaze to Collin. "What''s going on?"

    Collin, still dialing tirelessly, didn''t even nce up.

    Seeing this, Dustin stepped in. "His wife still hasn''t shown up, and he''s really worried about her."

    Jeffery''s frown deepened. "That''s odd. Why hasn''t she arrived by now? Should I send someone to look for her?"

    Before the words had fully left his mouth, Collin abruptly turned around. "No, I''ll go find her myself."

    Dustin''s eyes widened. "What? But you''re supposed to be part of the ceremony soon, right? And you need to reveal your identity tonight!"

    Jeffery didn''t look pleased either. "Mr. Riley, it''s fine. I can send someone to look for your wife. You shouldn''t

    miss the ceremony."

    Collin shook his head firmly and turned to Dustin. "I need to go myself. I won''t feel right leaving her out there

    alone."

    Dustin hesitated, remembering everything Linsey had been through. If it were anyone else, this might not have been a big deal. But when it came to her, even he couldn''t guarantee her safety.

    "Fine," Dustin conceded with a sigh.

    Jeffery, however, looked far from satisfied: "Mr. Riley, we''ve already finalized tonight''s schedule. Are you really going to leave like this?"

    Before Collin could respond, Dustin quickly cut in, "Mr. Lawson, you might not realize this, but his wife isn''t just anyone. Her reputation has earned her more than a few enemies in town. She''s faced real danger before, and Collin has every reason to be worried."

    Collin met Jeffery''s gaze and sincerely said, "Mr. Lawson, I''m sorry, but I really have to go. If I make it back in time, we''ll stick to the n. If not, Dustin will handle the ceremony for me."

    Jeffery still wasn''t thrilled, but he could see there was no stopping Collin. The most important thing tonight was securing the partnership with CR Corporation. Everything else could wait.

    "Alright, Mr. Riley. Go ahead. I hope your wife is okay," Jeffery conceded.

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    A momentter, embarrassment washed over her, and a flush crept up Linsey''s cheeks as she watched Collin

    kneel in front of her.

    "I twisted my ankle while running earlier," she admitted softly,

    Collin gently lifted her foot and eased off her high heel. The moment he saw her ankle, his expression tightened. The sprain looked pretty bad.

    His fingers brushed lightly over the injury as he examined it. "When I called you earlier, I wasn''t trying to rush you. Walking in high heels is hard enough. Running in them just makes it worse."

    Realizing the misunderstanding, Linsey let out a smallugh. ¡°No, Collin, you''ve got it all wrong. I wasn''t running to get to the banquet."

    Collin paused, his confusion evident. "Then why were you running?"

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    THAT

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    Chapter 440 I''m Sure

    There''s No Fracture

    Linsey pursed her lips, contemting for a brief moment before she decided to share her recent ordeal with

    Collin.

    When she recounted how the cleaningdy had attempted to push her down the stairs, Collin''s face immediately darkened.

    "Did she actually try to push you?" Collin asked sharply, his tone conveying concern. "Something must be wrong with her."

    "I was thinking the same. Unfortunately, I was dressed in this gown and high heels, so I couldn''t react swiftly enough to catch her," Linsey replied, her frustration evident.

    She had noticed that the cleaningdy wasn''t particrly strong.

    Had she been in more casual attire, Linsey felt confident she could have managed the situation better and uncovered what the cleaningdy was concealing.

    Collin looked tense.

    He was surprised that someone at the hotel had attempted to harm Linsey.

    Following the evening''s events, he became even more hesitant about letting Linsey venture out alone.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll have someone investigate this matter," Collin reassured her.

    He was determined to ensure that no one who tried to harm or deceive Linsey would escape

    ountability.

    Collin then stood, wrapped his arm securely around her waist, and effortlessly lifted her into his arms. Linsey naturally wrapped her arms around his neck, findingfort in his secure hold.

    As Collin started to move, Linsey felt puzzled and asked, "Where are we going?"

    "I''m taking you to a nearby clinic to have your ankle checked. If the injury is severe, we''ll head to the hospital for aprehensive examination," Collin exined, ncing down at her.

    As she noticed the concern etched on his face, Linsey''s expression softened.

    She tenderly brushed her fingers across his forehead, smoothing the worried lines.

    "Try not to look so concerned, Collin." Linsey spoke gently, drawing closer to him. "It''s probably just a sprain I''m sure there''s no fracture."

    Collin''s expression became even more grave after Linsey''s attempt to reassure him.

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    "Do you actually want a fracture?" he asked, his tone tinged with exasperation.

    Startled by his response, Linsey replied, "Why would I want a fracture? You really do have quite the imagination."

    She reached up to ruffle his hair, offering aforting smile. "I was just trying to ease your worry."

    Collin sighed softly, his voice gentle. "As long as you''re safe, that''s all that matters to me."

    Knowing how concerned he was, Linsey chose not to bring up her health again. Suddenly, Linsey recalled something urgent.

    "By the way, is it alright for us to just leave the hotel like this? The Lawson family banquet has probably started by now. Maybe you should return, and someone else could apany me to the clinic," she suggested quickly. To her surprise, Collin seemed not to hear her as he continued walking briskly out of the hotel. "Collin, did you hear what I said?" Linsey asked again, a hint of concern in her voice.

    Finally, Collin stopped and turned to her, his expression serene andposed. "Linsey, do you honestly think a mere banquet is more important to me than you are?"

    Linsey felt her heart flutter with his words.

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441 Your Well-being Is My Priority

    Linsey was taken aback by Collin''s unexpectedly sweet remarks, causing her to blush deeply.

    "Why are you being so sweet?" After a moment of silence, she finally found her voice to whisper back.

    As he carried her towards the clinic, Collin chuckled, clearly amused by her flustered state.

    He then said in a measured tone, "Sweetheart, I know you think tonight''s Lawson family g is a good chance for me towork with business magnates, but honestly, your well-being is my priority. I must be sure you''re alright before I can think of mingling. If you insist on sending me off, trust me, I won''t be able to focus on anything else."

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat as she listened to his sincere deration.

    Collin had a knack for saying just the right thing to lift her spirits.

    Yet, Linsey recognized the authenticity in his words.

    A smile mixed with a bit of sadness crossed Linsey''s face.

    She gestured towards the elegant suit Collin wore. "I tailored this suit for you for the g tonight. It looks so sharp, and yet here it is, not being shown off."

    With a charming smile, Collin replied, "As long as it pleases you, wearing this suit and your effort in making it

    were worthwhile."

    Linsey yfully tapped his lips, teasing, "As a businessman, how can you afford to pour so much of your focus

    into romance?"

    Collin arched an eyebrow, pausing to consider before responding earnestly, "This suit is too well-tailored to wear just once. Since I skipped wearing it tonight, maybe I''ll reserve it for another asion?"

    Linsey''s eyes twinkled with amusement. "And what if someone notices you''ve worn it before?"

    Their discussion took on an unexpected gravity over what seemed a minor issue.

    With a depth of sincerity in his voice, Collin exined, "Who would even notice? Here in Grester, 1''m hardly the center of attention. I could wear the same suit repeatedly without anyone batting an eye."

    Contrary to his view, Linsey expressed disbelief, shaking her head. "That''s not true! You stand out too much. As soon as you enter a room, all eyes are on you."

    Now that Collin was no longer feigning disability, his striking appearance made him unavoidably conspicuous.

    Linsey''s observation was spot on.

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    Indeed, when Collin made a brief appearance at the Lawson family''s g earlier, he had made a memorable impact on everyone present.

    Unknown to them, some attendees were still specting about the identity of the enigmatic man who had

    arrived with Jeffery.

    After a moment''s reflection, Collin grinned. "In that case, I might need the skilled designer Linsey to craft more remarkable tuxedos for me going forward."

    Without any hesitation, Linsey responded, "Absolutely! Designing for you is something I cherish."

    As they conversed, Collin had smoothly carried Linsey into the clinic.

    "Doctor, could you please examine my wife''s ankle? She seems to have twisted it earlier," Collin said as soon as they entered.

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442 Why Haven''t

    I Spotted Him

    The doctor gave a nod, indicating that Collin should carefully set Linsey down on the examination table.

    Holding Linsey''s hand, Collin watched the doctor intently as he began the check- up.

    Meanwhile, Linsey''s focus was elsewhere,pletely detached from her injured ankle.

    Breaking the silence with a gentle squeeze of Collin''s hand, she expressed her remorse. "It''s unfortunate that you had to miss tonight''s event because of my ident. 1 feel quite guilty about it."

    Collin caught the faint trace of guilt in Linsey''s eyes and, pressing his lips together, he leaned closer, locking eyes with her.

    In a gentle, reassuring tone, he responded, "Darling, don''t worry about it. Sure, tonight was a good opportunity, but it''s not the only one. There''ll be more events. Forget about this one for now."

    He then tenderly caressed her cheek with his warm hand. "The priority now is your recovery. We can put everything else on hold."

    Linsey found it hard to counter, touched by the depth of sincerity in Collin''s eyes, though she still felt

    somewhat upset.

    "Alright, I get it," she said with a soft nod, releasing her worries.

    Observing Linsey''s serene and epting demeanor, Collin allowed himself a gentle smile and yfully tousled

    her hair.

    His main regret was not unveiling himself as the founder of CR Corporation at the g, particrly in front of

    Linsey.

    Nevertheless, this was just a minor setback in hisrger scheme.

    Considering he had skipped the Lawson family''s banquet, Collin pondered the idea of organizing avish event of his own. There, he could unveil his corporate identity and simultaneously make his rtionship with Linsey

    public.

    This approach, he figured, would make a far more impactful statement than his original n at the Lawson family''s g.

    Collin was confident that when the moment arrived, Linsey would be both astonished and thrilled.

    As silence filled the room, Collin meticulously formted a new strategy in his mind.

    Soon after, the doctorpleted the examination of Linsey''s ankle.

    "First, I''ll apply a medicinal spray to the affected area. Remember to use it consistently at home, limit your

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    mobility, and rest for the next few days. You should recover well," the doctor instructed.

    Before Linsey had a chance to reply, Collin interjected, "Understood. Thank you, doctor."

    Fortunately, the next day was the weekend, which meant Linsey didn''t have to fret about work or taking time

    off.

    The doctor then exited the room to retrieve the medicinal spray for Linsey''s ankle.

    At that moment, a familiar voice echoed from the television''s live broadcast.

    "As the head of CR Corporation, I am proud to stand here at the Lawson family banquet tonight. We are looking forward to finalizing our partnership with Mr. Lawson and anticipate a fruitful coboration between us

    Linsey''s gaze shifted to the TV where Dustin, looking sharp, was speaking on stage at the Lawson family

    banquet.

    "Ah, so Mr. Wade is representing us tonight," she remarked, making the connection.

    It was logical for Dustin to be there; he was the face that the public associated with CR Corporation.

    However, Linsey''s expression soon turned to confusion. ¡°Hold on. Weren''t they supposed to have the founder of CR Corporation here as well? Why haven''t I spotted him?"

    Collin, the very founder she was curious about, responded withposure, "He must have been detained by unforeseen circumstances."

    Linsey epted this with a thoughtful nod, though her voice betrayed a trace of disappointment. "That''s unfortunate. I was quite excited about the prospect of meeting the founder in person tonight."

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    Chapter 443 It''s Unlikely He''s A Young Man

    Collin''s chest tightened ufortably upon hearing Linsey''s words.

    "You went to the Lawson family banquet just to get a look at CR Corporation''s mysterious founder?" he asked.

    With an innocent blink, Linsey replied, "I''m really curious! Aren''t you eager to see what he looks like? It seems like everyone in town is."

    A hint of suspicion crept into Collin''s gaze as he said, "Rumors suggest the founder is both young and quite the looker, a real dream for many here in Grester. Do you find yourself among the admirers hoping to meet him?"

    She was unaware of his true identity.

    Even though he was the founder himself, he still felt a wave of jealousy in him.

    Despite that, he wasn''t ready to reveal his true identity yet.

    Catching on to his subtle change in mood, Linseyughed and said, "Oh Collin, your jealousy is showing. I merely wondered aloud about the founder''s appearance, and here you are, making a mountain out of a molehill."

    Collin''s face grew even more serious. "You didn''t correct me, Linsey. So, you do think that way!"

    "I certainly do not!" Linsey responded swiftly. "Who said I believe the founder is young and handsome? He could well be in histe thirties, given his

    achievements in building CR Corporation so quickly. It''s unlikely he''s a young

    man."

    Her unexpected perspective left Collin momentarily lost for words.

    Atst, she was denying it.

    Yet, why did her denial seem so strange?

    Linsey seemed convinced that the founder of CR Corporation was a middle-aged man nearing forty...

    "And besides, the founder has always been secretive about his identity," Linsey paused awkwardly before adding, "Perhaps he''s not very confident about his looks, and that''s why he keeps his identity hidden."

    Collin found himself speechless.

    It would have been one thing if Linsey admired the young and handsome image of the CR Corporation founder; that might have sparked a hint of jealousy in him.

    Yet, her depiction of the founder as an older, less appealing man left Collin feeling uneasy in apletely

    different manner.

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    Chapter 443 It''s Unlikely He''s A Young Man

    Regardless of her perception, Collin was unable to shake a nagging sense of difort.

    He quickly diverted the conversation, ncing towards the hallway. "What''s keeping the doctor so long?"

    After a brief pause, Linsey realized that Collin''s mood had soured due to herments about the CR Corporation founder.

    Seeing no other recourse, Linsey chose to let the subject go and shifted her focus to match his.

    What else was there to do? She adored her overly protective man, after all.

    Shortly after, Linsey and Collin collected their medication and exited the doctor''s office.

    They climbed into the car, heading towards Vista Vi.

    As they drove, Collin drew Linsey close and murmured, "The evening is drawing

    in. If you feel weary, you''re wee to rest against me for a while."

    He recalled how exhausted she had appeared that morning and was concerned she might still be pushing herself too hard.

    Linsey''s memory was jogged by his words, reminding her of the morning''s difort.

    Yet, the symptoms of nausea and fatigue had vanished after work.

    She shook her head, dismissing the need for rest. "No, I''m alright. I''m not really that tired."

    Perhaps her recent fatigue was simply due to overwork andck of proper rest.

    As she nestledfortably in Collin''s arms, Linsey''s mind suddenly lit up with a crucial thought.

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444 He''s Got Cash

    To Burn

    "Hey, Collin," Linsey said, ncing at him with a warm, easy smile. "The other day, Gorman came to me. He wanted me to tweak a wedding dress design and get it made. But after everything that went downter, I never got it done. I called him today, figuring I''d cancel and return his deposit, but he wouldn''t have it."

    She paused, her brow creasing just a touch. "I still think I should send the money back, though. Could you help me figure out how to return it? I don''t want to owe him-it''s been nagging at me."

    Collin''s mouth tugged into a quiet smile, pleased by how firmly she was cutting ties with Gorman.

    Apparently she didn''t have feelings for Gorman.

    "I''ll take care of it and make sure his payment heads back his way," he said smoothly.

    He turned to his assistant in the front seat. "Pull up Gorman''s bank details and get that refund sorted for what he gave Linsey."

    "On it," the assistant replied, already taking out his phone to get started.

    A bitter, the assistant''s face twisted in puzzlement. "Mr. Riley, I tried sending the money, but Gorman has

    blocked us."

    Linsey let out a short, frustrated sigh. Gorman was turning this into a hassle for no good reason.

    "Let''s drop it," she said, shaking her head. "If he''s dead-set on rejecting it, he''d probably just find a way to shove it back at us. I''m not wasting my time on this."

    Collin tipped his head her way. "So, what''s your n now?"

    She pressed her lips together, mulling it over, then said softly, "The deal''s still on, so I''ll finish the dress and have it crafted. We''ll get it delivered when it''s done."

    After a moment, she added, "If he doesn''t want it, too bad. He''s leaving the country soon anyway, and we''ll be rid of him for good."

    A sudden gleam sparked in her eyes as she broke into a grin. "And the money? I''ll slip it over to a local orphanage on the down-low."

    Collin raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "So you''re making Gorman an idental d

    oder?"

    Her grin stretched wider, bright and mischievous. "You got it! He''s got cash to burn, so it all shakes out perfectly."

    Collin respected her decision. "If you''re cool with it, I''m in. Just holler if you need help with anything."

    Linsey''s smile softened as she settled back into his arms, feeling the weight lift off her.

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    Over the next couple of days, she took it slow at home.

    That weird fatigue and nausea from the banquet didn''t creep back, and she soon pushed it out of her thoughts.

    By Monday, her ankle felt solid-she could manage a few steps without wincing.

    Collin fretted, but Linsey was itching to return to her usual groove.

    "I''ll drive you,¡± he said, calm but insistent.

    She brushed him off with a quick shake of her head. "No need to baby me. Your shoulder''s still healing-stay

    here and rest."

 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445 Almost Forgot Your Morning Kiss!

    Collin let out a lightugh, shaking his head before saying, "I''ve been cooped up at home long enough. It''s just

    a quick drive to your office-nothing major. What matters is that I get to be with you a little longer."

    His voice carried warmth, and his gaze was filled with sincerity.

    Linsey found herself wavering, her initial reluctance fading before she even realized it. After a moment of hesitation, she sighed in surrender and muttered, "Alright, you win."

    When he saw her finally give in, Collin''s spirits lifted. shing her a satisfied smile, he followed her into the car.

    Before long, they arrived at thepany entrance.

    "This is good enough. Drop me

    should head back now."

    off here," Linsey said, addressing the driver before turning to Collin. "You

    Collin nodded with ease, reaching out to smooth a stray lock of her hair. His voice was gentle as he said, "Okay. Call me when you''re wrapping up for the day-I''ll be here waiting."

    Wait, was he nning to pick her up too?

    Linsey hesitated. She didn''t want to disrupt his day, but at the same time, she didn''t want to dampen his mood. Choosing not to overthink it, she smiled and said, "Alright."

    With that, she stepped out of the car and started toward the building.

    She had only taken a few steps when something suddenly came to mind. Without missing a beat, she spun around and jogged back.

    Collin raised an eyebrow. "Forget something?"

    Linsey didn''t reply. Instead, she leaned down through the open window and ced a soft kiss on his lips.

    "Almost forgot your morning kiss!" she said cheekily before dashing off without looking back.

    The driver, who had been silently observing, couldn''t help but marvel at how deeply the couple''s affection seemed to grow with each passing day.

    Collin sat still, fingertips brushing the spot where Linsey had kissed him. A small, contented his lips.

    e yed on

    His eyes followed her retreating figure until she disappeared into the building. Only then did he reluctantly shift his gaze away.

    "Let''s go," he instructed.

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    Just as the driver was about to start the engine, a sudden knocking on the window interrupted them

    Collin frowned slightly and rolled it down, only to find himself staring at a familiar face.

    "What brings you here?" he asked, his tone steady as he looked at Dustin standing outside the car

    Dustin blinked at him before responding, "Isn''t there a virtual meeting with the Lawson Group executives today It should be obvious why I''m here."

    Collin paused briefly, then recalled the important meeting scheduled for that morning

    Keeping hisposure, he replied smoothly, "Right. That''s why I''m here."

    "Huh? That''s odd. The meeting isn''t until ten. Why are you here so early?" Dustin shot him a suspicious look, ncing at his watch.

    Collin certainly couldn''t admit he had just been dropping Linsey off.

    If Dustin found out, Collin would never hear the end of it.

    Besides, Collin still remembered that Dustin had once taken an interest in Linsey.

    Even though it was all in the past, Collin had no desire to bring her up in conversation with him

    The possessiveness he felt toward Linsey only seemed to deepen as time went

    on.

    Keeping a straight face, he answered smoothly, "I wanted to get ahead on some paperwork that''s been piling up.

    Without giving Dustin time to question further, he gestured toward the backseat and instructed the driver, "Unlock the door. He''sing with us."

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    Chapter 446 Your Secret''s

    Safe With Me

    With a bright smile, Dustin slid into the car. "Are we using the back entrance again today?" he asked.

    Collin affirmed with a nod. "Yes, I haven''t disclosed my ties to CR Corporation to Linsey yet. I''d rather she remain in the dark for the time being."

    "Your secret''s safe with me," Dustin assured him with a wry grin, a touch of amusement in his voice. "I''ve kept this under wraps for you for quite a while now- no chance I''ll mess up."

    Suddenly Dustin recalled a critical point, and his demeanor shifted to a more somber tone. "However, Collin, it''s crucial you let her know soon. You passed up a big chance at the Lawson family g. If you procrastinate much longer, you might find yourself too anxious to ever bring it up."

    "I''ll manage," Collin responded decisively, his tone unwavering. "I''m aware of what I''m doing."

    Before long, Collin and Dustin essed CR Corporation via the back door and proceeded to the executive floors.

    This section was restricted to only a select few within thepany, safeguarding both CR Corporation''s sensitive information and the mystery of the founder''s identity.

    Although ess to this floor was tightly controlled, the buzz about the founder showing up with Dustin quickly permeated thepany.

    Linsey had just reached her office when she caught wind of the excited conversations outside.

    "Exciting news! The big boss made an appearance today!"

    Initially, the news didn''t stir much excitement.

    "Dustin''s always around. What''s so special this time?"

    The initial bearer of the news quickly rified. "No, not Dustin-I mean the actual big boss, the founder!"

    With that revtion, murmurs of intrigue swept through the office.

    "Is that really true, or is it just another office rumor?"

    "No doubt about it! A buddy of mine was just in the underground parking lot and saw Dustin escorting someone impressive up the side entrance."

    "That must have been the founder. Dustin was treating him with a lot of respect. Although my friend couldn''t make out his face, the man''s stature and aura left no doubt-he seemed like a big deal!"

    An employee, unable to hide their enthusiasm, eximed, "That''s incredible! Did your friend manage to snap a picture or anything?"

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    The excitement waned slightly. "Unfortunately, no. They were moving too fast for that"

    "What a pity. I''ve worked here for years and haven''t caught a glimpse of the founder even once

    Overhearing the escting buzz, Linsey decided it was time to intervene and remind everyone abot to wolk

    priorities.

    She was just about to exit her office when another coworker darted in, brimfning with excitemere "Hold on I''ve got some scandalous news! You''re not going to believe this!"

    The crowd''s interest seemed to wane.

    "More gossip? Is it about the founder''s identity, or did you actually get a picture?"

    The coworker dismissed their queries with a gesture. "It''s not exactly about that. Well, it sort of is, but there''s

    more..."

    This piqued everyone''s curiosity. "Really? What''s the scoop? Come on, don''t keep us in suspense

    The coworker leaned closer, her voice thick with intrigue. "Apparently, Miss Lawson is here today as well

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 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447 Find A Way To Turn Her Away

    At the top-floor office of CR Corporation, Collin sat behind his desk, attentively listening to his assistant''s report.

    "Mr. Riley, we''ve been digging into the hotel where the Lawson family hosted their banquet, and we''ve finally identified the suspicious cleaningdy your wife encountered. But here''s the strange part-there''s no record of her in the hotel''s employment files."

    Collin''s expression darkened at the revtion. "If she wasn''t officially on staff, then what was she doing

    cleaning near the first floor that night?" he asked, his voice turning cold.

    The assistant hesitated briefly before offering a possibility. "Given that the Lawson family was in charge of the event, their people were everywhere that evening. Could she have been one of them?"

    Collin gave a small nod. "That''s certainly a possibility."

    The assistant''s brows furrowed as he added, "If she is connected to the Lawsons, investigating further could be tricky. Any direct action on our part will definitely raise their suspicions."

    Collin shared the same concern.

    CR Corporation had just sealed a business agreement with the Lawson Group. Digging into their internal affairs at such a crucial time could jeopardize their partnership.

    He pondered for a moment.

    If he wanted to get to the bottom of this, he would have to confront the Lawson family.

    "Alright, after this meeting, arrange an appointment with Jeffery Lawson-"

    Before Collin could finish, a knock sounded at the office door.

    His secretary''s voice came from outside. "Mr. Riley, the reception desk just called. Miss Lawson is here and requesting to see you."

    Collin''s brows knitted together as he exchanged a nce with his subordinate.

    Without hesitation, the assistant responded, "Tell her Mr. Riley isn''t avable. Find a way to tur

    her away."

    Meanwhile, on the first floor of CR Corporation, Carol stood near the reception desk, surrounded by a few imposing bodyguards. Their sheer presence created an air of tension, making the receptionist visibly uneasy.

    Momentster, the phone on the desk rang.

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    < Chapter 447 Find A Way To Turn Her Away

    Carol''s eyes lit up. "Hurry up and answer it!" she urged.

    The receptionist silently picked up the call, listened, then nced at Carol. "Miss Lawson, I''m afraid our boss isn''t in today. If you''d like, you can meet with Mr. Wade instead."

    Carol''s previouslyposed expression soured instantly. She shot the receptionist a sharp re. "Are you deaf? I said I want to see the founder of CR Corporation, not some random executive! Don''t try to push me off on someone else!" she snapped.

    Her gaze turned icy as she clenched her teeth. "My brother specifically told me that the founder of CR Corporation is meeting with our executives today. Are you seriously telling me he''s not here?"

    Snatching a pen from the desk, she pointed it at the receptionist in an intimidating manner. "Don''t y games with me! We are business partners, and my visit today concerns our coboration. If you keep feeding me lies, I''ll make sure your boss hears about this-and trust me, it won''t end well for you."

    The receptionist paled instantly, clearly shaken.

    She wasn''t lying¡ªshe had received direct instructions from the top floor that Carol was not to be entertained. But how was she supposed to exin that now?

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448 Who Would''ve Thought They Knew Eac...

    The receptionist was on the verge of breaking down.

    She was faced with Carol''s overwhelming entourage and fiery temper. How was she supposed to handle thes?

    "Miss Lawson, please hold on. I''ll check again." Left with no choice, the receptionist reluctantly dialed the top

    floor once more.

    Not far from themotion, Linsey found herself being dragged along by her overly eager colleagues from the Fashion Design Department, all buzzing with excitement.

    Curious employees had also gathered, their whispers filling the air.

    "It really is Miss Lawson! What''s she doing here?"

    "I heard she''s looking for the founder. Who would''ve thought they knew each other?"

    "Wait, does that mean she''s actually met the founder in person?"

    A new theory began circting. "Think about it-could ourpany''s partnership with the Lawson Group be because the founder and Miss Lawson are involved?"

    The implication was obvious, even without being spoken aloud.

    "That does make sense. The Lawson family is a powerhouse in town, and with their influence, a match between her and the founder wouldn''t be surprising."

    "But isn''t the founder rumored to be married?"

    "Rumors are just that-rumors. No one''s ever confirmed anything. It could all be a cover-up."

    The chatter grew more animated.

    Carol, having overheard thest few remarks, felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her.

    As expected, everyone believed she was the perfect match for the CR Corporation''s founder.

    That woman she had encountered at the banquet? She was nothingpared to her.

    The more Carol thought about it, the more pleased she became.

    She idly scanned the crowd-only for her gaze tond on a familiar figure. Her smugness vanished in an

    instant.

    Standing among the onlookers was Linsey. Carol''s eyes widened in shock. Wasn''t she supposed to be the founder''s wife? What was she doing here?

    17:05

    <

    Linsey hadn''t nned on joining the spectacle, but her coworkers had been too enthusiastic to refuse.

    From afar, she spotted Carol at the reception desk, and memories of the strange encounter at the Lawson family''s banquet resurfaced-how Carol had deliberately made things difficult for her.

    Though Carol had ultimately let her pass, Linsey had sensed an underlying hostility.

    Even now, something about Carol''s presence unsettled her.

    After observing for a moment, she decided it was best to leave. "I still have work to finish. I''ll head back upstairs."

    Her colleagues, too caught up in the drama, barely acknowledged her words.

    Linsey didn''t mind. She turned and walked away, unaware that Carol had already noticed her.

    By the time Carol approached, Linsey had disappeared from sight.

    But Carol knew what she had seen.

    Linsey''s striking features and graceful demeanor made her hard to forget.

    The realization irritated Carol even more.

    So, Linsey had used her beauty to charm Collin and secure her position as his wife?

    Nearby, the Fashion Design Department''s employees stiffened as Carol strode toward them, wary of having unknowingly offended her.

    One of them, summoning the courage to speak, cautiously asked, "Miss Lawson, is there something we can help you with?"

    Carol''s expression softened into an affable smile. "I just noticed a woman standing with you earlier-she looked familiar. I was wondering if you could tell me who she is."

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 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449 Could You

    Handle Her

    Carol hesitated, then added, "She was wearing a id shirt."

    The woman had a moment of realization. "Ah, you mean Linsey? She was here but left just a moment ago."

    Maintaining herposure, Carol inquired, "Does she also work here?"

    Considering Linsey''s rtionship with the founder of CR Corporation, she might be in a senior role.

    To Carol''s surprise, the woman responded, "Yes, Linsey leads the Fashion Design Department."

    The revtion startled Carol. "Just a department head?"

    The woman appeared confused. "Is there a problem with that?"

    After pondering for a moment, Carol exined, "I''ve known her for some time. She''s exceptionally skilled, so it''s unexpected that she''s not in a higher position."

    The woman offered an awkwardugh. "Linsey is quite young, though. Achieving a department head role at her age is quite notable."

    Carol might not realize, being from an affluent background, the difficulties ordinary employees faced in advancing their careers.

    Curious, Carol asked, "Is Linsey from a well-known family?"

    The expression of the woman subtly changed. "Not particrly. Most of our team members are from average backgrounds."

    The only exception was Cynthia from the affluent Keller family.

    The woman wondered why Carol was inquiring about these details.

    Ready to end the conversation, Carol politely thanked the woman and walked away.

    It appeared that nobody within CR Corporation was aware that Linsey was the founder''s wife.

    Even more startling was that despite her status, Linsey was merely a department head.

    This led Carol to a conclusion-perhaps the founder didn''t truly love Linsey.

    The possibility began to solidify in Carol''s mind, growing more convincing by the second.

    As her suspicion turned into certainty, Carol''s lips curled into a knowing smirk.

    Here, perhaps, was her golden opportunity.

    17:05

    111 0 <

    Imagining CR Corporation''s charismatic founder within her reach sent a shiver of anticipation through Carol

    At the same moment, Collin stepped into the conference room, preparing himself for the imminent video call with the executives from the Lawson Group.

    Before he could sit, Dustin hurried in with an anxious sigh. "There''s trouble downstairs-the Lawson girl is making a fuss at reception, demanding to meet you. The staff looks ready to surrender. Could you handle her?"

    Annoyance shed openly across Collin''s face as he answered bluntly, "I''m not interested in speaking with her."

    Considering Carol''s behavior at the banquet, he suspected today''s visit would only lead to more headaches.

    Dustin continued cautiously, "She brought a bunch of bodyguards, and employees have started gathering downstairs. At this rate, reporters might catch wind, and that would cause unnecessary trouble."

    He then leaned closer, voice dropping to nearly a whisper, "What''s worse is that Carol''s aware of your true identity as CR Corporation''s founder. If she openly says anything inappropriate, and it reaches your wife''s ears, things might spiral out of control."

    Collin''s expression darkened further at the thought.

    ¡°I don''t understand how the Lawsons-supposedly a family of manners and dignity-managed to produce such an entitled daughter. Since her brother can''t handle her, I suppose it''s my job now." With unmistakable authority, Collin instructed Dustin, "Bring her upstairs immediately before I start the meeting." Momentster, Collin''s assistant ryed the message down to reception.

    "Miss Lawson, the founder has agreed to meet you upstairs," the receptionist said politely, turning toward Carol with a pleasant smile.

    Immediately, a wave of murmurs broke out among the people who had gathered around.

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450 I Came To

    Deliver An Invitation

    "Wow, the founder is actually in the office today!"

    "That''s not the real news-the real news is that he''s willing to meet with Miss Lawson!"

    "This definitely means there''s something special between them."

    Upon hearing the receptionist''s words, Carol couldn''t suppress a satisfied smirk.

    Of course, she had known all along that the founder would want to see her.

    After all, she was from the Lawson family.

    The whispers around her only fueled her sense of pride.

    "Got it," she replied nonchntly.

    Just as she was about to turn away, something crossed her mind. She shot an annoyed nce at the receptionist.

    ¡°If I remember correctly, you were the one who kept trying to stop me earlier, weren''t you?"

    The receptionist stiffened, her face draining of color. "Miss Lawson, I was just following orders from my

    superiors. I meant no disrespect."

    Was Miss Lawson really going to hold a grudge over that?

    The thought sent a fresh wave of panic through her, making her heartbeat quicken.

    Carol scoffed, her sharp gaze flickering with amusement. "I told you-disrespect me, and you won''t have this

    job for long."

    The anticipation of finally seeing the striking man from the banquet again filled her voice with smug satisfaction.

    "You''ll understand soon enough. I doubt you''ll even need to show up for work tomorrow."

    With that, Carol tossed her hair back, smirking as she strode toward the elevator.

    The receptionist, ovee with dread, felt her legs buckle beneath her, sinking weakly to the floor.

    A sympathetic coworker quickly rushed over to help her up. "Don''t panic. We''ll exin everything to the boss." The receptionist trembled, her voice barely above a whisper. "I''m doomed."

    A few other employees exchanged uneasy nces, sighing.

    "As expected, the founder and Miss Lawson have been in contact for a while. Their rtionship must be serious."

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    "At this rate, Miss Lawson might just be his wife."

    Carol, now in high spirits after asserting her dominance, confidently made her way to the top floor.

    Meanwhile, inside the conference room, Collin was reviewing the final details for an important meeting.

    Led by an assistant, Carol stepped inside, her eyes instantly locking onto the man who had upied her thoughts for days.

    The moment she saw him again, her admiration deepened.

    Her heart fluttered slightly.

    "Mr. Riley," she greeted him with a demure smile, stepping forward gracefully.

    Collin, not bothering to look up, spoke in an even tone. "What brings you here?" Carol wasn''t discouraged by his cold demeanor.

    A sessful man like him was bound to be a little aloof-it only made sense.

    Besides, with her beauty, she was confident that once Collin spend more time with her, he would recognize her

    worth.

    Winning his heart would only be a matter of time.

    "Mr. Riley, I came to deliver an invitation." She handed him a sleek envelope. "My birthday ising up, and my family is hosting a celebration. I''d like to invite you to attend."

    Then, after a slight pause, she added in a softer, more expectant tone, "I would also love for you to be my date and share the first dance with me at my party."

    It never even crossed her mind that he might refuse.

    In her imagination, she could already see the elegant dance unfolding-Collin''s strong arms around her, their movements perfectly in sync, her cheeks glowing with warmth. The thought alone made her heart race.

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451 You''re Such A Jerk!

    Collin didn''t even lift his head. His attention remained fixed on the documents before him. Without hesitation. he rejected Carol. "Sorry, that won''t be possible."

    Carol''s smile faltered. She furrowed her brows, a flicker of anxiety crossing her face. "You haven''t even checked your schedule. Are you sure you''re really unavable?"

    Before she could finish, Collin coldly cut her off. "In every way, I''m unavable."

    Carol''s embarrassment deepened. She clenched her fists, ring at him. "Mr. Riley, don''t you think you''re

    being a little too harsh? Is this how you treat someone from the Lawson family?" However, Collin didn''t bother responding.

    Taking a deep breath, Carol pressed on, her tone turning serious. "If you insist on treating me this way, it could affect the partnership between the Lawson Group and yourpany. You do realize that my brother only initiated this deal to find a cure for my heart condition?"

    Still, Collin remained unmoved.

    He finally looked up, his gaze cold and piercing. His voice was calm, but his words carried an unmistakable weight. "Miss Lawson, consider this your final warning. Stop overstepping your boundaries, and stop trying to get close to me. I''ve told you before-I''m married, and my wife and I have a strong bond."

    Carol''s eyes widened in shock. She opened her mouth to argue, but Collin didn''t give her the chance. His voice turned even colder. "If you pull a stunt like this again, don''t me me for throwing you out-right in front of

    everyone."

    His wordsnded like a p. Carol stood there, frozen, her face burning with humiliation. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she clenched her jaw. "You... You''re such a jerk!"

    Tears spilled down her cheeks as she spun on her heels and rushed out, her footsteps echoing down the

    hallway.

    Dustin, who had been hiding in the corner, finally dared to step into the room once the coast was clear. He cautiously nced toward the door, as if making sure Carol wouldn''t storm back in.

    Collin arched an eyebrow. "What''s with you? Don''t tell me you''re scared of her?" Dustin quickly shut the door before turning to Collin with a serious expression. "Who in town isn''t afraid of Carol Lawson? She''s the spoiled daughter of the Lawson family. Even if I made my parents furious, I still wouldn''t dare cross her." Leaning against the table, Dustin continued, "Her family keeps

    a low profile, and she hasn''t caused much trouble-yet. If she did, I can''t even imagine the chaos she''d create."

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    < Chapter 451 You''re Such A Jerk!

    Collin scoffed indifferently, "You''re exaggerating"

    Dustin plopped down beside him, drumming his fingers on the table ''Maybe, but you were ruthless just now The way you shot her down-cold as ice."

    He gave Collin a thumbs up. "I gotta say, I respect that."

    Collin''s response was calm and matter-of-fact. "Carol has her own agenda. If indulged her even a little, she''d only be more persistent. Keeping my distance is the only way to avoid unnecessary trouble"

    Dustin raised an eyebrow. "I see. So you only have a soft spot for your wife."

    After a brief pause, he smirked. "Oh, and your grandma. Can''t forget her."

    Collin remained unfazed. ¡°I''m married. That means keeping my distance from other women. Otherwise, Linsey would get jealous."

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452 I Do Owe

    Linsey A Proper Proposal

    As Collin spoke, an unguarded smile naturally crept onto his face.

    Dustin watched, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering in his eyes. It was almost unbelievable Collin and Linsey had such a strong bond.

    He shuddered slightly.

    How did they manage to keep that spark alive for so long?

    But just as quickly as Collin had smiled, his expression darkened. His brows knitted together as he slowly set his pen down. He said in a low, serious voice, "There was another incident at the Lawson family banquetst time. I still haven''t had the chance to tell Linsey everything. It has been dragging on for too long. I don''t even know how to approach it anymore."

    Dustin let out a sigh. "You can''t keep pushing this aside. The longer you wait, the harder it''ll be. You need to

    act soon."

    Dustin had known Collin for years; it was rare to see him so unsettled.

    Linsey had truly changed him.

    Wanting to help his best friend, Dustin straightened up, his expression turning serious. After a brief pause, he asked cautiously, ¡°Do you have a new n?"

    Collin nodded slightly. "I was thinking... Maybe I could host a public banquet as the founder of CR Corporation."

    Dustin''s eyes brightened instantly. "That''s a brilliant idea!"

    Then, a new thought struck him, and he smirked. ¡°Wait a minute. Isn''t ourpany''s annual ging up? We always invite high-profile guests. Why not use that event? Since Linsey works in thepany too, we could turn it into a surprise for her."

    JV

    As Collin considered it, a slow smile spread across his lips. He gave a firm nod. "That could work."

    Dustin grew more animated. "Right? You and Linsey had a sh marriage, so you never actually proposed to her, did you? She''ll be incredibly touched if you do it in front of everyone at the g!"

    Collin hesitated, looking thoughtful. "Really?"

    Before meeting Linsey, he had never been in a rtionship. Romance wasn''t his strong suit, so he instinctively relied on Dustin''s judgment on this kind of issue.

    Dustin said confidently, "Trust me, women love grand romantic gestures. Just do it."

    Collin mulled it over for a few seconds before his eyes steadied with resolve.

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    §à

    <

    <

    Chapter 4521 Do Owe Linsey A Proper Proposal

    "I do owe Linsey a proper proposal. Let''s go with this n."

    Meanwhile, a shocking rumor spread like wildfire through CR Corporation. Carol had stormed out of the top

    floor in tears.

    "This is crazy! I thought the founder and Miss Lawson were close. Why did she suddenly run off crying"

    "Do you think there''s some secret drama behind the scenes?"

    "I have no idea, but one thing''s for sure-the receptionist must be relieved."

    "True! Miss Lawson had her practically shaking in fear."

    "Yeah, we all thought Carol had the power to fire anyone she wanted. Who would''ve guessed the fou would be the one to make her cry instead?"

    "Shh! Keep your voice down. You''ll be in trouble if any of Carol''s people hear you."

    "Honestly, I expected the founder to be more soft-spoken, but he turned out to be pretty ruthless."

    "I think the founder must already have a wife. If there''s someone he''s protecting, it has to be his wif no reason to be nice to Carol, right?"

 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453 My Husband Is Ridiculously Possessive

    "Yeah, exactly! The founder is a devoted husband. Don''t forget, he recently spent

    a billion on a ne at an auction just to gift it to his wife."

    "Oh, right! I almost forgot about that!"

    Linsey, however, wasn''t particrly interested in gossip like this.

    Whether it was Carol or the mysterious founder of CR Corporation, neither had much to do with her life

    At most, she was just a little curious about what the founder actually looked like. This morning, her mind was entirely focused on Gorman''s design.

    She and Collin had agreed-since Gorman refused to take the money back, the best way to settle things was toplete the design and hand it over.

    That way, she wouldn''t owe him anything.

    After two full days of effort, Linsey finallypleted the wedding gown design Gorman hadmissioned.

    Once it was done, Collin arranged for it to be sent straight to Gorman''s residence.

    Whether he personally received it or not, they didn''t bother to check.

    That day, Linsey was at her desk, focused on work, when apany-wide announcement set off a wave of excitement.

    "The annualpany event is just around the corner!"

    "The prizes have always been incredible! I can''t wait to see what they''re giving out this year!"

    "Forget all that-I just want some paid leave!"

    Stepping out of her office, Linsey overheard the chatter and couldn''t help but chuckle.

    "Seems like we all have the same dream. A few extra days off sounds amazing," she remarked.

    A few coworkers turned toward her, smiling. "Linsey, what brings you out here?"

    She smirked. "I saw the announcement too."

    Just then, someone threw out a bold suggestion. "What if the grand prize this year is a private dinner with the founder?"

    The room buzzed with excitement.

    " 00

    17:14

    <

    Chapter 453 My Husband Is Rudiculously Possessive

    "Oh my God! That would be a dreame true! I''d love that?*

    "Imagine the kind of high-end ce he''d take you to!"

    "All you ever think about is food."

    One of them turned to Linsey with a grin. "What about you? You must want this

    prize. You''ve always admired the founder, haven''t you?"

    At that, a few heads turned her way, curiosity evident on their faces.

    "Is that so?"

    Linsey let out a smallugh. "Well, my introduction to design came through thepany he built. That''s what inspired me to pursue this field, so in a way, he yed a role in shaping my career."

    "Ohhh, that makes sense."

    ¡°But I doubt I''d win anything." Linsey added with a shrug.

    "You never know! Everyone has a shot!" a colleague said.

    Linsey smiled but shook her head. "Even if I did win, I wouldn''t be able to go. My husband is ridiculously possessive. He''d probably make a huge fuss over it, and honestly, I don''t have the energy to deal with that."

    The room fell quiet for a second before realization clicked. Oh, right. Linsey wasn''t

    just married-her husband was Collin, the eldest son of the Riley family.

    Collin didn''t have a good reputation in Grester, but her colleagues wished her happiness.

    "She makes it sound like aint, but you can hear the affection in her voice."

    "She''s kind and gorgeous-if I were her husband, I''d be keeping an eye on everyone around her too."

    100.0%

 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454 Your Baby Is Bound To Be Adorable!

    The remark instantly sentughter rippling through the group.

    Linsey smiled and shook her head. "You guys sure have a way with words."

    One of her colleagues suddenly said, "By the way, Linsey, have you and your husband thought about having kids? You two are such a loving couple, but we haven''t heard any news yet."

    She hesitated briefly before responding with a warm smile, "It''s already something we''ve talked about. If there''s good news, you''ll be the first to know."

    "With your looks, Linsey, your baby is bound to be adorable!"

    After the lighthearted conversation, she returned to her desk and got back to work.

    But the topic lingered in her thoughts..

    The idea of having a child with Collin was an unexpectedly sweet thought.

    A soft smile formed on her lips as she imagined it.

    Just then, her phone buzzed

    She picked it up and saw

    "I have a business trip to

    a new message.

    me on the screen.

    neighboring city for the next few days. Take care of yourself while I''m away. I''ll be

    back as soon as possible. If you need anything, call me anytime."

    Linsey blinked in surprise. She hadn''t expected him to leave on such short notice.

    She quickly typed back, "Did you pack everything you need?" "Yeah, all set."

    A few momentster, another message popped up. "By the way, I noticed you were running low on sanitary pads, so I had them restocked. Your period''s beente this month, so you might have cramps when it starts. If you''re not feeling well, let me know, okay?"

    Linsey couldn''t help but smile at his thoughtful words. She replied, "Got it. Don''t worry about me-just focus on your trip. I''ll take care of myself."

    Even the smallest details never escaped him. It was impossible not to feel touched.

    That evening, when Linsey arrived home, Collin was already gone.

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    < Chapter 454 Your Baby is Bound To Be Adorable!

    The house felt quieter, almost emptier without him. Even the meal in front of her seemed to have lost its usual

    vor.

    A servant, noticing herck of appetite, spoke gently. "Mrs. Riley, before Mr. Riley left, he reminded us multiple times to make sure you''re eating well. If the food isn''t to your liking, we can prepare something else for you.*

    Snapping out of her thoughts, Linsey quickly shook her head. "No, no, the food is delicious. I just got distracted

    for a moment."

    It wasn''t the meal-she simply missed Collin.

    After dinner, she went to freshen up. As she opened the bathroom cab, her eyesnded on the neatly arranged sanitary pads. Her chest tightened.

    Even when he was away, his presence was everywhere. Linsey let out a small sniffle, surprised by how much

    she already missed him.

    She debated calling but figured he was probably still busy.

    With a quiet sigh, she climbed into bed, willing herself to sleep.

    She realized she was bing more and more dependent on Collin.

    But just as she started to drift off, a sudden realization jolted her awake. Her period. It really waste!

    Linsey sat up in a rush, unlocking her phone and pulling up her calendar.

    Her fingers quickly scrolled through the dates. A month and two weeks had passed since herst cycle.

    Her heart pounded.

    Could she actually be pregnant?

 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455 Linsey, It''s Been Quite Some Time

    Linseyy awake, unable to sleep.

    Her excitement was clear as she sat up and grabbed her phone from the bedside table

    Could she possibly share the news with Collin immediately?

    She hesitated, biting her lip, then decided against it.

    Collin was away on business, engrossed in his work, and it was impractical for him toe back on such short

    notice.

    Moreover, her suspicion of being pregnant was just that-a suspicion, unconfirmed.

    She remembered a previous false rm that had ended in collective disappointment.

    Linsey resolved to visit the hospital for a confirmation before saying anything this time.

    If her suspicions were confirmed, she would surprise Collin on his return.

    With her n in ce, excitement bubbled within her, and she took a calming breath.

    Subconsciously, she touched her stomach and whispered a hopeful, "Let this be

    true."

    A smile of hope spread across her face.

    She quickly checked her calendar on the phone.

    Saturday was just two days away, an ideal time for her hospital appointment.

    Content with her n, Linsey set her phone aside and settled back into bed.

    She closed her eyes, her mind buzzing with anticipation.

    Gradually, sleep took her, and she spent the night without dreams.

    Come morning, Linsey woke up rejuvenated.

    She got to work punctually, already looking forward to Saturday and the potential confirmation of her

    pregnancy.

    Linsey was deeply focused in her designs when a gentle knock at her office door interrupted her concentration. "Linsey," someone called, their expression hinting at gossip, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You have a visitor." Curious, Linsey began to inquire further, but before she could speak, the other person leaned in closer and murmured, "It''s Carol Lawson. She ims she''s here to discuss a design."

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    Chapter 455 Linsey, It''s Been Cute Some Time

    The unexpected news briefly startled Linsey "Carol Laurson orants a design from

    mer

    The Lawson family undoubtedly had ess to the most celebrated designers in the day

    Yet here Carol was, choosing to visit her personally for a project.

    Though uncertainty lingered, Linsey gathered herself and asked, "Has Miss Lauron been shoom to the STING room already?"

    "She has," the colleague said with a quick nod.

    "Alright, I''ll go meet her now." Linsey quickly organized the scattered papers on her dock, picked up her notebook and pen, and set off down the hall.

    The moment Linsey stepped through the doorway, her gaze immediately found Carol, prices elegantly on the

    center sofa.

    Her tailored designer suit, wless hairstyle, and impable appearance dered loudly the refined dezace associated with the powerful Lawson family.

    At the gentle click of the door, Carol ced her cup gently onto the table, turning her head gracefully to get Linsey without bothering to rise. "Linsey, it''s been quite some time."

    Linsey offered a small, polite nod as she moved forward. "Miss Lawson."

    Just before Linsey could take a seat, Carol''s voice drifted through the air with casual authority Linsey, don''t

    sit just yet."

    Linsey stopped midway, standingposedly, her expression serene as she met Carol''s gaze.

    ¡°Is there something else you require first, Miss Lawson?" Linsey asked.

    Carol nced nonchntly toward her abandoned coffee, lips curled in mild distaste. "Well, I sampled the coffee here and found it disappointingly ordinary. Perhaps you could make a quick trip to my favorite caf¨¦

    instead?"

    100.0%

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    °Í

 Chapter 456

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire, Happy Ever After

    Chapter 456 There''s No

    Need To Get Defensive

    As Carol spoke, her intense gaze locked onto Linsey, causing a twinge of difort in Linsey

    Enefly diverting her gaze, Linseyposed herself and then asked, "Miss Lawson, did youe here today talk about design?"

    With a casual air, Carol responded, "Yes, that''s why I''m here. However, I find it hard to concentrate without my favorite coffee in hand."

    Reclining with a mixture of yfulness and sincerity, she added, "You lead the Fashion Design Department here at CR Corporation; amodating a simple client preference should be within your capabilities, right?"

    Within moments, Linsey understood that Carol was provoking her.

    Such hostility was not new to Linsey, years of simr challenges had honed her

    senses.

    Her carefree days were over, reced by a keen awareness of people''s intentions toward her.

    Linsey had no doubts about Carol''s feelings toward her..

    The tension had been evident since their encounter at the Lawson family''s event.

    This understanding brought Linsey a sense of relief. A small smile yed on her lips as she maintained herposure. "As you''ve pointed out, my role is to create designs for my clients. Handling errands, however, falls under the expertise of professionals."

    Before Carol could respond, Linsey was already reaching for her phone. "Since you''re used to luxury, you might not know about the many services avable for errands. I''d be happy to connect you with one."

    Carol''s face hardened, her smile turning into a grimace. "I was under the impression that you would take care of a simple request like this personally."

    Without pausing, Linsey responded confidently, "Wouldn''t doing that just mean throwing away my effort? You''ve approached me because you believe in my talent. Why should I bother myself with insignificant tasks?"

    Carol examined Linsey closely, noticing the quiet certainty that radiated from her calm demeanor.

    She tightened her jaw, startled by Linsey''spleteck of nervousness around someone of her influence. Others would have scrambled eagerly to fulfill her wishes without a second thought.

    Yet Linsey acted as if the Lawson family held no power over her.

    This woman had courage unlike any she had seen before.

    Carol briefly considered this, and a cunning thought began forming in her mind.

    1049

    It urred to her that CR Corporation''s staff were probably unaware Linsey was married to their founder.

    Did Linsey herself even know about this connection?

    Perhaps she chose to work her way up independently, refusing to lean on her husband''s prominent position at

    CR Corporation.

    Carol was entertained by this possibility, her lips curving subtly as she said, "Linsey, someone mentioned you''re married. Is that true?"

    Linsey''s brow creased lightly, she was puzzled at Carol''s sudden switch in topic.

    "Is my marriage relevant to the matter we''re discussing right now?" she asked with detached politeness.

    Carol gave a quietugh and replied, "There''s no need to get defensive. I was simply making conversation

    Nothing more."

    She nced at Linsey, who had remained standing all along, and continued, "Forget about the coffee, then. Let''s sit and talk properly."

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457 I Want A Gown

    Like No Other

    Linsey silently nced at Carol, then decided to sit on the nearby sofa.

    As she settled in, memories of Carol''s recent visit to CR Corporation to meet its founder surfaced in her

    thoughts

    Whispers from her colleagues began to echo in her mind.

    Could it be that Carol harbored feelings for the founder of CR Corporation?

    Yet, what concern was that of hers?

    Despite her time at CR Corporation, she had never once encountered the founder.

    Why would Carol link her to the founder?

    The puzzle left Linseypletely perplexed.

    She could not fathom any other reason behind Carol''s animosity towards her.

    They had only just met; their paths had not crossed before.

    After pondering for a moment, Linsey responded with open honesty, "I am indeed married."

    She dered her marital status clearly, hoping to dispel Carol''s suspicions.

    Thest thing she

    e wanted was to create an unnecessary

    enemy

    Carol quickly asked, "Linsey, with all your achievements, your husband must be quite remarkable, right? Does he run a business in town? Perhaps I know him."

    Maintaining herposure, Linsey responded, "Miss Lawson, you tter me too much. I lead a simple life, and so does my husband."

    She changed her expression during a brief pause and quietly suggested, "If you are truly keen on working together, let''s be direct. There''s no point in wasting our time."

    Linsey''s straightforwardness slightly annoyed Carol.

    "Linsey, I was merely hoping for a rxed conversation. Is there a need for such formality?" She inhaled deeply before adding, "By the way, we''re poised to forge asting alliance with your firm. Remember, I am a Lawson It''s quite surprising how you could speak to me with such disregard."

    Unfazed, Linsey replied calmly, "Please don''t take it the wrong way. I did not mean to offend. My schedule is quite full, and if you''re here to chat informally, today may not be ideal."

    10:49

    Chapter 457 I Want A Gown Like No Other

    Carol scowled, shocked at Linsey''s aloofness. She couldn''t recall ever being disregarded by someone of such

    ordinary status!

    Raising her head proudly, Carol said, "I approached you specifically for a design project. I''m looking forward to seeing your skills, considering how quickly you rose to lead the Fashion Design Department."

    Without hesitation, Linsey flipped open her notebook. "Very well. Describe the type of garment you envision. What asion is it for?"

    With a slight raise of her eyebrow, Carol responded leisurely, "Your firm will soon host the annual g. As a major partner, I and my family will naturally attend. I need an evening gown that suits my status. Make sure it''s something extraordinary."

    As Linsey took notes, she inquired, "Any particr preferences, Miss Lawson?"

    Carol thought for a moment before replying. The design needs to be grand. I want

    a gown like no other. We can talk more once I see your first draft."

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 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458 Make Sure The Design Is Ready Soon

    "Understood," Linsey responded, her voice steady.

    Carol rose, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and made her way out alone. "Make sure the design is ready soon. I''ll review it in a few days."

    Carol stepped out of the meeting room, a spark of confidence shing in her eyes.

    A smirk tugged at her lips.

    As expected, Linsey had no idea that her husband was the mastermind behind

    CR Corporation. His decision to disclose this truth to Linsey spoke volumes of his indifference towards her.

    A pretty face meant nothing without the right connections.

    She was way out of Linsey''s league.

    That realization only made Carol feel even more self-assured.

    Meanwhile, Linsey had just closed her notebook when her coworkers quickly gathered around.

    "Linsey, how did the meeting go?"

    "What brought Miss Lawson here to meet you?¡±

    "It''s surprising to see her here after she stormed out cryingst time over something to do with our founder."

    "I caught a glimpse at the end-Miss Lawson actually seemed pleased as she left."

    "Our founder left her upset, yet she departed all smiles after meeting with you."

    Linsey chuckled at the wild theories floating around. "You all really let your imaginations run wild."

    Holding up her notebook, she dered with an arched eyebrow, "Miss Lawson was here for a business discussion, naturally."

    The group''s faces fell with disappointment.

    "Just business? We

    e were

    all hoping for some dramatic news."

    Linsey yfully tapped the biggest gossipmonger''s head, scolding, "Always

    digging for the dirt, aren''t you? Want to know all the secrets."

    She pped her hands to grab everyone''s attention. "Enough gossip, everyone. Let''s get back to our tasks, or we''re here till midnight."

    10:49

    Chapter 450 Make Sure The Design is Headly Son.

    "Understood, Linsey," they responded, heading back to their denken.

    Linsey exhaled in relief as she watched them disperse

    Fortunately, the meeting room''s soundproof walls had kept her conversation with Carol private

    Back in her office, Linsey ced her notebook down on her desk.

    Despite Carol''s agreement to proceed with the design coboration, the probing into her personal life nagged at

    her.

    Something was unsettling about Carol''s keen interest in her marital status, especially her pointed inquiries

    about her husband.

    Linsey

    for thelled the conversations among her colleagues earlier, suggesting Carol might have harbored feelings

    founder of CR Corporation

    Yet, Linsey herself had no connection to him.

    Despite this, she couldn''t shake the feeling that this information was significant.

    The thought persisted, refusing to be dismissed.

    A memory suddenly surfaced in Linsey''s mind.

    Not long ago, she was caught in a giarism scandal and was forcibly dismissed by Coen, who was in charge at

    the time.

    Later, when the truth was revealed, she recalled that the CR Corporation''s founder had personally defended her using thepany''s official ount

    At that time, Linsey was astonished that someone of his stature would support a designer of her standing

    Now, reflecting on it, could Carol''s animosity stem from seeing that public endorsement?

    With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Linsey seated herself, tured on herputer, and navigated to thepany''s official social media page to revisit the post in question.

    10.49

 ionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 459

    Chapter 459 How''s The Business Trip Going

    The signature in the bottom right of the apology unmistakably belonged to the founder of CR Corporation.

    Why had the founder gone out of his way to advocate for Linsey in the past?

    Was it possible that he had known her beforehand?

    As Linsey pondered this, her phone started to vibrate.

    Regaining her focus, she saw Collin''s name shing on the caller ID.

    A wave of guilt washed over her.

    She had been musing about another man, and if the notoriously jealous Collin discovered this, he would surely

    react poorly.

    Linsey set her thoughts aside, answered the phone, and spoke gently. "Hello, darling?"

    There was a brief pause on the other end before Collin responded with a hint of suspicion, "Linsey, you sound a bit unusual today. It''s only been a day since I left. Haven''t you been up to something you shouldn''t?"

    Surprised by his usation, Linsey''s eyes widened. "Why would you say that?"

    As she spoke, she recalled her recent reflections about the CR Corporation''s founder.

    Although it was a minor thought, she knew that to the jealous Collin, it could escte into a major issue. Linsey resolved not to mention her thoughts about the CR Corporation''s founder to Collin.

    With a light chuckle, Collin teased, "I''m just messing with you. Don''t take it to heart."

    He then shifted to a gentler tone, adding, "Have you been eating regrly today? How did you sleep after work? And how about your menstrual cycle, any

    difort? Remember, there''s pain medication in our room''s drawer if you need

    it."

    Linsey''s heart warmed as she listened to his considerate questions.

    She decided against mentioning that her period waste until she confirmed it with a test, wanting to spare Collin any worry

    "Everything''s fine with me, no need to worry." Linsey reassured him softly. "How about you? How''s the business trip going?"

    Collin''s face brightened with a tender smile, though Linsey couldn''t see it.

    Unbeknownst to Linsey, Collin had traveled to a nearby city to secure a diamond ring from a famous jewelry

    10.49

    designer. Taking advice from his friend train, he nned to reveal all at the CR Corporation''s uing g and propose in spectacr fashion though they were already married

    The ring demanded meticulous preparation, prompting Collin to select a renowned designer who, due to a packed schedule was only avable at an event in the neighboring ty

    Collin nned to personally consult with the jewelry designer under the pretext of traveling on business, aiming to craft the ideal ring

    He orchestrated a surprise for Linsey by maintaining secrecy about his true ns, even choosing to inform her of his departure via a text message to keep his intentions hidden

    Thus far, his secret had been safe, with no hints identally revealed by Dustin

    "You''re my good luck charm. Everything just falls into ce when you''re with me," Collin said sincerely

    Linsey''s face lit up with a smile at his words

    "When will you be returning?" she inquired

    As she asked. Linsey thought about the timing of his return. She anticipated having the results of her pregnancy test by then, which would darify whether or not she was expecting.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 460

    Congrattions, You''re...

    Linsey entertained the possibility of sharing exciting news with Collin upon his return if she was indeed pregnant Otherwise, she resolved to shoulder the sadness alone. She wanted to spare Collin the pain of another false rm.

    Collin, feeling a soft warmth flood through him as he listened to Linsey''s soothing voice, responded gently, "I''ll try to get back as soon as I can." His voice had a raspy depth to it.

    He was hesitant to promise a specific day for his return due to a scheduled meeting with a jewelry designer. The desire to abandon his ns and return to Linsey''s side was overwhelming, he had been away for only a day but missed her immensely.

    Collin had never experienced such longing before Linsey entered his life. Now, every moment felt richer, filled with happiness that he hade to cherish deeply.

    "Okay, I''ll wait," Linsey responded quietly, her voice tender.

    On Saturday morning, Linsey rose early, skipped breakfast deliberately, and went to the hospital for her pregnancy test on an empty stomach

    The test waspleted swiftly, and Linsey soon found herself sitting quietly outside the examination room, awaiting the oue.

    To pass the time, she checked her phone and noticed a message from Dolores. "My dear friend, what are you up to now?"

    Linsey replied, "I''m at the hospital for a check-up."

    Dolores quickly sent another message, expressing concern. "Is everything okay? You''re not unwell, are you?" Linsey paused for a moment, contemting whether to disclose her current situation to Dolores.

    With the test results imminent, Linsey opted to keep the details to herself until she knew more. She responded with a nomittal message. "Just a regr health check-up, nothing to worry about. How''s everything with you?

    Linsey swiftly steered the conversation in a different direction, and as expected, Dolores eagerly shifted to discussing her own affairs.

    Soon, Linsey was called for her appointment with the gynecologist.

    Her pulse quickened and her breathing grew shallow.

    Inhaling deeply, Linsey rose from her seat and made her way to the doctor''s office.

    10:49

    She reminded herself to remainposed regardless of the oue

    Excessive stress, she knew, could negatively impact her fertility

    With the test results in hand, Linsey entered the doctor''s office

    ¡°Please, take a seat,¡± the doctor said warmly, gesturing towards the chair with aforting smile

    The doctor began by reviewing the report, then looked up at Linsey and inquired, "You''re married, a Why didn''t your husband apany you today?":

    Linsey exined, "He''s away on business. He doesn''t even know I''m here"

    As the doctor sifted through the pages of the report, her expression turned grave "This"

    aren''t you?

    Linsey''s pulse quickened upon observing the change in the doctor''s face. "What is it, Doctor? Is there

    something wrong?

    She wondered if her recent symptoms might indicate an illness.

    Had her recent dizziness and nausea been symptoms of an illness?

    Linsey''s mind was instantly overwhelmed with rming thoughts.

    The possibility of receiving a diagnosis for a terminal illness caused her heart to plummet.

    Seeing Linsey on the verge of panic, the doctor quickly reassured her, "No, no, you''ve got it wrong."

    Breaking into a smile, the doctor said, "Congrattions, you''re pregnant."

    For a moment, Linsey was too shocked to move. "Could you repeat that, Doctor?"

    10 49

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461 What''s The Problem, Doctor

    The doctor repeated, "Congrattions. You''re pregnant. ording to the test, you are about five weeks along"

    Linsey''s thoughts came to a halt at that moment.

    She was expecting! The doctor had just confirmed her pregnancy!

    Taking a deep breath, Linsey sought confirmation. "Doctor, is this certain? Am I truly expecting?

    The doctor affirmed without hesitation. "Yes, the results are conclusive. You are definitely pregnant."

    A smile spread across Linsey''s face.

    She had been pregnant for five weeks, which meant conception had likely urred right after herst

    menstrual cycle.

    That exined why her period waste. That exined the exhaustion and nausea she had been feeling.

    She was gonna be a mom!

    Realization dawned, and Linsey''s eyes welled up with tears of joy.

    She instinctively bowed her head and softly touched her stomach, her touch gentle as if she were protecting something precious.

    Soon, Linsey chuckled at her own actions.

    The baby was roughly the size of a pea; she couldn''t possibly feel its presence yet.

    The doctor shared a warm smile at Linsey''s happiness but quickly adopted a more grave demeanor. "However, there is another concern in your test results."

    At the doctor''s mention of a concern, Linsey''s expression immediately shifted to one of worry. "What''s the problem, Doctor?" she inquired with a hint of fear in her voice.

    Could there be an issue with the baby''s health?

    As she waited for the doctor''s response, Linsey''s mind was flooded with

    concerns.

    She had been cautious with her healthtely, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. She reasoned that the pregnancy test results should have shown no issues. The possibility that something might be wrong with her much-desired baby sent her heart into a flutter

    She was unable to contemte the potentialplications....

    10.49

    Chapter 461 What''s The Problem, Doctor

    The doctor saw Linsey''s distress and quickly offeredfort.

    "Don''t worry, your baby is perfectly healthy, and so are you." The doctor reassured her. ¡°However, we''ve noticed that your uterine lining is a bit thinner than we''d like. This condition, if you decided to end the pregnancy, couldplicate future attempts to conceive."

    Linsey shook her head and responded decisively. "There''s no way I''d consider terminating. My husband and I have been looking forward to this baby."

    Confusion creased her forehead as she continued, "In previous check-ups, my uterine lining was fine. What''s causing the change now?"

    The doctor exined, "Stress or hormonal fluctuations can thin the uterine lining. It''s nothing too worrying. With some rest and careful monitoring, it should improve."

    Relieved by the doctor''s exnation, Linsey let out a deep sigh of relief.

    "Thank you, doctor." Linsey expressed her gratitude warmly.

    After the examination, she carefully pocketed the prenatal vitamins the doctor had handed her and exited the examination room at a measured pace.

    Aware of her pregnancy, she took extra care with every step, avoiding any haste that could lead to mishaps. Finding a quiet spot, Linsey settled down and took a moment to rx, smiling as she tenderly touched her

    stomach.

    She then pulled out her phone, opened her contacts, and scrolled to Collin''s

    name.

    Now that her pregnancy was confirmed, she pondered whether to share the joyful news with Collin immediately

    Convinced he would share her excitement, she hovered over the call button, contemting the perfect way to

    tell him.

 Chapter 462

    Chapter 462 I Was About

    To Confront Collin!

    Thinking of Collin''s reaction made Linsey smile quietly to herself.

    Calling him right now would mean missing out on seeing that priceless first expression on his face.

    She certainly didn''t want to lose that moment,

    Linsey decided she would hold onto her news a bit longer, at least until Collin came home, so she could deliver it face-to-face

    Afterward, Linsey opened the chat window with Dolores and paused, carefully crafting her next words. "Dolores,

    I''ve got some news."

    Almost instantly, Dolores responded anxiously, "What''s going on? Did your hospital testse back? What were you even getting checked for? Linsey, don''t keep me in suspense!"

    With a deep breath, Linsey responded straightforwardly, "I''m gonna be a mom."

    On Dolores'' end, the conversation suddenly went quiet.

    Arching an eyebrow, Linsey wondered if Dolores had even noticed her message yet.

    Before she could ask again, Dolores''s name shed across her screen as a call came through.

    Startled, Linsey quickly picked up the phone.

    The instant Linsey answered, Dolores shrieked into her car, "Linsey! What exactly are you talking about? Exin!" Chuckling at Dolores''s exaggerated panic, Linsey softly repeated herself, "Dolores, I said I''m gonna be a mom." Without missing a beat, Dolores blurted out, "Collin''s, right?"

    Linsey blinked, momentarily speechless, before replying helplessly, "Who else could it possibly belong to?" Dolores inhaled sharply, eximing, "Oh my God! How did this even happen so quickly? I haven''t even been gone a full week, and now you''re pregnant? Wait, let me sit down first!"

    Dolores paused before she continued, "Are you still at the hospital? Is Collin there with you?"

    "No..."

    But before she could say more, Dolores eximed in disbelief, "Collin let you go to the hospital alone? That''s uneptable! I need to talk some sense into him."

    Laughing, Linsey tried to soothe her, "Hold on, Dolores, let me exin."

    She understood Dolores'' concern.

    0.05

    1049

    D:

    Chapter 462 I Was About To Confront Collin!

    However, the situation was not as Dolores imagined, and Linsey quickly set the record straight

    "Collin had to travel to a neighboring city for work two days ago, and I chose not to tell him about my hospital visit today." Linsey said with a smile, "I''m nning to surprise him with the good news when he returns. Could you keep it a secret until then?"

    Relieved, Dolores exhaled. "Oh, I see. You had me worried. I was about to confront Collin!"

    "Don''t worry, he''s good to me," Linsey reassured her.

    Dolores replied, "Great, I''m free today anyway. I''lle to the hospital to see you. Just wait for me there."

    shared the hospital''s address. "Meet me at the front. We could also have a meal somewhere

    "Sure." Lins

    close by."

    After pausing. Dolores remarked, "I noticed there''s a shopping mall near the hospital. As your bestie, I should pick up a gift for your baby. Let''s shop a bit since we''ve got the time."

    Linseyughed softly. "I''m just a month into the pregnancy."

    Was it too soon to start buying baby gifts?

    Dolores said earnestly, "It''s never too soon. Time flies, and before you know it, you''ll be in your third trimester. We should get ready now to avoid ast-minute rush."

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 463

    Chapter 463 You Nearly

    Gave Me A Heart Attack!

    Linsey listened to Dolores'' advice and found it surprisingly reasonable.

    "Alright. I''ll take your suggestion," Linsey said.

    They ended the call soon afterward.

    Linsey neatly arranged the prenatal check-up reports in her hands, stood up, and walked out of the hospital.

    At that moment, she was in an exceptionally good mood.

    Little did she know that there was a figure silently watching from a

    corner nearby.

    Alexa''s thin face appeared pale, her expression shadowed as she watched Linsey walk away. She cautiously nced around before quietly trailing behind.

    Before long, Linsey met Dolores at the hospital entrance.

    "Dolores!" The moment Linsey spotted her, she instinctively wanted to rush over.

    Dolores''s eyes widened in rm. She quickly stepped forward and caught hold of Linsey. "Linsey, have you forgotten you''re pregnant? You can''t go running around like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

    Linsey blinked sheepishly and gave an apologetic smile. "I was just I promise it won''t happen again."

    so happy to see you that Ipletely forgot.

    Dolores stared at her sternly for a moment, then sighed. "You''re pregnant. You have to be careful at all times,

    "I know." Linsey took Dolores'' hand gently, warmth filling her chest.

    Since childhood, Dolores had always been protective of her.

    With Dolores by her side, Linsey never felt alone.

    Linsey smiled warmly, but then she noticed something wasn''t quite right. She frowned slightly and said, "Dolores, you look a little pale. Are you sure you''re okay?"

    Dolores'' expression seemed normal enough, but fatigue shadowed her features more than usual.

    She paused briefly, quicklyposed herself, and casually replied, "I''m fine. I''ve got a lot on my tetely, 1 probably didn''t get enough sleepst night"

    Dolores then nced at Linsey''s belly and gently ced her hand over it. "Little one, I''m your godmother You''d better remember this face clearly. You only get one godmother, after all."

    Normally, Linsey, always perceptive, would have caught onto Dolores changing the subject. But today, she was

    µÄ

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    Chapter 463 You Nearly Gave Me A Heart Attack!

    too caught up in the excitement of her pregnancy to sense anything unusual.

    "Of course! My baby will only have you as a godmother!" Linsey said.

    Dolores smiled, satisfied. She gently linked arms with Linsey and guided her protectively. "Come on. Let''s go to

    the mall."

    The hospital was just a short walk away.

    Within minutes, they arrived and stepped into the brightly lit space, bustling with shoppers. They made a beeline for a maternity store, where rows of shelves were packed with an overwhelming selection of baby products.

    Linsey''s eyes immediatelynded on a stroller disyed at the front of the store. A smile spread across her face. She walked over and reached out to touch the handle.

    "Dolores, look at this! It''s adorable," Linsey remarked.

    Dolores followed and gave the stroller a quick once-over before eximing, "Strollers these days are so high-tech! They even y lubies?"

    Linsey chuckled at her reaction. "That''s been a feature for a while now. Some of the newer models evene with built-in rocking functions and auto-folding systems."

    Dolores shook her head with amusement. "I clearly don''t know much about baby gear. Honestly, this is my first time in a maternity store."

    They shared a lightugh before Dolores quickly set her sights on picking out a special gift for the baby.

 Chapter 464

    Chapter 464 You''re Getting Me A Gift Too

    "These tiny outfits are just too cute! I''m definitely getting this one-the baby will need it once they arom

    As she spoke, Dolores cast a nce at the stroller she and Linsey had checked out earlier. "That thing is way too bulky, and we still have other stops to make. Hauling it around would be a hassle. Let''s just arrange for a delivery service next time and have the bigger baby items sent straight to your ce."

    Linsey nodded with a smile. "Sounds like a n. Where else do you want to go after this?

    Dolores shot her a knowing look. "Take a guess."

    A few minutester, Linsey found herself being pulled upstairs into a women''s boutique

    Before she could protest, Dolores had already dragged her inside, her eyes scanning the clothing racks. ¡°As the baby''s godmother, it''s my duty to spoil them with gifts. But I can''t forget about their mom-my dear friend

    Linsey."

    Linsey''s brows lifted in surprise, a soft smile ying on her lips. "You''re getting me a gift too?"

    "Obviously." Dolores gave her a sidelong nce before flipping through a rack of dresses. "Consider it my little celebration of your pregnancy."

    A sudden wave of emotion hit Linsey, her eyes growing misty as she looked at Dolores.

    She wasn''t usually this sentimental, buttely, her emotions had been all over the ce. Pregnancy hormones, no doubt.

    "Thank you, Dolores," Linsey said.

    Dolores noticed the tears in Linsey''s eyes and quickly put on a serious expression.

    "Alright, no waterworks." She reached out, lightly brushing Linsey''s cheek. "It''s just a gift-no need to get all teary. Now, pick something you like and try it on."

    Linsey sniffled and suddenly thought of something. "But in a few months, my belly''s going to be huge. I won''t even be able to wear anything you pick out today."

    "Then we''ll just find something flowy," Dolores replied without missing a beat.

    As they spoke, ever-decisive Dolores had already pulled a stylish outfit from the rack. "You''re a professional fashion designer, yet here I am, aplete novice, picking clothes for you. How does that even make sense? Come on, find something that catches your eye."

    Linsey chuckled, taking the outfit from her. "Whatever you pick, I''ll wear it."

    Dolores smirked. "Good, then I''ll pick everything for you.''

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    Chapter 464 Youre Getting Me A t¨²ft Tes

    The two of them continued browsing, carefully selecting pieces from the disys

    Then, out of nowhere, a voice called out from behind. "Linsey? What a coincidence seeing you he

    Linsey froze for a split second. She recognized that voire almost immediately

    Taking a steadying breath, she turned around-just as expected, it was Carol, the woman she had met at CR Corporation just yesterday

    Carol was dressed hend to toe in designerbels, her makeup bold and immacte Behind her stood a group of tall, intimidating bodyguards, their presence impossible to overlook

    Their arrival turned heads instantly. People outside the store were already sneaking nces at them.

    Carol''s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile the moment her eyesnded on Linsey

    She spoke with deliberate case. "Linsey, we sure do keep crossing paths, don''t we? Out shopping, I see? You must have a lot of time in your hands. I suppose that means you''ve already finished the design imissioned? I''ll be checking in on that soon, so don''t think you can just brush me off"

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever

 Chapter 465

    Chapter 465 You Seem Awfully Flustered

    Linsey''s easygoing smile disappeared in an instant

    What were the odds? Of all ces, she had to run into Carol here.

    Still, she kept her cool, her tone steady and professional. "Miss Lawson, you can rest assured that your design will bepleted on time and to the highest standard,"

    Beside her, Dolores narrowed her eyes slightly, discreetly assessing Carol.

    Years of unspoken understanding had sharpened Dolores'' instincts when it came to Linsey. And right now, she could sense the subtle hostility lurking in Carol''s gaze.

    Without a second thought, Dolores shifted her stance, subtly cing herself in front of Linsey

    Linsey wasn''t alone anymore. She was expecting, more vulnerable than before. Even the slightest stress or confrontation was something she couldn''t afford.

    Carol, of course, noticed Dolores'' protective gesture. An amused brow lifted as she gave her a fleeting nce- though it was clear she didn''t take her seriously. To Carol, Linsey was just an ordinary woman with no real status or powerful connections. And anyone who stood by her side must be just as insignificant

    But then, as Carol''s gaze drifted over them, something suddenly caught her eye.

    Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the shopping bag in Linsey''s hand. The logo from a well-known maternity store practically burned into her vision. "Linsey, are you pregnant?" For the first time, Carol''s poised demeanor cracked, her voice betraying a rare note of disbelief.

    Linsey frowned at her reaction, sensing something off.

    Instinctively, she reached for Dolores'' hand. The moment Dolores squeezed back reassuringly, Linsey felt herself rx-just a little.

    Why was Carol reacting this way?

    What did her pregnancy have to do with her?

    Linsey recalled their brief exchange at thepany yesterday. A vague sense of unease settled over her. Dolores, however, had no patience for Carol''s blunt questioning. With a pointed smirk, she said. ¡°You seem awfully flustered. Since when does hiring a designer require knowing whether they''re pregnant? Andst ! checked, you have no right to pry into Linsey''s personal life."

    10.50

    Card''s face stiffened, but she didn''t respond the gaze remained locked on the shopping bag as if needing further proof she hadn''t misread the situation

    If Linney wasn''t expecting, why would she be shopping for maternity producte

    There was only one exnation. Linsey was pregnant she was carrying the child of CB Corporation''s founder

    Carol''s stomach twisted Ho, this couldn''t be happening

    Just yesterday, she had confirmed that the founder of CR Corporation didn''t give

    a damn about Linsey She hadn''t even had the chance to get close to him yet

    And now Linsey was pregnant?.

    Uneptable That child could never be born.

    As long as it existed, her dream of bing the wife of CR Corporation''s founder would be shattered.

    The future heir of CR Corporation had to be her child.

    She was Carol-daughter of the prestigious Lawson family. The only woman in Grester truly worthy of that

    position

    Linsey?

    She was just an ordinary woman with no background, no status.

    How could she possibly be fit to carry such a legacy?

    A slow, insidious thought took root in Carol''s mind. Her gaze flickered downward-

    to Linsey''s still-t stomach. For a brief moment, something dark glinted in her eyes.

    Rmended for you

    MP

    Unspoken Hearts: My Neglecte...

    Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their

    we...

    MUTE WIFE''S ESCAPE

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466 I Hope You''ll

    Attend

    Linsey instinctively tightened her grip on Dolores'' hand, taking a subtle step back

    Carol''s gaze was unnerving-so sharp and intense it sent an unsettling shiver down Linsey''s spine

    Then, just as suddenly, Carol smiled. But it was empty, a mere curve of the lips devoid of any real warmth. Her eyes locked onto Linsey as she chuckled lightly. "Linsey, we''re partners now. There''s no need to be so cautious

    around me."

    Linsey pressed her lips together, her brows knitting slightly. Despite Carol''s seemingly harmless words, unease in her chest didn''t fade.

    Keeping her tone polite yet distant, she replied, "Rest assured, Miss Lawson, I''llplete the design you requested. My focus remains on my work, and nothing will interfere with it."

    Carol''s smile didn''t waver, but something in her gaze darkened-just for a fleeting second. Then, as if the moment had never happened, she casually said, "By the way, my birthday party is next Saturday I have someone send an invitation to you at CR Corporation. I hope you''ll attend."

    Before Linsey could react, Carol''s gaze flicked to Dolores, her tone cooling, "Since you''re still shopping, I won''t

    hold you up."

    With that, she turned and strode out of the boutique, her entourage of bodyguards moving in perfect sync

    behind her.

    Even after Carol had vanished from sight, the oppressive weight in Linsey''s chest remained, like an invisible force pressing down on her.

    Dolores exhaled sharply, watching Carol''s retreating figure with narrowed eyes. That was Carol Lawson, wasn''t it? I think I saw her at a business event once. She''s got quite the reputation-spoiled, temperamental. and a nightmare to deal with. A lot of people avoid crossing paths with her."

    She gave Linsey a helpless look and patted her hand. "How on earth did you end up taking on her project Linsey sighed. "We''re currently working with Lawson Group. That''s how I got pulled into this."

    She hesitated before lowering her voice. "Some of my colleagues say Carol has a thing for the founder Dolores blinked in surprise. "You mean the elusive billionaire who built the CR Corporation from scratch?

    She touched her chin thoughtfully. "Well... in terms of background, they''d make a fitting match. Two powerful families uniting-it makes sense."

    Linsey nodded. "That''s true, but..."

    Chapter 466 I Hope

    You''ll Attend

    Before she could finish, Dolores smirked "Honestly, if you hadn''t mentioned her being into the founder, 1 would''ve thought she had a thing for Collin."

    The way Carol reacted to Linsey''s pregnancy it was like she wanted to rip Linsey apart on the spot.

    Though Dolores'' tone was yful, Linsey couldn''t shake the unease creeping up her spine.

    "Collin probably hasn''t even met Carol. But there''s definitely hostility from her toward me. I don''t know why yet, but I''ll handle it carefully." Linsey gave Dolores a reassuring look.

    Dolores pondered for a moment before shrugging. "She probably dislikes most people on principle. After all, you two never interacted before now."

    "Come on, let''s not waste any more time on her. I''ll try on some clothes, and once I''ve decided, let''s grab something to eat¡ªI''m starving." Linsey shook off the tension and smiled.

    Dolores immediately perked up, nodding seriously. "You''re eating for two now, so you need plenty of energy. I know the perfect ce-trust me, both you and the baby will leave happy!"

    Linsey chuckled. "Alright, lead the way."

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467 I Was Following Linsey

    Carol stepped out of the boutique, her carefully crafted smile vanishing the moment she crossed the threshold. In its ce was a stormy, venomous scowl. That damn Linsey always a step ahead, always standing in her way!

    Sooner orter, she would have to deal with her for good.

    "Miss Lawson, shall we carry on shopping?" one of the bodyguards behind her asked hesitantly.

    Carol''s temper snapped. She spun around, eyes zing. "Idiot! Do you think I''m in the mood for shopping? I''m going home!"

    She needed toe up with a foolproof n to deal with Linsey''s unborn child once and for all.

    The bodyguard flinched and quickly lowered his head. "Yes, Miss

    Miss Lawson."

    He had worked for Carol for years. Her parents were known for their refinement and grace, and even Jeffery, her older brother, treated people with a measured politeness. But Carol? She was impossible-spoiled, ruthless, and utterly unpredictable.

    Even after Carolshed out, frustration still burned within her.

    Expression ice-cold, she strode toward the elevator..

    Just then, she caught sight of a shadowy figure lurking behind her, watching closely.

    "Who''s there?" She abruptly turned, her voice sharp.

    The figure flinched and instinctively tried to retreat.

    Carol''s gaze darkened.

    How dared someone tail her?

    "Seize that rat," shemanded in a low, dangerous tone.

    "Yes, Miss Lawson," the bodyguards responded.

    obeying instantly, the bodyguards lunged forward and grabbed Alexa, who had been trying to slip away unnoticed

    "I''m sorry..." Alexa''s pulse pounded in panic. She never imagined she would see her biological daughter t close again-let alone in such a situation.

    Lowering her head, she avoided Carol''s gaze.

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    Chapter 467 I Was Following Linsey

    If she looked into those eyes, Alexa feared she wouldn''t be able to suppress the truth.

    But she had no choice. Time was slipping away-she couldn''t allow anyone to destroy thefortable life her daughter now had.

    Carol''s brows furrowed as she examined the woman''s in clothes before settling her gaze on her pallid face

    A flicker of disdain crossed Carol''s expression. "And who do you think you are? Following me around-are you looking for trouble?"

    She wrinkled her nose and took a small step back, as if the mere presence of Alexa''s poverty repulsed her

    Alexa''s eyes widened in terror, and she shook her head frantically. "No, no, Miss Lawson, I wasn''t following you!"

    Carol''s sharp eyes narrowed at how the woman addressed her. "You even know myst name? How interesting! It seems like you know quite a bit about me."

    She shot a cold look at her bodyguard.

    Catching her silent order, he shoved Alexa to her knees with a harsh kick to the leg.

    With a dull thud, she copsed onto the floor, the impact sending pain searing through her body. Her face.

    drained of color.

    "Miss gasped, barely holding back a cry. "I swear, I wasn''t following you...

    ? Alexa

    She had only lingered behind when Carol was about to leave, unable to resist stealing a few more nces. She never imagined she would be caught.

    Desperate to clear up the misunderstanding, Alexa quickly exined, "I was following Linsey."

    Carol arched a brow. "Oh? And why is that? You know her?"

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468 Don''t Think

    You Can Fool Me

    Alexa raised her gaze to Carol, offering a grin that seemed too eager to please "You may be unaware, Miss Lawson, but Mr. Lawson specifically requested that I monitor Linsey

    Carol''s eves instantly grew wide, her voice caught in shock

    "You''re saying Jeffery instructed you to keep tabs on Linsey? When did this happen? Howe I didn''t know?

    This revtion stunned Carol deeply

    The thought of Linsey being connected to her brother had never crossed her mind!

    A rush of scenarios raced through Carol''s mind in mere moments.

    Was it possible that Linsey, that shameless woman, had managed to entice Jeffrey while Carol was otherwise upied?

    Such a thought was scandalous!

    As Carol dwelled on this, her fury escted, and her disdain for Linsey intensified.

    Still, Carol held on to a sense of control. She wasn''t about to ept this woman''s word without question

    Pausing to think, Carol looked around the room with a detached and cold expression, then asked, "You''re saying Jeffrey sent you? Where''s your proof? Make no mistake. Unless you give a convincing exnation, be ready to face serious consequences."

    Alexa shuddered, overwhelmed by a sense of destion.

    It pained her deeply to be spoken to in such a manner by her own daughter.

    With a heavy heart, Alexa responded meekly, "Yes, Miss Lawson."

    Soon after, Carol led Alexa to a private room in a luxurious restaurant.

    The soundproofing in the room was top-notch, perfect for discreet discussions.

    Carol positioned herself confidently at the center of the sofa and said, "Go ahead, speak up. Don''t think you can fool me. Make sure your evidence is clear and precise when you present it."

    Taking a deep breath, Alexa retrieved a work card from her pocket, the kind issued exclusively to servants of the Lawson family. "Miss Lawson, Mr. Lawson indeed employed me," she exined.

    A bodyguard passed the work card to Carol.

    Carol examined the card with a hint of distaste, barely giving it a nce before confirming its authenticity as a

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    Chapter 468 Don''t Think You Can b

    servant exclusive item of the Lawson family

    This confirmation led Carol to believe that the middle aged woman before her truly was associated with the

    Lawson family

    It appeared that Carol''s initial deutits might have some baria

    Annoyed, Carol pressed her lips together and asked, "Why did Jeffery hire you to follour Linsey? I want story, and I want it clear

    1

    Despite feeling guilty, Alexa maintained herposure and lied effortlessly.

    "As Mr. Lawson''s sister, he naturally puts your interests first," Alexa exined with

    a slow, reassuring smile "He admires your respect for the founder of CR Corporation and thinks you two are an ideal pair. He''s all for your interactions with him."

    Carol''s stern facade melted a bit at this. A smug smile crept across her face as she said, "So, Jeffery sees me as a good match for Mr. Riley? I knew it. If he hadn''t been supportive, why introduce me at thest banquet

    With her mood visibly lightened, Carol''s approach toward Alexa grew softer. "Go

    on

    Alexa, noticing the change in Carol''s suspicion, let out a quiet sigh of relief and added, "However, Mr. Lawson has since found out that Linsey has been using her position as head of the Fashion Design Department to get closer to the founder!"

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 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469 Jeffery Isn''t Fond Of Linsey Either

    "What?" Carol was livid again.

    Everything clicked, and she grasped the full picture.

    Although Linsey was married to the founder of CR Corporation, his affection was never genuinely hers.

    She continually attempted to publicly im her role as his wife, yet he consistently barred this, pushing her to feign closeness within the corporation.

    Moreover, she had craftily plotted to be pregnant-a sly tactic indeed!

    A sudden insight dawned on Carol as she pondered.

    What if Linsey''s child wasn''t fathered by the founder?

    Perhaps she had discreetly found another man to secure her position as his spouse.

    Carol''s resentment deepened.

    Should this prove true, she needed to unveil the deception to the founder to ensure he parted ways with Linsey

    swiftly.

    After Alexa provided all the particrs, Carol felt a surge of relief.

    Realizing that Jeffery had been orchestrating events in her favor buoyed her spirits.

    He had always been incredibly supportive.

    His partnership with CR Corporation was even aimed at finding a treatment for her heart ailment.

    With this in mind, Carol beamed and reached for her phone. "Jeffery isn''t fond of Linsey either. Why don''t I call him now so we can strategize our next steps?"

    Alexa''s rm was palpable, and she hastily intervened. "Wait! It might be best not to inform Mr. Lawson about

    this just yet."

    Carol hesitated, confused. "And why not?"

    Her annoyance was evident. "My actions are not up for discussion. Do you presume to influence my decisions merely because my brother appointed you to watch Linsey?"

    Alexa was fraught with anxiety, fearing Carol might indeed call Jeffery, which would reveal every fabrication she

    had spun

    Jeffery had never instructed her to shadow anyone.

    ADA OA? 2

    OF

    10:50

    The genuine reason Alexa monitored Linsey stemmed from her fear that Linsey might discover her true origins

    and approach the Lawson family

    Alexa secured employment within the Lawson household initially because Jeffery, feeling sympathy for her knowing her health struggles, had offered her a role. He had even secretly funded her surgery.

    Aless, however, chose not to pursue a treatment with doubtful oues.

    the opted to save the money quietly, intending to eventually pass it on to Carol.

    "Miss Lawson, Mr. Lawson orchestrated this secretly to surprise you after everything was settled. Revealing it now would surely disrupt all his meticulous nning, wouldn''t it?" Alexa argued convincingly, eager to depict jeffery as a devoted brother willing to go to great lengths for his sister.

    This line of reasoning, albeit somewhat ludicrous, was precisely what Carol was likely to ept.

    Carol had always been pampered by the Lawson family from her youth.

    Jeffery would invariably fulfill whatever she desired as her brother.

    Carol reflected on Jeffery''s intention to aid her in marrying the founder of CR Corporation at the earliest opportunity, and she smiled once more.

    "Seriously, Jeffrey? What''s the use of surprising me with this? You could simply inform me directly, and we

    1 strategize our forting actions together," Carol murmured to herself

    < Marrying A fecret Zionaire Happy Ever After

 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470 Her Husband

    Doesn''t Care For Her

    Alexa could tell Carol was mulling things over, so she quickly took advantage of the moment. "Miss Lawson, I update Mr. Lawson daily on Linsey''s movements. Based on her actions, he modifies his ns and gives me fresh directives. I could share these ns with you, allowing you to anticipate and prepare."

    She paused for a moment before continuing. "Regarding Mr. Lawson, it would be wise for you to pretend not to know. Once the situation resolves, your surprise will delight him-he''ll appreciate that his efforts have secured your future happiness."

    Alexa found it easy to manipte Carol now that she had a handle on her mindset.

    To some extent, there was some truth in her words.

    However, the real orchestrator of these schemes was actually her, Carol''s biological mother.

    She was determined to use all her means to secure her daughter''s interests.

    Even though Linsey was a real Lawson by blood, she was never meant to outshine Carol.

    A resolve hardened in Alexa''s gaze.

    Through her lies, Alexa had sessfully convinced Carol.

    Carol was initially upset by the revtion of Linsey''s pregnancy, but her spirits were lifted by Alexa''s

    reassurances

    "Okay, I''ll go along with it and act like I don''t know Jeffrey is secretly helping me." Carol ended the conversation with a contented smile and tucked away her phone. Alexa, observing Carol''s eased demeanor, let out a discreet sigh of relief.

    "By the way." Just then, Carol appeared to recall something. "Have you noticed anything strange about Linsey

    After a brief moment of thought, Alexa replied, "This morning, Linsey went to the obstetrics department at the hospital. It looks like she''s pregnant, but no one knows who the father is."

    Carol''s eyes narrowed as she inquired, "How long have you been tracking Linsey? And you weren''t aware that

    she''s married?"

    Alexa disyed a look of astonishment; this was clearly news to her.

    "Married?" Alexa responded with disbelief. "And she''s still pursuing the founder of

    CR Corporation so shamelessly?"

    Carol maintained her calm demeanor.

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    10.50

    Chapter 470 Her Husband Dont Care For Her

    She was probably the only one who knew the secret that Linsey was actually married to the founder of CR Corporation.

    She chose to keep this information to herself for now

    Revealing this could lead Linsey to connect the dots

    Knowing her husband''s true identity could make Linsey even more resistant to a separation.

    After a brief thought, Carol asked again. "Think about it has Linsey been unusually close to any mentely?"

    Alexa paused, caught off guard "Miss Lawson, are you implying Linsey might be unfaithful? Could the child not belong to her husband?"

    Carol said with certainty, not dismissing the possibility, "From what I understand, her husband doesn''t care for her. It''s very possible that the child isn''t his.

    This left Alexa even more taken aback.

    She frowned, thoughtfully going over everything she had noticed while secretly trailing Linsey.

    A momentter, she slowly shook her head in denial.

    "Linsey spends most of her time handling her duties at CR Corporation. She

    rarely goes out, traveling straight from work to home. I haven''t seen her getting close to any men," Alexa said.

 idden Bride A Lifetime of Love 471

    Chapter 471 Can I Invite A Few New Friends

    Carol felt a pang of disappointment "Linsey''s husband doesn''t care about her at all something''s definitely off about this child. Think it over again-maybe you''ve

    missed a cur

    Noticing Carol''s displeasure, Alexa grew anxious

    In front of her daughter, she had no room for mistakes. Making sure Carol was satisfied was het top priority

    Her mind raced until suddenly, a thought struck her

    "Oh! Miss Lawson, during my investigation, I found out that Linsey had a fianc¨¦ she was deeply in love with for years-Felix, the son of the Wells family. But for some reason, on the day of her wedding she abandone and married someone else instead."

    She hesitated before adding, "Do you think she might still have feelings for Felix? Maybe marrying someone else was just her way of getting back at him."

    A spark of interest lit up Carol''s eyes. She tapped her fingers thoughtfully. "That''s entirely possible. If she was in love with Felix Wells, there''s a good chance the child she''s carrying is his."

    A triumphant smile spread across her lips. She turned to her bodyguard. "Find out where Felix is. He might be the key to bringing Linsey downpletely."

    When Carol returned home with Alexa, they unexpectedly ran into Jeffery, who hadn''t gone out that day. "Jeffery, you''re home? Didn''t you go to work?" Carol asked.

    After hearing from Alexa about everything Jeffery had done for her, Carol was in a fantastic mood. She cheerfully ran up to her brother, linking her arm through his with a bright, affectionate smile.

    Jeffery chuckled. "What, do you wish I worked all the time? Even I need a break sometimes." Jeffery couldn''t help but smile as soon as he saw Carol.

    Carol pouted yfully. "You''ve got me wrong, Jeffery. I actually wish you''d stay home every day so I could see

    you more."

    He tapped her nose fondly, amusement twinkling in his eyes.

    They chatted andughed for a while before Jeffery''s gaze shifted toward Alexa, who stood quietly nearby.

    His first thought was of her supposed illness. Without thinking, he asked with concern, "Alexa, how have you been feelingtely?"

    Alexa''s heart skipped a beat. A flicker of panic crossed her face as she worried he might unknowingly expose

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    10:50

    Chapter 471 Cavite & Fem

    the lies she had told Carol

    Quicklyposing herself, she forced a polite emile, lowered her head, and answered softly, "Thank you for your concern. Mr. Lawson. I''ve been feeling much better

    Jeffery gave a small nod. "That''s good to hear just don''t overwork yourself I always see you running around make sure you get some rest

    Alexa smiled again. "I will Thank you

    Seeing Jeffery show concern for Alexa only deepened Carol''s trust in her. It reinforced her belief that Aleza had been telling the truth.

    After all, why would Jeffery pay so much attention to a mere servant unless she was handling important matters for him?

    Feeling even more pleased, Carol turned to her brother with a sweet smile, gently tugging at his arm. "Jeffery. my birthday party ising up in a few days. Can I invite a few new friends?"

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 illionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 472

    Chapter 472 I Still Don''t Trust Carol''s Intentions

    Carol wasn''t about to let such a golden opportunity slip away she had to find a way to get Linsey to attend

    her birthday party

    Jeffery didn''t hesitate "Of course, it''s your birthday. You can invite whoever you want. Your party can certainly

    amodate a few extra guests"

    A subtle smile yed on Carol''s lips. "A few days ago, I visited CR Corporation and met an exceptional designer. I''d like to invite her."

    As she spoke, she carefully observed Jeffery''s reaction, searching for any hints in his expression.

    Jeffery''s brows furrowed slightly. He cast a nce at the servants nearby before leading Carol inside, lowering his voice. "Carol, why did you go to CR Corporation again?"

    He sighed, clearly exasperated. He wanted to tell her-once and for all-that she needed to stop holding onto any hope regarding the founder of CR Corporation, especially since he was already married.

    But seeing the look in her eyes, he swallowed his words.

    It was rare for Carol to be so deeply affected by a man. He didn''t want to be too harsh.

    Hopefully, she woulde to her senses on her own.

    Carol, meanwhile, misinterpreted his silence entirely.

    She assumed Jeffery was still struggling to help her get closer to CR Corporation''s founder.

    "Jeffery, I just want to invite Mr. Riley to my birthday party. Nothing more. Don''t worry about me," she assured

    him.

    Jeffery studied her for a moment before something urred to him. "He won''t be able to attend. I heard he''s not in town right now. Must be handling something important."

    Carol''s brows lifted slightly. "Mr. Riley isn''t in town?"

    Jeffery nodded. "Yeah. We were supposed to have a meeting, but he postponed it-said he had urgent business in a neighboring city"

    Carol lowered her gaze, and in an instant, the pieces clicked together.

    So that was it.

    Linsey must have taken advantage of his absence to visit the hospital for a secret prenatal checkup.

    Which meant-without a doubt-the child she was carrying wasn''t Mr. Riley''s!

    10:50

    pter 472 1 Still Don''t Trust Carol''s intentions

    A glint of mockery flickered in Carol''s eyes.

    Linsey, that shameless woman, dared to cheat and Riley?

    This time, Carol wouldn''t let her get away with it.

    get pregnant with someone else''s child while married to Mr.

    Meanwhile, after finishing their shopping, Linsey and Dolores headed to a nearby restaurant for a meal

    "Linsey, I still don''t trust Carol''s intentions. You need to be careful-don''t walk right into a trap. Dolores twirled her fork in her spaghetti, her tone serious,

    Linsey shared the same suspicion. She nodded, but the thought dampened her appetite.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll be cautious." She hesitated before adding softly, "Honestly, I don''t interact with Carol much She''s a Lawson-wee frompletely different worlds. We only talk about design, nothing more."

    Dolores scoffed, "That''s what I''m worried about. A spoiled rich girl like her could easily make things difficult for you. Don''t be too obedient. Don''t just follow her orders blindly."

 Chapter 473

    Chapter 473 Let Me Be

    There For You Too

    Dolores concern made Linsey smile. "You don''t have to fuss over me. I''ll be just fine."

    Shifting the focus, she asked, "By the way, I haven''t checked in on you. How have you been?"

    As she spoke, she poured soup into her bowl, too preupied to notice the brief flicker of sadness that crossed

    Dolores''s face.

    "What could possibly be wrong? I''m doing great." Dolores kept her voice light, her lips curving into a smile.

    She didn''t want to b

    to burden Linsey with her troubles.

    There were two reasons. First, Linsey was expecting. If she shared what was on her mind, Linsey would undoubtedly worry and drain herself over it.

    As she thought of the other reason, a trace of sorrow flickered in Dolores'' eyes

    If things fell apart, Linsey wouldn''t be caught in the fallout

    Linsey''s voice was gentle. "You shouldn''t push yourself too hard. No matter how demanding work gets, nothing. matters more than your well-being ''

    Dolores let out a soft chuckle. "If I slow down, who''d hold everything together?"

    Linsey felt warmth spread through her chest. Reaching across the table, she took Dolores'' hand, her tone sincere. "You don''t always have to carry everything alone. Let me be there for you too."

    Dolores arched an eyebrow, her gaze yfully shifting to Linsey''s belly. "Let''s revisit that idea after the baby

    arrives "

    She then nudged a dish toward Linsey. "Eat up. You said you were starving, but you''ve barely touched anything."

    Linsey exhaled with a small smile. "I was hungry a moment ago, but now, I don''t know why I''ve lost my.

    appetite."

    Before Dolores could respond, Linsey''s phone buzzed. She nced at the screen, and immediately, a soft, radiant smile spread across her face

    Dolores didn''t even need to ask. "Let me guess-Collin?"

    Linsey''s eyes twinkled. "Yep."

    As if something had just clicked, she quickly added, "Oh! I can''t let him find out I

    went to the hospital for a check-up today. This stays between us."

    After reminding herself and Dolores, she finally picked up.

    AA

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    Chapter 473 Let Me Be There For You Too

    "Linsey, where are you?"

    The second she heard Collin''s voice, an odd sense of unease settled in her chest

    "I''m out having lunch with Dolores. Why?" she responded softly.

    Collin chuckled. "You didn''t answer quickly-I thought you were napping"

    Linsey pursed her lips. "You think I sleep that much? It''s already past noon. How could I still be in bed?

    Then, she teased, "What''s with the sudden call? Didn''t we talkst night?"

    There was a brief pause before Collin''s deep and affectionate voice came through. "I just miss you, sweetheart."

    Heat crept up Linsey''s neck, and within seconds, her cheeks flushed.

    Across the table, Dolores remained quiet, but her amusement said it all-she was enjoying how flustered Linsey

    had be..

    Trying to keep herposure, Linsey yfully retorted, "You''re impossible. Aren''t you supposed to be focused on your trip? Why aren''t you working?"

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474 That''s Unusually Healthy For You

    Linsey was unaware that, at this very instant, on the other end of the line, Collin was holding a signed agreement with a renowned jewelry designer.

    This designer was in exceptionally high demand, with every avable slot in her schedule fully reserved for the

    year.

    Collin had spared no effort, going to great lengths-both financially and strategically-to bypass the long wait and secure an exclusivemission.

    The designer had guaranteed that a pair of rings, crafted to perfection, would be ready within the week, meeting his exact standards.

    The mere thought of soon having those exquisite rings in hand and proposing to Linsey sent a surge of excitement through him.

    The moment he received confirmation, he dialed Linsey without hesitation.

    His emotions were overwhelming, filling him with the urge to share the news immediately.

    But he knew he had to wait.

    He wanted everything to be wless-a breathtaking surprise and a proposal she would never forget.

    "Rx, I only called after handling everything." Collin reassured her with ease.

    In truth, this so-called business trip to the nearby city had nothing to do with work.

    His sole purpose for traveling was to set the stage for the perfect proposal

    For this, he had even pushed aside several pressing work matters.

    Hearing his words, Linsey felt relieved. "That''s good

    11

    As she spoke, she scooped up a spoonful of soup and took a sip.

    Just a moment ago, it had seemed rather in and ordinary.

    But now, for some reason, it tasted richer, with a subtle sweetness she hadn''t noticed before

    "Make sure to eat properly while you''re away. I worked hard to get your stomach back in shape-you can''t let bad habits undo all that progress."

    "I know, don''t worry. I''ll be careful," Collin assured her.

    Then, with curiosity, he said, "What''s on your te today? Maybe I''ll steal some meal ideas from you."

    DOL

    §¡§°

    §×

    10:57

    Chapter 474 That''s Unusually Healthy For You

    Linsey chuckled and listed the dishes in front of her.

    "What? That''s unusually healthy for you." Collin was surprised

    In the past, Linsey''s meals always included something fried or indulgent

    But today, everything she mentioned was unexpectedly light and nutritious He hadn''t seen thating

    Linsey paused, cought off guard by his keen observation the hesitated before saying. I just felt like something lighter today"

    Collin yfully teased, "But Dolores likes strong vors too Did you two make a part to switch things up?"

    Linsey faltered for a second.

    She was never great at hiding things from Collin.

    She nced at Dolores, who shot her a questioning look.

    Dolores mouthed, "What''s going on?"

    Linsey quickly muted the call and whispered, "He thinks it''s strange that we''re eating so clean today"

    "Just be honest. It''s not a bad thing," Dolores suggested without hesitation Linsey considered it for a moment and thought that Dolores made a good point. She unmuted the phone and said, "Collin, there''s something I need to tell you." "what is it?"

    His voice was soft, full of warmth. "What

    A nervous flutter filled Linsey''s chest.

    She had nned to wait and tell him in person once he was back.

    But since he had noticed, she couldn''t bring herself to keep it from him any longer. "You were wondering why I chose such a light meal, right? Well, the reason is..."

    100.06

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475 He Wouldn''t Betray You

    Linsey had barely begun speaking when a woman''s voice suddenly rang out from Collin''s end "Mr. Riley, why are you hiding here? Let''s have dinner together tonight."

    A brief pause followed before the woman seemed to realize he was on a call "Oh, I''m sorry! I didn''t notice you were busy"

    ¡°It''s alright,¡± Collin responded casually, then ced a finger to his lips, signaling the woman to stay quiet,

    Linsey blinked and asked softly, "Collin, are you busy?"

    Rather than answering, he redirected the conversation. "What were you about to say just now?"

    Lowering her gaze slightly, Linsey hesitated. She wanted to ask about the woman''s identity.

    But if Collin had intended to exin, he would have done so already.

    Yet, he didn''t.

    A feeling she couldn''t quite shake told her he was deliberately avoiding the subject.

    "It''s nothing important. Just wanted to remind you to take care of yourself while you''re away," she responded.

    Collin chuckled lightly. "Alright, you too."

    Linsey wanted to say more, but before she could, he spoke again. "Finish your meal. I have to go now."

    Left with no choice, she replied softly, "Okay."

    The moment the call ended, Linsey''s heart grew heavy.

    Why wouldn''t he just exin?

    Across from her, Dolores had been observing closely. Seeing Linsey''s once- radiant smile fade into a troubled expression, she frowned in confusion.

    "What''s wrong? Weren''t you about to tell Collin about the pregnancy just now?" Dolores asked.

    Linsey bit her lip, brows drawing together. "I heard a woman talking to him."

    Dolores looked puzzled "Didn''t you say he''s on a business trip? It''s probably just a colleague."

    She Linsey''s unease only deepened. She met Dolores'' gaze and spoke slowly, deliberately. "Dolores, I''m not

    imagining things. Something feels off I just know Collin is keeping something from me. And that woman, ot

    isn''t just a work acquaintance."

    Dolores was caught off guard.

    0.0%

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    õr

    < Chapter 475 He Wouldn''t Betray You

    "Linsey, are you saying Collin is cheating on you?" The idea seemed almost impossible.

    She had seen the love between them firsthand-how could it suddenly be in question?

    Linsey shook her head, frowning "I don''t think it''s that. But I do feel like he''s hiding something important."

    Dolores thought for a moment before taking her hand seriously. ¡°Linsey, if you''re having doubts, you need real proof Warrying over nothing won''t do you or the baby any good"

    But Linsey''s concern didn''t fade.

    Sensing her lingering unease, Dolores tried to reassure her. "Come on, don''t overthink it. I haven''t spent much time with Collin, but from what I''ve seen, he genuinely loves you. He wouldn''t betray you."

    After a moment of thought, she added, "If something really is going on, you''ll find out when he gets back. Just ask him directly."

    Linsey let out a slow breath, feeling some of the weight on her chest lift. "Yeah... You''re right. Maybe I was overthinking

    Maybe it was just her pregnancy hormones heightening her emotions.

    Dolores gave her a reassuring squeeze. "It''s not your fault. Don''t put too much pressure on yourself."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionsin. Haphy For Aller

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476 Are You Not

    Feeling Well

    Linsey''s thoughts were a mystery to Collin.

    He sighed with relief after ending the call

    It was lucky that Linsey hadn''t caught on to anything if she had, it would have spoiled the borate surprise

    he was organizing

    Next to him, Jacquetta Turner, the jewelry designer, offered a warm smile. "Was that your wife, Mr. Riley?"

    Nodding lightly, Collin returned her smile. "It was."

    With a hint of embarrassment, Jacquetta said, "I hope I wasn''t interrupting"

    Collin waved it off with a chuckle, "Not at all. My wife has a sharp eye for design. I was worried that she might recognize your voice, so I ended the call quickly."

    Considering Jacquetta''s reputation in the designmunity, it was possible that Linsey, a fashion designer, could recognize her..

    To protect the secret he had been meticulously preparing, Collin knew caution was key.

    When she heard this, Jacquetta''s interest immediately sparked. "Your wife designs too? How wonderful! I''d love to meet her someday,"

    "Absolutely," Collin replied with genuine warmth. "Her name is Linsey, and she''s an excellent fashion designer."

    Comforted by Dolores" supportive words, Linsey managed to push her suspicions aside for the next couple of

    days.

    She resolved to patiently await Collin''s return before confronting him directly.

    Only afterward would she finally share the joyful news of her pregnancy.

    On a typical workday, Linsey was at her office.

    Her colleague tapped gently on her office door, checking if she wanted anything. "Hey Linsey, we''re ordering

    coffee. Want your usual?"

    Battling fatigue, Linsey almost requested her favorite coffee out of habit.

    "I think-" She abruptly hesitated, changing course mid-sentence. "Actually, my

    stomach''s bothering me today. Could you bring me hot milk instead?"

    10:52

    Chapter 476 Are You Not Feeling Wel

    "Linsey, are you not feeling well? I have some antacids if that might help, her colleague suggested kindly

    Linsey quickly shook her head "No, thanks"

    "Okay then, her colleague replied, who then left without further questioning. The

    door closed, and silence returned to Linsey''s office

    She breathed a sigh of relief in the silence

    Lowering her head, she tenderly touched her stomach.

    Exhaustion from the day nearly made her forget she was pregnant.

    During this period, avoiding coffee and limiting medication was essential

    She reminded herself to keep these precautions in mind.

    Thirty minutester, there was another knock. Her colleague reappeared, this time with a cup of hot milk and an envelope in hand.

    "Linsey,

    while I was at the cafe for the coffee, someone was delivering this to you, so I picked it up."

    Taking the envelope with a hint of curiosity, Linsey thanked her, "Thank you."!! Her colleague grinned. "I took a quick look, and it''s an invite to Miss Lawson''s birthday party! She must really value your work to send one your way."

    Linsey pulled the invitation from the envelope. It was indeed for Carol''s twenty- sixth birthday celebration.

    It seemed Carol meant what she had said recently about sending an invitation Linsey pursed her lips. Attending wasn''t something she looked forward to. However, she kept that thought to herself.

    "It''s probably just a formality," Linsey replied casually.

    Her colleague disagreed immediately, saying, "I wouldn''t say that. The Lawson family is quite selective about their party guests. They maintain a very exclusive guest list each year, with no details ever made public. It sounds like it will be quite the borate affair."

 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477 You Seem Pretty Excited About This

    Linsey let out a lightugh. "You seem pretty excited about this."

    Without dwelling on it, she passed over the invitation. There''s no name on it anyway. Go ahead. With such a huge crowd, she won''t be able to tell who''s who."

    Her colleague''s eyes widened in rm as she quickly waved her hands. "Linsey, I wouldn''t dare! If Miss Lawson found out, I''d be finished-and you might get caught up in it too."

    Linsey observed her colleague''s anxious expression and was taken aback for a moment.

    Carol''s reputation was no joke-everyone seemed too intimidated to take any risks around her.

    "Hey, Linsey." Her colleague shot a nce at the invitation on the desk. "I just realized you''re the same age as Miss Lawson."

    Linsey shifted her gaze to the card, only now noticing that she and Carol were indeed born in the same year. "That''s right," she acknowledged.

    Her colleague sighed. "Both twenty-six, yet you''re soposed and reliable- always calm and collected. Meanwhile, she..."

    Noticing her colleague''s hesitation, Linsey chuckled. "Alright, let''s leave it at that."

    After a brief pause, she added, "You should be mindful of what you say. If the wrong person hears, it couldnd you in trouble."

    Her colleague stuck out her tongue yfully. "Got it. I''ll be more careful next time."

    Once her colleague stepped out, Linsey picked up the invitation again.

    As expected of the Lawson family-every birthday bash they threw was as grand as a wedding

    She skimmed through it briefly and didn''t give it much thought.

    She had already nned to make up an excuse and skip the event.

    Carol probably wouldn''t even notice if she was missing.

    But the day before the celebration, someone from the Lawson household arrived at CR Corporation once again "Miss Lawson personally selected this dress and jewelry for you." The attendant presented an elegantly p at CR Corporation''s entrance tomorrow night wrapped gift box. "She has also arranged for a car to pick you up

    Please be sure to wear these to the party."

    Carol''s attendant handed over the package in front of the entire Fashion Design Department, making it

    1052

    impossible for Linsey to refuse.

    "Thank you." She honestly didn''t know how to respond.

    Carol seemed far too invested in her presence. Why go out of her way to send an

    outfit and even arrange transportation?

    Was Carol afraid she wouldn''t show up?

    Well, that had been the original n..

    But now, it seemed she had no choice.

    After all, their ongoing coboration on the dress design project was still in

    motion. It wouldn''t be wise to strain their professional ties.

    Once Carol''s people left, Linsey''s colleagues immediately swarmed around her, whispering with curiosity and

    envy.

    After finally breaking free from the chatter, Linsey retreated to her office, her gazending on the dress box sitting on her desk. A sense of unease crept in.

    Why was Carol so determined to have her there?

    After a moment of thought, Linsey opened the box and examined the gown inside.

    A careful inspection confirmed that it was a simple yet sophisticated evening dress-nothing out of the

    ordinary.

    Since avoiding the event was no longer an option, she decided not to overthink it.

    She still couldn''t tell whether Carol''s interest in her was friendly, antagonistic, or something else entirely.

    Maybe tomorrow night would finally give her some answers.

    With that in mind, Linsey set her worries aside.

    All that was left was to end Carol''s grand celebration

    Rmended for you

    WITH THE CEO

    AFTER DIYCHICE

    A Second Chance With The CEO...

    Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life...

 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478 They Really Do

    Look Alike

    The following evening, Linsey changed into her evening gown at the office before making her way to the

    As expected, the moment she stepped outside, a sleek car was waiting nearby- the one Carol had arranged for

    her.

    Linsey slid into the backseat, and without a word, the driver pulled away, taking her straight to the hotel where the grand celebration was being held.

    Upon arrival, she stepped out and immediately noticed the lively scene at the entrance. A steady stream of elegantly dressed guests filled the area, arriving for Carol''svish birthday party.

    Without sparing them much attention, Linsey made her way inside.

    Just then, faint whispers reached her ears-hushed yet filled with curiosity.

    "She looks so much like..."

    "I know! It''s uncanny!"

    "Which elite family is she from? I don''t think I''ve ever seen her before."

    "Could she be a Lawson?"

    Hearing the murmurs, Linsey instinctively turned her head and found a small group discreetly ncing in her

    direction.

    The moment her gaze met theirs, they quickly looked away, feigning innocence.

    Their reaction puzzled her even more

    What exactly were they whispering about?

    Linsey blinked in confusion but didn''t dwell on it, continuing toward the banquet hall

    Just as she stepped inside, someone walking out identally collided with her.

    Caught off guard, she gasped softly, stumbling sideways.

    For a brief second, her mind went nk-her body''s first instinct was to shield her abdomen.

    "Careful!"

    A firm arm caught her just in time, steadying her securely

    Linsey''s breath hitched in surprise. It took her a moment to regain herposure

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    III

    Chapter 478 They Really Look Alike

    "Thank you," she murmured, still slightly shaken.

    She had no idea that the man who had caught her was just as stunned.

    When he remained silent, Linsey frowned slightly and turned to face him-only to freeze in shock.

    The man standing before her had a strikingly familiar face. He looked like a male version of herself

    "You... Linsey hesitated, slowly raising her hand as if to confirm what she was seeing, her expression conflicted

    Jeffery, too, was at a loss.

    He didn''t even resemble his own parents this closely.

    So why did thisplete stranger look almost identical to him?

    More whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd.

    "Seeing them side by side now, they really do look alike."

    "Right? The moment I saw her, I thought she was a softer, more delicate version of Jeffery."

    "Could she be an illegitimate daughter of the Lawson family?

    The second those words were uttered, Jeffery''s dazed expression hardened. A sharp glint flickered in his eyes as he turned toward the gossiping guests. His voice remained steady, but the weight of his presence alone sent a chill through the group.

    "Mind your words. If I hear any more baseless spection, don''t be surprised if you''re escorted out-and permanently cut off from us."

    His parents had always been devoted to one another. The idea of an illegitimate child was beyond ridiculous.

    The once-chatty onlookers instantly shrank back, their faces turning pale. "S-

    sorry, Mr. Lawson. We didn''t mean anything by it," they stammered, bowing their heads in apology

 Chapter 479

    Chapter 479 Don''t Let This Ruin Your Night

    "Alright, enough standing around Cet inside." Jeffrey said

    "Yes, Mr. Lawson" The group quickly paired up and hurried into the venue

    Linsey was still piecing together what had just happened when the caught Jeffery shooting her a sharp, almost

    ley look

    Buh? What was going on?

    Why was he ring at her?

    Jeffery was already irritated by the earlier gossip, and now, even seeing Linsey made his mood worse

    "Watch where you''re going Don''t block the way," he said curtly before striding past her without another nce.

    Linsey blinked, momentarily stunned, then almostughed in disbelief. Was he serious? He had been the one to barrel out and bump into her!

    Taking a steady breath, she reminded herself not to let some arrogant man ruin her night.

    Lifting the hem of her gown, she continued inside.

    It was then that she recalled how the others had addressed him-and suddenly, everything clicked. He was Jeffery, Carol''s brother and the future head of the Lawson Group.

    No wonder both siblings seemed equally insufferable. It must run in the family. This brief encounter only cemented Linsey''s already low opinion of the Lawsons.

    She just hoped that once this party was over, she would never have to cross paths with them again.

    Yet, despite jeffery''s attempt to shut down the whispers, word of a mysterious woman resembling him had already spread like wildfire.

    It wasn''t long before the rumor reached Carol.

    "Carol, have you heard? There''s a woman at your party who looks exactly like your brother."

    Carol''s expression darkened instantly. "What?" she asked, her movements slowing

    Her friend leaned in. "You don''t get it? People are saying she might be your father''s illegitimate daughter!"

    A cup flew through the air, mming hard against the woman''s shoulder before crashing to the floor. Water sshed everywhere, soaking her dress.

    The lounge fell into stunned silence. No one had expected Carol to lose her temper so suddenly,

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    <

    Chapter 470 Dont Let

    Another woman quickly stepped forward in rm "Card, don''t be upset Annie didn''t mean anything by je she was just repeating what people are saying outside"

    Annie Anderson, whis had yelped in pain, shopped back to her senses. When she saw Carol''s furious expression, a chill ran down her spine

    "Carol I''m sorry! I shouldn''t have said that Please don''t be mad, Annie stammered, her mice shaking,

    Dvery socialite in Grester''s elite circles knew one thing stay on Carol''s good side

    at all costs Before befriending her, they had all been warned repeatedly by their families

    And now, she had unintentionally set Carol off

    Gritting her teeth, Carol seethed, "Whoever started this nonsense I''ll make sure they regret it!

    Her friends immediately rushed to calm her. "Carol, it''s your birthday. Don''t let this ruin your night"

    "We''ll find out who''s behind it, and if anyone keeps spreading it, we''ll make them apologize to you personally!"

    "Exactly! Just ignore it, Carol. Don''t let these baseless rumors bother you." Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

 Chapter 480

    Chapter 480 Who Dared Upset My Sister

    Carol sat stiffly, surrounded by people trying to console her Despite their efforts, her wlessly made-up face

    remained tense

    "Who exactly is this woman?" she asked, her voice cold and distant.

    Annie hesitated, biting her lip as she nced around for support. Finally, she spoke, her voice uncertain. "I haven''t seen her myself. It''s just rumors-maybe people are exaggerating..

    Before she could say more, the lounge door swung open.

    "Who dared upset my sister?" Jeffery''s voice carried a lighthearted edge, but when his eyesnded on Carol''s distressed expression, his demeanor shifted. His face hardened as he strode toward her. "Carol, what happened?" Immediately she saw him, the emotions she had been holding back broke free. Tears welled up in her eyes as she sobbed, "Jeffery!"

    Without hesitation, Jeffery pulled her into aforting embrace, gently patting her shoulder while his gaze swept over Carol''s friends.

    "Someone exin-what''s going on?" he demanded. His eyes briefly rested on the faint bruise en Annie''s shoulder. His voice dropped as he asked, "Did Carol hurt you? I''m sorry. Go take care of that first."

    Annie, touched by his concern, felt a flicker of warmth rece her earlier resentment. ¡°It''s nothing, Mr. Lawson. I was out of line when I spoke to Carol."

    Jeffery''s expression shifted as he nced down at his still-crying sister. With a sigh, he turned his attention to the mess on the floor. "There''s water everywhere. Have someone clean it up before Carol slips."

    As if on cue, Alexa walked in to tidy up.

    "Carol, stop crying, or you''ll ruin your makeup. Just tell me what happened to upset you this much?" Jeffery said as he handed her a tissue and gently dabbed at her tears.

    Alexa, silently wiping the floor, couldn''t help but speak up. "Miss Lawson, whatever it is, just tell Mr. Lawson He''ll handle it for you."

    Carol sniffled and nced at her brother with grievance and frustration. "Annie said a woman at tonight''s birthday party looks just like you. People are saying she''s Dad''s illegitimate daughter!"

    The cup Alexa had just picked up slipped from her grasp, shattering against the floor. The sharp sound cut through the room, drawing everyone''s attention

    Startled, Carol snapped, "Be more careful! Didn''t they train you properly before you got this job?"

    +

    10:52

    Alexa quickly masked the flicker of guilt in her eyes and bowed her head. T''m so sorry, Miss Lawson I''ll be

    more careful "

    Carol''s words echoed in Alexa''s mind, and her thoughts immediately turned to Linsey

    From the first moment Alexa saw Linsey, she had noticed how much she resembled M

    Later, when she met Jeffery, the simrities between him and Linsey became impossible to ignore

    One thing was for sure; if M ever crossed paths with Linsey, she would ask questions. And when that happened, Carol would be in trouble.

    Jeffery barely reacted, his expression unreadable. Still, his tone was calm as he said, "Alright, Carol, it was just

    a mistake

    Rmended for you

    BOUND BY LOVE:

    MY

    DISABLED HUSBAND

    Bou

 Chapter 481

    Chapter 481 It''s Just Baseless Gossip

    Carol listened as Jeffery defended Alexa, and in that moment, she recalled what Alexa had told her earlier.

    So, Alexa really was following his instructions.

    Since that was the case, there was no point in arguing with a mere servant..

    "I knew it! You never take my side! I''m upset, and you haven''t even tried to make me feel better! Can you believe the nonsense people are spreading? Doesn''t it bother you? I refuse to believe Dad has some illegitimate child!" Carol huffed, crossing her arms.

    Jeffery gently patted her head, his tone calm. "I don''t believe it either. You shouldn''t let it bother you. People love to stir up drama for no reason."

    Then, his expression darkened slightly. "If anyone keeps running their mouth, they''ll be thrown out and banned from our events going forward."

    Hearing that, Carol finally rxed a little. "Now that''s what I like to hear!" She tossed her hair over her shoulder but was still visibly annoyed. "Everyone here tonight is someone I know. If there really was a woman who looked like you, how could I not have noticed?"

    Nearby, Alexa tensed as she silently cleaned up.

    If Carol ever learned the truth-that Linsey was the real daughter of the Lawson family-she would never

    ept it

    Jeffery chuckled softly but didn''t argue. His sister had always been terrible at recognizing faces..

    She would never admit it, though, and Jeffery didn''t see the point in pressing the issue.

    Instead, he gave her a reassuring pat. "It''s just baseless gossip. Don''t let it ruin your night. And your makeup''s smudging-go have someone fix it."

    Carol finally let the matter drop.

    Her parents had always been devoted to one another. There was no way an illegitimate daughter existed. Feeling better, she sat in front of the mirror, letting the makeup artist touch up her face.

    Jeffery lingered a moment before heading for the door.

    Just as he reached it, something crossed his mind. He turned back. "Alexa,e

    with me for a second." Alexa stiffened. Why was he calling her out all of a sudden?

    Carol, however,pletely misread the situation. To her, it simply looked like Jeffery was sending Alexa off to

    10:52

    keep an eye on Linsey

    Smirking, she waved Alexa away. "Go on, then. There''s nothing left to clean up here anyway."

    She shot Alexa a subtle look, silently telling her to find herter.

    Alexa, understanding the message, forced a polite smile before following Jeffery out.

    He led her down a quiet hallway and stopped in a secluded corner.

    Alexa''s heartbeat quickened. Something felt off. Then, Jeffery turned to her and asked, ¡°Did you see the woman at the party tonight? The one who looks like me?"

    Alexa''s face drained of color.

    What did he mean by that?

    Why had he pulled her aside just to ask this?

    Had he already noticed something?

    Panic surged through her. For a moment, the sounds around her blurred into nothing

    She was running out of time.

    If Carol lost her ce in the Lawson family, what would be of her future?

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

    Chapter 482 Politel

 Chapter 482

    Chapter 482 Politely Ask Her To Leave The Party

    The thought of Carol losing everything sent a chill down Alexa''s spine She had to get rid of Linsey-

    immediately.

    That was the only way to keep Carol''s true identity from ever being exposed.

    A buzzing filled her ears, drowning out everything until Jeffery''s voice finally cut through.

    She blinked and looked at him nkly. "Mr. Lawson, what did you say?"

    To Jeffery, her dazed expression seemed like illness.

    With a sigh, he said in a steady voice, "Alexa, if your health is deteriorating, you should consider getting checked into a hospital before it gets worse. Do you have enough from thest transfer? If not, I can send more."

    Alexa quickly shook her head. "No, no, I''m fine, Mr. Lawson. I don''t need a hospital. I''d rather keep working to

    cover my expenses.

    She couldn''t leave now. Carol still needed her.

    That thought alone strengthened her resolve.

    Taking a deep breath, Alexa refocused. "Mr. Lawson, earlier you asked about that woman who looks like you Do you need me to do something about her?"

    She had been too flustered before.

    Now, she could see things clearly-Jeffery wouldn''t have been so calm with Carol earlier if he truly suspected anything

    For now, he still believed Carol was his real sister.

    That realization steadied her nerves.

    Sure enough, Jeffery spoke thoughtfully, "I don''t know who she is or why she was at Carol''s birthday party. But I don''t want her anywhere near my sister again."

    Alexa hesitated. "Mr. Lawson..."

    "Carol isn''t great with faces, but she''s not blind. If she sees me standing next to that woman, she''ll definitely notice the resemnce," Jeffery said slowly. "Carol is sensitive. She has a heart condition. I won''t let anything ruin her birthday."

    Alexa smiled lightly. "Mr. Lawson, it''s obvious how much you care for Miss Lawson"

    As long as Jeffery remained by Carol''s side, Alexa was confident-no one could take her daughter''s ce.

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    "What''s your n?" she continued

    Jeffery''s voice was calm, decisive "Send a few people with some nice gifts to find her. Politely ask her to leave

    the party. Our family has a reputation to uphold we can''t be seen

    her with respect. If she wantspensation, I''ll take care of it"

    Alexa could hardly hide her satisfaction

    So, Jeffery was going to have Linsey removed after all.

    Everything was falling into ce.

    "Understood, Mr. Lawson. I''ll handle it."

    Jeffery gave a nod. "Go ahead.")

    unable to manage

    He didn''t want his usual people taking care of this-too many eyes, too much risk of rumors.

    Instead, he trusted a few staff members to discreetly show the Lawson family''s stance.

    Alexa bowed her head in agreement and turned away..

    Her eyes, once clouded with anxiety, now glowed with something else excitement.

    Jeffery wanted her to be polite to Linsey.

    But Alexa had a much better idea.

 Chapter 483

    Chapter 483 What''s Your

    Connection To The Laws...

    Standing in a quiet corner of the banquet hall, Linsey absentmindedly nibbled on pastries, sipping her drink

    out of boredom

    Ever since her pregnancy, her taste buds had shifted. Foods she once loved no longer appealed to her, while unexpected cravings took over

    What surprised her most was her sudden fondness for sweets. She had never cared much for them before, yet now, she couldn''t seem to get enough.

    Her gaze instinctively dropped to her belly, as if she could somehow see the little life growing inside her

    It seemed their baby-Collin and hers-had a sweet tooth.

    The hall buzzed with chatter, Carol''s birthday party as grand as expected.

    Linsey had been content keeping to herself, but before long, a small group of well-dressed guests approached

    her.

    "Hello," the woman leading them greeted with a polite smile.

    Linsey gave a slight nod, assuming they were just looking for a ce to chat.

    "If you need a seat, I don''t mind moving." she offered softly.

    Before she could step away, the woman gently reached out to stop her, still smiling warmly. "No, we actually

    wanted to talk to you."

    Linsey hesitated, studying their faces again. She was certain she had never met them before.

    "What about?" she asked cautiously, a hint of wariness creeping in.

    "Rx," the woman reassured her, though her curious gaze told a different story. Lowering her voice, she asked, "What''s your connection to the Lawson family?" Linsey blinked in confusion.

    She had no connection to them.

    "Sorry, I don''t understand. I''m just a guest at Miss Lawson''s birthday party. I don''t have any ties to her family." she replied hesitantly.

    The group exchanged skeptical nces.

    The woman who had spoken seemed especially unconvinced. "You look so much like Jeffery. That can''t be a coincidence."

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    Chapter 483 What''s Your Connection To The amazon f

    Linsey stiffened. The man she had identally bumped into earlier the one who had been rude was the son

    of the Lawson family

    Now that they mentioned it, she had to admit there was a resemnce

    Still, she shook her head "I''m sorry, but I really have no connection to them. You must be mistaken

    Sensing their persistence, she added more firmly, "We just happen to look stike Tonight in the Lawson birthday. If you keep saying things like this, she won''t appreciate in

    The group chuckled, their expressions tinged with amusement and disdain. "Carol acts like Grester''s queen just because her family spoils

    "We''ve been sick of her for a long time. We came tonight hoping to stir up some trouble

    "We thought we''d have no chance, but after seeing you, well. You might be the perfect opportunity"

    Linsey frowned. "What exactly are you nning?"

    Had Carol made this many enemies without even realizing it?

    One of the men studied her intently before speaking "We could help each other. If you''re hiding your identity. we understand your caution. But if you don''t step up and im what''s rightfully yours, Carol and her brother will take everything. And trust me, her brother dotes on her like no other."

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    Chapter 484 Seize Her!

    Linsey breathed out a quiet sigh of frustration.

    Why did they think that she was rted to the Lawson family? She had made it abundantly clear she had no

    ties to them

    She was about to set the record straight once and for all.

    However, her exnation was cut short by the sudden arrival of a group of imposing bodyguards. another servant from the Lawson family were in tow.

    Alexa and

    "There!" Alexa''s voice was sharp as she pointed at Linsey, her face twisted with hostility. "Mr. Lawson''s orders are clear severe punishment for anyone who dares steal Miss Lawson''s birthday present! Seize her!"

    As Alexa''smand echoed, the bodyguards quickly moved to encircle Linsey.

    The curious onlookers who had been pressing Linsey for details were abruptly pushed aside.

    "What is this?" Millie Burke, the guest who had engaged Linsey, called out indignantly.

    She was frustrated; she hadn''t even heard the entire story from Linsey yet..

    The arrival of the Lawson family''s bodyguards enveloping Linsey in a tight circle left the room in shock; the guests were baffled by the unfolding drama.

    Linsey calmly put down her te and faced the approaching bodyguards with a steely look.

    "As a guest here, what do you think you''re doing?" she asked sharply.

    From the crowd, Alexa advanced, scanning the bystanders before saying loudly, "Moments ago, a dress meant

    as Mr. Lawson''s gift for his sister vanished. Surveince footage revealed this woman as the thief!"

    Pointing usingly at Linsey, Alexa made her im clear.

    The shock rippled through the room immediately.

    "Can you believe someone would actually steal at Miss Lawson''s birthday event?"

    The murmurs grew louder. "This is starting to get good."

    "There, that woman, isn''t she the one rumored to be Jeffery''s lookalike? I''ve

    heard whispers all evening."

    "Five bucks says she''s Cruz''s illegitimate daughter!"

    "I agree. She was probably jealous and stole Miss Lawson''s gift."

    In less than thirty seconds, without Linsey uttering a single defense, the assembly

    hadbeled her both an illegitimate daughter and a criminal.

    Linsey nearly chuckled at the absurdity.

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    10.53

    484 Selon Hent

    Steal something? She had been at this spot in the banquet hall all evening. How could she have possibly taken Carol''s present?

    Her face remained stoic as she turned to Alexa

    It hit her then this was the woman who had attempted to shove her down the

    stales at a predous Lawson

    family''s event.

    Clearly, this woman was in the Lawsons'' employ

    Linsey observed Alexa quietly, her thoughts swirling

    Under Linsey''s scrutinizing gaze, Alexa''s earlier confidence wavered slightly.

    This plot was Alexa''s creation, devised without Jeffery''s knowledge

    She knew she needed to make a move quickly.

    Utilizing the gossip that was rampant at the party, Alexa aimed to pin the theft directly on Linsey

    Her n was clear: by the end of the night, Linsey''s reputation would be in tatters.

    "Why are you looking at me like that? You had the audacity to steal Miss Lawson''s gift, yet youck the courage

    to confess?" Alexa, adept in deception, effortlessly used Linsey of theft.

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 Chapter 485

    Chapter 485 Show The Footage Then

    Alexa leveled her usation and swiftly faced the gathered crowd, exuding a poised certainty.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, consider the Lawson family''s standing in town-our extensive business portfolio speaks for itself. What benefit could possibly be derived from ndering a guest? We have scrutinized the security recordings from the event and have clearly observed this individual appropriating Miss Lawson''s gift returns it willingly, we may consider resolving this matter quietly

    Her statement stirred immediate reactions among the attendees.

    "Indeed, why would the Lawson family need to fabricate such ims?"

    Voices from the crowd then turned to Linsey. "Can you rify your actions? Why remain silent up till now you actually guilty of the theft you''re used of?"

    "Speak up if you''re innocent!"

    Some muttered disparagingly, "I''ve never before seen someone used remain so tight-lipped."

    "Has she lost her ability to speak?"

    Are

    Amidst the whispers and stares, Linsey maintained herposure, then unexpectedly, she chuckled-a low, cryptic sound that shifted the room''s focus to

    her.

    Despite her softughter, she drew all eyes, momentarily overshadowing the event''s supposed honoree, Carol Alexa, visibly annoyed by Linsey''s reaction, asked, "What''s so funny?" Her expression one of marked annoyance. Alexa felt confident using Linsey so publicly, convinced that Linsey wouldn''t manage to defend herself effectively.

    Under such pressure, Linsey might only end up further humiliating herself.

    At this juncture, the truth of the theft was irrelevant.

    Linsey gave Alexa a cold look. "I''m amused by the sheer audacity of this sham. Do you really think you can pull off such a clumsy trick against me?"

    Alexa momentarily felt a shiver of fear, panic shing across her eyes, but she quickly recovered and raised her voice. "Audacity? How so? I inly stated we''ve reviewed the footage and it shows you taking the gift-"

    Linsey interrupted her by holding up her hand. "Show the footage then."

    With a dismissive snort, Alexa replied, "Follow us, and you''ll see the footage of your indiscretion yourself.¡± Linsey raised an eyebrow in response. "Strange, isn''t it? Why not disy it here for everyone to see?"

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    Chapter 485 Show The Footage Then

    Alexa was ready with her retort, saying. "The guests present are distinguished.

    We can''t squander their time. over a matter concerning someone as trivial as you

    Her gaze hardened as she continued, "Stop causing a disturbance. Juste with us."

    She signaled the security with a wave of her hand to apprehend Linsey. Linsey''s smile turned cold.

    Clearly, they were determined to make her admit to a crime she hadn''tmitted.

    As severalrge bodyguards approached, Linsey swiftly retreated, grabbing a wine bottle from the table. Without a second thought, she hurled it to the floor.

    The sound of shattering ss echoed loudly.

    Wine sshed wildly, and shards of ss skittered across the sleek floor..

    The suddenmotion turned every head in the room, with guests staring at Linsey in shock.

 Chapter 486

    Chapter 486 You Have No Right To Search Me

    "Oh my God!" Alexa''s breath hitched as she stared wide eyed at Lincey, her voice trembling slightly. "Are you

    out of your mind?-

    Linery had smashed a bottle of wine, yet her expression remained disturbingly calm Brushing off the lingering shards from her hands, the lifted her gazezily "If I didn''t do this, would you still think I''m just some spineless pushover?"

    She let out a cold short, cutting Alexa off before she could spew more nonsense. "The mighty Lawson family resorting to publicly framing an innocent guest? Now that''s a real shocker."

    Without another word, Linsey pulled a chair over and sat down,pletely unfazed "Go get whoever''s charge of the Lawson family. I have no interest in wasting my breath on unreasonable people like you"

    Alexa was momentarily speechless, thrown off by Linsey''s sudden demand.

    She hesitated, then quickly regained herposure. ¡°They''re busy! They don''t have time for petty matters like

    this

    Her mind raced. There were barely thirty minutes left before the birthday banquet officially started.

    She couldn''t afford to let Linsey stall things any longer.

    Alexa''s expression darkened as she gritted her teeth. "Since you refuse to cooperate, then we''ll have to search you and check your bag-to see if Miss Lawson''s missing gift is in your possession."

    She had already prepared a ne in advance. Once Linsey''s bag was opened, slipping it inside would be easy. But Linsey didn''t react as expected. Instead ofplying, she clutched her bag tightly to her chest.

    Her gaze turned sharp, her voice edged with defiance. "You have no right to search me. And trying to force a search based on nothing but a few words-don''t you think that''s a bit much?"

    She hadn''t stolen anything, and she had no intention of proving her innocence under false pretenses.

    That would only give them control of the situation.

    The real move was to turn the tables on them.

    Taking her time, she continued, her tone even. "And if you ''coincidentally'' find the stolen item in my bag during the search, who am I supposed to turn to then? There''s no way I''m letting you touch my things"

    Alexa''s face went pale with anger. She opened her mouth to argue, but Linsey was faster.

    This time, she turned to Millie-the woman who had approached her earlier for gossip.

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    With a knowing smile, Linsey asked, "This lovelydy, wouldn''t you agree that what I''m saying makes sense?"

    Millie blinked, briefly caught off guard. But she quickly nodded. "Of course! The Lawson family may be rich and powerful, but that doesn''t mean they can just use someone of theft without proof. At the very least, they should show us surveince footage Otherwise, why should we believe them?"

    Alexa stiffened. She hadn''t expected Linsey to drag someone else into this-let alone Millie, the daughter of prominent family in Grester.

    This was bad. Forcing a smile to mask her rising panic, Alexa tried again. "Miss Lawson''s birthday party is about to start. We really can''t afford any dys."

    But Millie simply gave her a sideways nce. "Why should I care? You keep

    insisting there''s no time to waste, yet you''re the one dragging things out instead of showing us the surveince. What exactly are you up to?"

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    Secret Wife, Real Billionaire

 Chapter 487

    Chapter 487 There''s Been A Theft At The Party!

    Millie cast a pointed nce at the bodyguards Alexa had brought along, then suddenly gasped. "Oh! I see what''s happening here. You''re trying to gang up on a woman, huh? Unbelievable. I never thought I''d witness such shameless behavior from the Lawson family''s staff."

    Her words struck like a whip, making Alexa''s face flush with anger. "Please, don''t say that. We-"

    Millie had no patience for excuses. "Enough. Just call your supervisor. If you can''t, we''ll go straight to Jeffery." "Exactly! What''s the holdup? As guests at this party, don''t we have the right to ask the Lawson family''s staff to handle something properly?" one of Millie''s friends cut in.

    "The e

    event hasn''t even started yet. Just get someone in charge to deal with this."

    "I agree! If I were the one being falsely used of theft, I wouldn''t stand for such nonsense either."

    One by one, Millie''s friends backed her up, leaving Alexa with no room to argue.

    Linsey''s lips curled into a smirk. She had only brought Millie into the conversation to deflect pressure, never expecting her to be this outspoken-or so eager to stand up for her.

    Then it clicked,

    Earlier, when Millie and her friends had approached her, their words had carried a clear distaste for Carol.

    That must be part of the reason Millie was willing to step in now.

    en more at ease.

    With Millie and her friends in her corner, Linsey felt even

    Linsey lifted her chin slightly and repeated, coldly. "Call your supervisor. I''d like to see if there''s anyone in the Lawson family who actually knows how tomunicate."

    Meanwhile, in the lounge, Carol remained focused on perfecting everyst detail of her outfit.

    Suddenly, one of her friends, checking her phone, let out a shocked gasp. "Oh my gosh! You won''t believe this!" Carol frowned in annoyance. "What happened?"

    "There''s been a theft at the party!"

    Carol, seated at the vanity, narrowed her eyes. "Someone dared to cause trouble at my

    event?"

    "Carol, look at this video. Someone secretly recorded it."

    Carol turned, taking the phone handed to her. As the video yed, Alexa''s shrill, hysterical screams filled the

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    air. The chaotic shouting made Carol''s expression twist with disdain.

    How did Jeffery end up hiring such an unrefined servant? Her behavior was aplete disgrace to the Lawson

    family''s image.

    If Alexa weren''t under Jeffery''s orders to keep an eye on Linsey, Carol would have fired her ages ago.

    Then, Carol''s expression shifted again.

    In the blurry footage, she spotted a familiar dress.

    ?

    Carol had personally arranged for that dress to be sent to her. There was no mistaking it.

    So Alexa was using Linsey of theft?

    Carol''s voice remained calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "What exactly was stolen?"

    Her friend hesitated before answering, "I heard it was the ne Jeffery nned to give you. And that

    servant causing all thismotion-wasn''t she the one your brother sent out earlier?"

 Chapter 488

    Chapter 488 How Could

    You Do Such A Thing

    Carol understood immediately

    Jeffery must have given Alexa instructions when he called her out earia

    A faint smile curled on Carol''s lips as she pieced it together

    But Alexa clearly hadn''t prepared well enough.

    Carol rose gracefully, her movements unhurried, and said with amusement, since this inches me, I should see for myself."

    It might also be the perfect chance to stir things up for Linsey

    Her friends hesitated. "But the party hasn''t even started yet

    Carol dismissed their concerns with a casual wave. "So what? If I make an early appearance, the night might

    be even more interesting."

    With that, she lifted the hem of her gown and strode out, unconcerned about what others might think.

    Just as she reached the door, she suddenly paused, calling a servant over and whispering a few words

    "Hurry it. If you get it done, I''ll make sure you''re well rewarded," she continued. The servant''s eyes widened slightly. "Yes, Miss Lawson."

    What exactly had Linsey done to provoke Carol this much? Was it really worth all this effort just to reputation?

    But questioning orders wasn''t a servant''s ce.

    Carol''s friends exchanged curious nces, unsure of what she was nning, but as her loyal entourage, they followed her without hesitation.

    By the time they arrived at the banquet hall, a crowd had already gathered in the corner-just like in the video "Miss Lawson, why are you here?" Someone spotted Carol first, their voiceced with surprise

    The crowd instinctively parted to make way for her.

    Carol sighed dramatically. "I heard someone was stealing at my birthday party, so I came to check it out

    She made her way to the center, her gazending on Linsey. Feigning shock, she gasped "Linsey, you''re the thief? I''m truly surprised! How could you do such a thing?"

    Alexa''s emotions wavered at Carol''s unexpected arrival.

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    She had acted on her own tonight, unsure if Carol would support her or expose her instead

    Not far away, Millie and her friends rolled their eyes in unison at Carol''s overly dramatic entrance. Their

    disdain was obvious

    Here came the pretentious Miss Lawson.

    But Linney remained unfazed, utterly calm in the face of Carol''s presence "Miss Lawson, mind your words 1 didn''t steal anything your people are twisting the facts."

    Carol''s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of malice shing through them.

    Of course, she knew Linsey was innocent. But why waste such a golden opportunity?

    She had already nned to humiliate Linsey at tonight''s party-Alexa had simply handed her the perfect setup

    Carol almost wanted to thank her dear brother again.

    She was convinced this was his doing, and that suited her just fine.

    Alexa, catching on, hesitated for only a moment before quickly regaining her confidence.

 Chapter 489

    Chapter 489 I''ll Call The

    Police

    Carol showed no trace of panic. Instead, as if troubled, she let out a deliberate sigh and said slowly, "Linsey, I truly see you as a friend. That''s why I invited you to my birthday party tonight. But you look at you. You''re the design director at CR Corporation-why would you do something like this?"

    Linsey took a deep breath. She knew Carol had onlye over to make things difficult for her.

    Murmurs rippled through the crowd before she could respond.

    "So she''s the design director at CR Corporation?"

    "Now that you mention it, I remember! She''s the designer, Linsey-the one who caused a huge stir online!"

    "That''s right! Wasn''t she used of giarism before?"

    Linsey felt her heart tighten on hearing the unfiltered whispers.

    She had already cleared her name, but the shadows of those rumors still lingered.

    No. She wouldn''t just stand there and take this.

    Straightening her posture, Linsey said with conviction, "I have never giarized, and I haven''t stolen anything tonight either. If you im I took something from the Lawson family, show solid proof! Otherwise, you''re ndering me, and I won''t stand for false usations!"

    She forced herself to steady her breathing before adding, "If you continue spreading baseless ims without evidence, I''ll call the police.

    A wave of shock rippled through the guests.

    "Calling the police at Miss Lawson''s birthday party? Now, this is turning into a real scandal."

    "Well,ing here tonight wasn''t a waste of time after all."

    Carol''s gaze darkened slightly. She hadn''t expected Linsey to push back so firmly.

    Fine. If Linsey wanted proof, she would give her proof.

    After all, there

    e was no one left to save her now.

    Just then, Carol''s phone chimed with a message.

    A triumphant smile spread across her face as she nced at the screen.

    "Alright, you want evidence? Perfect timing-everyone''s here. I''ll let them see whether you stole my jewelry

    ne for themselves!"

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    After saying that, she held up her phone and, in full view of the crowd, yed the video she had just received

    All eyes turned to the screen. The footage showed surveince from the hotel''s lounge

    A familiar figure appeared within seconds-Linsey, standing right there in the video.

    Even Linsey herself froze

    How could that be? She had never been there.

    in the footage, ¡°Linsey" looked around cautiously before opening a gift box on the table. She took out a jewelry ne and quickly stuffed it into her purse.

    Gasps filled the room.

    "So she did steal the ne!"

    "And after all that righteous talk just now! I even believed her!"

    "This is disgusting. I never thought a design director from CR Corporation would do something like this." "Her name is Linsey, right? What a shame. Looks like she''ll be banned from every event from now on." "And she was the one threatening to call the police. Now, it looks like the police should be involved!" "Miss Lawson, you did the right thing! Have this thief arrested immediately!"

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 Chapter 490

    Chapter 490 Should I Really Believe Linsey''s Empty...

    Millie, who had fiercely defended Linsey just moments ago, suddenly found herself at a loss for words.

    She

    stole a nce at Linsey, her expressionplicated. Had she really misjudged her so badly?

    Had Linsey truly stolen Carol''s stuff?

    A wave of regret washed over Millie.

    She couldn''t help but feel frustrated.

    She had hoped to use tonight''s incident to stir up trouble for Carol, yet all she had done was make Carol look

    like the righteous one.

    Her friends felt the same unease.

    Was it toote to take back everything they had said in Linsey''s defense?

    Carol silently took in the shifting atmosphere, satisfaction flickering in her eyes.

    In just minutes, the crowd''s perception of Linsey had changed-from wary skepticism to outright disdain.

    That was exactly the oue she had wanted.

    The effort she had put into fabricating that surveince footage had been well worth it.

    As a member of the Lawson family, she had ess to the best resources-skilled technicians who could alter surveince videos so seamlessly that no one would ever notice. And with the right price, there was nothing she couldn''t manipte. Carol arched a perfectly shaped brow and said coolly, "Linsey, didn''t you demand proof? Well, here it is. What do you have to say now?"

    Then, as if granting Linsey onest chance, she added, "If you know what''s good for you, hand over the ne.

    herwise, I won''t be so kind."

    Linsey''s hands curled into fists at her sides.

    the so-called evidence, she knew. This was a setup. Carol had conspired with her From the moment she saw family''s servants to frame her.

    And now, when Linsey met Carol''s gaze, she was stunned to find a flicker of smug amusement lurking beneath herposed expression.

    Linsey took a slow breath, steadying herself. Her voice was firm. "That video is fake. I have never entered that lounge or seen that ne before."

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    Chapter 490 Should I Really Believe Linsey''s Empty Words

    Alexa seized the moment, her eyes gleaming with false righteousness "Linsey, are you still trying to deny it? ber, when we hadn''t shown the footage, you used us of making baseless ims But now that we have proof, you''re saying it''s fake""

    She let out a mockingugh, dragging out her words. "So, you''re just never going to admit your wrongdoing, is

    that it?"

    Linsey''s jaw tightened. "I swear, I have never stolen anything from the Lawson family!"

    Carol scoffed, "Swearing" What good is swearing? If criminals could just swear their way out of things, why would we need police and judges? How ridiculous"

    Then, turning toward the guests, Carol raised her voice so everyone could hear. "Each of you is here tonight because I invited you to my birthday party. Now, I ask you-how should this situation be handled? Should I really believe Linsey''s empty words? And more importantly, where is my missing ne?"

    A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd before several guests eagerly voiced their opinions "Linsey must return the ne! And she shouldpensate Miss Lawson appropriately!"

    "I agree! Miss Lawson''s birthday has been ruined because of this disgraceful thief. It''s shameful!"

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

 Chapter 491

    Chapter 491 There''s No

    Ne

    "Get this thief out of here before Linsey steals anything else!"

    "Yes, yes, deal with her quickly."

    The growing chorus of usations echoed through the hall, each word a crushing force against Linsey.

    The hostility in the room was suffocating

    She could feel the tide turning against her-if this continued, no one would believe her.

    Her expression darkened. That was enough. Clenching her jaw, she grabbed her handbag.

    Without hesitation, she unzipped it and, in front of everyone, turned it over. The sharp tter of items hitting the marble floor sliced through the tension. Silence fell. All eyes were on the scattered contents of Linsey''s bag

    Linsey had never wanted to dignify such an usation with a defense. It was beneath her, humiliating.

    But Carol had yed dirty-using doctored footage as supposed proof.

    If Linsey didn''t counter with undeniable evidence, she wouldn''t be walking out of here unscathed.

    Once her bag was empty, she shook it out for good measure, then tossed it onto the floor with an air of finality

    Her cold gaze locked onto Carol. "Is this enough for you?"

    Carol and Alexa froze, clearly not expecting Linsey to turn the tables so abruptly. Before they could recover, Linsey pressed on. "In your footage, I supposedly took the ne from the lounge and stuffed it into my bag."

    She gestured at the scattered items. "Well? As you can all see, there''s no ne. This bag is already packed full-it couldn''t possibly fit a bulky jewelry piece. So tell me, Carol, where exactly was I supposed to hide it?" "You- Carol faltered, momentarily thrown off bnce. Linsey didn''t give her the chance to regain control. "Everyone, look carefully." She spread her arms. "I''m not wearing any jewelry tonight. My dress is fitted- there''s no ce to hide a ne."

    Her voice

    grew

    sharper

    "And more importantly, I haven''t left this corner of the hall since I arrived"

    She pointed up at the security camera. "Carol, you showed us surveince

    footage from the lounge, iming I stole the ne. Fine Then how about the footage from this camera?"

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    A faint, wry smile yed on her lips "I can say with absolute certainty that I''ve been standing under the camera''s watch all night. I never set foot in that lounge.

    She turned back to Carol, her gaze unwavering "If you don''t believe me, let''s call the police. They can verify both surveince videos. Otherwise, I will not ept this baseless usation. I''ll be the one taking you to court for defamation.

    Her tone sharpened, each word cutting through the suffocating tension.

    A stunned silence gripped the room. The guests stared at Linsey, disbelief flickering across their faces. No one had expected her to stay so calm to dismantle the usations so ruthlessly, so logically

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire. Happy Ever

 Chapter 492

    Chapter 492 Take Her Away And Question Her Properly

    If anyone else had been used like this-cornered, humiliated, with damning footage against them-they would have crumbled under the pressure,

    Yet Linsey stood firm, her unwavering confidence casting a shadow of doubt over the crowd.

    "Since there''s surveince footage here, why not check it? If Linsey''s lying, we can just call the police and have

    her arrested."

    "Exactly. If this is just a misunderstanding, we shouldn''t falsely use an innocent person."

    But not everyone was convinced.

    "Carol''s birthday party is about to start. Are we really going to waste time over some random designer?"

    "I agree. Whether Linsey''s guilty or not, the Lawson family can handle it privately. We have better things to do." Carol and Alexa, who had been tense just moments ago, subtly exhaled in relief.

    Seizing the moment, Alexa stepped forward. "Miss Lawson''s birthday celebration is about to begin. As for the ne don''t worry, we''ll deal with it."

    She reached for Linsey''s arm, signaling the nearby bodyguards. "Take her away and question her properly."

    A cold glint shed in Alexa''s eyes. Once Linsey was dragged somewhere out of sight, they could handle her however they pleased.

    She was just a designer. No one would care what happened to her..

    Linsey''s pupils contracted. A dangerous premonition shot through her.

    "Let go of me!" She struggled, refusing to be dragged away

    All of a sudden, a sharp voice rang out. "What''s going on?"

    The hall fell silent in an instant. All eyes turned to see Jeffery striding forward, his expression dark and

    imposing

    At his arrival, Alexa''s arrogance wavered.

    Jeffery had instructed her to escort Linsey out discreetly-not create a scene.

    But Linsey had proven too difficult to manipte, dragging the situation into the spotlight.

    Now, if Jeffery discovered she had deliberately framed Linsey, the web of lies she had spun for Carol would

    unravel.

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    Her

    Chapter 492 Take Him Away And Question Her Properly

    Alexa''s mind raced.

    Before anyone else could react, she quickly stepped forward, bowing her head slightly. "Mr. Lawson, I sincerely apologize. A thief showed up at Miss Lawson''s birthday party, stealing one of her gifts. We''re handling the matter urgently." Jeffery''s brows furrowed. "A thief?"

    His gaze swept over the crowd, his voice calm yetced with an icy edge. "A thief-at our event?"

    Then, his eyes locked onto Linsey

    She stood there, restrained by towering bodyguards, her posture rigid butposed.

    His breath hitched.

    He had told Alexa to have this guest removed. So why was she still here.

    Then, as Carol subtly moved closer to him, Jeffery''s pulse quickened.

    No. Carol couldn''t notice it.

    She couldn''t see just how much he and Linsey looked alike.

    Rmended for you

    The CEO''s

 Chapter 493

    arrying A Secret Zillionate Happy Ever After

    Chapter 493 She''s Ruining My Birthday Party!

    Jeffery knew that given Carol''s sensitivity, if she realized this, she would inevitably think Linsey might be their father''s illegitimate daughter.

    Carol''s heart condition couldn''t withstand such a revtion.

    Fortunately, Carol was too preupied to notice the flicker of unease in Jeffery''s expression. Instead, she pointed an using finger at Linsey, her voice sharp with frustration. "Jeffery! She''s the one who stole my ne. We have clear surveince footage, yet she refuses to admit it! She''s ruining my birthday party!" Carol clutched Jeffery''s arm, shaking it insistently. "Please, Jeffery! The party is about to start-I don''t want this thief spoiling my mood. Do something!"

    To Carol, everything tonight was unfolding just as nned. Alexa had assured her that Jeffery was behind this setup, orchestrating it to help her.

    That was why she had no reservations about demanding his intervention.

    Jeffery''s frown deepened, his gaze shifting to Linsey. A flicker of disgust surfaced in his eyes.

    So this woman wasn''t just causing trouble-she was an outright criminal.

    "Since the evidence is clear, take her away and question her properly. If necessary, call the police. I don''t want this disrupting the party any further."

    At hismand, the bodyguards moved without hesitation, roughly restraining Linsey.

    Her eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn''t even bothered to verify the so-called evidence.

    He was simply taking Carol''s word for it?

    Unbelievable.

    How absurd was this Lawson family?

    Fuming, Linsey opened her mouth to protest-only for a bodyguard to mp a hand over her mouth, silencing her instantly.

    "Let She struggled with all her strength, but the bodyguards'' grip was too strong.

    Taking a steady breath, Linsey forced herself to stop resisting. There was no point in fighting back now.

    Instead, she went still, her cold gaze sweeping over the people in the room.

    Fine. She would wait. Once the right moment arrived, she would make them regret this.

    ? Q

    000

    10:54

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    The moment Linsey was dragged away, the tension in the banquet hall dissipated Conversations resumed.ughter filled the air, and the party atmosphere quickly recovered

    Alexa exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.

    The misunderstanding between Carol and Jeffery had led to an unexpectedly seamless oue

    Everything had yed out even more smoothly than she expected.

    Now, all that remained was to deal with Linsey in private-without any interruptions.

    Meanwhile, Jeffery gently led Carol to a quieter spot, scanning her face for any sign of distress.

    "Carol

    are you okay?" His voice was softer now,ced with concern.

    Carol''s heart swelled with satisfaction.

    She shed him a yful smile, taking his hand and swinging it lightly. "Jeffery, you''re overthinking things. What could possibly happen?"

    Still holding onto his hand, she tilted her head slightly, her voice taking on a grateful lilt. "But thank you for handling everything That woman was really starting to get on my nerves."

    Deep down, she knew Linsey had never stolen the ne. The whole thing had been a setup, orchestrated

    Jeffery.

    As long as he helped her get rid of Linsey, she would pretend to be in the dark about his ns.

    10.54

 Chapter 494

    hapter 494 Did You Invite

    Her

    Jeffery smiled as he ruffled Carol''s hair with indulgence.

    "I didn''t do anything," he said lightly, though the mere thought of that woman stealing from Carol filled him

    "Did you invite her? Next time, don''t let people like that attend our gatherings. It''s not safe."

    Carol chuckled. "Jeffery, Linsey only stole something. The way you''re talking, you''d think shemitted an

    unforgivable crime,"

    Despite her casual tone, a sense of satisfaction bloomed within her.

    Linsey''s reputation needed to be destroyed.

    After a brief pause, Carol added, "Don''t worry, Jeffery. I won''t have anything to do with her anymore."

    Jeffery nodded, then nced at his watch. "The birthday party starts in ten minutes. Get some rest while I have someone double-check the schedule."

    "Alright. Thanks, Jeffery," Carol said sweetly, her voice dripping with sugar. She watched as he walked away, a pleased smile stretching across her lips. Just then, Alexa approached and whispered, "Miss Lawson, about that surveince video-"

    "Enough! Carol''s face darkened as she cut her off..

    She quickly scanned the area to ensure no one was listening before lowering her voice. "You idiot. If you were framing Linsey, how could you not prepare properly? If I hadn''t anticipated this and had a fake surveince video made, how would you have covered it up?"

    Alexa gave an awkward smile. "It''s a good thing you stepped in. I never expected Linsey to be so sharp. She didn''t fall for it at all."

    Carol scoffed coldly. "Jeffery must''ve seen that you were useless, so he handled it himself. And look at that-he got rid of Linsey in no time. Saved us a lot of trouble."

    Alexa''s expression flickered with unease..

    She still couldn''t wrap her head around why Jeffery had acted so swiftly to get Linsey out of the picture.

    The only exnation was that he adored Carol.

    But deep inside, Alexa knew something Jeffery didn''t¡ªthe woman he had so easily ordered to be caught was his biological sister.

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    III

    Chapter 494 Did You Invite Her

    How would he react if he ever found out the truth?

    That thought sent a chill down Alexa''s spine.

    No. This secret could nevere to light. She had to do whatever it took to secure Carol''s ce in the Lawson

    family

    Growing impatient with Alexa''s silence, Carol was about to snap at her when a cold voice sliced through the air

    "Carol, that surveince video was faked by you, wasn''t it?"

    Carol''s heart clenched, a jolt of fear shooting through her. She looked up to see

    Millie approaching her face unreadable, nked by her friends.

    The sight of them made Carol''s expression stiffen.

    Not these pests again!

    And Millie had openly defended Linsey in front of everyone earlier.

    What was she doing here now?

    Carol clenched her jaw and met Millie''s gaze head-on. "I don''t know what you''re talking about," she said

    defiantly.

 Chapter 495

    Chapter 495 Why Are You So Hostile Toward Me

    After a short hesitation, Carol forced a polite grin. "Millie, why are you so hostile toward me? Our families have worked together for years. By all logic, we should be on good terms...¡±

    Before she could finish, Millie interrupted sharply, "Oh, save it! Do you really think you can keep up this charade? Have you forgotten who spread those vile rumors about me back in school? Don''t pretend to be kind

    I''m not falling for it."

    Carol''s expression tensed as she struggled to maintain the elegant demeanor expected of her.

    Her lips twitched ever so slightly in frustration,

    Damn Millie!

    "Millie, you''re misunderstanding me. I had nothing to do with those usations back then. Didn''t Iter present proof that cleared my name?" Carol forced another smile

    Millie let out a mockingugh. "Proof? You mean the lies you fabricated? Just like the fake surveince footage you pulled today?"

    Carol''s eyes flickered with a trace of unease. "That footage wasn''t altered. This is your first time meeting Linsey, isn''t it? You have no idea what she''s really like. This isn''t the first time she''s pulled something like this."

    Millie seethed at Carol''s innocent act-nothing would be more satisfying than pping that smug face.

    At first, she had actually believed Linsey had stolen Carol''s ne.

    But when Linsey was forcibly dragged away, Millie caught a glimpse of the defiance burning in her eyes.

    That look-it struck a deep chord.

    It was the same expression she once had when she was drowning under the weight of relentless, humiliating

    gossip.

    Perhaps it was an unspoken bond between those who had suffered the same injustice, but in that moment, Millie''s pulse quickened.

    A fierce urge to step forward and pull Linsey out of this mess nearly overwhelmed her.

    She was certain now-Linsey wasn''t guilty.

    She had been set up!

    But without concrete proof, the Lawsons wouldn''t release her.

    So, Millie confided in her friends,ying out her suspicions and a n to expose the truth.

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    Chapter 495 Why Are You So Hostile Toward Me

    Thankfully, they stood by her side, ready to help clear Linsey''s name.

    Before they could make their move, though, Millie spotted Carol and Alexa lurking suspiciously.

    Without hesitation, she confronted Carol.

    As expected, this woman was just as unbearable as ever!

    Millic eyed Carol''s arrogant stance and scoffed, "I may not know Linsey well, but I know exactly what kind of person you are. You''d better pray nothing ruins your grand birthday celebration tonight."

    With that, Millie spun around and strode off, dragging her friends with her.

    Carol clenched her jaw, seething as she muttered under her breath, "That insufferable girl, who does she think she is to challenge me?"

    Soon, she would marry the founder of CR Corporation. When that happened, she would be the most powerful

    woman in Grester.

    Meanwhile, Linsey was shoved into a dimly lit storage room on the hotel''s first floor.

    "Get in there!" The bodyguard pushed her inside and yelled, "Don''t cause trouble."

    Linsey stumbled forward, grabbing onto a shelf to steady herself.

    A secondter, the door mmed shut, and darkness swallowed the room whole.

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    10:56

    < Marrying A Secret 7onsire Happy Ever After

 Chapter 496

    Chapter 496 What A Bastard!

    A sharp ache pierced Linsey''s heart, but she quickly steadied herself and reached out into the darkness.

    "Even a storage room should have a light switch," she muttered,

    After she fumbled along the wall, her fingers finally brushed against the switch.

    She exhaled in relief and flicked it on.

    Bright light flooded the once pitch-ck room.

    Linsey squinted against the sudden re, her eyes needing a moment to adjust before she could fully take in her surroundings.

    Scanning the space, she let out a quiet sigh.

    For a storage room, it was surprisingly clean and well-organized-nothing like the grimy, suffocating cell she had half-expected.

    Considering the Lawsons'' merciless nature, she wouldn''t have been shocked if they had thrown her into some damp, underground dungeon instead.

    The absurd thought made her chuckle.

    She still had the mind to joke. Maybe a bit of optimism wasn''t so bad after all.

    Besides, she had more than just herself to consider now-she was carrying a child. She needed to stay calm for the baby''s sake.

    Steadying herself, she pulled a chair over and sat down, her mind already racing through possible ways to escape this mess.

    Carol''s so-called evidence was a lie. Linsey had never stepped into any lounge that evening, nor had she even seen the ne she was used of stealing.

    The only thing that could clear her name was the banquet hall''s surveince footage.

    But frustration bubbled up as she realized her mistake. "I mentioned checking the hall''s security cameras earlier but never got the chance to confirm it. Now I''m stuck here, and the Lawsons might destroy the real footage before I can prove anything...."

    She sighed, feeling a pang of regret. If only she had thought more rationally earlier, she wouldn''t be in such a vulnerable position now.

    Her thoughts shifted to Jeffery-the man who had her dragged here without a shred of hesitation.

    10:56

    Chapter 496 What A Bastard!

    "What a bastard! He ran into me, med me for it, then threw usations without even checking the facts. The Lawson siblings are really something else."

    If they were dead set on making her the scapegoat, she couldn''t rely solely on herself to get out of this.

    Pressing her lips together, she reached for her phone.

    Fortunately, she hadn''t left it in her bag-otherwise, she might not have it now.

    Her gazended on her chat with Collin.

    Should she call him? But he was away on business. He might not be able to do anything in time.

    She hesitated, then tapped on Dolores'' contact.

    Dolores had her ownpany, but she wasn''t powerful enough to take on the Lawsons.

    Dragging her into this wasn''t a good idea.

    Linsey racked her brain, searching for a solution-until suddenly, a name surfaced

    in her mind. It seemed she had only one choice left.

    She couldn''t fight this battle alone anymore. She was carrying a child, and that child''s safety came first.

    The moment she made up her mind, the weight on her shoulders eased. She quickly typed out a message and

    hit send.

    Just then, the door burst open with a violent m.

    Linsey''s body tensed as she flinched in shock.

    A smug, taunting voice followed. "Linsey, how does it feel to be locked up in here?"

    She looked up-only to meet Carol''s mocking gaze, dripping with amusement.

 Chapter 497

    Chapter 497 You''re Not Entirely Wrong

    Carol strode in confidently, followed closely by Alexa, who wore a sly grin.

    Two burly bodyguards nked the entrance, their imposing presence making it clear that excre was not an

    option.

    Not that Linsey intended to run.

    Even if the guards weren''t there, she wouldn''t get far in an evening gown and heels,

    Rather than wasting her energy on a futile attempt, she decided to stay calm and buy herself time.

    That realization steadied her nerves,

    Her gaze flickered to Alexa before settling on Carol. In aposed tone, she said, "This was orchestrated from the beginning, wasn''t it? You set me up at the party."

    Carol chuckled lightly, dragging out her response. "You''re not entirely wrong"

    She didn''t borate.

    The original n had been simple-teach Linsey a lesson. Theft hadn''t been part of the equation.

    But since Alexa had already set the stage, Carol figured there was no harm in ying along-as long as the

    oue suited her.

    Linsey thought for a moment before speaking again. "Your maid had nothing concrete against me at first. She was just trying to drag me away under the chaos. If I had panicked, she might have seeded. But I didn''t. Even when some guests wavered, I stood my ground."

    Alexa''s smirk faltered for a split second.

    She hadn''t expected Linsey to piece things together so quickly.

    Carol''s expression flickered with irritation before she masked it with a smirk. "Too bad you figured it out too

    Linsey remained unfazed. A faint smile touched her lips.

    "When the usation wasn''t enough, you acted fast. You arranged a fake surveince video and seized the perfect moment to unveil it." Linsey''s tone was almost detached, as if she were analyzing someone else''s predicament. "Once that footage yed, everything I''d said before lost its weight. The contrast made it easier for people to believe you, and no one cared about my side anymore. To them, I was just a liar wasting their

    time."

    Carol let out an exasperated scoff. "And? What''s your point? You expect me to p for you?"

    10.56

    With exaggerated slowness, she raised her hands and gave a mocking round of apuse.

    "Wow! Linsey, you''re a genius. You got it all right. I''m truly impressed." Leaning in slightly, her voice dripped with amusement. "Maybe you should ditch fashion design and be a detective instead."

    Before Linsey could respond, Carol straightened, crossing her arms as she strolled back and forth. "But honestly? I didn''t n things that far ahead. I do what I want, and no one stops me. You were just unlucky. If you hadn''t crossed my path, none of this would have happened."

    Linsey studied her intently before asking, "Carol, I really want to know-what exactly did I do to offend you? Why are you so determined to make my life miserable?"

 Chapter 498

    Chapter 498 Why Is Your Hand Shaking

    Linsey took a deep breath, her brows knitting together. "From where I stand, there''s no real conflict between us. We live inpletely different worlds-so why go to such extremes just to target me?"

    Carol didn''t answer right away.

    But Linsey caught the brief flicker of jealousy on her perfectly made-up face.

    Why? Carol had everything-the prestige, the wealth, the unquestioned status as a Lawson. Why would she go out of her way to make life miserable for an ordinary designer?

    "Shut up!" Carol''s voiceshed out like a whip as she spun around, shoving Linsey hard.

    Caught off guard, Linsey let out a sharp gasp as her body lurched sideways.

    A jolt of panic shot through her, drowning out all thought but one-protect the baby.

    Instinct took over. She twisted mid-fall, her arm moving to shield her abdomen while her foot struggled for bnce against the corner of the wall.

    A sharp, searing pain shot through her wrist and ankle, and her face drained of color.

    At the same time, her shoulder mmed into a metal shelf, the harsh crash echoing through the storage room.

    Even Alexa stiffened in shock. She hadn''t expected Carol to turn violent so suddenly.

    For a moment, her hand twitched as if to help Linsey-but then she stopped herself.

    She couldn''t afford to feel sympathy, not for Linsey.

    Pain wracked Linsey''s body, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead as she slid weakly to the floor. She lifted a trembling hand to touch her throbbing shoulder.

    It hurt. Every inch of her ached, except for one ce. Her abdomen felt unharmed.

    Carol loomed over her, eyes glittering with something far from remorse. If anything, she looked pleased.

    Had she known how satisfying it would be to put Linsey in her ce, she would have done it sooner.

    After all, the founder of CR Corporation didn''t care about his so-called wife.

    And as the daughter of the powerful Lawson family, she had every right to teach a lowlymoner a lesson. The thought sent a surge of delight through her, an involuntary smirk curling her lips.

    She let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head. "Oh dear, look at you. How pitiful."

    ***

    10:56

    The sharp click of her heels echoed ominously in the cramped storage room, each step like a weight pressing down on Linsey''s chest.

    Carol''s gaze flickered to Linsey''s trembling hand.

    "Why is your hand shaking? Did you sprain it? Or maybe you hit something?" Carol''s words sounded concerned, but her voice held not an ounce of sympathy. Then, without hesitation, she lifted her foot and pressed the ridged sole of her designer shoe onto Linsey''s injured hand. Then she ground it down.

    "Ah!" Linsey let out a hoarse cry, pain tearing through her like white-hot lightning. Desperately, she shoved at Carol''s elegant heel. "Let go!"

    The searing agony coursed through her body, her breathing in sharp, ragged gasps.

    Cold sweat drenched her face in seconds.

    Her veins stood out against her pale skin as she fought against the crushing

    weight, but Carol didn''t budge.

    ÃÀ

    Tears welled in Linsey''s eyes, not from weakness-but from pain.

    Alexa watched from across the room, her heart pounding.

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 Chapter 499

    Chapter 499 You Wanted

    Me Dead

    Alexa couldn''t tell if it was her own illness making her feel this way, but she simply couldn''t bear to watch any

    longer.

    "Miss Lawson..." She hesitated before speaking. ¡°The birthday party is about to start. You should go ahead and

    prepare."

    Carol withdrew her foot instantly, as if she had lost interest, standing with a casual, almost indifferent posture.

    Alexa''s gaze dropped to Linsey''s injured hand, and for a brief moment, she froze.

    Linsey instinctively pulled her hand back, but the wound on her arm made every movement slow and

    excruciating.

    Her fingers trembled uncontrobly from the lingering pain.

    For a moment, her gaze turned hollow. She cradled her injured hand against her chest, her breathing uneven. A single tear escaped her eye,nding silently on her bloodied skin.

    Carol let out a pleased hum. "You''re right. I should get going."

    She turned away, humming a lighthearted tune as if nothing had happened. "Stay here and watch her. I''ll be back after the party."

    "Yes, Miss Lawson," Alexa murmured, lowering her head.

    With that, Carol swept out of the storage room, her entourage trailing behind, leaving only Linsey and Alexa in the thick, suffocating silence.

    Alexa stood stiffly to the side, forcing herself to remember her purpose. Protect her daughter. That thought was the only thing keeping her from giving in to the pang of guilt twisting in her chest.

    Years ago, she had made a choice-one that changed Linsey''s fate forever.

    She had personally swapped the Lawson family''s real daughter-Linsey-with her own child. And after the switch, she hadn''t even cared to raise Linsey.

    She had abandoned her without a second thought. But fate had yed a cruel trick.

    Alexa''s mind drifted. She was lost in old memories, until Linsey''s hoarse voice suddenly cut through the silence. "At thest Lawson family banquet, you tried to kill me, didn''t you?"

    Alexa''s breath hitched. Her heart pounded violently in her chest.

    So Linsey remembered...

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    Linsey studied Alexa''s expression carefully before shifting her gaze away, her voice steady despite its quiet rasp. "When I saw you tonight, I remembered that night. You''re just a servant in the Lawson family. We shouldn''t have any deep entanglements. And yet, you wanted me dead."

    Alexa forced herself to breathe evenly. She needed to stay calm. "You misunderstood. You''re here because you angered Miss Lawson."

    Linsey turned her head back toward Alexa, her piercing gaze unwavering. "Then tell me how did I anger Carol?"

    She didn''t wait for an answer. Instead, she went on, her voice slow and deliberate, as if piecing together a puzzle aloud. "The first time I met Carol was at the Lawson family banquet. At first, we only bumped into each other-an ident. She''s spoiled and temperamental, so sheshed out at me. That, I could understand. But everything changed when she saw the invitation in my hand. That''s when she started to hate me."

    Her voice softened as she asked the real question lingering in her mind. "Is there something about the Lawson family''s invitation that I don''t know?"

    She thought back to that night. Because of an ident, she had sprained her

    ankle and never got the chance to ask Collin about it.

    But now, she was certain-there was something on that invitation, something that exined why Carol''s hostility had turned into outright malice.

 Chapter 500

    Chapter 500 Have We Met Before

    Alexa hesitated, struggling to follow Linsey''s train of thought

    At thest Lawson family''s event, she hadn''t even met Carol.

    Because of that, she had no idea what Carol had been thinking back then.

    Eventually, she did meet her biological daughter, Carol

    To keep the truth about her and Linsey''s origins hidden, Alexa had to weave a lie- that Linsey had repeatedly sought out the founder of CR Corporation with ulterior motives.

    It was the only way to sway Carol to her side, turning her against Linsey, the rightful daughter of the Lawson family.

    After all, Carol''s interest in the founder wasn''t a secret within the Lawson household.

    But now, after she watched Carolsh out at Linsey, doubt crept into Alexa''s mind. Did Carol know something? Something deeper? Was that why her hatred toward Linsey ran so deep?

    Still, Alexa was sure Carol remained unaware of the real truth. If she knew Linsey was the Lawson family''s true daughter, given her fiery temper, she would have already made Linsey''s life unbearable.

    "Linsey, don''t expect to get anything out of me. I''m just a servant of the Lawson family," Alexa said coolly, drawing a deep breath.

    Linsey met her gaze calmly. After a brief pause, she spoke with conviction. "So, you don''t know the real reason either."

    Alexa''s heart skipped a beat.

    Linsey was sharp-too sharp. If she kept piecing things together at this pace, it was only a matter of time before she uncovered the truth about her own origins.

    A sudden wave of fear gripped Alexa. She had made a mistake. She shouldn''t have lingered here with Linsey. She should have left with Carol.

    As Alexa pulled herself together, her eyesnded on the deep, blood-red wound on Linsey''s hand. Pressing her lips together, she said dryly, "I''ll get you a first aid kit. Stay put."

    Without waiting for a response, Alexa turned and walked swiftly toward the supply closet, almost as if she were fleeing

    Linsey''s gaze followed her. As Alexa reached the door, Linsey''s eyes flickered- she had noticed something.

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    Chapter 500 Have We Met Before

    The hallway was empty. Carol''s bodyguards must have left with her.

    A thought crossed Linsey''s mind, and she spoke casually. "I''m a little thirsty. Could you bring me some water?"

    Alexa, still preupied, answered briskly, "Fine."

    Linsey wasn''t in any condition to escape, so there was no harm in indulging her request.

    Just as Alexa was about to shut the door, Linsey suddenly asked, "Have we met before? Perhaps... At a hospital?"

    Alexa froze. Through the narrow gap in the door, Linsey''s calm, unwavering gaze met hers, sending a jolt of panic through her chest.

    How terrifying this woman was! How could she remember something from so long ago?

    Without thinking, Alexa mmed the door shut, cutting off any further conversation.

    Leaning against it, she inhaled deeply, trying to steady her racing heart.

    For a moment, she closed her eyes, but when she opened them again, her expression was cold, filled with quiet resentment.

    She shouldn''t have wavered. She shouldn''t have felt even a shred of sympathy for Linsey.

    With Carol still holding the title of the Lawson family''s cherished daughter, now was the perfect time to get rid of Linsey once and for all.

    Once she was out of the picture, no one could challenge Carol''s ce in the family.

    Steeling herself, Alexa pulled a key from her pocket and, without hesitation, locked the storage room''s door from the outside.

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    Chapter 501 Unlocking

    After making sure the door was securely locked, Alexa finally felt at ease and

    walked away.

    She hesitated for a moment before deciding to wait until Carol was nearly finished before returning. Thest thing she wanted was to be stuck alone in the same room with Linsey,

    Meanwhile, inside the storage room, Linsey heard the click of the lock but showed no reaction.

    She lowered her gaze to her injured hand and let out a silent sigh.

    As a designer, her hands were everything-yet they had suffered so much.

    But she didn''t dwell on the thought for long. Her eyes shifted toward the shelves.

    Earlier, she had noticed some old cleaning uniforms stacked there.

    Bracing herself against the wall with her uninjured hand, she forced her weak body to stand.

    Pain shot through her wounds, leaving her drained, but she had no time to rest. Alexa could return at any moment, and waiting passively wasn''t an option.

    Carol had already shown no mercy. Once she came back from the birthday party, she wouldn''t hesitate to make things worse.

    Linsey gritted her teeth, gripping the shelf for support as she pulled herself upright.

    Her movements were slow and shaky, but she managed to reach for a uniform before lowering herself back to

    the floor.

    Changing was far more difficult than she had anticipated. Every movement sent waves of pain through her body. But if she didn''t disguise herself, even if she managed to escape, her elegant dress would make her an easy

    target.

    By the time she finally finished, she was drenched in sweat, her breathing in uneven gasps.

    Her eyes burned, but she forced herself to push the emotions down. There was no time for weakness. She slipped off her high heels next.

    When Carol had shoved her earlier, she had instinctively used her hand and foot to shield her abdomen.

    Now, not only was her hand injured, but her ankle was swollen again.

    The previous sprain had barely healed.

    If this kept happening, it would only get worse.

    Linsey steadied herself and made her way to the storage room door. Pressing her

    ear against it, she listened carefully.

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    Chapter 501 Unlocking

    Earlier, she had noticed how deserted this part of the hotel was.

    Most of the staff were upied with Carol''s birthday party, which was why they had been bold enough to lock

    her up here.

    If word got out that a guest had been forcibly detained, it would be a scandal that could damage the Lawson family''s reputation.

    After a few moments of silence, Linsey confirmed that the hallway was empty.

    Only then did she reach into her hair, carefully pulling out a small clip.

    She inserted the pointed end into the keyhole, twisting it with practiced precision.

    The lock released.

    Her eyes lit up.

    Memories of her childhood at the orphanage surfaced-of the time she had been locked in an attic while

    ying.

    No one hade when she cried for help. She had felt utterly helpless.

    It was Dolores who had saved her that day, who had taught her how to pick a lock

    so she would never be trapped again.

    She never imagined that lesson would one day save her life.

    Linsey carefully cracked open the door, peeking out. The hallway was empty.

    Without hesitation, she stepped out, making sure to close the door behind her.

    She had one destination in mind-the security room. And she wasn''t going to stop until she got there.

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    GENIUS HEIRESS'' WRATH

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    Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her famil...

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 Chapter 502

    Chapter 502 Carol, Happy Birthday!

    Meanwhile, the banquet hall buzzed with excitement.

    "Happy birthday, Carol!"

    Amid the cheerful well-wishes, Carol beamed as she sliced into the towering cake.

    Suddenly, a burst of colorful confetti rained from above, drifting down like tiny stars, wrapping the room in a

    dreamlike celebration.

    "Carol, happy birthday! This is for you." Jeffery stepped beside her, his voice warm as he handed over a beautifully wrapped gift box.

    He paused briefly before adding with a smile, "Of course, this isn''t the only gift. I''ve prepared more-things I know you''ll love. They''re waiting for you in your room, ready to be unwrapped one by one tonight."

    Gasps of envy rippled through the crowd.

    "Carol, you''re so lucky to have a brother like Jeffery!"

    "He''s spoiled her since childhood. How could any man everpare? She might never get married!"

    "With Jeffery by her side, she hardly needs anyone else!"

    As she listened to the admiring voices, Carol''s heart swelled with happiness.

    She turned to Jeffery with a yful glint in her eyes. "Of course, my brother treats me well, but I still want to get married!"

    "Oh?" Someone caught onto her words and teased, "Sounds like Carol has someone in mind!"

    At once, her cheeks flushed. She lowered her head, her thoughts drifting to Ruben''s striking face.

    But he hadn''te tonight.

    Not that she was too disappointed-Jeffery had mentioned he was away on a business trip.

    If he were still in Grester, she was certain he would have attended.

    As the crowd noticed her reaction, the excitement in the room grew.

    "Carol! Do you really have someone you like? Tell us-we might have some advice!"

    "Oh, please! Carol is the daughter of the Lawson family. No man in town could resist her! The moment she speaks up, she''ll have him wrapped around her finger!"

    "Exactly! We''re just waiting for her wedding announcement!"

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    Chapter 502 Carol, Happy Birthday!

    As their yful teasing continued, Carol found herself daydreaming about a grand wedding with Ruben.

    "Alright, you guys! It''s my birthday-why are you teasing me so much?" she huffed, though the faint smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.

    While the othersughed, Jeffery remained silent.

    He already knew where Carol''s hearty-Ruben.

    He had told her time and time again-Ruben was married. And not just married-he loved his wife deeply. There was no ce for Carol in his heart. Still, she refused to see it.

    Jeffery sighed inwardly. Even if, by some impossible chance, the CR founder abandoned his wife for Carol, that would only make him even more reluctant to let her marry such a man.

    But Carol hadn''t realized that yet.

    The conversation left him feeling restless. Finding an excuse, he leaned toward her and said, "Carol, I''m stepping out for bit. Enjoy yourself¡ªI''ll be backter."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 Chapter 503

    Chapter 503 What Happened To Your Hand

    Carol didn''t dwell on it and simply nodded. "Go ahead, Jeffery."

    She had to wrap things up at the banquet quickly-there was unfinished business waiting in the storage room.

    Jeffery failed to notice the cold glint lurking beneath Carol''s obedient facade.

    To avoid drawing attention, he didn''t head straight outside. Instead, he took a winding path through the interior before finally stepping out for some fresh air.

    As he rounded a corner, something caught his eye.

    A janitor in uniform was up ahead-but why were they limping?

    Moved by concern, Jeffery walked over and asked politely, "Are you hurt? Do you need help getting to the hotel''s medical room?"

    The person tensed for a brief moment before answering in a muffled voice, "No, thank you."

    Jeffery frowned, sensing something off. He took a closer look, and in an instant, realization struck.

    His chest tightened. His expression darkened. "It''s you!"

    Linsey clenched her teeth, frustration bubbling inside her. Of all people, why did she have to run into Jeffery?

    She kept her head down, quickening her pace. "Sorry, you''ve got the wrong person."

    A sharp pain shot through her wrist.

    Her face drained of color as she met Jeffery''s cold gaze. Panic twisted inside her.

    It was over. He wasn''t going to let her go.

    Seeing her reaction, Jeffery scoffed. "So it really is you."

    His eyes flicked over her, suspicion creeping into his voice. "I had someone take you away for questioning earlier. So why are you here now? And in a janitor''s uniform, no less?"

    His expression hardened as a conclusion formed in his mind. "You stole

    something, didn''t you? Not only did you refuse to confess, but now you''re trying to run off with it!"

    Linsey gritted her teeth against the pain and snapped, "I didn''t steal anything! Let go of me!"

    Jeffery let out a coldugh and tightened his grip, determined to drag her back. With a sharp yank, agony shot through Linsey''s hand.

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    Chapter 503 What Happened To Your Hand

    "Ah! It hurts!" she nearly cried. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her fare turned ghostly pale

    Jeffery hesitated for a moment, then instinctively let go.

    Linsey snatched her hand back, gasping for sir

    She hastily rolled up her sleeve, revealing a hand covered in bruises and rew wounds.

    Jeffery''s breath caught. His eyes widened. "What happened to your hand?"

    The sight stunned him. The injuries were brutal-her fingers swollen, her skin scraped raw, bloodied patches covering her trembling hand.

    For reasons she couldn''t exin, Linsey''s eyes filled with tears.

    She looked up at Jeffery, her voice shaking "Mr. Lawson, do you really need to ask? Do you think this is sincere?"

    He had been the one to have her locked away to make Carol''s happy. And now, he stood there, feigning ignorance. It was almostughable.

    Jeffery''s brows knitted deeper. His gaze lingered on her hand, and for a fleeting moment, sympathy flickered in

    his eyes.

    He despised her because of the theft usation-but he had never wanted this. And what did she mean?

 Chapter 504

    Chapter 504 I Finally Found

    You!

    Jeffery sighed slowly and said calmly, "You got hurt and med me for no reason, but I won''t hold it against you. The hotel has a medical room. I can take you there to get your wound treated."

    Linsey''s anger red even more at his words. "How can you say this has nothing to do with you? I-"

    She was about to call him out for his arrogance and reveal that Carol was the real culprit when a voice suddenly called from behind.

    "Linsey! I finally found you!"

    Linsey turned and saw Millie running toward her, her face beaming excitedly.

    Behind her, their friends followed closely.

    Linsey blinked in surprise. "What are you all doing here?"

    Millie stopped to catch her breath, then held up a USB drive with a victorious smirk. "I got the banquet hall''s surveince footage, Linsey! You didn''t steal anything-we have proof now."

    Linsey''s face lit up. "Really? Thank you! I was heading to the security room to get it, but I didn''t expect you to

    have it already."

    Jeffery, who had been standing silently nearby, frowned. "You didn''t steal anything?"

    Before Linsey could respond, Millie scoffed. "Why, Mr. Lawson? Disappointed that Linsey proved her innocence? You and Carol sure have a lot inmon."

    "Miss Burke, I''d appreciate it if you spoke respectfully about Carol." Jeffery''s expression darkened.

    Millie let out a sharpugh. "Respect? That''s riching from you. You want us to respect Carol, but has she ever respected us?"

    Her eyes shed with anger as she pointed at herself. "Back in college, she spread lies about me, pushed me to the edge."

    Then she gestured toward Linsey. "And tonight, she faked a lounge video to frame Linsey for theft. And you? You sided with her and dragged Linsey away like she was a criminal!"

    She was so furious she had to pause to steady her breath. Then, with unwavering determination, she continued, "With this evidence, we can take Carol to court! And yet here you are, acting all righteous, telling us to resp her. How ridiculous."

    Linsey stood quietly, watching Millie speak up for her.

    She had spent the entire night exhausted from fighting to clear her name.

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    But now, the weight of frustration didn''t feel as heavy anymore with Millie by her side,

    Jeffery remained silent for a long moment before finally addressing Linsey, his expression unreadable.

    "I''m sorry. My family didn''t handle the situation well tonight. But I don''t believe Carol would go as far as to fake surveince footage. Someone must have misled her into thinking you stole something."

    Linsey was pissed off. She opened her mouth to argue, but he continued, "I''ll get to the bottom of this and make sure your name gets cleared."

    Millie''s face turned red with rage. Was he seriously still defending his sister? "Jeffery, you-"

    Before she could finish, he extended his hand toward her. "Miss Burke, please hand over the video. Once I uncover the truth, I''ll make sure everyone knows."

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 Chapter 505

    Chapter 505 You Already

    Know The Answer, Don''t...

    Millie didn''t hesitate-she immediately hid the USB drive behind her back.

    She shot Jeffery a sharp re, her voiceced with outrage. "Jeffery, do you have no shame? I went through so much to get this evidence. If you take it, how is Linsey supposed to prove her innocence? Do you even have a conscience?"

    Linsey''s heart sank. She had thought Jeffery was at least more reasonable than Carol.

    But in the end, he was just as blind. As long as it involved Carol, he would always take her side-no questions

    asked.

    A bitter smile tugged at Linsey''s lips.

    Of course, he would protect his sister. That was natural.

    So why did it hurt so much?

    Jeffery remained firm, his hand still outstretched. "I''ll exin everything to the guests tonight and clear up this

    misunderstanding."

    His tone left no room for argument-he wasn''t letting them leave without the USB drive.

    Millie''s anger red.

    Why should she hand over the evidence to him?

    She sucked in a deep breath, ready tosh out, but before she could, Linsey calmly rolled up her sleeve.

    The moment her arm was exposed, the air around them seemed to freeze.

    "Mr. Lawson, tell me how do you n to exin these injuries?¡±

    Millie gasped, her voice trembling with shock. "Linsey... What happened to your hand?"

    She instinctively reached out, wanting to touch Linsey''s wounds, but hesitated, afraid of making the pain worse.

    The injuries weren''t just deep, raw cuts across the back of her hand. Her wrist was swollen and badly bruised, clearly sprained.

    Jeffery''s eyes darkened, his pupils dting as he stared at Linsey in disbelief. His voice was low and heav "What are you saying? Are you implying that these wounds are..."

    Before he could finish, Linsey''s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. Her clear eyes locked onto Jeffery''s. "Mr. Lawson, you already know the answer, don''t you?" Her tone was steady, unwavering. "That''s right. Carol

    10:57

    did this to me. She pushed me down, spraining my wrist and ankle. My shoulder mmed into the metal

    shelves in the storage room."

    Jeffery''s brows furrowed deeply. His lips parted slightly, but Linsey didn''t give him a chance to speak.

    "And when I fell, I couldn''t move my hand because of the sprain. Carol then stomped on it with her high heel. That''s why it looks like this now."

    "You''re lying!" Jeffery''s fists clenched tightly.

    Linsey didn''t falter. She met his gaze head-on, her words carrying the weight of undeniable truth. "Believe me or don''t-it doesn''t change what happened. Carol knows the truth better than anyone. If you can''t give me a reasonable exnation, I''ll take my medical report to the police and file aint against her."

    Millie had been silent, but as Linsey spoke, her expression turned pained.

    Carol had really done this? How could someone be so cruel?

    What kind of hatred could drive a person to hurt someone like this?

 Chapter 506

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 506 You Have Two Options

    Jeffery fell silent, momentarily thrown off bnce.

    His gaze lingered on the injuries marking Linsey''s hand, his expression unreadable, shadowed with something

    unreadable.

    For a fleeting second, he considered offering some kind of reassurance.

    But the thought of Carol snapped him back to reality.

    His face remained void of emotion as he addressed Linsey in aposed tone. "Ms. Brooks, you have two options."

    Linsey''s brows knitted together, a flicker of disbelief shing in her eyes.

    From the way he spoke, it was obvious-he still refused to ept the truth.

    And just as she expected, he continued, "I''ll write you a check for $5 million. Take

    it and walk away. Pretend none of this ever happened. The moment you ept the offer, I trust you understand the value of discretion.

    Or stand your ground-go back inside, clear your name, use whoever you wish, even involve the authorities

    if that''s what you want. I won''t interfere."

    He paused, lifting his gaze. The ice-cold sharpness in his eyes sent an unmistakable warning.

    Linsey felt her chest tighten.

    His voice remained detached. "But I think you''re well aware of my family''s influence in town. If you decide to challenge us, I won''t hesitate to y along. Just remember-no matter how long you fight, the result won''t change. You''ll lose."

    Linsey''s fingers curled into trembling fists, frustration and fury churning inside her.

    This was beyond cruel, beyond insulting.

    Did he really see her as nothing more than an opportunist?

    A bitterugh nearly escaped her lips.

    She had assumed Carol was the worst of the Lawsons.

    Who knew Jeffery was even more despicable?

    He knew exactly what his sister had done, yet he still shielded her, acting as if she were faultless.

    And now, he was twisting the situation to paint her as some money-hungry schemer while positioning himself

    and Carol as the victims.

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    Chapter 506 You Have Two Options

    Howughable. Her lips curled into a smirk before she let out a cold chuckle.

    As he saw herck of response, Jeffery''s brows furrowed. "What''s the issue with you now?"

    "My issue?" Linsey''s smirk vanished as she met his gaze, her expression cool and detached. "Well, you seem remarkably skilled at intimidation. I take it this isn''t your first time cleaning up Carol''s mess?"

    If not for the searing pain in her injured hand, she would have apuded his dedication to ying the perfect

    big brother.

    A flicker of irritation crossed Jeffery''s face. "Enough. Which will it be? I don''t have time to stand around."

    Millie, already at her limit, stepped forward, hand twitching as if she were about to p him.

    She had heard more than enough.

    But before she could follow through, Linsey gently held her back.

    Millie instinctively halted, gripping Linsey''s arm with concern. Her voice dropped

    to a worried whisper. "Don''t move! Your hand is still injured."

    Linsey shed her a reassuring smile. "My right hand''s fine. It''s the left that''s hurt."

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    < Marrying A Secret Zilionaire Happy Ever After

    Chapter 507 Are You Telling Me Linsey Got Aw...

    Jeffery ignored Linsey and Millie''s conversation and said in a firm tone, Ms Brooks, I suggest you think this

    through carefully."

    Linsey''s lips curled into a calm smile as she spoke at an unhurried pace. "Alright, then Hand over $5 million"

    "Linsey!" Millie''s eyes widened in shock. She waspletely caught off guard by Linsey''s response

    At those words, the tension in Jeffery''s expression finally eased. "No problem."

    He retrieved a checkbook from his suit''s inner pocket, swiftly scribbled out the amount, and handed it to Linsey. "$5 million-everyst cent."

    Linsey epted it without hesitation, giving the check a cursory nce before murmuring with an ambiguous expression, "You certainly know how to be generous."

    Jeffery tucked his pen away and cast a faint nce at Millie. "I trust Miss Burke will keep tonight''s events to

    herself."

    "Get lost." Millie was so furious her breathing turned uneven, snapping at him without restraint.

    Without another word, Jeffery turned on his heel and left.

    Since Linsey had epted the money, it was obvious she wouldn''t pursue the matter any further.

    Everything made sense now-Linsey had staged this entire ordeal just to get a payout.

    Carol must have been provoked by Linsey''s maniptions, which led to her unintentionally injuring her.

    In the end, Linsey was the one orchestrating the situation, and Carol had fallen into her trap.

    It was Carol''s birthday, and Jeffery didn''t want any irrelevant people ruining her celebration.

    As for Linsey, Jeffery silently resolved to make sure she was never allowed anywhere near another gathering of

    his family.

    Meanwhile, Linsey remainedpletely unaware of his thoughts.

    The moment he disappeared from view, Millie let out an annoyed scoff, her frustration clear. ¡°I can believe you actually agreed to his offer for a measly $5 million!"

    Linsey gave a small, resigned smile. "I don''t have the means to fight the Lawsons head-on."

    She waved the check lightly. "Besides, $5 million isn''t exactly chump change for

    me.

    Millie''s expression shifted as she quickly remembered Linsey''s reality-she was just a designer with no

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    powerful backing. To her, five million was a fortune.

    "Fine," Millie muttered reluctantly. Though she didn''t like it, she had to respect Linsey''s choice.

    Carol had always been insufferably arrogant. None of this was surprising.

    Millie was about to suggest taking Linsey to the hospital to treat her wounds when Linsey''s next words stopped

    her cold.

    "Millie, do you have time to help me stir up a little chaos at Carol''s birthday party?"

    Inside the grand banquet hall, Carol had just wrapped up a conversation with a few guests. Checking the time, she prepared to head toward the storage room and settle things with Linsey once and for all.

    But just as she turned, she spotted Alexa-the very person assigned to keep an eye on Linsey.

    Carol''s expression darkened immediately. As Alexa rushed toward her, she snapped, "Why are you here? Didn''t I tell you to guard Linsey in the storage room?"

    Alexa hesitated, looking visibly distressed before stammering, "Miss Lawson, I only stepped out for a moment to use the restroom. I locked the storage room before I left, but when I came back..."

    Carol instantly understood what had happened. Her grip tightened around Alexa''s arm, her voice dripping with fury. "Are you telling me Linsey got away?"

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 Chapter 508

    Chapter 508 You''re Completely Useless!

    Carol''s sharp nails dug into Alexa''s arm, making her yelp in pain. But Alexa didn''t dare resist and instead responded in a subdued voice, "Yes, Miss Lawson. Linsey is gone. I searched the entire storage room multiple times, but she was nowhere to be found. We''ll need more people to track her down."

    Alexa struggled to keep her panic in check. She had hesitated to report Linsey''s escape.

    But as a mere servant, shecked the authority to mobilize the household staff or the hotel employees without the Lawsons'' approval.

    With no other choice, she had braced herself ande to find Carol.

    Carol''s fury boiled over. Her grip tightened, making Alexa wince, her face going pale from the pain.

    "You''repletely useless! You can''t even keep one person locked up! Why do I even bother keeping you around?" Carol seethed.

    A golden opportunity to punish Linsey had slipped through her fingers.

    Alexa gritted her teeth and pleaded, "Miss Lawson, we should act quickly and send people after her. She''s likely still somewhere in the hotel."

    She hesitated for a moment before adding, "She''s injured and has a sprained ankle-she couldn''t have gotten

    far."

    At those words, Carol''s anger eased slightly.

    "Fine. I''ll have my men bring her back." She clenched her fists and muttered under her breath, "Linsey, you sly little rat. When I catch you again, I''ll have her beaten up."

    A shiver ran down Alexa''s spine at Carol''s ominous words.

    Both knew Linsey was pregnant.

    If Carol truly intended to beat her senseless, she might end up losing the baby. Alexa quickly forced any lingering sympathy for Linsey out of her mind.

    Then, something urred to her, and she quickly added, "Miss Lawson, when I checked the storage room, I noticed she had changed out of her gown and heels. She must be disguised as a hotel cleaner now."

    Carol finally released her, and Alexa gasped softly, instinctively clutching her aching arm.

    "Understood." Carol''s gaze darkened as she turned, already reaching for her phone to call her most trusted bodyguards.

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    "Carol, what''s wrong? Hearing Jeffery''s voice, Carol stiffened. She turned to see him striding toward her,

    concern etched across his face.

    She hesitated briefly, then quickly masked her emotions with a smile. At the same time, she shot Alexa a discreet look, silently instructing her to gather reinforcements.

    Alexa got the message and immediately hurried off to fetch Carol''s men.

    Jeffery''s eyes flicked toward Alexa''s retreating figure, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "You seem to have a rather close connection with Alexa."

    Carol smirked. "I heard you personally recruited her, so I pay her a little more attention."

    Jeffery''s expression softened, and he was just about to casually bring up Alexa''s illness when a suddenmotion broke out in the banquet hall.

    "The screen just went ck!" someone eximed.

    Both Jeffery and Carol instinctively turned toward the source of the disturbance. Their faces froze.

    The massive screen, which had moments ago been disying an elegant slideshow of Carol''s photos, had abruptly switched. Now, it was ying surveince footage from earlier that night.

    The video captured every move Linsey had made in the corner of the banquet hall-clear as day.

 Chapter 509

    Chapter 509 Linsey Must Have Tampered With It!

    "What''s happening here?"

    "Hold on... Isn''t that Linsey in the surveince video?"

    "Yeah, look-she''s been standing in that same corner ever since she entered the banquet hall. If she really went to the lounge to steal something, she would''ve had to pass through here, right?"

    "Exactly! But in the footage, she never left that spot."

    "That''s right. I was near Linsey the whole time because of that rumor floating around tonight. I kept an eye on her from a distance as soon as I arrived, right up until Millie went over to talk to her."

    "Look closely-right after that, the Lawsons'' servant showed up with people to confront Linsey."

    On the massive screen, the sped-up footage yed, condensing the night''s events into just a few seconds. The guests watched intently.

    Jeffery''s expression darkened, his voice cutting through the murmurs like ice. "Who''s controlling the screen? Turn this off immediately!"

    Carol stood frozen,pletely blindsided. She hadn''t expected this footage to even exist.

    By the time she snapped out of her shock, the video had already reached the part where she stormed in with

    her people.

    "No! This isn''t real!" she blurted out, spinning around to face the crowd. Panic twisted her features as she yelled, "Don''t believe this! The footage is fake! Linsey must have tampered with it!"

    For a brief moment, silence hung in the air.

    Then, a voice rose from the crowd. "The video is not fake. I see myself in the footage. I was standing right there at exactly 8:15. I remember because a waiter identally spilled red wine on me."

    Carol''s eyes widened in fury as she frantically scanned the crowd, trying to pinpoint the speaker.

    But with so many guests packed together, it was impossible to tell.

    She recognized that voice. It was one of Millie''s friends!

    Damn it! Millie again! This had to be her doing!

    And then, as if a floodgate had opened, more guests began speaking up.

    "Uh... I see myself too. I was checking my phone at that time, and the timestamp matches."

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    Chapter 509 Linsey Must Have Tampered With It!

    Someone else, eager for drama, chimed in, "Who hasn''t heard the gossip about Jeffery and Linsey looking alike! That''s why I even noticed Linsey tonight. I was watching from 7:50 onward, and I never saw her leave that

    corner."

    "Yeah, same here! I kept quiet earlier because I thought maybe I was misremembering"

    "Now it''s obvious which footage is fake, isn''t it?¡±

    "How embarrassing-an influential family like the Lawsons framing an ordinary guest for theft."

    And then, a more daring voice threw out a wild guess. "You know... What if Linsey is actually Cruz''s illegitimate daughter? Maybe Carol framed her out of hatred!"

    Gasps rippled through the crowd. The whispers grew louder, spection running wild

    Carol felt like the ground was crumbling beneath her. ¡°All of you, shut up!¡± she shrieked, herposure finally snapping. The mention of an illegitimate daughter had hit a nerve. Her breath came in short, furious gasps as she red at the guests. ¡°Shut up! My dad has no illegitimate daughter! If any of you keep spreading these ridiculous lies, I''ll make sure you regret it!"

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 Chapter 510

    Chapter 510 Linsey, You''ve

    Got Some Nerve

    Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Jeffery could no longer stand by. He quickly caught hold of Carol, who was on the verge of copsing, his voice firm yet urgent as he tried to steady her emotions.

    "Carol, take a deep breath. Don''t let this get to you. Let''s go home first, okay?"

    The guests, unsettled by Carol''s sharp threats, exchanged displeased nces. "Carol, do you really think you hold all the power here? Look around. Everyone at this banquet can see how much Linsey resembles your brother. You''re the only one who refuses to acknowledge it!"

    The words struck Carol like a bolt of lightning. She stiffened, her face draining of color. "What... What did you

    just say?"

    Her mind spun in chaos.

    Linsey looked like Jeffery?

    That was impossible.

    That wretched girl-how could she everpare to him?

    No. There was no way.

    Her brother belonged to her alone. Her father could never have an illegitimate daughter!

    Jeffery, noticing the deepening pallor on Carol''s face, felt a surge of unease. Without a second thought, he tightened his grip and tried to lead her away.

    Just then, a sudden disruption echoed through the banquet hall''s sound system.

    "What''s happening?"

    "Wait-there''s more?!"

    As murmurs filled the room, several figures emerged from the shadows, striding toward the stage.

    At the center of them stood Linsey, microphone in hand, her expression calm andposed

    "I believe everyone here has seen the surveince footage by now. Let me be clear-I, Linsey, did not steal anything from Carol."

    Her words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. Gasps broke out one after another.

    "Wasn''t Linsey taken away by the Lawson family?"

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    < Chapter 510 Linsey, You''ve Got Some Nerve

    "When did she change outfits?"

    "Oh my God! Look at her hand-it''s covered in blood!"

    The camera zoomed in on Linsey''s face, slightly pale yet unwavering, before shifting to her injured right hand.

    "Yes, everyone. These wounds? Carol did this to me earlier in the storage room."

    As Linsey spoke, Millie crouched beside her and carefully lifted her left pant leg, revealing a swollen, bruised

    ankle.

    A collective gasp spread through the audience.

    "Linsey, you shameless cunt! Get down from there!" Carol shrieked, her self¡ª control snapping.

    She lunged forward, ready to drag Linsey off the stage, but Millie''s people quickly moved to block her path.

    Jeffery, still restraining Carol, cast a cold, piercing re at Linsey. His voice was sharp andced with anger. "Linsey, you''ve got some nerve."

    Linsey had taken his check, yet now she dared to expose everything in front of everyone.

    Linsey met his cutting gaze without a trace of fear. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the

    check.

    Her voice rang clear through the microphone. "Mr. Lawson, are you talking about this check? The one you tried to use to silence me?"

    A poised smile yed on her lips. "Don''t worry, Mr. Lawson. I keep my word. You gave me two choices, remember? I''m choosing the second one."

    She held the check up for everyone to see. "And as for this five-million-dor check, I''ll return it to you right here, in front of all these witnesses. That way, no one can say I took your money without delivering on a deal."

    =

 Chapter 511

    Chapter 511 Just Stop Talking!

    Every detail of the check, signed by Jeffery, was magnified for the crowd on arge screen.

    Momentster, Linsey ripped the check to shreds, scattering the pieces above her.

    The fragments fluttered down, resembling a gentle snowfall.

    Linsey stood firm, her face a mask of scorn and detachment.

    As he locked eyes with Linsey, a shiver ran through Jeffery''s heart.

    He was shocked by the audacity of this woman, whom he had seen as fragile.

    Not only Jeffery but all the guests were stunned by her bold act.

    "Ah, so that''s the real story! Jeffery tried to buy Linsey''s silence to protect Carol."

    "The Lawsons think too highly of themselves! They''re just one notable family in town. What right do they have to act so superior?"

    "Everyone knows the Lawson family is still controlled by their parents. How dare Jeffery and Carol act that way?" "Tonight is meant to celebrate Carol''s birthday, yet her parents are noticeably absent. Definitely suspicious." Carol trembled with rage, her voice rough as she red at Linsey, seething with the urge to make her disappear.

    "Linsey! Enough! Just stop talking!" Carol yelled.

    Jeffery withdrew his gaze from Linsey and quickly steadied Carol.

    ring at his shocked subordinates nearby, he instructed sharply, "Contact hotel management immediately. They won''t escape responsibility for this disaster!"

    "We''ll get right on it, Mr. Lawson!"

    The subordinates nervously hurried to follow his orders.

    But Linsey unexpectedly intervened, her voice steady and calm. "No need to trouble your staff, Mr. Lawson. It''s already toote. Before stepping onto the stage, I started live-streaming everything from my own ount. By this point, I''d say many have already witnessed tonight''s drama."

    A stunned silence swept over the crowd as Linsey''s revtion sunk in.

    Several guests instantly pulled out their phones, eager to confirm the news.

    "Oh wow, Linsey wasn''t bluffing-she really went live!"

    00%

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    w

    **** my youth''s young akesby its blowing up fast

    WITH GAS GA jematte nyping through the crowd, age group of guests began tuning into Linsey''s live

    The psnow toont theories wading the birthday celebration unfold again, this time through Linsey''s

    Meile, once we had akady uped into heated decussions about Linsey being publicly humiliated

    by the Lawson.

    "Attery and Caro keys cound the line falsely using someone of stealing? Absolutely shameful"

    "DIG you see tiery''s hand looks really bad she should head straight to the hospital

    "Card was wrestry inducose for being demanding and spoiled, but tonight just proves she''s even worse than the gwap*

    "Kich people''s lives we straight out of a daytime drama."

    "Tawy spend She''s popping up everywheretely. This designer''s more popr than most celebrities."

    Overvfelm¨¢ndy, people entiered jeffery and Carol''s terrible actions with righteous anger. However, some skeptical voices used Linsey of orchestrating the scene just for attention. Yet, regardless of opinions, Carol''s disastrous birthday party had officially be the talk of the town

 Chapter 512

    Chapter 512 You''re The

    Victim Here

    Linsey couldn''t help but feel a twisted sense of gratitude. Ironically, the nder against her had worked in her favor-drawing massive attention to her in record time.

    If not for the controversy, there was no way a designer like her would have gained this many online followers

    so quickly.

    The thought brought a subtle smile to her lips.

    Earlier, she had been too polite, too amodating in front of the Lawson siblings. That mistake had made her

    an easy target.

    But tonight had been an eye-opener.

    Being overly submissive only meant getting picked on.

    Though her expression remained calm, a steely determination flickered in her eyes.

    In stark contrast, Jeffery-usually soposed-was seething. His jaw tightened

    as he stared at Linsey, who bore a striking resemnce to him.

    Only now did he realize-she had never nned to let this slide.

    She had merely yed along, pretending to ept his check to lower his guard,

    all while keeping proof of his attempt to silence her.

    Well yed.

    In all his years, no woman had ever made a fool of him like this.

    Just as Jeffery was about to step forward and put an end to this, Carol-who had

    been screaming hysterically- suddenly froze.

    Her eyes widened, pupils turning unfocused.

    Her breath quickened in an instant. "Ahhh! Jeffery... I feel awful..... I...........¡±

    Panic flickered in Carol''s teary eyes as her wless makeup failed to mask the growing paleness of her face.

    Jeffery''s irritation vanished in an instant. His expression shifted to rm as he caught her sagging body. "Carol! Carol, what''s wrong?"

    She gasped, clutching her chest. "Jeffery... I-I can''t... breathe..."

    Jeffery''s heart clenched. He recognized the signs immediately. Carol was having a heart attack.

    0.0%

    13:21

    "Move! Everyone move! Call an ambnce!" he barked.

    The room fell into stunned silence.

    Carol let out onest desperate gasp before her eyes rolled back, and she copsedpletely.

    Jeffery didn''t hesitate. Scooping her into his arms, he stormed out of the banquet hall, urgency in every step

    Chaos erupted in his wake.

    Linsey, still standing on stage, could only watch, stunned.

    Beside her, Millie murmured at just the right moment, "Carol has a congenital

    heart condition. It looks like she''s having an episode."

    Linsey''s chest tightened at the words.

    She turned toward the exit where Jeffery had disappeared, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "Will she be

    okay?"

    Had she just triggered a heart attack?

    A sudden wave of guilt crept in.

    But Millie, ever perceptive, quickly reassured her. "This isn''t your fault. You''re the victim here."

    Then, lowering her voice, she added, ¡°Besides... I have a feeling there''s something off about Carol''s so-called heart condition. I''ll tell you more when I get the chance."

    With the Lawson siblings gone, the guests had no reason to stay. One by one, they filtered out, murmuring amongst themselves.

    Before long, the banquet hall was nearly empty, leaving only Linsey, Millie, Millie''s friends, and a few dazed hotel staff behind.

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    Chapter 513 I

 Chapter 513

    Chapter 513 I Can''t Thank You Enough For Tonight

    After she finished her speech, Millie waved to one of her friends and eximed, "Okay, you can shut down the

    live stream now."

    The friend who had been managing the streaming on Linsey''s ount gave a nod and promptly stopped the

    broadcast.

    "Let''s go to the hospital now; your injury shouldn''t be ignored any longer," Millie said, turning to Linsey with

    concern.

    The blood from Linsey''s wound had already dried, making future medical attention more difficult.

    With a weak smile, Linsey responded, "Really, it''s okay."

    She then turned to Millie, her eyes filled with genuine thanks, and said, "Millie, I can''t thank you enough for tonight. Without you, I wouldn''t have cleared my name or stood my ground."

    Millie chuckled and replied, "Oh, it was nothing! It felt like payback for what Carol did to me. I thought you gave in. When you shared your n, supporting you was a no-brainer!"

    Observing the hotel staff clearing the area, Linsey looked uncertain and

    murmured, "I wonder if the Lawson family will me the hotel for tonight''s events. If they do, I''ll handle anypensation ims."

    Before Linsey could say more, Millie ced a finger on her lips and softly said, "No need to worry, my family has a stake in this hotel. They can''t really push us around."

    This leverage was crucial for their sessful coboration earlier.

    Realization dawned on Linsey.

    That exined why the hotel staff had been sopliant with Millie''smands.

    That was the reason.

    Above all, Linsey felt deeply thankful for Millie''s support that day.

    "Don''t be so formal. I like you. Just invite me out for dinner sometime as your way

    of saying thanks," Millie said, smiling as she patted Linsey''s shoulder.

    Linsey nodded without hesitation. "Sure thing."

    "Come on, we need to get you to a doctor," Millie said, gently guiding Linsey forward, mindful of her tender sprained ankle. "We can''t let this wait, or it will take a while to heal."

    At that moment, the sharp ring of Linsey''s phone cut through the air.

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    13:21

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    She paused to answer it, taken aback to see Dustin''s name on the screen.

    With a quirk of her eyebrow, she took the call.

    "Linsey!" Dustin''s voice rang out,ced with panic and on the verge of tears. "I''m sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I missed your messages while I was caught up. Are you okay? I''ve been an idiot, and it''s all because of Collin-"

    Linsey had barely processed his apology when another voice interrupted.

    "Where are you, Linsey?" Collin''s voice came through, rough with concern and unmistakable remorse.

    Caught off guard, Linsey replied, "Aren''t you supposed to be away on business in the next city over?"

    From the other side, Collin''s response was choked with emotion. "Sweetie, I''m sorry. There was trouble with the Lawsons tonight, and I wasn''t there to support you."

    He continued anxiously, "Are you still at the venue? How''s your ankle holding up? Did anyone from the Lawson family bother you?"

 Chapter 514

    Chapter 514 I''m Really Sorry, Honey

    As Linsey absorbed Collin''s concerned questions, a sudden rush of sadness swelled inside her, causing her nose to tingle.

    She bowed her head and let out a soft sniffle, unable to contain her emotions.

    Why did the sound of Collin''s voice suddenly make everything feel so emotional?

    "I''m on my way to the hospital now," Linsey said softly into the phone as she walked towards the exit with Millie.

    Millie, sensing the gravity of Linsey''s conversation, remained quiet but offered steady support as she helped Linsey into the car.

    On the other end, Collin was about to reply when his driver suddenly said, "Mr. Riley, we''ve hit a snag in traffic due to an ident ahead."

    Dustin responded immediately. "Try a detour, even if it takes us a bit longer."

    Linsey picked up parts of their conversation and quickly figured it out. "You''re still in the next city, right?"

    Collin clenched his jaw and responded softly, "Yes I just got the message that you sent to Dustin. I had asked

    him to assist me with a project yesterday, and we both got tied up at work tonight. I''m really sorry, honey."

    This cleared up a lot for Linsey.

    While she had been confined in the storage room, she didn''t want to trouble Collin or burden Dolores. So, she

    reached out to Dustin instead

    Now she realized that Dustin hadn''t responded because he was preupied with Collin all along

    Linsey never held Dustin or Collin ountable for the night''s events.

    She whispered reassuringly, "It''s fine. I need to clear something up. I kept tonight''s issues to myself because I didn''t want to rm you. You were far away in another city, unable to make it back swiftly. My n was to fill you in once things had calmed down. I never imagined you both would end up at the same ce.¡±

    Regret washed over Collin. In hopes of selecting the perfect engagement ring, he had beckoned Dustin

    Grester to assist him.

    The timing was unfortunate, as Linsey had faced unexpected troubles.

    To Collin, a ring was trivial inparison to Linsey''s well-being

    "From now on, I promise to cut down on unnecessary trips from Grester. What matters most is staying by your side, Collin said.

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    Chapter 514 I''m Really Sorry, Honey

    Moved by his words, Linsey smiled as she said, "You havemitments though, right? Tonight was a one-time incident, and it''s already taken care of. Millie was a big help."

    "Millie?" At the mention, Collin and Dustin looked at each other.

    Dustin remembered Millie of the notable Burke family in Grester. "Millie from the Burke family,"

    Acknowledging this, Collin said, ¡°Understood. I''ll make sure to express our gratitude to her appropriately."

    Linsey assumed by this he meant sending Millie a token of appreciation.

    That seemed appropriate.

    As the conversation stretched on, Dustin chimed in, weary of being left out, "Look, could you maybe not tie up my phone the whole trip? We still have a long drive ahead. Am I just supposed to sit here doing nothing?"

 Chapter 515

    Chapter 515 He''s Ideal

    When she heard Dustin''s words, Linsey couldn''t hide her astonishment. "You''re not seriously considering

    driving back to town tonight, are you?"

    Collin''s voice was resolute as he replied, "After what you''ve been through, how could I stay away? I need to return immediately. I just wish I had been there sooner."

    Nearby, Dustin was at a loss for words.

    Couldn''t Collin just end the call and give his phone back? Was this how he repaid him after he had been assisting him all day?

    He better be awarded the seat of honor at their wedding!

    Linsey responded, "Everything''s under control now. I just need to stop by the hospital to have my wound taken care of. It''s minor. Please, go ahead and finish your tasks. That way, you won''t have toe backter toplete any leftover business."

    But Collin''s mind was set solely on Linsey. "No, I have to be by your side. I''ve already taken care of everything necessary here. What''s left isn''t crucial. What matters is that I''m there for you at the hospital."

    Linsey found herself unable to counter his determination.

    "Fine, I''ll wait for your return." She paused, then, recalling Dustin''s earlier grumble, she chuckled, "Let''s give Dustin his phone back now. I''m going to hang up."

    During the entire exchange, Millie had been silent, but now she looked over, startled.

    What? Could it be that Linsey knew Dustin Wade?

    After ending the call, Linsey noticed Millie''s intrigued expression.

    Caught off guard by her gaze, Linsey inquired, "What''s on your mind, Millie?"

    Driven by an intense curiosity, Millie blurted out, "Who was that on the phone with you?"

    Linsey answered with sincerity, "My husband."

    Millie gasped in disbelief. "You''re married?"

    Until tonight, Millie had no knowledge of Linsey, nor had she evere across any gossip about her.

    Millie had no idea that Linsey had married Collin, the eldest son of the Riley family.

    Realizing Linsey had wed so young made Millie feel somewhat disappointed.

    "Wow, I had no idea you were married!¡± Millie eximed, her voice filled with surprise. ¡°You''re quite the catch. I''m eager to hear about your husband. Just so you know, if he''s nothing special, I might just suggest you reconsider!"

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    III 0 <

    Chapter 515 He''s Ideal

    Linsey chuckled at Millie''s yful threat. Rubbing her chin thoughtfully, she responded, "Well, I find my husband quite handsome and extremelypetent. In my eyes, he''s ideal."

    Millie sensed the affection in Linsey''s tone. "That''s wonderful! It sounds like you two really have a strong bond,

    which is reassuring."

    However, Millie''s expression soon changed to concern. "But remember, tonight''s event won''t go unnoticed by the Lawson siblings. Carol was so upset she had a heart attack. Knowing how protective Jeffery is, he''s likely to

    seek revenge."

    Linsey''s face grew concerned as the weight of the situation settled in.

    "You make a good point. My husband and I don''t have much influence, we''ll need

    to avoid the Lawsons as much as we can."

    Millie didn''t hold much hope for Linsey''s husband''s influence.

    Coming from one of Grester''s leading families, she was confident her own family could withstand any challenge

    from the Lawsons.

    If Carol tried to cause trouble, Millie knew how to retaliate.

    But Linsey? What would she do in the face of such a challenge?

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 Chapter 516

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 516 We''re Cutting All Ties With Lawson Gro...

    Millie sighed. She gave Linsey''s shoulder a reassuring pat. "If Carol or Jeffery evere after you again, just let me know. I''ll deal with them. No matter how influential the Lawsons think they are, they can''t touch me I''m from the Burke family. You and your husband don''t have the power to go against them alone. Don''t take unnecessary risks."

    Linsey felt a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Millie."

    Though she agreed, she knew she couldn''t keep relying on Millie whenever trouble arose. That would be unfair. For now, she and Collin could only tread carefully, steering clear of unnecessary conflicts with the Lawsons. She hoped things would settle down. But at that very moment, Collin-who was on his way back to Grester- had no intention of letting this go.

    "Collin, the Lawson family crossed the line tonight," Dustin said, taking back his phone. "I just checked Twitter -Linsey''s livestream has gone viral. It''s all over the Inte. Jeffery trying to buy her silence was bad enough, but Carol actually locked her in a storage room and tormented her for who knows how long. Every bruise on her came from Carol."

    Collin''s expression grew even colder.

    Seeing his reaction, Dustin felt a chill creep down his spine. After a moment''s hesitation, he asked, "Collin, what''s the n? Should we at least send the Lawsons a warning under your name as the founder of CR Corporation?"

    Since CR Corporation had business ties with Lawson Group, a direct message from Collin could force Jeffery to

    back off.

    But before Dustin could finish, Collin''s icy voice cut in. "That won''t be enough." Dustin paused. "What are we going to do, then?"

    Determined to stand by his friend, he quickly added, "Collin, whatever you decide, I''m with you. The Lawsons have gone too far this time. They need to face the consequences."

    Collin''s face remained unreadable as he gave hismand. "Have our official ount release a statement tonight. Effective immediately, we''re cutting all ties with Lawson Group."

    Dustin had expected Collin to take action, but he hadn''t anticipated something this drastic.

    He took a deep breath, struggling to process it. "Collin, we already have a contract with them. Technically, Jeffery and Carol didn''t vite any business terms. If we pull out now, we''ll be hit with a massive penalty-the fine is $2 billion."

    13.23

    Chapter 516 We''re Cutting All Ties With Lawson Group

    Collin didn''t even flinch. He shot Dustin a sharp look and replied tly, "Does $2 billion mean anything to me?"

    Dustin was momentarily stunned.

    Was Collin worried about losing that kind of money?

    Not a chance. As the mastermind behind CR Corporation, Collin was among the wealthiest figures in Grester- perhaps even the entire country. A two-billion-dor penalty was nothing more than spare change to him.

    But for Lawson Group, losing CR Corporation''s support would be catastrophic, especially since Jeffery had been banking on this partnership for Lawson Group''s medical expansion.

 Chapter 517

    hapter 517 I Won''t Let Anything Happen To You

    Collin''s voice was calm yet firm. "I originally partnered with Lawson Group because I respected the Lawson family''s long-standing reputation for discretion. For over two decades, they maintained a low profile, and the Lawsons devoted themselves to charity work. I agreed to work with them out of genuine regard for their values."

    Frowning, he continued, "Though Carol is arrogant, I assumed Jeffery would at least reflect some of those principles. But in the end, he''s nothing more than a self-important fool who believes the world should cater to

    him."

    Dustin let out a sigh of resignation. "I recall that a few years ago, Jeffery actually had a solid reputation. But somewhere along the way, he changed. Lately, he''s be unbearably arrogant."

    A thoughtful expression crossed his face. "Do you think Carol''s influence turned him into this? She''s always been the spoiled, domineering type."

    Collin didn''t argue. Instead, he nodded slightly. "Spending years around someone like her would inevitably leave a mark. But that''s not my concern."

    He adopted a defiant tone. "The real issue here is simple-whether it''s $2 billion or $20 billion, we won''t flinch.

    The real question is whether the Lawsons will actually see a dime of it."

    Collin''s eyes darkened, carrying an unmistakable edge. The sight sent a shiver through Dustin, reminding him of something he had nearly forgotten-before marrying Linsey, Collin was feared for his ruthless decisiveness.

    Unable to suppress his curiosity, Dustin asked, "Are you nning something else?"

    Collin didn''t bother exining. "Just do as I said."

    Dustin didn''t press further, but one thing was clear-the Lawson family was doomed.

    Of all the people they could have provoked, they had chosen Linsey.

    Shaking his head, Dustin almost pitied them.

    Meanwhile, Jeffery remained oblivious to Collin''s next move. He sat by Carol''s hospital bed, watching over her with unwavering attention.

    "Jeffery, my chest hurts so much... Am I dying?" Carol clutched her heart, her

    voice weak, her expression one of pure distress.

    Jeffery immediately reassured her, "No, don''t think like that. I''ll bring in the best doctors-I won''t let anything happen to you."

    0.0%

    13:24

    III

    My happen to you

    Hearing his gentle words, Carol felt a fleeting sense of security.

    But then, something clicked in her mind.

    When Linsey stood on that stage earlier, she had exposed Jeffery''s attempt to bribe her in front of everyone.

    That alone proved how much Jeffery cared-he had done all of that for her.

    And it also confirmed that Alexa had, indeed, acted under Jeffery''s orders.

    But none of that matteredpared to the humiliation she had suffered tonight! The more she thought about it, the more her anger festered. ¡°Jeffery, what do we do? Linsey had the audacity to livestream my party! How could she stoop so low?"

    Tears brimmed in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

    Choking back a sob, she whimpered, "Today was supposed to be my birthday, and shepletely ruined it! If I had known this would happen, I never would have extended her an invitation."

    Jeffery gently wiped the tears from her face, his expression hardening, "Carol, why did you invite Linsey? From what I know, she doesn''te from any notable family in town."

 Chapter 518

    Chapter 518 Jeffery, Don''t Worry About Me

    Carol''s expression stiffened briefly before she cast her gaze downward, concealing the flicker of unease in her

    eyes.

    She spoke softly. "Jeffery, do you remember the day I visited CR Corporation to meet Mr. Riley?

    Jeffery gave a small nod. "Yes, I remember."

    Sensing that she wasn''t in the best mood, he decided against reminding her to keep her distance from Collin Carol continued, her tone carrying a hint of grievance. "Just as I was about to leave, Linsey stopped me. She told me I wasn''t good enough for him-that only she had the right to be by his side."

    Jeffery''s expression darkened instantly. "What did you just say?"

    Carol nced at him, her delicate features showing just the right amount of vulnerability.

    No one-not even Alexa-knew the truth about Linsey''s husband being the actual founder of CR Corporation. Alexa had always assumed Linsey was simply trying to get close to him, and Carol was certain Jeffery thought

    the same.

    That gave her the perfect opportunity to twist the truth.

    "Jeffery, you warned me before that Mr. Riley was already married. I admit I have feelings for him, but I''d never interfere in someone''s marriage. So, I told Linsey exactly that." She spoke gently, choosing her words carefully, making sure they soundedpletely sincere. "But to my surprise, Linsey said she already knew- and that it didn''t matter. She was determined to stay close to him anyway." Jeffery''s jaw tightened, his opinion of Linsey sinking even further. "Then why did you still invite her?"

    Carol bit her lip before pouting slightly. "She brought it up in front of Mr. Riley. I couldn''t exactly reject her outright..."

    She nced at Jeffery again, her voice soft and pitiful. "We''re working with CR Corporation. I didn''t want to cause any trouble for you."

    Jeffery hadn''t expected this turn of events. With a sigh, he took Carol''s hand, his expression serious. "Carol, don''t think like that. Our partnership with CR Corporation is mainly to find a cure for your heart condition. If you were mistreated because of this..."

    He trailed off.

    The deal with CR Corporation was a major opportunity for Lawson Group, and pulling out now woulde with serious financial consequences.

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    The penalty alone was a staggering amount-one they couldn''t afford to lose.

    Carol, unaware of his hesitation, put on a gentle and understanding front. ¡°Jeffery, don''t worry about me. Just focus on your work. I don''t want to dwell on what happened tonight."

    Her obedient, considerate demeanor only deepened Jeffery''s guilt.

    He frowned slightly. ¡°Mr. Riley is devoted to his wife. He wouldn''t risk everything for just another designer in hispany. Carol, don''t worry I won''t let this slide." Carol''s heart leaped with satisfaction. This was exactly what she wanted to hear. But just as she was about to speak, Jeffery''s phone rang abruptly.

    He answered, and his assistant''s panicked voice came through. "Mr. Lawson, bad news! CR Corporation just announced they terminated the partnership!"

    Jeffery shot to his feet, his sudden movement startling Carol.

    Rmended for you

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    The CEO''s Runaway Wife

    To the public, she was the CEO''s executive secretary. Behind closed door...

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 Chapter 519

    Chapter 519 Why Would

    They Suddenly Back Out

    "What''s the matter, Jeffery?" Carol stared at him in shock, a growing unease settling in her chest.

    But Jeffery barely registered her voice. "What did you just say?" he demanded, his pulse quickening.

    CR Corporation had cut ties with them?

    That was impossible.

    But his assistant''s next words crushed any lingering hope.

    "Mr. Lawson, it''s true! CR Corporation has already made an official announcement across multiple public tforms. On top of that, their representative personally reached out to finalize the contract termination..."

    Jeffery felt a sharp pain throb in his head. Pressing his fingers against his temple, he muttered, "This doesn''t

    make sense. We just secured this deal. Why would they suddenly back out?"

    His voice edged with frustration, his usualposure slipping.

    From the hospital bed, Carol''s eyes widened in disbelief. She clutched his sleeve, her grip desperate. "Jeffery! What''s happening? Why would they do this? There has to be a mistake!"

    Her panicked voice only aggravated his growing irritation.

    For the first time, the sister he had always protected felt unfamiliar to him.

    Annoyed, he yanked his arm free and turned away, his tone cold. "Something went wrong. I need every department to investigate immediately. I want to know exactly what happened. I''ll try to reach Mr. Riley

    myself."

    His assistant hesitated on the other end, his voice thick with uncertainty. "Mr. Lawson, CR Corporation has already transferred the two-billion penalty fee to ourpany''s ount. And...¡±

    He paused, as if unsure how to continue.

    Jeffery''s mind reeled.

    Two billion... Already transferred.

    That meant there was no room for negotiation.

    In normal business dealings, even ifplications arose, there was always a chance to renegotiate terms.

    But CR Corporation had severed ties without hesitation-without even a conversation.

    And they had made it public.

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    Chapter 519 Why Would They Suddenly Back Out

    Lawson Group hadn''t just lost a partnership. They had angered CR Corporation''s founder

    "Mr. Lawson? Are you still there?"

    Jeffery barely heard him. He staggered toward the wall, leaning against it as he tried to steady his breathing "Go on," he forced out.

    After a brief silence, his assistant finally continued, his toneced with something between disbelief and unease. "They also wired an additional five million with a note attached. It says, Jeffery''s scare tactics are quite something."

    Jeffery''s entire body tensed. Five million. Scare tactics. The meaning behind those words was crystal clear.

    CR Corporation''s founder was retaliating. For what? Jeffery didn''t need to guess. He had offered Linsey five million to buy her off.

    But why?

    Why would Mr. Riley go this far for Linsey?

    Why was he willing to break a multi-billion-dor deal-just for Linsey?

    Wasn''t he already married? Wasn''t he deeply devoted to his wife?

    What on earth was happening? He couldn''tprehend it.

    Jeffery''s jaw clenched, his fingers curling into fists.

    A chilling realization crept into his mind.

    Could Linsey be his wife?

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 520 They Also

 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520 They Also Transferred An Extra Fiv...

    At that moment, Carol hesitantly spoke from behind. "Jeffery, are you okay?"

    Jeffery snapped out of his thoughts and turned around, meeting Carol''s anxious, uncertain gaze.

    His heart tightened. Had he really just ignored her like that?

    Taking a sharp breath, he realized how his frustration had bled into his actions toward Carol, who had nothing to do with any of this.

    "I''m sorry, Carol. I was too caught up in my thoughts earlier. I shouldn''t have brushed you off like that. Please don''t be upset, okay?"

    Of course, Carol wouldn''t make a fuss at a time like this.

    She knew Jeffery still cherished her, but if she pushed too hard, he might eventually grow tired of it.

    So, she yed the part of the considerate sister, shaking her head with a reassuring smile.

    "I''m not mad, Jeffery. And don''t stress too much-whatever happened, we''ll figure out a way through it." After a pause, she hesitated before cautiously asking, "Is this about CR Corporation?"

    Jeffery exhaled slowly, her understanding demeanor offering him a brief moment of relief.

    But the moment she mentioned CR Corporation, his expression darkened again. Running a hand over his temple, he muttered, "Yeah... CR Corporation unterally terminated our partnership.

    Although Carol had already overheard parts of the conversation, hearing Jeffery confirm it sent a jolt of shock through her.

    She instinctively blurted, "Terminated? How? I know ourpany isn''t as big as CR Corporation, but our coboration benefited them, too! And the contract was signed days ago-why would they suddenly cut ties? Did they give a reason?"

    Jeffery''s face grew even more grim. He studied Carol intently before speaking. ¡°Earlier, you said Linsey has been clinging to Mr. Riley. Do you know how he actually feels about her?"

    Carol stiffened. The realization hit her-Linsey was the founder''s wife. A flicker of panic shed in her eyes.

    But she quickly smothered it, forcing herself to respond with certainty. "He must find her insufferable! He probably wishes_she''d stop bothering him and just leave CR Corporation."

    Jeffery''s brows knitted together. "If he truly couldn''t stand her, don''t you think he, as thepany''s founder, would have the power to fire a mere designer?"

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    Carol faltered, caught off guard. After a beat, she awkwardly replied, "I heard Linsey''s design skills are top-notch. Maybe he''s keeping her around because of that?"

    Even as she said it, she knew the excuse sounded weak.

    If Mr. Riley didn''t actually despise Linsey, then why had he kept her identity hidden?

    Jeffery, however, wasn''t convinced by her exnation.

    His expression remained unreadable as he shifted his gaze. "CR Corporation didn''t just pay the two-billion penalty fee for breaching the contract. They also transferred an extra five million, with a note mocking my attempt to pressure Linsey tonight."

    His voice grew heavier. "Mr. Riley cut all ties with us-because of Linsey.

 Chapter 521

    Chapter 521 Why Don''t

    You Just Die

    Disbelief painted Carol''s face as she clutched Jeffery''s hand tightly, her voiceden with urgency. "This can''t be real! There''s no way! Jeffery, you must find another exnation for why Mr. Riley scrapped our deal-it surely can''t be because of Linsey! She doesn''t wield that kind of influence!"

    Jeffery''s brow creased. "Are you suggesting that CR Corporation backed out due to our own internalplications?"

    His expression turned icy as he slowly pulled his hand away. "Even though I haven''t reached Dad''s level ofpetence, I haven''t let thepany falter to such a degree under my watch. Do you really have such little faith in me, Carol?"

    A look of desperation appeared on Carol''s face. "No, Jeffery, you''ve misunderstood me."

    Jeffery felt his annoyance bubble up. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he managed to keep his voice even,

    saying, "Carol, you should rest. I must r to the office now."

    retur

    The sudden end of the partnership with CR Corporation was a severe setback for the Lawson Group.

    He had to act fast.

    Before Carol could react, Jeffery was already on his feet and out the door.

    The door to the hospital room closed with a soft click, and the warmth on Carol''s face was immediately reced by a venomous re.

    "Damn you, Linsey! Why does it always have to be her? Always her!"

    Meanwhile, Alexa had been vigntly standing outside for a while. At the sound of Carol''s shout, she hurriedly opened the door. "Miss Lawson, is everything alright?"

    As soon as Carolid eyes on her, rage contorted her features. She snatched a ss from the table and threw it at Alexa without hesitation.

    Alexa recoiled, caught by surprise. She barely managed to shield herself in time.

    The impact of the ss was brutal, striking Alexa''s forehead and fingers with forceful pain, causing her to groan softly under her breath.

    "This is all your fault, you useless idiot!" Carol screamed,pletely losing control. "If you had kept a better eye on Linsey, my n wouldn''t have failed! This is all on you! You''re apletely useless trash! Why don''t you just die?"

    Alexa stood motionless at those harsh words.

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    apier RTY DONE YOU JUST DIO

    She looked at Carol, her face a mask of shock and pain. It was unimaginable to her that her own daughter would wish her dead.

    With a heavy heart, Alexa dropped her gaze and remained quiet, overwhelmed by numbness.

    Unbeknownst to Carol, Alexa was grappling with a terminal illness. She was indeed facing death, but Carol was unaware that she was actually her real mother.

    Meanwhile, as turmoil unfolded in Carol''s hospital room, the Inte was in an uproar

    Following the announcement by CR Corporation of their severed ties with the Lawson Group, the intemunity erupted with theories andments.

    "Can anyone exin what''s going on? This coboration was barely off the ground, and now it''s over?"

    "It looks like CR pulled the plug on their own."

    "Tonight, the Lawson Group seems to be in panic mode, desperately trying to understand the fallout. They''ve been reaching out to CR, but there''s been no response."

    "Wow, getting dropped by CR must be a massive blow to Lawson Group. The impact goes way beyond just

    financial damage."

    "Apparently, CR Corporation has already paid Lawson Group two billion aspensation, with an additional five million as part of a secondary agreement.¡±

    "That five million... Why does that amount sound so familiar?"

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    Chapter 522 I''ll Be More Careful Next Time

    "With both events happening so close tonight, it''s hard not to see a connection"

    "Let''s be real-CR Corporation''s move was obviously to stand up for their

    designer, Linsey! She went through so much at Carol''s birthday party! And on top of that, the amount Jeffery demanded from Linsey as

    "Wow, what an incrediblepany and an even more amazing boss! 1 wish I could work at CR Corporation

    "Come on, be serious. Do you think the founder of CR Corporation would spend over two billion-plus five

    million-just for you?"

    "Ahhh! I ship them! It proves the CR founder has feelings for Linsey!"

    "What? Wasn''t there a rumor that the CR founder is already married? And Linsey is also married! What kind of gossip is this?"

    "Exactly! Forget the CR founder for a second-his marriage might be a rumor, but hasn''t Linsey been married to Collin, the eldest son of the Riley family? What exactly is going on here?"

    "Speaking of which, there hasn''t been any news about Linsey''s husband, Collin Riley, for a long time. Could it be that they''ve already divorced?"

    The Inte exploded with spection about Linsey and the CR Corporation''s founder. Wild theories spread

    like wildfire.

    Some imed Linsey had been secretly in contact with the CR Corporation''s founder, some insisted she was his sister, and some said Linsey had forced him to cancel the partnership with the Lawson Group.

    But no matter how outrageous the rumors got, CR Corporation remained silent.

    Meanwhile, Linsey was at the hospital, tending to the injuries she had suffered that night.

    "How did your hand end up like this? If you''re hurt, you shoulde to the hospital immediately," the doctor scolded while treating her wounds.

    Linsey gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry, doctor. I''ll be more careful next time." Seeing her cooperative attitude, the doctor didn''t press further.

    "Your hand and foot are both injured. You need to rest and take it easy for a while," he advised before checking her ankle. His brows immediately furrowed. "This isn''t the first time you''ve sprained it, right?"

    Linsey nodded. ¡°Yeah, it just healed recently."

    The doctor let out a weary sigh. "You young people never take your bodies seriously. If this keeps happening,

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    Chapter 522 I''ll Be More Careful Next Time

    your ankle will weaken, and you''ll have trouble walking in the future."

    ¡°I understand. Thank you, doctor. I''ll be careful,¡± Linsey promised.

    Tonight''s events had beenpletely unexpected. Carol had pushed her so hard that if she hadn''t braced

    herself with her hand and foot, she could have fallen t on her abdomen.

    While Linsey was being examined, Millie stood off to the side, bored, scrolling through her phone

    Suddenly, her eyes widened. "Linsey! Look at this! The CR founder cut ties with Lawson Group! The entire Inte thinks he did it for you!"

    Linsey blinked in confusion. "What?"

    She quickly grabbed her phone. The moment she unlocked the screen, she was bombarded with stunned messages from her colleagues.

 Chapter 523

    Chapter 523 You''ve Probably Crossed Paths...

    Linsey found herselfpletely baffled by the unfolding events. She opened a chat window of one of her

    colleagues on impulse.

    Her colleague was buzzing with excitement, flooding her with messages about a shocking development-CR Corporation''s founder had abruptly dissolved their fresh partnership with Lawson Group in a bold move to defend her, just a simple designer!

    The news left Linsey dumbfounded. Could this really be happening?

    Was this some kind of prank?

    Overwhelmed and unable to reply to her colleagues, Linsey felt her heart begin to

    race.

    She hurriedly logged into Twitter and the trending news caught her eye.

    CR Corporation had made a public deration ending its partnership with Lawson Group.

    Moreover, they hadpensated Lawson Group with two billion and an extra five million, which seemed almost mocking.

    Linsey blinked, questioning the reality of the figures disyed on her screen.

    Two billion! And an extra five million!

    What could possibly justify CR Corporation dispatching such an enormous sum to Lawson Group just to defend

    her?

    It seemed utterly unbelievable to Linsey.

    Millie noticed Linsey''s unusual distress.

    Despite the evening''s series of surprises, Linsey had always maintained herposure.''

    Now, why was she so visibly shaken?

    "Linsey, everything alright?" she asked with concern.

    Clutching Millie''s arm, Linsey asked desperately, "Do you have any way to reach the founder of CR Corporation?"

    "Uh?" Millie was caught off guard by the question.

    Linsey quickly continued, "We must convince him to reconsider! You can''t just call off a two billion deal

    overnight!"

    Millie chuckled, finding Linsey''s naivety endearing. "Oh, Linsey, that''s adorable. But think about it-if you don''t

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    know how to contact him, how would I?

    She gave an intrigued nce. "I think only a few in town truly know him."

    Atst, realization dawned on Linsey.

    Before she could speak further, the door swung open abruptly.

    "Linsey!"

    Hearing that familiar voice, Linsey stiffened briefly before lifting her gaze towards Collin, who was swiftly approaching.

    "Collin!" Her face brightened with unexpected delight, and without thinking, she opened her arms to wee

    him.

    Within seconds, Collin closed the distance, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

    His eyes slowly closed, and the strain on his face softened as he rxed against her.

    Dustin followed behind, clearly exhausted, and dramatically said, "Man, I had no idea you could run like that.

    I''m totally out of breath!"

    Catching Millie''s astonished look, Dustin quicklyposed himself, nodding his head politely.

    Pausing briefly, he then greeted her warmly, "Good to see you, Miss Burke." Millie''s eyes widened slightly. "Dustin, it''s really you?"

    "Yeah," Dustin replied with a cheerful smile, sitting down and casually pouring himself a ss of water, "Forgive myck of manners-I desperately need a moment to recover."

    Millie leaned toward Dustin with intrigue, quietly gesturing toward Collin and murmuring curiously, "That man -is he Linsey''s husband? There''s something familiar about him."

    Taking a leisurely sip from his ss, Dustin replied casually, "That''s Collin Riley. You''ve probably crossed paths

    with him before."

    Millie froze for a moment, openly sizing Collin up as disbelief flickered across her face. "Wait, he''s Collin Riley? I thought he was disabled?"

    Keeping a neutral expression, Dustin exined calmly, "He recovered a while back. Miss Burke, seems like you''re behind on thetest news."

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 Chapter 524

    Chapter 524 Doesn''t That

    Move You Even A Bit

    Millie was clearly irritated. "Ridiculous! I keep up with every rumor in town. If Collin''s condition had improved sooner, it would''ve been news to me."

    She and Dustin then engaged in light conversation.

    Linsey and Collin maintained their close embrace for a while, then rxed their hold a bit.

    "Collin, how did you manage to arrive so quickly? I thought it was a two-hour journey from there to here?" Linsey expressed her astonishment.

    Only about an hour had passed.

    Collin caressed Linsey''s hair tenderly and murmured, "I told the driver to take the quickest route possible."

    Linsey showed a hint of concern and whispered, "You shouldn''t take such risks. I was already in good hands here. There was no need for you to hurry."

    "Nothing is more important than ensuring your safety," Collin said seriously.

    A gentle smile appeared on Linsey''s face as she was touched by his concern. She knew his urgency stemmed from his worry for her.

    "Why don''t you take a seat and rx for a while?" Linsey coaxed him to sit down next to her, continuing, "The doctor wants to keep an eye on my wound to prevent infection before he let me go home."

    Collin looked down at her bandaged hand, his expression shadowed with concern. "The Lawson family has

    crossed a line."

    Linsey reassured him in a gentle tone, "Don''t worry, it''s all settled now. Everything is okay."

    Seeing Collin''s worried expression bothered Linsey deeply.

    Wanting to shift the conversation away from herself, she recalled something suddenly and said, "Oh, did you hear that we abruptly cancelled our deal with Lawson Group? Honestly, I nearly dropped my phone when I read the news! I still can''t wrap my head around why the founder would willingly let go of two billion dors, plus another five million in penalties. If I had his contact information, I''d do everything I could to talk some sense

    into him. Don''t you agree, Collin?"

    A slight smirk appeared on Collin''s face. "Personally, I think it was the right call. After the Lawson family''s disgraceful behavior at the banquet, isn''t it obvious they''re unreliable? Would you still want CR Corporation. tied to apany without basic principles?"

    "Absolutely right!" Dustin swiftly entered the conversation with enthusiasm. "Besides, Lawson Group isn''t wor the trouble. Haven''t you checked social mediately? Everyone says the founder stood up for you personally.

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    Chapter 524 Does That Move You Even A Bit

    Doesn''t that move you even a bit?¡±

    Caught off guard, Linsey clung to Collin, feeling the need to rify, "Collin, please don''t misunderstand! I honestly don''t have any connection with the founder. I''ve never even met him, let alone know his reasons for

    doing this."

    Her eyebrows knitted together as she pondered aloud, "Perhaps Lawson Group offended him somehow, and he used what happened to me as a convenient reason to terminate their agreement."

    Watching Linsey frantically reassure Collin, Dustin struggled to contain his amusement.

    "What''s so funny?" Linsey asked, turning back to Dustin with a confused expression.

    When Dustin caught Collin''s subtle yet firm look, he quickly pulled himself together and added, "Never mind all that, Linsey. We didn''t get where we are by wasting money recklessly. Trust me-we''ll make back that two billion faster than you think!"

    "Dustin, it''s two billion we''re talking about here! Do you seriously believe money like that is easy to recover?"

    she retorted.

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    Chapter 525 Predicting His Moves Is Almost Impossi.....

    "Have some faith in yourpany," Collin cut in, a secretive smile ying subtly

    at his lips. ¡°You shouldn''t bother yourself with Lawson Group right now. Your main priority is to rest and heal, everything else will

    naturally unfold in time."

    At this point, Linsey felt an intense urge to satisfy her curiosity.

    The way Collin spoke made her wonder, half-jokingly, if perhaps he himself was secretly behind CR Corporation.

    Yet she quickly dismissed such an impossible notion.

    Most likely, there was some confidential information he wasn''t allowed to disclose yet.

    Respecting his boundaries, Linsey decided it was wiser not to push further.

    Following a brief observation period, the hospital eventually cleared Linsey for discharge.

    "Try to avoid strenuous movements for the time being and focus primarily on rest and nutrition. Even after you recover, allow yourself several days to ease back into your usual activities," the doctor advised.

    Collin, who was attentively helping Linsey, nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, doctor."

    After a thoughtful pause, Collin added, "Could you prescribe something mild for my wife''s pain, just in case?"

    Linsey immediately shook her head, gently saying, "No, that won''t be necessary. The pain isn''t severe enough."

    Considering her pregnancy, she was reluctant to take medications unless truly unavoidable.

    Upon hearing her preference, Collin respected her wishes and carefully assisted her to the car.

    Turning with enthusiasm, Dustin suggested, "Collin, just take your wife straight home. I''ll personally ensure Millie gets back safely."

    Millie raised an eyebrow slightly. "There''s no need, really. I came with a driver."

    After all, she had driven Linsey here earlier herself.

    Undeterred, Dustin leaned in confidently, saying earnestly, ¡°Millie, there''s actually something I''d like to discuss with you privately."

    Without waiting for Millie''s consent, Dustin made his way directly towards her waiting vehicle.

    Millie''s eyes widened in disbelief. "I didn''t realize you were this forward!"

    With a faint smile, Collin withdrew his attention from Dustin and Millie, then slipped into the car to join Linsey.

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    Turning towards Collin with curiosity, Linsey inquired, "What could Dustin possibly want to discuss with Millie?"

    Knowing precisely what Dustin had in mind yet preferring mystery, Collin raised one eyebrow yfully. "Who knows? Dustin thrives on being spontaneous. Predicting his moves is almost impossible."

    Amused by Collin''s casual exnation, Linsey chuckled lightly. "You''re right about that."

    As the vehicle pulled away, the dimming lights created a calming atmosphere." Linsey couldn''t help but yawn.

    Even in the dim light, Collin noticed Linsey''s tired expression.

    Without a word, he carefully pulled Linsey closer, allowing her to restfortably against his shoulder.

    "It''s been a long night. Try to get some rest. I''ll make sure you''re awake by the time we reach home," he said. Eyes fluttering shut, Linsey murmured softly in agreement, "Alright. Just don''t forget to wake meter."

    After all, she was nning to reveal her pregnancy to Collin once they had privacy at home.

    Earlier, she hesitated to share such personal news with others around. Even now, with only the driver and Collin''s bodyguard up front, she preferred to share it with him when they were alone.

    Imagining Collin''s reaction filled her with quiet excitement.

    Closing her eyes, Linsey allowed sleep to gently overtake her.

    Soon enough, their car pulled up at Vista Vi.

    Noticing how peacefully Linsey was sleeping, Collin didn''t have the heart to wake her. Carefully lifting her from the vehicle, he steadily carried her upstairs to their bedroom.

    Exhaustion must have taken a deep hold, because Linsey remained asleep even as Collin gently changed her into her nightgown.

    Collin''s eyes softened with tenderness.

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 526 Where''s The Makeup Remover

    Collin observed Linsey, noting the subtle touch of makeup on her face. Silently, he rose to retrieve the makeup remover and cotton pads from the vanity.

    He dampened the pads, feeling the cool liquid seep into the fabric and reach his fingertips.

    The sensation was refreshingly cold.

    A slight crease formed on Collin''s forehead. He waited for the remover to warm in his hand before carefully dabbing Linsey''s cheek, methodically removing every hint of makeup.

    His actions were gentle and meticulous, treating her with the care one might use for something exceedingly

    precious.

    Time seemed to stretch as he worked, but once he was satisfied that Linsey''s face was thoroughly clean, Collin allowed himself a moment of relief.

    "Sleep well, baby," he murmured.

    As he spoke, his hand softly caressed her head. His voice, mellow and soothing in the faintly lit room, was filled

    with warmth.

    A subtle smile crossed his face, his eyes brimming with love.

    Gently, Collin leaned in and kissed Linsey''s freshly cleansed forehead.

    When morning arrived, Linsey awoke feeling disoriented.

    Shey staring at the ceiling for a few moments, slowly regaining awareness, then abruptly sat up. Puzzled and slightly irritated, she wondered aloud, "How did I manage to fall asleep so suddenlyst night?" Looking down, she noticed her nightgown were fresh. Clearly, Collin had changed her clothes while she slept. Linsey''s thoughts were muddled, but a sudden realization jolted her awake-she had fallen asleep without removing her makeup!

    Oh no! The thought of makeup lingering all night filled her with horror; it could certainly lead to sensitive, reddened skin.

    Inside, Linsey panicked. She sprang from her bed and hurried into the bathroom.

    "Where''s the makeup remover?" Linsey muttered anxiously.

    Then, ncing up, she caught her reflection in the mirror.

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    Chapter 526 Where''s The Makeup Remover

    To her amazement, her face looked clean and radiant, showing a natural rosy glow with no makeup in sight.

    "Huh?" Linsey eximed, puzzled, leaning in for a closer look at the mirror. Her skin was indeed spotless

    Had she removed her makeup in her sleep?

    Confused, Linsey exited the bathroom and out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something in the trash bin -used cotton pads and facial towels.

    That was when it all made sense.

    It was Collin who had taken the care to remove her makeup for her.

    Linsey peered at the empty bed, wondering where Collin could be.

    The sheets were cold, indicating he had been up for some time. Wasn''t it supposed to be their day off?

    Perhaps he had traveled to the nearby city again for work?

    Determined to find out, Linsey stepped out of the bedroom and almost immediately ran into a servant ascending the stairs.

    "Good morning, Mrs. Riley. Are you ready for breakfast?" The servant greeted her cheerfully, quickly adding information about Collin, "Mr. Riley had to leave early for an urgent matter. He mentioned he would return by this evening and hoped you''d take it easy at home today."

    That exined his absence.

    Linsey acknowledged with a nod. "Thank you, that clears things up."

    As she spoke, her stomach made a timely rumble, leading her to add, "I think I''ll

    start with freshening up, then

    "Of course, Mrs. Riley," the servant replied.

    Feeling the need to stretch, Linsey yawned and sauntered back to her room to prepare for the day in more

    Breakfast had be a priority now that she was expecting.

    She had intended to share the news of her pregnancy with Collinst night but

    had fallen asleep too soundly. With Collin upied today, Linsey resolved to wait

    for his evening return to discuss their future joy.

    Her injuries were still mending, and with no ns to venture out over the weekend, she looked forward to a restful day at home.

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 Chapter 527

    Chapter 527 Our Boss Really Isn''t Avable

    In the president''s office of CR Corporation.

    Dustin said, "Look at that, Jeffery has been down in the lobby since the morning, waiting. It''s surprising to see

    the prominent Lawson heir now reduced to seeking favors."

    Collin gave him a steady gaze. "Let''s put that aside and concentrate on our work."

    He continued, "And let''s not bother with Jeffery right now."

    Collin hadn''t forgiven Jeffery and Carol for the danger they posed to Linsey.

    He was fully prepared to confront both of them.

    By Monday morning, as employees began their workweek, Jeffery was still visible in the lobby.

    Under usual circumstances, Jeffery, as head of Lawson Group, would be orded high regard at CR Corporation.

    Presently, however, the situation was quite different.

    After a weekend filled with whispers and exchanges, the employees nced knowingly at each other when they

    noticed Jeffery.

    It was evident that the founder of CR Corporation was keen on distancing himself from Lawson Group.

    Among the employees, there was whispering, some even wondered aloud if the discord had anything to do with Linsey, the leader of the Fashion Design Department.

    Suddenly, an excited employee emerged, announcing to everyone, "Guess what? Ourpany is about to start a project with the Burke Group!"

    "Can that really be true?" someone eximed in shock.

    "But..." another voice interjected, eyes darting towards Jeffery.

    Overhearing the conversation, Jeffery stood frozen, shock registering on his face.

    His eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to grasp the news.

    CR Corporation forming an alliance with Burke Group?

    How could this be happening?

    The Burke Group had risen in prominence only recently-how could they match the established stature of Lawson Group?

    Was Collin out of his senses?

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    A scoff nearly escaped Jeffery, but he managed to maintain a stoic expression as

    he faced the reception desk The receptionists, perfectly synchronizing their indifference, avoided looking in his direction.

    "I need to speak with the founder," Jeffery insisted, his voice tense.

    "Mr. Lawson, as we''ve mentioned before, our boss is tied up today and cannot meet with you," responded one of the receptionists, her tone polite but firm.

    Jeffery''s frustration was evident; he gritted his teeth in anger. "It seems you''ve been instructed to dismiss me with this repeated excuse."

    The receptionist offered a courteous smile. "Mr. Lawson, I assure you, you''re reading too much into this. Our boss really isn''t avable."

    Suddenly, the receptionist seemed to recall something important. "However, Mr. Wade is currently avable in his office. Would you like me to notify him that you''re here?"

    This update caused a visible shift in Jeffery''s demeanor.

    He fought hard to control a chaos of emotions, struggling to maintain a calm exterior.

    It was clear to him that his dismissive treatment was orchestrated, likely by Collin or perhaps Dustin himself.

    In the whole city of Grester, Jeffery had never been subjected to such tant disregard!

    Demanding to see the man behind the cur

    balled into fists.

    Jeffery said, "I need to speak with Dustin!" His hands were

    Shortly thereafter, Jeffery found himself guided to the meeting room on the top floor.

    He couldn''t help but remember the time when he had confidently secured a deal with Collin right here in this

    room.

    However, the circumstances had drastically changed since then.

    ¡°Mr. Lawson, to what do I owe the pleasure today?" Dustin greeted him in an upbeat tone as soon as he entered the room.

    His cheerful demeanor betrayed no sign of the recent split between CR Corporation and the Lawson Group. "Mr. Wade, where is Mr. Riley?" Jeffery inquired, his posture rigid and formal.

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    Chapter 528 These Were All Misunderstandings

    Sitting on the couch, Dustin casually waved Jeffery over. "Rx a bit, Mr. Lawson-no need to look so uptight.

    Have a seat."

    Jeffery scoffed bitterly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Are you seriously unaware that yourpany just terminated our contract without notice, Mr. Wade?"

    Remaining unfazed, Dustin merely tilted his head slightly and replied,

    "Partnerships survive on mutual trust, Mr. Lawson. Clearly, we had our reasons. Besides, you''re free to seek opportunities elsewhere-no one''s preventing Lawson Group from exploring other avenues."

    "Since yourpany''s sudden announcement, multiple investors withdrew from deals I''d carefully built over

    months-"

    But Dustin abruptly raised a g

    hand, stopping Jeffery mid-sentence. With an amused yet piercing nce, he remarked, ¡°Come on, Mr. Lawson, pin your own troubles on us. If your family hadn''t created such chaos,

    why would investors jump ship so swiftly?"

    The provocation in Dustin''s words intensified Jeffery''s irritation.

    "Did you really need to escte things over such a minor issue?" Jeffery snapped.

    Laughing softly, Dustin shook his head. "Minor? Interesting that you still see yourself aspletely innocent. If that''s your mindset, then our decision is even more justified."

    Jeffery couldn''t believe his ears. Why would both Dustin and Collin to shield Linsey like this?

    Forcing himself to regainposure, Jeffery locked eyes with Dustin, asking pointedly, "Are you and Mr. Riley seriously doing all this just for Linsey?"

    When Jeffery posed the question, he anticipated a cautious or indirect reply.

    Instead, Dustin maintained his easygoing smile, answering calmly, "Well, at least now you finally understand." Though Jeffery had braced himself for this revtion, actually hearing it still struck him with shock.

    "Mr. Riley is married already! Should he really be getting so involved in defending Linsey?" Jeffery''s expression tightened, yet he managed to force a sarcastic grin.

    It seemed Collin was nothing more than a hypocrite, masquerading as a devoted family man.

    Dustin''s response was dismissive. "Mr. Lawson, your limited view is probably why you misconstrue so much."

    "You!" Jeffery found himself momentarily speechless.

    Undeterred, Dustin continued, "Linsey is a key designer at CR Corporation. Your sister, Carol, wrongly used

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    her of theft at a birthday celebration. When Linsey tried to defend herself, Carol dismissed her exnations and evidence, even confining her to a storage room where Carol physically assaulted her "

    Jeffery''s expression visibly changed upon hearing this.

    "Mr. Lawson, if this matter goes to court, do you think Carol would be cleared of her actions?" Dustin asked,

    his voice serious.

    Jeffery paused, then said hesitantly, "These were all misunderstandings. We are prepared to offer Linsey a personal apology..."

    Dustin said with a chuckle, "That''s pointless now. Linsey couldn''t evene to work today due to the injuries inflicted by Carol. Our scheduled design projects are now dyed. We haven''t yet soughtpensation from your family, so I''d suggest you leave Linsey alone."

    Dustin''s sharp remarks left Jeffery visibly embarrassed, his face flushing with share.

 Chapter 529

    Chapter 529 My Decision Stands Firm

    "Mr. Lawson, forgive my bluntness-but Lawson Group was painstakingly built by your father from nothing, establishing itself as one of the shining sesses in town. Unfortunately, the recent actions by you and your sister have seriously damaged its good name."

    With a troubled sigh, Dustin continued, "You''re the head of Lawson Group, yet you stood by as your sister publicly humiliated a designer from apany you''re closely partnered with. Once that news spreads, how many reputablepanies do you think will trust you again? You risk isting Lawson Grouppletely from Grester''s business circle."

    Jeffery''s face hardened, turning grim.

    At the birthday event, he had casually dismissed Linsey as merely a minor designer, beneath his concern.

    Because of his personal bias, he had blindly believed Carol''s usations about her.

    The thought of possible fallout from humiliating a guest during Carol''s birthday party never crossed his mind.

    Watching Jeffery fall silent, Dustin realized he had already said enough. With polite detachment, he remarked, "Mr. Lawson, I won''t keep you any longer. I still have other engagements, so please see yourself out."

    Without another word, Jeffery left the room

    clearly shaken.

    Moments after Jeffery exited, Collin, who had quietly listened from the inner office, emerged calmly. Raising an

    really didn''t hold back this time."

    amused eyebrow, he nced at Dustin, saying, "you"

    "I admit, I said more than intended, but it was necessary. Hopefully, this discourages Jeffery from disturbing us again," Dustin replied casually.

    Collin maintained his usual indifferent expression. "It doesn''t matter what he thinks or says. My decision

    stands firm."

    Agreeing with a nod, Dustin then changed the subject smoothly. "Speaking of which, our agreement with Burke Group is nearly wrapped up. Their representative showed impressive enthusiasm, clearly aware of how beneficial partnering with us will be."

    Collin exined thoughtfully, "Millie was the only one who openly supported Linsey during the party. It''s fair her family benefits from this partnership. Beyond that, investigate the guests who apanied Millie-anyone promising should be offered a coboration."

    "No problem, I''ll handle it personally," Dustin replied before curiously continuing, "What''s our next move,

    Collin?"

    A chilling gleam shed through Collin''s narrowed eyes, a cold smile forming at his lips. "Next, we reim

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    every penny of that two billion-with interest."

    By evening, CR Corporation''s announcement confirming its new partnership with Burke Group set social media

    aze

    "First, CR Corporation cuts off Lawson Group, and now they immediately join hands with Burke Group? This business drama keeps getting more exciting!"

    "Talk about hitting the jackpot! Burke Group must be celebrating big tonight. To be fair, they''ve really stepped up their game recently."

    "But honestly, what was CR Corporation thinking? Burke Group feels pretty ordinarypared to an industry giant like Lawson Group."

    *Agreed. Lawson Group is much more stable. Who knows where Burke Group will go from here?"

    "You think maybe CR Corporation sided with Burke Group because Millie publicly defended Linsey at the birthday event? The connection seems suspiciously obvious now..."

    "Enough with the conspiracy theories. CR Corporation''s founder is a powerhouse-why would someone like himn care about an insignificant designer?"

    "Plus, Linsey is already married! Keep spreading these baseless rumors, and CR Corporation might just p you with awsuit."

 Chapter 530

    Chapter 530 I Said Get Out!

    "Oh wow, some people are seriously still defending Lawson Group online?

    Haven''t they checked thetest trending news? Thatpany''s practically on its

    "Exactly! I saw those reports too-it''s shocking how many scandals Lawson Group has managed to hide until now. Absolutely shameful!"

    Meanwhile, chaos had already taken over the entire Lawson Group.

    Jeffery''s expression grew stormy as he watched countless negative stories flood the Inte. Anger surged through him, leaving him breathless. "Why? Will somebody exin to me why all of this is happening?"

    In a sudden burst of rage, he violently flung a stack of files off his desk, scattering pages across the floor with a loud crash. The managers standing before him immediately lowered their gazes, trembling in silent fear.

    A hesitant knock sounded from the door, followed by his assistant''s cautious entry. The assistant said timidly, "Mr. Lawson, representatives from the regtory authority have arrived. They''re here about the high defect rates found in our products. And... they mentioned the possible shutdown of numerous factories..."

    Jeffery gripped the edge of the desk, his knuckles turning white. His voice trembled with menace, as he said,

    "Get out. Now."

    His assistant didn''t quite hear him clearly. "I''m sorry, sir-what did you say?" Ovee by anger, Jeffery grabbed

    nearby coffee mug and hurled it directly at the assistant. "I said get out!"

    Striking the assistant squarely on the forehead, the mug shattered, and blood immediately began to stream down the man''s startled face.

    Fear rippled through the entire room, leaving everyone frozen.

    Jeffery red darkly at theputer screen, its headlines mercilessly

    broadcasting Lawson Group''s hidden scandals. The continuous alerts rang loudly in his ears.

    "Lawson Group used of knowingly selling dangerously defective products!"

    "A senior Lawson Group manager exposed for sabotagingpetitors, forcing multiple businesses into bankruptcy."

    "During the-chairman''s absence from Lawson Group, Jeffery Lawson, acting as interim leader, managed to incur significant financial setbacks across various projects."

    "Not long ago, a real estate initiative led by Lawson Group failed to implement essential safety protocols, tragically leading to the death of several workers. Thepany has still not addressed orpensated the grieving families."

    "Reports from within have exposed persistent bullying at Lawson Group, overlooked by management for years. This toxic environment has caused numerous former employees to suffer from depression, a deeply distressing

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    Chapter 5301 Said Get Out!

    oue."

    News of these scandals rapidly became the talk of the town by morning

    An overwhelming amount of evidence from the official inspection bureau bombarded Lawson Group, leaving their PR team floundering to manage the escting crisis as it exploded across social media

    Through the night, Lawson Group''s shares nosedived, reflecting severe financial repercussions.

    Numerous businesses and affluent investors once allied with Lawson Group severed their ties swiftly, aiming to

    cut their losses.

    Meanwhile, businesses that partnered early with Burke Group began enjoying tremendous profits.

    The reason was crystal clear-Burke Group''s recent strategic alliance with CR Corporation had proven extremely beneficial.

    "Just look at Lawson Group''s scandalspared to how CR Corporation handles business! No wonder CR Corporation''s founder is now the wealthiest person in Grester. Clearly, treating employees right goes a long way-it''s no surprise people admire them so much."

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

    Chapter 531 Just Give Me A Little More Time

    "CR Corporation has always prioritized charity. Remember that auction where their founder paid a billion for a single ne? All of that money eventually went toward sponsorship programs and charitable causes!"

    "It seems CR Corporation spotted Lawson Group''s problems early, which exins why they abruptly ended

    their partnership."

    "Wait, it just hit me-if CR Corporation was aware of Lawson Group''s scandals all along, instead of publicly shaming them, they quietly epted paying the contractual penalty. That''s incredibly generous on their part

    "This is exactly why CR Corporation is on a different level altogether. They''re in a league of their own. I''m definitely applying there in the future!"

    "Meanwhile, Lawson Group had the audacity to boast about decades of stability, only to copse under a heap

    of internal scandals."

    "Let''s give credit again where it''s due-CR Corporation consistently excels in everything, from fashion to real estate. Their factories maintain transparency, and the safety standards they uphold are unmatched. Their founder truly spares no expense on quality!"

    "Even more impressive is how modest CR Corporation remains, despite their immense sess. They never unt their status; instead, they concentrate on delivering high-quality goods and services. That sincerity is trulymendable!"

    "And talk about humility-the CR founder stayspletely out of the public eye. To this day, no one even knows his face because he''s too busy genuinely building the brand. Such a mysterious yet admirable leader!"

    "Guys, don''t wait-get your hands on CR Corporation stocks right now! They''re booming again, and profits are

    soaring!"

    "Lucky me-l invested early, and now my returns have multiplied!"

    "I''ve gone a step further-I logged onto CR Corporation''s website and stocked up

    on their products. Their quality and reliability never disappoint!"

    Within mere hours, social media was buzzing with admiration for CR Corporation''s extensive charitable record and wless business reputation.

    This sudden wave of praise sent CR Corporation''s earnings soaring, bringing significant profits even to their new

    partner, Burke Group.

    At the same time, Lawson Group continued its downward spiral as internal scandals relentlessly drove its stock price into the ground.

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    Chapter 531 Just Give Me A Little More Time

    Inside Lawson Group''s meeting room, Jeffery faced the board during an emergency session. Questions fired from every direction, making his mood increasingly grim.

    "Jeffery, thepany''s survival is at stake. Have you still not devised any solutions?"

    "Youpletely ruined the promising deal with CR Corporation!"

    "Jeffery, I''m seriously doubting your capabilities at this point. When Cruz returns, we''ll need to reevaluate your

    position."

    Unable to endure the criticism any longer, Jeffery said sharply, "I promise, I will resolve this! Just give me a little more time, please!"

    "You''d better keep your word, Cruz. Your father-and all of us-worked too hard building Lawson Group to watch it crumble because of your mistakes!"

    Frustration hung heavily as the meeting abruptly ended.

    Jeffery clenched his fists tightly, overwhelmed by stress and anxiety.

    Initially confident in managing the crisis, he now realized things had spiraled far beyond his control.

    Desperation forced him to consider reaching out once more to the founder of CR Corporation for forgiveness.

    Back at home, Linsey was quietly resting and recuperating.

    Out of nowhere, her phone rang-it was Dolores calling.

    Linsey barely got out a greeting before Dolores'' concerned voice filled her ear. "Linsey! I just heard people talking about what happened at Carol Lawson''s birthday party! Are you okay? Were you badly hurt? Where are you right now?"

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    Chapter 532 We''re Both Pretty Good At Hiding...

    Linsey chuckled at Dolores'' rapid-fire questions. "slow down, Dolores. I''ll answer everything one at a time."

    Dolores let out a heavy sigh, slightly easing her pace, though the worry in her voice remained. "How can I not be anxious with everything that''s happened? Tell me, how are you?"

    Linsey reassured her without hesitation. "It''s nothing serious-just a minor injury. I''ve been resting at home for

    a few days."

    Dolores clenched her jaw in frustration. "That damn Carol! I knew she was up to no good."

    She then sighed regretfully. "I''ve been so busytely that I haven''t kept up with online news. I only just saw the rey of your live stream from that night."

    Linsey''s voice was gentle. "It''s okay, Dolores. We talk every day, don''t we? If something serious had happened, I would''ve told you."

    After a brief pause, she added sincerely, "I know you''ve been swamped, so I didn''t want to burden you."

    Dolores sighed, exasperated. "You always sound so cheerful when we text-I can''t tell how you feel

    "You''re one to talk! You always act happy, too. If I hadn''t noticed you replying slower than usual, I wouldn''t have realized how busy you were. We''re both pretty good at hiding things, aren''t we?" Linsey chuckled.

    Since they were only speaking over the phone, Linsey couldn''t see the flicker of sadness that crossed Dolores

    ''face.

    Dolores quickly changed the subject. "By the way, have you seen the newstely?"

    Linsey raised an eyebrow. "Not really. After that night''s livestream, I was bombarded with messages-some supportive, some not. I didn''t want them to affect my mood, so I stayed off social media."

    Dolores immediately spoke up. "Something big happened! I just found out myself." Linsey''s curiosity piqued. "Oh? What is it?"

    "It involves you, too." Dolores hesitated, pretending to be mysterious.

    Linsey pouted yfully. "Dolores, if you don''t tell me right now, I''m looking it up myself."

    Dolores, always one to tease, chuckled before finally revealing, "CR Corporation and Lawson Group have officially terminated their contract."

    Linsey barely reacted. "I already knew about that."

    Dolores wasn''t finished. "But did you know CR Corporation is now working with Burke Group?" she asked

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    slowly, emphasizing every word.

    That caught Linsey off guard. Her eyes widened. "Wait, what? Since when?"

    CR Corporation and Burke Group? How did that happen?

    Burke Group was Millie''s family business, wasn''t it?

    Linsey''s mind drifted back to the night of Carol''s birthday party. She remembered how Collin hade to the hospital to take her home-and how Dustin had left with Millie.

    Had they discussed the deal that night?

    She wasn''t sure, but either way, the news excited her.

    CR Corporation was a major yer in Grester. Burke Group would definitely benefit a lot from partnering with

    them.

    Millie had helped her a lot that night, and knowing that her family hadnded such

    a big coboration made Linsey genuinely happy for her.

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 Chapter 533

    Chapter 533 Linsey, We

    Need To Meet

    "Of course, it''s true. CR Corporation has already made an official announcement. 1 skimmed through thetest news before calling you," Dolores said confidently.

    It was clear to her now-Linsey genuinely had no idea about thetest developments.

    "There''s more. Scandals broke out right after CR Corporation cut ties with Lawson Group Regtory agencies are all over it. The situation looks serious. It''s only been two days, and Lawson Group''s stock has already plummeted."

    Linsey was stunned. "How could this happen to Lawson Group?"

    Dolores sighed. "Word is, things have been going downhill since Jeffery took over as acting CEO. Now, all the underlying issues are finallying to light."

    "I never saw thising," Linsey murmured.

    Lawson Group might not have been on the same level as CR Corporation, but it had always been one of the top enterprises in Grester. How did it fall apart so quickly?

    Then again, no one else was to me. Thepany''s downfall was a direct result of its negligence. It wouldn''t havee to this if they had managed things well.

    As the acting CEO, Jeffery must be going through hell right now.

    Dolores added, "With Lawson Group in shambles, otherpanies in town- especially CR Corporation. Lately, people have been praising CR Corporation and its founder non-stop."

    Linsey couldn''t help but smile. ¡°Well, ourpany is top-notch."

    Dolores chuckled. "No wonder the founder of CR Corporation ended the partnership. It''s obvious they saw this

    Linsey had to agree.

    Whoever was behind CR Corporation''s decisions must have sensed Lawson Group''s internal problems long ago. By cutting ties early, they avoided unnecessary risks.

    That was probably why the founder was ready to pay a two-billion penalty to sever ties immediately.

    It wasn''t until then that Linsey realized what Collin and Dustin had told her that night wasn''t just empty

    reassurance.

    The corporate world was ruthless. Most employees never saw the hidden battles ying out behind the scenes.

    The two continued chatting for a while.

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    Chapter 533 Linsey. We Need To Meet

    Then, Linsey''s phone buzzed with an iing call.

    She nced at the screen, het brows knitting together.

    It was an unfamiliar number.

    "I just got a call, but I don''t recognize the number," she said, puzzled

    Dolores mused aloud, "Maybe it''s a client looking for your designs? With Lawson Group copsing, any smart client would know CR Corporation is the better choice. I should let you go. Take the call-you don''t want to miss out on a big deal because of me."

    Linsey thought it was a possibility. "Alright, let''s talk again soon," she said before hanging up.

    She looked at the number again, and it was still unfamiliar. She didn''t overthink and picked up the call. "Hello,

    who''s this?"

    A smug voice came through the line. "Jeffery Lawson. Linsey, we need to meet."

    10:36

 Chapter 534

    Chapter 534 And Why Exactly Would I Help You

    Jeffery?

    Linsey''s voice wasced with pure confusion. "How did you get my number?"

    Jeffery let out a smug chuckle,ced with sarcasm. "Who in town wouldn''t have the contact details of the great

    designer Linsey?"

    Linsey''s brows furrowed, her tone turning ice-cold. "Mr. Lawson, what do you want from me?"

    His blunt demand to meet, paired with that arrogant tone, made his intentions unclear.

    She hadn''t forgotten his behavior at Carol''s birthday party when he had tried to intimidate her with a five-million-dor check. That alone was enough for her to have zero patience for him.

    "Linsey, I heard you haven''t been to the office these past few days. Are you just avoiding me?"

    His presumptuous words sent a spark

    of

    irritation through her.

    "This is ridiculous. Do you seriously not understand why I''ve been on leave?" She let out a sharpugh. "Thanks to your dear sister, I''ve sprained both my hand and foot. And if that wasn''t enough, she stomped on my already injured hand, leaving it a bloody mess. I can barely hold a fork, yet here you are, acting like my absence is some personal slight against you. It''sughable."

    "Linsey..." Jeffery faltered, momentarily at a loss.

    Linsey didn''t give him a chance to recover. "Jeffery, I''m not your employee, nor am I your family''s servant. So don''t talk to me like you have any authority over me. You might be the privileged eldest son of the Lawson family, but that doesn''t mean you can order everyone around."

    Jeffery seethed with rage at her words.

    Even through the phone, Linsey could sense his barely restrained anger. She waited a few seconds before calmly saying, "If you have nothing else to say, I''ll hang up now."

    "Wait," Jeffery cut in quickly.

    Linsey arched a brow, amused.

    For someone as arrogant as Jeffery to call her, he must have had something important to say, or rather, something he wanted from her.

    After a brief pause, his voice came heavy with forced restraint. "Linsey, I don''t know what kind of rtionship you have with the founder of CR Corporation, and frankly, I don''t care. I''m calling because I need you to convince him to reverse the decision to cancel our partnership."

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    Chapter 534 And Why Exactly Would I Help You

    Linsey''s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.

    She wasn''t shocked that Jeffery wanted to salvage the deal-given Lawson Group''s current crisis, losing CR Corporation''s support only worsened the situation.

    What surprised her was that he was asking her for help.

    It didn''t take long to figure out why.

    Jeffery also believed she had ties to CR Corporation''s founder.

    Linsey nearlyughed out loud at its absurdity. Why did everyone assume she had some connection to him?

    She had never even met the man.

    Still, amusement aside, her response was firm. "And why exactly would I help you?"

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 naireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 535

    Chapter 535 I Can''t Today, Carol

    Linsey found the situation absurdly funny.

    She was not naive. After the Lawson siblings had left her injured and humiliated, they were now expecting her

    help?

    What was Jeffrey thinking?

    "Your firm just ended our partnership unexpectedly. Are you telling me you''re unaware?" Jeffrey asked, his irritation was evident.

    Linsey dismissed his concerns with indifference. "What''s next?"

    Jeffrey was taken aback. "Our current crisis wouldn''t have happened if not for you!"

    Linsey was mildly entertained by his illogical me. "Mr. Lawson, could you enlighten me on how my role as a designer at CR Corporation intersects with the internal challenges of Lawson Group? Are you truly attempting to shift the me for yourpany''s failures onto me?

    She took a moment before continuing, "Jeffrey, that kind of logic isughable. I''d suggest you sort out your thoughts before engaging in such discussions."

    With that, Linsey hung up the phone, not giving Jeffrey any opportunity to retort. What an irritation!

    She regretted even answering the call. As someone who valued rational

    discourse, she found it impossible tomunicate with someone as irrational as Jeffrey.

    Back on his end, Jeffrey was left speechless.

    It took him some time to grasp the full extent of what had just transpired.

    Linsey had actually had the audacity to hang up on him!

    Jeffery''s cheeks flushed with fury.

    When he attempted to redial Linsey, he discovered she had already blocked his number.

    So be it!

    In a fit of rage, Jeffery thumped the back of the passenger seat, causing the driver to flinch.

    "Mr. Lawson, is everything okay?" the driver inquired, his voice tinged with concern. Recently, Jeffery''s behavior had be increasingly erratic, a reflection of the turmoil within hispany.

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    Chapter 5351 Can''t Today, Carol

    Jeffery dismissed the driver''s question, clenching his teeth in sheer frustration.

    His n had been to leverage Linsey to gain an audience with the head of CR Corporation, but Linsey had staunchly refused.

    Not only did she rebuff him, but she also left him simmering with rage.

    It was an unprecedented level of humiliation for him!

    Jeffery''s gaze then shifted towards the grand CR Corporation building looming in the distance.

    Just thirty minutes earlier, he had been inside that very building.

    Yesterday, they had allowed him to at least present his case.

    Today, however, they denied him entry, stating that CR Corporation was severing all contacts associated with the Lawson Group staff.

    Jeffery was at a loss. He couldn''t gain ess to CR Corporation, and now Linsey was refusing to assist as well. He pondered whether his only recourse was to ask his parents to intervene.

    Unaware of Jeffery''s predicament, Carol was eagerly looking forward to some retail therapy after her hospital

    stay.

    Eager to roam the mall, she found herself missing the usualpany of her friends. Typically surrounded by her circle, she reached out to them.

    Yet, they each declined one after another.

    "Oh, I can''t today, Carol. I''ve missed too many dance sses already. My mom would freak out if I missed

    another."

    "Sorry, Carol, I''m actually down with a cold. Maybe try someone else?"

 Chapter 536

    Chapter 536 Speaking To

    Me Like That Is...

    "Shopping? After our family face huge losses from the new venture with your family, I''m tiptoeing around at home. I''m not even thinking about asking for money, much less spending it frivolously. It''s astonishing you''re still in the mood for shopping. Perhaps you should think about assisting your brother with thepany''s

    troubles instead."

    With those words, Carol''s friend ended the call decisively,

    Carol, wide-eyed with shock, hadn''t anticipated such a universal decline from her circle, especially the typicallypliant friend who now scolded her!

    This was outrageous!

    As a Lawson, it was unthinkable that her friends would rebuff her so boldly!

    Her irritation mounting, Carol resolved not to let these rejections spoil her day.

    She could still indulge in a delightful shopping spree, nked by bodyguards to handle her purchases and store employees eager to please her.

    The suggestion to fret over Lawson Group''s problems was dismissible.

    Jeffery had downyed thepany''s predicaments, promising a swift resolution.

    Her interest in the Lawson Group''s affairs was minimal; her primary concern had always been her allowance.

    Even if she wanted to help, she doubted she would have any useful advice for Jeffery.

    So, Carol proceeded to her favorite jewelry store, escorted by her imposing bodyguards, ready to indulge in some retail therapy.

    "Where is everyone?" Carol inquired, perplexed by theck of greeting as she lingered in the store.

    Upon her entrance, the clerk behind the counter immediately recognized her.

    Yet, the clerk merely offered a quick nce and made no move to approach.

    Irritation washed over Carol''s face as she said, "I''m speaking to you! Is this how you treat a customer?"

    Her raised voice quickly drew the attention of other store employees, with the manager quickly stepping forward to address the situation.

    "What seems to be the problem here?" the manager questioned sharply.

    Carol retorted, ¡°I should be the one asking that. I''ve shopped here frequently, yet your clerk ignored mepletely today. Is she trying to get fired?"

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    The manager nced at Carol, then turned to the clerk and instructed, "Please go

    to the back and sort the inventory. I''ll take care of this."

    "Sure," replied the clerk, shing the manager a smile before heading off.

    Carol''s disbelief grew as she watched the clerk leave unscathed.

    The manager''sck of action stunned her, and the surrounding clerks couldn''t suppress their chuckles. "Manager, you just talked about her, yet here she is. Talk about perfect timing."

    "Indeed, it''s quite amusing. It appears someone hasn''t quite caught on to the reality of her situation," another

    added.

    It dawned on Carol that she was being deliberately ostracized by the staff.

    "Are you out of your minds? Speaking to me like that is uneptable!" Carol snapped.

    The manager let the clerks''ughter continue, then responded in a mocking tone, "Miss Lawson, are you not aware of recent events? Just today, numerous factories of the Lawson Group were closed, and there''s aprehensive investigation underway into your firm''s activities. It''s likely that your family''s assets will be frozen soon. Regrettably, we''re unable to serve you under these circumstances."

 Chapter 537

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 537 You''ve Finally

    Come To Save Me!

    "Ridiculous!" eximed Carol sharply. "My name is Carol! How dare you treat me like this? Your store will be closed by tomorrow, mark my words!"

    A store clerk, who had lost patience with Carol''s arrogant attitude, retorted, "Have some shame! It''s not our

    store that will shut down, but the Lawson Group! Fool."

    Fuming with rage at the insult, Carol twisted her features in anger and instructed her bodyguards, "Destroy everything in this store!"

    "Yes, Miss Lawson." The bodyguards immediately set to work, wreaking havoc in the store.

    As the sound of breaking ss and crashing shelves filled the air, Carol felt a flicker of satisfaction

    She sneered at the store manager and the clerks, her eyes gleaming with vindictive pleasure. "That''s the cost of disrespecting me!"

    Carol anticipated their fear and pleas for mercy.

    However, their calm and unflinching faces caught her off guard.

    She had a bad vibe.

    The manager reached for the phone and said, "Hello, police? We''re experiencing vandalism..."

    Carol''s reaction was immediate when she heard the manager''s intent to call the police. She darted forward, pleading, "Please, don''t call the police!"

    But the manager sidestepped her smoothly, and the clerks didn''t hesitate to form

    a barrier, saying "Miss Lawson, thinking of making a scene? The police can handle that too once they''re here."

    At the police station, an officer''s voice came from outside the room.

    "Carol, your brother is here."

    Her face brightened at the news, and she saw Jeffery walking towards her with determination Jeffery! You''re finallye to save me!¡±

    It wasn''t until Jeffery stopped right in front of her that Carol noticed how dark his expression had turned Her chest tightened, and the bold front she''d kept slipped just a little. "Jeffery..*

    "Carol!" Jeffery''s voice was tight, and he paused, struggling to control his emotions. "What were you

    thinking

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    Tears welled up in Carol''s eyes as she stammered, "It was a mistake, I swear!"

    Jeffery''s frustration only grew as he saw her tears, not out of sympathy, but from sheer exasperation. "Carol, can you please refrain from causing more chaos? I''m already buried under the weight of thepany''s problems, and now you''ve decided to heighten my stress at the worst possible time?"

    Carol attempted to exin herself, saying, "I didn''t mean to..."

    Jeffery interjected sharply, "Stop, I''m not interested in your excuses right now."

    His dismissal stung Carol deeply, her eyes widening in shock.

    Excuses? Was that how he saw her now?

    When had Jeffery, once so loving and supportive, turned so cold towards her?

    Confusion and distress swirled in Carol''s mind as she struggled toprehend the shift in her brother''s demeanor, her emotions a mix of bewilderment and despair.

 Chapter 538

    Chapter 538 You''ve Never Hit Me Before

    A police officer approached them and said, "Both of you, follow me. The jewelry store manager has submitted

    a report of the damages. You are expected to arrange forpensation."

    Jeffery, visibly agitated, nodded grimly and replied, "Understood."

    The officer paused, taking in Jeffery''s appearance with a look of surprise.

    Could this really be Jeffery Lawson, the heir to the Lawson Group?

    The fall of the Lawson Group seemed inevitable.

    The burdens of such a sister, who had sparked significant chaos today, weighed heavily on Jeffery.

    Carol, tearful and with a trembling voice, pleaded, "Jeffery, do I really have to go? I can''t bear to face those people again..."

    "Carol!" Jeffery reprimanded sharply, his disbelief apparent as he stared at her. "Now is not the time to act spoiled. You must go and offer your apologies."

    Carol''s opposition grew stronger. "No! I will not apologize to them, Jeffery! I simply cannot..."

    Before she could continue, Jeffery struck her cheek with a swift motion.

    A stunned silence enveloped the space around them momentarily.

    Jeffery was overwhelmed by the surge of emotions as his breath was heavy. It took him a few seconds to realize what he had done.

    He looked down at his hand, the redness on his palm slowly fading yet still evident from the force of the p.

    Carol recoiled from the impact, her hand trembling as she reached up to touch her stinging cheek.

    The pain radiated sharply across her face.

    Disbelief and pain filled Carol''s eyes as she stared back at Jeffery, tears welling up.

    "Jeffery... you''ve never hit me before..." Her voice was shaky, barely above a whisper.

    Jeffery''s hand tightened into a fist, the skin across his knuckles whitening.

    Faced with her tears, he felt an unsettlingck of remorse.

    Somewhere within, he believed that the p was justified, perhaps even overdue.

    He looked away from her, his voice cold as he addressed her, saying, "Carol, your self-centeredness and arrogance have contributed to thepany''s downfall. It''s time you faced some consequences to prevent

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    further recklessness."

    Carol''s lips quivered as she suppressed a sob, then sheughed scornfully, tears streaking down her cheeks.

    "I''ve never worked at thepany. Its fate is not my concern. Why are you projecting your failures onto me?"

    Jeffery''s rage was evident; he couldn''t grasp how Carol remained shameless. Was this really the beloved sister he thought he knew?

    Jeffery, chilled to his very soul, pointed usingly at Carol and delivered each word with precision, saying, "The way you treated Linsey at your birthday event cost us our partnership with CR Corporation! If we had retained the support of CR''s founder, any issues within ourpany could have been mitigated."

    He was worked up as he continued, "Carol, you ruined my final chance! Your behavior caused Linsey to reject any plea for help when I reached out to her personally!"

    Drawing a sharp breath and sneering, Jeffery said, "As your brother, did I ever fail to spoil you? And yet, now that I''ve criticized you just a bit, you''re quick to shift the me to me. Bravo. I''ve never known such heartlessness."

 Chapter 539

    Chapter 539 I Won''t Apologize

    Carol stared in disbelief.

    Again, it was Linsey at the center of the issue.

    Jeffery''s harsh treatment was because of her, Carol realized.

    Tightening her grip, Carol felt her injured cheek throb painfully.

    "Come with me! You''re going to apologize now!" Jeffery''s voice rose, his anger no longer contained, making hismands increasingly severe.

    "I won''t apologize!" Carol''s voice cracked as she yelled, pushing Jeffery away unexpectedly and bolting from the

    room.

    "Carol!" Jeffery was caught off guard by her sudden escape.

    She sprinted out of the police station swiftly.

    Jeffery got to the door just in time to see Carol disappearing from view.

    "Damn it!" He swore softly, agitated by her defiance. "She''s just making everything harder."

    A police officer approached Jeffery, attempting to calm the situation. "Mr. Lawson, let her be for now. You can resolve things with Miss Lawson at home."

    Frustration was written all over Jeffery''s face. He had no clue how much the jewelry store might ask for in damages. Thepany was already in a rough spot, and he had sunk his savings into key projects, counting on ast-minute turnaround.

    If the payout ended up being huge, he honestly had no idea how he would handle

    it.

    Despite the looming financial threats, Jeffery maintained hisposure, unwilling

    to let the public see the Lawson family''s weakness.

    Meanwhile, Carol continued her frantic dash, colliding with passersby without pausing to apologize.

    "Watch your step! Can''t you see?"

    "People these days!"

    Flinging her arms, Carol yelled, "Out of my way! Everyone, just move!"

    Without realizing, she stumbled onto the street.

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    A car horn screamed, shattering the air.

    Carol stood paralyzed.

    "Carol!"

    In an instant, a strong pull yanked her from impending danger.

    She gasped as both bodies hit the pavement.

    Instead of the sharp sting of asphalt, Carol felt only a soft thud beneath her.

    Bewildered, she looked down and found Alexa crushed under her weight.

    Alexa''s face was ghostly white as she winced from the impact, her breaths sharp with pain.

    "You saved me!" Carol recognized her, startled.

    Regaining her senses, Alexa asked, "Carol, are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

    Carol brushed off Alexa''s concern, rising to her feet with an indifferent look on her face, intent on leaving

    Alexa, not ready to give up, quickly got to her feet and reached for Carol''s hand. "Please, just stay safe. Don''t rush off into danger again!"

    ¡°Get your hands off me!¡± Carol shouted, jerking her arm away sharply.

    Recoiling, Alexa felt a sharp twinge from her earlier injuries.

    She couldn''t pause

    assess her own pain as she watched Carol storm off, her heart pounding with worry.

    "Carol, wait! There''s something you need to hear!"

    around, her face set in a harsh scowl. Closing the distance again, she hissed,

    "What could say that matters? Don''t think saving me entitles you to meddle in my affairs. You have no

    Carol halted and you possibly have

    spun

    ce in my life."

    Standing her ground, Alexa straightened, catching her breath to speak. It was

    then that she caught sight of the bruising on Carol''s face.

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 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540 I''ll Assist You

    Alexa''s eyes widened in shock as she instinctively reached out to caress Carol''s cheek.

    "Why are you touching me?" Carol eximed, pping Alexa''s hand away with a look of disgust. "Keep your

    filthy hands to yourself!"

    Despite Carol''s harsh rejection, Alexa''s expression remained one of deep concern.

    "What''s wrong with your face?" Alexa''s voice trembled with anxiety as she quickly pieced things together, her voice growing sharp. "Did someone hit you?"

    Carol opened her mouth to respond but paused, catching the deep concern in Alexa''s gaze-a look reminiscent of those worn by Jeffery and her parents.

    For a brief moment, Carol was overwhelmed with disgust.

    How dare Alexa, merely a servant, assume a maternal role towards her?

    What gave her the right?

    Angered by these thoughts, Carol''s response grew harsher, asking, "Why should you care?"

    She must keep the secret that Jeffery had struck her.

    Struggling to control her feelings, Alexa pleaded, "Someone has hurt you badly. Your face is all swollen. Please, let me get some ointment for it right away."

    Carol''s face twisted with a flicker of rage as she hissed, "This is all Linsey''s fault! I swear she''ll pay for this!"

    Alexa, taken aback, hadn''t expected Linsey to be implicated in this affair.

    Just as she was about to respond, Carol fixed her gaze on her and swiftly instructed, "You used to shadow Linsey, right? Join me for the next scheme." Hesitating, Alexa remembered their prior failures in dealing with Linsey, each attempt rebounding disastrously. Yet, confronted with the sight of her daughter''s bruised face, Alexa found it impossible to decline. ¡°Okay, I''ll assist you. I''ll do whatever you need, just to see you smile again."

    Linsey had been recovering at home, her wounds slowly mending.

    She had hoped to reveal her pregnancy to Collin once he returned from his trip.

    But Collin had been unexpectedly tied uptely, as if preupied with a significant issue.

    Reluctant to bother him, Linsey decided to wait for an opportune moment to deliver her news.

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    That night, as she awaited Collin''s return for dinner, Linsey surfed the Inte in the living room.

    Over the past few days, the shares of CR Corporation had surged, attracting a flurry of eager partners.

    The dealings alone had surged to a staggering five billion in local currency, aside from the profits ruing from CR Corporation''s ventures in production and investments.

    Linsey''s surprise grew with each article she read.

    Meanwhile, the Lawson Group had faced a series of losses from emerging scandals, which starkly contrasted the two billion inpensation they had received from CR Corporation.

    Linsey pondered the results had CR Corporation not severed ties with Lawson Group. Would they now be caught in the fallout?

    Collin entered quietly, shedding his coat and settling next to Linsey. "What''s caught your interest?"

    "You''re home!" A smile lit up Linsey''s face as she responded, "Just catching up on thetest about CR Corporation and Lawson Group. They''ve been all over the newstely."

    Collin quirked an eyebrow and said, "I was worried you might be bored stuck here, but you seem quite captivated."

    $Bountiful Free Coins are waiting for you, don''t miss out!

    GO NOW

 Chapter 541

    Chapter 541 What Kind Of Surprise Are You nning

    Linsey burst intoughter. "What? I''m just looking around. Nothing really caught my eye."

    She then continued. "You and Dustin had it right. The guy running CR Corporation has his own agenda. Turns out I was worried over nothing."

    With a gentle gesture, Collin lifted his hand to tousle Linsey''s hair, his voice filled with warmth. "It''s perfectly

    normal to feel a bit uneasy since you work at CR Corporation. Remember, I told you that just to help calm your

    nerves, so it wouldn''t throw off your day."

    Linsey gave a nod of understanding. "I get it now."

    Turning her attention back to herptop, she scrolled through the screen with

    ease.

    As she read online des celebrating the CR Corporation''s founder, she found herself agreeing. "The person

    behind CR Corporation really is remarkable-intelligent, well-nned, phnthropic, yet so down-to-earth."

    While the Inte was abuzz with spections about the appearance of the CR Corporation''s founder, Linsey''s eyes shimmered with intrigue. "I''ve heard rumors that the founder is married. Wonder if that''s true?"

    Caught off guard by the conversation, Collin, who was actually the founder of CR Corporation, momentarily lost

    hisposure.

    Narrowing his eyes slightly, his voice carried a hint of envy. "Why? Are you upset that he got married?"

    Linsey turned to look at Collin, immediately noticing his jealous tone. "Oh, please, it''s just curiosity."

    Collin huffed, his words drawn out. "You went all out praising the founder a moment ago. Thosepliments

    were even morevish than any you''ve given me, and I''m your husband."

    Linsey let out a yful sigh and shot Collin a teasing look. ¡°Being a bit dramatic, aren''t you?"

    For Collin, her tone was clearly teasing rather thanining.

    Darkening his gaze, Collin leaned in close, his breath whispering across Linsey''s skin, eliciting a small shiver

    from her.

    "That tickles!" Linsey giggled, pulling back slightly. "I think it''s time for dinner. Shall we?"

    Attempting to rise, she felt Collin''s gentle resistance as he tugged her back down. "There''s something important I need to share," Collin said with gravity.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in curiosity. "Oh? What''s on your mind?"

    In the depth of Linsey''s eyes, Collin saw a reflection of tenderness, softening his resolve.

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    His days had been crammed with negotiations involving the Burke Group and other firms, and vignce against the Lawson Group''s schemes had consumed his spare moments.

    Caught up in everything, he realized he had unintentionally pushed Linsey aside while she was still recovering

    at home.

    A twinge of remorse struck him.

    Meanwhile, he thought back to the custom engagement ring he had ordered from a well-known designer in the

    nearby city.

    Even during his rushed visit, he had managed to sort out most of the details with the designer.

    Recent updates from the designer assured him that the ring''s creation was progressing well, and it would soon

    be ready.

    His n was unfolding: he would reveal his secret identity and propose to Linsey during the CR Corporation''s annual gathering.

    Pondering these thoughts, Collin said softly, "In ten days, I have a special surprise nned for you."

    Her face lighting up, Linsey inquired eagerly, "A surprise? What kind of surprise are you nning?*

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 Chapter 542

    Chapter 542 Do You Miss Seeing Me Jealous

    As Linsey expressed her thoughts, her frustration was noticeable. "You were nning to surprise me in ter days, so why bring it up now? Do you enjoy seeing me anxious about the wait?"

    Collin responded with a grin, ¡°I thought you''d appreciate having something to anticipate, plus a little time to

    get ready."

    Linsey remained skeptical. She had been strategizing the perfect moment to share news of her pregnancy with

    Collin.

    Yet here he was, delighting in keeping her on edge with his surprises!

    Despite her annoyance, a warmth began to spread within her.

    Considering this, Linsey came up with a n. "Well, if you''re setting up a surprise for me in ten days, expect

    one from me too."

    Collin took her words lightly, guessing she might just be thinking of buying him a present. "Sounds great, let''s both eagerly await the day," he replied casually.

    A gleam of excitement shone in Linsey''s eyes, her happiness evident. "Sounds perfect."

    Together, they stood up to make their way to the restaurant for dinner.

    A thought struck Linsey suddenly.

    ¡°Hold on, isn''t our firm''s annual g also in ten days?" she asked, eyeing Collin curiously.

    Collin caught Linsey''s probing look and felt a twinge of nerves.

    Knowing Linsey''s astuteness, he worried she might connect the dots and realize he was behind CR Corporation.

    This possibility made Collin slightly anxious.

    Attempting to hide his unease, he casually remarked, "Really? What a coincidence!"

    "Absolutely!" Linsey confirmed after ncing at her phone. "It''s set for ten days from now, our g."

    She then wore a ponderous look, eyeing Collin with raised eyebrows. "You know, Collin, you''re acting quite

    mysterious..."

    Collin, typically calm, found himself momentarily breathless. "What do you mean?"

    He wondered if Linsey had pieced together his secret.

    Perhaps it was time toe clean.

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    star to confess my gung widely, interrupted all this jealousy over the founder wing your sure on the same day a fer ? Are you ring to get me to

    wedloved no tended confession. He served insers amet euression and responded with a

    sure timen mary jealousy."

    Battle fit the low as permet surprise voi take ce at the very site of the CR Corporation''s gaia

    I only content?"

    meget, fegning a pout. Here I was thinking you were still the

    Conlen Cracktet tewing Unser into an entres, ins eyebrows arching yfully. Do you miss seeing me

    critta sait sayout. Her finger valy poicing & Colin'' stong chest before she could stop herself. She

    tenenter the did Collin nerer met way from admitting he was quick to jealousy."

    foute et I wong Cilm sponder with agendeugh, cpturing her hand and cing it over his heart.

    In as life my escuss is sever mix for you my dear Linsey."

    He then eatet in case ins breath acting her chest, and gently mooier her shoulder in a teasing gesture

    Rmended for you

    LOVE

 Chapter 543

    Chapter 543 Where''s Carol

    Linsey chuckled at Collin''s affectionate words but quickly put on a serious face. "You''re lying, Last time we visited your grandmother, she told me herself that you''ve always been possessive since you were little, always hogging her attention."

    Collin was caught off guard, surprised that Linsey remembered such trivial details. After a brief pause, he smirked. "Grandma enjoys her solitude now. If I go bothering, her, she''ll probably kick me out. So, I have no choice but to spend all my time with my dear wife instead, hoping she won''t get tired of me."

    Linsey raised an eyebrow, amused. "Collin, you''re getting better at sweet-talking, Who''s been coaching you?"

    She yfully pinched his lips.

    When they first met, he had been aloof and distant, hard to approach.

    But as time passed, she had gradually uncovered Collin''s softer, more yful side.

    Laughing and chatting, they strolled into the restaurant, their easygoing chemistry so infectious that even the passersby couldn''t help but smile.

    Meanwhile, at Grester Airport, Jeffery hurried out of the car, his gaze sweeping across the terminal until he spotted two familiar figures.

    Cruz and M looked slightly weary, followed by their assistants carrying their luggage.

    Taking a deep breath, Jeffery approached. "Dad, Mom."

    M studied him for a few seconds, her elegant andposed expression tinged with concern. "Jeffery, you''ve lost a lot of weight."

    At her words, the exhaustion Jeffery had been suppressing almost overwhelmed him. "Mom..."

    Before he could say more, Cruz interjected in his usual firm tone. "Alright, let''s head home first. Your mother is tired and needs to rest."

    Jeffery nodded. "The car is outside. Let''s go."

    As they settled into the vehicle, the ride back was quiet.

    Cruz, aware of M''s presence, merely shot Jeffery a sharp warning nce-one that said everything without

    words.

    Jeffery didn''t need to be told what wasing next.

    Unlike his mother''s gentle nature, his father had always been strict, and once they were home, he knew he wouldn''t be spared.

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    Chapter 543 Where''s Carol

    When they arrived at the Lawson family''s vi, Cruz carefully helped his wide out of the car "We'' kome

    said.

    The household staff had already gathered at the entrance. "Wee home, Mr. and Mrs. Lawson they weat

    in unison.

    As M stepped inside, she nced around and noticed someone missing "Jeffery, where''s Card

    She hesitated, then smiled. "Ah, it''ste-she must be asleep already,"

    Jeffery, standing behind her, stiffened slightly, pressing his lips together. He didn''t dare tell her the truth Caro hadn''t been home for days.

    Since she ran out of the police station earlier that day, Jeffery had sent people to find her, but she had yet to be

    located.

    Between handling thepany''s affairs and picking up his parents from the airport, he hadn''t had time to search for her.

    Since his mother had assumed Carol was resting, Jeffery let her believe it.

    At least for now, it was better than causing amotion in the middle of the night.

    After freshening up, M retired early, exhausted from the long journey.

    Immediately her door closed, M turned to Jeffery with a cold, unreadable expression

    As soon as they entered the study, Cruz shut the door behind them and moved to

    his desk. His stern gaze bore into Jeffery. "Kneel," hemanded.

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 Chapter 544

    Chapter 544 Are You ming Me For Your...

    Jeffery took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling heavily. Without another word, he stepped forward and dropped to his knees. "Dad..."

    Cruz cut him off sharply. "Tell me, what''s going on with those factories?"

    Jeffery''s expression darkened. After a brief silence, he spoke slowly. "The general manager in charge of factory procurement, Leon Walsh, embezzled funds meant for equipment purchases. Because of that, we didn''t have enough money to acquire the necessary machinery. To cover it up, his subordinates kept submitting falsified documents, manipting figures to make everything seem normal..."

    He trailed off, unable to continue.

    Cruz scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Impressive, isn''t it? One man covering for another, a whole group covering for each other. When did the firm be a nest of corruption?"

    His piercing gaze fell on Jeffery, who remained kneeling. "And you, as CEO, failed to detect such a massive issue?" Jeffery clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling inside him. "Dad, most of the management team has been with

    you

    for years. I trusted them because they were your people. That''s why I let my guard down."

    Cruz''s expression turned even colder. "Jeffery! Are you ming me for your failure?"

    Jeffery''s heart skipped a beat. He quickly shook his head. "That''s not what I

    meant!"

    Cruz narrowed his eyes. "When did you be so skilled at shifting responsibility? Have you forgotten everything I taught you?"

    Jeffery tightened his fists but knew arguing was pointless. "I was wrong, Dad. I''m already doing everything I can

    to fix this."

    Looking up, he quickly added, "I had secured a partnership with CR Corporation. Its founder Mr. Riley personally admired you. Even though they''ve canceled the deal, there''s still a chance to salvage it."

    Cruz immediately saw where this was going. "Oh? So you''ve already made ns for me. You want me to step in and convince Mr. Riley?"

    Jeffery''s urgency grew. "Dad, the Lawson Group is Grandpa and your legacy! And this issue isn''t just about the factories. The real problem started when Carol unknowingly offended one of CR Corporation''s designers. That''s why Mr. Riley cut ties with us."

    Cruz frowned. "A designer?"

    Jeffery nodded. "Yes, the one who caused a scene during Carol''s birthday party- Linsey. And there might be some deeper connection between her and Mr. Riley."

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    Cruz''s patience wore thin. His brows knitted together in irritation. "Stop looking for shortcuts. Your focus should be on fixing thepany, not specting about irrelevant rtionships."

    Jeffery hesitated, then nodded obediently. "I understand. I just want to find a way

    to regain CR Corporation''s trust. If we can restore that partnership, resolving thepany''s internal crisis will be much easier."

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 Chapter 545

    Chapter 545 We''ll Proceed

    With Your n

    Cruz let out a weary sigh and talk to his chair

    "Do you think Mr. Riley is naive? With ourpany facing a factory flown wab moltige does, to you really believe they''d consider renewing our partnership at such a critical time?"

    Jeffery remained firm. T''m certain Linsey has a special connection with Mr. Key Card and 1 wronged her feat night it was our fault if we personally apologize and offerpensation, the forge. Then, we can ade her to help mediate with Mr. Riley,"

    Cruz rubbed his temples, his disappointment evident. "You ignored the need for en plug val now, but suddenly, when you need her, you think it''s the right time? Don''t you see how indincere that somet

    "Dad! We have no other choice!" Jeffery pressed, desperate for his father''s suppon. ¡°You can''t approach M Riley directly, Linsey is our only way in. If this can restore the firm, I''m willing to do whatever it takes-eve risk my life for it!"

    "Enough with the reckless talk! If your mother hears you, she''ll worry herself sick." For the first time that evening, Jeffery allowed himself a small smile.

    His father''s words meant he had agreed.

    "Dad, trust me. Give me another chance, and I promise to be more cautious. His voice was firm, resolute

    Cruz studied him in silence before finally nodding "Alright. We''ll proceed with your n."

    Jeffery and Carol were his only children. Carol, naturally rebellious, had no interest in business.

    Moreover, with her heart condition, Cruz and M never pushed her too hard. Still, they were family.

    Cruz and M were healthy and strong enough to support them, and the Lawson Group belonged to their children-not distant rtives who were eyeing it like vultures.

    That day, Linsey finally returned to work.

    Her colleagues in the Fashion Design Department weed her warmly, even bringing her snacks to help her regain her energy.

    Touched by their kindness, Linsey thanked them, epting everything with a grateful smile.

    Just as she sat down, her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar. "Hello?"

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    A soft, elegant voice responded, "Hello, Ms. Brooks. I''m M Lawson. I''ve heard you''re an outstanding designer at CR Corporation. I was wondering if you could create a few gowns for me?"

    Linsey felt an unexpected warmth at the woman''s gentle tone. She instinctively smiled. ¡°Hello, Ms. Lawson. I''d be happy to. Would you like to discuss the details over the phone?"

    M chuckled apologetically. "I just returned from abroadst night and I''m still adjusting to the time difference. Would you mind meeting in person? I''ve reserved a private room at a restaurant."

    "Of course. Just send me the address, and I''ll be there shortly."

    Rmended for you

    UND BY LOVE:

    ring-MY

    DISABLED HUSBAND

    Bound By Love: Marrying My Dis...

    "You need a bride, I nee

 Chapter 546

    Chapter 546 We''ll Settle That Tonight

    "Alright, thank you, Ms. Brooks" M sent Linsey the restaurant location and the V room number

    After ending the call, Linsey hesitated. She had agreed too quickly enthout even writing pis dey

    Strangely, something about M''s voice felt familiar. It was an odd feeling, one that made bet they

    trust her.

    Still, caution was necessary. After a brief moment of thought, Linsey dialed Collin

    He picked up almost immediately. "Sweetheart, what''s up?"

    Linsey spoke softly. "I''m about to meet a client, but I have never met her before. Can you send a couple of your men to apany me?"

    Without hesitation, Collin agreed. "Of course. I''ll arrange it now and have a car pick you up new you firm

    "Thank you, darling." Linsey blew him a kiss over the phone.

    Collin chuckled. "Be careful. And call me if anything happens. Also, that kiss doesn''t count-wel settle that tonight."

    Shortly after they hung up, Linsey received a text from Collin''s men. "Mrs. Riley, we''re waiting for you at the caf¨¦ entrance in the business park."

    After replying, she quickly gathered her things and left for the meeting

    At the restaurant, Linsey and her two escorts followed the waiter to the designated VIP room.

    As she pushed the door open, her eyes immediatelynded on three people seated inside.

    One of them was Jeffery-the same man she had spoken to on the phone just yesterday.

    Her expression darkened instantly. Without a second thought, she turned on her heels to leave.

    "Linsey! Wait!" Jeffery was startled by her reaction and quickly moved to block her exit.

    He was too focused on her to notice that the two people sitting beside him-his parents were equally stunned Before Jeffery could reach her, Linsey''s security detail stepped in, stopping him in his tracks.

    "Mr. Lawson, please step back."

    With their protection, Linsey steadied herself. She took a deep breath, then met Jeffery''s gaze. "Jeffery, what exactly do you want? I told you yesterday-I won''t plead with our boss for you."

    This arrogant, insistent man had already harassed her over the phone, and now he had gone as far as tricking

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    her into a meeting?

    Jeffery''s expression darkened. "You"

    Before he could finish, M abruptly stood up from the table.

    "Jeffery, step aside!" M''s eyes were locked on Linsey, wide with disbelief, shimmering with onshed tears.

    Linsey also froze in shock.

    Why did this woman look so much like her?

    Jeffery, now pushed back a few steps, looked at his mother in confusion. "Mom? What''s wrong?"

    His mother didn''t answer. She simply stared at Linsey, ovee with emotion.

    And then, suddenly, it hit him. Jeffery''s gaze darted between Linsey and M, his expression shifting from confusion to sheer shock.

    She had seemed vaguely familiar when he first met Linsey. But now, seeing them side by side, he realized she looked exactly like his mother.

 Chapter 547

    Chapter 547 I Grew Up In An Orphanage

    At that time, or stayed , dewy darex by the merge purs

    11 mars beside Mys, gerly antiding A Rand, wira sombed signty team shock my zambet from

    My''s eyshes fivyed as she wronged to a hexysove sement, the wate and wiped sway the tears posting as the cornes of keys.

    "My apologies," M sah, her we here wereby as the wind her way ex

    it was odd. Why had she reacted so wrongly? te won''t stoval for scareers to solde eden

    Linsey blinked, still dazed, trying to gather her thoughs, "It''s at gede unzurei

    She had also been taken ab

    This encounter was even more shocking the when she had first sem pelery & Cad''s brity pay

    She and Jeffery did share some simrities, but after seeing him a few times, she had easy noticed fer

    differences.

    But this woman... Linsey wasn''t just looking at a resemnce. Their facial features, demeanor, even their aure

    it was uncanny

    No wonder all four of them had been frozen in silence.

    Cruz, a man who had weathered many storms, deared his throat and, in a rare show of politeness, said, "Ms. Brooks, I''m Jeffery''s father-Cruz Lawson"

    Linsey nodded. "Hello, Mr. Lawson."

    Cruz hesitated briefly before speaking "Ms. Brooks, may I ask about your

    parents? You look remarkably like my wife. Could we meet your parents? Perhaps there''s a famihal connection we aren''t aware of"

    Beside him, M nodded gently in agreement.

    Linsey paused before responding calmly, "I''m sorry, but I don''t have parents. I grew up in an orphanage."

    A stunned silence followed.

    Jeffery, caughtpletely off guard, blurted out, "You were an orphan?"

    Even the usually gentle M frowned slightly and pinched Jeffery''s arm. "Be quiet!"

    Jeffery inhaled sharply and muttered a quick apology. "I''m sorry."

    Linsey had never seen Jeffery so subdued before. It was almost amusing.

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    But she wasn''t bothered by his reaction. "It''s alright. You were was just stating a fact."

    Jeffery awkwardly adjusted his tone. "I just meant... I''m amazed someone as young as you could reach such a position..."

    He trailed off, unsure how to phrase it. However, Linsey understood what he meant.

    She smiled faintly, "I don''t have an impressive family background. Everything I''ve achieved, I did on my own. So, you can stop specting about my connection to our founder. I''ve never met him. And besides-I''m already married."

    M listened intently, her gaze softening

    Poor child,

    The moment Linsey mentioned she was married, M instinctively asked, "What kind of person is your husband? Does he treat you well?"

    As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized that she overstepped.

    They had only just met today.

    Linsey noticed the flicker of regret in M''s eyes and offered a reassuring smile. "Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Lawson. My husband treats me very well, and we love each other deeply."

 Chapter 548

    Chapter 548 Linsey, May I Call You That

    Upon hearing Linsey''s response, M felt an unexpected sense of relief.

    Still, a hint of worry lingered.

    Linsey had no family to rely on, and if her husband didn''t treat her well, what would she do?

    Cruz, noticing his wife''s growing fondness for Linsey, suggested, "Why don''t we sit down and talk?"

    M smiled warmly and took Linsey''s hand in an affectionate gesture. "Ms. Brooks, would you mind sitting

    next to me?"

    Linsey had already formed a good impression of M, so she didn''t hesitate. "Of course, I don''t mind."

    With that, they took their seats at the dining table-M and Linsey in the center, with Jeffery and Cruz on

    either side.

    Cruz signaled for a waiter. "Could you bring us the menu again?¡±

    At the same time, he turned to the two men apanying Linsey and gestured toward the nearby sofa.

    Linsey''s security detail nodded in acknowledgment, understanding the underlying message-stay quiet and

    remain on standby.

    Once the menu arrived, Cruz handed it to Linsey. "Here, Ms. Brooks. See if there''s anything you''d like."

    Linsey hesitated slightly, feeling a bit overwhelmed. These were two of the most influential figures in Grester, and they were treating her with such warmth and attention. It was a little disorienting. Still, she had enough experience to keep herposure.

    "Thank you, Mr. Lawson. I''m not picky-anything is fine," she said politely.

    If Collin and Dolores were here, they would surely argue that she was quite particr about food.

    M flipped open the menu and looked at Linsey with a soft smile. "Linsey, may I call you that?"

    Linsey nodded. "Of course."

    "Good. Then there''s no need to call me Mrs. Lawson. Just call me M. And don''t hold back-order whatever you like."

    Linsey couldn''t refuse any longer. "Alright," she agreed, finally taking the menu more seriously.

    The Lawson family had invited her here, likely because of the coboration between CR Corporation and Lawson

    Group.

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    While she genuinely liked M, she couldn''t afford to let her guard down too soon.

    At the very least, she needed a good meal to keep her energy up for whatever conversationy ahead.

    As Linsey browsed the menu, M watched her closely,

    Sometimes, feelings were unexinable. The more she observed Linsey, the more she found herself drawn to everything about this young woman.

    She felt an instinctive urge to care for her.

    To an outsider, it might seem like she was sizing Linsey up as a potential daughter-inw for Jeffery. But deep down, M knew the truth. She wasn''t thinking of Linsey as a future daughter-inw. She was thinking of her as a daughter.

    The realization made M''s heart skip a beat.

    That was impossible, wasn''t it?

    Her breath hitched for a moment.

    Linsey, noticing the shift in her expression, immediately asked, "M, do you feel okay?"

    Cruz also looked over with concern. "Are you still tired from the trip?"

    M blinked and quickly regained herposure. "No, no, I''m fine," she replied with a reassuring smile.

    She had just let her thoughts wander too far.

    How could Linsey possibly be her daughter?

    She and Cruz only had Jeffery and Carol. A third child was simply impossible.

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 Chapter 549

    Chapter 549 Jeffery, Shut up!

    As the dishes were served, M warmly ced some food on Linsey''s te, asionally asking about her dietary preferences.

    Linsey felt a bit puzzled by M''s kindness but epted it with grace, offering her thanks.

    After some thought, she spected that M might simply feel a sense of kinship due to their striking

    resemnce.

    It wasn''t unusual for two unrted people to share simr features.

    Only today did Linsey finally understand why she bore a slight resemnce to Jeffery.

    It was because of M, his mother.

    Deciding not to overthink it, Linsey quietly focused on enjoying her meal.

    Not long after, Jeffery set down his fork.

    He wiped his mouth, then exchanged a subtle nce with his father.

    Cruz, who had been expecting this moment, nodded slightly, signaling Jeffery to proceed.

    "Ms. Brooks..." Jeffery began, his tone measured.

    Linsey''s eyes flickered slightly. She had sensed that Jeffery had something on his mind.

    Setting down her utensils, she met his gaze. "What do you want to talk about, Mr. Lawson?"

    Jeffery leaned forward slightly. "Earlier, you mentioned that you''ve never met the founder. I believe you, but are you truly unaware of the influence you have over his decisions?"

    Linsey raised an amused brow.

    "Why would you think that?" she asked, her voiceced with curiosity. "I''m just a junior designer at CR Corporation, recently given a minor leadership role in fashion design. I have a superior who oversees everything, and far above that, the founder himself. How could I possibly influence his decisions?"

    She let her words settle for a moment before her polite smile faded, her tone turning calm and direct. "Mr. Lawson, I understand that you want me to persuade the founder to resume coboration with your firm. But isn''t itmon knowledge in town that Lawson Group is currently facing serious internal risks?"

    Jeffery''s expression darkened at her bluntness.

    Linsey, however, remained unfazed. Even with M and Cruz present, she had no intention of mincing words.

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    "Frankly, anyone choosing to partner with Lawson Group at this moment would be taking a significant risk," Linsey continued.

    "Linsey!" Jeffery abruptly stood up, his sudden outburst startling even M.

    His expression was taut with frustration as he pointed at her. "Our family invited you to dinner, yet you sit here acting ungrateful, speaking so disrespectfully despite our goodwill!"

    A cold sneer curled his lips, his gaze sharp and using "With how fearless you are, who would believe you don''t have powerful backing?"

    Before Linsey could respond, M''s voice cut through the tension. "Jeffery, shut up!"

    Linsey blinked in surprise. She hadn''t expected M to defend her.

    Wasn''t the Lawson family supposed to be united in persuading her to save their firm?

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 Chapter 550

    Chapter 550 You''re Even Sharper Than I Thought

    Linsey was curious about M''s reaction, but her face remained unreadable.

    Jeffery, however, noticed the subtle displeasure in his mother''s expression and begrudgingly held back any

    further harsh words.

    He understood that M clearly favored Linsey, and it wouldn''t be wise to provoke her unhappiness.

    At that moment, Cruz, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Ms. Brooks, I understand your perspective. We invited you here today with sincerity, hoping you might be willing to assist us."

    Linsey turned her gaze to the famously stern chairman of Lawson Group.

    It was well known that he had gradually stepped back from thepanyst year, entrusting most affairs to Jeffery while traveling the world with his wife, M.

    He appeared to be a man deeply devoted to his wife, which left Linsey with a favorable impression of him.

    "Mr. Lawson, please go ahead," she said politely.

    Clearly, his previous statement had been iplete.

    As the chairman of Lawson Group, Cruz was undoubtedly moreposed and pragmatic than Jeffery, who had taken over midstream.

    Cruz gave a small nod and continued, "We didn''t arrange this meeting to unfairly ask you to persuade the founder to resume our partnership. Instead, we''ve prepared aprehensive proposal, which we hope to present directly to him."

    Linsey furrowed her brow slightly. "Mr. Lawson, it''s not that I don''t want to help. But since joining CR Corporation, I''ve never had the opportunity to meet the founder. If you wish to present your n, you should approach someone closer to them."

    Jeffery''s eyes flickered upon realization. "Linsey, do you know Dustin Wade? He''s the public face of CR Corporation."

    A few days ago, when he had visited CR Corporation in search of Collin, it was Dustin who had met him.

    At the time, Jeffery had subtly probed him, suggesting that Linsey might be the reason CR Corporation had severed ties with Lawson Group.

    And Dustin hadn''t denied it.

    This implied that, at the very least, Dustin knew Linsey well.

    However, there was also the possibility that Dustin had merely used Linsey as a convenient excuse.

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    Dustin? Several thoughts shed through Linsey''s mind in those few seconds.

    Why was Jeffery suddenly bringing him up?

    She was well aware that Dustin was the public face of CR Corporation, but she failed to see what he had to do

    with today''s discussion.

    Maintaining herposure, she replied evenly, "Mr. Wade is one of the key figures in ourpany. What exactly are you implying, Mr. Lawson?"

    Jeffery studied her for a long moment before a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Linsey, you''re even sharper than I thought. You always speak with such precision. You never answer directly yet leave no room for anyone to challenge you."

    Linsey''s expression remained neutral. "I only answered as truthfully as I could. As an employee of CR Corporation, of course, I know Mr. Wade."

    "You know that''s not what I meant," Jeffery said, his voiceced with curiosity as his gaze locked onto hers, searching for any reaction.

 e Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 551

    Chapter 551 Why Are You Defending This Bitch

    Linsey remained perfectly poised, unfazed by the presence of the influential figures surrounding her.

    Cruz, having watched Jeffery press Linsey for answers without sess, finally lost his patience. "Jeffery, just hand the document to Ms. Brooks," he said firmly.

    Jeffery''s lips tightened in reluctance, but he obeyed. Passing the document to Linsey, he said, "You only need to figure out how to get this to the founder. Once you aplish that, we-"

    Before he could finish his words, the door to the private dining room burst open with a loud crash.

    Everyone turned in stunned silence, eyes widening at the sudden intrusion.

    Standing in the doorway was Carol, her face twisted with fury.

    Her gaze locked onto Linsey, darkening with even more hostility.

    "Linsey!" she rasped, her voice raw with rage.

    The sheer intensity of her outburst sent a ripple of unease through the room.

    "Carol? What are you doing here?" Jeffery was the first to react, rising to his feet in confusion.

    He wanted to ask where she had beenst night, but with M and Cruz present, he decided to hold back for

    now.

    Carol paid him no attention. Her fiery gaze remained locked on Linsey, her expression almost unhinged.

    Linsey, on the other hand, was no stranger to Carol''s animosity. With a slight lift of her brow, she said calmly,

    "Miss Lawson, what now? Are you nning to attack me again?"

    That single remark sent Carol over the edge. With a furious scream, she lunged forward.

    As she reached Jeffery, she shoved him aside without hesitation.

    Caught off guard, Jeffery stumbled to the side, his expression one of shock. Carol, eyes burning with rage, raised her hand, fully intent on striking Linsey. But Linsey had no intention of standing still and taking the hit.

    Just as she was about to defend herself, a firm grip from behind pulled her back.

    "That''s enough, Carol! What do you think you''re doing?" M''s sharp voice rang out, filled with disbelief.

    She hadn''t seen Carol since returning from abroad yesterday, and after more than a year apart, this was hardly the reunion she had expected.

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    Watching her daughter now-wild, furious, acting without restraint-Alena could hardly believe her eyes.

    When had Carol be this reckless?

    Charging at someone without warning? Was this the behavior of a Lawson?

    Despite her shock, M chose her words carefully, she wouldn''t reprimand Carol too harshly-not in front of

    Linsey

    But Carol saw only one thing-her mother stepping in to shield Linsey.

    The sight made her blood boil. Eyes zing and voice trembling with anger, Carol turned on M. "Mom! Why are you defending this bitch? Why are you having dinner with her? Why?"

    M froze, startled by the sheer emotion in Carol''s voice. For the first time, she looked at her daughter not just with concern-but with disappointment.

    When had Carol be so unhinged? She was yelling at her own mother in front of an outsider.

    Cruz immediately stepped in, positioning himself between M and Carol. Linsey was also shielded behind him.

    Cruz fixed Carol with a sharp, disapproving look, his voice firm and unyielding. "Carol! Is this how you speak to your mother?"

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    Chapter 552 Is Linsey Your

    Secret Child

    Jeffery was caught off guard.

    He had been observing Carol''s unpredictable actions over thest few days and knew he had to intervene.

    Determined, Jeffery quickly stepped up and took hold of Carol''s arm.

    "Carol, let''s calm down. Maybe it''s best we head home. I''lle with you."

    "Get away from me!" Carolshed out, breaking free from Jeffery''s grasp. She yelled, "You know how much I despise Linsey! And yet, you, along with Mom and Dad, invite her over for dinner today! What''s this about? Are you recing me? Do you prefer Linsey as your daughter and sister?"

    "Carol, stop talking such nonsense!" Cruz scolded her sharply. He then instructed Jeffery, "Take her home, now!"

    "I refuse!" Carol''s voice grew ragged and fierce, as though she might scream until she was voiceless. "You

    didn''t even search for me when I didn''te homest night. Yet here you are, enjoying your time with Linsey!

    Am I no longer your daughter? Do you even acknowledge me as such?"

    As Carol''s usations escted, Jeffery''s face became grave, and he tried to embrace her firmly. "Carol, you''re

    mistaken. We don''t feel that way. We only met with Linsey today to discuss saving thepany."

    Carol burst into hystericalughter. "Lies! All lies! Do you think Linsey holds so much power?"

    In a moment of breakdown, she turned to her father and demanded, "Tell me! Is Linsey your secret child? Why

    else does she bear such a resemnce to Jeffery? Speak up!"

    Shock and anger shed across Cruz''s face, his expression darkening suddenly. "You brat! What utter rubbish

    are you yelling?"

    Cruz had always thought of himself as more lenient with Carol than with Jeffery during their upbringing.

    It was beyond his imagination that, upon his and his wife''s return to the country, their daughter would hurl

    such usations at him.

    M was equally shocked by Carol''s im.

    How could Carol suggest that Linsey was Cruz''s illegitimate child? Such a notion was preposterous.

    Taken aback, M instinctively took Linsey''s hand in hers, whispering reassurances. ¡°Don''t worry, Linsey,

    everything will be alright."

    Linsey seemed disconnected from the ongoing dispute. She nced down at her

    hand in M''s, feeling an inexplicable reluctance to release it.

    What an odd sensation-why did she feel this way?.

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    Chapter 562 is Linsey Your SecretCAM

    At that moment, Carol, ever perceptive and on edge, overhead 1''s woe to ty

    Unable to restrain herself, she destied forward, intent of prying Linsey''s band from pas tey so y mother''s hand!"

    Carol was poised to dodge past her father to reach tiny and Myle

    In the next instant, Cruz''s hand came down hard, delivering a sharp stap to CA

    The sound of the p echoed sharply

    Suddenly, everything fellpletely still.

    Carol staggered backward, struggling to regain her bnce.

    Her breaths came in shaky gasps, she had never imagined her father would strike her....

    M, too, was stunned and gasped, clutching at Cruz''s arm, her voice argent. "How could you strike terr

    She attempted to approach Carol, but Cruz firmly held her back. "Don''t go to her. She''s not in the right wa of mind. Let Jeffery handle this and take her home."

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    III a <

    Chapter 553 I Think You

    Are Bleeding

    The possibility of Carol injuring M unsettled Cruz.

    From her vantage point, Linsey watched the unfolding drama, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

    It appeared that Cruz held a deep affection for his wife.

    In his eyes, Jeffery and Carol seemed to matter less, almost as if he was indifferent to their well-being

    This indifference was evident when he pped Carol harshly and scolded her, instead offorting her.

    M, however, was truly worried about her children.

    Yet, this worry was clearly not enough to erase the damage Cruz had caused to Carol.

    Carol responded with a derisive snicker, "Well...¡±

    Jeffery, overwhelmed by the escting situation, shut his eyes. He inhaled deeply and moved toward Carol again, his voice gentle. "Carol, let''s head home. We can sort everything out there, okay?"

    Carol''s gaze was vacant, and she said nothing.

    Jeffery paused, then tentatively reached for Carol''s arm.

    With surprising strength, Carol pushed Jeffery away.

    The sound of the impact was loud.

    Jeffery was thrust against the edge of a nearby cab.

    Pain shot through his lower back, causing him to cry out and hisplexion to nch.

    "Jeffery!" M cried out, hurrying to her son''s support and helping him to his feet.

    Carol shot a chilling look towards Linsey. ¡°Just you wait, Linsey. You won''t get away with this," she said, then stormed off, disregarding her brotherpletely.

    Linsey merely shrugged at Carol''s threat, her attention casually returning to Jeffery, who was still recovering

    from the fall.

    "Carol..." Jeffery''s voice trailed off as he felt a sharp increase in the pain around his waist.

    "Jeffery, are you all right? Can you get up? Where does it hurt?" M''s voice was filled with concern as she looked anxiously into his face.

    Cruz watched Carol''s departing back and advised Jeffery, "Let''s not focus on your sister right now. Give her some space to cool down."

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    Chapter 553 I Think You Are Bleeding

    He then observed Jeffery''s pale face and asked with a frown, "Is your injury severe?"

    Nearby, Linsey noticed Jeffery''s condition seemed worse than expected.

    It was only a small bump, yet he appeared unusually pale.

    "I''m okay..." Jeffery muttered, downying the agony in his waist from Carol''s shove as he tried to bear the pain. "Mom, Dad, maybe we should send someone to check on Carol. I''m worried about her."

    Cruz responded with a snort of frustration, "She needs to learn to manage her temper on her own. She''s too impulsive, speaking without thinking."

    He looked at Jeffery and added, "I think this may be mainly because you''ve been too lenient with her."

    "Dad, you know Carol suffers from a heart condition," Jeffery responded with a hint of desperation, grimacing from the pain.

    "Let''s help you up," M said as she gripped Jeffery''s arm, ready to assist him.

    As Jeffery attempted to shift, a sudden spike in pain shot through his lower back, making him groan and sweat beads on his forehead.

    It was then that Linsey, who had been silent, noticed and spoke up. "Jeffery, I think you are bleeding."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaue Happy Ever After

    Chapter 554 M, Is

 onaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 554

    Chapter 554 M, Is Everything Alright

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    When Linsey mentioned blood, M and Cruz reacted with shock.

    M wasted no time, swiftly opening Jeffery''s jacket and pulling up his shirt to reveal a dark, blood-seeping bruise on his lower back.

    "He''s bleeding! We need to rush him to the hospital now!" she eximed in panic.

    Cruz''s face hardened with concern as he moved to help Jeffery,

    Jeffery, surprised by his own bleeding, nced at Linsey with bewildered eyes and asked weakly, "Could you smell the blood?"

    Linsey nodded.

    Following the incident, Linsey exited the dining room with them.

    The bodyguards stationed nearby quickly followed suit.

    They reached the Lawson family''s car in the underground garage, where Cruz carefully helped Jeffery into the

    vehicle.

    During the flurry of activity, M turned to Linsey. "Would you like to join us at the hospital?"

    She added with an apologetic smile, "I hope it''s not an imposition..."

    Linsey hadn''t nned on going at first, but when she saw the worry on M''s face, she found herself agreeing without a second thought. "If you don''t mind meing along, I''ll go with you. You should get in the car first and take your son to the hospital. I''ll follow behind you."

    "Thank you, see you there," M responded, touching Linsey''s hand gratefully before climbing into the car.

    As the Lawson family''s car pulled away, one of the bodyguards turned to Linsey. "Considering your rtionship with the Lawson siblings, are you sure you want to visit Jeffery in the hospital?"

    Linsey gave a slight nod. "It''s fine. I have a good rapport with M, and it''s no bother for me to check in."

    "Understood, ma''am," the bodyguard said.

    Linsey reached the hospital not long after the Lawson family''s car.

    She entered just as Jeffery was being rushed into surgery.

    "M." Upon spotting her, Linsey hastened toward her.

    Approaching M, Linsey noticed her reddened eyes-a clear sign she had been crying.

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    Chapter 554 M, Is Everything Alright

    A wave of concern washed over Linsey. ¡°M, is everything alright?

    Coming back to the moment, M looked up at Linsey and managed a weak smile, drawing her to sie. Jeffery lost consciousness on the way here. I''m really concerned....*

    Tears began to fill M''s eyes again as she continued, "Carol''s been fragile since birth due to her heart condition, but Jeffery has always been the strong one. It baffles me... he just fainted after that fall.

    Linsey offered aforting pat on M''s back. "Don''t worry. Jeffery will pull through

    She was puzzled by the severity of Jeffery''s condition too. After all, he had collided with a rounded corner of a

    cab.

    Why would such an impact cause bleeding?

    Just then, Cruz joined them, sitting next to M. "Baby, don''t worry. Jeffery is going to be alright."

    "Has anyone seen Carol?" M asked.

    Cruz slowly shook his head. "The restaurant staff only saw her dash out. They couldn''t say went. I''ve sent people out to find her, so we should have news soon."

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 Chapter 555

    Chapter 555 Please Remain

    Calm

    M let out a tired sigh as she listened, her nerves feelingpletely exhausted.

    "What''s happening with Carol?" She massaged her temples as she spoke. "I used to think she was just overly spoiled and stubborn. But now, she''s acting like someonepletely different, utterly out of control"

    After a brief pause, M turned to Linsey, "I''m really sorry, Linsey. We failed to guide Carol correctly, and the even disrespected you earlier... We''ll make sure to address her behavior more strictly from now on."

    Linsey, taken aback by the apology for Carol, hadn''t expected M to address the issue at such a moment.

    Struggling for words, Linsey felt a pang of envy for Carol, blessed with such apassionate mother.

    Before meeting the Lawsons, Linsey had believed they were unpleasant people, which she thought might exin Carol''s difficult personality.

    However, after spending some time with them, Linsey''s view changedpletely. And for a moment, she even wondered if Carol might be their biological child.

    These thoughts were brief and definitely not something Linsey would ever say out loud.

    They sat together on a bench outside the surgery room, quietly waiting for what felt like an eternity.

    Time seemed to stand still until the operating room doors swung open.

    A doctor stepped out and looked around the room. ¡°Is the patient''s family here?"

    "Yes, right here!" M spoke as she quickly stood up, with Linsey and Cruz standing by her side. "Doctor,

    what''s the status of my son?"

    With a serious expression, the doctor shared his findings. "From our initial assessments, it appears your son has suffered internal organ damage. The injury

    to his lower back seems to have been caused by some external

    force."

    M, shocked, struggled to grasp the news. "Internal... organ damage?"

    As soon as M finished speaking, her knees gave way.

    "M!"

    "M!"

    Together, Linsey and Cruz caught M, stopping her fall.

    "How can this be?" M''s voice shook as she spoke. "He only bumped into a cab, how could his injuries be

    so severe?"

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    Chapter 555 Please Remain Calme

    The doctor paused briefly before posing a question "is there my karows hiensry of Blood donde your

    farmily?"

    The questioned stunned both M and Cruz

    "What are you suggesting, doctor?" Fanic constricted M''s breath the fued her gaze on the doctor, eyes welling up rapidly. "Are you telling me my son could have this Blood disorder you''re talking on?

    By the end of her question, M''s voice was breaking with emotion

    Cruz kept a serious expression, pausing for a moment before responding, The''s

    to history of blood disorders in our family. His health has always been clear in his annual medical reports"

    Acknowledging their response, the doctor nodded, "I see. Please remains calm. We must nu more tests to uncover the reasons behind the mild internal and unusual external bleeding"

    M managed a stiff nod. "Okay, thank you, doctor."

    Cruz also showed his gratitude. "Thanks, doctor."

    Shortly thereafter, Jeffery, still unconscious, was transferred to the hematology deparment for further diagnostic tests.

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 eâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 556

    Chapter 556 Let Me Exin

    Linsey remained by M''s side the entire time, watching over her quietly.

    Linsey couldn''t help but feel perplexed by Jeffery''s sudden health scare.

    Though she had little fondness for him-arrogant and insufferable as he was- watching him get wheeled in and out for endless examinations stirred a flicker of sympathy in her heart.

    While she was waiting, her phone suddenly rang.

    Seeing Collin''s name on the screen, she instinctively moved to a quieter corner of the corridor before answering

    "Linsey, have you finished your meeting with the client? Did everything go as nned?" Collin''s voice carried a

    hint of concern.

    ncing toward M and Cruz, who stood not far away, Linsey was about to reply when she overheard a nearby patient stopping a doctor with a question.

    Collin, ever sharp, immediately caught on. His voice tensed with urgency. "Linsey, are you at a hospital? Are you hurt? What happened?"

    His worry deepened as he pressed further. "I sent two people to protect you-why didn''t they report that you

    were at the hospital?"

    Realizing he had jumped to the wrong conclusion, Linsey quickly cut in. "No, Collin, I''m fine," she assured him.

    With a helpless smile, she lowered her voice. "Let me exin."

    Collin exhaled, his tone softening slightly. "Alright. Go ahead."

    Linsey spoke gently. "I only found out after arriving at the restaurant that the so- called client I was meeting today was Jeffery''s mother."

    There was a brief silence before Collin''s voice darkened. "The Lawson family again? Are they still pestering you?"

    Linsey sighed. "Yes. I hadn''t mentioned it before, but Jeffery called me two days ago. He was acting strangely, insisting that I contact our founder to help him out. I made it very clear that I''ve never even met the founder, yet for some reason, he believes I have the influence to sway his decisions. Honestly, I think he''s giving me far too much credit."

    Her words carried a touch of sarcasm since she was unaware that her own husband-Collin-was, in fact, the very founder Jeffery was so desperate to reach.

    Collin, who had been nning to reveal the truth to Linsey at the uing annual g, remainedposed and didn''t let anything slip.

    "So, Mrs. Lawson lured you in with a supposed design coboration, but in reality,

    it was just another scheme for Jeffery to pressure you into helping him?" Collin deduced.

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    He had already turned down Jeffery''s requests for a meeting twice, making CR Corporation''s stance crystal

    clear.

    Yet, instead of backing off, Jeffery had gone so far as to involve his mother in an attempt to reach Linsey.

    ¡°Exactly. I blocked his number after his first call because he was bing a nuisance. But today, he found another way to corner me, still insisting that I help him convince the founder to restore our partnership with

    Lawson Group."

    Linsey pressed her lips together before continuing. "I wasn''t nning to entertain his request, but then Carol barged in. She''s always held a grudge against me, and seeing me at the table with her family set her off. She lost control, and when Jeffery tried to stop her, she shoved him. He ended up crashing into a cab and getting injured-hence the hospital trip."

    Hearing her exnation, Collin finally pieced everything together.

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 Chapter 557

    Chapter 557 Thank You

    Collin arched an eyebrow. "You''re awfully concerned about Jeffery, aren''t you? Carol was the one who hurt him, yet you still followed him to the hospital. Why?"

    A flicker of intrigue crossed Linsey''s eyes as she answered, "I was just about to exin. The client I met is M, Jeffery''s mother. And to my shock, we look almost identical! It wasn''t just me who noticed; M saw it too. She and Jeffery''s father even asked to meet my parents. That''s when I told them I grew up in an orphanage."

    Collin''s expression shifted slightly. Her words brought back a fleeting memory from not long ago.

    The day Dustin introduced Jeffery as a potential business partner had also been the first time Collin met him.

    That day, Collin had casually remarked to Dustin that Jeffery bore a slight resemnce to Linsey.

    Now, hearing that Linsey also looked like Jeffery''s mother, he couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be more to it than coincidence.

    Collin mulled it over for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. "I see. So, after noticing the resemnce, you felt a sense of familiarity with Mrs. Lawson and decided to apany her to the hospital."

    Linsey smiled. "You know me too well, sweetheart. That''s exactly it."

    After a brief pause, her voice dropped slightly. "Earlier, the doctor gave Jeffery a preliminary checkup and asked his parents if the Lawson family had a history of gic blood disorders. Do you think Jeffery could have a serious blood disorder?"

    "Blood disorder? Since you''re still at the hospital, it''s best to wait for the results before jumping to conclusions." Collin''s voice turned serious.

    After a moment, he added, "You mentioned Carol showed up earlier. That worries me. If she''s capable of harming her own brother, she might not stop there. Make sure you''re never alone, alright?"

    Linsey let out a smallugh. "Don''t worry, I''m fine. Carol has disappeared for now, and her parents are having someone look for her. Now that they''re back in the country, she won''t be as reckless as before."

    "Alright. Just call me if anything happens. Or I cane pick you up after work," Collin offered.

    "Okay, I''ll wait for you. In the meantime, I''ll stay with M and check on Jeffery''s test results," Linsey replied before ending the call.

    When she returned to M''s side, Jeffery''s examination had just wrapped up.

    "The patient''s family can apany him to his hospital room first," the doctor instructed while helping push Jeffery''s gurney out. "We''ll update you as soon as we have the results."

    By now, Jeffery had regained consciousness.

    His gazended on Linsey, and he seemed slightly taken aback to see her still there.

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    "Why haven''t you left yet?" he asked weakly. His voice wasn''t loud, but it was clear enough for everyone. present to hear.

    Before Linsey could reply, M, her eyes brimming with tears, spoke up. "Be

    more grateful, Jeffery. Linsey didn''t have to stay, but she chose to. The least you could do is be polite."

    Jeffery hesitated, looking away briefly before mumbling, "Thank you."

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 Chapter 558

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 558 How Could

    You Act Like Your Father

    As soon as the door closed the hospital room door, Jeffery wasted no time.

    "Dad, Mom, have you found Carol yet?" he asked urgently.

    Cruz let out a weary sigh and shook his head. "Not yet."

    "You should rest for now," he added. "We''ll let you know as soon as we find your sister."

    M, sitting beside the bed, gently adjusted Jeffery''s nket.

    A sudden thought crossed her mind-something Carol had shouted back at the restaurant.

    "Jeffery, did Carol note homest night?" she asked, her brows furrowing.

    She distinctly recalled Carol iming she had been gone all night, and no one had even looked for her.

    M and Cruz had only arrived in Grestertest night,pletely unaware of Carol''s whereabouts before

    then.

    Had something happened between Jeffery and Carol that they didn''t know about? Jeffery''s expression darkened.

    At this point, there was no use hiding the truth.

    He let out a slow breath before briefly exining how Carol had her bodyguards wreaked havoc in the jewelry shop and how, in a moment of fury, he had pped her at the police station.

    M''s eyes widened in shock. "How could you act like your father? Yes, Carol made a mistake, but that doesn''t mean you should have hit her!"

    Carol had already been pped by both her father and brother in just two days. She must have been devastated.

    Jeffery''s brows knitted in regret. "Mom, I know I was wrong. The moment I did it, I regretted it. Right now, I just want to find her and make sure she''s safe.¡±

    Cruz, however, scoffed dismissively, "Carol? In danger? Even if everyone in town were under threat, she''d stille out unscathed. If things don''t go her way, she makes sure no one else has it easy either!"

    Jeffery opened his mouth to defend his sister, but Cruz cut him off.

    "Don''t even try. Look at yourself you''re in this condition because of her! After

    pushing you, she didn''t even stop to check if you were okay. She just ran off like it was nothing. Absolutely ridiculous."

    "That''s enough, Cruz," M said, a hint of irritation in her tone.

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    At her firm words, Cruz reluctantly fell silent.

    M turned to Jeffery, her voice softening. "Don''t worry about Carol. We''ve already sent people to look for her. I''m sure she''ll be back soon."

    Then, with a deep sigh, worry crept into her elegant features. "Right now, what matters most is your test

    results."

    Jeffery waved it off. "Mom, it''s nothing serious, just a minor injury. Don''t dwell on what the doctor said."

    He offered a reassuring smile. "I''m healthy. There''s no way I have a blood disorder."

    While they spoke, Linsey, who had been quietly sitting nearby, had carefully peeled an apple.

    Without a word, she held it out to Jeffery. "Here. Have some fruit. Your lips are so dry they''re cracking."

    Jeffery raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. He took the apple from her, studying her with curiosity. "Linsey, what''s gotten into you? First, you stay with my mom to look after me. Now you''re peeling me an apple? You used to never spare me a kind word. Every time we met, you were either arguing with me or trying to get

    under my skin."

 Chapter 559

    Chapter 559 He''s Picky And Only Eats Certain Fruits

    Linsey picked up another apple and continued peeling, her voice steady. "Mr. Lawson, I was just a designer, yet you went out of your way to make things difficult for me. I wouldn''t have held a grudge if you had left me

    alone."

    Jeffery was caught off guard by her words. After a brief silence, he finally spoke. "That night at Carol''s birthday party... I didn''t know the truth. I misunderstood and acted impulsively. That''s why I tried to pressure you with that $5 million. As for everything that happened after, I had no choice-I was trying to save the Lawson Group''s

    reputation."

    Linsey''s expression remained calm. "So you knew exactly what you did to me. Then you shouldn''t be surprised by how I treated you. People respond to the way they''re treated. Do you expect kindness from someone you''ve always looked down on?"

    Finishing the apple, she turned toward M. "M, would you like some fruit?" M studied Linsey for a moment, her curiosity growing.

    Few people dared to speak to Jeffery that way, especially in front of his parents.

    "Thank you, Linsey," she said, smiling as she epted the apple. Splitting it in half, she added, "Let''s share this

    one."

    After a brief pause, she nced at Cruz. "No need to peel one for him. He''s picky and only eats certain fruits."

    Cruz chuckled. "That''s true, Linsey, you don''t have to bother with me."

    Linsey smiled. "Noted."

    Jeffery took a bite of the apple, then muttered, "Dad barely eats fruit. And if I remember correctly, he''s allergic

    to one."

    Linsey''s hand paused mid-motion. She nced at Cruz instinctively.

    Could he have a fruit allergy too?

    A thought surfaced in her mind-she had been allergic to mangoes since childhood. Was it just a coincidence?

    She was about to ask something when a knock on the door interrupted her. "Come in," Jeffery said.

    The doctor walked in, holding a report in his hand.

    "Doctor, are the test results ready? How is my son?" M''s voice trembled with worry as all eyes turned to the

    doctor.

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    The doctor hesitated briefly before meeting Jeffery''s gaze. "The results show that the patient has an acute blood

    disorder."

    M''s face paled, and she stumbled slightly.

    Linsey quickly reached out to steady her. "Careful, M," she said softly.

    Cruz, usuallyposed, looked shaken. His eyes flickered between Jeffery and the doctor, his concern evident

    "Are you sure?" Cruz asked, his voice lower than usual.

    Jeffery stared at the doctor, his mind struggling to process the news.

    "

    Before he could say more, a violent cough overtook him.

    "Jeffery!" M rushed to his side, patting his back as tears welled in her eyes.

    She fought hard to stay strong, but her trembling hands gave her away.

    Linsey took a steady breath, regaining herposure first. "Doctor, since this was detected early, does he have a good chance of recovery?"

    Her words snapped M and Cruz out of their daze.

    "Yes, doctor, my son has always been healthy. This diagnosis-how serious is it? Is it treatable?" M said urgently.

 Chapter 560

    < Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 560 Do You See Me

    Cruz''s voice was firm with urgency. "Doctor, do whatever it takes to save my son, no matter the cost!"

    The doctor met his gaze with a serious expression. "Jeffery''s condition is quite rare. While we caught it early,

    the disease is progressing faster than expected. The most immediate priority is finding apatible bone

    marrow donor."

    He paused, then asked, "He has a younger sister, correct?"

    M quickly nodded. "Yes, our daughter."

    "In that case, she should be tested as soon as possible. If she''s a match, we can move forward without dy. Otherwise, finding another donor will take time."

    As evening fell, M turned to Linsey with warmth in her eyes. She urged her to go home.

    "Linsey, thank you for staying with me today. If you hadn''t been here, I don''t know how I would have handled

    everything."

    Linsey shook her head a little. "You don''t have to thank me, M. I didn''t do much."

    She then reassured her, "Jeffery will get through this. If Carol isn''t a match, there are other options. A donor

    will turn up."

    M sighed, her worry evident. "We''ve already started searching. Carol has always been weak, so we''d prefer

    to find another match if possible."

    After a brief silence, she gave Linsey''s shoulder a gentle pat. "It''s gettingte. You should go home and rest."

    Linsey nodded. "Alright, M. If you need anything, just call me."

    With that, she took her leave.

    Linsey, apanied by two bodyguards, made her way toward the hospital entrance.

    Just then, her phone rang.

    "Look to your left, across the street. Do you see me?" Collin''s voice was low and familiar.

    Linsey turned in that direction and immediately spotted a sleek car parked by the curb.

    Standing beside it was a tall figure, his eyes fixed on her.

    A soft smile curved her lips. "I see you."

    "Walk slowly. Watch your step."

    "Alright." Linsey smiled brightly as she walked over.

    The call remained connected, the quiet night amplifying Collin''s steady breathing in her ear.

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    Though he had told her to take her time, within seconds, he was already striding toward her.

    Linseyughed. "What happened to waiting?"

    The moment she stopped talking, Collin reached her and pulled her into his arms, holding her close.

    "I couldn''t. Just wanted to hold you sooner." His grip was secure yet gentle as he guided her toward the car. "It''s chilly. Get in."

    He opened the door, instinctively shielding the top to prevent her from bumping her head.

    Once she was seated, he walked around the car to the other side, got in, and took the back seat.

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 Chapter 561

    Chapter 561 Don''t Overthink Things

    The two bodyguards tailing Linsey watched as she left with Collin. Only after confirming her departure did they

    turn back to their car

    Inside the vehicle, Collin took Linsey''s hand in his, his warmth enveloping hers. Though he felt no chill himself,

    he still asked, "Are you cold?"

    Linsey shook her head. "Not at all."

    She then looked up at him with a yful smile. "Did you just finish work? I stepped out, and your call came instantly. We really are perfectly in sync, aren''t we?"

    Collin let out a low chuckle. He didn''t mention that he had actually been waiting outside the hospital for a while, timing his call right after his men informed him she was about to leave.

    Even though he knew the truth, he had no intention of disagreeing with her.

    "Of course. We''re naturally attuned to each other," he said smoothly, a teasing glint in his eyes.

    Pleased by his response, Linsey leaned into his broad chest, settlingfortably against him.

    The car moved at a steady pace, and for a while, neither of them spoke.

    The quiet hum of the road filled the space, but Linsey''s thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

    She found herself thinking about Jeffery''s sudden diagnosis. The news still weighed on her. After a moment, she murmured, "Collin, Jeffery really does have a blood disorder. The doctor said it''s progressing faster than expected, and they''ll likely need a bone marrow transnt. Carol is the obvious choice, but with her heart condition, they may have to look elsewhere."

    Collin was silent for a second, absorbing the severity of the situation.

    Linsey, perhaps influenced by her pregnancy, suddenly felt a lingering unease. "Honey, do you think we might ever face something like that? Some unexpected illness we never sawing? If...¡±

    Collin interrupted her gently. "No, we won''t."

    His hand came up to cradle her head, his touch reassuring. "Don''t overthink things. We''ll be just fine."

    He thought for a moment before suggesting, "If it''s bothering you, how about we

    go for a full check-up tomorrow? Just for peace of mind."

    Linsey, who had beenfortably nestled against him, stiffened slightly.

    A full check-up?

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    Chapter 561 Don''t Overthink Thing

    No way

    If they went, het pregnancy surprise would be exposed on the spot.

    Having already mentioned that she had a surprise for him, she couldn''t let Collin down.

    Clearing her throat, she casually replied, "That''s a good idea, but can we wait a little while?

    Collin frowned slightly. "Why? You were just worried a second ago. What changed?"

    I have work tomorrow. I already took time off because of my injury, and today I

    was busy with clients. I can''t afford to fall behind anymore."

    Collin arched a brow, tapping the tip of her nose lightly. "So work is more

    important than your health now?*** Linseyughed. "Not at all! But we can wait a

    few days. How about after the g? It''s on Saturday, so it won''t interfere with our schedules. Besides, it''s just a few days away."

 Chapter 562

    hapter 562 You Haven''t Forgotten, Have You

    Since Linsey had already made her stance clear, Collin had no choice but to agree. "Alright, I''ll do as you say. I''ll set everything up in advance so we can head straight to the hospital when the timees."

    "Alright." Linsey felt a wave of relief wash over her. She lifted her head and nted a soft kiss on Collin''s lips. "You''re the best, my love."

    Collin savored the sweetness lingering on her lips, his gaze darkening with intensity.

    Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear, "I told you I''d collect what you owe me tonight. You haven''t forgotten, have you?"

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat.

    Of course, she knew exactly what he meant.

    It had been a while since they had shared any true intimacy.

    But the real problem? She was pregnant. And for the first three months, intimacy waspletely off-limits.

    Yet, she still had to keep that a secret.

    Forcing a troubled look, she hesitated before murmuring, "But my ankle and hand still hurt a little..."

    Collin immediately shifted his focus. "Are they still bothering you today?"

    Avoiding his eyes, Linsey nodded slightly. "Yeah... Just a bit."

    Whatever desire Collin had moments ago faded instantly.

    Without another word, he took her hand gently. "I''ll put some ointment on them when we get home."

    That night, after they freshened up and settled into bed, Collin never raised the matter of Linsey "repaying her

    debt" again.

    Linsey quietly exhaled in relief.

    Keeping a secret like this was nerve-wracking, and she could hardly wait for thepany g to finally arrive.

    As the night deepened, most of Grester had long since drifted into slumber. But some were still restless.

    "Mr. Green, your injuries haven''t fully healed. The doctor said you shouldn''t be drinking..." Danny watched Gorman with concern as he relentlessly poured himself another ss, showing no regard for the warning.

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    Chapter 562 You Haven''t Forgotten, Have You

    Seeing that his words fell on deaf ears, Danny hesitated momentarily before finally reaching out to take the

    bottle away.

    But the moment he moved, Gorman shot him a cold, dangerous re. "Back off. Since when did you start giving me orders?"

    Danny flinched but stood his ground. Gorman''s recklessness was getting worse,

    Due to the poison, Gorman''s shoulder injury had only deteriorated further.

    Even so, he insisted on leaving Grester, gathering his men and making preparations for days.

    Yet when the time came to leave, he suddenly imed he wasn''t feeling well and postponed it.

    Days passed. Then weeks. And still, they hadn''t left.

    It was obvious to everyone-Gorman was stalling. No matter what he said, it was obvious he hadn''t let go of

    Linsey.

    Danny had even caught him watching the live stream of Carol''s birthday party just days ago.

    And not only did he watch, but he had things to say about itining, critiquing, nitpicking, He never mentioned Linsey''s name outright, but it was painfully obvious who he was talking about.

    "She''s getting more and more clueless. She can''t even handle that airhead, Carol."

    "She''s a designer, isn''t she? How many times has she injured her hands? Doesn''t she worry about long-term damage?"

    "And Collin-useless as ever. He''s not disabled, yet he still can''t protect his wife.¡±

 Chapter 563

    Ever After

    Chapter 563 She''s Going To

    Come See Me Soon

    "The Lawson family is no better. They put on a perfect front for the public, but behind closed doors, they''re nothing more than shameless oppressors who take advantage of the weak."

    The day after Carol''s birthday celebration, word quickly spread-CR Corporation and the Lawson Group had officially called off their partnership.

    Gorman sat in silence, his expression cold and unreadable.

    Danny, however, could tell that there was a sense of relief.

    Even though Gorman no longer had the right to intervene in Linsey''s affairs, he couldn''t stop himself from worrying whenever she faced trouble.

    And now, seeing her situation improve-even if she never knew he had been concerned-brought him some quiet satisfaction.

    The more Danny thought about it, the more he felt Gorman had been dealt an unfair hand. After some hesitation, he finally worked up the courage to speak. "Mr. Green, I have a brilliant idea."

    For once, Gorman seemed mildly interested. "Go on."

    Heart pounding, Danny quickly exined, "With your influence, you could have any woman you desire. Just say the word, and I''ll search the entire country for someone who looks just like Linsey. If you want, I can find someone with a simr personality or a designer like her!"

    Gorman listened without any change in expression. Then, with a sharp, icy stare, he asked, "Are you finished?"

    "Uh... Yes, that''s all."

    A low, mocking chuckle escaped Gorman. "In that case, go stand on your head against the wall. Once you''ve drained the nonsense from your brain, you can return and talk to me."

    Realizing he had struck a nerve, Danny immediately straightened. "Yes, sir."

    Without protest, Danny obediently positioned himself against the wall, his world turning upside down in more ways than one.

    Gorman took another long sip of his drink.

    Danny, still bncing awkwardly, stole nces at him, itching to say something but holding back.

    Then, out of nowhere, Gorman murmured, "I have a feeling."

    Danny blinked, confused. "Mr. Green, what did you say?"

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    Chapter 563 She''s Going To Come See Me Soon

    A moment ago, Gorman had been drowning in his usual misery. Now, there was a glint of energy in his eyes. "She''s going toe see me soon."

    Danny stared at him, unsure of how to respond.

    Was Gorman truly that oblivious?

    Linsey had never cared for him.

    While Gorman had spent days brooding, she had probably already forgotten about him.

    But Danny didn''t dare say that out loud.

    Gorman, unbothered by theck of response, leaned back, his expression unwavering

    His instincts told him one thing-Linsey woulde. She had to.

    That night, Gorman never slept.

    The Green family''s mansion, which had felt cold and lifeless for days, was suddenly stirred by an unexpected

    arrival.

    "Mr. Green! There''s someone at the door!" Danny, who had been growing restless, hurried inside with urgency. If nothing else, it meant Gorman would have a distraction. If he kept isting himself in his room, it wouldn''t be long before it started affecting him in worse ways.

    Gorman''s head snapped up. He shot to his feet, a flicker of excitement shing across his face. "Is it Linsey?" His voice was eager, his steps quick as he moved forward. "I knew it. I knew she''de looking for me!" Linsey woulde. was momentarily stunned, unable to exin before Gorman suddenly paused, flustered. "No... I reek of alcohol. I look terrible. Linsey wouldn''t like this." Without wasting another second, he grabbed Danny''s arm. "Go tell her to wait for me! I''ll meet her right after I clean up!"

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    "Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My maste

 Chapter 564

    Chapter 564 This G Is Exceptional

    "Mr. Green..." Danny barely managed to catch Gorman before he rushed off to the bathroom.

    From the outside, the sound of water running echoed, and Danny sighed, convinced that Gorman was now consumed by his obsessions.

    Soon, Gorman came out, looking sharp andposed.

    "We can''t dy, Linsey is waiting," Gorman said briskly as he headed towards the exit.

    "Mr. Green, you need to understand... it''s not Linsey who''s here." Danny quickly followed Gorman, speaking urgently to rify.

    Stopping in his tracks, Gorman remained silent.

    Nervously, Danny continued, "Apologies for not being clear before. Dustin Wade from CR Corporation is the one

    who has arrived."

    Expecting Gorman''s anger, Danny was surprised when Gorman replied smoothly, "If it''s someone from CR Corporation, we should meet him without dy."

    Relieved, Danny nodded. "Understood, sir."

    Gorman, along with Danny, quickly made their way to the living room downstairs where Dustin awaited.

    "It''s been some time, Mr. Green," Dustin greeted Gorman with a cheerful wave.

    Taking a seat across from him, Gorman forced a polite smile. "What brings you to my doorstep, Mr. Wade?"

    In the past, Gorman was the only one in Grester bold enough to challenge CR Corporation. Naturally, the people from CR Corporation should have held a grudge against him.

    "It''se to my attention that you''re nning to leave town permanently," Dustin said, his smile hinting at hidden motives. "Are you perhaps dying your leave because of our uing annual g?"

    Gorman looked at Dustin with a calm expression, his mind trying to make sense of what Dustin''s words meant.

    Unfolding the CR Corporation g invitation, Dustin presented it, saying, "I''m here specifically to extend this invitation to you. We would be honored if you could join us."

    Dustin was aware that Gorman''s unresolved feelings for Linsey were the ones that kept him in Grester. Given the situation, he figured it would make sense to invite Gorman to the CR Corporation''s g.

    Indeed, the g would be the venue where Collin intended to propose to Linsey openly, as the founder of CR Corporation.

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    Chapter 544 This Gale is Exceptional

    Dustin thought that seeing such a proposal would help Gorman let go of Linsey. Feeling confident in his strategic thinking. Dustin believed Collin would certainly value the efforts he was making to protect his romantic interests.

    "A g invitation? A faint crease appeared on Corman''s brow.

    After a moment, he let out a knowingugh. "I find it odd that you''ve never invited me in the past. What makes this year different, prompting such a personal delivery?"

    Responding withposure, Dustin exined, "This year''s g is on a grander scale than ever before. We wouldn''t dream of inviting you to anything less, Mr. Green."

    "Is there something unique about this g?" Gorman asked, his tone t.

    Dustin grinned, seizing the opportunity. "You have a keen eye. Indeed, this g is exceptional. Our founder will be proposing to his beloved during the celebration. Just think about it, such a wonderful asion, and the more people, the merrier, don''t you think?"

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 Chapter 565

    Chapter 565 It Would Only Remind Me Of Linsey

    Gorman arched a brow. "A proposal?"

    He paused briefly before adding in a lukewarm, almost indifferent tone. "Congrattions."

    When Gorman finallyid eyes on the woman who was married to the CR Corporation''s founder, Dustin wondered how he managed to remain soposed.

    "In that case, I''ll be expecting you at the annual g." Dustin ced the elegant invitation on the table with deliberate ease.

    Gorman lowered his gaze, staring at the finely crafted card.

    Yet, for some reason, it felt oddly out of ce.

    Perhaps because, in his current state, he had no patience for witnessing other people''s happiness.

    Dustin noticed the silence but wasn''t the least bit bothered. He was about to rise and take his leave when Gorman slid the invitation back toward him. "I''m sorry, Mr. Wade, but I won''t attend your annual g. You should keep this."

    Dustin raised a brow, mildly surprised. "Mr. Green, perhaps I wasn''t clear. The founder will be at the g. That night, everyone will finally see his real face."

    Leaning back, Dustin offered a knowing smile. ¡°I know you''re curious about the founder''s identity. If youe, you''ll be the first to meet him. And who knows? You might evennd a business deal. Wouldn''t that be worth

    it?"

    Gorman withdrew his hand, unshaken. "If he wants to reveal himself, I can read about it onler. As for

    business..."

    His lips curved into a faint smirk, his cold gaze locking onto Dustin. "Given the history between me and the

    founder, I doubt we''ll ever be partners."

    Then, as if softening slightly, he added, "But his proposal is still worth celebrating. You can pass along my

    congrattions."

    Dustin studied him, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

    So, Gorman was determined not to attend.

    What a shame.

    He would have loved to see Gorman''s reaction when he learned that Collin was the CR Corporation''s founder.

    "Very well. I won''t take up more of your time, Mr. Green." Dustin retrieved the invitation and left without

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    Chapter 565 It Would Only Remind Me Of Linsey

    another word.

    As soon as he was gone, Danny approached, fuming, "Does Dustin not get it, or is he just pretending? Everyone in town knows you and their founder don''t see eye to eye, yet he still had the nerve to invite you. What an insult! You made the right call not going."

    Gorman leaned back against the sofa, exhaling as if suddenly tired. His voice was calm, almost indifferent. "My reason for declining has nothing to do with my issues with the founder."

    Danny hesitated, sensing there was more. "Then, is it because-"

    Gorman closed his eyes, his voiceced with a quiet mncholy. "I just don''t have the patience to watch happy couples right now. It would only remind me of Linsey."

    Silence settled between them.

    So that was it. He wouldn''t have to think about her as long as he didn''t have to witness love in full disy.

    Danny sighed inwardly. There was no point trying to talk Gorman out of it.

    It was better to let Gorman process his heartbreak in his own time.

 Chapter 566

    Chapter 566 I Told You Not

    To Interfere

    On the other side of the city, Collin sat in his office on the top floor of CR Corporation when his phone rang, it

    was Dustin.

    "Gorman didn''t even take the bait. What a shame," Dustin said, sounding almost amused as he recounted the

    encounter.

    Collin''s voice was cold. "I told you not to interfere,¡±

    Still unwilling to let it go, Dustin sighed. "I was just trying to help you get rid of your love rival! He imed he was leaving town for good, yet he''s still hanging around. If he wasn''t up to something, why would he keep

    stalling?"

    He then added, "Collin, we need to be careful. Who knows what kind of tricks he might still have up his sleeve?"

    Collin already knew what was on Dustin''s mind. "Linsey has never cared about Gorman. No matter what he does, it won''t change anything. Just ignore him,¡± Collin responded,

    Dustin pouted but eventually relented. "Fine. Since he didn''t ept the invitation, he''ll see the news online soon enough and get the message."

    Then, as if remembering something, his tone brightened. "Oh! I almost forgot- Dn''sing back soon! Let''s call Dominic too and head to the airport to pick him up!"

    "Of course," Collin said without hesitation.

    Dn Scott was one of their childhood friends, and the bond between them had always been strong

    But in recent years, Dn had been busy building his career overseas.

    Hearing about Collin''s uing proposal, however, had prompted him to return early-just in time for the CR Corporation''s annual g.

    Dustin chuckled. "I spoke to Dn the other day. He''s dying to hear your love story with Linsey! He won''t let

    you off the hook."

    Collin couldn''t help but smile. Just thinking about Linsey softened his usually cold demeanor. "There''s not much to tell. I''ll introduce her to him when we meet."

    Dustin groaned. "Collin, you only care about Linsey! You''re so focused on introducing her to Dn that you''re ignoring the real issue-he wants the full story! And it''s not just him! Dominic and I want to hear it too!"

    Before Dustin could go on, Collin ended the call without hesitation.

    Yet, despite his usual aloofness, a faint smile lingered on his lips.

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    The CR Corporation''s annual g was just around the corner.

    Soon, he would finally exin everything to Linsey in person.

    The thought made his heart beat a little faster.

    Would she be surprised? Would she be happy? Collin found himself wondering

    how she would react when the

    moment arrived.

    Time passed quickly, and soon, the day of the annual g arrived.

    The event was scheduled to begin at six in the evening.

    To allow the employees enough time to prepare, an official notice dered the entire day work-free.

    In other words, it was practically a holiday-much to everyone''s delight.

    At two in the afternoon, the women in Linsey''s department nned to visit a

    nearby salon to get ready together.

    "Linsey, want toe with us?" a colleague asked.

    Linsey smiled and nodded. "Sure, I''ll join you."

    Unlike the others, who were excited about the glitz and mour, Linsey was more curious about what surprise Collin had prepared for her.

    Whatever it was, she figured she wouldn''t find out until after the g-once they were home.

    Just then, she received a message from Collin. "Linsey, I''ve prepared an evening gown and some jewelry for you. They''ll be delivered to your office soon. Don''t forget to pick them up."

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 Chapter 567

    Chapter 567 The Package Is From Collin Riley

    After she read Collin''s message, Linsey''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Had he truly gone through the effort of picking out a dress just for her?

    Earlier, she had agreed to join her coworkers in the salon to her hair and makeup done that afternoon.

    Suddenly, a colleague approached her and said, "Linsey, there''s a package at the front desk for you. They''re asking if you could pick up the package yourself."

    This deepened Linsey''s surprise. Could it have arrived that quickly?

    "Alright, I''ll be right there," Linsey responded.

    Was this the surprise that Collin had nned?

    The more she thought about it, the more convincing the idea became. Filled with excitement, Linsey grabbed her phone and rushed down to the lobby.

    "Excuse me, are you Linsey? Please, we need your signature for a package," the courier greeted her.

    Looking at the courier, Linsey listened as he exined, "The package is quiterge and still in our vehicle. Would you mind verifying it outside first? If it''s yours, I''ll bring it in. Otherwise, it''ll need to be returned to the

    vehicle."

    Linsey was puzzled by the request. Why did she have to personally confirm the package?

    "Could you tell me who sent it?" she asked.

    "The package is from Collin Riley," the courier replied.

    After a pause, he asked, "You do know him, right?"

    A wave of relief washed over Linsey, and she quickly said, "Yes, I know him very well."

    She guessed the package was the dress from Collin.

    "Will you be taking the package?" asked the courier.

    "Yes, I will. Is it by the entrance?" Linsey responded immediately.

    "Just this way, please." The courier gestured with a nod.

    Following the courier out, Linsey noticed the delivery van parked a short distance away.

    As they got closer to the van, her doubts started to fade. Looking inside at the severalrge parcels, she asked, "Which one is mine?"

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    Chapter 567 The Package Is From Collin Riley

    However, Linsey''s question hung unanswered in the air.

    Just as Linsey turned to ask the courier, a pair of hands swiftly reached from behind and pressed a cloth over her mouth and nose.

    Shock widened Linsey''s eyes, and just as she was about to call out for help, she lost consciousness.

    Thest thing she faintly heard was a familiar voice instructing, "Quick, get her into the van and make sure no

    one sees!"

    Within moments, the delivery van disappeared as though it had never been there.

    At one thirty in the afternoon, a designer knocked on the supervisor''s door.

    "Linsey, are you ready? It''s time for all of us to get styled!"

    After waiting for a while with no reply, the colleague grew anxious. "Has anyone seen Linsey? It''s time for us to

    go."

    "Linsey''s not at her desk. Any idea where she might be?"

    "It''s odd. She headed downstairs around noon and hasn''t returned."

    "Maybe we should give her a call?"

    When a colleague dialed Linsey''s number, the call failed to connect.

    "That''s odd... What happened to Linsey?"

    Out of nowhere, a colleague eximed, "Do you think Linsey could be... missing?"

    From behind them, a deep voice asked, "Missing? Who''s missing?"

    Turning, they were met with a strikingly handsome man.

    "And you are?"

    A sudden, sharp pain across her cheek quickly snapped Linsey out of her daze. "Time to wake up!"

    Linsey slowly opened her eyes with her head throbbing and found herself staring into a pair of exhausted, bloodshot eyes.

 Chapter 568

    Chapter 568 Jeffery Is

    Currently Hospitalized

    Linsey''s pulse raced as she recognized the figure, eximing, "It''s you, one of the Lawson family''s household

    staff!TM

    Alexa stood up straight, his expression staying cold and indifferent. "I see you haven''t forgotten about me."

    Attempting to get up, Linsey found herself restrained on a plush hotel bed, her wrists secured to the headboard.

    "What is it you want from me?" Linsey''s voice was calm yet firm.

    Alexa remained silent.

    Suddenly, a knock echoed through the hotel room.

    Alexa moved to answer the door.

    Linsey''s eyes widened as Carol walked in, the same person she had recently seen at a restaurant.

    A group of muscr men stood behind Carol.

    "Carol, did you really have your maid abduct me?" Linsey''s voice trembled with anger as she said, "You realize this is illegal, don''t you? You can''t just act like you can do anything you please!"

    Carol sat down beside the bed, her expression calm, and whispered, "Why must you always oppose me, Linsey?"

    Carol''s hand softly caressed Linsey''s cheek.

    Linsey pulled back from the touch, her face twisting in rm.

    Suddenly, Carol forcefully grabbed Linsey''s neck, pulling her close.

    Linsey gasped softly, her eyes fixed on Carol''s twisted face.

    Fiercely, Carol demanded, "Tell me, Linsey! Why do you always get under my skin?" Her voice was rough and

    strained.

    Her words rang in Linsey''s ears, painfully sharp.

    Taking a deep breath, Linsey understood that provoking Carol any further could lead to even worse

    consequences.

    If only someone noticed her disappearance quickly, Collin would eventually find out...

    For now, her best strategy was to stall for time, hoping for rescue.

    Amidst the tension, Linsey maintained herposure and redirected the conversation. "Carol, were you aware that Jeffery has fallen ill?"

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    Chapter 568 Jeffery is Currently Hospitalized

    She carefully avoided answering Carol''s earlier question, aware that there was no safe way to address it

    Linsey had always insisted that she never purposely provoked Carol.

    However, this wasn''t the time for arguments-she knew it was time to shift the conversation.

    Carol''s expression shifted immediately when she heard the news. "Jeffery is sick?"

    With Carol''s hand still pressing on her neck, Linsey continued, "Right after you stormed out of the restaurant, Jeffery had to be rushed to the hospital. It turns out he''s suffering from a severe blood disorder and urgently requires a bone marrow transnt."

    Disbelief clouded Carol''s eyes. "That can''t be! Jeffery was perfectly healthy!" As Carol''s grip tightened on Linsey''s neck in anger, she hissed, "You''re lying!"

    Linsey winced from the pain, taking a shallow breath. She looked back at Carol and said, "This is no lie. Jeffery is currently hospitalized. As his sister, you can verify this yourself. There''s no reason for me to make up such a story,*

    With a scornfulugh, Carol sneered, "Always the maniptor, aren''t you? Do you think I can''t see what you''re up to? Trying to distract me, to gain time, right?"

    Linsey''s heart raced, but she managed to keep her cool.

    "You think I''m about to hurt you, don''t you?" Carol sneered at Linsey, studying her expression with

    amusement.

    "You brought me here because you don''t want me to find peace, is that it?" Linsey responded in a low, even tone, lips pressed tightly.

    Carol''s smirk widened. "Exactly, Linsey. Remember what I told you? I''m not going to let you get away easily. You''ve not only taken the man I love, but it seems you''re determined to steal my family as well."

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 Chapter 569

    Chapter 569 Are You Enjoying This Little...

    Alexa''s eyes widened in disbelief as she absorbed Carol''s usations.

    Could Carol possibly know the secret of her origins? What made her say that Linsey was trying to take her

    family away?

    A puzzled expression crossed Linsey''s face. "How have I ever attempted to steal your family?"

    Carol''s allegations seemed utterly ridiculous to Linsey.

    Linsey had merely shared a meal with the Lawson family.

    However, Carol twisted this simple act into an attempt to take over her family.

    Carol snapped, "I''ve seen it myself! Mom started treating me like I was kind of a threat, all to protect you!" Tears streamed down Carol''s cheeks as she continued, "She held your hand as though you were family."

    Carol was overwhelmed by emotion, her breaths growing unsteady. "Ever since I was little, it''s been different. They used to praise me as their perfect girl, but now? There''s only distance and disappointment. They''ve grown so distant, that they travel the world without ever inviting me."

    As she took a deep, shaky breath, Carol''s eyes burned with resentment. Her gaze fixed on Linsey. "This time, they didn''t even notice my absence. They chose to dine with you instead. Momughed joyfully, something I haven''t heard in years. Every time she looks at me, her face is filled with seriousness and concern. But with you

    why did she look so happy?"

    Linsey gripped the sheets, feeling confused, Carol''s reasoning left her utterly flustered.

    Understanding that arguing was pointless, Linsey decided to step back.

    She asked once more, "And when did I ever take the man you loved? You do realize I''m already married, right? Weren''t you obsessed with our founder? What does that have to do with me?"

    With her words, Carol''s expression shifted into a cold, unsettling calm.

    A confusing smile spread across Carol''s face as she stared at Linsey.

    "Linsey, did you know? The man you married, he''s the founder of CR Corporation," Carol said.

    To Linsey, it felt as if her mind had exploded, leaving behind a deafening silence.

    Her thoughts spun wildly as her brain struggled to make sense of the words she just heard.

    Her eyes fixed on Carol in stunned silence as she tried to process the unexpected statement.

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    < Chapter 569 Are You Enjoying This Little Surprise

    What was Carol talking about?

    Collin was her spouse, not the founder

    A smug sense of satisfaction spread across Carol''s face as she watched Linsey''s stunned reaction

    "How does it feel, Linsey? Are you enjoying this little surprise?" Carol taunted. Disbelief clouded Linsey''s gaze as she struggled to digest this bombshell.

    This revtion feltpletely impossible to believe.

    Slowly, Linsey shook her head, trying to clear the confusion and regain herposure.

    Facing Carol''s malicious stare, Linsey said firmly, "This is impossible. You''re lying"

    Carolughed with a scornful tone, full of mockery. "Poor Linsey, I pity you. I''veid out the facts, yet you ding to his deceit."

    Her words cut deep, wounding Linsey''s spirit.

    Linsey''splexion turned pale with her lips trembling as waves of emotion threatened to overwhelm her.

    Was it possible that Collin was indeed the mysterious founder of CR Corporation?

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 Chapter 570

    Chapter 570 Carol, Enough

    With The Lies

    Linsey had always harbored some doubt in the past.

    She confronted Collin several times, and he consistently denied any involvement.

    She remembered her original question about his connection to CR Corporation, and was told that he owed thepany a hundred million.

    Her confusion deepened upon learning of Collin''s acquaintance with Dustin.

    Collin rified that their connection stemmed from a life-saving incident in which Dustin was involved.

    During all these revtions, Collin had been straightforward, making her believe in his honesty.

    With these thoughts, Linsey inhaled sharply and said, "Carol, enough with the lies. Do you really think I''m that easy to fool? Your words mean nothing to me."

    Collin was the man she loved with all her heart.

    Why would she trust the word of an outsider over her husband?

    Carol''s eyes narrowed. She was surprised by Linsey''s unwavering faith in Collin despite everything.

    Even now, Linsey chose to trust him.

    Such blind trust seemed utterly ridiculous!

    In Carol''s eyes, Linsey was as naive as she had thought!

    A smirk yed across Carol''s face.

    She gestured to Alexa, who was beside her.

    Shortly after, Alexa presented a photograph to Linsey.

    Linsey''s reaction was intense as she glimpsed the two familiar figures in the image, her breath pausing for a

    moment.

    The photograph captured two distinguished men standing side by side, each radiating a strong sense of authority.

    One of them immediately caught Linsey''s attention.

    Collin appeared in the photo, wearing the suit that Linsey had designed and made for him.

    Beside Collin stood a familiar face.

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    Chapter 570 Carol. Enough With The Lies

    It was indeed Jeffery.

    Linsey''s breath stopped short, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked at Carol.

    "What''s the point of showing me this picture? I was supposed to attend that event too..."

    Carol sneered as she pulled out another photograph.

    This one showed the fancy invitation from the Lawson family.

    "Do you see the CR emblem here, Linsey? It stands for CR Corporation, or more precisely, its founder."

    Carol''s tone was casual as she exined further, "Our family sorts our invitations by the stature of the guests. The one given to your husband was the exclusive ck and gold version, meant for the most esteemed

    attendees."

    Leaning forward, Carol asked pointedly, "Now, do you see why you were invited to our banquet? It''s all tied to your husband being the founder of CR Corporation."

    A sharp pain shot through Linsey''s scalp, her face flushing with difort.

    Speechless, she could not deny the overwhelming proof before her.

    Every clue pointed to a shocking truth-Collin was the mysterious founder of CR Corporation.

    Yet, Linsey found it unimaginable that Collin, the man she had cherished, had hidden such a significant aspect of his life from her.

    Carol''s smirk widened as she watched Linsey''s reaction, taunting, "Ever wonder why your husband would hide his true identity from you?"

    Struggling for air, Linsey responded in a raspy voice, "Carol, what is it that you''re really after? Did you n all of this just to reveal this to me?"

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 Chapter 571

    Chapter 571 Your Stubbornness Is Getting...

    Carol''s expression quickly soured.

    Unexpectedly, Linsey''s face showed no signs of the disappointment or heartbreak Carol anticipated.

    It wasn''t Carol''s intention to rush Linsey over today.

    She had just found out that the CR Corporation''s founder intended to propose to his wife at thepany''s annual party tonight and to make their rtionship public.

    Thinking about it made Carol grow increasingly bitter, her gaze turning poisonous.

    She was determined not to let Linsey leave unharmed.

    A wicked grin spread across Carol''s face as she said, "You''ve just brought something to my mind. Believe me, dragging you here wasn''t for a mere chat."

    In a swift motion, she extended her hand towards Linsey.

    Linsey braced for a p, helpless with her hands bound.

    However, instead of a p, a sharp pain erupted in her fingers.

    Carol was pinching them.

    Linsey inhaled sharply, defiance sparkling in her eyes as she met Carol''s gaze.

    "Still staring me down?" Carol''s voice dripped with bitterness. She then seized Linsey''s wrist and jerked it backwards.

    Linsey let out a sharp cry. Herplexion grew ashen as beads of sweat formed on her forehead. The old injury on her wrist intensified agonizingly.

    Watching Linsey wince brought Carol a twisted sense of delight.

    Even with minimal effort, she had inflicted considerable pain on Linsey.

    Carol savored the moment, her smile wide and eyes twinkling with cruel satisfaction as she observed Linsey''s

    torment.

    "I almost let it slip my mind," Carol muttered aloud, a false note of forgetfulness in her voice. "Your hand was sprained not too long ago. It hasn''t been that long-it''s surely not healed yet, is it?"

    Carol feigned innocence with a blink, but her grip only grew tighter.

    Linsey clenched her teeth, her wrist throbbing with such intense pain that it made her head spin.

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    She held back any plea, not uttering a word, and that only deepened Carol''s frustration.

    "Really, Linsey, your stubbornness is getting tiresome." Bored, Carol suddenly released her grip.

    Linsey inhaled sharply, her breaths shaky, almost sobbing.

    Yet she contained her cries. Beyond a sharp initial cry of pain, she remained stoically silent.

    Her hand shook visibly, and her eyshes fluttered as she fought the pain. Tears moistened her eyes, which she kept downcast.

    Once she let go of Linsey''s hand, Carol''s attention was caught by a fruit knife on a nearby table.

    A sinister thought crossed her mind. Withzy authority, shemanded Alexa, "Fetch that knife and chop off this wretch''s finger! I''d like to see how she manages her designs without it."

    The despair in Linsey''s eyes deepened, a glimmer of hopelessness passing through.

    Despite the dread, Linsey managed a defiant sneer. "Carol, do you know anything besides torture?"

    Carol''s anger red at the challenge, and she pped Linsey across the face without a second thought.

    The sound of the p echoed sharply, and Linsey''s head snapped to the side. A bright red welt formed on her cheek, swelling rapidly.

 Chapter 572

    Chapter 572 Get The Camera Ready

    "You''re despicable," Carol muttered, her tone oozing with scorn. "You deserve nothing better than disdain. And

    why should I care how I treat you?"

    Carol''s smirk widened as she continued, "Let''s get one thing straight, Linsey, I am a Lawson, and you, you are just a faceless designer with no clout. Believe me, I have endless means to ruin your days. But here''s the highlight."

    She grabbed Linsey''s chin forcefully,pelling her to look directly at her.

    "You might be married to CR Corporation''s founder, but he doesn''t like you. To him, you''re merely a conniving soul, poised to snatch his fortune. He''s kept his true self a secret, making it easy to leave you whenever he wishes," Carol said with a cruel chuckle, almost sighing with satisfaction. "I''m certain he never truly saw you as

    his wife."

    Linsey felt each word stab at her heart, twisting painfully.

    A heavy, suffocating pain enveloped her chest, stealing her breath.

    Could this be the actual scenario? Was everything really so grim?

    From the start, Collin had withheld the truth.

    They had shared their deepest feelings, yet he had concealed this from her.

    There had been numerous opportunities for him toe clean, but silence was his choice each time.

    Tears threatened to spill from Linsey''s eyes, yet she staunchly resisted them.

    "What do you aim to gain by saying these things?" Linsey asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I will trust only what my husband tells me himself, Carol. Your attempts to divide us will fail."

    Fury marred Carol''s face as she turned to Alexa, who had remained standing. "I ordered you to fetch the knife! Are you not listening?"

    Alexa shuddered, her fear noticeable, barely daring to look at Linsey.

    In a shaky voice, Alexa said, "Carol, using a knife might... it might be lethal..."

    Unmoved, Carol retorted sharply, ¡°And? She''s just a nobody. Do you really think I''d hesitate?"

    Carol''s animosity towards Linsey had now escted to its peak.

    Irony washed over Linsey as she listened.

    She had never wronged Carol deliberately, yet she had be the target of Carol''s deep-seated animosity.

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    Such was Carol''s hatred that she wished Linsey dead.

    Carol''s words left Alexa shocked, her heart racing under Carol''s intense re.

    After pausing briefly, Alexa gathered her courage to suggest, "Simply cutting off her fingers or ending her life might be too merciful. She deserves more than a quick end."

    Reluctantly, Carol discarded her initial n, but her determination did not waver. "Linsey holds her career close to her heart. Damaging her hands would torment her deeply."

    Her words showedplete disregard for Linsey''s feelings.

    Throughout this, Linsey kept her silence, pain radiating from her right hand while she gently massaged it with

    her left.

    She had to create a n to break free.

    Carol continued to plot out loud, mulling over various methods of punishment. Then, with a menacing chuckle, Carolmanded, "Get the camera ready."

    "Understood."

    Carol''s aplices wasted no time. They quickly positioned the camera, ensuring it aimed straight at the bed. Exhaustion in her voice, Carol announced, "Linsey, I''m spent. I''m going to let someone else entertain you now."

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 Chapter 573

    Chapter 573 I''ll Pay Double

    Carol rose to her feet, a grin spreading across her face.

    Linsey''s pulse quickened as she took in the sight of the menacing men near the

    bed, fear evident in her eyes. "What is it you want?" she demanded.

    The men looked at each other, their smirks unmistakably offensive.

    "You can guess what''s expected in a setting like this, can''t you?"

    "She''s so hot. We''ve struck gold with her," onemented.

    Linsey''s heart sank as she grasped their intentions, revulsion twisting her features. She turned to Carol, her fists clenched to stave off the panic. "Carol, you can''t do this. It''s against thew."

    Carol sneered, "Scared? Imagine what happens when I spread the video of you with them. Your reputation will crumble. I''m curious how you''ll cope in town then." Alexa overheard and finally pieced together the full extent of Carol''s scheme. Disturbed, she nced worriedly at Linsey, then uneasily at the imposing figures. Linsey, utterly outmatched by the men, faced an impossible situation.

    Furthermore, her hands were securely bound to the bedposts.

    Alexa had just managed to persuade Carol against inflicting physical harm on Linsey-how had it escted to

    this vile plot?

    "Carol, I thought our n was only to confront her with the truth about her husband," Alexa murmured, approaching Carol with worry.

    Given Linsey''s character, deceit from her most trusted partner was something she could never tolerate.

    If Linsey manages to leave and seek a divorce from CR Corporation''s founder, it could give Carol the opening she had been seeking.

    Unbeknownst to Alexa, Carol had crafted a more sinister strategy.

    "Always interfering with my ns!" Carol erupted, scorn saturating her voice. "You''re nothing but a servant. Just do as you''re instructed and keep your mouth shut! Leave!"

    Alexa bowed her head, rendered silent by fear.

    Carol''s mood had grown increasingly erratic and dangeroustely.

    Provoking her seemed riskier than ever for Alexa.

    Having expressed her fury, Carol then told the men, "She''s all yours now. Don''t forget to send me the video

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    afterward."

    They nodded in agreement.

    Carol gave Linsey onest look, her smirk filled with malice, as if she was already wasting tiny''s Courtatt

    "Hope you find some enjoyment in this, Linsey, Carol sneered, her smile taking on a butter otro ret remember today well-it''s the day you lose your unborn child too"

    Linsey''s eyes narrowed in shock, her body quivering as she red at Carol''s retreating figus, files with

    loathing.

    She must remainposed.

    Her priority was to create an escape n. Panicking would solve nothing

    The door closed with a loud thud.

    "Don''t worry, gorgeous. We''re here to take care of you," one scoffed,

    "And a baby on the way? That just adds to the fun," another added cheerfully,

    Their hands rubbing together, the men smirked as they approached the bed. A shiver of dread coursed through Linsey as their vulgarments filled the air.

    One man sat at the bed''s edge, his dirty hand inching towards her. Breaking her silence, Linsey said, "What did Carol offer you? I''ll pay double."

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 574

    Chapter 574 I''m Carrying His Child

    When Linsey made her offer, the men hesitated briefly, then burst into derisiveughter.

    "Seems thisdy thinks she''s in a position to bargain with us," one sneered.

    "A first for us, truly. How intriguing," another added.

    Linsey concealed her revulsion and pressed on, "Clearly, you don''t work for the Lawson family. Carol must have hired you."

    She observed their attire and demeanor, which suggested they frequented the city''s outskirts, aimlessly squandering their days.

    Their clothes were neat today, yet their eyes revealed a rougher past.

    "So we''re hired-what of it? You sure have a lot to say," one man retorted aggressively, making a grab at Linsey''s attire.

    Linsey, ignoring the throbbing in her wrist, shrank back, assuming a protective posture.

    She said emphatically, "Let me go, and I''ll pay you triple what she''s offering. I assure you, the money will be

    yours!"

    The man in charge signaled for patience, restraining the impulsive member of his group.

    "Triple, huh? The Lawsondy paid us two million. You, just a designer, where would you get such funds?" he scoffed. "Do you think we''re naive enough to take your word?"

    Linsey maintained herposure. "As you''ve heard, my husband runs CR Corporation. You know of it, don''t you? Whether it''s triple or more, he can cover

    it."

    The leader was dismissive. "Sure, we heard it. But Miss Lawson also mentioned he doesn''t really care about you. You didn''t even know he was the founder until today. How can you im such support now?"

    Linsey no longer reacted visibly to these provocations.

    She had to speak to Collin directly to verify any truth.

    She wouldn''t believe a word of what these people said, not under any other circumstances.

    But at this moment, in order to protect herself and the child she carried, Linsey had no choice but to rely on this im, even though she herself found it difficult to believe.

    Looking up, Linsey said coldly, "But remember, I''m carrying his child. Even if he doesn''t love me, we are married, and this child is his heir."

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    III

    Chapter 576 fm Carpets CRS

    She then asked, "thd M tawson only overact you on handing may there the cover

    for the repercussions if my husband decides to art apner p for What''s ne

    The men lookedbly shaken by hey implication "That sa pag

    will

    Linsey''s expression softened slightly, "Even if I''m not cherished by him, I am his wits, the meter of the heir. If you degrade me today, I might be themed by Gloster the consider your own stay in win assaulted me, how can you be sure you won''t fuck his writer

    She added, "The Lawson family pales inpetion to the renowors at his disgord. He world''s segge to handle thugs who have embarrassed him."

    Bountiful Free Coins are waiting for you, don''t miss out!

    GO NOW

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 Chapter 575

    Chapter 575 I Owe You Greatly

    The moment Linsey finished her statement, the leader''s hand mped around her neck.

    Linsey gasped for air, struggling to breathe.

    Looking into the leader''s eyes, she saw his fury and humiliation-he had taken her words as a threat.

    Enraged, the leader said, "You think you can scare us? We''ll have our fun with you, then leave your body where no one will find it. Who will stop us then?"

    His words provoked the other members. "You''re going to regret your words," they taunted.

    As they advanced, terror shed in Linsey''s eyes.

    She thought desperately of Collin.

    Suddenly, the sound of the door breaking open resounded through the room.

    "Linsey!"

    Linsey''s eyes, once dazed, slowly started to regain focus.

    As her senses returned, the only sound that reached her ears was the chaos of fighting and shouting surrounding her.

    Amid the noise, the loudest sound was the screams of the men.

    Someone then scooped her up.

    Subconsciously, Linsey murmured, "Collin?"

    The person carrying her tensed for

    moment. From above, a familiar voice reassured her. "Linsey, it''s me."

    Confused, Linsey looked up to see Gorman''s concerned face.

    "Gorman?" she uttered in disbelief. "Howe it''s you?"

    With a fleeting sadness in his gaze, Gorman replied, "I was at your office earlier. When your colleagues mentioned they couldn''t contact you, I feared something was wrong. I sent people to find you, and that led me

    here..."

    He paused to survey the men, now battered and bruised, a shadow crossing his features.

    "Uh, Gorman." Linsey''s voice was faint.

    Looking down with unexpected tenderness, Gorman asked, "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

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    A trace of difort crossed Linsey''s pale face. "Let me down, I can stand on my own," she pressed.

    Gorman hesitated, thenplied without further objection, carefully setting Linsey on her feet.

    "Please, stop! We admit our mistake!" Previously arrogant, the men now knelt, pleading for mercy. They turned their eyes to Linsey. "We realize our error. Please forgive us!"

    Their cries escted as they saw Gorman, standing tall beside Linsey, mistaking him for the founder of the CR

    Corporation.

    "We won''t do it again! It was Carol Lawson who forced us! We never intended to hurt your wife!" they cried

    out.

    Linsey stood frozen, sorrow returning to her gaze.

    Gorman, puzzled, asked, "Why would you think I''m her husband?"

    Linsey quickly grasped the misunderstanding. The men must have believed that

    the person who came to rescue her was the founder of the CR Corporation.

    Earlier, Carol had mentioned that Linsey''s husband was the founder of CR Corporation, so it was only natural that the men assumed Gorman, arriving with so many people, was him.

    Yet Linsey had no desire to discuss the founder of CR Corporation now.

    Interrupting the men''s further exnations, Linsey turned to Gorman. "Thank you for everything today, Gorman. I owe you greatly. I need to go now."

    She grabbed her phone, which Alexa had discarded earlier, and hastened away. Gorman, caught off guard, called after her, "Linsey!"

 Chapter 576

    Chapter 576 Didn''t You

    Mention Leaving Town...

    Outraged, Danny eximed, "Did you see that, Mr. Green? After everything you did to find and rescue her, all she does is thank you and leave? That''s incredibly ungrateful!"

    Despite his assistant''s ongoing rants, Gorman stared quietly at the spot where Linsey had vanished, absorbed in

    his own thoughts.

    Seeing no response, Danny eventually stopped talking, feeling utterly powerless.

    After an awkward silence, unable to bear seeing his efforts wasted, he cautiously suggested, "Mr. Green, Linsey couldn''t have gotten far. Maybe we should catch up to her. She seemed distressed-someone shouldfort her. Besides, it will be dangerous if she encounters trouble again."

    Gorman abruptly snapped out of his daze, nodding in agreement. "You''re right."

    He took a few quick steps toward the exit but paused briefly and instructed, "Interrogate those thugs immediately. I want to know exactly how this connects to CR Corporation''s founder."

    "Yes, sir!" Danny responded swiftly, but when he looked up again, Gorman had already disappeared.

    When it came to matters of the heart, Danny realized, his boss certainly didn''t hesitate.

    Outside, Linsey wandered aimlessly, her mind foggy and confused.

    Suddenly realizing something, she reached into her pocket for her phone. As expected, there were numerous missed calls and anxious messages.

    Most were from her worried colleagues checking on her.

    She began typing a reply but quickly noticed her right hand felt unusually stiff and numb.

    Frowning, she tried flexing her hand, only to wince sharply at the shooting pain.

    Her hand barely responded to her efforts.

    Gorman''s voice came urgently behind her. "Linsey!"

    Noticing her puzzled expression and the awkward way she stared at her hand, he quickly stepped closer. "What''s wrong? Is your injury not healed yet?"

    Linsey looked at him, momentarily bewildered.

    Biting her lip, she hesitated, unable to remain distant from the man who had just rescued her. "It''s nothing serious¡ªjust an old injury. But how did you know about my hand? Did you see the live stream I identally started during Carol''s birthday?"

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    Her confusion deepened as another question urred to her. "Didn''t you mention leaving town soon?"

    She couldn''t figure out why he was here now, let alone how he happened to save her.

    It had been a while since hest saw Linsey. All of Gorman''s resentment instantly dissolved at the sight of her.

    At that moment, he fully epted he couldn''t truly resent her, nor did he ever want to let her go.

    If Linsey''s heart belonged elsewhere, he would simply remain quietly by her side. Maybe someday, Linsey would recognize his genuine feelings and return to him.

    A gentle smile formed on Gorman''s lips as he responded, "I haven''t left yet... perhaps in a few more days."

    The real reason he had appeared at CR Corporation today wasn''t something he could openly share with her.

    Truthfully, he just couldn''t stop thinking about her-and by sheer luck, he had discovered her predicament in

    time to intervene.

    Understanding flickered in Linsey''s eyes. As she reflected on the danger she had narrowly avoided, a wave of fear briefly overtook her.

    Had Gorman not appeared, she shuddered to think what might have happened. Rmended for you

 Chapter 577

    Chapter 577 The Truth Will Be Revealed Tonight

    Gorman looked at Linsey with a worried expression and softly said, "Do you need a ride back? I''d be concerned about you walking alone."

    Linsey averted her eyes and whispered, "No, I''ll be fine."

    The news Carol had given her left her feeling adrift, uncertain of her next steps.

    Despite her disorientation, she maintained a bit of rity-her old hand injury had worsened, and a hospital

    visit was necessary.

    As a designer, the condition of her hands was crucial; she could not risk permanent damage.

    Gorman noticed Linsey''s distress but wisely chose not to probe further or pressure her.

    He suggested in a gentle tone, "Let me walk you to the hotel exit and ensure you catch a taxi safely?" Confronted with Gorman''s considerate insistence, Linsey found it hard to decline. She nodded and responded,

    "Alright."

    They shared a smile and made their way to the elevator, walking one after the other.

    Since theirst heated argument, moments like this-when everything felt so peaceful between them-had be few and far between.

    Unable to type, Linsey sent a voice message to her team. "I encountered some issues earlier, but they''re resolved now. You all head to the salon and prepare. I''ll see you at the g tonight."

    She checked her phone but found no messages from Collin.

    "Will you be at your firm''s g tonight?" Gorman asked casually as they walked. Linsey returned her focus and nodded. "Yes, I will be there."

    Gorman paused, then added, "Your firm''s g is actually in this hotel, right? This morning, Mr. Wade invited me, but I declined."

    Linsey was slightly taken aback. She looked up and saw the hotel''s logo on the wall, confirming indeed that th venue for the CR Corporation''s annual g was this hotel. "Yes, it''s being held here."

    She wondered if Carol had intentionally brought her here, or if it was merely a coincidence.

    "The g is being hosted on the second floor," Linsey added.

    "Then, are you nning to go directly to the second floor?" Gorman asked.

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    At that moment, he regretted declining Dustin''s invitation earlier.

    Had he epted, he would have a reason to apany Linsey now.

    Just as Linsey was about to respond, a familiar voice came from an adjacent hotel room.

    "Stop the rumors. The truth will be revealed tonight," said a deep, somewhat distant male voice.

    It was Collin!

    Why was he here?

    Linsey stopped in her tracks, shocked, and instinctively turned toward the room.

    The door was slightly ajar, likely left open by mistake.

    Behind her, Gorman stood quietly, his expression one of confusion, yet he chose not to speak.

    He listened for a moment and quickly recognized the voice-it was Collin, Linsey''s annoying husband.

    Inside the room, the discussion went on.

    Linsey also heard Dustin''s voice. "Collin ns to reveal everything to his wife

    tonight! I''m d. From tomorrow, I no longer need to cover for him.¡±

    Linsey felt a surge of tension.

    So Collin really was keeping something from her!

 Chapter 578

    Chapter 578 She''s The One

    For Me

    The moment the words were spoken, a different voice suddenly entered the conversation.

    "Unbelievable! Two years away, and it''s like I''ve missed a lifetime! Collin, why have you been keeping this from your wife? Her name''s Linsey, was it?"

    Before Collin had a chance to answer, Dustin interjected in aid-back tone, "Dn, think about it. Do you not remember who Collin really is? In town, countless women dream about marrying the man who started CR Corporation. Had Linsey known that Collin was the founder before they got married, it would have causedplete chaos!"

    As Linsey stood in the doorway, all other sounds disappeared. The overwhelming buzz was so loud that it drowned out everything else against her eardrums and

    nerves.

    Gorman was left utterly speechless,pletely unable to process what had just happened.

    There it was, the truth revealed in its entirety, Collin was actually the founder of CR Corporation! His first reaction was to nce at Linsey, yet her expression was nothing but distant and cold.

    Silence hung in the air briefly before Collin spoke. "Marrying Linsey was never something I had nned. My grandmother kept pushing me to settle down. On our wedding day, the bride who was originally supposed to marry me ran away because of my fake disability. By pure chance, Linsey, who was there, ended up bing my wife."

    Collin, speaking lovingly of his wife, had no idea that Linsey was listening from just outside the doorway, hearing every word.

    Dn gave a knowing nod. "You were worried Linsey was after your wealth, which is why you hid your identity as CR Corporation''s founder, even after the wedding."

    On the outside, a bitter smile tugged at Linsey''s lips as she listened. Her eyshes fluttered, heavy with the weight of tears she hadn''t let fall.

    Was it really about the money?

    Each word from Collin seemed to shatter Linsey more and more. "That was exactly my reason. It also gave us an easy way out, just in case things went wrong and divorce became unavoidable."

    Linsey''s face went pale, and her knees gave way beneath her, causing her to almost copse to the floor.

    Gorman''s eyes narrowed, and instinctively, he reached out to catch Linsey, pulling her close into a protective embrace.

    His gaze

    softened as he looked down at her, a mixture of pain and concern washing over his face.

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    He nced toward the door again, his eyes clouding over with a storm of anger.

    The realization hit him hard; Collin''s betrayal of Linsey was beyond anything he could have imagined.

    It turned out that Collin had always been the mysterious founder of CR Corporation, and that even his supposed disability had been nothing more than a deception.

    He was truly a terrible man! Collin''s true nature was far more monstrous than anyone had ever realized.

    Breathless, Linsey struggled to regain herposure, her grip tightening on Gorman''s arm, her voice raspy as she whispered, "Let''s leave..."

    She felt a desperate need to leave, searching for any ce where she could find peace, far from the bitter sting of Collin''s words.

    She simply needed to be taken away from that ce.

    Gorman silently supported her, his actions firm as he guided Linsey away from the scene.

    Unaware of the drama unfolding outside, the four inside remained wrapped in their own bubble.

    Dominic poured water for the group, raising an eyebrow at Collin with a curious expression. "Those were just your first thoughts, weren''t they?" he asked. "After all, tonight you made your intentions to marry Linsey in front of everyone tonight. Now, by revealing your true identity as the founder of CR Corporation, you''re protecting her and ensuring she earns the respect she deserves."

    When Linsey''s name was mentioned, a gentle warmth softened the usual indifference on Collin''s face.

    "Without a doubt, Linsey means everything to me," Collin said, his voice filled with

    a sincerity that had been missing before. "I''ve made up my mind, she''s the one for me, and there will be no one else."

 Chapter 579

    Chapter 579 You Might Just Be After My Wealth

    Collin had meticulously arranged every detail for his proposal tonight, filled with the hope that Linsey would be swept away by the surprise.

    In doing so, he intended to share their love not only across Grester but with the entire world.

    Collin had been eagerly anticipating this day for a long time.

    As he thought about the evening ahead, a smile instinctively appeared on his face.

    Pulling out his phone, he hesitated between texting Linsey or calling her directly. She had probably already received the elegant dress and matching jewelry he had sent, and was most likely busy getting ready.

    Choosing not to disturb her, Collin decided to send a text, typing, "Honey, do you like the dress?"

    What Collin didn''t know was that Linsey was sitting in Gorman''s car at that very moment, reading his message.

    Her gaze fixed on the screen, tears welled up, blurring her vision.

    A single tear dropped, smudging the loving nickname she had saved for Collin in her phone.

    With a heavy heart, she wondered why Collin kept sending her messages like this.

    Among Collin''s sweet words, she couldn''t help but wonder which ones were sincere and which were just empty promises.

    It was only now that Linsey understood the bitter truth that what she had believed to be a beautiful, sweet marriage was, to Collin, nothing more than a fragile bond that could be easily thrown away.

    Did he see her as nothing more than a potential inconvenience, a problem just waiting to arise?

    What she found most ridiculous was Collin''s confession that he had hidden his identity as the founder of CR Corporation, worried that she would only be attracted to his status.

    Completely absurd, absolutely ridiculous!

    Carol had been right all along!

    Throughout their entire rtionship, Collin had never once regarded her as a real wife.

    As the realization settled in, tears flowed down Linsey''s cheeks without stopping. "Linsey." While driving, Gorman nced worriedly at Linsey.

    Her silent tears of grief tore at his heart, filling him with a deep sense of sorrow.

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    Chapter 579 You Might Just Be After My Wealth

    Linsey''s breathing grew shallow, and her head tilted back as a heavy tightness gripped her chest.

    "Linsey!" Concerned, Gorman swiftly pulled the car to the side, unfastened his seatbelt, and leaned across tofort her. "Linsey, just breathe, try to calm down."

    With eyes swollen from crying, Linsey turned towards Gorman and opened her mouth to speak, but her vision suddenly blurred.

    And then, darkness overtook Linsey as she slipped into unconsciousness.

    Linsey''s eyes fluttered open to find Collin seated by her side.

    A thick, unsettling silence filled the room.

    "Collin?" Linsey murmured, her voice raspy.

    As she tried to sit up, a sharp pain coursed through her body, making her wince.

    Collin''s gaze fixed on hers with intense focus. "You''re pregnant," he said, his voice filled with a mix of

    emotions.

    Linsey took a slow, deep breath, struggling within herself as she came to terms with the weight of Collin''s

    deceit.

    She managed a weak smile and said, "Isn''t this the part where youe clean about everything?"

    With a frown, Collin responded, "Come clean about what?"

    A brief silence followed before realization struck him. "Oh, you mean me being the founder of CR Corporation?"

    he asked.

    The man before Linsey seemed like a stranger as she confirmed, "Yes..."

    Before Linsey could exin, Collin interjected, "And? I''ve never truly cared about you, so why would I share something that important to you? After all, you might just be after my wealth."

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 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580 It Was Just A

    Bad Dream

    Disbelief washed over Linsey as she stared at Collin. "What are you talking about?"

    Collin''s patience wearing thin, he replied, "Enough. I don''t have time for pointless arguments."

    He stood up suddenly and, with a cold tone, he said, "You use me of deceit, but you hid your pregnancy from

    me?"

    Fighting to maintain herposure, Linsey asked, "What exactly are you trying to say, Collin? You were the one who wanted a child. Are you suggesting I shouldn''t keep it?"

    Collin''s response was a sneer, his lips curling in disdain. "Not at all," he scoffed. "That child is meant to be the heir of CR Corporation. I intend to make sure they''re raised by my future wife, someone who''s truly a suitable

    match."

    With that, Collin tossed a document at Linsey. "Sign this. Once the baby is born, I want you out of town for

    good."

    "Never!" Linsey shouted, her voice filled with defiance. "Collin! I won''t let you take my child!"

    In that moment, the illusion crumbled around her.

    Startled awake, Linsey sat up in the hospital bed, her face a mixture of fear and confusion.

    She breathed heavily, the sound of her breath sharp and uneven in the stillness of the room.

    Outside, Gorman, who was listening to Danny''s report, heard the noise and rushed into the room.

    He reached out for her hand, his face etched with concern. "Linsey, what''s wrong? Are you in pain? Should I get the doctor?"

    Linsey gripped his hand, shaking her head faintly. "No, it was just a bad dream." Indeed, it had been merely a dream, not the cruel reality.

    Yet, the chilling words Collin had spoken in her dream lingered hauntingly in her thoughts.

    Gorman exhaled deeply, his voice carrying a hint of relief. "It was all just a dream," he whispered, trying tofort her. "Remember, dreams can twist reality. There''s nothing to be afraid of."

    Despite his reassurances, Linsey found littlefort.

    She nced down at their intertwined hands, feeling an ufortable tension lingering between them. With a subtle motion, she loosened her hold, catching a brief look of disappointment across Gorman''s face.

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    She paused for a moment, pretending not to notice, and then turned her gaze away.

    "I appreciate you for getting me to the hospital," she said, acknowledging his efforts.

    It dawned on her just how much she had owed Gorman.

    A smile touched Gorman''s lips as he took a seat next to her bed. "You''ve thanked me enough for one day,

    Linsey."

    A smile flickered across Linsey''s face, though her eyes remained serious. "I should be thankful. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t be here, safe and sound."

    "Please, don''t say that," Gorman responded, his expression darkening Linsey chuckled softly and replied, "Alright, no more drama."

    She then nced down at her bandaged right hand and murmured, "My hand..."

    Gorman''s expression grew more concerned. "The doctor has warned that your right hand is quite fragile from past injuries. It''s at risk of long-term impairment, which could prevent you from performing detailed tasks or lifting heavy objects." Linsey''s heart sank at the news.

    Her career as a designer depended on her hands'' dexterity.

    With a serious nod, she said, "I understand. I''ll make sure to take better care of it from now on."

    Gorman paused for a moment before gazing at Linsey, his eyes filled with aplicated blend of emotions. ¡°Linsey, are you aware that you''re pregnant?¡±

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 Chapter 581

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 581 Is My Baby Okay

    Linsey''s heart raced as she quickly asked, "Is my baby okay?"

    Her earlier copse had raised concerns about the safety of her unborn child.

    Gorman observed the worry on her face; it was clear she had been aware of her pregnancy.

    In a calm tone, he reassured her, "You fainted because of strong emotions. It''s important for expectant mothers to avoid stress, as it can impact the baby''s health."

    In that moment, the doctor mistakenly assumed that Gorman was Linsey''s husband and the father of her baby.

    However, that wasn''t the case.

    The father of Linsey''s child was none other than the deceitful Collin.

    Linsey murmured softly, her hand resting gently on her stomach. "Thank goodness the baby is fine."

    Gorman had thought about bringing up her future ns and whether she was considering returning to Collin.

    But seeing her fragile state, he chose to stay quiet.

    "Get some rest, Linsey," he said reassuringly. "Call me if you need anything. I''ll be right outside."

    Linsey assumed he must be busy with other duties and nodded, deciding to let the matter go.

    At that moment, her phone suddenly rang.

    As Gorman stood to leave, his eyes briefly caught the caller ID-Dear Husband. He stopped suddenly in his tracks.

    Linsey saw who it was and it was Collin calling. She maintained herposure as she picked up the phone.

    As Gorman was about to leave, he caught Linsey cutting off her call with Collin decisively.

    A surge of joy washed over him.

    Linsey had actually dismissed Collin''s call!

    Trying to mask his glee, Gorman maintained aposed face. "Have some rest."

    "Okay," Linsey responded faintly, just as her phone started ringing once more.

    It was Collin, calling again.

    For a moment, Gorman hesitated, but his earlier statement meant he could not stay.

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    He acted as if he didn''t care while leaving, but his mind remained fixed on Linsey''s situation.

    Linsey let the phone ring, choosing silence over answering.

    After the ringing had stopped, she found numerous messages from her colleagues.

    "Linsey, everyone''s at the annual party. Where are you?"

    "Linsey, are you on leave today?"

    "Linsey, our boss is asking about you."

    With a heavy heart, Linsey replied using her left hand.

    "I''m not feeling well and won''t be able to make it to the party. Have a great time!"

    Next, Linsey sent a text to her superior. "Could we find a time to chat? There''s something important I need to

    discuss."

    The superior responded almost immediately, "Linsey, you''re missing from the event. We''re waiting for you. What would you like to discuss? I can talk right now."

    Linsey decided to call the superior

    mediately.

    Answering swiftly, the superior said, "Give me a second, Linsey. I''m going to step outside for better reception."

    The background noise soon faded.

    "Now, what''s the matter, Linsey?"

    Gathering her courage, Linsey took a deep breath before speaking. "I''ve been considering a different direction for my career, which might lead me to resign..."

    Her connection to CR Corporation was bing a burden.

    Each time she thought of thepany or Collin, the painful memories of his words in the hotel echoed in her

    mind.

    As she spoke, tears began to stream down Linsey''s cheeks.

    She had a deep,sting affection for her job.

    She could still vividly remember the joy she had experienced when she secured her position at CR Corporation. Now, she found herself struggling to face the consequences of her past decisions.

 Chapter 582

    Chapter 582 What''s This About Resigning Out Of...

    The superior stared nkly for a moment before finally speaking. "Linsey, what''s this about resigning out of nowhere? Did something unpleasant happen? If there''s a problem, let me know-I can speak with management

    on your behalf."

    Such an abrupt announcement immediately made the superior suspect Linsey might be unhappy with her pay

    or working conditions.

    Yet, given her exceptional talent, it was clear to everyone she was more than deserving of betterpensation.

    After a moment''s hesitation, Linsey calmly replied, "There''s nothing troubling me. I''ve thought carefully about

    this, and I would appreciate your approval."

    A thoughtful silence followed from the superior, who eventually sighed, recognizing her resolve.

    "I genuinely believe your gift for design is unmatched, Linsey. But since you sound certain, I''ll respect your wishes. Juste by the office when you have time, bring your resignation letter,. and we''ll sort out the

    handover details."

    "Okay, thank you," Linsey said softly.

    The rapid approval of her sudden resignation request was unexpectedly considerate and understanding.

    A few polite exchangester, the call ended quietly.

    Linsey stared at the phone screen, letting out a slow breath like she was releasing a weight.

    Once her breathing steadied, she reluctantly opened Collin''s unanswered messages.

    "Babe, why aren''t you picking up? Where are you right now?".

    "Were you at your firm''s annual gathering tonight?"

    "Please, sweetheart, let me know as soon as you get this. I''m genuinely worried."

    With every message she read, Linsey felt her heart clench tighter.

    As CR Corporation''s founder, Collin was undoubtedly attending tonight''s grand party.

    Clearly, he had noticed her absence and was bing increasingly concerned.

    Yet she remained uncertain about the sincerity behind Collin''s apparent care and affection.

    If his kindness was genuine, then why would he hide secrets from her, speaking those hurtful words behind

    her back?

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    But if all this affection was merely an borate show...

    A bitterugh escaped Linsey''s lips.

    Right now, she couldn''t even trust her own instincts.

    Should she admire Collin''s masterful deception or scold herself for being naive enough to believe him?

    She had boldly defended Collin in front of Carol, only to face a harsh betrayal that crushed her spiritpletely.

    Everything had gone horribly wrong.

    What had she done to deserve this situation?

    Silent tears gave way to uncontroble sobbing.

    Standing quietly in the shadows by the hospital room entrance, Gorman overheard Linsey''s muffled cries, and his heart twisted painfully.

    All this agony, all this sorrow-Collin was responsible for every bit of it.

    Remembering Linsey''s recent call, Gorman felt an unexpected surge of hope.

    Her decision to quit CR Corporation hinted strongly that she might finally break leave Collin.

    If she still believed in Collin, why would she willingly abandon her prestigious role in fashion design?

    As that thought lingered, a cautious smile slowly spread across Gorman''s lips.

    Finally, fate was giving him the chance he had longed for.

    This time, he promised himself, he wouldn''t let the opportunity slip away.

    At that very moment, seated high above the dazzling banquet hall in a private suite, Collin frowned deeply, ring impatiently at his phone.

    Over a dozen unanswered calls, countless texts, and still no word from Linsey. Never once had she behaved like this before.

    Earlier today, around noon, he had texted Linsey about sending her a special dress, and she had responded

    warmly.

    But since then, silence had taken over their conversation.

    Initially, Collin feared that something dreadful had happened.

    Later, however, word reached him that Linsey had already messaged colleagues

    from her department to reassure them she was safe.

    Clearly, she was deliberately choosing to ignore him.

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 Chapter 583

    Chapter 583 That Leaves Just One Possibility

    Collin felt utterly lost, struggling to understand why Linsey had suddenly chosen to shut him out.

    Next to him, Dustin studied Collin''s troubled expression before cautiously asking, "Listen, Collin, we''re your friends-you don''t have to pretend things are fine. Did something happen between you and Linsey? If everything was okay, why else would she suddenly cut you off?"

    Dominic and Dn traded a nce, then looked curiously at Collin.

    Of all the moments to hit a rough patch, it had to be tonight-when everything was arranged perfectly for the proposal.

    Collin rubbed at his temple in frustration, a shadow crossing his face. "We didn''t fight."

    Earlier that day, he had kissed Linsey warmly before she left for work, the memory still fresh in his mind.

    Both had been cheerful, excited about the surprises they had each prepared.

    An argument just didn''t fit into the puzzle of their day.

    If Linsey was truly angry, she would usually confront him directly, unless something had urred that left her deeply hurt or betrayed.

    A sudden chill crept into Collin''s chest, gripping his heart with dread.

    Uncertainty gnawed at his nerves, making his pulse quicken with worry.

    Everything felt like it was spiraling out of control.

    Noticing Collin''s expression darkening further, Dustin opened his mouth but hesitated.

    Desperate for backup, Dustin nced toward Dominic and Dn, silently begging them to step in.

    They needed a quick fix to prevent disaster.

    Dominic broke the awkward silence first, gently saying, "Collin, your proposal is scheduled for exactly eight o''clock, and the crew is fully prepared to kick things off on time. But it''s already seven thirty. The party''s been rolling for over an hour. If we don''t track Linsey down soon, postponing will be inevitable."

    Collin didn''t need the reminder-he was aware of this.

    Exhaling deeply, he closed his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again. "Linseyst spoke to me around noon. Something must''ve happened between then and now-someone either said or showed her something that made her reluctant to see me."

    Dustin''s eyes widened as a realization struck him. "Wait-could it be someone finally revealed to her that

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    Chapter 583 That Leaves Just One Possibility

    you''re the owner of CR Corporation?"

    Dominic shook his head, skepticism evident in his expression. "If that was all, she wouldn''t ignore youpletely. She''d confront you immediately."

    Dominic studied Collin carefully, his voice lowering meaningfully. "That leaves just one possibility..."

    Collin quickly understood the implication, his brows tightening sharply. "She might have asked me something, and whatever answer she received left her deeply hurt."

    After pausing briefly, he considered another possibility. "Or perhaps my actions unintentionally made her lose

    faith in me."

    Dn, confused by their spection, finally cut in, "Why waste time guessing? Why not send someone to find her and ask directly?"

    "Absolutely not," Collin instantly replied. "Forcing Linsey to return will only worsen her feelings."

    Dn looked genuinely baffled.

    Perhaps being single prevented him from grasping the delicate nature of Collin''s rtionship issues.

    "Let''s first find out discreetly what we can," Collin suggested after a moment''s consideration. "Her coworkers said she left the Fashion Design Department around noon and didn''t return. Let''s quietly check the surveince footage from this afternoon and see exactly when she left the building."

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 Chapter 584

    Chapter 584 Could Gorman

    Be Behind This

    With a firm nod, Dustin chimed in immediately, "Checking whether Linsey left alone or with someone might give us a clue about what''s troubling her."

    Acting quickly, Dustin contacted his team, instructing them to urgently pull thepany''s surveince tapes tracing Linsey''s movements throughout the day.

    The lounge became tense with anticipation as they awaited the news.

    Within minutes, Dustin''s phone buzzed, signaling an iing call from his subordinate.

    Hearing the frantic voice on the other end, Dustin abruptly shot up, panic flooding his expression. "Wait- repeat that clearly. You''re telling me Linsey was abducted earlier today?"

    Collin froze instantly, his expression darkening into intense focus.

    Without a moment''s hesitation, he snatched Dustin''s phone, switching it hastily to speaker mode.

    "That''s right, Mr. Wade," the subordinate said nervously. "The footage clearly shows Linsey stepping outside after a courier called her name. As soon as she approached the delivery vehicle, someone knocked her unconscious and dragged her inside. Everything happened swiftly at thepany entrance, but hardly anyone passed by due to working hours. Even the security guard was upied elsewhere,pletely missing the

    incident."

    Confusion creased Dustin''s forehead. "She stepped outside just because a courier called for her? That doesn''t sound like Linsey-could she have known him?"

    Collin''s breathing grew strained, his voiceing out rough and tense. "Tell me the exact time this happened."

    The subordinate paused briefly, then hesitantly ryed the timing.

    Every muscle in Collin''s body tightened in response.

    That precise time matched exactly when he had messaged Linsey about the special dress delivery.

    Linsey had innocently believed the courier was there on his

    Collin''s fists tightened in self-me, each breath heavy with regret.

    Sensing the turmoil gripping Collin, Dustin swiftly intervened, hoping to ease his

    worry. "Collin, remember, Linseyter sent voice messages reassuring her coworkers that she was fine. That means she must have been

    rescued."

    "Someone stepped in," Collin murmured quietly, barely audible.

    Dustin quickly redirected his subordinate, voice stern. "Dig into that delivery van immediately. Find out exactly

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    who dared to stduct Linsey"

    "Right away, Mi Wade''

    As soon as the call ended, Dustin spoke spain, piering clues together "Whoever took her might''ve intentionally fed Linsey lies about you, Collin."

    An unsettling thought shed scross Dustin''s mind. "Wait-Collin, could Gorman be behind this?

    Collin instantly shot Dustin a hard stare, eyes narrowing in skepticism.

    Yet Dustin pressed further, convinced by his theory. "When I handed Corman the invitation, I might''ve let slip that the founder was proposing tonight. He probably guessed your identity from that conversation and abducted Linsey today to reveal everything"

    "Dustin, looks like you''re the one who stirred up this mess." Dn immediately used him bluntly.

    Feeling wronged, Dustin defended himself, exasperated. "How was I supposed to know things would spiral out of control? I only meant to help Collin get rid of his love rival!*

    Collin exhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain clear-headed. "Gorman has no concrete proof. Linsey wouldn''t trust mere hearsay so easily."

    Pausing thoughtfully, Collin eventually added, "Besides, Gorman wouldn''t bear to force Linsey against her will or let anyone harm her. He cares for her deeply."

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    Chapter 585 Collin, What Are You nning To Do

    Dustin froze in shock upon hearing Collin''s words.

    Could this really be the same Collin he thought he knew?

    He had always known about Collin''s tight grip on Linsey.

    Now, Collin had openly recognized Gorman''s affection for Linsey....

    To Dustin, this revtion was staggering.

    This admission also served as a stark indicator of the depth of Collin''s fixation with Linsey, which was rmingly deep.

    As the agonizing wait for news continued, they finally received the investigation results.

    Dustin nced at his phone. "I''ve got it! Carol orchestrated Linsey''s kidnapping!"

    He then turned to Collin, disbelief in his voice. "The goons hired by Carol confessed they hadn''t touched Linsey before she was saved by the founder of CR Corporation."

    "The founder of CR Corporation?" Dn responded in shock, his eyes shifting towards Collin, "You mean Collin, right here?"

    After a brief pause, Collin responded coldly, "Tell them I''m not proposing tonight. I''m heading to the Lawson family''s residence."

    Carol''s audacity to target Linsey once more was clear.

    Collin was determined to make the Lawson family pay for Carol''s actions.

    Meanwhile, Linsey was restless in her hospital bed.

    Her eyes were fixed on a corner, her heart filled with an unceasing pain.

    Her phone on the bedside table buzzed intermittently.

    It was likely Collin trying to reach out.

    Yet, Linsey was not ready to confront him.

    Should she let out her sorrow in tears or confront him with fiery questions about his actions?

    Neither approach seemed fitting to Linsey.

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    If she chose to leave, she would do so with dignity, not showing any signs of desperation.

    Then, Linsey''s attention was drawn to her phone again.

    This time, the vibration was more persistent.

    Linsey adjusted her position and grabbed her phone.

    The caller ID surprised her; it was M.

    Without a second thought, Linsey took the call. "M, what can I do for you?"

    On the other side, M shared a look ofplexity with Collin.

    Hearing Linsey''s voice stirred a deep pain within Collin.

    He wondered what had Linsey discovered that kept her from reaching out?

    Collin inhaled deeply and gave M a confirming nod.

    With a slight tension in her voice, M asked softly, "Linsey, do you have a moment right now?"

    Linsey, feeling a surge of concern, sat up straighter. "Is everything alright? Please, feel free to speak openly."

    M felt a wave of guilt hearing the kindness in Linsey''s voice.

    She found it difficult to deceive Linsey.

    With a fleeting look at Collin, M hurriedly said, "Linsey, the founder of CR Corporation hase to our house demanding that we hand you over..."

    Before she could exin further, one of Collin''s men intervened, grabbing the phone from her hand.

    "Enough!" he snapped at M.

    Linsey''s demeanor shifted to one of urgency. "What''s going on, M?"

    The demand from the founder of CR Corporation to surrender her?

    The moment the thought crossed her mind, Linsey''s expression shifted, and she suddenly understood

    something.

    Collin was the founder of CR Corporation.

    She was still grappling with this revtion.

    As the call was abruptly cut off, Linsey''s gaze sharpened, her voice cold. "Collin, what are you nning to do?"

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 Chapter 586

    Chapter 586 I Need To See

    You, Linsey

    A heavy silence hung on the line, thick with tension.

    Though Linsey was desperate to end the call, the thought of M possibly being cornered by Collin made her resist the urge.

    "If calling you Collin doesn''t provoke a response, perhaps I should address you as the mysterious founder of CR Corporation instead?"

    At once, a shaky breath escaped through the speaker, tense and unmistakably familiar.

    It felt odd; she had barely spent a year truly knowing Collin.

    Yet, his subtle breaths, pauses, and silences were etched in her memory, clear as day.

    Right then, Linsey knew without a doubt that Collin was silently listening on the other side.

    A rush of emotion welled inside her chest, tightening her throat painfully.

    She tried to speak, but found herself unable to make a sound.

    1

    She struggled against her own silence, feeling choked by what she couldn''t express.

    After an unbearably long pause, Collin''s low, strained voice broke through. "Baby."

    Hearing that endearment instantly reignited Linsey''s anger, and she retorted coldly, "Don''t call me that."

    Even uttering those words drained Linsey, leaving her nearly breathless.

    Fighting tears, she managed to speak, her voice trembling with suppressed pain. "Tell me, Collin, why exactly did you visit the Lawson family? Why did you threaten M? I''m warning you-"

    Collin cut her off, saying firmly, "Linsey, I would never intentionally hurt you. The only reason I visited the Lawson family was to ask Carol about your whereabouts."

    He paused, breathing deeply, then softly yet deliberately added, "I''m genuinely concerned about you."

    Though her instincts screamed to say something cutting, Linsey held back, mindful that Collin remained with the Lawsons, capable of harming M at any moment.

    "I''m perfectly fine, Collin. Your concern isn''t needed. Just leave M''s house right now."

    However, Collin didn''tply. "I need to see you, Linsey."

    Linsey clutched the phone tightly, her voice resolute as she said, "I have no interest in seeing you."

    "Then I''ll stay right here and wait until you do," Collin replied calmly, his voice stubborn and unyielding.

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    "You!" Linsey was furious.

    He was clearly using emotional ckmail to corner her.

    "Linsey, if you just give me the chance, I promise I''ll clear things up," Collin continued, his tone earnest.

    Without waiting for her reply, Collin ended the call abruptly, leaving Linsey stunned by the quiet click.

    Staring numbly at the disconnected phone, Linsey felt her emotions spiral out of control once more.

    What exactly was Collin nning?

    Though every fiber of her being resisted, she found herself hurriedly changing out of her hospital attire, preparing to rush over to the Lawson family''s house.

    Carol''s cruelty had left her injured and shaken-Linsey would never forgive her.

    Yet M had done nothing to deserve Collin''s threats, and Linsey couldn''t bear the thought of anyone suffering

    because of her.

    Fully dressed and determined, Linsey moved toward the door.

    At precisely that moment, Gorman entered the room, dinner tray in hand, apanied by Danny.

    Gorman''s steps faltered as he noticed Linsey in her outdoor clothing. "Linsey, where are you heading?"

    Disapproval clouded Gorman''s face immediately. "The doctor clearly stated you''re not fully healed yet. You really need to stay here under observation for at least a couple more days."

 Chapter 587

    Chapter 587 I Respect Linsey''s Decisions

    Linsey bit her lower lip, deciding honesty was the best course. "Collin went to confront the Lawsons. He''s using M to force me into showing up."

    Gorman''s face darkened noticeably at the mention of Collin, but he quickly masked his reaction, casually asking, "M? Who''s she?"

    Taking a breath, Linsey exined clearly, "Cruz Lawson''s wife. I met her once before, and oddly enough, we look quite alike. I suppose that''s why I''ve felt an instant connection with her and grown fond of her."

    She hesitated briefly, worry evident in her eyes. "Right now, Collin is at their home, and I''m afraid he might do something drastic. With the kind of power he has as CR Corporation''s founder, M could easily be hurt. I have no choice-1 must go there immediately."

    A thoughtful silence settled over Gorman.

    Danny was desperate to prompt his boss into action.

    Linsey clearly resented Collin already, so if Gorman stopped their meeting,

    wouldn''t that be his best chance to prevent their reconciliation?

    So why wasn''t Gorman saying something-anything-to stop Linsey from leaving?

    Unexpectedly, Gorman simply nodded, saying softly, "Alright."

    Danny nearly choked in disbelief, convinced he had misheard him.

    Seriously? Missing this opportunity, there would be no chance for him to be with Linsey in the future!

    Ignoring the shocked nce behind him, Gorman turned to Linsey and smiled reassuringly. "But you shouldn''t go alone. Let me take you there to make sure you''re safe."

    Linsey hesitated, caught off guard by his offer.

    Gorman added, "Don''t worry, I''ll stay outside. I won''t disturb your conversation with Collin."

    Actually, Linsey''s hesitation wasn''t due to that at all; rather, she was concerned about interrupting Gorman''s own affairs. Moreover, she was aware that Gorman still carried lingering feelings for her.

    Instead of rifying things now and possibly hurting him, perhaps it was better to let him hold onto a harmless misunderstanding.

    Friendship and gratitude were all she could truly offer Gorman at this point.

    "Alright, thank you." Linsey nodded in agreement.

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    In no time, Gorman''s car pulled smoothly to a stop outside the Lawsons'' residence.

    "Remember, I''m right here. Call me if you need anything." Gorman reminded gently before Linsey stepped out.

    They had only recently reconnected and had re-exchanged their contact details.

    "I will," Linsey said quietly, offering him a brief smile before leaving the vehicle.

    Inside the car, Gorman watched Linsey carefully, his eyes following her until she vanished through the Lawson family''s front door.

    Seeing his boss so attentive toward Linsey, Danny grew even more perplexed. "Mr. Green, why''d you let Linsey meet Collin so easily? You even drove her here yourself."

    As he heard this, Gorman''s lips curled into a knowing smile, his mood seemingly unaffected.

    "I respect Linsey''s decisions. In fact, no matter what she chooses, I''ll support her."

    After a deliberate pause, his smile turned subtly confident. "Besides, letting her see Collin tonight might actually work in my favor. Why should I stand in the way?"

    Danny was more confused. "Mr. Green, what are you nning?"

    Rxed and patient, Gorman didn''t hesitate to rify his thoughts to Danny.

    09:36

 Chapter 588

    Chapter 588 Linsey''s Disdain For Collin Must...

    "Linsey is seen as gentle and kind, but she''s also incredibly stubborn and resilient," Gorman exined. "This time, she''s been utterly fooled by Collin. Regardless of the truthfulness of what he said in the hotel room, to Linsey, it all rang as betrayal,"

    He nced at Danny, continuing, "You know, the individuals you questioned earlier said that Carol had been feeding Linsey stories about Collin''s deceit as the founder of CR Corporation, even showing her some purported evidence. By the time Collin spoke, Linsey was already doubtful, and those words just confirmed her suspicions." Danny, still puzzled, furrowed his brow and replied, "Even though Linsey is aware of Collin''s deceit, now that she''s confronting him, surely he''ll rify everything."

    Gorman let out a derisiveugh, his face betraying his certainty. "He might try to exin, but Linsey is beyond listening. The real issue here is Collin''s impulsive tactics; his coercive methods have only fueled her disdain for him."

    With a sarcastic expression, Gorman muttered, "It''s likely Collin panicked after hearing about Linsey''s abduction by Carol. In his haste, he neglected the smarter approach-giving Linsey space to process everything and then carefully exining the situation."

    Danny nodded in understanding. "Now I get it. Linsey''s disdain for Collin must be solidifying, especially with his recent threats making him appear even less trustworthy."

    Linsey''s growing resentment suggested that no matter Collin''s reasoning, changing her mind might now be impossible.

    Danny, reflecting deeper, admired Gorman''s strategic thinking. "That''s why you allowed Linsey to go ahead. Any attempt to stop her could have just upset her more, given her emotional state."

    "I might as well thank Collin for this chance to appear empathetic and supportive

    in Linsey''s eyes," Gorman said with a slow, knowing chuckle.

    His gaze then shifted towards the Lawson family''s estate as he anticipated the intensifying drama within.

    The silence was noticeable as Linsey entered the Lawson family''s estate.

    It wasn''t until she reached the living room that she encountered several people.

    Linsey immediately noticed Collin seated on the couch.

    Their eyes met simultaneously.

    Collin stood abruptly, his intense gaze locked on Linsey.

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    10:45

    EP

    III 0 <

    He walked towards her determinedly.

    In moments, Collin nearly closed the distance between them.

    Linsey, feeling a rush of difort, instinctively retreated a few steps.

    Her retreat made Collin pause, his previously hopeful expression now marked by uncertainty.

    "Linsey..." Collin''s voice trailed as his hands slowly curled into fists.

    His eyes never left her face.

    Suddenly, he noticed the bandages on her right hand, his eyes registering shock.

    Reaching out instinctively, Collin murmured, "Your hand..."

    With a frosty demeanor, Linsey quickly withdrew her hand behind her back, clearly indicating she didn''t want

    Collin''s touch.

    Collin''s movement was suddenly stopped once more.

    He now understood that Linsey''s anger stemmed from his hidden identity, yet he realized there was still more to uncover about her deep-seated feelings.

    Rmended for you

 Chapter 589

    Chapter 589 Did Carol Target Me Just This Once

    Linsey deliberately avoided meeting Collin''s eyes, instead letting her gaze roam the living room in search of

    M.

    "Didn''t you promise you''d let M go once I arrived? Where is she?"

    Collin stared at her without blinking.

    Witnessing Linsey''s cold detachment felt like an icy de twisting inside his chest.

    Just this morning, she had greeted him warmly, yet now she stood before him like a stranger, guarded and

    indifferent.

    Tonight was supposed to be their moment of truth, yet Carol had shattered everything he had carefully nned.

    As he recalled Carol''s interference, Collin''s eyes shed briefly with resentment. Keeping his tone steady, he exined, "M was escorted safely to the hospital where Jeffery''s currently

    staying."

    At these words, Linsey visibly rxed, tension leaving her shoulders.

    "Cruz has been by Jeffery''s bedside all day. M is there now; they''ll return home together shortly," Collin continued casually. "And as for Carol-my men have her under control."

    Linsey''s relief quickly turned into suspicion, and she shot him an incredulous stare. "What else are you plotting, Collin? Why involve Jeffery and his father? Are you aware Jeffery has a serious blood disorder and shouldn''t leave the hospital?¡±

    His expression grew colder as he returned her gaze intently, asking sharply, "Jeffery''s illness is no concern of yours. Why are you defending someone who once treated you so poorly?"

    Linsey instantly caught the bitter jealousy behind his words.

    Sheughed bitterly, disdain coloring her voice. "Any decent person would object

    to forcibly removing a critically ill patient from medical care."

    A momentter, she added with quiet resignation, "Honestly, whatever your schemes are, leave me out of them. Your feud with the Lawson family isn''t my concern. If you won''t release M immediately, we have nothing more to discuss."

    With that, Linsey turned to leave.

    Collin moved swiftly, catching hold of her left arm firmly but gently.

    ¡°Release me!¡± Linsey pulled away violently, her expression filled with contempt rather than affection. "Collin,

    10:45

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    <

    I''ve said clearly-I refuse to get entangled in your vendettas. Let me go."

    Pain flickered across Collin''s features; witnessing her disgust felt unbearable.

    Finally, he forced words past the lump in his throat, whispering roughly, "I know everything Carol did to you

    today, Linsey."

    His eyes drifted to her injured hand, sympathy clouding his gaze. "She reopened your wound. The reason I came here tonight was to make sure she''d pay for hurting you."

    Collin locked eyes with Linsey, like he feared she would disappear if he looked away. "Let me take you home. Once we''re there, I''ll exin everything. Just please, hear me out."

    But Linsey had no desire for his exnations; after a tense silence, she finally met his gaze head-on.

    "Did Carol target me just this once? Where was your righteous anger before now?"

    Her voice dripped with bitter sarcasm as she continued, "Oh, right-how could I forget? After that infamous party Carol threw, you conveniently canceled your partnership with the Lawson Group, crippling their finances to think of it, perhaps you owe me gratitude. Without my livestream exposing her, you wouldn''t have had a valid excuse to end your business ties with them, especially when they were already crumbling from within."

    while enhancing your public image. Come

 Chapter 590

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 590 I Can''t Trust Anything You Say Anym...

    Collin listened intently, his steady gaze revealing a brief moment of surprise.

    "Linsey, why would you even suggest that? Back then, I was trying to..."

    Linsey interrupted him firmly. "Stop. Don''t im it''s for my benefit. I can''t trust anything you say anymore."

    Her gaze bore into him. "As the head of CR Corporation, dealing with someone like Carol should be simple for

    welfare." you, shouldn''t it? So why haven''t you acted? You seem to prioritize your secrets over my

    Linsey''s usations were sharp, silencing Collin, who was normally soposed in the cutthroat business

    world.

    "Do you understand that Carol goes after me because she''s infatuated with the man behind CR Corporation?" Linsey''s eyes began to fill with tears, her voice cracking with evident pain. "How ironic is it that an outsider knows about your role, yet I, your partner, was left in the shadows? And I''ve paid dearly for your secrets."

    Collin felt a profound pain grip his chest at her words.

    He inhaled deeply, attempting to express his sincerity. "Linsey, I intended to reveal everything to you. Tonight was supposed to be the night."

    For a moment, Linsey''s eyes showed a flicker ofprehension, but her face soon became expressionless. "Was revealing your secret supposed to be a surprise for me tonight?"

    Collin was momentarily speechless.

    Linsey managed a scornful smile. "Did you really think revealing you''re the founder would make me happy? You''ve hidden this from me for so long, sharing it only now as if it were some kind of revtion. Is this supposed to be a surprise?" Tears streamed down Linsey''s cheeks, marking her face with their bitterness.

    At that moment, Linsey was torn between crying andughing bitterly.

    "Really, Collin? You think I''d be thrilled to learn you''re the founder of CR Corporation? That I''d desire the ever-expanding CR Corporation or hang onto you, the wealthiest man in town?" Each word was a struggle, her voice raw with pain. "Don''t kid yourself, Collin. The identity of thepany you founded, or your wealth, means nothing to me!"

    Collin contemted mentioning his proposal ns but decided against it. Sharing it now would only escte her fury and further diminish any chance of her understanding his true intentions.

    "Release me this instant! I demand that you let me go!"

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    10:45

    Chapter 590 I Can''t Trust Anything You Say Anymore

    Just then, a disturbance broke out outside.

    Linsey''s attention was diverted as she saw a group leading Carol and Alexa into the room.

    "This is my residence! Who are you?" Carol shouted indignantly. "How dare you stir up trouble in my own home! Do you think I won''t call the police?"

    Collin''s men escorting Carol showed no leniency, shoving her to the floor. Carol let out a sharp cry of pain.

    Alexa quickly moved to assist her, asking, "Carol, are you hurt?"

    "Back off! Don''t touch me!" Carol snapped, jerking her hand away in irritation.

    She then raised her eyes and noticed Linsey standing a short distance away. <marrying a="" secret="" zillionaire:="" happy="" ever="" after<="" p=""></marrying>

 Chapter 591

    Chapter 591 Is That Why You''re Angry

    "Linsey! You''re hiding out here, of all ces?" Carol shrieked, eyes zing with fury and disbelief. "After everything I did to ruin you, you still managed to get

    away? You''re like an infestation that won''t disappear!"

    Although Linsey remained outwardly calm, it was Collin who stiffened visibly at Carol''s ranting.

    Collin silently motioned to one of his men standing nearby.

    Without hesitation, the subordinate stepped forward, delivering a sharp p across Carol''s face.

    The suddenness of the sound caused Linsey to flinch involuntarily.

    Instantly, an angry red welt appeared on Carol''s cheek. Outraged, she spun around, ready to spew more insults

    at Linsey.

    However, Carol caught sight of Collin standing there, her voice faltering instantly. "Mr. Riley... why are you here?"

    The arrogant venom in her tone vanished immediately, reced by nervous embarrassment as she remembered the undignified scene she had just caused in front of CR Corporation''s founder.

    Regret surged within her; she had finallye face-to-face with him, only to embarrass herselfpletely.

    It was all Linsey''s fault-everything always came back to that horrible woman!

    Noting Carol''s sudden change in demeanor, Linsey chuckled softly, deliberately taunting her. "What''s the matter? You seemed eager to curse at me seconds ago. Why aren''t you saying anything now?"

    She nced meaningfully at Collin, continuing pointedly, "Ah, I see the difference. You don''t fear me at all-it''s him, the founder of CR Corporation. After all, who in town dares offend someone so powerful?"

    Even Carol, usually slow to pick up on subtlety, recognized the mockery in Linsey''s voice.

    Carol stared at Linsey, shocked by her boldness.

    Was Linsey out of her mind? Was she really speaking to the founder of CR Corporation this brazenly?

    But wait the founder of CR Corporation was none other than Collin, Linsey''s own husband.

    This wasn''t Linsey''s usual tone when addressing him.

    A flicker of triumph appeared in Carol''s eyes as understanding dawned.

    Clearly, Linsey had bought Carol''s earlier story; she had sessfully driven a wedge between the couple.

    Collin''s jaw tightened as he heard Linsey''s biting sarcasm.

    Unable to argue openly with Linsey, he shifted his irritation onto Carol.

    0.0%

    10:45

    Chapter 591 Is That Why You''re Angry

    "Carol, do you remember what happened to thest person who dared to kidnap Linsey?" Collin suddenly

    asked.

    Linsey was taken aback.

    Who was he referring to?

    Carol froze momentarily, panic shing across her face before quickly stammering, "Mr. Riley, please understand-1 merely invited Linsey over to talk things out. I didn''t harm her."

    However, unwilling to surrender, Carol boldly pressed forward, "Besides, surely your feelings for Linsey aren''t genuine, are they? If they were, you wouldn''t have hidden your true identity from her all this time."

    "Enough!" Collin snapped, noticing Linsey''s expression turning frigid again, wishing Carol would simply vanish.

    After all, Carol''s maniptive words had already nted doubt in Linsey''s heart.

    Linsey sneered and chimed in, "She''s only speaking the truth. Is that why you''re angry?"

    In front of Linsey, Collin''s usual authoritative presence quickly faded. "Linsey, listen, I¡ª"

    Without sparing him a nce, Linsey calmly said, "I appreciate your efforts for apprehending Carol. Since you''ve already caught her, perhaps you could drop her off at the nearest police station. She assaulted me, so let''s handle this legally, without relying on your influence."

    Rmended for you

    His Unwanted Wife, The World''s...

    Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background...

    His Unwanted Wife,

 Chapter 592

    Chapter 592 Carol Abducted My Wife

    Collin''s gaze grew intense. He paused, then his eyes, cold and unforgiving, fixed on Carol, still on the floor. To himself more than anyone, he whispered, "She''s responsible for your injury, She''ll face the consequences,"

    Linsey caught her breath in shock upon hearing his words.

    Before she could react, one of Collin''s associ

    harshly twisted Carol''s wrist.

    The shrill scream that followed echoed through the living room. Carol could barelyprehend the agony as it

    overwhelmed her.

    "My hand, my hand... it hurts!" Carol''splexion turned ghostly as she grasped her now limp hand, tears cascading down her cheeks, painting a picture of mere misery.

    Alexa, horrified, rushed to Carol''s aid, eximing, "Carol! What can we do now?"

    With a look of intense loathing, Alexa turned towards Collin, her voice shaky with emotion. "You can''t do this!

    It''s against thew!"

    Yet, Collin''s face was a mask of indifference. "She deserved it for tormenting Linsey. It''s overdue," he dered

    coldly.

    Linsey observed the scene, her emotions a whirlwind of conflict.

    It was then that Linsey truly understood the extent of Collin''s authority as the head of CR Corporation.

    To him, Carol was merely a minor obstacle, easily disposed of.

    This ruthless side of Collin, so at odds with thepassionate man she once knew, shook her deeply.

    She turned her gaze aside, fighting to hold back the surge of bitterness rising within her.

    Around her, Carol''s and Alexa''s cries filled the air, yet a profound silence seemed to engulf Linsey.

    Everything seemed unfamiliar, Collin most of all.

    Suddenly, outside disturbances broke the tense atmosphere.

    "Why did Mr. Riley bring us back?"

    "Jeffery, take a deep breath, rx."

    Linsey nced up to see M, Cruz, and Jeffery, still d in his hospital attire, being led into the living room by Collin''s security.

    As M walked in, her eyes immediately fell on Carol, who was weeping on the floor.

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    <

    Chapter 592 Carol Abducted My Wide

    A wave of concern washed over M as she hurried to Carol''s side. "Carol, what''s wrong? Why are you so pale?"

    Hearing M''s voice, Carol burst into continued sobs. "Mom! Help me, please! Mr. Riley is threatening to imprison me! They even broke my right hand!"

    M reacted with disbelief and turned to Collin, her voice filled with outrage. "Mr. Riley! This is outrageous! How could you do such a thing to Carol? She''s her whole life ahead of you! Her hand is broken, how will she

    manage? We need to get her to a hospital now. Please let us go!"

    Both Jeffery and Cruz were taken aback, unable to believe the extent of the CR Corporation''s founder''s cruelty

    in having Carol''s hand broken

    They quickly formed a barrier around Carol, regarding Collin with hostility.

    Due to his frail condition, Jeffery''s face was pallid, but his resolve did not waver.

    "Mr. Riley, there must be some misunderstanding. Why have you done this? Why harm Carol so grievously?"

    Collin''s response was cold. "Misunderstanding? Carol abducted my wife, worsening an existing injury. There''s nothing more to discuss."

 Chapter 593

    Chapter 593 I Can''t Go To

    Jail

    "Your wife?" Jeffery stared at Collin in utter disbelief, his gaze shifting to Linsey, who stood a short distance

    away.

    His eyes caught the bandage wrapped around her right hand.

    A thought shed through his mind-unbelievable, yet undeniable. "You mean... Linsey is your wife?"

    Collin didn''t hesitate. "Yes, she is my wife."

    Linsey''s eyshes fluttered slightly. She lowered her gaze, her expression calm. However, deep inside, her

    emotions were a tangled mess.

    Jeffery''s heart skipped a beat.

    Linsey was the wife of CR Corporation''s founder.

    And he he had helped Carol humiliate her at the birthday party.

    Taking a deep breath, Jeffery steadied himself. "Mr. Riley, did you cancel the cooperation with us because of what happened that night?"

    Collin parted his lips to respond, but before he could speak, Linsey cut in, her voice devoid of emotion. "Isn''t it a bitte to ask that, Mr. Lawson? Everyone knows the Lawson Group lost its deal with CR Corporation due to internal problems. Why drag me into it? Isn''t that ridiculous?"

    "You!" Jeffery''s face darkened, Linsey''s words striking a nerve. "Ourpany''s issues are minor. We''ll resolve them soon," he retorted, trying to regainposure.

    After a pause, his expression stiffened further. "I wasn''t aware of Carol''s n to kidnap you today. I''m sorry, but Carol has already been punished. Her hand was broken."

    Linsey''s brows knitted together. "And you think that makes up for what she did? Do you even realize what your sister nned? She hired thugs to assault me. She set up a camera to publicly ruin my reputation."

    She took a moment before she continued, "I was lucky to escape today. But what about next time? Will you stand by and watch while someone else suffers the consequences of her cruelty?"

    Jeffery opened his mouth but found no words. His expression froze.

    Collin''s face darkened, his patience wearing thin. "I brought you here today to make one thing clear-Carol is going to prison. She has hurt Linsey time and time again, and this time, she won''t get away with it. She belongs behind bars for life." Carol''s eyes widened in horror. A sharp ringing filled her ears as panic took hold.

    10:45

    "No! I can''t go to jail!" she screamed, clutching onto M''s arm as if her life depended on it. "Mom, help me! I swear I''ve learned my lesson! I know I was wrong! Please, Mom, don''t let them take me!"

    Alena stood frozen, her face etched with sorrow.

    Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined this. Her daughter-her flesh and blood-hadmitted such

    heinous acts.

    Kidnapping. Malicious harm. Premeditated assault.

    Unthinkable.

    And yet, Carol had done all of it to Linsey.

    M''s eyes burned as she slowly shut them. She couldn''t bring herself to plead for Carol''s forgiveness.

    Carol''s panic surged as she saw her mother''s silence.

    Ignoring the excruciating pain in her injured hand, she gripped M''s arm tighter, her voice breaking. "Mom! Please! Say something! I swear I won''t do it again! I can''t go to jail! It hurts so much! You''re my mother! You can''t just abandon me like this!"

 Chapter 594

    Chapter 594 Can You Let

    Her Go

    Carol clutched M''s arm desperately before turning to Cruz, her voice thick with panic. "Dad, please! Please

    help me! I swear I won''t do anything wrong again¡ªI''ll change!"

    Cruz exhaled heavily, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Instead of responding to Carol, he reached out and gently helped M to her feet. "M, stand up. Carol has made her choices, so she has to face

    the consequences."

    "No! You can''t do this!" Carol''s face twisted in despair, her voice cracking as she pleaded. "Dad! Mom! You can''t abandon me! I''m your daughter! Please!"

    Her cries were like knives to M''s heart, each word cutting deeper.

    Her eyes reddened as she looked at Carol, her breath hitching.

    No matter what happened, Carol was still her flesh and blood.

    M''s hands trembled as she gripped Carol''s tightly, her red-rimmed eyes locking onto Linsey''s. "Linsey, please... I know Carol was wrong. It''s my fault-I failed as a mother. But I''m begging you, just this once, can you let her go? If you needpensation, name your price. Our family owes you, and we''ll do whatever it takes to make it right!"

    Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face. "Carol is my only daughter, and now she''s already lost her hand. Please, Linsey. We''ll make sure she never does anything like this again."

    Jeffery stood by his mother and sister, his emotions in turmoil. His hands clenched into fists as he forced himself to stayposed.

    But then, out of nowhere, a piercing pain shot through his body, searing and unbearable. His vision blurred, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

    His jaw tightened as he fought against the agony, refusing to show weakness. Linsey, watching the heartbreaking scene, unconsciously took a step back. She didn''t know why, but seeing M this broken stirred something inside her. They had only known each other briefly, yet this moment felt unbearably heavy. She had every reason to hate Carol. If not for her, Linsey''s hand wouldn''t have gotten injured again and again. If it hadn''t been for her, she wouldn''t have discovered Collin''s secret under such painful circumstances she wouldn''t have been standing here, torn between justice and mercy.

    Yet, M''s tearful pleas made her hesitate.

    10:46

    Linsey had once believed M was different-warm, kind, someone she could trust. She had even considered deepening their bond.

    But it turned out she had been too naive.

    M was Carol''s mother. Of course, she would take her daughter''s side. How could she possibly understand the pain Linsey had suffered?

    A bitter smile tugged at Linsey''s lips as she lowered her gaze. A single tear slipped down her cheek, but she

    brushed it away before anyone could see.

    Maybe everything had been an illusion-her trust, hopes, and foolish expectations.

    The people she had once cared about-Collin and M-belonged to a world that was never hers.

    Linsey inhaled deeply, pushing her emotions aside.

    She was about to speak when M''s cry interrupted her.

    "Jeffery?" The sharp cry made everyone freeze.

    Linsey looked up just in time to see Jeffery copse, his body hitting the ground hard. Blood trickled from his

    nose.

    His breathing grew shallow, his consciousness fading fast. "I... I.....¡±

    M gasped in horror, forgetting Carol as she rushed to him, supporting his limp

    frame. "Jeffery! What''s happening? Say something! Jeffery!"

    Rmended for you

    His Unwanted Wife, The World''s...

    Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background...

    His Unwanted Wife,

    The WORLD''S

 Chapter 595

    Chapter 595 Stop Pestering Linsey

    Cruz''s face was grim as he rushed to support Jeffery, whose shirt was already soaked in blood.

    "Let''s get him to the hospital!" Cruz said to M.

    They barely took a few steps before Collin''s men blocked their path.

    M''s voice trembled with desperation. "Mr. Riley, Jeffery is bleeding too much! Please let us through! If we wait any longer, it might be toote!"

    Collin''s expression darkened, but he couldn''t ignore the situation. With a sharp wave of his hand, his men stepped aside.

    Seizing the opportunity, Carol and Alexa exchanged a nce and quietly slipped away.

    Just then, a deep, amused voice broke the tense silence.

    "Well, things are getting interesting."

    Gorman strolled in, a smirk ying on his lips. Behind him, several men followed.

    Collin turned, his mood souring further as Gorman walked straight to Linsey without hesitation.

    He stopped right in front of her, his gaze filled with concern. "Linsey, the doctor just called. You shouldn''t be out here too long-your health isn''t stable. Let''s go."

    Linsey was momentarily stunned.

    Hadn''t he just promised to wait outside?

    But his reasoning left her no room to argue-he was genuinely worried about her.

    "I..."

    Before she could respond, Collin stepped forward, grabbed Gorman''s arm, and shoved him aside.

    "Gorman, stop pestering Linsey," Collin snapped.

    Unfazed, Gorman casually dusted off his sleeve and moved right back beside her. "What? Do I need your permission to talk to her?"

    Collin''s jaw tightened. "Linsey is my wife-"

    Gorman cut him off with a smirk. "For now. But let''s be honest. The great founder

    of CR Corporation has countless admirers. Why waste your time clinging to Linsey?"

    Collin''s heart clenched.

    10:46

    < Chapter 595 Stop Pestering Linsey

    Gorman knew his identity. Was he the one who had saved Linsey earlier?

    No one else came to mind.

    A storm of frustration churned inside him.

    He turned to Linsey, his voiceced with urgency. "We can sort out our issuester, Linsey, But you told me

    before that Gorman-"

    Gorman interrupted again, his tone light but pointed. "Collin, don''t you get it? What she said before doesn''t matter anymore. The real issue here is your sham of a marriage-built on lies,"

    The word "sham" was like a match to dry tinder.

    Collin''s fistshed out without warning,nding squarely on Gorman''s jaw. With a heavy thud, Gorman hit the

    floor.

    Linsey''s breath caught. "Gorman!"

    She hadn''t expected Collin to lose control like that.

    Panic surged through her as she instinctively moved to help Gorman.

    Collin grabbed her wrist, his voice raw with frustration. "Linsey! Are you going to take his side right before me?

    I am your

    husband."

 Chapter 596

    Chapter 596 I Want A

    Divorce

    Linsey''s anger red instantly. She yanked her hand away from Collin, furious at his words.

    "Have youpletely lost your senses, Collin?" Linsey''s voice trembled with rage. "What are you getting at? I''ve never behaved inappropriately with Gorman. Do you really see me as a disloyal wife tantly betraying her husband? Remember, when Carol abducted me this afternoon, it was Gorman who rescued me. And you-

    where were you exactly?"

    Tears filled her eyes as she spoke about the ordeal.

    At that moment, Collin had been filling his friend in on how he had kept her in the dark.

    Collin struggled to find his words, his voice faltering. "I was..."

    He recalled that he had been at the airport earlier, fetching Dn with Dustin, before they retreated to Dn''s room to discuss ns for the evening''s engagement ceremony.

    With a mocking smile, Linsey cut him off. "You, the head of CR Corporation, must have had a full schedule. Whatever you did today is of no interest to me, and I''d rather not know."

    She then turned her attention to Gorman, kneeling to assist him. "Are you alright?"

    Gently touching his cheek, Gorman grimaced but reassured her, "It''s only a scratch, I''m fine."

    His concern quickly returned to Linsey. "Please don''t worry about me, Linsey. You haven''t recovered yourself, and your hand is still healing. I''m truly fine."

    Watching Linsey support Gorman was like a dagger to Collin''s heart.

    "Linsey, we need to talk," Collin said, his voice hoarse.

    While supporting Gorman, Linsey gave Collin a frosty look and dered indifferently, "There''s no need for discussion, Collin. I want a divorce."

    A deep, dull ache settled in her heart as she spoke these words.

    Bitterness surged within her, but she maintained a stoic facade as she stared at Collin, who was visibly stunned. Her voice shook as she said again, "Collin, I''m serious about the divorce."

    Collin''s gaze fixed on Linsey''s calm face, his usually stoic face briefly betraying a storm of emotions.

    A mix of shock, remorse, and bitterness swirled within him, rendering him speechless for a moment.

    He fought against a surge of despair, managing only a forced, joyless smile.

    "Linsey... Linsey," he stammered, his voice cracking as he blinked back tears. "You don''t mean that, do you?

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    Chapter 596 I Want A Divorce

    How can we just end our marriage like this?"

    Collin''s questions echoed a sense of futility; his eyes began to well up. He made a half-step toward Linsey but stopped short, deterred by the wary expression in her eyes.

    He attempted another smile, more pained than the first, her eyes pleading earnestly. "Please, Linsey, don''t rush into this. Let''s go home and discuss this. I''ll exin everything. Let''s not talk about divorce."

    By the time he finished speaking, Collin was struggling to stifle his sobs.

    Linsey''s fists were clenched so tightly that her fingernails pressed painfully into her palms, forcing herself to remainposed through sheer will.

 Chapter 597

    Chapter 597 This Isn''t The Way To End Things

    With each gasp, Linsey felt sharp, slicing pains, as if des were cutting through her windpipe and flesh.

    Her face contorted in pain, she resisted the impulse to clutch at her chest to relieve the overwhelming pressure.

    Suddenly, Linsey found herself unable to voice her thoughts.

    Feeling heavy-headed, she shut her eyes and slowly shook her head at Collin.

    She knew she couldn''t remain in this marriage; divorce was the only path forward.

    The realization that the man she had fully trusted was nothing but a masterful liar was unbearable.

    She also couldn''t bear the thought that her once-believed blissful marriage was actually a facade.

    An intense urge to weep overcame Linsey. Collin now seemed like a stranger to her.

    She even questioned if the happiness they had shared was merely an illusion. Linsey could now discern the truth from the lies in Collin''s words.

    Keeping up this marriage would only push her toward madness, haunted by constant doubts and suspicion

    about Collin.

    Living a normal, untroubled life with him had be an impossibility.

    Their marriage, she realized, had been rooted in deceit from the start.

    Reflecting on their spontaneous wedding day, Linsey remembered how, after Felix left her at the altar, she had

    vowed to start anew.

    Without much deliberation, she had married Collin, who had simrly been jilted.

    At that moment, Linsey had believed their meeting was destiny.

    Now, she recognized how naive she had been to think so.

    Her naivety hade at a high cost.

    Linsey inhaled deeply, grounding herself back in the moment.

    Her expression softened, and she regained herposure as she faced Collin again.

    Speaking in an even tone, Linsey addressed him directly. "Collin, I will instruct awyer to prepare the divorce documents. You don''t need to worry about your assets; I have no interest in them. They will remain with you."

    Collin reacted visibly, his eyes widening at her words. "No, Linsey. I won''t agree to the divorce."

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    Unperturbed by his interruption, Linsey continued, "The papers will be sent either to your office or to your home. After your signature, we can decide on a date to finalize everything."

    Her eyes dropped slightly. "Let''s n for five days from now, at nine in the morning. I''ll be at the courthouse."

    Collin couldn''t ept this. It was all happening too fast.

    He slowly turned towards her, his voice firm. "I cannot agree to a divorce, Linsey. We''re misunderstanding each other. This isn''t the way to end things."

    By now, Linsey''s resolve was unshakable. She listened to Collin, then responded softly yet with undeniable resolve. "If you won''t sign, I''ll start the divorce process myself. My decision''s final. Dying it will only make me resent you more and erase any chance of forgiveness."

    Emotion shed through Collin''s eyes before his gaze went nk.

    She had made her decision-she was resolute about the divorce.

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 Chapter 598

    Chapter 598 Gorman Is Not Trustworthy

    Linsey stood still, her eyes ice-cold as they locked with Collin''s, her voice stripped of any warmth. "Collin, you''ve caused me enough pain. I just hope you don''t push me to despise you entirely in these final moments. If you''re willing to cooperate, we can at least part ways peacefully."

    Collin attempted to respond, his voice faltering as he realized the futility of his words.

    He had really messed up-made a huge mistake.

    Right from the start, he never should have been so arrogant as to hide the truth from Linsey.

    Despite their mutual confession of feelings, he had kept his silence about his role in the CR Corporation, only making things worse.

    Linsey''s confrontation was the only reason Collin realized she wouldn''t appreciate his public marriage proposal as the CR Corporation''s founder.

    His borate preparations for the proposal had inadvertently caused her immense pain.

    As the truth dawned on him, Collin''s eyes brimmed with tears. He retreated, finding himself unable to muster the words that might convince her to stay.

    Pushing any further, he knew, would only earn him her hatred.

    Linsey interpreted his silence as eptance.

    She lowered her eyes, her blurred vision falling on her abdomen.

    Unbeknownst to Collin, she was carrying his child.

    Now, Linsey chose to keep this secret, fearing that revealing it would onlyplicate their lives further.

    She was determined to raise her child alone if necessary.

    "We''ll meet in five days as agreed. I hope you''ll be there, so I don''t need toe

    again," Linsey whispered, finishing her statement without a nce at Collin.

    Turning to Gorman, she said, "Let''s leave. Could you drive me back to the hospital?"

    At that instant, Gorman was secretly thrilled.

    However, Linsey''s request jolted him back to the moment, though he couldn''tpletely hide his smile.

    "Of course, Linsey. Let''s head back," Gorman responded.

    All his effort had finally earned him the ce next to Linsey he had longed for.

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    Chapter 598 Gorman is flot Trustworthy

    From a distance, Collin observed Linsey and Gorman standing too close forfort, a sight that stung deeply.

    His frustration boiling over, he blurted out, "Linsey, I won''t argue if you want a divorce. But..."

    His eyes narrowed at Gorman as he said, "Gorman is not trustworthy. You shouldn''t rely on him. He''s-"

    Linsey''s patience wore thin as Collin tried to dictate her choices once more.

    Standing tall, she retorted sharply, "My decisions after our divorce are mine alone.

    I would appreciate a lot if you could just leave me be."

    Collin looked at her, stunned. "You''re seriously choosing Gorman?"

    At this, Gorman''s grin widened.

    No surprise-Collin was still stuck in his own jealous spiral.

    Trying to control her frustration, Linsey responded sharply, "We''re ending our marriage. Your opinion on my future rtionships is unnecessary, right?"

    She added scornfully, "And should you find a girl suitable for your stature, rest assured, I''ll hold my tongue."

    With a dismissive nce, Linsey took Gorman''s arm and they walked away determinedly.

    Gorman''s heart skipped a beat. His entire chest warmed from Linsey''s gesture.

    As they departed together, Collin could only muster a bitter chuckle. "Alright, fine!"

    In a sudden outburst, Collin kicked a nearby table, its crash echoing sharply, startling everyone around.

    It was over. There was really no chance of getting back together now.

    What was he to do now?

 Chapter 599

    Chapter 599 Keep My Pregnancy A Secret

    Upon their return to the vehicle, Linsey and Gorman settled inside.

    Linsey, still gasping for breath, closed the car door behind her.

    Gorman, observing her distress, reached for a thermos nearby and offered it to her. "Here, take a sip of water.

    It might calm you down," he suggested gently.

    With a quick, grateful look, Linsey epted the thermos. "Thanks."

    Although Gorman acknowledged b

    polite expression of gratitude, he decided not to respond to it this time.

    Gorman stayed patient, knowing that Linsey''s uing divorce from Collin would give them more chances to grow closer.

    He was optimistic about their future, confident that his constant support would gradually help Linsey let go of

    her formality.

    "Try leaning on this cushion for a bit morefort," Gorman said as he adjusted a cushion behind her.

    After Linsey had finished her water, Gorman set the thermos back in ce and adjusted a new cushion behind her, making sure she was morefortable.

    Linsey tested the cushion''s support, settling into its softness with a slight lean. "This is really nice. Did you just buy this? It seems brand new."

    Pleased, Gorman responded, "I picked it up while I was waiting for you. Since you''re pregnant and tend to feel ufortable, I thought this might make things easier. It''s not the best one avable, but I''ll find a better one for you soon."

    0000

    Surprised by his thoughtfulness, Linsey reassured him, "Really, it''s perfect as is." Gorman''s consideration left asting impression.

    As the car began to move, Linsey''s thoughts shifted to something else, and she decided to ask Gorman for help. "Gorman, there''s actually something I need your assistance with," she said.

    Gorman''s face lit up. He was eager to assist. "Of course, Linsey. Whatever you need, just let me know." Leaning closer, Linsey whispered, "Please, keep my pregnancy a secret, especially from Collin. Would you be able to use your influence to make sure it stays a secret? If Collin discovers it, our divorce proceedings could turn quite ugly."

    Gorman could barely suppress a grin as he heard her request.

    Without a second''s dy, he responded, "Absolutely, consider it done. Rest easy, I''ll take care of it all. No one

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    in Collin''s circle, hospital included, will hear a whisper about your pregnancy,"

    Linsey let out a relieved exhale at Gorman''s promise. "Thank you."

    With a lightugh, Gorman replied, "You''re wee."

    He actually took pleasure in the idea of keeping Collin unaware of Linsey''s pregnancy.

    From this moment on, Gorman was resolved to be the constant support standing by Linsey''s side.

    When Linsey and Gorman returned to the hospital once more, a piercing scream suddenly broke the silence, causing them to freeze in ce.

    "I refuse to donate my bone marrow to Jeffery! Mom, Dad, remember my heart condition! Do you want to risk

    my life in surgery?"

    Linsey nced over and immediately spotted the Lawson family, recognizable by their familiar faces, as they were caught up in a heated argument..

    Linsey exchanged a concerned look with Gorman.

    Noticing the worry in Linsey''s expression, Gorman softly asked, "Do you think we should go check on them?"

    The memories of Jeffery''s unexpected medical emergency at the Lawson family''s home made Linsey''s heart

    tighten with worry.

    "Let''s see what''s going on," she agreed.

    "Don''t worry, I''m with you. Carol won''t get a chance to harm you," Gorman assured, guiding her forward.

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 600 Do

 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600 Do You Think Carol Is Mentally Stable

    Linsey let out a lightugh. "I''m not concerned. With everyone here, Carol wouldn''t darey a hand on me."

    As soon as she finished speaking, a blood-curdling scream from Carol rang out in the distance.

    Linsey stopped briefly, turning to Gorman with a look of concern.

    Before she could express her thoughts, Gorman asked seriously, "Do you think Carol is mentally stable?"

    With a moment of hesitation, Linsey shook her head, responding, "I''m honestly not sure."

    They made their way toward the source of the disturbance.

    As they expected, Carol''s loud outburst had drawn a sizable audience.

    Gorman''s team efficiently cleared the area, announcing, "Please move along; there''s nothing to see here."

    M, who had been frustrated by Carol''s fierce resistance, was taken aback when she saw Linsey and Gorman.

    "Linsey..." M started, but then she quickly remembered her earlier plea for Linsey to forgive Carol, leaving her uncertain of how to approach her now.

    Meanwhile, Linsey remained detached from the Lawson family''s opinions. Her presence was simply to assess the situation since she had crossed paths with the family.

    The incident with Jeffery''s unexpected bleeding had indeed taken her by surprise. Addressing M in an even tone, Linsey asked, "M, what''s going on here?" Carol was seated on the floor, tears marking her face. At the sound of Linsey''s voice, she looked up abruptly, her expression contorting in rage. ¡°Linsey! You cunt! Why are you here?"

    Cruz quickly intervened with a stern look. "Enough, Carol!"

    Recognition had dawned that Linsey was now the spouse of the CR Corporation''s founder, and they needed to

    maintain decorum.

    Alexa, squatting close to Carol with tears in her eyes, looked towards Linsey, her face reflecting her difort. The recent turn of events hadpelled the Lawson family to request a bone marrow donation from Carol for Jeffery.

    Alexa felt a surge of anxiety each time the subject came up.

    Torn between her protective instincts for Carol and the necessity of disclosing the truth, she faced a dilemma. The truth about Carol''s lineage woulde out if she agreed to the bone marrow test, revealing she was not

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    the Lawsons'' biological daughter.

    Meanwhile, Linsey, the true biological daughter of the Lawson family, was present right there!

    Alexa found it unbearable to watch Carol suffer any longer.

    Linsey was the rightful donor for Jeffery!

    She could not stand to see her own daughter in such distress.

    In a strained voice, M responded to Linsey''s question. "Jeffery''s condition is worsening, and he needs a bone marrow transnt immediately. We''ve been unable to find apatible donor. My husband and I were willing, but the doctor says a sibling would be ideal. But..."

    M''s voice trailed off, her face a portrait of sorrow.

    Linsey realized M had not expected Carol to resist the marrow testing for Jeffery so vehemently.

    Jeffery had always shown Carol nothing but affection.

    Yet now, when she could potentially save Jeffery''s life, Carol hesitated.

    Overwhelmed by her emotions, Carol eximed, "It hurts to donate marrow! Mom, how can you let me go through such pain? I know Jeffery needs it, but what if I don''t survive the surgery?"

    Rmended for you

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    GENIUS LADY With A

 Chapter 601

    Chapter 601 He''s Already Turned His Back On Me!

    M inhaled deeply, her patience finally giving way. "The doctor already exined that your heart condition isn''t a reason to avoid the procedure. You only need to put on a bit of weight before they can move forward with the surgery."

    Carol raised her voice once more. "I''m not going to let myself gain weight! I hate the way I look when that happens! Why does it have to be me giving something up for Jeffery? Our family has enough money to pay

    someone else to do it!"

    M''s fury was evident as she retorted, "Carol! We''ve gone over everything with you in detail. It''s been days now, and we still haven''t found anyone who''s a proper match. Your brother''s getting worse by the day, and

    we''re running out of time!"

    Cruz ced aforting hand on the shaking M and addressed Carol. "We''re not demanding that you donate right this second. All we''re asking is that you let the doctor run a test to see if you''re a match. If it else steps forward, you might be the one who can

    turns out you and your brother arepatible and no one

    save him. Do you get that, Carol? Your brother''s in bad shape, and it''s getting worse!"

    Carol clenched her teeth, defiant. "It''s not like I caused Jeffery''s blood disorder, so why should fixing it be my

    responsibility?"

    M''s face twisted in shock at Carol''s words.

    She struggled for breath, her voice trembling as she said, "Carol... I can''t believe how cruel you''re being right

    now!"

    "M!" eximed Cruz, as he put his arm around her shoulder to support her, his expression one of deep pain

    and concern.

    M fixed her gaze on Carol, her words deliberate. "All these years, Jeffery has gone from one ce to another, searching endlessly for a way to treat your heart condition. He''s always treated you with such kindness, and now that he''s truly sick, you respond with nothing but cold words! After everything we''ve given you, is this really the way you choose to treat us?"

    She went quiet for a moment before continuing in a t voice, "At the restaurant that day, you shoved him, and he ended up getting hurt. That injury was the reason we found out about his blood disorder. I understand it wouldn''t be right to say this is your fault-but if Jeffery had heard the things you said just now, can you even imagine how much it would have crushed him?"

    Carol ignored everything M said and snapped, "I''m not giving him my bone marrow! He was out eating with Linsey that day. He''s already turned his back on me! Why should it matter to me if he makes it or not?"

    Suddenly, Linsey saw the door to the examination room open. Jeffery stood there, hisplexion ghostly pale.

    Linsey saw the door to the examination foor

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    Chapter 601 He''s Already Turned His Back On Mel

    He leaned weakly against the door frame, his eyes wide with disbelief as he overheard Carol.

    Jeffery managed a bitter smile, his expression one of self-mockery and resignation.

    "Carol," Jeffery called out faintly, catching his family off guard.

    "Jeffery! What are you doing out here?" asked M, turning around quickly and steadying him with both hands.

    Cruz hurried over and leaned in close, his voice gentle as he said to Jeffery, "The doctor mentioned you passed out because of the blood loss. How did you manage to wake up this fast? Let''s go back to your room."

    Jeffery nodded, then turned his eyes to Carol, who sat in stunned silence. He said calmly, "Carol, if helping me is something you can''t bring yourself to do, then I won''t ask you again. But after this, I''m no longer your

    brother."

    With that, Jeffery slowly turned and, guided by his parents, took steps back toward the ward.

    Carol stood stiff, stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst out, "Jeffery! Who do you think you are, cutting ties with me like that? We''re family! You can''t just pretend I don''t exist! I''ve got heart disease, and you''re supposed to look after me for as long as I live!"

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

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    Chapter 602 Just A Coincidence

    Linsey, witnessing the drama unfolding, found Carol selfish and cold-hearted.

    Not only did Carol refuse to donate bone marrow to Jeffery, but she shamelessly demanded lifelong care from

    him instead.

    Shouldn''t it be Jeffery who needed care right now?

    Shaking off her frustration, Linsey and Gorman didn''t linger. They turned and left, heading back to the hospital

    room.

    The room was specially arranged for Linsey by Gorman-a spacious, well- furnished space with everyfort

    she could need.

    Gorman followed her inside.

    "Linsey, do you care a lot about the Lawson family?" he asked casually.

    But his real concern wasn''t the Lawson family-it was Jeffery.

    Jeffery was undeniably good-looking, with a striking presence.

    Still, Gorman wasn''t the kind of man to act jealous like Collin. That kind of insecurity was beneath him.

    As expected, Linsey didn''t get suspicious. She answered softly, "Not really. It''s just that so much has been happening with themtely. I guess I''ve been paying attention without meaning to."

    She paused, then smiled knowingly. "Did you show up at the Lawson family''s residence because you heard I almost forgave Carol at M''s request?"

    Gorman raised an eyebrow. "I didn''t hear it-I guessed it. I was waiting at the door when I saw Collin''s men dragging the Lawsons inside. He was probably taking revenge for what Carol did to you today. And knowing your soft heart, I figured you might change your mind if they begged."

    Linsey shook her head. "I only show kindness to good people. I felt bad because M was pleading on Carol''s behalf, but now that I think about it, they should be begging Collin. Carol made her own mistakes, and legally, she might only serve a few years in prison. But Collin wants her locked up for life. Unlike him, I have to respect thew. I don''t have his kind of power."

    When he heard that, something clicked in Gorman''s mind. "You and M look very alike,¡± he remarked thoughtfully.

    Linsey''s expression remained calm. "Just a coincidence."

    But Gorman''s eyes flickered with something unreadable. He didn''t believe in coincidences. There was likely

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    more to the story-something hidden beneath the surface.

    Still, until he uncovered the truth, he would let it go for now. "Yeah, quite a coincidence."

    Gorman studied her face for a moment, then said, "It''ste. You should rest. If anything happens, call me

    immediately. I''ll have someone outside to make sure you''re not disturbed."

    Linsey felt a warmth in her heart. ¡°Gorman, thank you. You''ve been incredibly supportive, and I appreciate it

    more than I can say."

    Gorman arched an eyebrow. "Not enough. There''s something else I''d like to take care of for you."

    Linsey blinked in surprise. "What is it?"

    She couldn''t guess.

    Gorman chuckled, his handsome smile carrying a hint of affection. "You told Collin today that you wanted awyer to draft a divorce agreement. Let me handle that for you. It''s the least I can do."

    Linsey froze for a moment, caught off guard. Her expression wavered.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 603

    Chapter 603 I''ve Made Up My Mind

    As he noted her hesitation, Gorman''s smile faded. His voice was careful as he asked, "Linsey, have you not

    made up your mind yet?"

    A wave of frustration surged through him.

    He couldn''t understand why Linsey was still hesitating. After everything Collin had done, why couldn''t she just

    walk away?

    To Gorman, Collin was nothing but a liarpletely unworthy of Linsey.

    But no matter how much resentment burned inside him, Gorman kept hisposure.

    This wasn''t the time to lose his temper. If he pushed too hard, he might only drive Linsey away.

    Linsey snapped out of her thoughts and quickly shook her head. "No, I''ve made up my mind. I just don''t want

    to trouble you."

    After everything Collin had put her through, there was no way she could stay with him.

    Hearing that, Gorman let out a quiet sigh of relief. His smile returned. "It''s no trouble at all."

    He paused, then added, "Now that we know Collin is the founder of CR

    Corporation, we need to be smart. With his resources, he can easily hire the best

    Linsey considered his words and nodded. "You''re right. I''ll leave it to you."

    Linsey woke early the next morning.

    Yesterday, Gorman had arranged for a full medical check-up, scheduled for the afternoon.

    Her discharge would depend on the results.

    For the sake of her unborn child, she didn''t refuse.

    Realizing it was Saturday, she decided to message Dolores, giving a brief ount

    of everything that had happened yesterday.

    As she typed, a sharp ache spread through her chest.

    The unseen wounds Collin had left wouldn''t heal overnight. She needed time to process everything, to slowly let it go. After sending the message, Linsey waited, but no reply came. She didn''t think much of it. Dolores was probably still asleep.

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    Running her own business kept her busy all week-surely she was catching up on rest.

    Half an hourter, as Linsey sat on the sofa reading, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps in the hallway.

    She barely had time to react before the door burst open.

    "Linsey!" Dolores showed up, her hair a mess, her clothes thrown on in a rush. She was panting, out of breath

    from running.

    Her frantic gazended on Linsey''s hospital gown, and her eyes instantly welled with tears.

    "Linsey..." she called again, rushing forward and throwing her arms around her. Linsey barely had time to process before Dolores'' hug nearly knocked her back. She heard Dolores'' trembling voice in her ear. "Why did you only tell me this morning? Something this serious, and you kept it from me? Did you forget what I told youst time?"

    Despite her scolding tone, Dolores quickly pulled back, her eyes scanning Linsey anxiously. "Are you hurt?"

    Then, her gaze fell on Linsey''s bandaged right hand. Her lips parted in distress. "Your hand..."

    She gently lifted Linsey''s injured arm, her fingers trembling. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. "You''re a designer! Your hands are everything! What are you going to do now?"

    Rme

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 604

    Chapter 604 Collin Is Such

    A Jerk!

    Linsey looked up and smiled at Dolores. "Don''t worry, I''m fine now."

    She tugged gently at Dolores'' sleeve, motioning for her to sit. "Come, sit down first."

    Dolores stared at her for a moment, then abruptly turned to leave. "I''m going to teach Carol a lesson! She''s

    gone too far this time!"

    Linsey''s eyes widened slightly, and she quickly grabbed Dolores'' arm. "Don''t go! The police will handle her. If

    you confront her now, I''ll have to bail you out."

    Dolores was still fuming, but she let out a frustrated huff and plopped down beside Linsey. "Just because she''s a Lawson, she thinks she can do whatever she wants!"

    Linsey poured her a cup of warm water and handed it over. "Drink some water and calm down."

    After a brief pause, she added, "I sent you a message earlier, but you didn''t reply. I thought you were still

    asleep."

    Dolores took a few sips of water before setting the cup down with a sigh. "The moment I saw your message, I jumped out of bed, got ready in record time, and rushed over. I didn''t even have time to reply."

    Linsey''s heart softened. She reached out, lightly touching Dolores'' hand. "I''m sorry for worrying you again."

    She let out a small sigh before exining, "Everything happened so fast yesterday. That''s why I couldn''t tell you sooner. But I made sure to let you know first thing this morning."

    As she heard that, Dolores'' expression darkened as she recalled what Linsey had written about Collin.

    Her voice sharpened. "Collin is such a jerk! I used to think he was good to you- reliable, even. But he deceived you all this time! Who cares if he''s the founder of CR Corporation? His money means nothing if he can''t be trusted. You''re his wife, and he still lied to you? What a piece of trash!"

    Linsey lowered her gaze. In truth, everything Dolores said echoed her own thoughts from yesterday.

    But now, she didn''t have the energy to resent or me Collin anymore.

    Maybe, in the end, he had acted this way because he simply didn''t love her enough.

    "Dolores, I''ve decided to divorce him. I''ll meet him at the courhouse in four days to finalize everything. Before that, I need to consult awyer about the divorce agreement," Linsey said softly.

    Dolores was about to offer to help find awyer when Linsey added, "Gorman offered to handle it for me yesterday. Since he''s the Green family''s heir, I figured he knows morewyers than I do, so I epted."

    Dolores immediately understood. "Gorman? He''s the one you saved abroad a few years ago, right? Didn''t you

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    say he was leaving town?"

    Linsey pressed her lips together before replying, "He ended up staying. Lately, I''ve sensed his feelings for me. I appreciate everything he''s done, and I''ll make sure to repay his kindness. But when ites to love... I just. don''t have the heart for it right now."

    Dolores gave her a reassuring smile. ¡°That''s okay. Just take things one step at a time. For now, focus on your divorce with Collin. Everything else can wait."

    Linsey nodded. "Yeah, that''s exactly what I''m thinking too."

 Chapter 605

    Chapter 605 Why Are You

    Out Here Alone

    Linsey felt much better with Dolores beside her.

    The two chatted for a while until Dolores got a work call.

    "Don''t worry about me, I''m fine here. Go take care of work. I''ll walk you out," Linsey said with a smile as she stood up.

    Dolores wanted to stay longer, but she had an important client to meet, so she had no choice but to leave.

    "I''lle back when I''m free. Call me anytime," she said, her voiceced with concern as she stepped into the

    elevator.

    Linsey nodded. "Alright, I will."

    After seeing Dolores off, Linsey turned to head back to her ward.

    As she reached the corner, she spotted Jeffery slowly making his way down the hall, bracing himself against the

    wall. He was alone.

    Linsey hesitated for a moment but decided not to step in. Jeffery was a Lawson- sick or not, he surely had plenty of people looking after him. Besides, with the history between them, she doubted he needed or wanted

    her concern.

    With that in mind, she walked past him without a second nce.

    Just as she passed, his hoarse voice rang out behind her. "Linsey, I''m right here. Can''t you see me?"

    She paused, slightly surprised. For someone as proud and aloof as Jeffery, taking the initiative to talk to her was unexpected.

    Raising an eyebrow, Linsey turned back, a yful smile curling on her lips. "Good morning, Mr. Lawson. Out for a morning stroll?"

    Jeffery''s face remained rigid, his lips twitching as if he wanted to say something but held back.

    Linsey wasn''t going to wait. She smirked and turned to leave.

    "Wait." His voice came out more urgent this time.

    Linsey rolled her eyes. "What do you want?" she askedzily.

    Jeffery opened his mouth but hesitated, struggling for words.

    She had little patience for his silence and started walking away.

    10:47

    Seeing her indifference, Jeffery grew anxious. He quickly turned and called out, "Linsey, stop!"

    The moment he spoke, his frail body wavered, and he stumbled to the floor with a muffled groan. His face

    turned even paler.

    Startled, Linsey spun around and hurried back to him. "Take it slow," she said as she bent down to help him.

    Jeffery blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting her toe back.

    "Lean against the wall. You''re too heavy for me to hold up," she grumbled..

    Swallowing his pride, Jeffery braced himself against the wall again. After a brief silence, he averted his gaze and muttered, "Thank you."

    Linsey let out a dry chuckle, amusement flickering in her eyes. "You don''t seem used to saying thank you. Didn''t anyone teach you that when you thank someone, you should at least look them in the eye?"

    A faint trace of embarrassment crossed Jeffery''s face. He quickly turned to face her. ¡°Sorry. And... Thank you." Linsey tilted her head. "Why are you out here alone? Didn''t your parents arrange someone to take care of you?" At her question, a flicker of loneliness shed across Jeffery''s expression. "I sent the caregiver to get me some food. My parents are still searching for a bone marrow donor. And... I just wanted a moment alone."

    Linsey gave a small nod. "Alright then, take care of yourself. I''m heading back." Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After

 Chapter 606

    Chapter 606 Perhaps Some Compensation For Your...

    Jeffery clutched at Linsey''s sleeve urgently. "Don''t leave just yet. I feel like having a chat all of a sudden."

    With a gentle tug, Linsey freed herself, her smile tinged with irony. "You amuse me. Are you under the impression that I hang on your every word? What makes you think I want to chat?"

    Jeffery hesitated, then made an awkward offer. "Perhaps somepensation for your time..."

    He cut himself off, quickly adding, "Sorry, that came out wrong. I didn''t mean any offense."

    In a fluid motion, Linsey offered her hand. "Alright, let''s talk payment first, then you''ll have my full attention.

    To Jeffery''s astonishment, Linsey seemed quite open to the idea of being paid for her time.

    With sincerity, Linsey said, "I see it as a straightforward transaction. You need my time; I need thepensation. Let''s make this quick. I have hospital bills to think about, you know."

    Jeffery looked over at her, his expression hard to read. When he saw that she was dressed in a hospital gown too, something in his eyes shifted, and without

    meaning to, his stare grew gentler.

    Turning away, he fetched his phone. "I''m making the transfer now."

    Linsey''s smile was all the confirmation he needed.

    all the Linsey

    The transaction was swift; Linsey''s ount soon grew by one hundred thousand dors.

    Delighted, Linsey couldn''t help butpliment him, saying, "Mr. Lawson, you''re so generous."

    She then pocketed her phone and looked around. "This ce isn''t ideal for a private conversation. Follow me to a more secluded spot."

    Jeffery agreed, offering his arm. "Might I have your assistance?"

    Linsey''s eyes grew wide with shock, but after taking his money, she knew she couldn''t turn him down, no matter how much she wanted to.

    Cheerfully, she linked arms with Jeffery. "Sure, let''s head out. We''ll take it slow." Soon, they were making their way to a quiet garden terrace.

    The hospital''s surroundings were serene, adorned with neatly tended gardens.

    On separate chairs, Linsey and Jeffery found themselves enveloped in a brief, peaceful interlude.

    A soft breeze wafted across the terrace, bringing with it a sense of calm.

    Ovee by the serenity, Linsey allowed her eyes to flutter shut, embracing the rare peace.

    10:47

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    Out of the blue, Jeffery broke the silence. "Why are you hospitalized?"

    Linsey lifted her right hand and said, "Are you seriously telling me you''ve already pushed aside everything

    Carol''s done?"

    Her eyes snapped open; she fixed Jeffery with a chilly gaze as she spoke. Jeffery froze for a second, looking slightly uneasy as he said, "I''m sorry... I didn''t realize your injury was serious enough for you to be admitted to the hospital."

    To be fair, he wasn''tpletely mistaken. If not for her pregnancy, Linsey hadn''t actually needed to be

    admitted at first.

    But now that she was pregnant, her body had grown far more delicate than it had been before. Because of that, staying in the hospital for careful monitoring had be necessary.

    Observing Linsey''s delicate profile, Jeffery was struck by her resemnce to M.

    Indeed, Carol bore little likeness to their parents, unlike Jeffery, who resembled M closely.

    Reflecting on a past dinner conversation with his parents and Linsey, Jeffery feltpelled to ask, "Have you always been in the orphanage, from birth?"

    When she heard his question, Linsey gave him a puzzled look, unsure why he would bring that up so suddenly. Noticing the way she reacted, Jeffery stopped himself, only just realizing that what he had asked might havee off the wrong way. So he quickly added, "Never mind. Let''s just act like I didn''t say anything."

    It had never crossed Linsey''s mind that a man as proud as Jeffery would ever speak in such an indirect,

    hesitant way.

 Chapter 607

    Chapter 607 He''s Not Someone You Can Depe.....

    "I don''t think that''s something I need to keep to myself," said Linsey gently. "But if I''m being honest, I don''t really have a clear answer to what you''re asking. All I know is that for as long as I can remember, I was raised in an orphanage, surrounded by a lot of other kids."

    After pausing for a moment, she continued, "Back then, I never thought I was any different from others. It wasn''t until high school, maybe college, that it hit me- everyone else had families waiting for them at home."

    A smile lit up her face. "Still, I feel like I was one of the lucky ones. The woman who ran the orphanage treated us with so much care, and I had a best friend who grew up there with me. She was like a sister. With her by my side, I never once felt like I was facing the world alone."

    Jeffery remained silent, attentively listening without interruption.

    As Linsey spoke, visions of her childhood days at the orphanage yed in Jeffery''s mind.

    He was merely piecing together scenes from the snippets Linsey shared.

    Jeffery pursed his lips thoughtfully before responding, "Growing up without parental protection, you worked diligently, pursued higher education, and became a designer at CR Corporation, eventually rising to a director at a young age. That''s genuinelymendable."

    His view of Linsey had shifted the day he found out she was an orphan.

    Since then, his respect for her had deepened.

    Still, he figured that a person like Linsey probably never put much weight on other people''s opinions- especially not his, considering he was someone who had treated her poorly before.

    Linsey acknowledged his words with a smile, saying, "Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Lawson. I do think my achievements are quite extraordinary."

    Her eyes drifted downward as she continued, "However, I might not stay with CR Corporation much longer." A flicker of regret passed through her eyes the moment she spoke.

    To her own surprise, she had revealed more to Jeffery than she had intended. Jeffery was initially taken aback but quickly remembered yesterday''s revtions. "Did you only just discover that your husband founded CR Corporation?"

    Linsey''s smile disappeared, and she gave a small nod. "Yes, that''s right."

    Jeffery noticed her spirits dip and immediately regretted his question. After a brief pause, he said, "He has kept this from you for too long. He''s not someone you can depend on."

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    Linsey faced him, feeling an unusual impulse to share her thoughts.

    "I never nned to depend entirely on someone else. My marriage was about mutual support and seeking a simple, joyful life together," she exined, her expression intense. "Actually, knowing he was the founder from the beginning would have stopped me from marrying him, despite my admiration for the enigmatic person who created CR Corporation from nothing"

    Jeffery responded, "You truly are remarkable. It''s actually he who doesn''t deserve someone like you."

    Linsey was visibly surprised by hisment.

    "Is that truly what you think?" Linsey let out a quietugh. "Because if you ask anyone else, they''d probably say that someone like me-just a regr girl with no status to speak of-could never measure up to the man who built CR Corporation.¡± In aposed voice, Jeffery retorted, "Collin may be skilled and aplished for building up CR Corporation so young. Yet, what you''ve achieved is even more extraordinary. I can imagine the kind of effort it takes to build apany, but I can''t fully grasp the challenges you''ve faced throughout your life...¡±

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 Chapter 608

    Chapter 608 Are You Certain This

    This n

    n Will...

    Linsey looked at Jeffery, genuinely surprised, and said with unexpected seriousness, "You know, that''s the most sensible thing I''ve ever heard you say."

    Jeffery was caught off-guard andughed heartily. Gazing into the distance, he said, "It''s odd, really. Sometimes my actions and words don''t seem to stem from my true intentions. Reflecting on them now, I see a trail of

    mistakes."

    Linsey considered his words and responded, "Your behavior might be influenced by Carol''s crooked perspectives. You''ve pampered her, perhaps out of pity for her lifelong heart condition, but it''s clouded your judgment on what''s eptable for her. This has only fueled her selfishness."

    She continued thoughtfully after a moment, "It''s also entirely possible that this is simply who Carol is at her core. And because of that, no matter how much effort people put into guiding her, changing the way she acts might be nearly impossible."

    After hearing what she said, Jeffery responded, "When Carol turned eighteen, our parents sat her down for a serious talk. They told her she was getting far too pampered, and at times, her behavior crossed into something downright unreasonable. They warned me against spoiling her any further and even brought up the idea of enrolling her in a proper school where she could learn some discipline. But I turned them down. I figured she''d grow out of it and learn how to behave."

    While Jeffery spoke, Linsey''s mind drifted to what she had seen when she came back to the hospital yesterday. She turned to him and asked, "Is Carol still saying no to the bone marrow test?"

    Jeffery''s expression clouded with disappointment, and he replied, "Given her heart condition and frequent bouts of illness, her fears are understandable."

    "But you''re well aware that your blood disorder is life-threatening. Without a suitable donor, Carol remains your best hope for survival," Linsey exined.

    With a sense of resignation, Jeffery said, "Her resistance was clear yesterday. I''ve lost hope that she''ll help. My only wish now is to find another donor soon." Linsey fell quiet, lost in thought.

    After a brief moment of silence, she looked at Jeffery, her face steady, and said, "What if I told you I knew how to convince Carol to go through with the bone marrow test-would you be willing to pay me for that?"

    Jeffery''s reaction was one of sheer surprise. "I''m sorry. What?"

    "I believe I can persuade Carol to agree to the match willingly," Linsey said calmly.

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    Chapter 608 Are You Certain This n Will Seed

    An hour had passed, and they were now in Jeffery''s hospital room.

    With uncertainty, Jeffery voiced his doubts. "Are you certain this n will

    seed? The more I consider it, the less convincing it seems."

    Linsey responded with a frosty look, "Do you really consider Carol to be someone reliable?"

    Caught off guard, Jefferypsed into silence.

    "With Carol, unconventional methods are necessary. Don''t worry, I wouldn''t propose this if I weren''t sure, especially after taking such a significant fee from you," Linsey continued with confidence.

    Right at that moment, Jeffery''s phone vibrated with a message from his assistant. He nced at the screen before saying, "Carol''sing up now."

    Linsey checked the time mentally, judging it to be just right. She then raised her voice intentionally, saying, "Jeffery, there''s no need to stress. If Carol backs out, I''m willing to undergo the procedure, on one condition. After I donate, your parents must adopt me and give me 5% shares of the Lawson Group."

 Chapter 609

    Chapter 609 Jeffery, You''re Running Out Of Time

    Jeffery''s heart skipped as he processed her words.

    Oddly, Linsey''s terms didn''t piss off him; the idea of her bing part of his family sparked a sense of happiness.

    Noticing Jeffery''s distraction, Linsey touched his hand reassuringly and gave him a pointed look, cueing him to stick to their script.

    Snapping out of his thoughts, Jeffery cleared his throat and said, "Hmm... I suppose I''ll have to take some time to consider it."

    Linsey was quick to express her impatience. "What''s there to reflect? I witnessed Carol''s refusal to help you yesterday. If you ept my terms, I would be part of the Lawson family, get the shares, and simultaneously, your condition would be addressed. It''s beneficial for both of us!"

    Right after her words, a loud thud resonated from outside.

    Suppressing a smile, Linsey whispered, "Carol''s eavesdropping and not pleased."

    Trying to contain his amusement, Jeffery responded, "I won''t ept your terms. Carol would be upset."

    Linsey''s response was yful yet frustrated. "But didn''t you dere yesterday that Carol was no longer your

    sister?"

    "That was in the heat of the moment," Jeffery retorted.

    Linsey''s frustration grew as she said, "How does Carol, who neglects your needs, deserve a brother like you? If your illness isn''t treated, who will lead the Lawson Group? When thepany crumbles, we''ll see how Carol manages without the family fortune to rely on!"

    As Jeffery observed Linsey''s increasingmitment to her role, a sparkle of amusement appeared in his eyes. He yed along, saying, "Enough, Linsey! If you continue to speak ill of my sister, I''ll have to ask you to leave."

    With a heavy sigh, Linsey said, "Jeffery, please think this over. I truly..."

    She was cut off mid-sentence as Carol stormed into the room, unable to contain herself any longer.

    Fuming with rage, she stared down Linsey, who was positioned by the hospital bed. "Linsey! You bitch! How dare you scheme to take my brother away?"

    Jeffery was startled by Carol''s furious entry, and his first instinct was to protect Linsey, who was right next to

    him.

    Standing her ground, Linsey faced Carol and retorted, "Isn''t it you who refused to be the bone marrow donor

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    for Jeffery? Your refusal is my opportunity, and I intend to seize it!¡±

    Carol''s anger reached a boiling point, and she looked ready to physically confront Linsey. She yelled, "I won''t let this happen! Jeffery is my brother, and I''m the only one who should be his donor! Just who do you think you

    are?"

    She lunged towards Linsey in a fit of rage.

    Jeffery''s eyes widened in shock, and he shouted, "Someone help! Get Linsey to safety!"

    Luckily, Jeffery had prepared his team earlier while discussing with Linsey their strategy for handling Carol''s

    reaction.

    Jeffery''s subordinates promptly intervened, escorting Linsey out to shield her from Carol''s attack

    While they led Linsey away, she made sure to get in onest jab at Carol. She turned back on purpose and said, ¡°Jeffery, you''re running out of time. You''d better make up your mind soon. I''ll be right here, waiting for whatever you decide!"

    Carol''s face flushed a deep red as she screamed, "Linsey! You cunt! Get out of my sight!*

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 Chapter 610

    Chapter 610 I''ve Reconsidered!

    The door to the hospital room shut swiftly.

    Jeffery nced at Carol, and vividly recalled her intense refusal to be kis donor just yesterday.

    He nearly felt an urge to stop pretending

    Carol, oblivious to Jeffery''s subtle shift in mood, eximed urgently, "Jeffery ignore Linsey I''m your true w only sister!"

    Jeffery''s lips tightened into a thin line as he answered, "I didn''t ept her terms."

    Carol frowned as she remembered the conversation she had secretly overhead

    en

    Although she harbored a strong resentment for Linsey, Carol admitted to herself that some of Linsey''s arguments were logical.

    She reasoned that Jeffery''s death would bring her no gain. Conversely, saving him now would likely make tim cherish and pamper her more.

    With this realization, Carol quickly blurted out, "Jeffery! I''ve reconsidered! I''ll go ahead with thepatibility test and donate my bone marrow to you! Your condition will surely improve!"

    Jeffery was taken aback by Carol''s sudden agreement, which was a stark contrast to her stubborn desal yesterday, as though her own life was at stake.

    Despite having lived with Carol for years, he recognized suddenly that he didn''t understand her as well as Linsey seemed to.

    Jeffery was uncertain whether this was due to Linsey''s sharp perception of people, or his ownck of insight into Carol.

    Jeffery''s gaze became somber.

    Indeed, he could tell that Carol''s consent was not driven by concern for his critical illness.

    He understood that her motivation stemmed from her annoyance with Linsey''s efforts to im what she viewed as her own.

    Linsey had made it unmistakably clear-if he were to die, it wouldn''t matter who ended up taking control of the Lawson Group, because Carol would lose everything she had.

    Thus, Jeffery concluded that Carol had agreed to the donation, albeit reluctantly, purely for her personal

    interests.

    And truthfully, if the Lawson family happened to locate apatible donor down the line, Carol wouldn''t have

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    Chapter 610 Ive Reconsidered!

    to sacrifice anything.

    Despite Carol''s self-centered and spoiled nature, her family would strive to spare her from donating bone marrow to Jeffery. They only considered Carol as a donor as ast resort.

    "Jeffery, don''t let Linsey donate, and definitely don''t let Mom and Dad adopt her or give her any shares!" Carol urged as she sped Jeffery''s hand, seeking his immediate reassurance.

    Her words pulled Jeffery out of his thoughts, and a wave of impatience began to creep in. He sighed deeply and replied casually, "Okay,"

    Carol, reassured by Jeffery''s earlier dismissal of Linsey, was relieved and overlooked his indifferent response.

    "Jeffery, do you know where Mom and Dad are? I''ve made up my mind, and I need to tell them. They''ll be thrilled, and they won''t stay upset with me after this."

    The thought made Carol increasingly excited. Had she realized the benefits of agreeing to be Jeffery''s donor earlier, she would have consented sooner.

    Jeffery gave a slight shake of his head and said, "They likely stepped out to continue searching for a matching

    donor."

    After a brief pause, Carol said, "Then I''ll go look for them and help in the search." Carol reasoned that if a donor were found, she could avoid the painful surgery. "Go ahead," Jeffery said without any intent to stop her.

    Shortly after, Carol stood up and exited.

    Once Carol was gone, Jeffery felt a wave of relief wash over him, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

    He couldn''t pinpoint when Carol''s presence had started to feel so burdensome.

 Chapter 611

    Chapter 611 I''ll Just Be Collin

    Jeffery leaned back, his expressionplex as his mind drifted to the moment he had just shared with Linsey

    on the terrace.

    Surprisingly, talking to her had felt effortless.

    Unable to resist, he pulled out his phone, his fingers hovering over the screen as he considered texting her.

    But just as he was about to type, he hesitated. Wouldn''t it seem too eager to reach out so soon?

    After a moment of indecision, he sighed and ced his phone down, deciding to wait.

    Meanwhile, Linsey was escorted back to her hospital room by Jeffery''s subordinate.

    "Ms. Brooks, thank you for doing Mr. Lawson this favor!" the subordinate said earnestly before leaving.

    Linsey blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She quickly waved her hand dismissively. "You''re wee. Mr. Lawson paid me well, so I was merely doing my job."

    The subordinate nodded and left.

    Just as Linsey was about to shut the door, her gaze lifted-and locked onto Collin''s deep, sorrowful eyes.

    "You!" Her eyes widened in shock. Without thinking, she tried to m the door shut.

    However, Collin was faster. He pressed against the door, slipped inside with practiced ease, and shut it behind

    him with a firm thud.

    "Collin Riley!" Linsey''s voice carried a sharp edge of anger.

    She opened her mouth to tell him to leave, but before she could react, a strong hand seized her wrist.

    Her breath caught. In an instant, she was pulled into a familiar, warm embrace.

    The scent of him-cool and achingly familiar-wrapped around her, stirring something deep within.

    For a fleeting second, it almost felt like yesterday''s events had been nothing more than a dream.

    "Linsey, I know I was wrong. I truly know I was wrong," Collin murmured, his voice

    raw.

    His grip tightened around her, as if he feared she would vanish. Though it had been less than a day, to him, it felt like an eternity since he hadst held her.

    He took a shaky breath, the ache in his chest unbearable.

    Linsey initially struggled, trying to push him away. But when she heard his words, her body stiffened, her heart trembling violently.

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    Hei vision blurred. At that moment, she couldn''t tell if this was reality or just another cruel trick of her mind.

    Collin waited for her to speak, but she remained silent.

    Panic surged through him. His voice turned desperate. "Linsey, please give me

    another chance. I won''t lie to you again. I swear-I know I was wrong."

    Linsey listened to his hoarse, pleading words.

    Since she had known him, she had never seen him so humbled.

    She imagined that as the founder of CR Corporation, Collin had never once begged anyone.

    But even so, she couldn''t bring herself to believe in him again.

    Her voice was low but steady, "Collin, do you remember what I told you before? I said that more than being with a rich man, I''d rather my husband be just ordinary."

    Collin''s eyes gleamed with unshed tears at her words.

    His fingers clenched the fabric of her hospital gown, his voice thick with emotion. "I can be an ordinary person, Linsey. If that''s what you want, I''ll walk away from everything. I won''t be the founder of CR Corporation-I''ll just be Collin."

    Linsey let out a soft chuckle, but there was sorrow in her eyes that he couldn''t

    see.

    Her voice was gentle, yet piercing. "Collin, don''t you understand? Our marriage was a mistake from the start- born from my impulsiveness and your deception. There was never fairness or honesty between us."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 612

    Chapter 612 You Still Don''t

    Get It

    Collin stood frozen, lost for words. All he could do was hold Linsey tightly, as if letting go would mean losing her forever.

    Linsey''s eyshes fluttered as she lowered her gaze. Her voice was soft, barely a whisper.

    "Collin, if you''re set on keeping me by your side, I know I won''t be able to fight it. With your power, I don''t stand a chance. But the more you hold on, the further I''ll drift away. I can''t look at you the way I used to. Every time I see you now, I remember how you lied... How you hid the truth... And the things you said yesterday with your friends in that hotel room."

    At her words, Collin''s hand on her back began to tremble.

    He stared nkly at a spot in the room, unable to take in what she had just said.

    "W-what... did you say?"

    Did she overhear him yesterday?

    Was she really just outside that door?

    Linsey gave a bitter smile. She assumed his silence meant guilt.

    "Yes, I heard everything. What a twist of fate, right? Carol kidnapped me and locked me in a hotel room yesterday. Turns out, it was the same hotel where CR Corporation held its annual party. And the room she put me in was just down the hall from yours."

    Collin''s mind raced as he reyed everything he had said in Dn''s suite.

    He let go of Linsey in a hurry. "Linsey, listen to me. Those things I said... They were from before. I don''t feel that way anymore. Not since I fell in love with you." Linsey''s expression turned cold. She brushed off his hand and took a step back. "You always speak the truth only when your feelings are on the line. But where were the facts? After we opened our hearts to each other, you had so many chances to be honest. You waited too long, Collin.¡±

    Collin''s mouth opened, but no words came. He just stared at her. "I was scared you''d walk away if you knew who I really was. That''s why I kept it from you."

    Linsey looked at him for a long moment, eyes quiet, then slowly shook her head. "You still don''t get it."

    She let out a soft sigh, her voice weighed down with exhaustion. "Collin, I think we need some time apart. When you finally understand, then you cane exin everything.

    The air between them grew heavy. Collin''s face froze, and it took a long moment before he found his voice.

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    Chapter 612 You Still Don''t Get it

    "Do you mean divorce?"

    "Yes. I''ve already spoken with awyer. If things go smoothly, we''ll sign the papers in four days. If you want to drag it out, it might take longer-but the end result will be the same."

    The room fell into a deep silence.

    Collin didn''t speak. Linsey stood quietly, her expression calm, but her eyes steady and sure.

    "Okay."

    The sudden sound of his voice made Linsey''s heart jump.

    She looked up sharply and met his gaze. His eyes were deep, unreadable.

    "You don''t have to worry. I won''t chase after you. I''ll be at the courthouse in four days to finalize the divorce."

    Linsey nodded slowly, hiding the pain behind her calm. "Alright."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 613

    Chapter 613 Baby, Don''t Cry

    Collin''s eyes, once always full of warmth when looking at Linsey, now shimmered with a quiet red hue. He stared at her like he was memorizing every detail of her face, trying to hold onto her in his heart. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, voiceced with concern.

    Linsey curled her fingertips into her palm, digging in just enough to keep herself grounded. Her emotions were too close to the surface.

    "I''m fine," she replied in a calm tone. She nced at her hand, still wrapped inyers of white bandages. "My hand should heal in a few days."

    She couldn''t let him know her pregnancy, not when he had just agreed to let go. If Collin found out, he would never walk away.

    Collin''s eyes stayed locked on her, as if he were trying to take in enough of her in this single moment tost a lifetime.

    Linsey felt a sting in her chest. She parted her lips to tell him it was time to leave. But before she could speak, Collin broke the silence.

    "What was the surprise you had nned for me yesterday?" he asked, his voice low and a little rough.

    Linsey stiffened. Her heart jumped. She quickly turned away, raising her hand to her face to cover the tears already gathering.

    She shook her head, unable to speak. The words were caught somewhere between her throat and her heart. Seeing her reaction, Collin gave a faint, heartbroken smile. "Right... We''re getting divorced. I guess I don''t get to receive surprises from you anymore."

    Linsey bit down hard on her lip. A warm tear slipped down her cheek, then another followed.

    Collin turned slowly and ced his hand on the door.

    He hesitated, then nced back onest time, his voice soft and filled with sorrow. "I''m sorry, Linsey. Take care of yourself. I''ll be going now."

    He opened the door. Just before stepping out, he whispered under his breath, "Baby, don''t cry."

    The door clicked shut gently behind him, but the sound echoed like thunder in Linsey''s heart.

    The quiet after he left was too much to bear. Her knees buckled, and she crouched on the floor, arms wrapped tightly around her legs. She buried her face and let the pain pour out in choked, helpless sobs.

    She didn''t know how long she cried. The minutes blurred. Then, a voice cut through the haze-sharp, anxious,

    0.0%

    Chapter 613 Baby, Don''t Cry

    full of panic.

    "Linsey! Linsey, wake up! Open your eyes-please!"

    Her brows furrowed. Her head pounded.

    Slowly, she stirred, eyelids fluttering open as a bright light greeted her dazed vision.

    "Linsey..." Gorman''s face swam into view, relief flooding his features.

    Then, his expression shifted, his brow creased with worry. "How do you feel?"

    Linsey blinked and looked around. She realized she was lying in a hospital bed. "What happened to me?"

    Gorman''s gaze stayed on her, unreadable. "When I came in, you had already passed out. You were lying on the floor."

    He paused for a beat, then added gently, "Your face was covered in tears."

    Linsey''s heart sank. She hadn''t even realized she had cried that much, to the point of fainting.

    She reached for her head, which still throbbed faintly. "Did I sleep for long?"

    She didn''t exin what had happened, and Gorman didn''t press. He could sense the pain she was keeping to herself.

    "It''s been about an hour," he replied. Then he picked up a cup of water and handed it to her. "Here. Drink

    some."

    Linsey took the cup with both hands. "Thank you..." she murmured, her voice weak. She took a few slow sips. But even as the water cooled her throat, Collin''s voice still echoed in her mind.

    Her chest tightened again. She blinked hard to hold back the tears. "The check- up this afternoon..." she started, her voice hoarse.

    Gorman noticed the sorrow in her tone but didn''t show his thoughts. He smiled gently and said, "If you''re not feeling up to it, we can move it to another day."

    1000

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 614

    Chapter 614 Who''s There

    Linsey shook her head gently. "No, I''ve been fasting. I''m really hungry, so let''s just get the ''check-up over with."

    She forced a smile-soft, but clearly strained.

    Gorman caught the shift in her mood but didn''t press. Instead, he smiled back, ying along. "Alright. I''ll go with you this afternoon."

    Linsey gave a small nod and didn''t turn down his offer.

    Gorman took the empty ss from her hands and ced it back on the table. "Try to get some rest. I''lle for you when it''s time."

    "Okay," Linsey whispered as sheid back down. Her body sank into the bed, her exhaustion pulling her under like a tide. In moments, she had fallen asleep.

    Gorman sat at her bedside quietly, watching her for a while.

    After a few minutes, he gently adjusted her nket, making sure she was tucked in.

    Then, without making a sound, he left the room and pulled the door shut behind him. Outside, a man stood waiting. Gorman''s face darkened. His voice dropped low. "Tell me everything."

    The subordinate straightened up. "Mr. Green, I looked into it. Only Collin came to see Ms. Brooks this morning. They talked for a bit, and when he left, he didn''t look so happy."

    Gorman scoffed coldly, "He just doesn''t know when to back off, does he? Linsey made herself clear, and yet he keeps showing up."

    What angered him more wasn''t just Collin''s persistence. It was seeing Linsey''s heartbreak-seeing how much she still cared.

    Because if she didn''t care, she wouldn''t have cried like that.

    A bitter frustration twisted in Gorman''s chest.

    But deep down, he knew-if Collin hadn''t hurt her, if he hadn''t lied, Linsey would never have asked for a divorce. And Gorman would never have had this chance.

    "Mr. Green, should we do something about him?" the subordinate asked carefully. Gorman clenched his jaw. "He''s CR Corporation''s founder. If I challenge him now, I gain nothing-and I risk losing Linsey''s trust. Let him be for now. But if he shows up again, let me know immediately. I''ll take care of it myself."

    The subordinate gave a quick nod. "Yes, sir!"

    Later that afternoon, Linsey''s check-up went smoothly.

    Chapter 614 Who''s There

    With Gorman around, the hospital pulled out all the stops.

    Several doctors came into her room, each giving updates with careful detail.

    "Ms. Brooks, your overall health is good. There''s just a bit of anemia. Try to eat more foods rich in iron, especially those that are good for pregnancy-but don''t overdo it."

    Another doctor added, "And your hand-try not to use it too much. Give it time to rest. Even after it heals, don''t carry anything too heavy."

    The doctors continued with their reminders, one after another.

    Gorman sat nearby, listening quietly. Then, with a subtle nod, he gave a signal to one of them.

    Catching on, the doctor spoke with more weight. "Ms. Brooks, your emotional well-being matters just as much. Too much stress can affect the baby''s health, so it''s important to stay calm and positive."

    Linsey nodded slowly. "Got it. I''ll be careful."

    After a pause, her fingers curled around the nket. Her voice was soft and unsure. "The baby... Is everything okay?"

    The doctor gave her a warm smile. "Everything looks perfect. Just keep taking care of yourself, and you''ll have a healthy, happy baby."

    Suddenly, a loud thud came from outside the door.

    Gorman''s eyes snapped toward it. "Who''s there?" He turned fast, spotting the door-left slightly ajar.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 615

    Chapter 615 Gorman Is Just

    A Friend

    Gorman''s eyes narrowed sharply. He cast a cold nce at Danny. "Why wasn''t the door closed properly?"

    Danny paled and rushed over. But before he could even touch the handle, his voice rang out in surprise, "Mr. Lawson? Why are you standing here listening in?"

    Jeffery''s face froze for a split second. The moment he heard the usation, he straightened up with a look of indignant defiance. "You''re the ones who didn''t shut the door. I didn''t exactlye here trying to eavesdrop.''

    Gorman walked over slowly, his steps calm but full of weight. He stopped just short of Jeffery and looked at him with narrowed eyes. "So, Mr. Lawson... I assume you heard everything?"

    Jeffery''s lips parted slightly, but no words came out. His eyes flicked toward Linsey, thoughts spinning wildly in

    his head.

    Was Linsey pregnant with Gorman''s child?

    But almost immediately, he pushed the suspicion aside. That wasn''t like her. Linsey would never do something like that.

    Then the truth hit him-if it wasn''t Gorman''s, then it had to be Collin''s.

    Inside the room, the doctors nced at one another, clearly sensing something was off.

    Gorman gave them a dismissive nod. "You can leave now."

    Linsey turned toward the doctors, her voiceposed but gentle. "Thank you for everything."

    Once the doctors exited, Danny politely ushered Jeffery inside.

    The door clicked shut behind him, sealing the tension in the room like a lid on boiling water.

    Jeffery gave a wry smile as he turned to look at Linsey. "So, what''s this, Linsey? You and your boyfriend nning to interrogate me now?"

    Just moments earlier, Gorman had been simmering with irritation-but the moment Jeffery called him Linsey''s boyfriend, a quiet joy flickered through his expression. Suddenly, Jeffery didn''t seem so annoying after all.

    Linsey, however, didn''t share the sentiment. She frowned. "What boyfriend? Stop talking nonsense. Gorman is just a friend."

    Gorman''s smile faltered slightly, but only for a moment. He quickly gathered himself and gestured with a graceful hand. "Mr. Lawson, don''t just stand there. Please, have a seat."

    He gave a subtle nod to Danny, who quickly brought over a chair for Jeffery. Chapter 615 Gorman Is Just A Friend

    Jeffery narrowed his eyes slightly, confused by Gorman''s sudden shift in tone. But he wasn''t naive-he caught on fast.

    Ah, so that was it. Gorman liked being mistaken for her man. How childish.

    Still, Jeffery took the seat with ease and said casually, "Linsey, you''re pregnant... And you''re still shing with your husband?"

    Linsey gave him a t look. ¡°When did I argue with him?"

    Jeffery raised an eyebrow. "Weren''t you two going at it yesterday? At my ce,

    you both looked ready to explode. Was it all just because he kept his identity from you?"

    As he rambled on carelessly, he didn''t notice how Linsey''s face was growing colder with every word,

    "Jeffery, if you have nothing useful to say, then don''t speak. This is my life. I don''t recall giving you permission to meddle in it." Her tone sharpened like a de.

    Jeffery blinked, stunned by the direct hit. He realized a beat toote that his words had crossed a line. "I didn''t mean it like that. I just thought... Well, Collin doesn''t even know about the baby yet, does he? Shouldn''t having a child be enough for a couple to work things out?"

    Linsey clenched her fists. For a moment, she seriously considered pping him.

    Before she could, Gorman cut in, his tone crisp and firm. "That''s where you''re wrong, Mr. Lawson. This is Linsey''s child. Her choice. Her future. No one-not even the father-gets to use it as leverage for forgiveness."

    Linsey''s expression finally softened. She looked toward Gorman with quiet gratitude. Because in her heart, she knew exactly what he meant.

    No matter what, she couldn''t go back-not even for the sake of aplete family, not when thatpleteness meant sacrificing herself in silence.

    100.0%

 A Lifetime of Love 616

    Chapter 616 He Seems

    Awfully Concerned Abou...

    Jeffery fell silent for a moment after Gorman''s words sank in. He realized how unfair he had been-judging Linsey so quickly, without considering the depth of her hurt.

    She had truly loved Collin. And now, after everything, she had just learned he had hidden something so significant. Of course she was shattered.

    "I''m sorry. What Collin did was wrong. You don''t owe him forgiveness right now," Jeffery said, his voice calm and genuine.

    Linsey gave a small nod. "That''s why I''m asking you to keep this to yourself. Please don''t tell him I''m pregnant. I don''t want this to affect my decision to go through with the divorce."

    Jeffery blinked in surprise. "You''re really getting a divorce?"

    Linsey shot him a look. "Why? You have a problem with that?"

    He quickly straightened, waving his hand lightly. "No, not at all. Just caught me off guard. That''s all."

    "What''s so surprising? When a marriage stops feeling like one, ending it is the logical step." She lowered her eyes, her expression unreadable.

    Jeffery watched her quietly, sensing she had already made up her mind long before now. "You''re right. If that''s what you''ve decided, then so be it. Divorce isn''t the end of the world. And don''t worry-I won''t say a word about the pregnancy."

    He paused, his tone softening. "After all, you just did me a huge favor."

    At this point, Jeffery felt it wasn''t his ce to tell Linsey that he had once believed Collin genuinely loved her.

    In fact, the more he thought about it now, the more it seemed that the man he once admired might have just been a well-crafted illusion-one put on by someone who turned out to be aplete jerk.

    Linsey turned toward him, brows slightly raised. "And what favor would that be?"

    Jeffery smirked faintly. "Your memory''s terrible. Didn''t you help me convince Carol this morning?"

    He didn''t say more-especially with Gorman in the room-but Linsey caught on immediately.

    She nodded lightly. "Oh, that? You paid me for it. We''re even now. Just keep my secret."

    Jeffery didn''t linger after that. He could tell-without Gorman needing to say a word-that the man wasn''t thrilled about him hanging around any longer.

    At the door, Jeffery looked back and, in a rare moment of sincerity, said, "Take care of yourself, Linsey. You''ve got more than just yourself to think about now. Try not to stress."

    0.0%

    11:32

    <

    Chapter 616 He Seems Awfully Concerned About You

    Linsey''s expression eased. "I know. Thank you."

    Once Jeffery had left, Gorman finally spoke, his voice unusually low. "You and Jeffery seem to be getting close

    these days."

    Linsey gave him a puzzled look. "Do we?"

    Gorman nodded, his expression unreadable. ¡°He seems awfully concerned about

    you."

    She gave a small shrug, brushing it off. "Well, I did sort of save his life. I guess he''s just being polite."

    To her, it had just been a favor-ying her part to persuade Carol to agree to the bone marrow match, just a way to ease his family''s burden.

    Gorman didn''t respond right away. After a moment, he murmured under his

    breath, "You really have a talent for saving people."

    "Pardon?" Linsey asked, not quite catching what he said.

    He smiled quickly, shifting the mood. "Nothing important."

    Then, in a lighter tone, he added, "Your check-up''s done. You must be starving. Let me get you something to eat."

    "Alright."

    Although Linsey''s medical report came back mostly fine, Gorman remained cautious. He insisted she stay a few more days for observation before being discharged.

    Linsey didn''t argue. As a matter of fact, she was grateful.

    Staying a bit longer gave her a chance to truly rest-physically and mentally. Collin had promised to give her space, and now, all she had to do was sign the divorce papers, send them to him, and head to the courthouse when the time came to finalize everything.

    "Oh, by the way, I''ve already found awyer for you. Just let me know what you want written in the divorce agreement, and I''ll pass it on," Gorman said gently.

    1000e.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 617

    Chapter 617 Can You Bring Yourself To Forgive Me

    Linsey paused to think, then said gently, "I don''t need anything. There''s no further need to include anything else. Collin has vowed to stop involving himself with me from now on. Once we''ve both signed the agreement, we can head to the courthouse to finalize the paperwork."

    As he heard this, Gorman''s eyebrows drew together briefly before rxing.

    At first, he felt somewhat displeased that Linsey chose not to im a share of Collin''s assets. Given Collin''s deceit over the years, Gorman believed he owed herpensation.

    However, his dissatisfaction dissipated the moment Linsey mentionedpleting the divorce documents.

    Gorman considered it better that Linsey didn''t pursue Collin''s wealth. He knew he could provide whatever she might need in the future.

    For him, the priority was finalizing Linsey and Collin''s divorce quickly.

    "Alright, since you''ve decided, I''ll instruct thewyer to prepare the agreement immediately. After you sign it, we''ll forward it to Collin," Gorman said, supporting Linsey''s decision.

    Linsey nodded, then gazed sincerely at Gorman. "Gorman, thank you. You''ve been a great support these past few days."

    She hesitated, feeling slightly guilty, and added, "Regarding what happened to your shoulder and handst time,

    I still..."

    Gorman quickly interjected, "That issue has been fully resolved. It turned out to be that nurse who set you up. You were innocent. I acted hastily then and used you without proper investigation."

    He looked intently into Linsey''s eyes, his gaze piercing.

    Then, in a voice trembling with uncertainty, he asked, "Linsey, can you bring yourself to forgive me?"

    Linsey faltered in surprise, an unexinable tangle of emotions swirling through her.

    She blinked, looked away subtly, and responded in a confused tone, "I''m the one who needs to make amends to you. How did we end up with you apologizing to me instead? I haven''t been hurt by anything you''ve done, so there''s really no reason for you to say sorry."

    As soon as Gorman heard those words, his spirits soared, and he said with a glowing smile, "Linsey, it really lifts my heart to hear that from you. It shows I''ve done well so far, and I''m sure I can do even better moving forward."

    While his intentions were apparent, Linsey felt nothing more than gratitude towards Gorman.

    She pursed her lips, preparing to have an honest conversation with Gorman.

    Before she could begin, however, a knock on the hospital room door interrupted them.

    "Come in." Gorman''s mood shifted abruptly to a cold demeanor due to the interruption during his private moment with Linsey.

    Linsey did not catch the change in his expression.

    As the door opened, she saw the neer was one of Jeffery''s subordinates.

    She asked, "Do you need something from me?"

    Gorman also recognized the man as one of Jeffery''s team, his eyes briefly shing an intent.

    He made up his mind to dig deep into Jeffery''s affairs and uncover everything there was to know.

    Jeffery''s subordinate bowed politely to Linsey, visibly pleased as he said, "Ms. Brooks, Miss Lawson has just gone for the bone marrow test. Mr. Lawson''s parents have requested the doctor to hasten the process, and we expect the results by tomorrow."

    Linsey offered a slight smile and responded, "That''s good news."

    The subordinate conveyed his thanks sincerely, saying, "We owe you so much! Without your intervention, Miss Lawson might not have decided to proceed.".

    He then sighed. "We were beginning to think she would never consent to the procedure for Mr. Lawson. We''ve searched far and wide for a suitable donor without any sess. Now, finally, there''s hope."

    Linsey answered gently, "It''s okay. You don''t need to thank me repeatedly. Jeffery haspensated me. It was simply a fair transaction."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 618

    Chapter 618 Who''d Think Of A Move Like That

    Jeffery''s subordinate gave Linsey a respectful nod and said earnestly, "Ms. Brooks, honestly, no one else could''ve convinced Miss Lawson the way you did."

    He continued, "Please rest well. I''ll take my leave now."

    "Alright," Linsey replied softly.

    She watched him disappear through the door, slightly taken aback. For someone like Jeffery-arrogant, stubborn, and prideful-it was surprising to see such unwavering loyalty from his people.

    Her thoughts drifted back to the brief conversation she had shared with Jeffery on the terrace earlier that morning. Maybe there was more to him than she had initially thought. Maybe she just hadn''t looked closely enough to see the better parts of him.

    Gorman''s curiosity got the best of him. "I was therest night. Carol was

    Linsey raised an eyebrow at his rant, then casually exined the act she and Jeffery had pulled earlier that morning to convince Carol.

    Gorman blinked, stunned for a moment. Then he broke intoughter, his eyes sparkling with admiration. ¡°You really are something else. Who''d think of a move like that?"

    Linsey chuckled too. "With someone like Carol, ying by the rules doesn''t work. We had to y dirty. Luckily, it worked."

    But Gorman''s smile quickly faded as a colder thought entered his mind. "Still, what Carol did can''t be ignored. She needs to be held ountable. I''ll have someonepile the evidence and send it to the police."

    Linsey didn''t hesitate. "Good. I think so too."

    Carol''s cooperation didn''t excuse her crimes. If she truly was a bone marrow match, the Lawson family could still file for medical release for the transnt.

    There was no reason to let her off the hook.

    The next morning came quietly, but with purpose. Gorman arrived early, divorce agreement in hand.

    Linsey flipped through the documents slowly, her expression unreadable. Her face remained calm, lips set in a straight line, and not a single flicker of emotion showed in her eyes.

    0.0%

    Gorman sat beside her, closely watching her profile. He was trying to catch any hint of sadness, a moment of

    hesitation-anything.

    Without looking up, Linsey asked, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

    Gorman smirked and raised an eyebrow. "If you weren''t paying attention to me, how would you even know I

    was staring?"

    Linsey let out a soft sigh and chose not to answer. Instead, she picked up a pen, her grip steady, and signed her name at the bottom of the page.

    "All done." She gathered the papers, slipped them back into the document folder, and handed it to Gorman. "Have someone deliver it to Collin."

    Gorman took the file from her with a small, satisfied smile. The way she entrusted him with this task-it felt so natural, like they had been friends for years. "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of it right away."

    Linsey gave a faint chuckle, then nced at him. "Have you eaten?"

    Gorman perked up immediately. "Are you offering to feed me? Because I''d be thrilled."

    "Let''s go then," Linsey replied without hesitation. "You''ve been running around for me these past few days. I think you''ve earned breakfast at the very least.".

    When he heard that, Gorman''s smile stretched a little wider-and stayed there for quite a while.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 619

    Chapter 619 Am I Your Family, Or Is She!

    Gorman stepped out of the hospital room first, holding the door as Linsey slipped on her coat.

    Danny, who had been standing nearby, noticed the shift in Gorman''s expression and couldn''t help but feel genuinely happy for him.

    After a pause, Danny leaned closer and whispered, "Mr. Green, when are you nning to confess your feelings to Linsey?"

    Gorman''s brow lifted slightly, a mild frown forming, though his eyes still held a hint of warmth. "What''s the hurry? I''ll tell her after the divorce is finalized."

    He wasn''t in a rush-he wanted everything to unfold just right.

    No secrets. No pressure. Just sincerity and careful thought.

    Unlike Collin, Gorman was determined to take his time and get it right.

    After enjoying a peaceful and hearty breakfast together, Gorman and Linsey returned to the hospital-only to run into the Lawson family at the entrance.

    "Linsey!" M called out with bright enthusiasm the moment she saw her.

    Jeffery had told herst night how Linsey had managed to convince Carol to agree to the bone marrow match.

    That news had touched M deeply. In her eyes, Linsey had always been a thoughtful and kind-hearted woman -but this made her seem even more admirable.

    Linsey and Gorman exchanged a quick look, then walked over together.

    "M," Linsey greeted with polite warmth.

    Gorman followed suit with a refined smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Lawson."

    M smiled back warmly. "Good morning, both of you. The doctor said the match

    results should be out soon. We were too nervous to wait at home."

    Standing beside her were Jeffery and Cruz.

    Linsey greeted them one by one, maintaining her grace.

    Cruz gave her a kind smile. "How have you been feelingtely?"

    "I''ve been doing fine," Linsey replied gently.

    M reached for Linsey''s hand and looked her over, visibly relieved. "You do look much better than before."

    0.0%

    At that moment, Carol returned from the restroom-and the second she saw Linsey, her mood darkened instantly. Her gaze dropped to where M held Linsey''s hand.

    Right behind Carol stood Alexa, quiet and head lowered.

    "You bitch!" Carol suddenly snapped.

    She charged forward without thinking and tried to push Linsey, rage clouding her judgment.

    But Gorman was faster. In a heartbeat, he stepped in front of Linsey, catching Carol''s wrist midair. His expression was ice-cold.

    "Let go of me! That hurts!" Carol shrieked.

    M''s face fell in disbelief. "Carol! This is a hospital-have you lost your mind?"

    Gorman didn''t flinch. His voice was low and cutting. "Miss Lawson, don''t forget-l still have evidence of what you did to Linsey. If you don''t want more charges added to your name, I suggest you behave."

    Cruz stepped in and pulled Carol away firmly, his tone sharp. "That''s enough. You''re embarrassing yourself." But Carol wouldn''t back down. She yanked her arm free and shouted, "All of you are siding with Linsey over me! Am I your family, or is she?!"

    Jeffery finally snapped. "Carol, that''s enough! Did you even think about Mom and Dad when you said that?" The whole hallway had gone tense. Linsey stood there, feeling a twinge of regret. She never seemed to escape Carol''s temper-and now she was wishing she had just left earlier.

    She turned to M gently. "M, if there''s nothing else, I think I''ll get going."

    M clearly didn''t want her to leave, but she still gave a soft smile and nodded. "Alright."

    Just then, Gorman nced at Carol again, then turned back to Linsey with a faint, knowing smile. "Linsey, the match results are important to Jeffery. We''ve spoken with him quite a bit these past few days. I think it''s only right we stay to hear the oue-and wish him a sessful transnt."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 620

    Chapter 620 How Is This

    Even Possible

    Linsey sensed something wasn''t right the moment she heard Gorman speak..

    He had never shown the slightest interest in Jeffery''s personal matters before- why the sudden concern now?

    Just as she was about to politely decline, M chimed in with warmth in her voice, ¡°Exactly. Linsey, why don''t you and Mr. Green stay a while longer? We can all chat and keep each otherpany while waiting for the

    results."

    As she spoke, she ced a hand over her chest, her expression anxious. "I don''t know why, but my heart''s racing. I''m so nervous."

    Jeffery noticed her unease and gently reassured her, "Mom, everything will be fine."

    Feeling the tension in the air, Linsey couldn''t bring herself to insist on leaving. Instead, she offered aforting smile. "M, try not to worry. From what I''ve heard, there''s usually a higher chance ofpatibility between siblings."

    "Let''s just hope for a sessful match," M murmured, her voice filled with quiet hope.

    Not long after, two doctors stepped into the hallway, each wearing a heavy expression that immediately unsettled everyone in the room.

    M''s heart sank. Her face paled as a wave of anxiety surged through her. "Doctors... What is it? Don''t tell me the match failed again?"

    Jeffery instinctively stood, but his weak legs gave out slightly, prompting Cruz to quickly steady him. "Careful, son."

    Supported by his father, Jeffery slowly approached the doctors. "Just tell us the results. Even if Carol and I aren''t a match, we''ll look for other donors. It''ll be alright."

    Standing off to the side, Linsey watched the doctors exchange ufortable nces. Something about their hesitation made her uneasy.

    It didn''t feel like the issue was simply about an ipatible match.

    A troubling thought suddenly crossed her mind-sharp and unsettling.

    She turned toward Gorman, who stood casually against the wall, arms folded, seemingly rxed.

    When he noticed her staring, he shed azy, knowing smile. "What''s with that look? You feeling dizzy?"

    Linsey snapped out of her thoughts and gave a quick shake of her head. "No. I''m fine."

    But she decided to say nothing for now-and just wait.

    0.0%

    Chapter 620 How Is This Even Possible

    One of the doctors finally stepped forward and spoke hesitantly, addressing Cruz and M. "Mr. Lawson, Mrs. Lawson... Please take a look at this report."

    M reached out with trembling hands and began reading.

    As her eyes scanned the document, her expression changed-confusion, disbelief,

    then pure shock. Her grip on the paper began to shake.

    "This... This can''t be right... How is this even possible?" M whispered, her voice thin and cracking.

    Standing beside her, Jeffery and Cruz read over her shoulder.

    "No biological rtion." Jeffery''s eyes locked onto the key phrase in the report. His mind went nk. The words didn''t make sense.

    Cruz''s face turned pale. He looked at the doctor in disbelief. "What does this mean? That can''t be right. They''re siblings-my children! Both of them. I''m their father, and M is their mother. How could there be no biological rtion?"

    Off to the side, Linsey sat calmly, her expression unreadable-but deep down, she wasn''t surprised. She had already suspected this.

    Without a word, she turned her head toward Gorman once more. He caught her gaze-and with infuriating ease, raised an eyebrow in mock innocence, like someone watching a long-anticipated twist unfold right on cue.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 621

    Chapter 621 You Orchestrated This!

    M held the bone marrow match results for Jeffery and Carol in her hands. The report indicated a very low probability of a match, ruling out a bone marrow transnt between them.

    Additionally, the results confirmed that Carol and Jeffery were not biologically rted. In simple terms, they were not blood siblings.

    Jeffery was utterly shocked by the news. He urgently asked, "Doctor, could there be an error with the equipment?"

    The doctor responded with confidence, "That''s impossible. Our hospital''s equipment and the medical team are of the highest standard. We have double- checked these results multiple times, and there is absolutely no mistake. We can conclusively say that you and Miss Lawson are not rted by blood."

    After a short pause, the doctor continued, "Both your parents have previously been tested and matched with you, confirming that you are indeed their biological son. However, Miss Lawson is not."

    Upon hearing this, M turned extremely pale and staggered back, almost copsing

    Fortunately, Cruz was quick to support her, preventing her from falling.

    Tears welled up in M''s eyes as she looked at the doctor and said, in a raspy voice, "Doctor, you''re telling me that the girl I''ve raised for over twenty years isn''t my own flesh and blood. How can Ie to terms with this?

    I... I..."

    Linsey observed the scene in silence.

    She had always sensed something odd about Carol, who seemed inherently different from the rest of the Lawson family.

    Now, with the revtion that Carol was not the biological daughter of the Lawsons, Linsey felt that everything made sense now.

    Cruz, who had navigated through many challenges as a veteran leader, of the Lawson Group, was initially shocked by the revtion but quicklyposed himself.

    So, even though he was stunned and heartbroken by the sudden revtion, he quickly gathered himself and said to the doctor with courtesy, "Thank you. We will begin searching for a suitable donor right away, and please let us know at once if there''s any promising news.*

    The doctor nodded in response. "Of course."

    As the doctors departed, a heavy silence immediately enveloped the corridor.

    M closed her eyes, which were reddened from tears, her face expressing deep anguish as she looked towards

    00%

    Cruz.

    She tried to speak, but the words failed her.

    Cruz, perceiving his wife''s profound sorrow, held her close. His embrace conveyed understanding and support as he recognized recognizing her desire to find their biological daughter.

    They had been sure they had a daughter all those years ago, and now, finding out that Carol wasn''t their biological child, they were naturally left questioning where their real daughter might be.

    Nevertheless, the urgent task was to locate a suitable donor for jeffery.

    Trying to regain someposure, M managed to say, "Jeffery, let''s return to your room. The doctor said your condition is getting worse and you need to rest."

    She took Jeffery''s hand and guided him back to his room.

    Once the Lawson family had exited, Linsey and Gorman saw no reason to stay in the corridor.

    ¡°Let''s go. I''ve something for you," Linsey suggested, taking a few steps ahead. While she had her doubts, she needed to discuss them further with Gorman.

    Gorman, who was still leaning against the wall, watched Linsey start to walk away and smiled contentedly.

    Just then, the sound of rapid, heavy footsteps disrupted the quiet.

    Linsey''s heart raced, and she instinctively turned around, only to see Carol approaching rapidly, her face contorted with fury, wielding a stick.

    "Linsey! You orchestrated this! I will make you and your unborn child pay!" <marrying a="" secret="" zillionaire:="" happy="" ever="" after<="" p=""></marrying>

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 622

    Chapter 622 Get A Doctor, Right Now!

    Events unfolded so rapidly that Linsey was unable to react in time.

    As the stick hurtled down towards her, her mind was utterly nk.

    "Linsey!"

    In an instant, Linsey found herself wrapped in a warm, broad embrace.

    The chilling sound of the stick striking bone reverberated through Linsey''s heart.

    Linsey''s eyes widened in shock as she looked up to see Gorman standing protectively in front of her.

    He held her close, his arms securely around her.

    However, his face quickly turned ashen, betraying the intense, throbbing pain from his back.

    Soon, his face was drenched in cold sweat.

    With a loud tter, Carol dropped the stick and ran off.

    Carol was consumed with bitterness, envious of Linsey''s fortune in consistently having excellent men shield her. Blood began to soak through the fabric on Gorman''s back, and he inhaled sharply from the pain.

    Looking into Linsey''s eyes, he managed to ask, "Linsey, are you alright?"

    Right after speaking, Gorman staggered slightly.

    "Mr. Green!" His subordinates, who had been standing by, finally sprang into action and rushed towards him. They moved to support Gorman, but Danny held them back.

    Confused and anxious nces were exchanged among the subordinates, yet they remained halted by Danny''s gesture.

    Danny understood very well that Gorman would prefer not to be disturbed at this moment, as it gave him a rare opportunity to be close to Linsey.

    He was certain that any subordinate who dared to approach would find themselves out of a job the next day. Linsey, oblivious to the standoff around her, instantly filled with tears. "Gorman! Are you alright? Are you bleeding? I smell blood! Gorman, please, say something!"

    Despite the searing pain in his back, Gorman managed a faint smile, touched by Linsey''s evident concern and panic.

    0.0%

    Chapter 622 Get A Doctor, Right Now!

    He leaned closer to Linsey, findingfort in her proximity.

    "I''m fine," Gorman murmured weakly, his eyes shut.

    Linsey slowly pulled herself together. Realizing the nearby subordinates were still frozen in ce, she instantly eximed in frustration, ¡°What are you standing around for?! Get a doctor, right now!"

    She couldn''t wrap her head around the fact that even with Gorman so badly hurt, his subordinates were just standing there doing nothing.

    "Oh! Right, right!" The subordinates, startled by hermand, hurriedly dialed for medical assistance.

    Shortly after, a doctor and several nurses rushed in with a stretcher, shouting, "Quick, help him onto the stretcher!"

    Together, they carefully lifted Gorman onto the stretcher and moved towards the treatment room.

    At the entrance of the treatment room, Gorman still clung to Linsey''s hand. "Linsey, please don''t go."

    Linsey''s breathing grew faster from worry, and she answered, "Of course I''m not going anywhere. Let me go so the doctor and nurses can take care of

    your wound.''

    "Wait for me. I''ve got something to say once Ie out," said Gorman, his lips drained of color and his words sluggish, as if each syble dragged itself out of him with exhausting weight.

    Linsey gave a firm nod without a moment''s pause. "Alright, whatever it is you want to say, we''ll talk about it once your wound''s been taken care of."

    With that assurance, Gorman finally let go, allowing the medical team to whisk him into the treatment room.

    100 60

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 623

    Chapter 623 Linsey Contacted The Police...

    Linsey stood at the door, her heart racing.

    She closed her eyes, shaken, and noticed her palms were slick with sweat.

    The image of blood seeping from Gorman''s wound made Linsey furrow her brow in distress.

    She was troubled by the thought that someone had been injured because of her yet again.

    Her thoughts turned to Carol, who had targeted her and harmed those close to her, causing Linsey''s expression to harden.

    Next to her, Danny saw Linsey''s concern for Gorman and was pleased.

    He nned to share Linsey''s worried reactions with Gorman in detail.

    Soon, Gorman was treated for his back wound and transferred to a room adjacent to Linsey''s.

    After the doctor left with post-treatment advice, Linsey sat next to Gorman, looking anxiously at his bandaged back. "The doctor advised you to rest here for a few days and limit your movements to avoid worsening the injury."

    "Still worried? Should I remove my gown to show you how well the doctor bandaged me?" Gorman joked, his smile bright.

    Linsey responded with frustration, "How can you make jokes at a time like this?"

    Gorman''s eyes softened, and he reassured her gently, saying, "Don''t worry about me. I''m fine."

    After a brief silence, an idea came to him, and he said yfully, "Linsey, I saved your life again today. Consideringst time, don''t you think you owe me two favors now?"

    Linsey paused, then responded quickly, "Yes, I owe you more and more. I''m not sure how I''ll ever repay you."

    "It''s simple," Gorman said, his eyes twinkling. "I won''t ask for much. Just promise me two things. I haven''t decided what they are yet, but I''ll let you know."

    Hearing this, Linsey hesitated.

    Gorman, noticing Linsey''s hesitation, quickly retorted, "Don''t worry, it won''t be anything too challenging. You''ll definitely be able to handle it. It might be something simple like crafting something for me by hand."

    Relieved by his words, Linsey quietly exhaled in relief. She responded

    immediately, "As long as it''s within my capability, I promise you."

    Gorman''s face broke into a smile as he raised an eyebrow, saying, "Then it''s a deal."

    0.0%

    "Okay, just let me know once you''ve made up your mind," Linsey said, ready to honor hermitment.

    At that moment, Danny discreetly entered the room and exchanged a significant look with Gorman.

    When he caught the nce, Gorman''s expression grew serious. With a hint of reluctance, he said to Linsey, "I''m starting to feel tired. I think I need to rest for a bit."

    "Of course, I won''t disturb your sleep," Linsey replied promptly.

    Gorman gently pulled on her sleeve and added softly, "You should go back to your room and rest, too. Don''t roam around, or I''ll be worried."

    "Alright, I won''t wander. Don''t worry."

    The recent events had left Linsey unsettled, and she felt no desire to leave again.

    She stood up, nced back at Danny, and said, "If he wakes up, please inform me right away."

    Danny nodded with a smile, saying, "Certainly, Ms. Brooks."

    The moment Linsey walked out, Gorman''s face turned cold. "Speak.¡±

    Danny looked down and said earnestly, "Mr. Green, after Carol attacked you, she fled. I''ve sent a team to search for her. We expect to find her soon."

    He then paused, his lips tightening slightly before adding, "Also, Linsey contacted the police earlier."

    As he heard this, Gorman''s lips curved into a gentle smile, saying, "Linsey is

    really worried about me and wants to ensure Carol faces consequences for her actions."

    100.0%

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 624

    Chapter 624 I Want Linsey Dead!

    Previously, Linsey hadn''t felt an urgent need to confront Carol. However, after Gorman was unexpectedly injured by Carol today, Linsey immediately contacted the police.

    This action made Gorman sense a growing concern from Linsey towards him.

    Gorman''s face briefly softened before turning stern as he said in a low tone, "Since Linsey has called the police, ensure that they find Carol''s body abandoned in the wilderness."

    Danny caught the gravity of themand and felt a surge of ruthless anticipation. "Yes, Mr. Green! I''ll take care of it right away!"

    He was pleased with the certainty that Carol wouldn''t be causing any more trouble.

    Unaware of her looming fate, Carol had been running until she could run no more. By the time she stopped, her clothes were soaked with sweat.

    She leaned heavily against a wall, breathing hard, her eyes wide and filled with fear.

    In a burst of anger, Carol clenched her fists and cursed loudly, "Damn it! Linsey! Why couldn''t it have been you? You bitch!"

    Her voice became louder and more strained with each word.

    Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind.

    Startled, Carol spun around to see Alexa, looking unusually pale and thin.

    Irritated and on edge, Carol retorted, "What''s wrong with you? Can''t you make a sound when you walk? Are you trying to scare me to death?"

    Alexa recoiled from her aggressive demeanor, taking a few steps back. Her voice shook as she said, "Carol, I..." In a moment of desperation, Carol''s mind raced, and she strode toward Alexa. Seizing Alexa''s arms, she begged with intense urgency, "Alexa, help me. Please, you have to help me, okay?"

    Alexa, far from reassured, felt even more terrified by Carol''s frantic behavior.

    Alexa stared stiffly at Carol and asked fearfully, "What do you need my help with?"

    At those words, the wild grin on Carol''s face disappeared in a sh, reced by fury as she screamed, "I want you to get rid of Linsey for me!"

    As she spoke, her grip on Alexa''s arms tightened.

    Pain whitened Alexa''s face, but she felt too frightened to pull away.

    0.0%

    Chapter 624 I Want Linsey Dead!

    "It''s all because of Linsey! Everything is Linsey''s fault!" Garol''s eyes, fiery with fury, suddenly filled with tears. "How can I not be the real daughter of the Lawson family? Huh? Tell me? I''ve been part of the Lawson family for over twenty years. How can I not be my parents'' child?"

    Alexa''s eyes widened in shock upon hearing this. She had never anticipated this revtion would emerge so

    abruptly. The fear that the Lawson family had discovered Carol was not their biological daughter terrified her.

    Carol, oblivious to Alexa''s reaction, was overwhelmed by her own emotions, her voiceced with bitterness. "Linsey orchestrated the whole thing. She arranged the bone marrow test with Jeffery. She nned for me to overhear her discussion with Jeffery! And now, because of those ridiculous match results, there''s no way I can ever go back to the Lawson family!"

    She alternated between screaming andughing, tears streaming down her face. She then fixed a malevolent gaze on Alexa and said fiercely, "I want Linsey dead! I can''t allow Linsey to take what''s rightfully mine! I want to murder her!"

    She got worked up. "Alexa, did you hear me? I want you to kill her and that child she''s carrying! Only if Linsey is gone can I reim my ce as the Lawson family''s daughter. Only then can I marry Collin and be the wife of the CR Corporation''s founder! Do you get what I''m saying?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 625

    Chapter 625 Linsey Is The Lawsons'' Real Daughter

    Alexa remained motionless for a moment, her eyes filled with sorrow as she looked at Carol.

    "Carol, we should stop pursuing Linsey. It''s useless. She may have left the founder of the CR Corporation, but she still has Mr. Green''s support. We can''t touch her."

    Carol eximed in frustration, "That''s bullshit! You just don''t want to help me! You''re useless!"

    Alexa was momentarily dazed by Carol''s furious rant, barely noticing the painful pressure of Carol''s grip on her

    arms.

    After taking a deep breath, Alexa finally let out a secret she had held back for years. "The truth is, you were never a Lawson. I switched you with the Lawsons'' daughter years ago. I am your biological mother!"

    Carol waspletely taken aback..

    She stared in disbelief at Alexa''s tired face. "What are you saying? I am the daughter of the Lawson family! How can you, just a maid, be my real mother? Shut up!"

    Revealing this truth seemed to lighten Alexa''s burden. She managed a weak smile and exined further, "The Lawsons'' real daughter, haven''t you ever suspected it? But it''s not your fault. Even the Lawsons don''t realize that their real daughter has always been right beside them."

    Then, looking at Carol with a sense of release, Alexa continued, "In fact, Linsey is the Lawsons'' real daughter. That''s why she bears such a resemnce to both Mrs. Lawson and her son!"

    This bombshell left Carol reeling, her head pounding with the shock. Instinctively, sheshed out, grabbing Alexa by the throat. "Stop lying! You and Linsey are conspiring against me! How could Linsey possibly be the real Lawson daughter? I won''t believe it!"

    Alexa''s face turned a deep shade of red as Carol''s grip tightened, clearly showing the intense force being applied.

    Carol''s fingers mped tighter around Alexa''s neck, her raspy screams chilling to the bone. "Linsey is your real daughter! I''m not your daughter! You''ve been lying to me! You''ve tricked me!"

    Just as Alexa felt she might be strangled, a loud bang reverberated, sending a shiver through her body.

    The pressure on her neck gradually lessened, then a sharp smell of blood wafted into her nostrils.

    Confused, Alexa opened her eyes to see Carol staring back with wide, slowly dimming eyes.

    All at once, blood seeped from the corners of Carol''s mouth, a stark crimson that burned into Alexa''s vision.

    "Carol?" Alexa whispered in shock, still unable to grasp the situation.

    0.0%

    Chapter 625 Linsey Is The Lawsons'' Real Daughter

    In the next instant, Carol''s body slumped heavily to the ground,nding with a dull thud. A bleeding wound

    was visible on her chest.

    "Carol!!" Alexa cried out in agony. She scrambled to Carol''s side, tears streaming down her face as she said, "Carol, I was wrong! Please, open your eyes and look at me!"

    Cradling Carol''s lifeless body, Alexa sobbed uncontrobly, her grief overwhelming.

    Frantically, she looked up and saw a group of people approaching.

    At the front was Gorman, casually polishing a gun with a handkerchief. His expression remained unmoved, carrying even a trace of hatred. ¡ü

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 626

    Chapter 626 I Won''t Help

    You!

    "It''s you. You''re the one who killed Carol! You took my daughter from me!" Alexa cried out, too anguished to stand, knowing she stood no chance against Gorman.

    Gorman''s lips twisted into a sneer as he regarded Alexa, his face devoid of any pity.

    "You ought to thank me for sparing Carol any prolonged agony." Gorman''s voice was calm and menacing. "She should have been dealt with the instant she abducted Linsey. My leniency allowed Carol a few additional days of life."

    After he spoke, Gorman''s smile grew chilling, his eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. "Sadly, Carol couldn''t help herself and endangered Linsey once more today! She truly brought this

    upon herself!"

    While she was cradling Carol''s lifeless body, Alexa''s gaze burned with hatred towards Gorman. "Carol did something wrong, but it should''ve been the police who held her ountable! To kill her like this-it''s uwful!"

    Gorman raised an eyebrow, amused by the usation. "Uwful? I''m beyond its reach. Anyone who poses a threat to Linsey gets no mercy from me."

    Alexa shut her eyes in despair. Her only daughter was gone, and with cancer eating away at her, she knew she didn''t have much time left.

    So instead of pleading with Gorman-the man who had taken Carol''s life-not to kill her too, she made mind to die alongside her daughter.

    up her

    "Mr. Green, since you believe yourself untouchable and invincible, why not end my life as well?" Alexa''s voice was raspy, herplexion deathly pale.

    Gorman, with hismanding presence, had the opportunity to eliminate Alexa immediately after dealing with Carol but opted to engage in conversation instead. Gorman let out a quietugh, noticing the resignation in Alexa''s eyes.

    "Why the hurry?" he asked, holstering his weapon and signaling his men.to approach. "Your discussions with Carol about Linsey''s true identity have reached my ears. For now, your survival is necessary. When all is disclosed, there will still be time for your demise."

    As Gorman concluded, his men forcibly pulled Alexa away from Carol''s body.

    "I won''t help you! Just let me die!" Alexa cried out, fighting against their grip.

    Gorman, undisturbed by her defiance, paused to look at Carol''s body and then offered a sinister smile. "You wish to die today? That can be arranged. However, I cannot promise what will be of Carol''s body once you''re gone."

    0.0%

    Chapter 626 I Won''t Help You!

    Shock spread across Alexa''s face, her heart sinking further at his cruel maniption.

    "No! How could you continue this cruelty? Carol''s gone! What else do you want from us?" Alexa screamed, her body shaking as she was led away.

    Gorman regarded her coldly. "Just tell the truth about the past, and I''ll ensure Carol''s remains are undisturbed."

    With that, he turned his back on her. "Alright, take them away," hemanded dismissively.

    "Understood, Mr. Green!"

    Checking his watch, Gorman noted the time and decided to head back to, the hospital. Linsey might grow anxious if he were gone too long.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 627

    Chapter 627 Carol Has Already Committed Suici...

    Gorman chose to keep the fact that he had killed Carol from Linsey.

    Linsey was unaware of how long she had been asleep. Awakening, she was surprised to find Gorman''s smiling face and took a moment to orient herself.

    Gorman was lounging next to her hospital bed, casually propping his head with his hand, appearing quite at

    ease.

    Noticing Linsey''s bewildered look, Gorman let out a softugh, finding her confusion endearing.

    "What''s the matter? Still dazed from sleep?" Gorman asked softly, a trace of amusement in his voice.

    Linsey blinked, sitting up quickly, her expression puzzled. "What are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be recovering?"

    Hearing that the words out of her mouth were filled with concern for him, Gorman couldn''t help but smile, clearly pleased by it.

    ¡°I''m alright. The wound looks worse than it is. For me, it''s just a scratch. I got my strength back after a bit of rest," replied Gorman, leaning in slightly toward Linsey. "When I woke up, the first thing I wanted was to see you, so I came. But when I saw you were still sleeping, I didn''t want to wake you."

    Linsey felt a flush rise to her cheeks at the honesty in his words.

    She bit her lip, feigning confusion, and redirected the conversation toward his well-being. "Regardless of how minor you say it is, you should be careful and ensure you''re healed."

    At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

    Turning their heads, Linsey and Gorman saw a nurse enter, apanied by several police officers.

    "Ms. Brooks, Mr. Green, these officers would like a word with you," the nurse announced.

    One officer stepped forward, eyeing Linsey. "Are you Linsey Brooks?" he asked. Linsey quickly replied, "Yes, that''s me."

    She suddenly recalled the report she had filed and urgently asked, "Did you find Carol?"

    In a serious tone, the officer replied, "Carol has alreadymitted suicide."

    Linsey''s eyes shot open in shock. "What?!"

    The news took herpletely by surprise.

    Chapter 627 Carol Has Already Committed Suicide

    The officer affirmed with a nod. "Our investigation indicates that Carol was experiencing psychological distress. It seems she couldn''t cope with her mental anguish any longer."

    Reflecting on Carol''s erratic behaviortely, Linsey found this exnation convincing.

    The officer continued, "Before her death, it appears Carol met with someone. We''re here to find out if you might know this individual."

    He then presented a photograph to Linsey.

    Linsey scrutinized the image and recognized the face. "This is Alexa Sanderson! She works for the Lawson family. Alexa was with Carol thest time I saw them together."

    "Can you recall when youst saw Ms. Sanderson?" The officer spoke in a serious tone, his expression firm and focused.

    After pondering a moment, Linsey responded, concern etching her brow, "It was a few days ago. Carol had. abducted me, and Alexa was there. I haven''t seen her since."

    "Thank you for this information, Ms. Brooks," said the officer.

    Grateful for their diligence, Linsey responded, "Of course, I''m just doing my part. Thank you for your hard work."

    The officer instructed, "Should youe across any information about Ms. Sanderson, please inform us immediately."

    Linsey agreed, "Absolutely, I''ll let you know right away."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 628

    Chapter 628 Are You Thinking Of Bing A...

    The officers departed soon.

    Turning her head, Linsey caught Gorman lost in thought. Driven by curiosity, she asked, "What''s on your mind?"

    Gorman shook off his daze and said thoughtfully, "When I was walking over

    earlier, I thought I caught sight of someone lingering in the shadows at the far end of the corridor. From what I could tell, they looked a lot like the person in the photo the police showed us moments ago."

    Linsey, taken by surprise, asked, "Really? Do you think it was Alexa?"

    "I can''t be certain. I haven''t gotten a good look at Alexa before, so I could be wrong. That''s why I chose not to tell the police-I didn''t want to risk providing misleading information," Gorman exined.

    Linsey nodded, understanding his caution. "Fair enough. If you''re unsure, we should hold off. We''ll see what the police find."

    Gorman suggested, "How about we check it out ourselves? You might recognize Alexa better than I would. We could take some people with us, and if it''s her, we could detain her until the police arrive."

    Raising an eyebrow, Linsey joked, "When did you get so involved? Are you thinking of bing a detective?" "Of course not," Gorman answered without missing a beat. "It matters to me because it involves you. If it didn''t, I wouldn''t have given it a second thought."

    He hesitated, then added, "If you''re tired, we don''t have to go."

    Ignoring Gorman''s somewhat vague deration of concern, Linsey pondered for a moment before saying, "Let''s take a look. Bring some of your guys. And be careful-you''ve just been bandaged up, and we can''t afford any more injuries." "Alright, your call," Gorman responded, his eyes gleaming with resolve.

    Soon after, Linsey and Gorman proceeded along the hospital''s corridor.

    They were apanied by several tall bodyguards, their presence drawing curious nces from passersby.

    Linsey exhaled deeply, saying, "Maybe this wasn''t such a good idea. It feels excessive to roam a hospital with an entourage."

    Gorman let out a light chuckle before his tone turned more serious. "It''s alright. When Carol showed up out of nowhere earlier and tried to hurt you, I got shed across the back. The hospital''s been on edge ever since and even mentioned tightening their security. So having a few bodyguards around us now? That''s nothing out of the ordinary."

    Chapter 628 Are You Thinking Of Bing A Detective

    While they conversed, they neared Jeffery''s hospital room.

    A sudden noise from inside the room startled Linsey,

    Gorman immediately stepped in front of her, his face set in a protective expression.

    Catching her breath, Linsey said, ¡°It''s alright, just be careful."

    Her eyes drifted toward Jeffery''s room, where the door sat slightly open, letting

    every sound from within spill clearly into the hallway.

    Linsey couldn''t help but wonder about the cause of the noise.

    She had a growing suspicion that word of Carol''s suicide might have already reached the Lawson family.

    A secondter, M''s anguished cry rang out from the room. "It was you! You''re the one who swapped my real daughter all those years ago! Tell me where is she now?!"

    Linsey found herself caught off guard, stunned by the words that had just reached her ears.

    A flicker of curiosity stirred in her-she wondered where the Lawson family''s real daughter had ended up and who exactly Alena was confronting behind that door.

    Yet, Linsey decided not to dwell on it.

    The affairs of the Lawson family were not her concern; her focus was on locating Alexa with Gorman.

    Just as she was turning to leave, a hoarse voice from the room asked, "Mrs. Lawson, are you really unaware of your biological daughter''s location?"

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 629

    Chapter 629 What You''ve

    Done Is A Crime!

    The moment she heard Alexa''s words, Linsey came to an abrupt stop for reasons she couldn''t exin. A wild, uncontroble rhythm took hold of her heart.

    Gasping for breath, M asked urgently, "What exactly are you implying?" What Alexa said next sent Linsey''s thoughts spinning in every direction.

    With a dramatic ir, Alexa said, "The truth is that your true daughter is Linsey, She''s been maliciously framed by Carol multiple times, narrowly escaping death each time!"

    The room erupted into chaos as her words hung in the air.

    "M!" Cruz cried out, stunned.

    "Mom!" Jeffery''s faint voice followed right behind his.

    Alexa let out a loud, mockingugh. "You have the nerve to call yourselves a high-ss family, but you''re

    nothing more than blind fools! From the very first moment I saw Linsey, I knew she was the child I left at the

    orphanage all those years ago-your biological daughter!"

    Looking between M and Jeffery, she continued, "Her face mirrors yours and your son''s so clearly. And yet, you couldn''t see it. You stood by while Carol mistreated her without lifting a finger... It''s honestly ridiculous!"

    "Shut up!" M''s voice broke, raspy and filled with despair.

    Cruz shouted, his voice shaking with rage, "How dare you rece our real daughter? What you''ve done is a crime! We''re going to the police, and you''ll rot in prison for the rest of your life!"

    Alexa''s voice stayedced with arrogance as she said, "Go on then, call the police. It doesn''t matter to me. I''ve got cancer and only a handful of days left. But you-you''re in a far worse ce than I am. Maybe take a moment to think about how you treated Linsey. I doubt your real daughter will ever find it in her heart to

    forgive you."

    "Leave now!" Jeffery cried out, his voice quivering with deep sadness.

    Outside the room, Linsey stood frozen, shocked by the words that echoed through the hall.

    Gorman, watching her with a concerned look, hesitated before saying gently, "Linsey..."

    Without responding, Linsey turned and began walking away, murmuring, "We should head back."

    Following her lead with a grim expression, Gorman walked alongside Linsey back to the hospital room. Inside the room, Linsey stood with her back to Gorman but said directly to him in a calm, steady voice. "Gorman, did you know all along that I was the Lawsons'' daughter? You''re the one who led me here, aren''t you?"

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    Chapter 629 What You''ve Done Is A Crimet

    Gorman stared at Linsey''s back for a long moment before moving to face her. Meeting her eyes, he replied slowly and deliberately, "Yes, I''ve known for quite some time."

    Linsey met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions, hard to decipher.

    "I''ve never intended to deceive you, Linsey. I nned to exin everything once you overheard their conversation," said Gorman, his tone grave and sincere.

    Puzzled, Linsey furrowed her eyebrows. "How long have you known?"

    Gorman responded sincerely, "While you were sleeping, my team discovered Carol''s whereabouts. Alexa was with her, confessing to Carol that she was Carol''s mother and that you were the Lawsons'' real daughter."

    He paused for a moment, then lowered his gaze and continued, "The gun Carol used to end her life wasn''t meant for her at all. It was originally intended for Alexa to use, to bury this secret with her. But Carol couldn''t bear the truth. She took Alexa''s gun and used it on herself. When Alexa found Carol''s body, she broke downpletely. She begged me not to turn her in right away. She wanted to face the Lawsons herself and reveal everything, driven by her need for revenge."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 e Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 630

    Chapter 630 I Need To

    Drink

    Linsey''s face was unreadable as she looked at Gorman. "You agreed to this?"

    Gorman''s eyes met Linsey''s briefly before he averted his gaze, a sense of unease washing over him. "The way

    the Lawson family had treated you was unfair, and it angered me. So yes, I let Alexa initiate her n, waiting for the moment to reveal your true identity to you."

    As she processed his words, Linsey studied Gorman''s demeanor, realizing he had indeed been aware of

    everything from the start.

    Given Gorman''s characteristically bizarre methods, Linsey quickly epted his actions as typical of his approach.

    Aware of the injustices Linsey had endured from the Lawson family, Gorman had consented to Alexa''s n,

    letting her challenge the Lawson family directly.

    This strategy meant that upon discovering Linsey was part of the family, the Lawson family would inevitably

    confront the guilt and remorse of their past deeds.

    The revtion of her true heritage had unfolded under Gorman''s arrangement, allowing Linsey to hear the

    truth firsthand.

    Atst, it all made sense to Linsey-why her features mirrored M''s and Jeffery''s so closely. They were her

    family by blood.

    Yet, with the full picture clear, Linsey found no satisfaction in meeting her biological parents.

    Despite the resolution of her identity and Carol''s death, happiness eluded her.

    Gorman kept his eyes fixed on Linsey''s face, studying every flicker of emotion that crossed it.

    He was certain she didn''t doubt a single word he had spoken.

    He understood all too well-if Linsey ever discovered that he had been the one to end Carol''s life, she would

    never live with the fact that he was a killer.

    Compelled to protect Linsey from those who wronged her, Gorman felt justified in his actions, crafting his story meticulously to absolve himself from any direct me.

    In the dim light of a bustling bar, Collin''s usually charming face was shadowed by sadness.

    He inhaled sharply, ready to finish his drink in one fierce gulp.

    Out of nowhere, a hand pressed down on his, halting his motion. "That''s enough, Collin. You''ve been at this for days," Dustin intervened.

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    He attempted to pry the ss from Collin''s grip, but Collin dodged effortlessly.

    "I need to drink," Collin murmured, his voice raspy and his face emotionless.

    With his ss empty, he gestured for the bartender to pour another. Watching him like that, Dustin feltpletely helpless. All he could do was ask, "Is this really how you n to keep living-just letting yourself waste away?"

    A hollow chuckle escaped Collin, his eyes reflecting profound sorrow rather than joy. "A week ago, I was nning to propose. Now, I''m on the brink of divorcing Linsey."

    Dustin took a seat next to him, his brow furrowed with concern. "Why agree to go through with the divorce if you don''t want it?"

    Collin''s response was a cold, hard stare.

    Dustin caught on right away. "Alright, fine. I''ll take it back, all right?"

    Looking away, Collin whispered, "I can''t stand up to Linsey... I''ve never been able to refuse her anything,"

    He let out a bitter, self-mocking smile before continuing, "Linsey already despises me. I can''t give her more reason to hate me, and I refuse to let her stay buried in sorrow because of what I''ve done."

    Collin paused for a moment before adding, "I''m left with no other option but to divorce Linsey."

    Dustin exhaled deeply and said, "You should have been honest with her from the start. Your fear made you dy everything. Now, the borate proposal you nned is just a dream. How could she possibly perceive your true feelings?"

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 631

    Chapter 631 Are You Out Of Your Damn Mind

    Collin slowly shook his head from side to side and said in a raspy voice, "At this point, the proposal, my

    intentions... it''s all irrelevant. Honesty is what Linsey values most in a partner, and I fell short from the very beginning. Our marriage is inevitably headed for divorce."

    "What are you thinking of doing once the divorce is finalized?" asked Dustin.

    Grasping his ss firmly, Collin responded decisively, "I''ll do everything in my power to win her back."

    Collin then gulped down his wine in one swift motion.

    Dustin arched an eyebrow and said, ¡°If you''re serious about winning her over, you might want to ease up on

    the drinking. Turning up tomorrow reeking of alcohol isn''t exactly going to leave a good impression.*

    At that, Collin''s demeanor changed for the better. "You have a point!" he eximed, putting down his ss.

    "I''ll book a room at the hotel next door and..."

    Before Collin could continue, Dustin intervened, grabbing his arm. "Hold on, let me get you some water first to help you sober up. You''ve had quite a bit to drink, and jumping into a shower could be dangerous."

    "Yes, I know." Collin gave him a dismissive look. "I''m not as drunk as you think." Dustin paused, momentarily at a loss for words.

    He then recalled Collin''s high tolerance and conceded that perhaps he was being overly cautious.

    As Collin walked away, Dustin texted Dominic, saying, "Collin has finally left the bar. Nothing motivates him like the fear of offending Linsey with the smell of alcohol."

    Dominic, having justpleted a surgery, responded with calm assurance, "Collin would endure any hardship for Linsey. Just make sure he stays safe."

    Once he slipped his phone back into his pocket, Dustin got ready to head out of the bar.

    Given everything Collin was dealing with, the atmosphere wasn''t exactly suited for unwinding.

    Then, just as he turned, something caught his eye-a figure cornered by a group of men near the back of the

    room.

    "Come on, Ms. Davidson, just have one drink with us! It''s a small price for a big investment in yourpany?"

    "Ms. Davidson, you are stunning. Why resist making your life easier? Join me, and you''ll have no worries evE again!"

    With a strained smile, Dolores replied, "I appreciate thepliment, but I''m here strictly for business. Sign with us, and I promise your investment will double within three months."

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    "Your promises of profit don''t sway us."

    "That''s right. What we really care about is you, Ms. Davidson."

    As the words left their mouths, the men began closing the distance between themselves and Dolores.

    Dolores attempted to slip away, but they blocked her path.

    "Where do you think you''re going? You approached us, so y by our rules,"

    The moment Dolores sensed danger, she started to fight back. "Let me go! If you don''t back off now, you''re

    going to regret it!"

    Under normal circumstances, Dolores would never have dealt with such shady people. Her current situation made her regret her decision deeply.

    "Regret it? And what exactly are you going to do to me? I''d love to see you try!"

    With a crudeugh, the sleazy lead man lifted his hand, aiming to slip it beneath Dolores'' cor.

    Dolores'' eyes flew open in rm as she braced herself to fight back, fully prepared to get hurt if that was what

    it took.

    Just then, an unexpected intervention urred. A firm grip seized the man''s wrist, twisting it sharply.

    A snap followed by a cry of pain filled the air.

    "Argh, that hurts! Who do you think you are? Are you out of your damn mind?" the sleazy man shouted, writhing in pain.

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    "Who the hell are you to interrupt us?"

    The men''s heads whipped around to see Dustin, whose smile wasced with threat. "Perhaps you should question your own sanity."

    "M-Mr. Wade..."

    "Mr. Wade, long time no see. How are things?"

    "Oh,e on, our friend was only messing around. No need to take it seriously, Mr. Wade."

    Recognition dawned on the men''s faces, recing arrogance with fear.

    Dolores, perched on the sofa, was in shock. She never imagined Dustin would show up, especially not to save

    her in such a timely manner.

    Dustin''s expression hardened, his tone chilling as he instructed, "Get out. I don''t want to catch sight of you

    around here again."

    "Of course, Mr. Wade, we''re on our way out!"

    The men quickly made their exit, their demeanor sheepish and defeated.

    Dolores finally shook off the shock and hurriedly called out, her voice edged with urgency, "Wait! Why are you all walking away? We haven''t even finished talking about our coboration yet!"

    Dustin turned to her, his look one of utter astonishment.

    "What deal? Those men were never here to conduct business. They were preying on you," Dustin exined, frustration filled his voice. "Everyone in town knows that they are rich assholes. What made you think they''d be

    potential partners?"

    Faced with Dustin''s baffled stare, Dolores found herself at a loss for words.

    Dolores was well aware of the questionable nature of those men, yet she saw it as her final opportunity to

    rescue her failing business.

    Dustin noticed her silence and suspected there was more to her story.

    He squinted slightly, leaned forward, and asked quietly, "Is yourpany facing difficulties?"

    Dolores reacted with shock, her eyes widening. "How did you..."

    Dustin let out a quiet chuckle and said in a low, amused tone, "Did you honestly believe I''m just some spoiled yboy? If I didn''t have a bit of sense, how would I be trusted to run apany on behalf of the CR

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    Corporation''s founder?"

    At his words, Dolores remembered a conversation with Linsey a few days prior. Her face hardened as she retorted, "Oh, so you''re still pretending to be on Collin''s side? Don''t bother¨C1 already know the whole truth. You and Collin are nothing but liars, the both of you! He is absolutely untrustworthy! I can''t believe I ever put my faith in either of you!"

    Dustin, caught off guard, paused before responding.

    "Hold on," he interjected. "I''ve neither lied to you. How do youbel me as a liar?¡±

    Dolores looked at him intently and said, articting each word, "Collin has been deceiving Linsey for ages. You''re his friend; surely, you were in on it. Why wouldn''t I reprimand you? Can you honestly im you weren''t involved in his lies?"

    "I..." Dustin faltered, momentarily speechless.

    Indeed, he had helped suppress facts for Collin and couldn''t outright deny it.

    Dolores let out a harsh snort and said, "You and Collin are cut from the same cloth! I can''t believe how badly I misjudged you!"

    Dustin took a moment to gather himself. "Alright, I admit it-I helped Collin keep those things from Linsey. But like you said, I was only the aplice, not the one calling the shots, right?"

    Dustin pointed a finger at Dolores and added, "And let''s not forget, I just pulled you out of trouble. Doesn''t that earn me a little credit to make up for my so-called mistake?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 633

    Chapter 633 Lend Me Some Money

    At that moment, a bar waiter approached hesitantly, interjecting, "I''m sorry to disturb you, but could I have a

    word?"

    Both Dolores and Dustin turned their frowns towards him.

    "What seems to be the problem?" Dustin asked, his annoyance clear as he was mid-exnation.

    At the same time, Dolores stood with her hands nted firmly on her hips, her entire posture radiating cold

    indifference.

    The waiter, nervously pointing towards a nearby table overflowing with empty bottles, exined, "Yourpanions left in a rush and didn''t settle their bill. It seems we missed stopping them. Thankfully, you''re still

    here."

    Dolores''s eyes bulged in astonishment. "They left without paying?"

    Dustin let out a chuckle and said, "Unbelievable. A bunch of jerks, hitting the bar and then vanishing without paying the bill."

    He then teasingly nced at Dolores, whose face was beginning to cloud over. "Looks like you''re stuck with the bill for those scoundrels, Ms. Davidson. Rough night, isn''t it?"

    Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Dolores pressed her lips together in annoyance. Abruptly, she held out

    her hand to Dustin and said, "Lend me some money."

    "What?" Dustin, caught off guard, scrutinized her. "You''re not serious, are you? Surely you can cover this."

    Dolores stayed silent, though a flicker of embarrassment crept across her face. Noting her difort, Dustin ceased his teasing, quickly withdrawing his wallet and handing some cash to the waiter. "Keep the extra," he said casually.

    "No, I insist on getting the change," Dolores said firmly, extending her hand towards the waiter to ensure she

    received every penny.

    Dustin was left speechless, recalling that Dolores hadn''t always been so frugal.

    Dolores noticed his stare and exined withposure, "Remember, I''m just borrowing it. I''ll settle with you

    The waiter promptly handed back the change to Dolores.

    Dolores tucked the money away with deliberate care, and the sight of her guarded manner pulled a quiet smile

    from Dustin.

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    However, Dustin''s smile soon disappeared, reced by a grave look. "Dolores, is yourpany facing

    difficulties?"

    "Stop specting." Dolores responded, attempting to leave.

    Dustin caught her wrist firmly, preventing her escape. "You nearly avoided discussing it earlier. If there weren''t issues, you wouldn''t be negotiating with those types of people. It''s ironic, isn''t it? You criticize us for secrecy towards Linsey, yet here you are, concealing your own problems."

    Dolores''s face mirrored theplexity of her emotions.

    The following morning was bright and clear as Gorman drove Linsey to the courthouse.

    "I could havee on my own," Linsey said as she unfastened her seatbelt and turned toward Gorman in the driver''s seat. "Your back''s still hurt, but you insisted on bringing me here anyway."

    Gorman returned her gaze tenderly and replied, "On a day as important as this, I wouldn''t miss being by your

    side."

    Aware that Linsey was still cautious of his romantic intentions, Gorman quickly changed the subject.

    He said, "Besides, you saw it yourself. Ever sincest night, the Lawson family''s been desperate to get to you. My men could hardly keep them away. If you showed up alone, they''d track you down without a doubt. But with me here, and my team, we can keep them at a distance for now."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 634

    Chapter 634 Shall We Head

    Over

    When she heard Gorman''s words, Linsey''s face became a mask of cool detachment. "Just let the Lawson family be. Reconnecting with them brings me no happiness. They should give up while they can."

    She waited for a moment before speaking again, her tone steady and even. "To be honest, I''ve spent over twenty years living like this, and it''s be the only life I know. There''s really no reason to go back to the people who gave birth to me, not when they were the ones who turned their backs on my well-being"

    Gorman''s gaze was filled with empathy as he reassured her. ¡°Linsey, I''ll make sure the Lawson family doesn''t disturb your peace."

    A faint smile touched Linsey''s lips. "Thank you for that."

    She then leaned over to grab some papers from the back seat. "We should get going."

    Linsey stepped out of the car, and Gorman followed close behind.

    A few others from the cars behind them got out as well.

    Danny handed Gorman an umbre, which Gorman promptly opened over Linsey to protect her from the sun.

    Looking up at him, Linsey said, "Gorman, you seem to have forgotten you''re still recovering from your injury."

    Gorman responded with a gentleugh, "Don''t worry about me. I can handle a little soreness."

    To Collin, observing from a short distance, their exchange seemed deeply personal, almost like that of a couple.

    Jealousy tightened Collin''s hands into fists, his gaze darkening.

    Dustin, standing beside him, whispered, "Collin, try to soften your expression. Remember, it''s a long time ahead. Don''t ruin any remaining good will Linsey might feel towards you today."

    Collin exhaled slowly and nodded in acknowledgment.

    When Linsey noticed Collin waiting at the courthouse entrance, her face

    momentarily lost itsposure, her

    heart rate spiking with a mix of sorrow and difort.

    Gorman, ever attentive, noticed the subtle shift in Linsey''s demeanor, and a surge of anger sparked in his eyes.

    Gorman was disappointed to realize that Linsey still harbored feelings for Collin after all this time.

    However, Gorman quicklyposed himself and offered a reassuring smile, understanding Linsey''s deep

    emotional ties.

    More than that, he held a quiet certainty that the day woulde when every memory of Collin would fade from her heart, leaving nothing behind but him at the center of her world.

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    "Shall we head over Gorman suggested softly

    jolted back to the present, Linsey averted her gaze and proceeded in silence

    She halted a few steps from Collin, finding herself unable to bridge the gap. Though they were once deeply connected, now an

    mountable distancey between them.

    Linsey raised her eyes, her heart fluttering as her gaze locked with Collin''s, momentarily leaving her breathless.

    Atst, Dustin spoke up with a bright grin, cutting through the quiet. "Hey there, Linsey. It''s been a while, hasn''t it? How''ve things been on your end?**

    With a courteous smile, Linsey responded to Dustin, "Thank you, Dustin, I''m doing well"

    Collin opened his mouth to speak, but before he could form words, Linsey interjected coldly, "Collin, do you have all the documents we need?*

    A faint shiver passed through his eyes, stung by the cold space she now kept between them.

    A wave of sorrow washed over him, rendering him speechless and overwhelmed by the emotional gulf between

    them.

    Rmended for you

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 635

    Chapter 635 Gorman, Wait For Me Outside

    Seeing Collin''s expression, Dustin let out a quiet sigh and quickly said, "Everything''s ready, Collin caught a slight cold and still has a sore throat."

    Linsey''s eyes shifted at his words.

    She looked closely at Collin. He looked thinner, worn down. It hadn''t even been that long since theyst met,

    but he already seemed different.

    He tried to keep a calm face, but Linsey could still sense the quiet changes behind his mask.

    She had loved him for too long not to notice.

    With effort, she pulled her gaze away and forced herself not to look at him again.

    "Let''s head in," Gorman said with a smile, acting as if Collin and Dustin weren''t even there.

    Linsey gave a small nod and walked ahead. Gorman folded the umbre and followed closely behind, never leaving her side.

    Collin and Dustin stayed where they were.

    "Snap out of it, Collin," Dustin said, a little helpless.

    Collin shut his eyes for a moment, then opened them slowly. "Go back to thepany. There''s a big meeting

    this morning."

    Dustin blinked. "But you-"

    ¡°I''m fine. I''lle after I finish the procedures. I''ve already made up my mind. If I keep dragging this out, it''ll only make things harder for Linsey. I know what I need to do."

    Dustin didn''t argue. He gave a small nod. "Alright. I''ll wait for you at the office." When Collin finally stepped in, Linsey was already sitting in front of the judge. The judge noticed him and cast a knowing nce at Gorman, who was seated next to Linsey.

    Gorman caught the look easily. With a smirk, he raised his voice and said, "Mr. Riley, you''ve misled Linsey for so long. It''s dishonest from the start. She married you without knowing the truth. If we''re being technical,

    that''s marriage fraud, isn''t it?"

    Linsey''s face darkened. She turned to him and said, "Gorman, wait for me outside."

    He hesitated. "Linsey, I¡ª"

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    But her cold stare silenced him.

    He gave in, lowering his voice. "Call me if you need anything."

    "I will," she replied softly.

    Gorman didn''t even nce at Collin as he walked out.

    Linsey handed the documents to the judge. "We''ve both agreed to the divorce. I have no objections. Thank you."

    Collin stared at her. She looked calm, but to him, she was drifting further and further away.

    He drew in a slow breath, ced his own papers on the table, and said quietly, "I have no objections either."

    His words hit Linsey like needles. Her heart tightened.

    She bowed her head, clenched her fists, and fought back the tears.

    The judge took both their documents andpleted the process.

    Then he looked at them and said, "Everything''s finalized. Do either of you have questions?"

    Linsey stood up quickly. Her face was tense. She shook her head and turned to leave.

    Just then, she felt a familiar warmth wrap around her wrist-Collin''s touch. It was dry and steady, yet full of emotion. Her hand trembled from the sudden wave of feeling.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 636

    Chapter 636 I Want To

    Leave Grester

    Linsey''s breath quickened all of a sudden. She turned sharply, her body reacting on instinct, trying to pull away.

    But before she could struggle further, Collin let go. His eyes dropped to her right hand. ¡°Is your hand better now?" he asked quietly.

    At that simple question, all the anger, all the words Linsey had bottled up, scattered like dust in the wind.

    A wave of sadness rose in her chest. She turned her face away, blinking back tears. "I''m perfectly fine," she said,

    her voice tight with emotion.

    Collin didn''t seem to notice the strain in her tone. A small sigh slipped from his lips, and a faint smile tugged

    at the corners of his mouth. "That''s good," he murmured.

    Then, slowly and carefully, he added, "Take care of yourself, Linsey. I heard you resigned. Whether you keep working in design or choose something else... I wish you well."

    No matter how hard she tried, Linsey couldn''t hold her tears back anymore.

    She looked at him through her tears and said softly, "You too."

    Then she turned and walked away, without a pause, without looking back.

    Collin stood frozen, staring in the direction she had gone. Even long after she stepped into Gorman''s car and disappeared down the street, he didn''t move.

    It wasn''t until several other couples arrived to file for divorce that Collin finally pulled himself together and walked out, his steps heavy and slow.

    Inside his car, he reached into his pocket and carefully pulled out a small, elegant box.

    Opening it, he revealed a pair of wedding rings-delicate, beautifully crafted, nestled together.

    He stared at them nkly. A single tear slid down his cheek andnded on the rings, its trace glistening on the

    metal.

    Suddenly, his breath hitched, and a choked gasp escaped him as sorrow washed over his face.

    His hand trembled as he lifted the male ring from the box. He silently slipped it onto his left ring finger.

    Then he raised his hand and ced a gentle, solemn kiss on the ring.

    He didn''t care how long it would take-he would wait for her. He would wait however long she needed.

    In Gorman''s car, Linsey sat in silence, tears already streaming down her face.

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    Gorman clenched the steering wheel, his jaw tight as he fought back his frustration. Still, he forced his voice to stay gentle. "Linsey... Please don''t cry."

    She clutched at her chest, the pain too much to contain. Her sobs came in quiet waves, shaking her shoulders.

    Gorman''s heart ached at the sight of her.

    He took a deep breath and muttered, "You know what? I''m going back to beat Collin up."

    Linsey grabbed his sleeve, startled. "What are you saying?" she choked out. Gorman met her red, swollen eyes and said with quiet intensity, "Everything I''ve said to you, I meant it. I would never lie to you, Linsey."

    She looked at him for a long moment, as if searching for something in his gaze. Then her voice came soft and low. "Gorman... Are you still nning to leave Grester?"

    His expression shifted in surprise, but he quickly answered without a second thought. "No. I''m not going anywhere. I said that before because I was angry. I don''t want to leave you."

    Linsey turned away slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I want to leave Grester."

    Gorman froze. Disbelief spread across his face. "What did you just say?"

    Linsey''s voice was steady this time. "I want to leave Grester. I want to leave this ce and nevere back."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 637

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire. Happy Ever After

    Chapter 637 I Meant Dolores

    Four years had flown by in the blink of an eye, and at Grester Airport, a tall, slender woman stepped out with quiet grace, pulling a suitcase behind her. Her dark sunsses hid most of her tiny face, and her wavy hair framed her striking features.

    As she walked, she pulled out her phone, ready to call someone.

    Next to her, a passerby was scrolling through social media. The voice from a video drifted toward her. "Dolores Davidson, CEO of the Davidson Group, has officially invited world-famous designer Aurora Bright to represent thepany in Grester''s quadrennial designpetition. Aurora has been thriving overseas recently, and many are eager to see what surprises she''ll bring this time..."

    The passerby mumbled under his breath, "Is she really that great? Would be funny if she flopped at a local

    contest."

    The woman raised an eyebrow at that but said nothing.

    Just then, her call connected. A warm voice came through the receiver. "Linsey, have younded? The driver I arranged hasn''t picked you up yet. Oh, and I changed your hotel. The one I booked before didn''t have any decent suites, so I upgraded it. I sent the new check-in info. The driver will take you straight there."

    Linsey nced away from the passerby and spoke gently. "There was no need to do that. I would''ve been fine

    staying anywhere."

    Gorman let out a soft chuckle. "I know you''re not picky. But thispetition matters. A better ce might help you rx and focus."

    He paused, then continued with a teasing tone, "Besides, Zander has never stayed in a small room before. I

    doubt he''d take it well, so I went ahead and changed it."

    Linsey gave it a quick thought and didn''t argue. She said, concern evident in her voice, "How''s Zenia doing now?

    She still had a bit of a fever when I left. I wouldn''t have rushed off like that if not for thepetition."

    "She''s doing better now, don''t worry. I''m watching her closely. Once she''s fully recovered, I''ll bring her to see

    you," Gorman replied gently.

    Linsey smiled. ¡°No need. I''ll return right after thepetition. I won''t be staying long."

    Gorman suddenly asked, "What if you meet someone important in Grester? Won''t you want to stay a few more days?"

    Linsey froze. A familiar figure shed through her mind before she could stop it. "I''m not going to see Collin," she blurted out.

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    There was a pause on Gorman''s end. The silence stretched for a moment.

    Then his voice came, low and calm. "Linsey... I meant Dolores."

    Her expression stiffened, and her eyes flickered with frustration.

    She didn''t understand why Collin hade to mind so quickly.

    "Um..." She bit her lip, unsure what to say.

    "Mommy!" A soft little voice called out from behind her.

    Linsey turned and saw Zander Brooks riding toward her on a motorized suitcase,

    with her assistant, Caylee

    Garrett, following behind.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 638

    Chapter 638 Gorman Will

    Take Good Care Of Her

    Zander stopped in front of Linsey, steady and calm. He adjusted the oversized sunsses on his small face, then looked up at her. "Mommy, why do you look sad? Are you worried about Zenia?"

    Linsey blinked, pulled herself back, and forced a gentle smile. "Yes, I''m just a little worried about her."

    Zander gave it some serious thought, then nodded with confidence. "Don''t worry, Mommy. Gorman will take good care of her."

    On the other end of the call, Gorman heard the child''s voice. He lowered his eyes, hiding the flicker of anger

    behind them.

    "Linsey, you can stay in Grester a few more days. Dolores has been working there for years. She''s only met the kids a few times. This is a good chance for her to bond with them. At most, I''ll bring Zenia to join you within a week." His tone was calm and casual.

    This time, Linsey didn''t argue. "Alright. Once Zander and I are settled, I''ll text you. Please take care of Zenia.*

    After ending the call, she let out a quiet sigh.

    She couldn''t understand why, even after all these years, Collin would still drift into her thoughts from time to

    time.

    Caylee noticed the shift in her mood. "Linsey, are you feeling okay?"

    Linsey curved her lips into a smile. "I''m fine. Let''s go."

    Meanwhile, at the other side of the airport, Collin stood tall and cold, his aura sharp and distant.

    Passersby were drawn to his striking looks-but quickly turned away, unsettled by the chill in his presence.

    "Collin!" Dustin rushed over, slightly out of breath. His men followed behind him. "Sorry, the traffic was bad. I didn''t expect you back so soon."

    Collin handed his luggage to a nearby staffer. "It''s fine," he said coolly.

    Dustin nced at Collin''s expression-calm, yet unreadable.

    On the drive over, he had learned that Collin''s trip was meant tost a month. But Collin had worked nonstop to finish early, cutting it short by over a week.

    The branch staff were at their breaking point. Several managers had secretlyined to Dustin, saying they couldn''t keep up with Collin''s pace. They also said they could pass out from exhaustion if he stayed any longer.

    Of course, Dustin kept those words to himself. After four years, he had grown used to it.

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    Ever since Linsey left Grester quietly, Collin hadn''t been the same. Or maybe, he had simply returned to who he used to be-like after the ident, when he was stuck in a wheelchair.

    But this version of Collin felt even colder than before.

    "Let''s head home, Collin. You should get some rest and recover from the flight," Dustin said.

    Collin shook his head. "No. Straight to thepany. Call a senior management meeting."

    Dustin paused, wanting to argue. But he didn''t. What was the point?

    He had tried countless times over the years. Collin never listened.

    Sometimes, Dustin thought-maybe only Linsey could get through to him.

    As that thought crossed his mind, he noticed that Collin suddenly came to a stop.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 639

    Chapter 639 Linsey Is Back!

    Dustin was about to ask what was wrong when Collin suddenly eximed, full of excitement, "Linsey is back!"

    Before Dustin could respond, Collin took off running.

    The sudden outburst left Dustin frozen in ce. He stared after Collin, who was already sprinting across the terminal.

    For a few seconds, Dustin couldn''t believe what he had just heard-Linsey was back?

    His eyes widened in shock. Then he turned to his equally stunned subordinates and yelled, ¡°What are you waiting for? Follow him!"

    "Oh-right!"

    Collin hadn''t felt this alive in years. His chest surged with emotion.

    His eyes were locked on a figure in the distance, one that looked so much like her.

    He ran faster, closing the gap with every step.

    The sound of his own breath thundered in his ears. Everything else faded. All he could feel was his racing heartbeat.

    Finally, he reached out, touched the person''s shoulder, and called, "Linsey!"

    The figure turned. Their eyes met. But in that instant, Collin''s joy froze. "You..." His body stiffened. The light in his eyes faded, just like that. The young girl looked up, cheeks slightly pink. "Sir? Can I help you?"

    Collin quickly withdrew his hand, awkward and quiet.

    Dustin arrived just in time to see the disappointment on Collin''s face.

    He paused, puzzled, then turned to the girl-and instantly understood. She did resemble Linsey a bit, from

    behind at least.

    "Sorry, we thought you were someone else," Dustin said politely, stepping in since Collin remained silent.

    The girl smiled shyly, her gaze still lingering on Collin.

    After a short pause, she pulled out her phone and said bravely, "Sir, could I have your contact? I just arrived in

    Grester, and I''ll be here for a while."

    Dustin stayed quiet, sensing what was happening.

    Collin looked at her briefly, his voice low. "Sorry. I''m married."

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    Chapter 639 Linsey is Back!

    Only then did the girl notice the ring on his finger. She gave a graceful smile. "I didn''t see it earlier. That''s alright. I hope you and your wife stay happy."

    She picked up her luggage and walked away after that.

    Collin stood still, his expression unreadable. After a while, he gave a bitterugh, voice hoarse. "My love is

    missing."

    Dustin couldn''t bear to see him like that. "Well, people get mixed up all the time at busy airports, right?"

    Collin didn''t answer. His left hand curled slightly, and his thumb slowly brushed over his wedding ring.

    In that quiet moment, the truth hit him again-Linsey had been gone for four years.

    Meanwhile, Gorman had booked Linsey a hotel near the designpetition venue. It was also just a short drive

    to Dolores''spany.

    Once they arrived, Linsey asked the staff to take their luggage to the room. Then she took Zander and Caylee

    out to eat.

    "Let''s eat first. After lunch, we''ll rest for a bit. Then this afternoon, we''ll go see Dolores," she said gently to Zander as they sat at the table.

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    Chapter 640 Wee

    Home

    Zander was eating with full enthusiasm, shoveling one bite after another into his mouth without pause.

    When he heard Linsey''s words, his eyes sparkled. "Is it that tall and cool Dolores we met before?"

    Linsey smiled warmly. "Yes, that''s her. Dolores and I grew up together. We''re very, very close. I''ve missed her

    a lot."

    Zander blinked at her, his voice full of innocent sincerity. "Then, Mommy, if you miss her so much, we can just

    live in Grester forever! Gorman can bring Zenia here too!"

    Linsey''s smile faltered. A trace of difort crept into her voice as she gently refused, "No, sweetheart. We

    still have to go back."

    "But you grew up here," Zander said seriously, his little face full of conviction.

    Linsey froze for a second. The light in her eyes dimmed ever so slightly.

    Yes, this was the city she came from. But it was also the ce that left the deepest scars on her heart.

    Truthfully, if not for the sake of promoting Dolores'' fashion brand, she wouldn''t have returned to Grester at all.

    Sensing the sudden heaviness in the air, Caylee quickly stepped in to change the subject. "Linsey, the designpetition organizers just sent over the final event schedule. I''ll go through it with you once we''re back in the

    room."

    Snapping out of her thoughts, Linsey gave a soft smile and nodded. "Alright. Thank you for always staying on

    top of things."

    "It''s nothing." Caylee said in a cheerful tone, eager to lift Linsey''s mood. She picked up some food and ced it on Linsey''s te. "Try this one! I had a bite earlier, and it''s really good."

    "Thank you. But you should eat too. Don''t just worry about me."

    Their meal didn''tst much longer, and soon the three of them made their way up to their suite on the top

    floor.

    Linsey stood by the door, holding Zander''s hand, while Caylee stepped forward to unlock it.

    Caylee blinked in mock confusion. "Huh? That''s odd..."

    She turned toward Linsey. "It won''t open."

    Frowning slightly, Linsey reached out for the card. "Let me try."

    Caylee handed it over, then stepped aside and scooped Zander up in her arms.

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    Linsey gave it another go. This time, a short beep sounded, and the lock dicket open smoothly. She looked back at Caylee, puzzled. "No problem at all."

    She pushed the door open and stepped inside.

    As Linsey flipped on the lights, Caylee discreetly covered Zander''s ears.

    Suddenly, there was a loud bang overhead. Startled, Linsey gasped as confetti burst from above, gently showering down on her, The lights brightened, and a lively chorus rang out. "Wee home, Linsey

    Linsey''s eyes widened in disbelief, then she broke into a surprisedugh. "Dolores

    Dolores dropped what she was holding and rushed over, throwing her arms around Linsey in a tight king

    "Linsey! Do you know how long I''ve waited for this moment?¡± Her voice trembled as tears spilled down her cheeks. "You''ve been gone from Grester for four years. It felt like forever!*

    Linsey was both touched and amused. She gently wiped the tears from Dolores'' face and smiled teasingly. "Dolores, I can''t believe you''re crying. Thest time I saw you cry was probably back when we graduated from college, wasn''t it?" Happy Easter, Special bonus

    over 30%!

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 641

    Chapter 641 He''s Like Family

    Dolores suratted Linsey''s hand wway with a slighe butt "1 wasn''t crying- something just got is my eyes, alright?"

    Then she turned and spotted Zender staring at her with curious eyes. Her mood instantly lifted. "And this must be Zander! Last time I saw him at your ce, he was just a toddley"

    Linseyughed softly. "Back then, he and Zenia were just barely over a year old"

    As she spoke, she waved Zander over. "Come here, sweetheart. Do you still remember Dolores?"

    Zander skipped over with light steps and greeted her sweetly, "Hi, Dolores. I''m really happy to see you today. You''re super pretty!"

    Dolores blinked, then turned to linsey with an impressed grin. "Wow! Look at him, already such a smooth talker. With charm like that, he''s going to have girls lining up when he''s older."

    She reached into her pocket and pulled out a bank card. "Here, a little gift from me. I''ll give Zenia hers when I see her."

    Zander epted it with both hands and said sincerely, "Mommy says not to take money from strangers¡ªbut you''re Mommy''s best friend, so I think it''s okay."

    His reply made Dolores burst intoughter. "Linsey, I didn''t know you were raising such a smart little guy. You''ve done a great job/"

    Linsey smiled with a shake of her head. "These two are honestly easy. They don''t give me much trouble at all."

    While they chatted andughed, Caylee quietly started unpacking their luggage.

    Linsey and Dolores settled on the sofa, catching up, while Zander yed nearby with his little racing car¨Cthe same one he insisted on bringing to Grester.

    Dolores held Linsey''s hand and said softly, "So, how long are you nning to stay this time? You''ve just gotten back-please don''t leave right after thepetition ends."

    Linsey had nned for a short visit, but seeing Dolores again after all this time made her heart waver. "Okay... I''ll try to stay a few more days."

    After a short pause, she added, "Zenia had a mild fever before I left. Gorman''s with her now, and once she''s better, he''ll bring her over."

    At that, Dolores raised an eyebrow and gave her a knowing smile. "You''ve been living with Gorman for four years now, right?"

    She hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice and gave Linsey a yful look. "So... Anything going on

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    Chapter 641 He''s Like Family

    there?"

    Linsey picked up on what she meant and calmly rified, "I told you before- Gorman and I don''t live together. He bought the unit next to mine. We''re neighbors, nothing more. We just help each other out."

    Dolores let out a sigh. "Honestly, I thought he''d give up and move on, but look at him-still by your side after all these years. And now, with Zenia sick, you trusted him to take care of her. That says a lot."

    Linsey didn''t disagree. "I do trust Gorman. He''s reliable, but that''s all there is to it."

    She hesitated for a beat, then said quietly, "To me, he''s like family. I''ve gently tried encouraging him to find someone and settle down, but he always changes the subject with a smile. I really don''t know what else to say

    to him."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 642

    Chapter 642 They''re Completely Charmed By...

    Dolores didn''t sugarcoat her words. "Gorman has perfected the art of staying close enough to be significant,

    but not so close that it feels intrusive. You never feel overwhelmed, yet he''s always right there, just enough to

    keep you thinking about him."

    No argument came to Linsey''s mind. Dolores had captured her situation with Gorman perfectly.

    While watching Zander fiddle with his toy, Dolores tilted her head thoughtfully and asked, "So, how do the kids

    feel about Gorman?"

    Linsey answered right away. "They''repletely charmed by him."

    A few seconds passed before she added in a softer voice, "Not long after they started calling me Mommy, I

    overheard them calling Gorman Daddy. Gorman was caught off guard, I could tell, but he gently corrected them.

    How could I me him for that? If anything, I felt touched. Kids speak from the heart, and I couldn''t possibly

    make a big deal out of something so innocent."

    Dolores leaned back a little, her tone bing thoughtful. "Well, I suppose Gorman has only himself to me

    for falling for someone as ambitious as you."

    Augh escaped Linsey, light and sincere. "Ambitious? I wouldn''t darepete with you. You built a business

    from the ground up and made it thrive in just a few short years. That''s real ambition!"

    Linsey''spliment brought a warm smile to Dolores''s face, but it quickly faded as she regained her

    The sentence trailed off as Dolores suddenly froze, her lips tightening. Realizing her mistake, she briefly shut

    her eyes, mentally scolding herself for mentioning that name in the conversation.

    At the mention of CR Corporation, Linsey''s mind drifted back to a courthouse bench, to the day she finalized her divorce from Collin four years ago.

    Lowering her gaze, she forced a small, polite smile. "CR Corporation was already dominating the local market

    back then. I can only imagine how much stronger they''ve be since."

    Linsey kept her expression steady, trying to project confidence. "We just have to stay hopeful. I came back specifically to join the designpetition under yourpany''s name, to give Davidson Group a bit of extra

    momentum."

    As she finished speaking, she reached over and sped Dolores'' hand with warmth. "I''ll do everything I can to win the championship. This way, your fashion line won''t just stand out in town, it''ll gain recognition

    nationwide."

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    Those words hit Dolores straight in the heart. "Yes!" she eximed, her eyes lighting up. "Let''s give it

    everything we''ve got!"

    Their conversation continued for a while longer, filled with shared determination andughter.

    Off to the side, Zander let out a long, drowsy yawn, rubbing at his eyes.

    Seeing him grow sleepy, Dolores stood up and smoothed his hair. "Looks like someone''s ready for a nap. I need to head out and run some errands, but after you''ve both had some rest,e visit my officeter this

    afternoon."

    "Alright. Be careful on your way back," Linsey said with a soft smile.

    With a few final words, Dolores made her way back to thepany headquarters.

    The moment she stepped into the lobby, her secretary approached. "Ms.

    Davidson, Mr. Wade from CR Corporation is waiting in your office."

    A faint crease appeared between Dolores'' eyebrows as she muttered under her

    breath, "Why does he keep showing up unannounced like this?"

    Before she could give the question any more thought, the office door swung open with confident ease.

    Leaning against the frame, Dustin raised an eyebrow and teased, "Were you just talking about me?"

    Taken off guard, Dolores looked slightly embarrassed for a moment before quickly regaining herposure and motioning for Dustin toe in.

    Once they were alone, Dolores crossed the room and took her seat behind the desk. "So, what brings you

    she asked coolly.

    here?"

    Dustin walked in with his usual ease, shrugging as he spoke, "Honestly? I figured you might have trouble finding a decent designer. I didn''t expect you to bring in Aurora Bright. She''s been making a name for herself overseas. Quite the impressive catch."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 643

    Chapter 643 He Should Let

    Go

    Dolores cast a smug nce at Dustin. "If you can pull in a top-tier designer, I''m not going to sit back and do nothing."

    Dustin narrowed his eyes slightly, then said casually, "You sound confident. Don''t tell me you brought Linsey

    back?"

    The question caught Dolorespletely off guard. Her heart skipped a beat, and her expression faltered for a split second.

    Dustin seemed unfazed by her reaction. "This year''spetition is being held anonymously to keep things fair. No one in the audience will know whichpany hired which designer."

    He paused briefly before adding with meaning, "Aurora has never revealed her true identity-not since her very first design went public."

    Dolores steadied her breath and lowered her voice. "What exactly are you implying?"

    Dustin''s tone was calm. "What I''m saying is, we''ll participate in this year''spetition¡ªand I''m the one overseeing everything. Collin doesn''t know a thing. He used to follow all things rted to fashion design. But after failing to find Linsey again and again, he stopped caring about thesepetitionsst year. So you don''t

    need to worry about him stumbling across her by ident."

    Dolores didn''t expect him to figure so much out. For a moment, she was speechless. Then she countered, "Who

    said Aurora is Linsey? You''re really letting your imagination run wild. Even if Aurora was Linsey, we''d still

    enter thepetition fair and square. No need to tiptoe around just because of Collin."

    Dustin smiled faintly. "Then let''s just say I''m overthinking it."

    After a few seconds of silence, Dolores nced at him, hesitated, then asked carefully, "Why do you sound like

    you don''t want Collin to run into Linsey again?"

    Dustin shrugged with a hint of honesty. "Linsey and Gorman left together four years ago. I figure they''re probably a thing by now. Rather than letting Collin see them happy and tearing himself apart over it, it''s better

    they don''t meet again. As his friend, I''d rather not watch him spiral into heartbreak all over again. It''s been four years. He should let go."

    Dolores''s irritation bubbled to the surface.

    To her, Dustin''s words made it sound like Linsey had left Grester because she was in love with Gorman.

    But that wasn''t the truth at all. Linsey had walked away from Grester because the pain here was too much. She left while expecting, all on her own.

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    Dolores couldn''t even imagine what that must have been like-pregnant and alone in a foreign ce. If not for Gorman''s support, things might have gone very differently for Linsey.

    ¡°Oh, so now you''re trying to tell me how deeply Collin loved her?" Dolores''s voice was sharp with sarcasm. "If he really loved her so much, then how could he lie to her like that? He''s great at ying the devoted husband role, I''ll give him that-he even fooled someone like you, Mr. Romantic Expert."

    Dustin looked genuinely confused, then a bit flustered. "What do you mean by ying the devoted husband role? And what''s this about me being a romance expert? I''ve only had a few rtionships. You make it sound like I''m some kind of heartbreaker."

    Dolores waved him off, clearly annoyed. "Whatever. I''m not in the mood to argue with you over this. Is this seriously the reason you came here today?"

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    Chapter 644 You Could''ve Seriously Hurt Someone

    Dustin''s imposing air melted away in an instant. He scratched his head, a little sheepishly. "It''s lunchtime, isn''t it? I just came to see if you wanted to grab a bite."

    Dolores narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "You sure it''s lunch you''re after? Or are you trying to snoop around for our designer''s creative ideas? Well, forget it. This time, we''re aiming straight for the top three!"

    Dustin went quiet for a beat, then said earnestly, "You''ve got it all wrong. I genuinely just wanted to have lunch. Nothing else."

    But Dolores brushed him off without hesitation. "No thanks. I''m busy. Go bug someone else."

    And just like that, Dustin was unceremoniously kicked out of her office.

    He stood in the hallway, staring at the tightly shut door. After a long pause, he let out a quietugh-half amused, half resigned. Yet there was a softness in his eyes, a quiet affection he hadn''t even noticed himself.

    He muttered with a sigh, "She''s getting colder by the day. I go out of my way to ask her to lunch, and she thinks I''ve got some hidden agenda. Honestly, it stings."

    Despite his words, there was no trace of anger on his face.

    He simply shook his head, helpless and a little amused, then turned to leave.

    There was a lot to handle back at CR Corporation. The designpetition was the day after tomorrow, and he

    needed to focus.

    After a short nap, Linsey set off for the Davidson Group along with Zander and Caylee.

    It had been four years since she left, and Grester had changed in many small ways. Dolores''pany had even

    moved to a new location.

    Linsey stared out the window, watching the unfamiliar streets pass by as her mind drifted.

    All of a sudden, the car gave a sharp jolt as it collided with the vehicle in front. Everyone inside was thrown

    forward.

    Caylee, riding in the front passenger seat, let out a surprised yelp. In the back, Linsey instinctively pulled Zander close to protect him.

    The driver''s face went pale. He stammered nervously, "W-we hit the car in front..."

    He nced anxiously at Caylee, then turned to check on Linsey and Zander. "Ms. Brooks, are you alright? And your son?"

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    Chapter 644 You Could''ve Seriously Hurt Someone

    Linsey quickly sat up straighter, her eyes scanning Zander for injuries.

    "Mommy, I''m fine," Zander said in a small, shaken voice, clearly scared-but thankfully unhurt.

    Linsey breathed a quiet sigh of relief and gave him aforting squeeze. "We''re okay. Go check on the other car."

    "Yes, Ms. Brooks." The driver got out and hurried over.

    A momentter, Linsey noticed someone step out of the car they had hit.

    There was something about the figure that struck her-tall, confident, familiar. She couldn''t quite ce him, but something about him tugged at her memory.

    Caylee rolled down the window, letting the voices from outside drift in.

    "I''m really sorry, sir. I couldn''t stop in time. I''ll cover the cost-just tell me how much the damage is," the

    driver said.

    The man frowned as he inspected the back of his car. "What kind of driver can''t brake in time? You could''ve seriously hurt someone."

    "I know, and I''m truly sorry. Please let me know how much I owe," the driver repeated sincerely.

    Linsey listened from the backseat, her brows drawing together. She was about to ask Caylee to step out and handle it but before she could, the other car''s door opened again, and another tall figure emerged.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 645

    Chapter 645 You Look Just Like Zander

    Linsey''s eyes widened in a sh, and her heart began to race wildly.

    In the brief moment she stood frozen, Collin had already walked between the two

    cars.

    She never imagined that on her very first day back in Grester, she would run into Collin.

    Still stunned, she nced down at Zander, who was lying quietly in her arms, still a little dazed.

    Then it hit her-she couldn''t let Collin see Zander. If he did, he would definitely sense something wasn''t right.

    "Is the damage serious?" Collin asked.

    Outside the car, Collin looked nkly at the rear of the vehicle.

    There were a few scuff marks, but nothing major.

    "Mr. Riley," his subordinate called respectfully as Collin stepped out.

    The driver stared at Collin, eyes wide. He mumbled in disbelief, "You look just like Zander..."

    Hearing that, Collin''s subordinate frowned. "Who''s Zander?"

    Collin didn''t respond. His gaze swept across the other car without much thought- until something caught his

    eye.

    His breath hitched. He stared hard, trying to make out the face half-hidden in the shadows of the back seat. Was that Linsey? His feet moved on their own. He stepped closer to the car, his heart beginning to pound. The nearer he got, the stronger the feeling grew-someone important was in that car.

    Meanwhile, the driver couldn''t stop staring.

    The resemnce between Collin and Zander was too striking to ignore. Collin looked like the grown version of

    Zander.

    He knew nothing of Linsey''s past with Collin. Gorman had simply connected him with the job through a friend

    in Grester.

    The driver figured they must be rted. And if that was the case, maybe he wouldn''t have to pay for the damage after all.

    "Sir, I..." He started to speak, ready to mention Linsey.

    But just then, Caylee stepped out of the passenger seat and pulled him aside. "Is there a problem that''s hard to solve?"

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    Chapter 645 You Look Just Like Zander

    She stepped in front of Collin, blocking his viewpletely.

    With a calm smile, she said, "I''m so sorry. Our driver wasn''t careful and caused you trouble. Please forgive us."

    She pulled out her phone. "I''ll pay you directly."

    Collin''s subordinate stayed quiet, waiting for his boss to speak.

    After a pause, Collin said, "You got out from the passenger seat. Is someone else inside? May I speak with your

    boss?"

    Caylee felt a chill run through her. She hadn''t expected him to be this persistent.

    Recalling Linsey''s instructions, she forced a polite smile and replied, "You must be mistaken, sir. There''s just two of us in the car."

    The driver quickly caught on. Linsey must have told her to say that.

    He jumped in, nodding. "Yes, just the two of us."

    After a beat, he added, "How much do you want forpensation? Just name it.

    I''ll take full responsibility. The ident was my fault."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 646

    Chapter 646 I''d Like To Speak With Your Boss

    Collin stared closely at Caylee and the driver.

    He couldn''t say for sure if the person in the back seat was Linsey, but he was certain-someone was back there.

    What puzzled him was why they were lying.

    He knew he had no right to pry or question who was inside. But their odd behavior made it hard to let it go.

    Something wasn''t adding up.

    A thought crept in-maybe the person in the back seat knew him.

    If so, why were they hiding?

    Collin said nothing for a moment, then calmly pulled out his phone. "Let''s call the police. They''re the ones who can properly decide who''s at fault here."

    Caylee''s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn''t expected things to go this far.

    She took a breath, trying to stayposed. "Sir, we''re more than willing to pay for the damage. There''s really no need to involve the police. We have other things to handle and not much time."

    Collin smiled, but it didn''t quite reach his eyes. "Since you admit fault, then just do me a small favor. I''d like to speak with your boss. That''s not asking much, is it? If they don''t want toe out, I can talk to them through

    the window."

    With that, he brushed past both Caylee and the driver, heading straight for the back seat.

    Caylee''s heart jumped. She quickly stepped forward, her voice tight with panic. "Sir, please, you-"

    Inside the car, Linsey''s heart pounded like a drum.

    The door was locked-she knew that. Collin couldn''t open it.

    Still, being this close to him again, after so long, sent a wave of nerves through her. She couldn''t calm the storm

    inside her.

    In her arms, Zander sat quietly, staring at Collin through the ss.

    He recognized him. This was the man who always made his mother sad.

    Suddenly, a ringtone pierced the silence.

    Linsey flinched. It was Collin''s phone.

    She watched as he paused and answered the call

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    Chapter 646 I''d Like To Speak With Your Boss

    "Collin, where are you? Our clients are already here and waiting," Dustin said from the other end.

    Collin''s expression changed slightly. He hadpletely forgotten about the afternoon meeting.

    He turned and began walking back to his car. "Alright," he told Dustin.

    As he passed his subordinate, he gave a brief order. "Forget thepensation. Take me to the office-and bring

    a different car."

    "Yes, sir." The man nodded quickly, then turned to Caylee and the driver. "You

    heard my boss. No need topensate. We''ll be going now."

    Momentster, the car pulled away, disappearing down the street.

    Back inside their own car, Caylee let out a breath of relief. "Linsey, he left. He got

    a call and didn''t push further. No talk ofpensation."

    Linsey lowered her eyes. Her voice was distant. "Okay."

    After that, Caylee turned sharply to the driver with a frown. "Why would you bring

    up Zander like that? It doesn''t matter how much that man looks like Zander-it has nothing to do with us. Next time, keep your mouth shut around strangers."

    Rmended for you

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 647

    Chapter 647 I Saw Collin On The Way Here

    The driver scratched his head awkwardly. "Sorry... I was just too shocked. That man really looks like~*

    Caylee cut in sharply. "That''s enough! Stop with the nonsense and focus on driving."

    "Yes, ma''am." He mped his mouth shut and quietly started the engine.

    After scolding him, Caylee nced back at Linsey in the rear seat.

    Linsey stared nkly out the window, her expression distant and heavy.

    With a quiet sigh, Caylee bit her lip, then took out her phone and quickly sent a message to Gorman. "Boss, Ms. Brooks just ran into Collin Riley. He didn''t see her."

    Within seconds, her phone buzzed with a reply.

    She wasn''t surprised-Gorman always responded fast when it came to Linsey.

    "How is Linsey doing?" he asked.

    Caylee hesitated, then typed honestly, "She seems really upset."

    This time, the reply took a little longer. "I see. Stay close to her. Tell me right away if anything happens."

    "Yes, boss," Caylee responded immediately.

    Gorman was currently abroad taking care of Zenia, which meant he couldn''t be there for Linsey himself.

    She must protect Linsey and keep her far from Collin until he returned.

    Just then, Linsey''s phone rang. It was Dolores. "Linsey, are you and Zander almost at my office?" her voice came cheerfully through the speaker.

    Linsey offered a faint smile. "Almost there. There was a small incident on the way, so we''re running a littlete." "A small incident? Are you okay? Was anyone hurt?" Dolores asked, her tone shifting with concern. "We''re fine. I''ll tell you everything when we see each other," Linsey said softly, her gaze falling as her mind shed back to the moment she saw Collin outside the car. She wasn''t ready to talk about it-not yet.

    "Alright. I just finished a client meeting at a nearby restaurant. You cane here directly. It has a kid''s y area upstairs, so Caylee can watch Zander while we talk," Dolores replied.

    "Okay. Send me the location-we''re on our way," Linsey said.

    They soon arrived at the restaurant.

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    Chapter 6471 Saw Collin On The Way Here

    A waiter led them to Dolores'' private dining room.

    Since they had already eaten, Dolores didn''t order much-just a few sses of juice

    After a few quiet minutes, Dolores turned to Caylee. "The second floor has a y area. Why don''t you take

    Zander up for a bit? I need to go over thepetition details with Linsey."

    Caylee nodded. "Ms. Brooks, call me if you need anything"

    Linsey leaned in and whispered, "Don''t let Zander out of your sight."

    "I won''t," Caylee replied.

    She left with Zander, leaving the room quiet.

    Dolores studied Linsey carefully. "You seem off today. What happened earlier?¡±

    Linsey let out a gentle sigh, her eyes clouded. "I saw Collin on the way here." Happy Easter, Special bonus over 30%!

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 648

    Chapter 648 Did Your Cars Collide

    Dolores''s eyes widened in shock. "How on earth did you bump into Collin on your very first day back?"

    She paused for a beat, then asked, "Did he see Zander? What was his reaction?"

    Zander and Collin looked so alike.

    Collin wasn''t clueless. If he saw Zander, he would know right away that Zander was his child.

    Linsey shook her head, her face serious. "No. We were still in the car when he stepped out of his. He didn''t see

    us."

    Dolores quickly caught on. "Did your cars collide?"

    Linsey nodded. "Yeah. My driver said some things he shouldn''t have. It made Collin suspicious. He even tried to look inside my car. But he got a call and left. He didn''t even ask forpensation."

    Just hearing it made Dolores feel the tension Linsey must have felt.

    She let out a long breath. "Thank goodness he didn''t see you. But you came back for thepetition, and Grester isn''t exactly a big ce. In our circle, news travels fast. It''s only a matter of time before Collin finds out."

    Linsey nodded. "You''re right. But for now, I don''t want him to know I''m back. And I definitely don''t want him to see Zander or Zenia. If he ever finds out about the kids..."

    She trailed off, her eyes shing with resolve. "I won''t let him take them away from me."

    Upstairs, in the children''s area, Caylee was ying with Zander.

    In the middle of the fun, Zander suddenly said, "I need to go to the restroom." "Alright. Let''s go," Caylee replied.

    She pulled out a clean handkerchief from her bag and gently wiped the sweat off his face. Then she led him to the restroom on the same floor.

    At the entrance of the men''s room, Zander stopped and turned to her, his tone serious "Caylee, you''re a girl. You shouldn''t go into the men''s room. I''ll go in by myself."

    Caylee chuckled. ¡°Alright, little man. But take your time. And if anything happens, just call my name, okay

    She paused, then added with a yful grin, "And you better be out in five minutes. Or I''m breaking the door down."

    09:06

    <

    Chapter 648 Did Your Cars Collide

    Zander nodded like a soldier and turned toward the restroom

    Caylee stopped him with a smile and pointed at his face. "Hey, little gentleman, do you really need sinsses in the restroom? Want me to hold them? And your backpack too? You''ve been carrying it all day"

    Zander shook his head, firm and proud. "A real gentleman carries his own backpack. And I can wear my sunsses in the restroom. Don''t worry, Caylee"

    With that, he trotted off inside, leaving her smiling to herself.

    Once in a stall, Zander stood on tiptoe and locked the door. He pulled out his little phone from his backpack and sent a message to Zenia. "I saw the bad guy who always makes Mommy upset. Are you still sick? When can youe over? Let''s think of a way to get back at him¡ªfor Mommy

    :

    09:06

    0<

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire. Happy Ever After

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 649

    Chapter 649 Thank You, Sir!

    Zander waited patiently for about thirty minutes before a message came in.

    Zenia replied, "I''m feeling much better today, Zander. I''ll ask Gorman to take me to meet you and Mommy tonight. Can you wait on the revenge n? I want us to do it together-we''re both Mommy''s kids."

    Zander quickly typed back a simple "OK" and tucked the phone into his backpack.

    After finishing up, he walked to the sink. The counter was a bit high, and he stood there, trying to figure out

    how to wash his hands.

    Just then, azy voice came from beside him. "What''s the matter, little guy? Need a hand?"

    Zander looked up at the tall man beside him and answered without hesitation, "That would be great, sir."

    Dustin raised a brow, amused. He dried his own hands, bent down, and lifted Zander with ease, holding him up

    to the faucet.

    "The hot water''s on the left," he said kindly.

    Zander gave a quiet response. "I''m not that silly."

    He washed his hands carefully, then added naturally, "I need to dry my hands." The boy''s calm and confident tone caught Dustin''s interest. He set Zander down and handed him some tissues, then joked, "You sound like a littlemander." Zander carefully wiped his hands. "Don''t worry, sir. I''ll remember to thank you." He looked up and said, word by word, "Thank you, sir!"

    Dustin chuckled. "You''re quite something. Wearing sunsses in the restroom, huh?"

    Zander snorted softly. "No need to be jealous. If you like them, you can buy your own."

    Dustinughed, warmth flickering in his eyes. "You''re really interesting, I must say. Where are your parents? Are they outside? Should I take you out?"

    Zander tilted his head, then said seriously, "Sir, are you just trying to ask about my sunsses brand? You don''t need to beat around the bush. Mommy always says to speak clearly. If we don''t, people might not

    understand."

    Dustin blinked, caught off guard by the boy''s quick wit.

    Before he could respond, Zander took off his sunsses and turned them to check the brand.

    But Dustin''s gaze wasn''t on the sses anymore.

    Dustin froze the second Zander lifted his face.

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    Chapter 649 Thank You, Sir!

    His eyes widened in disbelief. Zander looked just like Collin.

    For a split second, Dustin wondered if he was dreaming. His heartbeat jumped, and a faint ringing filled his ears. He couldn''t even hear what Zander was saying anymore.

    Zander finished reading the brand out loud, then noticed Dustin standing there in a daze, his lips pursed.

    He remembered what Caylee had said he had only five minutes. If he didn''t leave soon, she woulde in

    after him. And that would be truly embarrassing for her.

    So, without another word, Zander turned and walked out.

    It wasn''t until then that Dustin finally snapped back to reality.

    He stood there, stunned, his thoughts racing. That face-there was no mistake. Zander had to be rted to

    Collin.

    0

    :

    09:06

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 650

    Chapter 650 Is Your Phone Good

    Dustin couldn''t stop wondering when Collin had a child-and why he had kept it a secret.

    The moment Zander started to disappear from view, Dustin''s heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, he dashed after him. "Hey, kid! Hold on a second!"

    Outside, Dustin saw Zander walking toward a woman. She spoke to him briefly, then gently took his hand and

    led him away.

    The woman looked in, but her bright eyes and warm smile stood out.

    Dustin guessed she was Zander''s mother.

    He followed quickly, pulling out his phone, ready to snap a photo of Zander. The boy looked just like Collin.

    Something in his gut told him Zander was rted to Collin.

    No he was almost sure of it. Zander had to be Collin''s lost son.

    The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He opened his camera and aimed.

    All of a sudden, a blow hit him square in the back.

    Dustin flinched in shock. His phone slipped from his hand and hit the floor with a loud crack.

    "Who the-" The curse on his lips froze when he turned and saw Dolores.

    He held back his anger, but the effort made him cough hard. His face turned red.

    Dolores looked a little embarrassed.

    She had rushed over and hit him to stop him from taking the picture.

    Now she realized she might have overdone it.

    "Y-you okay?" she asked, her voiceced with guilt. She forced a smile. "I saw you from afar and thought I''d surprise you. Didn''t think you''d scare so easily."

    After a pause, she added, "You sure you''re alright?"

    While she was speaking, her eyes flicked past Dustin. She spotted Caylee walking away with Zander. F washed over her like a wave.

    Dustin stared at her, dazed, then quickly turned around.

    Zander-the boy who looked so much like Collin-was gone.

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    Chapter 650 is Your Phone Good

    He hurried over and bent down to pick up his phone.

    Dolores stepped closer, eyes fixed on the device, silently hoping it was broken. "Is

    your phone good? I can pay for it if it''s damaged."

    Dustin checked the screen, then gave a small smile. "No need. It''s tough. Still works fine."

    "Ah, that''s good," Dolores said, forcing a grin.

    Her gaze lingered on the phone, uneasy.

    She had seen him trying to take a picture of Zander. That was why she had knocked the phone away

    If he had gotten that shot, things would have gotten messy. She would have had to find a way to erase it.

    Just then, Dustin frowned and muttered, ¡°Ugh. The picture''s all blurry."

    Dolores couldn''t help the smile that tugged at her lips.

    But she quickly masked it with a look of concern. "Oh? What picture? Was it

    something important for work?"

    Rmended for you

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    AFTER DIVORCE

    A Second Chance With The CEO...

    Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his

    life...

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 651

    Chapter 651 Is Linsey With Anyone

    Dustin turned to look at her. There was an apologetic look on Dolores''s face, and something about it tugged at him. "It''s not a work photo," he said quietly.

    Dolores bit her lip and lowered her voice. "What kind of photo was it? I''m really sorry, Dustin. I didn''t mean to

    interrupt. I didn''t know it was something important."

    Her guilt made him ufortable. He quickly replied, "It''s fine. I just saw a kid that looked really familiar."

    Thinking of the boy again, Dustin blurted, "That kid looked just like Collin. He''s the spitting image of Collin

    when he was younger."

    Dolores cursed silently. So Dustin had seen Zander.

    After a brief pause, her eyes narrowed with interest. She tilted her head and asked, "Wait, what did you just say? A kid that looks like Collin?"

    Still unaware of the trap he was walking into, Dustin nodded. "Yeah. The one that just passed by. I wanted to take a picture to show Collin, but I missed the chance."

    Dolores let out a coldugh. Her voice turned sharp. "Incredible! Just incredible! So Collin already has a kid? Four years ago, he acted like he was so devoted. And now, not long after, he''s already had a child with another woman? And that child is old enough to walk around? Wow. Collin really is a two-faced jerk."

    Dustin stared at her, stunned. "No, no... That''s not what I meant."

    "Oh, really? Didn''t you just say there''s a kid who looks exactly like Collin? What more is there to say?" Dolores raised an eyebrow, mockery all over her face.

    She gave a little shrug and added with a bitter smile, "Anyway, it doesn''t matter. Collin and Linsey divorced four years ago. They''re done. Whoever he sleeps with or has kids with is none of her business. And Linsey-she deserves better, too."

    Dustin couldn''te up with anything to say.

    He had been the one who brought it up in the first ce.

    And now, even if he wanted to take it back, he couldn''t.

    "I-I was wrong. That kid probably doesn''t look like Collin. I wasn''t serious. And these past few years hasn''t-" "Enough. I don''t care what Collin has or hasn''t done," Dolores said, cutting him off sharply. She ook a breath and steadied her tone. "You''ve helped me in the past, so I''ll let this go. Let''s not make it a big deal."

    lin

    With that, she put on a calm, collected face and turned to leave.

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    Chapter 651 Is Linsey With Anyone

    Dustin reached out and grabbed her sleeve without thinking. "Hold on..."

    She turned back, brows raised. "What is it now?"

    He hesitated. At first, he wanted to smooth things over. But then, another question slipped out. "Is Linsey with

    anyone?"

    Dolores rolled her eyes dramatically. "Whether she does or not has nothing to do with Collin. So don''t go digging into her life for his sake."

    She pulled her arm free and walked away, her steps quick and firm.

    Dustin stood frozen, regret clouding his eyes.

    Why had he even brought up Collin?

    He knew Dolores couldn''t stand Collin because of what happened with Linsey.

    Now she was clearly upset with him too.

    With a heavy sigh, Dustin dropped the thought of Zander entirely.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 652

    Chapter 652 I Promise We''ll Always Stay Toget...

    Dolores slipped back into the private room and quietly shut the door behind her.

    Only when her eyes met Linsey''s worried expression did the tightness in her chest begin to ease.

    She shed Linsey a calm smile. "Everything''s alright now."

    Caylee exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her chest. "Thank goodness. I almost made a huge mistake."

    Turning toward her, Linsey gave a gentle shake of her head. "It''s not on you. Coming back to Grester, I knew I''d eventually run into someone from my past. You''ve never met those people, so of course, you wouldn''t know how to react right away. Besides, I was the one who asked you to take Zander to the y area."

    Back then, Caylee had only heard Dustin''s name mentioned as a close associate of Collin, but she had never

    seen him in person.

    After getting a clear look at Dustin''s face, she silently vowed never to let something like that happen again.

    Zander, who had been quietly observing, finally looked up at Linsey. "Mommy, was that man dangerous? Why are we hiding from him?"

    Before Linsey could answer, Dolores stepped in, her tone serious. "Zander, that man is connected to someone who hurt your mom. If he finds out about you, he might try to use you to hurt her again, and we can''t let that

    happen."

    Fear flickered across Zander''s face, his body stiffening at her words.

    Immediately, Linsey pulled him into her arms, holding him close. "Dolores, don''t scare him like that," she said softly, a hint of helplessness in her voice.

    Dolores didn''t back down. "Zander needs to have some awareness of the risks. What if that man really tries to

    take him away?"

    She took a moment before she continued, "You''ve sacrificed so much for Zander and Zenia, carrying them, raising them alone, enduring everything by yourself. And what has that man ever done? Aside from being their biological father, he hasn''t lifted a finger. So why should he have any im to them now?"

    Hearing those words, Zander clung to Linsey''s side, gripping her clothes tightly. "Mommy, I don''t want anyone else. Zenia and I just want to stay with you."

    es

    Reaching out, Linsey gently brushed her fingers through Zander''s hair. "Don''t be scared," she said. "Du. didn''t mean it that way. No one''s going to take you or your sister from me. I promise we''ll always stay together."

    Dolores''s heart sank a little at the sight of Zander''s troubled expression.

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    §à

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    Chapter 6521 Promise We''ll Always Stay Together

    A soft sigh escaped her lips. ¡°Let me check if Dustin had left the building. Once I''m sure he''s gone, I''ll make

    sure you both get back to the hotel safely, it''s not wise to linger out here too long."

    After thinking it through, Dolores added in a more cautious tone, "Until Gorman arrives, we need to keep both

    Zander and Zeniapletely out of sight, especially from Collin and Dustin. Once Gorman''s here, at least we''[] have someone we can count on to keep them protected."

    Linsey gave a firm nod. "That makes sense. I''ll be extra careful from now on."

    Looking down at Zander, who still seemed unsettled in her arms, she continued gently, "Even if Collin finds out I''ve returned, I won''t let him see Zander. It''s better this way, especially since Zander really..."

    The resemnce was undeniable. Anyone who had ever met Collin would instantly notice how much Zander

    looked like him.

    That alone exined why Dustin had reacted the way he did.

    Once Dolores confirmed that Dustin had left the restaurant, she led the way, quietly ensuring Linsey and Zander made it back to their hotel without incident.

    At the same time, Dustin had returned to CR Corporation, though his thoughts remained fixed on Dolores.

    09:06

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 653

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 653 I Haven''t Been With Anyone But Linsey

    As he caught sight of Collin at work in his office, Dustin''s thoughts immediately jumped to Zander-the boy he had spotted earlier at the restaurant.

    There was no doubt in his mind. The resemnce hadn''t been imagined. That child truly looked like a younger

    version of Collin.

    Regret hit him hard. He hadn''t managed to take a photo as proof.

    Having known Collin for years, Dustin understood him inside and out. Without something concrete, even the most detailed exnation wouldn''t hold water. Collin would dismiss it without a second thought.

    What made it even more bewildering was the fact that Collin hadn''t been romantically involved with anyone but Linsey in all these years.

    So the appearance of a child bearing Collin''s features came as aplete shock.

    A sudden possibility dawned on Dustin. Maybe-just maybe-Linsey had already been pregnant when she and Collin parted ways four years ago.

    The idea stunned him.

    "What are you just standing there for?" Collin asked in a steady tone, then lifted his gaze toward Dustin, who stood by the door.

    That snapped Dustin out of it. Seeing the stunned look on his friend''s face, Collin arched a brow. "What''s going

    on?"

    Still rattled, Dustin tried to gather himself. He opened his mouth, hesitated, then forced himself to walk toward the desk. "Can I ask you something... personal?"

    Collin didn''t even nce at him. "No."

    Dustin ignored the rejection, sat down with a straight face, and leaned forward. "Look, Collin, this mighte off as invasive, but it''s something important. You deserve to know."

    Lifting his gaze, Collin fixed his eyes on him. "Then quit dragging it out. Just say what you came to say."

    Dustin paused briefly, unsure how to phrase the question without sounding intrusive. Still, he pressed forward. "Collin, have you been with anyone... romantically, in the past few years?"

    That line barely left his mouth before Collin''s expression shifted into something cold and sharp. "What did you just say?"

    Noticing the irritation re across his friend''s face, Dustin quickly raised his hands in defense. "I didn''t mean

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    KIKA

    III

    Chapter 6531 Haven''t Been With Anyone But Linsey

    anything by it-1 was just wondering"

    With a slight drop of his gaze, Collin grew thoughtful before asking coldly, "Did you go talk to Dolores again

    Over time, Collin had picked up on Dustin''s strange concern for Dolores-far too frequent to be casual.

    There was no doubt in his mind that Dolores, being Linsey''s closest friend, probably knew everything about Linsey''s whereabouts since the divorce.

    But at this point, Collin had lost any right to approach Dolores and ask where Linsey might be.

    Instead, he pinned his hopes on Dustin. Maybe one day, he woulde back with news about Linsey. Maybe he would say the words Collin could no longer ask for himself.

    That was why he had always allowed, even quietly encouraged, Dustin''s connection with Dolores.

    A moment ago, when Dustin suddenly threw the question at him, Collin instantly suspected that Dolores might be using Dustin to speak on her behalf.

    To him, that suggested the question Dolores raised could very well reflect Linsey''s true intentions.

    That thought alone lit a spark behind Collin''s eyes.

    "It''s nothing serious, Collin. I was just wondering, that''s all. You don''t need to exin if you''d rather not." Dustin''s thoughts kept circling back to Zander, whose resemnce to Collin was impossible to ignore.

    But now he was starting to believe it might have been nothing more than chance, convincing himself that Zander likely had no connection to Collin whatsoever, and the idea had just been something he imagined.

    Collin fixed his gaze on Dustin, silence thick between them for a moment. Then, with deliberate calm, he replied, ¡°No. I haven''t been with anyone but Linsey. And I never will."

 Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 654

    Chapter 654 Was There Any Chance She Was...

    Collin spoke in a calm, steady voice. Not a trace of emotion showed.

    Dustin looked at him, sensing the honesty in his eyes.

    He didn''t doubt it-not one bit. For the past four years, Collin had buried himself in work. Day in, day out, he had little time for anything else, let alone another woman.

    Besides, Dustin knew Collin well. If he had truly moved on from Linsey, there would be no reason for him to wear that wedding ring-the one he had specially designed for her-every single day.

    Collin wasn''t the type to put on a show. And with his status now, faking feelings for Linsey wouldn''t serve any purpose. It would be a waste of time.

    After thinking for a moment, Dustin said, "Collin, just one more question. When you and Linsey divorced... Was there any chance she was pregnant?"

    Collin''s expression darkened. His reply was firm. "No. That''s impossible."

    Dustin blinked, caught off guard by the certainty. "How can you be so sure? I mean... Pregnancy isn''t always obvious, right?"

    Collin looked at him coldly, unwilling to exin. "I''m sure. Linsey wasn''t pregnant. So stop guessing."

    He was certain because he remembered it clearly-four years ago, Linsey had been hurt at Carol''s birthday party. From that day until their divorce two monthster, they hadn''t been intimate.

    Before the party, they were still in love. If she had been pregnant then, she would have told him. Something like that couldn''t stay hidden.

    Besides, with the way he had hurt her, Collin doubted she would ever carry his child. The thought brought a bitter smile to his lips. His eyes dimmed with quiet sadness.

    Dustin noticed. Collin''s face, already nk, grew even colder.

    His heart skipped a beat. He quickly said, "Forget I asked."

    Collin took a breath and asked in a low voice, "Have you heard anything about Linsey?"

    Dustin replied without thinking. "Dolores warned me not to. She even yelled at me today."

    Collin didn''t seem surprised. He just nodded slightly. "I see."

    Dustin felt uneasy watching him sink into silence.

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    Chapter 654 Was There Any Chance She Was Pregnant

    He had once wondered if the designer Dolores hired might actually be Linsey. But he wasn''t sure.

    He had even asked Dolores directly once. She mocked him and threw him out of her office.

    Honestly, Dustin believed what he told her-it might be better not to bring up Linsey at all. Why stir up old

    pain?

    Now, he even felt he must have been confused to think that Zander might be Linsey and Collin''s child.

    Plenty of people looked alike. And Zander was just a kid. His features weren''t even fully formed yet.

    The more he thought about it, the more he regretted asking those questions. They had only upset Collin.

    Still, Dustin knew-whether he spoke her name or not-Collin would always be thinking of Linsey.

    Dustin couldn''t help but wonder... Was she with someone else now? Married, maybe?

    10:03

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 656

    Chapter 655 Don''t Stress

    The next day, the long-awaited fashion designpetition finally kicked off.

    Everything was done anonymously. The designers worked behind screens, and only their workstations were

    shown in real-time. Judges and viewers could watch every step of their creative process through a live stream.

    Before it all began, Dolores and Linsey were in the contestants'' private resting

    room.

    Dolores said to Linsey, gripping her shoulders, "Linsey, don''t stress. Let''s just aim for a solid spot-maybe second or third. Collin''spany brought in Arthur Flores, the world-famous designer. He''s a legend. Beating him won''t be easy. But no matter what, you''ll always be the best in my heart."

    Linsey chuckled. "Dolores, you''re more nervous than I am."

    She yfully waved a hand near Dolores'' face. "Take a deep breath. If you calm down, I won''t feel a thing."

    "I''m calm, I swear," Dolores said, exhaling hard. Still, her face stayed tight with worry.

    Just then, the TV screen in the room lit up, showing the main stage. The host walked out to a round of cheers.

    A soft knock came at the door. A staff member peeked in. "Ms. Bright, it''s time." Linsey gave Dolores''s hand a gentle squeeze before getting to her feet.

    The staff member paused, clearly taken aback by Linsey''s beauty. He hadn''t expected her to be this striking. Still, he kept things professional. "This way, please."

    Linsey gave a small nod and followed him down a quiet side hallway.

    The corridor was empty. She didn''t see anyone else until they reached a booth. From inside, she could hear the

    buzz of the crowd outside.

    "Ms. Bright, please put on the gloves and voice changer. All contestants are required to wear them," the staff

    member said softly.

    She nodded, slipping on the gloves. They covered her hands but allowed her to draw easily. She clipped the voice changer to her cor.

    Once everything was set, the host''s voice rang out across the venue. "Family, friendship, love... Each of us carries unforgettable emotions. Today''s theme is all about those feelings. Every designer sees emotion differently. Now, the staff will hand out in white T-shirts in random sizes. Your task is to create an emotion - themed design on the T-shirt within two hours."

    The crowd reacted instantly, buzzing with surprise.

    "Wait, T-shirts? That''s it?"

    "Don''t be so quick to judge. They can modify the shirt too. I think this theme really pushes creativity and basic design skills."

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    Chapter 655 Don''t Stress

    "Still, emotions? That''s so old-fashioned, We''re in the age of trends."

    "You''ve got it wrong. Emotions are timeless. They shape our lives. They''ll always matter, no matter the era."

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    Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their we...

    UNSPOKEN HEARTS:

    MUTE WIFE''S ESCAPE

    16.6M views

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 657

    Chapter 657 That Designer Is Using The Left Hand

    After a short pause, Dustin continued with confidence, "Rx. The other designers are not impressive. Two of them are visibly nervous, even with gloves on. And the funniest one? The third from the left. It''s been ten minutes, and that designer hasn''t even moved..."

    Before he could finish, the screen showed a shift. The once-still hands began retrieving tools from the drawers and neatly arranging them across the workstation-each movement crisp and controlled.

    Dustin scoffed, "Well, it seems our slowpoke finally decided to wake up. Still, I doubt that kind of start will lead anywhere. Especially with such a dull theme this year."

    He leaned back smugly, expecting a nod of agreement-but none came.

    Puzzled, Dustin turned toward Collin, only to find him staring intently at one of the screens.

    Curious, Dustin followed his gaze-and realized it was locked on the designer he had just mocked.

    Dustin had a feeling he was interested in that one.

    Before he could say anything, Collin suddenly spoke, his voice quiet but clear. "That designer is using the left

    hand."

    His tone was t, yet something unreadable flickered in his eyes-something almost too subtle to notice.

    Dustin blinked, surprised. ¡°So? Maybe they''re just left-handed."

    But Collin didn''t answer. His gaze remained fixed, as if searching for something he couldn''t quite name.

    Despite the identical gloves, the hidden faces, and the altered voices, something about the left-handed designer stirred a strange unease in Collin''s chest.

    While he sat quietly, lost in thought, the designer on the screen began sketching quick, rough drafts on a scrap sheet. The lines were loose, but there was clear intention in the motion. The sketches were pinned to the top-right corner of the desk with a maic clip.

    The livestream chat instantly lit up again. "Wait, what is that supposed to be? I can''t make sense of it!"

    "Left-handed and already wasting time. That sketch looks like it was drawn by a child."

    "Honestly, this person has no sense of urgency. Why are they even here?"

    "Thispetition''s clearly going to Arthur. No surprises this year."

    "Second and third might be worth debating, but other than Arthur, no one''s standing out."

    "That lefty might as well pack up and leave now."

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    Chapter 657 That Designer Is Using The Left Hand

    "I seriously want to know who hired that person. I''m avoiding that brand from now on."

    "Hold on-what''s the left-handed one doing now?"

    "Am I seeing that right?"

    "No way. What the hell are they doing?!"

    At the third workstation, a small bucket of water-about one-third full-sat beside the palette.

    The designer selected several paint colors and carefully squeezed different amounts of each onto the mixing

    tray.

    With the left hand, the brush moved swiftly, spreading the first color in a long, smooth strip across the fabric.

    Then came the next-followed by another.

    Some colors were mixed directly on the palette-two or even three at a time¡ª producing shades that stood out in their depth and uniqueness.

    10:03

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    Chapter 658 What''s Contestant No. 3 Up To

    The abrupt movement turned heads across the venue, catching many off guard.

    Spectators watching the live stream flooded thement feed, while murmurs rippled through the seated

    crowd.

    "What on earth is that lefty doing? I can''t make heads or tails of this."

    "Is this even design work, or is the lefty just throwing paint around?"

    "Looks like something you''d find in amunity art ss. Are they being serious right now?"

    "Hang on-those colors on the palette... they''re oddly pleasant when they swirl together."

    "Now that you say it, they do have a nice harmony to them. Kind of peaceful, actually."

    "I don''t know why, but I''m getting the feeling that today''spetition might take a turn no one expected."

    To ensure fairness, each designer''s booth was insted from outside sound, eliminating any distractions or

    unsolicited feedback.

    Still, even if Linsey could hear the skepticism, it wouldn''t have shaken her.

    Composure remained etched on her face as she stayed locked into her process.

    Once she had the colors just right, Linsey lowered the board into a bucket of paint with steady hands.

    Gradually, the pigments began to swirl to the surface, dancing along the water''s surface like silk threads.

    unraveling.

    Those watching online instinctively zoomed their view onto Linsey''s workstation.

    "Is that mist? Looks like there''s ice in the bucket."

    "The chilled water must be for controlling the paint. Cold temperatures help it set faster, reducing the chances

    of colors bleeding into one another."

    "But can it really stop the colors from blending entirely? Look-some sections are already mixing, forming soft

    waves. I''m not sure this method will hold together."

    "That seventh color in the water looks incredible! How did she manage that mix? I''m an art student, and I''d

    love to try it myself!"

    "Have you noticed how beautifully those shades melt together?"

    "Wait-I just realized! Those hues resemble how colors appear in natural daylight!"

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    §×

    luna

    §à

    "What''s Contestant No. 3 up to? I can''t look away!"

    After ensuring each pigment had fully dispersed into the water, Linsey reached

    for the in white T-shirt provided at the start of the challenge.

    With steady hands, she unfolded the fabric and dipped the center into the swirling colors, letting it soak up the

    delicate blend.

    Bit by bit, she eased the rest of the shirt-starting with the cor, then the sleeves and hem-into the chilled

    bucket.

    During the process, her gloves brushed against the surface, absorbing some of the frigid water.

    That was when something unexpected happened.

    A faint smudge of dark dye bled from her gloves, blooming across the otherwise soft-toned water.

    When she realized what had happened, Linsey''s pulse spiked. She jerked her hands upward, trying to minimize

    the damage.

    But the harm had already begun-cool, pale water now carried an inky mark.

    "This is awful! Who thought it was a good idea to hand out gloves that bleed dye?"

    "Unbelievable. Looks like the sponsors went cheap with the materials. Those gloves just ruined the entire

    bucket!"

    "You all really believe Contestant No. 3 was going to pull off something extraordinary, huh?"

    "Why feel bad? The designer in the center-Arthur, right?-is almost finished, and

    his work is already shaping up to be a masterpiece."

    Rmended for you

    His Unwanted Wife,

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 659

    Chapter 659 I''ll Work With

    What I''ve Got

    "The third designer threw together some shy tricks, and suddenly it''s like everyone forgot what real design

    looks like. The crowd''s reaction was almostughable."

    "Come on now-what''s the n here? Dye a shirt and call it fashion? If I''m not mistaken, this is supposed to be a fashion designpetition, not some kind of dyeing showcase. What''s the big deal about the colors this designer threw together? If that''s all they have got, maybe they should try their luck at a color- mixing contest

    instead."

    While Linsey remained frozen for a moment, a staff member quickly emerged from behind the scenes, rushing over with a fresh pair of gloves.

    ¡°Ms. Bright, my apologies. These ones are waterproof. Please switch to them right away."

    Snapping out of her daze, Linsey gave a quick nod, turned to ept the gloves, and slipped them on with

    practiced ease. "Don''t worry about it. I should''ve caught it myself."

    ncing at the paint bucket, the staff member frowned at the visible smudge in the otherwise delicate color

    blend. In a lowered voice, he asked, "Would you like a fresh batch of ice water for the dyes?"

    He hesitated, then added with concern, "But we''re already halfway through the round. I''m not sure you''ll have enough time to finish your work."

    From his perspective, this step with the shirt was clearly just one part of Linsey''s overall vision.

    Linsey didn''t respond immediately. A few seconds passed before she made up her mind. "No need to swap it. I''ll work with what I''ve got."

    After securing the new gloves properly, she offered a calm smile. "Thanks for bringing them."

    The staff member almost spoke up, wanting to rify that the gloves weren''t his decision, that he was only responsible for rying messages between thepetitors and the organizers.

    But Linsey had already turned away and returned to her workstation, fully focused once more. Choosing to wait until after the event, the staff member kept quiet-for

    now.

    As he exited the stage area, he couldn''t help but wonder when exactly Aurora and the founder of the CR Corporation had crossed paths.

    From what he had been told, Aurora had only just set foot in Grester a few days prior, brought in under the Davidson Group''s banner.

    With no way to make sense of it, the staff member decided to let the thought go.

    Back at her workstation, Linsey, now properly gloved, steadied her focus and resumed her task without dy.

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    15:46

    Chapter 659 I''ll Work With What I''ve Got

    Across the venue, Dolores-still locked in a tense exchange withpetition staff-caught sight of Linsey''s new

    gloves from the corner of her eye.

    She stopped, confused, and nced at the staff member in front of her, who was still smiling pleasantly. Then

    she asked, "Weren''t you the one who said switching gloves would be unfair to the other designers? So what''s with the sudden change?"

    The staff member, who had been doing his best to keep Dolores calm, was caught off guard as well, surprised that Linsey had received a fresh pair of gloves so

    soon.

    "That can''t be. The rules were finalized before thepetition began. All contestants are supposed to use the same standard tools," he responded.

    Dolores retorted, "What kind of nonsense rule is that supposed to be? We''re talking about gloves, not handing

    out brand-new T-shirts! That bucket''s filled with ice water, and her gloves were drenched. You wouldn''t let her switch them out-do you want our designer to get sick or something?"

    Scrambling for a response, the staff member stammered, "Ms. Davidson, I truly had no idea this happened.

    Someone must''ve acted without clearance."

    Grabbing his walkie-talkie, he quickly radioed a colleague to get rification.

    It wasn''t long before Dolores distinctly heard a voice crackle through the walkie- talkie. "The founder of the CR

    Corporation gave the order himself. How could we possibly go against that? CR Corporation funded most of

    this year''spetition. And to be honest, he wasn''t even favoring his own designer, so we didn''t have much

    room to object."

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    Chapter 660 Beats Sitting Around Doing Nothing

    Dolores blinked, visibly stunned by what she had just heard.

    Of all people, she hadn''t expected Collin to be the one behind the delivery of fresh gloves to Linsey.

    A flurry of questions raced through her mind. Had he somehow already guessed that Linsey was Contestant No.

    3?

    The idea seemed unlikelypletely imusible, even. Thepetition was built on strict anonymity. Only the assigned staffer knew which designer upied which booth.

    Still, the longer she mulled it over, the more uneasy she became. At that moment, the urge to march into the venue and pull Linsey out surged within her.

    Without wasting time, she turned to the staff member and asked, "Does the founder of the CR Corporation know that Aurora is the designer representing my firm?"

    Upon hearing that, the staff member quickly responded with confident certainty, "Ms. Davidson, I can promise you we''ve followed the anonymouspetition guidelines to the letter. Eachpany''s representative is only aware of their own designer''s booth. There''s absolutely no way for them to identify the designers from otherpanies!"

    After a short breath, the staffer added, "It''s likely he just saw a designer struggling and feltpelled to help. That''s probably all it was."

    Dolores gave a dry, skepticalugh. There was no way Collin, of all people, would go out of his way for a stranger simply out of goodwill.

    Elsewhere, inside a private lounge, Dustin had just walked an event organizer out the door after yet another round of ttering small talk aimed at Collin.

    As the door clicked shut, he turned and studied his friend on the sofa, curiosity etched across his face.

    Collin hadn''t moved. His eyes stayed locked on the screen showing Linsey''s booth.

    With a confused frown, Dustin scratched his head.

    What was Collin doing helping a designer affiliated with a rivalpany?

    Sure, it was just a pair of gloves-but the fact that Collin had intervened personally made the act anything but meaningless.

    Instead of confronting him about it, Dustin kept his questions to himself and quietly returned to his seat, choosing-for now-to watch in

    silence.

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    Chapter 660 Beats Sitting Around Doing Nothing

    Turning his attention away from Arthur''s meticulous progress, Dustin shifted his gaze to Linsey''s screen, drawn in by Collin''s unwavering focus.

    A small part of him began to wonder if there was something special-something distinct-about this designer that had captured Collin''s interest, especially given how selective the man usually was.

    For a fleeting moment, Dustin even entertained the idea that Collin believed this designer could potentially outshine Arthur, the seasoned expert they had flown in for this verypetition.

    That thought struck him as ridiculous almost immediately.

    Arthur wasn''t just skilled-he was a veteran in the fashion world. Surely, someone still in the middle of dyeing a basic white shirt couldn''t possibly outdo him.

    But just as he dismissed the notion, something unexpected happened. Dustin''s breath caught.

    The designer who had spent the entire time focused on dyeing suddenly paused and began to lift the shirt from the bucket, droplets of paint trailing off the hem. Rather than wring it out, she reached for a pair of scissors without hesitation and began snipping along both side seams of the still-damp fabric.

    "Why is Contestant No. 3 cutting it up? Did they just give up and decide to y around?"

    "That shirt''s soaked-shouldn''t they dry it first?"

    "They don''t have time for that! The round''s almost over!"

    "Well, at least they will look busy for the rest of the event. Beats sitting around doing nothing."

    "What aplete waste-of time, of materials, of effort."

    "Hold on-look at what they''re doing now! They''re stitching it!"

    Carefully, Linsey separated the soaked shirt into two pieces andid them out, smoothing them t before suspending them carefully on her workstation.

    Without missing a beat, she reached for a spool of dark thread, slid it cleanly through a needle, and tied off the end.

    Leaning slightly over her workspace, she pressed one hand on the fabric for bnce while guiding the needle with the other. She pierced the cloth with pinpoint uracy, then brought the needle back out at another exact spot, already beginning the next step of her design.

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    Chapter 661 They''re Faster

    Than The Machine

    Linsey kept her focus sharp, her gaze fixed on every precise movement of the needle. There was no hesitation, no wasted motion-just the smooth, practiced rhythm of someone deeply familiar with the craft.

    "That''s odd. Thepetition staff gave every contestant a sewing machine for their station, didn''t they? Aren''t

    machines supposed to be quicker than hand stitching? So why is that designer choosing to sew everything by

    hand?" Dustin whispered, rubbing his chin in puzzlement.

    Without taking his eyes off the screen, Collin responded coldly, "They''re faster than the machine."

    That statementnded like a thunderp.

    Dustin blinked in disbelief, watching the footage again. Her fingers moved with such velocity that the needle

    appeared to vanish and reappear in entirely new ces. He could barely follow her movements.

    Beside him, Collin let a few seconds pass before speaking again. ¡°And their hand-stitching has a flow to it-a softness that machines can''t replicate."

    Right then, a vivid image began to take shape across the dyed fabric.

    After securing the final stitch, Linsey swiftly shifted to the next area, needle already poised for her next move.

    "That designer''s flying through this... This is unreal!"

    "Tell me there''s anyone else in the industry today who can hand-stitch like that. Actually-never mind. I doubt there is."

    "They''ve got great detail, too. That figure really pops. Though, the body looks a bit off."

    "Yeah, the proportions feel a little stretched. The length throws off the bnce horizontally."

    ¡°Hold up-look! That''s another figure. This time, it''s a girl with braided hair!"

    "The way they stitched the braids... it''s so precise. They didn''t miss a single detail."

    "Is it just me, or is their right hand starting to tremble? They might be pushing themselves too hard."

    "They''ve stitched in a little boy on a skateboard now!"

    "No way-did they really finish all three figures in under ten minutes? And you can actually make out their shapes clearly!"

    "Looks like the shirt''s dry already. Is it warmer inside their booth or something?"

    Comments on the livestream flooded in, especially as the camera remained focused on Linsey''s station. Her segment had quickly climbed to the top of the tform''s trending streams.

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    Chapter 661 They''re Faster Than The Machine

    Once shepleted stitching the three figures, Linsey shifted her focus to the sides of the T-shirt she had trimmed, carefully beginning to sew them back together.

    Before that, though, she made precise waistline modifications-rolling the fabric inward on both sides to create a cinched silhouette. The lower she worked, the more exaggerated the curve became.

    After securing the shape, she changed to a softer-toned thread and began stitching the sides with careful

    precision.

    Originally cut for an adult male, the T-shirt now appeared more fitted and cropped, thanks to the waist

    alteration.

    What once looked oddly spaced now snapped into visual bnce-the three embroidered figures fell perfectly into alignment with the new shape.

    Watching this unfold, Dustin-who had earlier dismissed the designer as sluggish- was left dumbfounded.

    "They knew the shirt would shorten after the waist was taken in," he said, astonished. "That''s why they made

    the figures elongated in the first ce!"

    At that, Collin allowed a subtle smile to appear. "Didn''t you just say they were drifting off and wasting time?"

    A sheepishugh escaped Dustin. "Turns out they were just nning every detail from the get-go."

    His tone had shifted entirely, now filled with genuine respect. "Whoever this designer is, they''re brilliant. Even if they don''t take first, second ce is guaranteed."

    Collin''s brow lifted slightly as he turned toward him. "And what makes you so sure they won''t win it all?"

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    His Unwanted Wife,

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 662

    Chapter 662 Aren''t Those

    Standout Features

    Dust fere at Collin''s words, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. "Wait, Collin- Arthur is our designer. Shouldn''t we acking him all the way

    Confidence returned quickly as Dustin continued, "And besides, Arthur''s work speaks for itself. It''s refined, sephaticated Contestant No. 3 might be creative, sure, but nothing they''ve done stands out as groundbreaking."

    Ostin didn''t reply right away. A few quiet moments passed before he finally said, "They took a in white T- scurt, dyed it by hand, embroidered three figures, and reshaped the silhouette entirely. Aren''t those standout

    Dyeing and stitching might not appear to be methods in a fashion designpetition, but there was no denying that the visual impact they created still yed an essential role in the world of fashion design.

    The simplicity of Collin''s response left Dustin at a loss for words.

    With a new lens on thepetition, he couldn''t help but nce back at Arthur''s work-and for the first time, it felt underwhelming

    CR Corporation already stood at the top of the industry. Dozens ofpanies at the event depended on its influence just to stay afloat.

    Given its status, CR Corporation had no real need to battle it out in a public design contest. Brand recognition was never a problem, and they didn''t need the exposure the rankings promised.

    But Collin had his reasons.

    By hosting a designpetition that brought together severalpanies, CR Corporation aimed to elevate its global standing through a process marked by precision and high standards. If Arthur, the designer representing CR Corporation, managed to win today''s contest, it would not only promote the brand but also boost its prestige and draw in potential partnerships with other firms.

    It was a calcted y-one that carried little risk.

    But if anotherpany''s designer walked away with the trophy, CR Corporation would have to surrender a portion of those hard-won benefits.

    Meanwhile, back at the event, Linsey hadn''t slowed down one bit. Her vision was still unfolding

    Not long ago, she had asked the staff member to turn up the heat inside her booth.

    Now, despite the shirt being nearly dry, sweat clung to her skin and dizziness crept in like a slow tide.

    At the same time, a stinging pain began pulsing through her right wrist.

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    Drawing in a steady breath, Linsey tried to regain focus.

    Every step she had taken so far demanded precision-one wrong move, and the whole design could unravel.

    A part of her questioned whether the concept had been too ambitious from the

    start.

    That hesitation had been why she stood still so long in the beginning, caught between risk and resolve.

    Still, she didn''t let that stop her for long.

    Lifting the wide cor, she located its midpoint, pinched it upward to form a fluid ripple, and fastened it neatly

    with silver chain buttons.

    Next, she reached

    the sassors and sliced the left sleeve with a deliberately uneven cut, bold and sharp.

    With that, the once-standard shirt now bore the silhouette of a stylish one- shoulder top.

    Repurposing the discarded sleeve, she trimmed it down and reshaped the fabric into a diamond, creating a

    sleek finish for the new neckline

    Searching through the material box, Linsey pulled out scraps ofce and bits of denim.

    After sizing them with careful snips, she secured the pieces to the garment using adhesive,yering them over the dyed fabric.

    The blend of delicate and rigid fabrics produced a bold contrast that gave the decorative details a captivating edge.

    "How is Contestant No. 3 doing this so fast? Every time I nce away, the whole thing''s evolved again. I can''t even tell how they''re transforming it that quickly

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 663

    Chapter 663 Who''s Linsey

    "What a gorgeous top! Who would''ve guessed a basic white tee could turn into something this eye-catching?"

    "Every detail is just so refined. From the way the colors blend to how the fabric was shaped. Contestant No. 3 clearly knows what they''re doing. The precision in every cut and stitch is next-level."

    "Contestant No. 5, right there in the center, has solid technique and a polished style, but the designcks the spark and originality that''sing through in Contestant No. 3''s work."

    "To be honest, when thepetition first started, I didn''t think Contestant No. 3 had much talent, but now I see things differently. If we were allowed to cast a vote, mine would go to Contestant No. 3 without question!"

    "Wait a second-I think I''ve figured it out. Contestant No. 3 has to be Arthur! Only someone with his level of experience could pull off something so unexpected and bold."

    "You know what? The way those lines are sketched... it kind of reminds me of Linsey''s design style."

    "Who''s Linsey?"

    "Oh, I remember! Linsey used to lead the Fashion Design Department at CR Corporation four years ago. But no way it''s her. She vanished from the scene a long time ago. And honestly, whoever this designer is, they''re clearly more advanced than

    she ever was."

    "Okay, but let''s not jump to conclusions. Arthur''s right-handed, and Contestant No. 3 has been working left-handed the

    entire time. Plus, Linsey''s not a lefty either. It doesn''t add up. No one just

    vanishes for years and suddenly resurfaces at a top-tier event like this."

    While spection ran wild in the live chat, the audience inside the venue couldn''t look away from Linsey''s screen-and

    neither could the judges. Every eye was glued to her booth.

    Lost in the moment like everyone else, the host was abruptly pulled back by the director''s voice crackling in her earpiece.

    She straightened, quickly grabbed the mic, and announced with poise, "Designers, there are only ten minutes remaining."

    Following her cue, hands across every screen moved faster, pushing hard toplete the final details.

    In contrast, Linsey began to ease her pace, as if resisting the rush surrounding her.

    With deliberate care, she ced thepleted T-shirt onto the disy rack, aligning it perfectly within the camera''s frame.

    Bending her head, she slowly peeled off her gloves, the motion stiff and strained.

    A nce at her wrist revealed red swelling, prompting a subtle crease of concern in her brow.

    The buzzer sounded momentster, signaling the end of thepetition. A nearby staff member handed her a microphone.

    Just then, the host''s voice floated into her booth from outside the stage. "Thepetition has officially ended. Now, we''ll

    invite each designer to walk us through the concept behind their work."

    Before the host could introduce Contestant No. 1, one of the judges raised a hand and interjected, "If possible, I''d like to

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    19:56

    Once the settings were confirmed, she tested it with a few words. A husky male voice echoed back, just as nned.

    100.0%

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    19:56

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 664

    Chapter 664 Wasn''t Your Dyeing Attempt Less Th...

    "Are you prepared, Contestant No. 3?" asked the host.

    Linsey, slipping her gloves back on and grasping the microphone, responded affirmatively, "Yes, I''m ready."

    A resolute sparkle emerged in Linsey''s eyes as she concluded her statement.

    Thepetition gathered a host of skilled designers from diverse firms, pushing Linsey to deliver her best performance to

    vie for the championship.

    She was aware that clinching the top spot was crucial for the Davidson Group to overshadow even the CR Corporation in the race for premier brand exposure due to existing contracts.

    Linsey knew the moment wouldn''tst forever, and if the Davidson Group wanted a ce in Grester, she had to act fast before CR Corporation took over everything.

    Despite Dolores''s suggestion to target a more conservative second or third ce, Linsey was not about to settle.

    Her resolve was firm: to im the championship for herself and for Dolores.

    Gathering her thoughts, Linsey began her presentation with measured words, saying, "Our theme for today is emotions. To me, the profound bond of love shared between a mother and her children stands paramount. Hence, my design today

    radiates warmth andfort."

    As her hand caressed a T-shirt disyed on the rack, she exined, ¡°I started with a in white T-shirt and imbued it with a spectrum of gentle colors. These hues mimic the serene light of a clear day, fostering a weing and calm atmosphere."

    As she made her point, a confrontational tone cut through from the judges'' panel. "Wasn''t your dyeing attempt less than sessful? There''s a ring dark spot on the lower right side of the T-shirt from your wet gloves-it really stands out!¡±

    Julie Webster narrowed her eyes just a touch at the remark, casting a cool nce at Andy Lambert, the one who had interrupted. In a steady voice, she said, "Andy, it might be better if you waited. Contestant No. 3 is still in the middle of their presentation. You''ll have time for questions once they''re done."

    From her position, Linsey recognized that Julie was the judge who had earlier encouraged her to go first.

    With a smile and aposed demeanor, Linsey responded, "True, there was a little ident with the dye. My gloves bled into the light dye in the bucket. But I believe this imperfection adds a unique twist to my design, rather than detracting

    from it."

    She paused briefly, then gestured towards the stained area on the T-shirt, continuing, "Imagine this scene-a family enjoying a pic in a park under the bright sunlight. This dark patch here? It''s like the moist earth following a spring rain."

    As he listened, Andy''s face twisted into a more derisive expression, but before he could resume his criticism, Linsey interjected. "My original n was to keep the T-shirt in lighter tones throughout. Yet, introducing this darker element

    19:56

    < Chapter 664 Wasn''t Your Dyeing Attempt Less Than Sessful

    inadvertently gave the design a richer contrast."

    Linsey gave the rack a spin, revealing the T-shirt''s back to the room. "When I saw the gloves had left marks on the front, I grabbed the shirt right away. The back didn''t catch any of that dark pigment. Unlike the front, where bold colors sh and blend, the back is covered in gentle tones. Don''t you think it feels like it''s missing a bit of contrast?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 665

    Chapter 665 Could You Expand On That

    Linsey''sughter filled the air, her voice raspy yet warm with remembrance. This dark patch actually entuates the lighter shades around it, making them appear even softer and brighter."

    After a pause, she continued, "Emotionally, it symbolizes the lingering sadness of a mother''s past experiences. Yet, surrounded by her children, her spirits are lifted, much like the predominant light hues in my design-both sunny and

    warm."

    Andy clenched his jaw. His voice wasced with irritation as he said, "Earlier, you said this patch wasn''t merely a stain.

    Now it signifies sadness? Doesn''t that seem contradictory?"

    Linsey responded instantly, her voice steady, "Who ever said that sadness must be negative?"

    This took Andy by surprise.

    Patiently, Linsey borated, "The reason we hold the present so close is because we''ve known what it feels like to hurt.

    When we have our loved ones beside us, even the hardest moments from the past can''t take away the light that lies ahead.

    Sadness doesn''t disappearpletely, but it teaches us to see the worth of those who stay in our lives. That feeling-those

    ties between family-is what matters most to me."

    Her words flowed through the microphone, resonating with the audience both online and backstage.

    Collin found himself caught in the moment, unable to look away.

    Something about what Contestant No. 3 had said stirred an unexpected weight in his chest, making each breath feel

    heavier than thest.

    He pressed a hand against his chest and released a deep, quiet breath, as if trying to steady something that had suddenly

    shifted inside him.

    Momentster, Linsey continued, "Having shared the inspiration behind my design, I''d now like to discuss some specific

    elements of it."

    Turning the T-shirt for all to see, Linsey invited, "Observe the transitions in color across the fabric."

    She then grabbed a small shlight and gently cast a soft glow over the T-shirt.

    To the amazement of all present, the T-shirt began to disy a dynamic, shifting spectrum of colors.

    Linsey exined, "This demonstrates the fluid and ever-changing nature of natural light."

    Driven by curiosity, the host asked, "How did you manage to create this effect?" This question reflected the wonderment of everyone watching.

    Many spected that Linsey might have incorporated some unusual elements into the dye mix without revealing her

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    19:56

    secret.

    Linsey let out a softugh and said, "That''s the beauty of mixed dyeing. Right from the start, I had no ns to keep the colors tidy or controlled on the fabric. What you saw just now-those shifts in color-came from the dyes I dropped into the bucket. They sank into the threads and stayed tucked away until the light brought them forward. And in the process, a few unusual shades found each other in the dye bath and created something entirely unexpected."

    Her exnation was met with nods of appreciation from the audience.

    "Additionally, the modern and vibrant style of the T-shirt expresses how I perceive the meaning of family connections," said Linsey as she directed attention to the single-shoulder cut, the flowing bow detail, and thece-trimmed denim

    ents on the T-shirt.

    Julie, intrigued, asked, "Could you expand on that?"

    With a tender smile, Linsey looked lovingly at her creation.

    "You''ve probably noticed that the three figures I stitched into the fabric represent a mother and her two children. Actually, when I first picked up this in white T- shirt, I realized that it was slightlyrge. So, I made a few subtle adjustments to the fit, aiming to make it suitable for a mother who has recently given birth."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 666

    Chapter 666 What Exactly Is Wrong With My Work

    Linsey spoke with calm elegance, her voice steady andposed, effortlessly drawing the attention of everyone in the room as they fell into sync with her rhythm.

    "Some people assume that once a woman bes a mother, she should leave behind anything youthful or carefree. But i disagree. To me, the bond between family members isn''t only about what a mother gives up for her child; it''s also about how the child views their mother. Deep down, children always want their moms to live with joy, chasing the life they truly want, not just the one they settle for."

    As soon as she finished speaking, a quiet stillness spread across the room, leaving everyone in a sudden silence.

    Then, from somewhere in the crowd, a single pair of hands began pping. It didn''t take long before the apuse spread. rising into an overwhelming wave of cheers for her.

    Just as the energy in the room started to build up, a sharp voice cut through the air,ing from the center booth where

    Contestant No. 5 sat.

    "Let me remind you, this is a fashion designpetition, not a stage for your life philosophies. All you''ve done is toss out

    sentimental fluff. Are you hoping to manipte the judges with emotion instead of actual skill?"

    Whispers spread among the audience, with many people ncing at each other in uncertainty.

    At the judges'' table, Andy reclined in his chair, letting out a scornfulugh. "Well said," he said. "If Contestant No. 3 is so

    talented with speech, maybe they are in the wrong profession. A speech contest might be a better fit for them."

    Linsey didn''t even blink. "If that''s how you feel, then tell me, what exactly is wrong with my work? Do you believe the others here outshined me in creativity or originality?"

    Her tone held no trace of hesitation, only a quiet confidence that hinted at arrogance.

    And the truth? Everyone in that room, no matter who they were rooting for, knew it. When it came down to vision and

    execution, no one came close to what Linsey had delivered.

    In both concept and execution, her work shone brightly, far exceeding the efforts of the others.

    Had that not been the case, Julie would never have given her the spotlight right from the start.

    Without giving anyone a chance to interject, Linsey continued in a neutral tone, ¡°And just now, this designer imed my words were empty. Sounds like someone whocks basic empathy, not just for mothers, but for people in general."

    Her voice turned dry as she added, "I guess that kind of attitude onlyes from someone who''s never known what it

    means to have a mother."

    "How dare you!" Contestant No. 5 shot up in fury, ready to argue, but Julie quickly cut in from the judges'' panel.

    "Contestant No. 3, I found your perspective both moving and refreshing. I truly admire the thought process behind your

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    19:56

    design." Julie paused deliberately before continuing, "But if you don''t mind, may I ask you something more personal? Of course, you''re free not to answer."

    Linsey hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Go ahead."

    With a slight lift in her voice, Julie asked, "When you created today''s design, did you view yourself as the mother, the central figure in the story, or did you see yourself as one of the children?"

    Meanwhile, in the lounge, Collin watched thepetition unfold on the live stream. Julie''s question took him by surprise, stirring a reaction within him that he couldn''t fully understand.

    Could it be that Contestant No. 3''s design was a reflection of their personal story?

    As the thought settled in, Collin blinked, let out a sharp exhale, and gave a self- mockingugh.

    Why was it that, no matter what, he always ended up seeing Linsey in Contestant No. 3?

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    100.0%

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 667

    Chapter 667 That Can''t Be Linsey

    Collin had closely observed Contestant No. 3 throughout the entire process and was certain-this designer mainly used

    their left hand.

    But Linsey wasn''t left-handed.

    Handling detailed tasks like sketching, stitching, and cutting with the left hand wasn''t something one picked up overnight.

    That kind of ease came from years of hands-on experience.

    When Julie, one of the judges, raised a question, Collin also admitted he had been wondering the same thing.

    Was the designer portraying the mother, or the child?

    After a brief pause, Linsey answered in a calm voice, "This piece shows a mother

    and her two children. But really, the

    central figures are anyone who sees themselves in it-anyone who feels something."

    Collin''s expression turned serious. A small weight settled in his chest.

    The answer was vague. It offered no real clue.

    But Linsey wasn''t done yet.

    "As for me, I suppose I see myself as the mother here." Linsey pressed her lips together, the motion giving away her

    thoughts. "I used to long for the simple happiness I saw in children like these. But life had other ns."

    She stopped suddenly and gave a soft, bitterugh. "I guess that kind of life wasn''t meant for me. I just hope my kids can

    feel the love I never had."

    In the lounge, Collin suddenly stood, startling Dustin beside him.

    "C-Collin, what''s wrong?" Dustin asked, startled.

    Collin''s breathing turned shaky. His eyes stayed glued to Linsey''s hands on the screen. His pulse quickened. A cold chill spread through him.

    In a rough whisper, he said, "Linsey... Linsey grew up in an orphanage. She always dreamed of having a loving home."

    Dustin''s face slowly shifted in shock. "Wait... Collin, are you saying this Contestant No. 3 is Linsey?"

    Collin turned to him, eyes sharp and steady. He asked, slowly and clearly, "Who did the Davidson Group send as their

    designer this year?"

    Dustin hesitated, tension creeping into his face. "Collin, take it easy..."

    After thinking for a second, he added, "I remember Dolores saying they brought in

    a well-known designer from overseas

    this year. Her name''s Aurora Bright. But nobody knows what she looks like. I checked into her-she only started releasing

    designsst year. If that''s really Linsey, why wait two years to return to the fashion world?"

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    < Chapter 667 That Can''t Be Linsey

    Collin clenched his fists at his sides. His breathing was uneven. His face was tight with emotion, but he said nothing.

    Dustin watched him closely, then added, "Collin, are you drawing all this from just one thing she said? We don''t even know

    her age. Besides, she said she already has kids. That can''t be Linsey."

    As they spoke, thepetition had already moved on to the next presentation.

    Dustin nced at the screen. "It''s Arthur''s turn now. Let''s see what he''s got."

    40

    Collin gave him a nk look. Then, without a word, he turned and walked out, leaving behind one final order. "You handle

    it."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 668

    Chapter 668 I Need To See

    Her

    "Wait! Collin!" Before Dustin could react, the resting room door shut. Collin was

    already gone.

    Dustin nced at the screen, bit his lip, and muttered, "Arthur should be fine... But I need to check on Collin."

    Over the years, Collin always lost his grip whenever Linsey was involved.

    Dustin truly feared he might do something reckless-especially with so many eyes watching at today''spetition.

    Collin strode straight toward the designer''s passageway.

    With every step, his heart thumped harder and faster.

    He was almost certain now-Aurora was Linsey.

    No matter what happened, he had to see her for himself.

    "Mr. Riley? What brings you here?" A staff member stood at the entrance. He had been working with Linsey and froze slightly when he saw Collin''s serious face.

    Collin didn''t waste time. "Has Contestant No. 3 finished speaking?"

    He remembered that when he walked out earlier, it was Arthur''s turn to present.

    "Yes," he replied, trying to stay calm, though his expression showed clear confusion. "Is there something you need?"

    "I need to go in. I want to see her," Collin said firmly.

    He stepped forward.

    Startled, the staff member quickly raised his hand to stop him. "Mr. Riley, thepetition is anonymous this year. Until the results are announced, no one is allowed to know which designer is which."

    Biting his lip nervously, he added, "Your designer is in Booth 5. You can check there."

    A flicker of impatience crossed Collin''s face. "I''ll exin everything to the person in charge. My presence won''t affect the

    results."

    Before the staff member could argue, Collin moved past her and walked in without hesitation.

    "Mr. Riley!" he called out in a panic, ncing around.

    Others were nearby, so he swallowed his voice and hurried after Collin.

    As Collin walked, the space ahead opened up. The lights grew brighter.

    He felt the air shift-heavy, damp, and warm.

    19:56

    Then it hit him-Contestant No. 3 had been dyeing a T-shirt during the presentation.

    He remembered the fabric, soaked and dripping wet. Yet by the end of the round, it had started drying

    Now it made sense-the temperature in Booth 3 had been turned up.

    Had the designer felt faint or dizzy in that heat?

    Thinking of Linsey possibly enduring all that made Collin''s chest tighten.

    He was only a few steps away from Booth 3 when his pace slowed.

    His gaze fixed on the bright light ahead. In a sh, the memory of their divorce four years ago came rushing back-the courthouse, the silence, the way she had walked away.

    Every night since then, he had dreamed of Linsey.

    And now, just moments away from seeing her again, Collin found himself frozen.

    His heart raced, not with excitement, but fear. He feared she still carried the pain. He feared the anger she had every right

    to feel. And most of all, he feared that after everything, she might never forgive him.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 669

    Chapter 669 You''re Not Aurora Bright

    Collin didn''t know how to earn Linsey''s forgiveness-if she still hated him.

    The thought alone made his chest tighten.

    Just then, the staff member called out again from behind, "Mr. Riley, why do you want to see Contestant No. 3? I can pass

    along your message."

    Collin was about to decline when a voice came from the booth ahead. "Who''s there?"

    Footsteps followed, drawing closer.

    His heart skipped a beat. He looked up instinctively.

    But before the figure fully stepped out, his hope began to fade. It wasn''t Linsey.

    Caylee emerged with a calm expression. She nced at Collin, then turned politely to the staff member. "Is something

    wrong?"

    The staff member stiffened, nervously sping her hands. "This is Mr. Riley. He''s the founder of CR Corporation. He said he

    wanted to meet you..."

    Caylee''s brows lifted with faint curiosity. "Oh? Why would he want to meet me? The results haven''t even been announced."

    "Y-yes, that''s true," the staff member replied awkwardly, unsure how to exin further.

    After a short pause, Collin fixed Caylee with a piercing stare. His voice dropped. "Are you Aurora Bright?"

    He wasn''t entirely sure-but something felt off.

    Caylee''s expression shifted slightly. She didn''t answer. Instead, she turned to the staff member, her eyes narrowing in confusion. "I thought you said the designer booths were kept confidential. How does he know who I am?"

    The staff member bowed slightly, clearly flustered. "I''m so sorry, Ms. Bright. But I promise, this won''t affect thepetition. Mr. Riley was just intrigued by your design."

    Caylee''s tone turned sharp with meaning. "CR Corporation has a designer too, doesn''t it? Mr. Riley, isn''t it a little unfair to barge into anotherpany''s booth like this?"

    Collin said nothing. His eyes darkened as they drifted past Caylee toward the booth behind her.

    "I want to take a look inside," he said quietly.

    Caylee frowned and gave a dry, mocking smile. ¡°I''m afraid I can''t allow that. My work is in there. What if something gets damaged?"

    Collin held her gaze for a moment, then said coldly, "You''re not Aurora Bright."

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    19:57

    Chapter 669 You''re Not Aurora Bright

    His wordsnded like thunder. Both Caylee and the staff member froze.

    Had he really figured it out?

    Caylee''s pulse spiked for a moment, but she quickly masked it. She told herself he was just bluffing. "Mr. Riley, that''s an

    odd joke. I''m the only one here. If I''m not Aurora Bright, who is? You?" she asked with a forcedugh.

    Caylee had been by Linsey''s side for three years.

    She remembered the fragile woman who had just given birth and could barely stand.

    But the real pain hadn''t been physical. It was emotional-the kind that left scars too deep to heal.

    More than once, Caylee had found Linsey crying quietly, hidden away from the world.

    And soon, she had learned the truth. The man who caused Linsey all that pain was now standing right in front of her.

    She couldn''t keep the mask on for long. Her voice began to crack with resentment. It slipped into her tone like venom.

    Collin noticed. He paused, then asked calmly, "Are you really alone in there?"

    Caylee let out a short, bitterugh. Her words dripped with sarcasm. "Or what?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 670

    Chapter 670 Are You nning To Ruin My Work

    Maybe it was instinct-something more profound than logic-that told Collin the woman in front of him wasn''t Aurora.

    The feeling lingered, refusing to let go. He had to find out the truth for himself.

    He stepped forward without another word.

    Caylee''s eyes widened in disbelief. The staff member beside her nervously clenched his hands, watching helplessly.

    He couldn''t understand why Collin was so determined.

    Collin reached the booth and took in the full view for the first time.

    The air inside was warm and stifling. The floor felt damp beneath his shoes. The workstation was a bit messy.

    Right at the center, the finished T-shirt he had only seen on a screen was now disyed quietly on a rack.

    He stood there, frozen.

    The booth was empty.

    As he realized that, a lump formed in his throat.

    His chest tightened as he stepped closer to the T-shirt.

    But just as he neared it, Caylee burst in, her voice sharp. "What are you doing?!" She blocked his path, her expression stern. "We know you''re powerful. We can''t stop you. But don''t push your luck. This is apetition entry. Are you nning to ruin my work?"

    Her words snapped him out of his daze. He quickly pulled his hand back.

    And just like that, the suspicion that had consumed him crumbled into pieces.

    The air around him shifted as his face turned cold and distant, stripped of any emotion.

    "My bad," he said quietly.

    Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

    His sudden exit caught Caylee off guard. She blinked in confusion, unsure of what just happened.

    A few momentster, the staff member cautiously peeked out from the booth entrance.

    Seeing Collin disappear down the hallway, he finally exhaled and turned to Caylee. "He''s gone."

    Caylee rubbed her temples, her head throbbing. "Thanks for covering for us."

    The staff member shook his head gently. "It''s fine. Ms. Bright finished the presentation, and the results will be announced

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    19:57

    Chapter 670 Are You nning To Ruin My Work

    in two hours."

    After a brief pause, he added with concern, "Is she alright? I was so scared earlier. When I came in, I saw her lying on the floor-she looked so pale..."

    Caylee reassured her, "She''s fine. She''s at the hospital being looked after. She''ll be back before the resultse out."

    At that moment, in a hospital room, Dolores was nearly in tears.

    Seeing her flustered expression, Linsey let out a quiet chuckle.

    Dolores wasn''t amused. "You''re stillughing? I was about to lose my mind!"

    Frustrated, she sighed and scolded, "You''ve been feeling sick for days. Why didn''t you say anything?"

    Linsey gave her a soft smile. "It started with just my right wrist hurting. I thought I''d wait until after thepetition to bring it up. I didn''t expect the dizziness to get worse."

    She reached out and gently took Dolores''s hand with her left one. "Don''t be mad, alright? Thepetition went well, and

    I didn''t embarrass you."

    Dolores''s brows knit tighter. "Forget thepetition! Your health is what matters!"

    She then added, "You turned up the heat in the booth just to dry that soaked T- shirt faster. Of course your body couldn''t

    handle it!"

    Before Linsey could respond, her phone chimed.

    She quickly patted Dolores'' hand. ¡°Check if that''s a message from Caylee. It might be something important about the

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 671

    Chapter 671 Exactly The

    Attitude You Should Have

    Dolores cast a disapproval nce at Linsey, though she didn''t refuse to check a message for her.

    Without a word, she offered Linsey a ss of water before snatching the phone off the bedside table.

    Something on the screen grabbed Dolores'' attention right away.

    As her eyes darted across the message, her face tightened, the seriousness creeping in with every line she read.

    A beatter, she muttered under her breath, "Damn it."

    Linsey blinked in confusion, her stomach sinking as she feared the worst about thepetition. "What happened? Did something go wrong? Do they need me back right now?" she asked quickly.

    Dolores let out a tense sigh and answered, "No. The judges are still waiting on the rest of the contestants to finish exining their designs. The final announcement''s still two hours away."

    Then her tone shifted. She turned to Linsey, her voice dropping low. "Collin showed up at Booth 3 asking for you."

    The words hit Linsey hard, sending a jolt straight through her chest.

    Her expression turned distant as she mumbled, "What? Why would he even..."

    Dolores didn''t hesitate. "He doesn''t know you''re Aurora Bright. He just stormed in and asked to meet her directly. Thank god Caylee was already there. She handled it and got the staff to keep it quiet."

    A storm of emotion stirred inside Linsey, her thoughts spinning out of control. She pressed her lips together and said slowly, "I never nned to reveal who I was when I started submitting under Aurora Bright. I always knew there was a risk Collin might catch on, but I didn''t think it would be this soon. What made him suspicious?"

    Dolores shook her head, clearly just as baffled. Her gaze drifted down to Linsey''s bandaged right hand. "Back then, your right hand waspletely fine. You never designed with your left. What gave him a reason to start putting the pieces

    together?"

    A sudden realization struck her. "Wait. Did you say something while exining your design that tipped him off?"

    Caught off guard, Linsey paused before replying, "No, that can''t be it. I specifically mentioned that Aurora is a mother. Why

    would he think that''s me? Just because I said I wanted a peaceful life with a happy family? That''s ridiculous. Plenty of people grew up without parents. It''s not like I''m the only one."

    Dolores went quiet for a beat before she let out a sharp scoff and waved her hand like she was swatting a fly. "Don''t waste

    another second thinking about him. He''s only doing this because he''s bored. Pretending he cared all this time? Please. That''s just pathetic."

    As she heard that, Linsey''s face faltered ever so slightly, a trace of sadness slipping through her calm exterior.

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    10.67

    Chapter 671 Exactly The Attitude You Should Have

    But she didn''t let it linger. With a small shrug, she said in a breezy tone, "It''s whatever. If he finds out, then so be it. I''ve already moved on. Started over. He can do what he wants-it has nothing to do with me anymore."

    A spark of approval shed in Dolores'' eyes as she gave an emphatic nod. "Exactly the attitude you should have. He''s not

    worth our time."

    With a soft touch, she ced a hand on Linsey''s shoulder. "Get some more rest.

    I''ll drive you back once it''s closer to the

    announcement."

    "Okay," Linsey replied, her voice calm.

    Not long after, Dustin tracked Collin down at a hotel suite on the top floor, just a short walk from thepetition venue.

    As soon as he stepped inside, the heavy stench of liquor clung to the air, making him wince.

    The deeper he walked into the room, the more the mess came into focus-until he finally spotted Collin slouched on the

    sofa, half-lost in the cushions.

    "Again with the drinking?" Dustin muttered as he strode over and reached out to grab the half-empty bottle from his friend''s grip.

    But despite the dazed look in his eyes, Collin jerked away fast, pulling the bottle out of reach like it was the only thing

    keeping him grounded.

    "Don''t start," he said. "Just leave me be."

    Trying to tamp down the uneasiness crawling through him, Dustin eased himself

    onto the edge of the couch. His voice dropped a notch as he said, "Alright. If that''s

    what you want, I won''t stop you."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 672

    Chapter 672 Is He Coming

    Back Alone

    Collin didn''t bother to give Dustin a look and took a long drink from the bottle in his hand.

    Watching him, Dustin let out a quiet sigh. "Collin, thepetition results are about to be announced. Don''t you want to

    see how it turns out?"

    Collin ced the empty bottle down with a steady hand and casually opened another. His tone was t. "Contestant No. 3

    is Aurora Bright."

    Dustin raised a brow. "You saw her just now?"

    Collin didn''t answer. He continued, "She''s going to win first ce."

    Dustin knew just how brilliant Aurora''s work was, but even so, he was surprised by how little faith Collin seemed to have

    in their own designer-Arthur.

    "Come on, Collin. Arthur''s the one representing us. He''s a seasoned pro in the industry," Dustin argued.

    Collin gave a faint, almost cynical smile. "That''s the problem. He''s been in the game too long-set in his ways, blinded by years of praise. His skills have slipped, and now he''s trying to win by cheating. He''s teamed up with one of the judges, hoping to grab the prize and the huge bonus we promised."

    Dustin stared at him, stunned. "You''re saying Arthur''s cheating?"

    Collin gave a small nod. "Next year, remove Andy Lambert from the judging panel."

    That caught Dustin off guard.

    He had thought Collin was only paying attention to Aurora. He hadn''t realized Collin had already seen through all the

    shady dealings behind the scenes,

    "Alright, I''ll handle it," Dustin said after a pause.

    He pulled out his phone and began typing out the necessary instructions.

    Collin gave a short nod. "You can go now."

    Taking the hint, Dustin didn''t push it. He knew better than to linger when Collin was like this.

    This wasn''t the first time he had seen Collin in a mood like this-withdrawn and heavy-hearted.

    With that thought, Dustin stood and headed for the door.

    But just as he reached it, his phone buzzed. A message came in, and as he read it, his steps faltered.

    Something in the message made his heart skip. Without hesitation, he turned back and rushed over to Collin.

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    19:57

    < Chapter 672 Is He Coming Back Alone

    Collin frowned. "Why are you still here?"

    Dustin was too shaken to care about Collin''s tone. He nearly shouted, "Collin! I just got word-Gorman ising back!"

    At those words, Collin''s entire demeanor shifted. His expression darkened, and his grip on the bottle tightened.

    He held his breath, voice low and tense. "Is heing back alone?"

    Linsey had vanished without a trace four years ago.

    It wasn''t long before Collin learned that Gorman had also disappeared around the same time. And since then, neither had

    returned.

    He had long suspected that Linsey had left with Gorman.

    And if Gorman was now returning with her by his side, that meant they had spent thest four years together.

    The thought hit Collin like a punch to the chest.

    He and Linsey had barelysted a year before divorcing. Yet she might have shared four whole years with another man. His

    heart ached at the thought.

    All he could do now was hope Dustin''s next words would ease his worst fears.

    Dustin nced down at the photos sent by his people. His expression was a mix of surprise and confusion. "I don''t think so," he replied

    Collin felt a sharp pain swell in his chest.

    A hollow smile tugged at his lips as his eyes dimmed, full of sorrow he could no longer hide.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 673

    Chapter 673 I Need To See For Myself

    Just as Collin began to believe Gorman had returned with Linsey, Dustin''s next words shattered his train of thought. "Collin,

    Gorman seems to be traveling with a child."

    Collin''s brows knit sharply together. He turned to Dustin in disbelief. "What? A child?"

    Still fixated on the blurry photo on his screen, Dustin gave a slow nod. "Yeah. He boarded the flight to Grester with a kid.

    Our team couldn''t get close enough to see clearly, but from what they could tell, it looked like a little girl."

    Then, in a toneced with confusion, Dustin muttered, "Gorman has a daughter now? But... Didn''t he always insist he''d

    only ever be with Linsey? He-"

    Dustin stopped abruptly. His voice faltered, and his eyes hesitated to meet Collin''s.

    If Gorman, the man who once swore he would never marry anyone but Linsey, now had a daughter... Then the chances

    were high that Linsey was the mother.

    As he realized what he had just implied, Dustin''s stomach dropped. He wished he could take the words back.

    He had just twisted the knife in Collin''s heart.

    A long silence followed. Then, in a rough, low voice, Collin finally asked, "When does Gorman''s flightnd?"

    Dustin quickly gave him the scheduled time-early evening. Then his eyes widened. "Wait, are you going to the airport?"

    Collin''s face was pale and hollow, shadowed with pain. His eyes were empty of light.

    "Yes. Gorman is my only lead to Linsey. I need to see for myself," he said with a heavy heart.

    Dustin knew instantly that Collin couldn''t be swayed.

    When it came to Linsey, Collin''s determination was absolute. Nothing could stop him.

    "Alright, then. I''ming with you tonight," Dustin said.

    He couldn''t bear to let Collin face this alone.

    If Gorman showed up with Linsey and a child, he worried Collin might lose it right then and there.

    If that moment came, Dustin hoped he would be able to hold Collin back from doing something he would regret.

    "Are we still heading back to the venue to hear the results?" Dustin asked tentatively.

    Collin ced the bottle down and stood with a nk expression. His tone was t. "No. I''m going to shower and get

    myself together."

    The smell of alcohol clung to him.

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    Chapter 6731 Need To See For Myself

    He thought of the chance-however small-that he might see Linsey tonight. And if that happened, he didn''t want her to

    smell liquor on him.

    ¡°Got it. I''ll wait for you,¡± Dustin said, slightly relieved to see Collin stop drinking.

    At least now, Collin was moving, doing something, rather than sinking deeper into despair.

    Ten minutes before thepetition results were to be announced, Dolores managed to bring Linsey back just in time.

    Inside the Davidson Group''s resting lounge, Caylee was already waiting.

    The moment Linsey walked through the door, Caylee rushed to her. "Linsey! Are you okay?"

    Though still pale, Linsey offered a faint smile. "I''m alright. Don''t worry too much."

    She gently pulled away from Dolores'' steadying hand. "I can walk on my own now. You don''t have to keep holding me."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 674

    Chapter 674 I Really Am

    Dolores shot Linsey a stern look. "You''re being stubborn again. Sit down on the couch. Don''t just stand there."

    Caylee quickly nodded. "Yes, please sit. They''re about to announce thepetition results."

    Linsey obeyed and sank onto the sofa. As her eyes drifted toward the still-dark screen, something clicked in her mind.

    "Gorman and Zenia''s flightnds tonight. Once this is over, we need to head to the airport to pick them up," she said

    suddenly.

    Dolores let out a helpless smile. "Gorman''s a grown man. Does he really need you to pick him up? You''re still recovering.

    You should go straight to your hotel and rest after this."

    Linsey shook her head, her tone firm. "I promised Zenia yesterday I''d be there. She''s just a child-I can''t break my word.

    She''d be really upset."

    Caylee joined in gently, "But Zenia cares a lot about your health. If she knew you weren''t feeling well, she''d be worried sick."

    "I''m honestly fine now," Linsey replied with a soft chuckle. "It was just a bit of heat exhaustion. I rested at the hospital and

    feel much better."

    Her gaze dropped to her right hand, wrapped in a fresh bandage. "As for this... It''s nothing new. I''ve already adapted."

    Dolores'' face darkened with anger. "All because of those bastards from four years ago! You''re a designer, and they damaged

    your dominant hand. And it got worse after you gave birth!"

    Every time Dolores remembered what Linsey had gone through, her blood boiled.

    Carol might be gone, but Jeffery was still out there.

    And it all traced back to Collin.

    If he hadn''t kept his identity from Linsey, none of that would have happened. Carol wouldn''t haveshed out in jealousy, framing her again and again.

    But Linsey said nothing. She simply reached out with her left hand and gave Dolores'' shoulder a light pat, silently telling

    her not to be angry.

    Dolores'' heart sank deeper. She nced down at Linsey''s hand, her voice catching slightly. "You basically had to start all over, training your left hand to draw. You worked day and night for two years to get here. If your right hand hadn''t been injured, you''d be even more amazing now."

    Linsey blinked, noticing the mist forming in Dolores'' eyes.

    To lighten the mood, she teased, "Dolores, you''re getting soft. You used to be the tough one."

    Just like that, Dolores'' sadness melted into augh. "Are you serious right now? I''m trying to feel bad for you and you''re

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    19:57

    Chapter 674 I Really Am

    messing with me? You''re too forgiving-it''s almost heartless."

    Linsey smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling. "I really am content. I have a wonderful friend like you, a sharp assistant like

    Caylee, and two lovely kids. What more could I ask for? I''m happy."

    Dolores let out a quiet sigh, then smiled back. "If you''re happy, then I''m happy."

    She paused for a second, then brightened. "You know what? No matter how the results turn out today, I''m treating you to

    something special. You name it-I''ll get it. I''m rich now, you know!"

    Linseyughed. "Then I won''t hold back."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 675

    Chapter 675 Is That Little Girl Really His Daughter

    Just then, therge screen in front of Linsey and Dolores lit up

    Since thepetition was held anonymously, none of the designers were present at the venue.

    The host stepped forward with a mic in hand and smiled knowingly. This year''s designpetition was truly a sight to behold. So, whichpany''s designer will take the crown? let''s take a look at the screen!"

    Meanwhile, across the city, the airport bundled withte-night travellers.

    In a quiet corner of the arrivals hall, Collin and Dustin stood waiting for Gorman.

    Suddenly, Dustin''s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, then leaned toward Collin. "Aurora Bright, from the Davidson Group, won first ce. Arthur came in third."

    Collin''s expression remained unreadable. "Terminate Arthur''s contes

    Dustin hesitated, surprised. "Alright"

    He had personally brought Arthur into thepetition, cortam shat such a top-tier designer would clinch the win. But

    clearly, things hadn''t gone as expected.

    As Dustin mulled over the results, Collin''s voice broke through his thoughts. "He''s here,"

    Both men looked ahead. Gorman had appeared, walking through the gate with a small entourage.

    Just as Dustin had seen in the photos, Gorman carried a little girl in his arms

    She was fast asleep, hef face tucked against his shoulder.

    Oddly, Collin''s eyes locked onto the tiny figure, his focus tightening without him realizing it

    And then, he have

    Dustin muttered beside him, "Hard to believe Gorman''s changed this much. He used to be so short-tempered. Is that little

    gir veally his daughter?"

    As if on cue, the child stirred and slowly lifted her head

    She mumbled something softly to Garman

    Even nom atat, the warmth in Corman''s eyes and the soft smile on his lips were unmistakable.

    Then the gently set het down and hold her hand as they began weldin

    As they gat diese, Colim cand finally see the gul''s face-and that instant, his heart skipped a beat.

    staking She looked just like Linsey

    15.57

    Chapter 675 is That Little Girl Really His Daughter

    Dustin gasped, his voice lowering. "She... She really looks like..."

    He didn''t dare finish the sentence. But the resemnce was impossible to

    ignore-especially her eyes and her smile.

    Then the little girl tugged on Gorman''s hand and asked sweetly, "Daddy, when can we see Mommy?"

    Gorman smiled down at her. "Very soon."

    He gently patted her head. "Are you hungry, sweetheart?

    But Collin didn''t hear anything else.

    His ears rang, and his breath caught

    It felt like the ground had shifted beneath him. Linsey had a daughter-with Gorman.

    It hit him like a punch to the gut

    He could only watch as the two walked away, hand in hand. The ache in his chest deepened with every step they took.

    That child had to be Linsey''s. And he had just heard her call Gorman Daddy.

    Everything pointed to the same painful condusion: Linsey had moved on. She had a family now. And whatever hope he had

    held onto was gone,

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 676

    Chapter 676 Aurora Must

    Be The Girl''s Mother

    Collin''s entire demeanor shifted. A cold, distant air surrounded him, his expression turning frosty and unreadable.

    "Let''s go," he said quietly, his voice low and firm.

    Dustin understood the weight behind those two simple words. That brief exchange between Gorman and the child had said enough.

    He opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.

    Truthfully, Dustin understood.

    Four years was a long time-long enough for people to change, for lives to move

    on.

    And now, he finally grasped why Dolores had been so furious thest time Linsey''s name came up.

    Dustin wasn''t just Collin''s friend-he was also an outsider to Linsey''s life. He had no right to ask about her choices, especially not now, when everything pointed to her having built a life with someone else, with Gorman, and a child.

    Still, he hesitated, then said cautiously, "Collin... Shouldn''t we follow them? Just to be sure? Maybe the child isn''t Linsey''s. Maybe she only looks like her. We haven''t heard anything about Linsey being back in town. That girl might be Gorman''s daughter with someone else."

    Collin gave a faint, weary smile. His eyes dropped, a quiet sorrow clouding them. "Confronting Gorman now won''t help. Besides, we might end up scaring the child," he said softly.

    Dustin blinked, surprised.

    He hadn''t expected Collin to be so gentle-especially toward Gorman''s daughter.

    Still, he nodded. "Alright. Let''s go.".

    "Alright."

    The two men began walking out of the terminal.

    Just as they reached the exit, Collin instinctively slowed his steps.

    Ahead, Gorman was helping the little girl into a car, carefully fastening her into the child seat in the back. Collin''s gaze locked on the scene.

    Then, just as Gorman straightened up to close the door, Collin caught a glimpse of someone sitting inside the car. It was a familiar face.

    His expression instantly changed. Without thinking, he stepped forward, his brows furrowed sharply.

    But Gorman quickly shut the door and moved to the passenger seat.

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    10.00

    Chapter 676 Aurora Must Be The Girl''s Mother

    "Collin, what''s going on?" Dustin asked, noticing his shift in mood.

    Collin kept his eyes on the car until it finally pulled away, then slowly turned back to Dustin. "I saw Aurora in that car."

    Dustin looked stunned. "Wait-Aurora? The designer from the Davidson Group? She''s connected to Gorman?"

    That didn''t make sense. Aurora was supposed to be the Davidson Group''s rising star, someone they had gone to great lengths to bring in. Why would she be involved with Gorman?

    But to Dustin''s surprise, Collin''s expression had softened. Almost like a weight had lifted.

    "Then Aurora must be the girl''s mother," Collin murmured, thinking aloud.

    Dustin blinked. For a moment, he didn''t follow. But then it clicked. Collin was relieved. He thought the little girl wasn''t Linsey''s after all.

    But given their resemnce, anyone in their right mind would think that the little girl was Linsey''s daughter.

    Despite that, Dustin couldn''t rule out the possibility that the little girl was Aurora''s. After all, he didn''t know what Aurora

    looked like.

    Perhaps Aurora looked like Linsey, and that exined why the little girl resembled Linsey.

    But seeing the faint hope return to Collin''s face, he couldn''t bring himself to question it. He simply nodded, keeping his

    doubts to himself.

    Still, a quiet thought tugged at him he had to meet Aurora in person. Only then would he be certain.

    Meanwhile, Collin took a long breath and finally seemed to breathe a little easier.

    "Find out where Gorman''s headed next. He might be the only person who knows where Linsey is."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 677

    Chapter 677 Remember

    Our Little Secret

    "Alright," Dustin said with a nod.

    Meanwhile, in the car, Gorman nced at Caylee through the rearview mirror. She was ying quietly with Zenia. His

    voice held a touch of concern as he suddenly asked, "Why didn''t Linseye?"

    Last night, he had told Zander to talk Linsey intoing. Linsey had even promised to meet them at the airport.

    Gorman knew her well. When Linsey made a promise to the kids, she never broke

    it.

    So something must have gone wrong.

    Caylee froze for a moment, unsure how to respond.

    Just then, Zenia looked up and asked softly, "Caylee, why didn''t Mommye to pick up Daddy and me?"

    Caylee''s brows lifted in surprise. She nced at Gorman.

    Zenia still called him Daddy?

    Gorman stayed calm. He leaned back slightly and said gently, "Zenia, when you see Mommyter, remember our little

    secret, okay? Don''t call me Daddy around Mommy."

    Zenia nodded seriously. "I know, Gorman."

    Caylee''s focus wasn''t on how Zenia addressed Gorman.

    What bothered her was that this wasn''t the right time to talk about Linsey in front of Zenia.

    After thinking it over, she quietly sent Gorman a message exining what happened.

    Then, turning to Zenia with a smile, she said, "Your mom just finished a bigpetition today. She''s very tired, so she

    went to rest. But you''ll see her soon."

    Gorman, seated in front, read Caylee''s message. His face darkened in an instant.

    He had known this would happen. He never should have let Linseye to Grester for that designpetition.

    Her right hand was already in bad shape.

    Gorman turned to stare out the window, his face cold and unreadable. The chill in

    his expression made the driver grip the wheel tighter.

    Then, out of nowhere, he remembered what happened at the airport. A faint,

    mocking smile tugged at his lips.

    Just as he thought-Collin still hadn''t let Linsey go.

    But this time, he wasn''t going to give Collin another chance.

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    19:58

    Soon, they arrived at Linsey''s hotel.

    The moment they stepped in, Dolores lit up from the sofa.

    "Well, if it isn''t Zenia! Come here and give me a big hug!" Dolores beamed.

    "Zenia!" Zander shouted, jumping from his seat. He had been watching cartoons.

    Gorman gave a small nod, letting Zenia run into Dolores'' arms. His eyes scanned the room beforending on the closed

    bedroom door.

    Dolores noticed his gaze and quietly said, "Linsey''s resting inside."

    Gorman didn''t say anything right away. After a few seconds, he turned to Caylee. "Take Zenia and Zander to another room

    to y."

    "Yes, boss," she said quickly and left with the kids.

    Once the door shut, only Gorman and Dolores remained in the living room.

    Dolores nced at him. His face showed just how upset he was.

    She sighed and spoke first. "If you''re going to me someone, me me. I really didn''t take care of Linsey like I should''ve."

    Gorman stared at her for a few seconds. Then, out of nowhere, he gave a strange littleugh and sat on the sofa.

    "You''re her best friend. How could I me you?" His tone was soft. "I know

    Linsey. She takes her work seriously. Since she

    agreed to enter thepetition under yourpany''s name, I knew she''d give it everything she had."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 678

    Chapter 678 Linsey Will No Longer Engage In Designi...

    Gorman''s smile sent a shiver down Dolores'' spine.

    Feeling a sudden cold, she wrapped her arms around herself and assured him, "Thepetition has concluded. Rest

    assured, Linsey will no longer engage in designing."

    Gorman quirked an eyebrow, asking slowly, "But isn''t designing Linsey''s passion? How do you intend to prevent her from

    pursuing it?"

    "It''s not about stopping her entirely. My n is to ensure she avoids using her right hand for any detailed work."

    Dolores picked up on an unusual tone in Gorman''s question, as if he were subtly suggesting she should keep Linsey from

    designing.

    Disturbed by her own thoughts, Dolores swiftly changed the subject. "Linsey''s in her room. Would you like to go see her?"

    With a subtle shake of his head and a soft smile, Gorman declined. "No need, she needs her rest."

    He then casually asked after a brief pause, "Has Linsey met Collin during her stay in town?"

    His expression was mildly curious, suggesting he would be unfazed by her response.

    "You two are quite close. Surely she tells you everything?" he continued.

    Dolores felt her pulse quicken at the question.

    Indeed, Linsey had confided in Dolores about encountering Collin soon after her return.

    Yet, Dolores sensed that revealing this might stir trouble.

    Gathering her thoughts, she responded steadily, "Linsey has been wholly focused on thepetition since she came back.

    As you know, she just wrapped up today. Although CR Corporation sent a

    designer here, the entries this year were

    anonymous. Collin was unaware that Aurora was actually Linsey."

    While discussing, Dolores was suddenly reminded of an unusual episode when Collin appeared at Linsey''s booth without

    exnation.

    The rationale behind his suspicion remained a mystery to both her and Linsey.

    Dolores decided against sharing this incident with Gorman.

    Her interactions with Gorman had been limited, yet he always struck her as somewhat eerie.

    Despite this, Gorman had consistently supported Linsey over the years, caring for her and her two children without any

    apparent faults, which left Dolores with no concrete reason to distrust him.

    Thankfully, Linsey had never expressed a desire to be with Gorman, prompting Dolores to stay out of it.

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    19:58

    ¡°Understood.¡± Gorman responded with a knowing nod. ¡°Collin previously deceived Linsey. I''m worried she might fall prey to his tricks again if they meet."

    As Gorman spoke, his face darkened, revealing his clear disdain for Collin, which he made no effort to conceal.

    Gorman exined, "Linsey has finally recovered from her previous heartbreak. It would devastate me to see her suffer

    again."

    Dolores nodded in agreement. "I couldn''t agree more."

    Her own dislike for Collin was just as intense, given the pain he had caused Linsey.

    Their discussion was interrupted when Dolores received an unexpected notification.

    She checked her phone, her expression turning to surprise.

    "CR Corporation has just announced a banquet for tomorrow night, in light of this year''s sessful designpetition.

    They invited all thepanies participating in the designpetition and their designers. They''re also organizing an

    auction at the event," Dolores told Gorman, slightly puzzled. "This is a new addition; they haven''t done this after past<ppetitions."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 679

    Chapter 679 Mommy, Are You Still Feeling Sick

    When he heard Dolores'' words, Gorman''s mind went back to the airport. He had seen Collin and Dustin there.

    Gorman figured the banquet was no coincidence. Collin must have arranged it after seeing him return to Grester with

    Zenia.

    After all, Zander looked a lot like Linsey.

    And when Zenia called him Daddy, it probably stirred something in Collin-enough

    to make him suspicious.

    Gorman guessed Collin wanted answers. So, he decided to show up at the

    banquet with Linsey and let Collin see them together. Maybe then he would finally

    give up.

    "Alright. I''ll go with Linsey tomorrow night," Gorman said, a sly smile on his lips.

    When Linsey woke up, the room was dim and quiet.

    She sat up suddenly, dazed and confused.

    Her heart sank. She had promised to pick up Zenia.

    Frustrated, she threw off the nket and got out of bed. She couldn''t even remember when she had fallen asleep.

    She vaguely recalled eating with Dolores and Caylee after thepetition results were announced.

    They had nned to go to the airport together.

    Linsey guessed she must have dozed off on the way. But now wasn''t the time to figure it out.

    She switched on the light, dressed quickly, and rushed to open the door.

    Just then, two small figures popped up in front of her.

    "Mommy, you''re finally awake!" Zander said.

    "Mommy, I missed you so much!" Zenia eximed.

    Zenia and Zander wrapped themselves around her legs, one on each side.

    Zenia clung to her, looking up with wide, worried eyes. "Mommy, are you still feeling sick?"

    Linsey was stunned. She hadn''t expected Zenia to be here already. Her heart filled with joy.

    She knelt down and pulled both kids into a tight hug.

    With teary eyes, she addressed Zenia. "I''m so sorry, sweetheart. I didn''te to pick you up."

    Zenia shook her head seriously. "It''s okay. Gorman, Dolores, and Caylee said you were really tired and needed to rest. I

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    19:58

    understand, Mommy."

    Just then, a warm voice rang out. "Linsey."

    She looked up and saw Gorman walking toward her, a gentle smile on his face.

    She knew it was because of him that Zenia had made it safely to Grester.

    Grateful, she pressed her lips together and said softly, "Thank you for bringing Zenia."

    Gorman smiled. "It was nothing. I''m attending a big banquet tomorrow night. I heard you and Dolores will be there too."

    Linsey asked, puzzled, "A banquet?"

    He nodded and took Zander''s hand, motioning for her to bring Zenia over to the sofa.

    "It''s hosted by CR Corporation. They''re celebrating the end of this year''s designpetition. A lot of important people will

    be there. Should be a grand night," Gorman exined.

    Linsey gently set Zen¨ªa down on the sofa and smoothed her soft hair. She didn''t

    say much. Her expression stayed calm, as

    if Gorman''s words meant little to her.

    19:58

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 680

    Chapter 680 I''m Not Going

    Gorman paused briefly, then said calmly, "Linsey, let''s go together tomorrow night."

    His voice was gentle, his gaze soft and sincere. "Would you do me the honor of being mypanion?" he asked, lowering his tone with genuine humility.

    There was no pressure in his words, only quiet persistence-like he would ept any cost if she just said yes.

    Linsey didn''t respond right away. Her face stayed neutral, but a flicker of emotion passed through her eyes. "I''m not going. I''d rather stay at the hotel with the kids. If you have to be there, ask someone else."

    However, Gorman only smiled, even more tenderly this time. "No. Whether you go or not, you''ll still be my only choice."

    He picked up his phone, scrolling for a moment before adding with quiet emphasis, ¡°But ording to Dolores, since you''re

    the champion this year, you might have to attend. Skipping it could hurt Davidson Group''s brand partnerships."

    Linsey''s brow furrowed, and her voice sharpened. "Didn''t they say winning would guarantee top promotional resources?"

    Gorman let out a light, helpless chuckle. "Linsey, don''t be upset. Let me exin. The promotions are in ce-but

    partnerships still need negotiation. You know how it works. A product won''t seed on ads alone. It needs the right

    backing to really take off."

    As he spoke, he calmly sent a message to Dolores.

    Then he went on, "Tomorrow''s banquet will be packed with major industry figures and potential investors. If Davidson

    Group can earn their support, production and sales down the line will go much more smoothly."

    Linsey stayed quiet, her eyebrows still drawn as she wrestled with the decision.

    Gorman took note of her hesitation, then gently reassured her, "Don''t worry about a thing tomorrow. I''ll handle everything.

    I''ll do whatever I can to help Dolores."

    "I..." Linsey paused, unsure. After hearing all that, she didn''t feel right just staying behind at the hotel.

    She finally said, "I''ll go back to my room and call Dolores."

    "Of course. Talk it over with her," Gorman said with a calm nod.

    His unexpectedly soft tone made Linsey''s guard ease up, almost without realizing

    it.

    She left the kids in his care and headed back to her room.

    Once she was alone, she closed the door and messaged Dolores to ask if she was free for a call.

    A momentter, her phone lit up. Dolores was calling.

    ¡°Linsey, are you feeling better now?¡± Dolores asked right away, concern in her voice.

    "I''m much better after that nap. Not as tired now," Linsey replied quietly.

    Dolores sighed with relief. "You fell asleep in the car, and we didn''t want to wake you, so we took you back to the hotel. I

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    19:58

    had Caylee pick up Zenia and Gorman. Luckily, Zenia was very understanding. We exined everything, and she didn''t

    me you for not being there."

    She paused, then added with a soft note of guilt, "Please don''t be mad at us. We didn''t mean for you to break your promise

    to her."

    Linsey''s heart softened at that. "You were looking out for me. Why would I be mad?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 681

    Chapter 681 Are You Ready To Face Collin

    Linsey lowered her gaze, eyes lingering on the closed door, then asked quietly, "Did Gorman hint that I have to be at

    tomorrow night''s banquet?"

    Dolores''s tone shifted, bing more serious. "Yes. Before I left, he mentioned it more than once. And just now, he texted me again, stressing how important it is that you go."

    A chill ran through Dolores as she added, almost to herself, "I don''t get it. Why is Gorman so set on having you there? I asked around earlier-the banquet ispletely optional. Designers aren''t required to attend. The follow-up work will

    be

    handled by thepany reps anyway."

    Linsey''s eyes narrowed slightly. She let out a quiet sigh. "I really thought Gorman might''ve changed over the years. But he''s still the same-always overthinking things. That said, he''s helped me a lot over the past four years. I can''t fault him too

    much."

    Dolores hesitated, then asked, "So... Have you figured out why he''s doing this?" Linsey didn''t think long before answering softly, "He probably wants to see if I still have feelings for Collin."

    Dolores was silent for a few seconds before gently asking, "Do you?"

    That question made Linsey pause.

    After a moment, her voice came low and a little unsteady. "Dolores, I won''t lie to you. I don''t even know myself. It''s been four years. I should''ve moved on, but somehow... I just haven''t."

    Dolores felt a tightness in her chest hearing that. After a beat, she reminded her, "Do you remember what you said when I first brought up the designpetition? You were so sure of yourself. I asked if you were worried about seeing Collin again, and you told me your dreams mattered more than your ex-husband ever could."

    Linsey let out augh, light and surprised. "Did I really say something that bold?"

    "You did. So, there''s no need to be afraid of running into him. If it happens, it happens. It''s not like he can kick us out of

    town."

    At that, both women fell silent for a moment.

    Now that Collin''s identity as the founder of CR Corporation was public, and his influence in Grester had only grown, they

    both knew that technically, he probably could.

    "Okay, maybe I was wrong. Maybe we should be avoiding him," Dolores mumbled.

    Linsey tried to hold back augh. "I doubt he''d go as far as to drive us out of town."

    Still, her tone shifted, tinged with worry. "What I''m scared of is him finding out about the kids. What if he learns that I

    gave birth to them in secret? With his power, if he wants to fight me for custody, I''m afraid I won''t stand a chance."

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    19:58

    Chapter 681 Are You Ready To Face Collin

    Dolores grew tense. "Zenia wouldn''t be much of an issue. She doesn''t look like him-she takes after you. im she''s someone else''s daughter, just to throw him off. But Zander..."

    You could even

    Her voice dropped. "That''s the problem. He looks just like Collin. And he even has a few of your features too. If Collin sees him, there''s no way he won''t get suspicious."

    She hesitated, then added, "Remember when Caylee took Zander to the y area at the restaurant? Dustin saw him and mentioned how much he looked like Collin. That can''t happen again. We have to keep Zander away."

    "I know. Even if I do go to the banquet, the kids will stay at the hotel. Caylee can watch over them," Linsey said with a nod.

    Dolores paused, a bit surprised. "So... You''re really going? Are you ready to face Collin?"

    100.0%

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    19:58

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 682

    Chapter 682 Who Said Anything About Me Likin...

    With firm resolve, Linsey said, "That mistake was Collin''s, not a betrayal on my part. I have no reason to continue avoiding

    him. Since you''re attending tomorrow night''s banquet where fashion topics will surely arise, having me there could be

    beneficial."

    Moved by the gesture, Dolores responded warmly, "You''re truly thoughtful, Linsey! And don''t stress, if Collin starts any

    trouble, I''ll have your back, even if it costs us our promotional resources!"

    Linsey reassured her, saying, "I know it wasn''t simple securing this for you, so make sure you leverage it fully!"

    She then added, "Actually, I''m eager to test whether I can maintain myposure around Collin at the banquet."

    Pausing for a moment, Linsey continued, "There''s also something I need you to inquire about on my behalf."

    The celebratory banquet for the designpetition unfolded as nned at an opulent hotel in Grester''s heart.

    Dressed in a tuxedo, Collin cast a reserved nce around the room.

    Dustin walked up with his hand resting in his pocket and inquired, "Catching your interest?"

    Collin, with a grave tone, said, "Aurora is supposed to be here tonight. I need to check if she''s the same person I saw at the

    Raising an eyebrow, Dustin questioned, "Why are you still concerned about that, Collin?"

    Appearing nonchnt yet yful, Dustin spun around before Collin and asked expectantly, "How do I look? Am I looking

    sharp today?"

    Collin cast a quick, indifferent nce at him and said with a shrug, ¡°It''s a bit much."

    In disbelief, Dustin stared at him. "Are you serious? I spent forever putting this look together!"

    Without much sympathy, Collin let his eyes drift to the excessive jewelry around Dustin''s neck and fingers. "You''ve got too

    much going on. There''s no focus. Honestly, you look like someone trying too hard to show off."

    In a sh, Dustin yanked off the nes and muttered under his breath, "Here I was thinking I looked good... guess I look

    like a mess instead."

    With a look that carried more weight than his words, Collin asked, "What''s gotten into you today?"

    The question caught Dustin off guard. His face stiffened, then flushed with embarrassment. "Dolores asked me to be her

    Relief flickered across Collin''s face as he heard that. "Did you finally tell her how you feel?"

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    19-58

    Dustin nearly choked on his own breath. "W-what? Who said anything about me liking Dolores?"

    His face turned a deep red. "Stop spouting nonsense, Collin!"

    Instead of answering, Collin tilted his head and looked past Dustin toward something-or someone-behind him. "You sure about that?"

    Suddenly at a loss for words, Dustin fumbled for a reply, saying, "I¡ªI just...¡±

    A slow, almost bored voice called out from behind them. "Seriously, Dustin? Why are you talking like that?"

    The sound hit him like a shockwave. Dustin stiffened, spinning around with a startled look. "H-how long have you been standing there?"

    Without so much as a blink, Dolores closed the distance between them, her face unreadable. "Long enough to hear you blurt out, ''Who said anything about me liking Dolores?""

    Words tumbled in Dustin''s throat as he tried to recover, but nothing coherent came out.

    Before he could pull himself together, Dolores waved him off and spoke with a casual shrug. "Come on. You think that would bother me? You don''t like me. I don''t like you. No need to turn it into some dramatic scene."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 683

    Chapter 683 Let''s Go Inside

    Dustin opened his mouth as though to say something but quickly shut it again.

    The look on his face as he stared at Dolores was one of sadness.

    Finally, he opened his mouth and began, "You..."

    Dolores, however, didn''t let him finish. Not sparing Collin a nce, she pulled Dustin away, saying, "Come with me. I have

    something urgent to talk to you about."

    Dolores had to keep a close eye on Dustin and ensure he didn''t leave her side.

    Linsey was attending the banquet as the designer Aurora. Neither of them was sure if Collin would actually be able to

    recognize her.

    However, Dolores decided to take preemptive steps to ensure Dustin wouldn''t be able to connect the dots.

    Dolores'' n was to keep Dustin away from the banquet and in that way prevent him from noticing anything amiss.

    However, in her bid to do this, she failed to notice the look of shyness that had settled over Dustin.

    At that moment, Linsey, who had on a stunning mask and an elegant gown that hugged her body perfectly and trailed on the floor as she moved, walked into the banquet arm in arm with Gorman.

    Her perfect figure drew attention even though most of her face was hidden behind the mask.

    Gorman could see how much attention her presence drew, and his expression darkened slightly at this.

    His grip on Lindsey''s arm tightened ever so slightly.

    Linsey noticed the tightening of his arm as she turned to him, a look of confusion on her face.

    "It''s nothing." Gorman said when he noticed the question in her gaze. His eyes met hers, and in that moment, his heart skipped a beat as yearning flooded through him.

    He, however, managed to maintain hisposure. Trying to draw attention away from himself, he attempted to adjust Lindsey''s mask.

    As his fingertip brushed against her cheek, he could see a trace of her makeup cling to his fingers.

    Gorman paused, showed Linsey his fingers, and said, "Your makeup tonight seems to be quite different."

    "Yes, it is. Sorry about that," Linsey replied as she retrieved a wet wipe from her purse and cleaned his fingers. "I changed my makeup. I used a heavier foundation to hide my identity."

    Gorman stared intently at Linsey as she wiped his hand. Finally he said, "I thought it was because you''re trying to avoid being recognized by someone you know."

    Linsey''s expression remained unchanged as she tly asked, "Who else could I possibly know in Grester aside from Dolores?"

    However, within her, Linsey had made up her mind to feign ignorance, even if Gorman insisted on probing.

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    10-50

    Chapter 683 Let''s Go Inside

    Tonight, she needed to know if Collin''s presence would affect her emotions.

    This, however, didn''t mean she would allow for Gorman''s prying into her thoughts.

    The two fell into an uneasy silence.

    Gorman finally broke it by chuckling softly. "We''re here for Dolores'' fashion brand, aren''t we?" he asked.

    Linsey''s fist clenched, and she averted her gaze.

    It wasn''t entirely because of that...

    Gorman didn''t miss the change in Linsey''s look.

    His expression darkened momentarily.

    However, he quickly put on a smile and said, "Linsey, let''s go inside. If everything goes as nned, we will get back to

    Zenia and Zander sooner."

    19.59

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 684

    Chapter 684 Long Time No

    See, Collin

    Linsey''s chest tightened at the mention of the children.

    Gorman seemed to always know how to hit her where it hurt the most.

    Yet he acted as though he wished her well.

    Linsey took a deep breath and then nodded in response.

    "Isn''t that Gorman Green, the head of Green Group? He hasn''t been in town for a long while now. Why has he suddenly

    returned?" someone whispered.

    "Who''s the masked woman with him? She''s quite stunning," another person said.

    "There are rumors that it is the winner of this year''s designpetition, Aurora Bright."

    "That''s strange. Wasn''t Aurora representing the Davidson Group in thepetition? How then is she connected to Gorman?"

    "Who knows. However, you must admit they make a striking pair together."

    Gorman, upon hearing thestment, smiled slightly, the moodiness that had been around him dissipating.

    Linsey, however, pretended to not hear what had been said. She and Gorman then proceeded to walk inside.

    Soon, she spotted a familiar figure she hadn''t seen in a while.

    Her breath caught in her throat, and her pulse quickened.

    She struggled to maintain herposure, as she didn''t want Gorman to see that anything was amiss.

    Gorman, too, also saw Collin, and his eyes narrowed.

    Without a word, he walked up to Collin with Linsey in tow.

    "Long time no see, Collin."

    Collin turned his gaze towards the voice he had heard, and his gaze caught on to a familiar pair of eyes.

    His heart skipped a beat.

    Linsey didn''t understand why Gorman had brought her to Collin.

    However, she steeled herself and met Collin''s gaze with practiced indifference.

    "Yeah, it has," Collin replied, after a moment of awkward silence. As he spoke, his eyes rested on Linsey.

    Gorman took note of Collin''s reaction, and a smirk tugged at his lips. He released Linsey''s hand and instead ced an arm

    around her shoulder. "Allow me to introduce the champion of this year''s designerpetition, Aurora Bright."

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    19:59

    < Chapter 684 Long Time No See, Collin

    Linsey kept her eyes on the floor. Her fist clenched involuntarily.

    What on earth was Gorman nning?

    She had thought that with her mask, it would be easy to avoid being recognized if she kept her distance.

    But now, Gorman had brought her right in front of Collin!

    Linsey''s breath grewbored underneath her mask.

    Taking note of Linsey''s distress, Gorman tightened his arm around her shoulder.

    "Oh yeah?" Collin said, his eyes still on Linsey as though he could see beneath her mask.

    Just as Linsey was about to lose herposure, Collin extended his hand towards her. "Nice to meet you, Aurora. Your

    work in yesterday''spetition was breathtaking." He paused, then finished, "I really liked it."

    ?

    Linsey''s lips parted slightly like a fish caught out of water.

    She stood, motionless and rigid, in Gorman''s arm.

    Although Gorman still wore his smirk, his eyes had grown cold as he studied

    Linsey the way a hawk would study its prey.

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    100 0%

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 685

    Chapter 685 Who Is She

    "The founder of CR Corporation just paid you apliment. Don''t you think you should respond?" Gorman said to Linsey.

    She took a deep breath and then turned to Gorman with an intent stare.

    The smile on Gorman''s face immediately disappeared.

    Being so near, he could finally see that Linsey''s eyes were red with emotion.

    Those eyes had a questioning gaze.

    In his daze, Gorman let go of Linsey.

    Without a word, Linsey hiked the hem of her dress and walked away, briskly brushing past Collin.

    As she walked past Collin, a recognizable sweet scent lingered in the air, causing his heart to skip a beat.

    It was at that moment that Collin finally realized that the masked woman, the famous designer Gorman had introduced to

    him, was actually Linsey.

    Gorman finally regained hisposure and turned to see Collin standingpletely still. Smiling suggestively, Gorman

    said, "You appear to be quite enamored with mypanion, Collin."

    Collin stared back at him with a look of cold indifference.

    "Yourpanion?" he repeated.

    Gorman smirked arrogantly and replied, "Of course."

    He paused briefly, then continued, "You should understand one thing. Much can change in four years. It would serve you

    well to stay away from those who will never belong to you."

    With that, Gorman walked away, leaving Collin standing alone.

    Collin remained standing where he was, his mind reying the interaction that

    had just urred not more than two

    minutes earlier.

    Even with her face concealed, he could still identify Linsey.

    Collin felt a sharp pain in his chest at this thought.

    So Linsey was the renowned designer Aurora.

    The designer in the third booth during yesterday''spetition was actually Linsey.

    She had been the one who had endured through the heat to finish her work and had also been the one who had used her

    left hand through the entire design process.

    At this realization, a plethora of questions flooded Collin''s thoughts.

    Why had Linsey used her left hand for designing, and why did she just vanish all of a sudden?

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    19:59

    < Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 685 Who Is She

    "The founder of CR Corporation just paid you apliment. Don''t you think you should respond?" Gorman said to Linsey.

    She took a deep breath and then turned to Gorman with an intent stare.

    The smile on Gorman''s face immediately disappeared.

    Being so near, he could finally see that Linsey''s eyes were red with emotion.

    Those eyes had a questioning gaze.

    In his daze, Gorman let go of Linsey.

    Without a word, Linsey hiked the hem of her dress and walked away, briskly brushing past Collin.

    As she walked past Collin, a recognizable sweet scent lingered in the air, causing his heart to skip a beat.

    It was at that moment that Collin finally realized that the masked woman, the famous designer Gorman had introduced to

    him, was actually Linsey.

    Gorman finally regained hisposure and turned to see Collin standingpletely still. Smiling suggestively, Gorman said, "You appear to be quite enamored with mypanion, Collin."

    Collin stared back at him with a look of cold indifference.

    "Yourpanion?" he repeated.

    Gorman smirked arrogantly and replied, "Of course."

    He paused briefly, then continued, "You should understand one thing. Much can change in four years. It would serve you well to stay away from those who will never belong to you."

    With that, Gorman walked away, leaving Collin standing alone.

    Collin remained standing where he was, his mind reying the interaction that had just urred not more than two

    minutes earlier.

    Even with her face concealed, he could still identify Linsey.

    Collin felt a sharp pain in his chest at this thought.

    So Linsey was the renowned designer Aurora.

    The designer in the third booth during yesterday''spetition was actually Linsey.

    She had been the one who had endured through the heat to finish her work and had also been the one who had used her left hand through the entire design process.

    At this realization, a plethora of questions flooded Collin''s thoughts.

    Why had Linsey used her left hand for designing, and why did she just vanish all of a sudden?

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    19:59

    Chapter 685 Who Is She

    Before Collin could further ponder this, his assistant showed up and said to him, "Mr. Riley, Miss Walton is here and

    requests to see you."

    Collin frowned, a look of confusion on his face as he asked, "Who is she?"

    The assistant paused, giving off the vibe that Collin had just asked an awkward question.

    Finally, he answered, "She''s Haven Walton, the person your grandmother once arranged for you to marry. She had left you five years ago on the day of your wedding. She recently returned to the country, and upon discovering that you are the founder of CR Corporation, she was eager to meet you in person and apologize for her suddenly leaving that day."

    Collin listened, his face a mask of indifference. His thoughts were still on his brief encounter with Linsey, so he barely registered what his assistant was telling him.

    It took him a few moments to realize that his assistant had stopped speaking. "The banquet tonight is open to everyone. I won''t stop anyone who wants to attend," Collin said indifferently.

    The assistant frowned in confusion.

    Did Collin agree to meet Haven or not?

    However, based on Collin''s tone, he didn''t seem to have any aversion to meeting Haven.

    10-59

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 686

    Chapter 686 Linsey, Are

    You Serious

    Elsewhere, Gorman located Linsey discreetly enjoying a ss of wine in a secluded corner.

    Linsey sensed his approach but didn''t acknowledge him, continuing to sip her wine with a cold demeanor.

    "Linsey," Gorman called softly, his smile warm.

    Abruptly, Linsey set her ss down hard on the table.

    The noise of the banquet barely registered the sound, but for Gorman, standing so close to her, it made his heart skip a

    beat.

    As Gorman opened his mouth to speak, Linsey''s stern gaze met his, silencing him mid-breath.

    Taking a moment, Linsey said, "Gorman, your support over the years has meant a lot to me, and I''ve truly valued our friendship. However, your actions this evening have left me perplexed."

    Her expression softened ironically as she gestured to her masked face. "I even consulted Dolores about wearing this mask tonight to ensure my anonymity, altering my makeup specifically."

    Linsey sighed deeply before adding, "Yet, your behavior tonight has undermined all my precautions."

    Gorman''s smile vanished, reced by a solemn expression as he locked eyes with Linsey.

    After a tense pause, Gorman posed a direct question. "Linsey, what''s the reason for your disguise around Collin?"

    His gaze was piercing. He attempted to capture any fleeting emotion in her response.

    "It has been four years since youst saw Collin. You''re supposed to be unfazed by his presence, yet you still seem terrified, hiding your face whenever he''s around," Gorman said before scoffing meaningfully. "Doesn''t this suggest you still haven''t gotten over him?"

    Linsey stared at Gorman, taken aback.

    She suddenly perceived a different side of Gorman, one that was assertive and unnervingly profound.

    Taking a moment to steady her breathing, Linseyposed herself.

    "Gorman, my feelings towards Collin are my affair. I''ll manage them on my own without needing anyone''s interference."

    Linsey spoke with a remarkable sense of calm andposure. "I appreciate your help, but if you intend to leverage that to

    pressure me, we might need to redefine our rtionship strictly in terms of business. I can settle any debt with money."

    Gorman''s eyes flickered, his voice shaky as he responded, "Linsey, are you serious?"

    Linsey''s gaze did not waver; her voice carried a grave sincerity.

    Continuing, she said firmly, "Gorman, I''m aware you want more than friendship from me, but I must be honest. Regardless

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    19:59

    Chapter 686 Linsey, Are You Serious

    of my future with Collin, pursuing anything romantic with you isn''t an option."

    She paused briefly, and her voice softened slightly. "I do value your support, especially for Zenia and Zander. However, my feelings for you will always remain strictly tonic."

    Gorman''s face darkened rapidly, his stare hollow as he looked at her. "Linsey, do you really have to be so cruel to me?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 687

    Chapter 687 That''s Something I Just Can''t Do

    Linsey gave a patient exnation. "If I were really heartless, I would have embraced your affection blindly, pretending to be

    oblivious."

    "I wish you had," Gorman murmured, his smile tinged with bitterness. "To be honest, Linsey, I''d prefer if you weren''t so

    honest with me. It would allow me to preserve the illusion I''ve crafted."

    Shaking her head firmly, Linsey whispered, "That''s something I just can''t do, Gorman. I really can''t."

    She bit her lip, continuing, "There are many women far better suited for you than I am."

    They faced each other, each striving to maintain a steady voice.

    However, it was Gorman who found it challenging to control his emotions; Linsey was unaffected by his distress.

    At times, Gorman found himself wishing Linsey would just once lose herposure with him, believing it would signify

    that she had some emotional stake in him.

    Gorman averted his gaze, concealing the mix of frustration and anger brewing inside him.

    He struggled to ept Linsey''s assertion that no matter her situation with Collin, she could never be with him.

    A bitterugh echoed in Gorman''s mind as he thought about her words.

    He couldn''t ept that Linsey felt nothing for him.

    In his thoughts, he reassured himself that Linsey''s emotional outburst was just a reaction to unexpectedly encountering

    Collin.

    When Gorman looked up again, his sadness had vanished.

    "Okay, Linsey," he said, managing a forced smile. "I was too hasty before. It was wrong of me to confront you with Collin like that. I''ll give your words some thought when I''m alone."

    He inhaled deeply and, with a smile, said, "We can still be friends, can''t we? The kind where there''s no underlying agenda. You know, over the years, my support wasn''t solely rooted in my feelings for you-it was also for Zenia and Zander. They''re such endearing children, and I find myself easily swayed by them. For my own sake, I''d like to remain a part of their lives, watching them grow. Would that be alright?"

    When Linsey heard him bring up Zenia and Zander, she acknowledged that the children did depend on Gorman to a certain

    extent.

    She believed that theplications between the adults shouldn''t affect the kids. Gorman had expressed a willingness to

    still hang out as friends.

    Considering this, Linsey gave a soft nod. "Alright."

    0.0%

    19:59

    She looked at him and suggested, "Perhaps we shouldn''t see each other for a bit,

    to give you some space to process everything. Once you feel ready, you''re wee to visit Zenia and Zander."

    At her words, Gorman felt a tightness in his fists at his sides, which he quickly eased.

    "Understood," Gorman replied with a mild smile. "Could we perhaps start that after tonight''s event? We might still need to

    assist Dolores inworking with some potential business partners."

    Linsey was momentarily taken aback, impressed that he still considered Dolores'' business needs.

    She nodded once more. "Thank you for that."

    Despite his turmoil, Gorman kept up a serene fa?ade. "You''re wee."

    Linsey sensed a difort watching him maintain hisposure.

    Realizing she might have been too stern before, she softened her tone and added, "I need some time to myself. If you''re

    needed, I''ll reach out to you."

    After their exchange, Gorman recognized that he couldn''t push Linsey on any matter at this point.

    Reluctantly, yet showing support as a friend, he agreed, "Alright, take the time you need."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 688

    Chapter 688 How Have You

    Been, Collin

    Linsey smiled and fixed her dress as she walked to the othe

    Gorman watched Linsey walk away with a thoughtful expression on his face.

    He stood like that for a while, pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "How goes the matter I instructed you on?" he

    said coldly.

    "There''s nothing to worry about, Mr. Green. Haven is already at the banquet," the person on the other end of the phone

    said.

    "Good. Keep me informed of any changes."

    "Yes, Mr. Green."

    The banquet hall bustled lively even as the courtyard seemed to grow emptier.

    Linsey walked down the path, her thoughts running wild with her recent meeting with Collin.

    This time she had seen Collin closer and clearer aspared to thest time, when she had caught a glimpse of him

    through a car window.

    It had been four years. Collin seemed more mature and thoughtful. However, he seemed to give off a certain coldness she

    had never felt from him before.

    Maybe it was because she hadn''t known back then that he was the founder of CR Corporation.

    Previously, she had been unaware of Collin''s other titles and identities.

    However, now that she knew this, the rtionship between them changed significantly.

    It was difficult for them to go back to how they used to be.

    Linsey''s thoughts wandered for a while before finally she snapped back to reality with a bitter smile.

    As Gorman had said, she really couldn''t forget Collin.

    In that moment, a female voice rang out. "How have you been, Collin?"

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

    Hurriedly, she hid in a corner and turned in the direction of the voice.

    It was Collin and a woman.

    Linsey immediately put her hand around her mouth in a bid not to make even the smallest of sounds.

    0.0%

    18:39

    From her hiding spot, she could hear Collin say, "I''ve been well."

    Although his tone wasn''t particrly friendly, it wasn''t cold either.

    Linsey felt there was a deeper meaning in Collin''s words. However, she wasn''t

    sure if that was the case or if it was just her imagination.

    What confused her the most, however, was why she was hiding and eavesdropping on them.

    Annoyed at her actions, she wanted to leave, but her legs refused to move.

    Collin and Haven, however, hadn''t noticed Linsey yet.

    Haven smiled at Collin and said, "That''s good. While I was overseas, I was worried you weren''t happy. I''m relieved to see

    that this isn''t the case."

    Although Collin''s face was a mask of polite civility, irritation had begun to build up within him.

    However, he kept up the polite act because of the call he had gotten from his grandmother a few minutes ago.

    Five years ago, he had agreed to marry Haven, the daughter of the Walton family, because of his grandmother''s closeness to the Walton family.

    However, Haven had suddenly left on the day of the wedding.

    His grandmother had been extremely angry when she had heard the news. However, sheter calmed down when she

    learned that Haven had to leave because her mother had suddenly fallen ill.

    This exnation, coupled with the closeness of both families, caused Ivy to not further press the matter.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 689

    Chapter 689 You''ll Find

    Someone Better

    Years had gone by, and Ivy had long let go of her anger.

    Just moments ago, she had even called Collin herself, asking him to keep an eye on Haven. Haven had juste back and

    wasn''t used to Grester anymore.

    That was why Collin stood patiently in front of Haven now, quietly listening as she chatted about little things.

    But in truth, ever since he had run into Linsey again, his mind had been full of her. He had no interest in anyone else.

    Haven noticed his long silence and felt annoyed. Still, when she remembered how she had left him on their wedding day,

    she couldn''t bring herself to me him.

    She told herself maybe he was still hurt by what happened back then.

    As she thought of that, a faint sweetness bloomed in her chest.

    She looked at his long legs and smiled. "Back when you were in a wheelchair, I really thought your legs were injured. I felt

    bad for so long. Later, Ivy told me it was all fake. I was so relieved."

    Collin frowned slightly.

    He knew Haven had visited Ivy after returning, but he didn''t expect Ivy to tell her so much.

    He stayed quiet for a while, unsure what to say. In the end, he just gave a small nod.

    Haven''s eyes lit up as she stared at his face. Then she pressed her lips together and said softly, "Collin, about the wedding

    five years ago... I never meant to leave you."

    In the shadows nearby, Linsey gasped and quickly covered her mouth.

    In that instant, everything clicked. The woman with Collin-the one speaking now- was the same woman who had left him

    at the altar.

    From what she overheard earlier, Linsey could tell Haven and Ivy seemed close.

    When she realized this, Linsey''s heart sank.

    Now she understood why Collin had barely reacted when he saw her with Gorman. His runaway bride was back.

    And clearly, he no longer cared about her.

    The thought stung. Linsey let out a quiet, bitterugh and looked down with a cold smile.

    She told herself to let it go. The past was the past. They had been divorced for four years. Whoever Collin was with now

    wasn''t her business anymore.

    0.0%

    18:39

    No more holding on to old feelings. No more heartache.

    She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and turned away with a frosty expression.

    The moment she left, Collin spoke calmly. "Haven, let''s leave the past where it belongs. We''ve both moved on. You''ll find

    someone better."

    Haven was briefly stunned, then said quickly, "But we were so close to being married. If that ident hadn''t happened, we

    might have kids by now. I-"

    Before she could finish, Collin shook his head and cut in, voice firm, "After you left

    me at the altar, I met someone else.

    She''s the one I love. I won''t be with anyone else."

    Haven froze. Her face stiffened.

    But deep down, she wasn''t surprised. She had heard about Collin''s marriage. People said he truly loved his wife.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 690

    Chapter 690 Start Digging

    Into That Woman

    Haven''s expression softened almost instantly. She gave a faint smile and said, "But you''re already divorced, aren''t you? It''s been four years now."

    Collin''s gaze darkened, and his voice grew firm. "Divorce doesn''t change the fact that I still love her."

    Haven''s smile faded. She stared at him, stunned and speechless.

    Collin looked down slightly and continued, "I know my grandmother is close with your family. I''ll show you and your

    family the respect you deserve. But beyond that, I''ve made myself clear."

    With that, he gave a polite nod. "If there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave. I have matters to attend to at the banquet."

    Before Haven could respond, Collin turned and walked off without hesitation.

    A wave of humiliation washed over her.

    Her fists clenched tightly, and her face burned with anger.

    All her life, she had been spoiled and adored.

    With her beauty and wealthy background, no one had ever dared reject her.

    This was the first time a man had spoken to her like that-and it stung.

    Just then, soft footsteps approached from behind..

    Haven turned to see her friend, Joanne Ellis.

    "Haven, what happened? Why did he leave like that?" Joanne asked.

    Haven''s face twisted with a mix of shame and fury. "I only hinted a little, and he shot me down right away. He said he still

    loves his ex-wife!"

    She paused, then gritted her teeth. "That woman only got the chance to marry into the Riley family because I walked away

    from the wedding. And now I''ve lost to her-a nobody who was just a stand-in!"

    Joanne looked surprised. Then she said seriously, "I heard his ex-wife was Linsey Brooks-a designer who used to be well-known here in Grester. No family, no background. Just an orphan. Who knows what tricks she pulled to stay in Collin''s

    heart?"

    Haven''s eyes narrowed with disdain. "Humph! No matter how talented she was, she still ended up divorced. At least I''ve built a solid bond with Collin''s grandmother. If I y my cards right, it won''t be long before I be his wife."

    Joanne chuckled and sighed. "If we had known back then that Collin wasn''t actually disabled-and that he was the founder of CR Corporation-you never would''ve left him."

    0.0%

    18:41

    Chapter 690 Start Digging Into That Woman

    Haven shot her a re. "There''s no point crying over spilled milk."

    She then snapped, "Start digging into that woman-Linsey Brooks. I want every detail. Maybe there''s something I can use to

    win Collin back."

    Half an hourter, Gorman saw Linsey again.

    "Linsey."

    She blinked, pulled from her thoughts, and saw Gorman watching her closely.

    "Are you okay?" he asked gently, sensing something off.

    Linsey gave a small shake of her head. "I''m fine."

    But Gorman knew her too well. He could see through the lie.

    Still, because she had always kept her feelings guarded, he didn''t push her.

    1

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 691

    Chapter 691 The Auction''s About To Begin

    Gorman gave a gentle smile. "The auction''s about to begin. Let''s head inside and find our seats."

    "Alright," Linsey responded.

    Together, they joined the slow stream of guests entering the venue.

    Whether by coincidence or intentional design, Linsey and Gorman ended up seated right next to Collin.

    "Ms. Bright."

    The low voice caught Linsey off guard, making her heart skip a beat.

    She turned calmly toward Collin, meeting his gaze without flinching. "What is it?¡±

    This time, she didn''t bother disguising her voice. It was unmistakably Linsey speaking.

    Collin''s eyes flickered. His gaze locked onto her; he was unwilling to look away.

    She had changed over the past four years-he could feel it.

    Her makeup was slightly different, maybe her demeanor too.

    But the real difference was harder to define.

    Maybe it was the time they lost-the years they should have spent together-that made her feel so unfamiliar now.

    A quiet trace of sorrow crossed his face.

    After a moment, he said withposure, "Tonight''s auction has quite a few valuable pieces. If anything catches your eye,

    I''ll have it sent to you."

    Gorman, sitting beside Linsey, frowned slightly at Collin''s uncharacteristic boldness.

    Linsey, too, was momentarily thrown off.

    Just as she was about to respond, she noticed a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye.

    "Collin, do you mind if I sit next to you? I don''t know many people here, and Ivy suggested I stay close to you," Haven said

    sweetly.

    Linsey''s expression instantly cooled. She turned her gaze forward, ignoring the scene unfolding beside her.

    Collin hesitated-he had intended to decline-but thinking of Ivy and the fact it was just a seat, he nodded politely. "Sure."

    Haven lit up at his reply.

    Even though he had been so blunt with her earlier, she felt he still cared in some small way.

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    18:41

    Chapter 691 The Auction''s About To Begin

    Once seated, she noticed Collin ncing off to the side.

    Curious, she followed his gaze-and was stunned to find it fixed on the masked woman beside him.

    Linsey''s graceful presence and distinct aura made Haven''s eyes widen.

    She didn''t overthink it. With a soft smile, she leaned toward Collin and asked, "Is it okay to wear a mask to tonight''s event?

    I haven''t seen anyone else doing it-only thisdy here."

    She didn''t bother to lower her voice, so Linsey heard her clearly.

    Her lips pressed into a thin line as she silently listened to their exchange, trying not to react.

    At the same time, she recalled the conversation she had eavesdropped on earlier in the courtyard-the voices and the

    words still fresh in her mind.

    Collin pulled his gaze away from Linsey and answered evenly, "It''s her choice."

    Haven, still watching Collin closely, sensed the shift in his demeanor.

    This wasn''t the usual cold and distant Collin. He seemed conflicted, like he was holding back something-emotions he

    didn''t want to show.

    When she noticed that, Haven''s brows knitted slightly.

    Then, just momentster, she caught him turning back to look at the masked woman again.

    100.0%

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 692

    Chapter 692 Do You Like

    The Painting

    Haven felt certain-something was off.

    Soon, the auction officially began.

    The first item was brought onto the stage.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, please take a look," the auctioneer announced. "Our opening item is an oil painting titled Country Road. What makes this piece extra special is that the artist is actually present with us tonight."

    A wave of surprise rippled through the audience.

    "The color palette is vibrant, and the technique is exceptional. The artist clearly has incredible talent."

    "The artist''s here? Tell us who it is!"

    With a proud smile, the auctioneer revealed. "This painting is the work of none other than Haven Walton. She''s recently returned."

    Gasps and murmurs filled the room.

    "I didn''t see thating! Miss Walton''s quite the talent."

    "Well then, I definitely need to make her acquaintance."

    The auctioneer continued, clearly enjoying the moment, "Miss Walton, would you mind standing to greet our guests?"

    Haven rose gracefully, epting the microphone from a staff member. In a soft,posed voice, she said, "Good evening, everyone. I''m Haven Walton. It''s a real honor to have my painting included in tonight''s auction. Thank you for your warm appreciation."

    Her appearance drew even more admiration from the crowd.

    "Who would''ve thought-she''s not just gifted, she''s beautiful too!"

    Someone spotted her seat beside Collin and pointed it out. "Look, she''s sitting next to Mr. Riley! So, she knows him?"

    "Mr. Riley''s been a lone wolf for years. This is the first woman we''ve seen by his side."

    Haven was delighted by the whispers and assumptions swirling around them.

    With a modest smile, she responded sweetly, "Collin and I are just friends. Please don''t take it the wrong way."

    Collin grew faintly irritated on hearing the chatter.

    But since Haven had already offered an exnation, he chose to stay quiet, not wanting to feed the gossip.

    The auctioneer stepped in smoothly. "Thank you, Miss Walton."

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    18:41

    Chapter 692 Do You Like The Painting

    Haven handed the microphone back and returned to her seat.

    Leaning in close to Collin, she whispered apologetically, "I didn''t expect them to mention us like that. But I exined it. I

    hope you''re not upset."

    Collin''s expression didn''t waver. "I got it," he replied tly, showing neither annoyance nor warmth.

    But to Linsey, watching from the side, it looked far more intimate than it was.

    Her breathing grew shallow, her fingers curling tightly in herp.

    Just then, Gorman leaned over and murmured, "Do you like the painting?"

    Snapped out of her thoughts, Linsey almost dismissed it witho

    smile. "I... It''s alright."

    thinking. But she caught herself. Instead, she gave a faint

    Pulling herself together, she felt embarrassed. She shouldn''t have let her jealousy cloud her judgment.

    In truth, she hadn''t even taken a proper look at the painting yet.

    Gorman, watching her closely, gave a slow, amused smile. "Honestly, it''s no more

    than a beginner''s piece. I''m not sure

    what everyone''s so impressed by."

    Linsey blinked in surprise.

    She turned to him and asked quietly, "Are you serious?"

    100.0%

    18:41

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 693

    Chapter 693 It''s A Masterpiece!

    Gorman looked deeply into Linsey''s eyes and said, "I''m always serious when ites to you."

    Linsey''s heart skipped a beat.

    Had he already forgotten everything she told him? Otherwise, why would he suddenly say something like that again?

    Feeling flustered and at a loss, Linsey chose to ignore him. She turned her focus back to the auction stage.

    "We will start the bidding for the oil painting at $1 million."

    "$1.5 million."

    "$2 million!"

    The bidding continued, and by the time it reached three million, most of the bidders had backed off.

    Haven began to grow restless.

    She bit her lip anxiously. Then, a thought urred to her. Leaning toward Collin, she whispered, "Collin, I''ve changed my mind. I don''t want to sell the painting to just anyone. Could you help me win it? I''ll pay you backter. Besides, it''s for charity-so the money goes to a good cause."

    Collin paused, then replied coolly, "You can bid for it yourself."

    Haven''s face fell at his blunt refusal. "But if I do that, people will talk. I''d rather avoid that kind of attention."

    "$3.5 million going once, twice."

    Haven''s eyes reddened with anxiety. "Collin, please."

    Collin frowned. Ivy''s voice echoed in his mind. She had asked him to look after Haven.

    He exhaled silently, already regretting his agreement. After tonight, he would definitely have a serious talk with Ivy about getting dragged into this kind of mess.

    Expression cold, he signaled to the assistant seated behind him. "$5 million!" the assistant called out.

    Gasps erupted across the venue.

    "Mr. Riley ced a bid! He jumped straight to $5 million!"

    "She just said they''re friends. Come on, there''s clearly more going on there."

    Linsey sat quietly, hearing the murmurs swirl around her.

    In her heart, she couldn''t disagree. The bond between Collin and Haven didn''t feel like simple friendship.

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    1702

    They had almost gotten married once.

    If Haven hadn''t abruptly walked away from the wedding, she wouldn''t have ended up marrying Collin.

    The thought made Linsey''s smile bitterly.

    Collin ultimately secured the first item of the night.

    Soon, the next item was brought on stage.

    As soon as it appeared, Haven frowned and said in disbelief, "Why is a in designer shirt being auctioned?"

    Linsey nced at her but didn''t respond.

    Right after Haven''s remark, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The crowd buzzed with renewed energy.

    "That''s the winning piece from this year''s designpetition!"

    "I missed Aurora''s work at the show yesterday, but seeing it now-it''s incredible!"

    "Even at thepetition, we only saw it on a screen. Seeing it in person tonight is a treat. Her color pairing is brilliant!"

    "This should''ve been the main highlight of the auction. Compared to this, that painting earlier feels so underwhelming."

    "Exactly! They''re onpletely different levels."

    "Shh-keep your voice down. The only reason that painting got on the stage was because Haven is a Walton."

    The mocking words sliced through the air, hitting Haven hard. Her face flushed with embarrassment and rising fury.

    She turned to Collin again, her tone soft but aggrieved. "Collin, did you hear that? How can they say something so awful about my painting? How can that awful shirt be better than my art? My oil painting is real art-it''s a masterpiece!"

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 694

    Chapter 694 Is Ms. Aurora Bright In Attendance...

    Collin looked at Haven, his expression unreadable. In a low voice, he said, "This design won a prestigiouspetition this

    year. What do you think?"

    On stage, the auctioneer spoke up again, "Is Ms. Aurora Bright in attendance tonight? If so, would you please stand and

    greet everyone?"

    Linsey pressed her lips together, preparing to tell Gorman she didn''t want to reveal her identity.

    But before she could speak, Gorman gently helped her to her feet.

    In an instant, all eyes in the room turned to her-Linsey, standing in silence with her mask on.

    "Did you watch thepetition yesterday? She clearly said the design was inspired by her child. That made it obvious." "She looks so young... Hard to believe she''s a mother."

    "But look at her elegance. Even with the mask, I can tell she''s beautiful."

    Collin''s expression shifted the moment he heard someone mention Aurora was a mother. A serious look clouded his eyes.

    He was now sure-Aurora Bright was Linsey.

    So... Linsey had a child?

    His mind shed back to the airport. That little girl who looked so much like Linsey-was she her daughter?

    But then again... The girl had called Gorman Daddy.

    Collin''s chest tightened, his breathing subtly strained.

    No. He didn''t want to believe it.

    The thoughts running wild in his head made his face grow noticeably tense.

    Haven, annoyed that an unknown designer had suddenly stolen the spotlight, noticed the way Collin''s expression changed

    -and quietly began to think things over.

    Just then, a staff member approached Linsey and handed her a microphone. Though she didn''t want to speak, it was impossible to avoid it now.

    Linsey lowered her gaze and adjusted her voice, speaking in a soft,posed tone. "Good evening, everyone. I''m the designer, Aurora Bright. The piece on stage was created under very challenging conditions, and I''m aware it isn''t wless. I hope whoever wins the piece won''t be troubled by its imperfections. If any adjustments are neededter, I''ll dly make

    them."

    She then added with quiet sincerity, "If no one wishes to bid, I''ll do my best to donate personally to the local charities in

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    17:03

    Chapter 694 Is Ms. Aurora Bright In Attendance Tonight

    Grester."

    A curious voice from the audience rang out. "Ms. Bright, if you bid on your own design, aren''t you basically paying for it and donating the funds yourself?"

    Linsey smiled gently and replied, "Yes-but in return, I''ve earned a name for myself, and in this industry, that''s priceless."

    The crowd chuckled, warmed by her honesty.

    Even though they couldn''t see her face, there was something about her presence

    and words that drew people in. No one seemed the least bit put off.

    When Linsey finally sat back down, her polite smile disappeared. She gave Gorman a look of mild frustration-as if to say, "Why did you make me stand up?¡±

    Gorman let out a softugh and said warmly, "You did great."

    Catching Collin''s sharp gaze from the seat nearby, Gorman paused briefly, then casually lifted his hand and tucked a loose strand of Linsey''s hair behind her ear.

    "It was slightly out of ce," Gorman said lightly.

    His gesture was so natural that Linsey didn''t feel it crossed any lines.

    Without giving it much thought, she adjusted her hair and said quietly, "I''ll freshen up after the auction."

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 695

    Chapter 695 I Have To Win

    It

    "We will begin the bidding for the championship piece by Ms. Aurora Bright at $1 million."

    As soon as the announcement echoed, the room went still.

    Haven let out a small, mocking chuckle.

    So, this was Aurora''s masterpiece? She had expected something more. To her surprise, the starting price was the same as

    hers.

    What amused her even more-no one ced a bid.

    Just as that thought crossed her mind, a voice rang out, loud and clear. "$2 million!"

    Haven''s smile froze on her lips.

    In the blink of an eye, the room burst to life with bids.

    "$3 million!"

    "$4 million!"

    "$5 million!"

    "$7 million!"

    "$8 million!"

    Haven struggled to keep her expression steady.

    Her painting had only sold for five million. Now, Aurora''s piece was already at eight million.

    And the realpetition hadn''t even started.

    The auctioneer''s voice cut through the murmurs. "$8 million going once!"

    Haven took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. It was just eight million. Nothing to fuss about.

    Then came a voice that silenced the room. "$10 million!"

    Gasps echoed all around.

    "Did it just jump to $10 million?"

    "Who made that bid?"

    Haven turned toward Aurora, stunned. The man beside her had raised his paddle.

    She had no idea who he was, but his bold move left her speechless.

    0.0%

    17:27

    Chapter 6951 Have To Win It

    Linsey was equally shocked. She looked at Gorman, eyes wide. "Why did you raise it so high?"

    Gorman''s voice was firm. "I have to win it. I know how much this means to you. Better we keep it than lose it to someone

    else."

    Linsey''s gaze softened, but her voice was unsure. "Still, $10 million is no small- Before she could finish, a familiar voice cut in. "$15 million."

    Linsey turned sharply. Collin stood with his paddle raised, eyes fixed on the piece on stage.

    In his deep, steady gaze, she saw something stronger than Gorman''s resolve-an unshakable determination. He wanted

    that piece badly.

    Linsey''s breath caught. She didn''t understand what Collin was thinking.

    But she wasn''t the only one shocked.

    "Mr. Riley is bidding too?"

    "Of course! Aurora''s design is one of a kind."

    ¡°But $15 million? That''s steep!"

    "Come on. When you love something, price doesn''t matter! And it''s not like Mr. Riley is short on cash."

    "Wait... Isn''t that Mr. Green next to Aurora? So, they really know each other?" Meanwhile, Haven was inplete disbelief.

    She never imagined Collin would bid on Aurora''s piece-and personally, at that. His eagerness was crystal clear.

    "Collin, you..." Haven began, unable to hold back.

    "$20 million," Gorman called out, raising his paddle once more.

    The crowd was stunned silent.

    Then Collin replied, cool and calm, "$30 million."

    Gorman didn''t flinch. "$40 million."

    Linsey''s brows pulled together. It wasn''t about the artwork anymore. Now, it was

    about something else entirely-neither

    of them wanted to lose.

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    Chapter 696 Have You Developed Feelings For...

    Linsey swiftly sped Gorman''s arm, her brow furrowed as she dered, "Gorman, I''ve already agreed to donate this piece

    for auction. I''m indifferent about who wins it, just as long as the proceeds benefit those in need."

    Gorman''s eyes locked with hers as he firmly said, "Linsey, I need to secure your award-winning creation."

    His determination only deepened, especially knowing that Collin was alsopeting for it-he was adamant about not

    backing down.

    At the auction, Collin hoisted his paddle once more, his authoritative voice echoing through the hall. "$50 million."

    Haven seethed with frustration, puzzled by Collin''s intense pursuit of the prize- winning piece crafted by Aurora.

    A perplexing thought suddenly crossed her mind.

    Was it possible that he had taken a fancy to Aurora?

    Confusion and astonishment washed over Haven.

    She couldn''t resist a sidelong nce at Linsey, jealousy and bitterness swelling within her.

    Impossible! Aurora was always masked-what could possibly draw Collin to her? Aurora stood like a statue, effortlessly drawing everyone''s attention.

    Yet, she consistently shielded her face with a mask. Perhaps she was hiding an unsightly visage-that must be why she

    never showed her face!

    As Haven dwelled on this notion, her features tightened. She seized Collin''s wrist and begged, "Collin, stop bidding on this

    piece. It''s not worth that much."

    Collin''s expression darkened, his eyes cold as they fixed on Haven''s hand clenching his arm. He curtlymanded,

    "Release me."

    Haven clenched her jaw and tightened her grip. ¡°Collin, think this through. If Ivy were aware of how you''re squandering

    her lifetime of savings, she would be furious with you."

    Meanwhile, Gorman quickly escted the bid. "$60 million!"

    Collin''s cold gaze sent a shiver of fear through Haven.

    She inhaled sharply, locked eyes with him, and asked, ¡°Collin, have you developed feelings for Aurora? What draws you to her? You''ve never seen her face, yet you seem intrigued. Just half an hour ago, you confessed you hadn''t moved on from your ex-wife. What''s really going on here?"

    The auctioneer cast a look towards Collin, who remained silent, and announced, "$60 million, going once."

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    A shadow fell over Collin''s features at Haven''s interrogation.

    Unknown to others, Aurora''s real identity was Linsey.

    Collin puzzled over why Linsey chose to conceal her identity. Perhaps she wanted

    to keep this secret from him, or maybe

    there were other motives.

    In any case, he was bound to keep Aurora''s identity secret, to avoid dragging Linsey into any trouble.

    "$60 million, going twice."

    Collin took a deep breath, seeking to steady his nerves.

    He really had been a bit impulsive.

    Given Haven''s influential status, he knew he must avoid putting Linsey in jeopardy again, reminiscent of an incident four years prior.

    Crucially, without Linsey by his side at the moment, he was unable to ensure her safety directly.

    "Sold right here, $60 million." The auctioneer struck the gavel, bringing the bidding to a close.

    Gorman had triumphantly secured Aurora''s prize-winning creation.

    "Wow, $60 million for this piece? Absolutely astonishing!"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 697

    Chapter 697 That Piece Is Stunning!

    "Mr. Green actually paid such arge amount for a piece created by Aurora. It really makes me wonder if there might be more to their rtionship."

    "Why did Mr. Riley withdraw from the bidding? I was sure he''d go head-to-head with Mr. Gorman."

    "Did you see that? Ms. Walton held him back from bi more. It looks like their connection runs deeper than mere

    friendship."

    "It seems Mr. Riley genuinely appreciates Aurora''s art. I was starting to think he might have fallen for..."

    "Shh, keep it down. If Ms. Walton catches wind of that, it could upset her."

    "Given the turn of events, if Ms. Walton is upset, Mr. Riley surely will be as well. We ought to treat Ms. Walton with extra

    courtesy from now on."

    These snippets of animated conversation reached Linsey''s ears.

    She maintained a stoic expression and cast her gaze downward, feeling that much had shifted during her absence from

    Grester.

    Initially, the changes in Collin had hurt, but the more she heard, the more reconciled she felt.

    Linsey considered that her decision to attend the event tonight was validated.

    She had clearly seen Collin''s position and felt a sense of relief about her own emotions.

    She anticipated that soon, Collin might not evoke any emotional response in her at all.

    "Linsey, are you doing okay?" Gorman asked.

    Linsey came back to the present and shook her head slightly. "I''m fine."

    After a moment, she turned to Gorman and murmured, "Thank you for such a spirited bid on my piece, and for

    contributing significantly to charity tonight."

    Gorman''s face warmed, his smile tender.

    "

    ''As long as it brings you joy, it''spletely worthwhile." He let out a teasingugh and added, "It appears Collin admires. your work as well. It''s unfortunate he didn''t continue to bid. With his means, he could have easily matched my offers. I''m

    fortunate to have won your piece in the end. It seems you''ve quite the fan base." Linsey offered a weak smile and softly said, "Stop teasing."

    Gorman continued to gaze at her, his smile unwavering. "I''m serious. Your talent alone wouldmand a high price, regardless of me or Collin."

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    < Chapter 697 That Piece Is Stunning!

    Moved by his earnest tone, Linsey found herself touched.

    She faced Gorman, her smile broadening sincerely.

    Her expression was undeniably warmer this time.

    New items were sessively presented on stage.

    While the audience was abuzz with excitement and anticipation, Linsey felt detached.

    Part of her disinterest derived from theck of appealing items.

    Yet another factor yed a role. Despite Collin sitting quietly next to her, she found it difficult topletely disregard his

    presence.

    Linsey continually reminded herself that Collin had moved on.

    Moreover, even without Haven''s return to Collin''s life, their divorce four years prior had set their paths apart.

    She believed that their lives were meant to unfold separately, without ovep.

    Time progressed swiftly, and soon, the final auction item was unveiled.

    As the covering was removed, revealing the item inside the ss case, a collective gasp filled the room.

    "Amazing! That piece is stunning!"

    "It''s clear why this is the auction''sst piece. It''s truly magnificent."

    "Who could be worthy of such an exquisite ne?"

    Linsey was caught by thements, her attention drawn to the stage. In an

    instant, herposed expression transformed

    into one of astonishment.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 698

    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 698 This Ne Is Truly One-of-a-kind

    A breathtaking diamond ne glittered under the stage lights. Even from afar, Linsey could clearly see the intricate, one-of-a-kind patterns etched into its surface.

    Every delicate pattern revealed the soft, natural texture of uncut diamonds, glowing with an elegant sheen.

    She couldn''t look away. The ne held herpletely spellbound.

    Just a seat away, Collin caught the subtle shift in Linsey''s expression.

    It had been years-four, to be exact-since he had seen that kind of light in her eyes.

    His pulse quickened without warning, and his chest felt inexplicably warm.

    The auctioneer''s voice cut through the quiet awe. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present tonight''s crowning jewel, the Star of the Desert. This extraordinary piece was created by master designer Amy Estrada, who dedicated five years to perfecting it. Crafted from the rare Speossau diamonds, this ne is truly one-

    of-a-kind."

    "No wonder it''s so dazzling!"

    "Even if I walk away with nothing tonight, just seeing this in person makes the trip worth it."

    "There''s maybe a handful of people here who can afford to bid on something like that."

    "Wait, this reminds me-wasn''t it a few years back that Mr. Riley supposedly dropped a billion on a ne for his wife? Sound familiar?"

    "Some said that was just gossip, though."

    "True or not, if Ms. Walton shows the slightest interest, Mr. Riley could easily take home this piece, too."

    "Now I''m really curious to see what he does."

    As the voices around her buzzed with curiosity, Linsey felt a sudden chill rece the excitement that had just begun to build in her chest.

    Only a handful of people knew the truth behind the story-that four years ago, the founder of CR Corporation really did spend a billion dors on a ne.

    Back then, right after she married Collin, she hadn''t yet discovered that her husband was the mysterious and powerful founder of CR Corporation.

    Back when the rumor first surfaced, Linsey couldn''t help but suspect Collin might be behind it.

    Now, with the benefit of hindsight, she realized the signs had been there all along.

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    Chapter 698 This Ne Is Truly One-of-a-kind

    Plenty of hints had slipped through his actions, but her own tangled emotions had kept her from seeing the truth-that Collin was the man behind CR Corporation.

    What was more, during that time, Collin had still been confined to a wheelchair, making it nearly impossible for her to associate him with someone so influential.

    A flicker of irony crossed Linsey''s eyes as the memory settled in.

    Even after four long years, the sting of betrayal hadn''tpletely dulled. The pain still tightened around her chest whenever she revisited that chapter.

    "Do you like the ne, Linsey?" Gorman''s voice cut into her spiral of thoughts.

    She took a moment before blinking slowly and answering in aposed tone, "Not really."

    She told the lie without a moment''s hesitation.

    Truthfully, she found the ne captivating. But epting another gift from Gorman was something she wasn''t willing to do.

    After considering for a moment, Gorman added, "To me, it looks like it was made for you. It reflects the grace and quiet strength you carry."

    Hisment caught Linsey slightly off guard. She let out a soft, almost amused breath and replied, "Were you not listening to the auctioneer earlier? This ne is considered a once-in-a-lifetime piece. The real question is whether I''m even good enough to wear it, not the other way around. If anyone overheard you, they''d probably think I was full of myself."

    Exclusive Offer For You

    im Now

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 699

    Chapter 699 You''ve Already Spent Enough...

    A quiet chuckle escaped Gorman as he said, "Let them talk. Anyone who thinks you don''t deserve that ne

    clearly doesn''t recognize beauty or value when they see it."

    Rather than continuing the pointless back-and-forth, Linsey chose to shift a topic.

    After a brief pause, she spoke more seriously. "You''ve already spent enough tonight. This ne is only going

    to get more expensive. There''s no need to throw caution to the wind."

    Gorman gave her a respectful nod, but then, out of nowhere, he burst intoughter.

    The sudden reaction caught Linsey off guard. "What''s so funny?" she asked with a hint of confusion.

    "It''s nothing." Gorman waved a hand dismissively as hisughter faded.

    What he didn''t share was the thought that had just crossed his mind-Linsey had sounded like a wife

    reminding her husband not to overspend.

    Still, he kept that thought tucked away. Saying it aloud would only irritate her, and he wasn''t about to push his

    luck.

    On the other side, Collin sat still, though his attention had been drifting toward Linsey without him realizing it.

    His eyes were drawn to the way she and Gorman interacted, calm and familiar.

    Each time he imagined Linsey might have already had a daughter carrying her features with Gorman, a sharp pang and bitterness tightened in his chest.

    If that child truly existed, then whatever chance he still held of reconciling with Linsey was gone for good.

    In that scenario, he would spend the rest of his life watching her build a future with someone else, quietly carrying that regret wherever he went.

    Just then, Haven leaned closer, her eyes still fixed on the ne. "Collin, isn''t this piece absolutely

    breathtaking?"

    Snapped out of his thoughts, Collin quickly straightened and replied in an even tone, "It''s the centerpiece of

    the night. It''s meant to impress."

    The lukewarm response made Haven''s smile falter.

    She tightened her lips, then deliberately added, "You know, my birthday''s in just a

    little over two weeks. It''ll be the first time I celebrate it back in Grester, which makes it feel especially important."

    Though Collin''s mind wandered elsewhere, his face betrayed nothing. ¡°Is that so?" he responded, his voice steady and even.

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    Haven, picking up on hisck of enthusiasm, grew increasingly uneasy. His continued indifference gnawed at her patience.

    She believed she had everything a man like Collin could possibly want-grace, intelligence, and charm-yet none of it seemed to matter to him.

    In her mind, she had already dropped enough hints. Any man with a shred of decency would have taken the cue and offered to gift her that ne for her birthday.

    For someone like Collin, securing the ne should have been effortless.

    Money wasn''t the issue. As the founder of CR Corporation, he could buy out the entire auction if he pleased.

    What truly mattered was whether he wanted to make that gesture.

    On stage, the auctioneer picked up the pace and addressed the crowd. "Esteemed guests, we''ll begin the bidding for the Star of the Desert diamond ne at $100 million!"

    The atmosphere in the room shifted. Whispers spread, and expressions changed. With that price, many of the admirers silently pulled back, losing their interest.

    It wasn''t surprising-most could only dream ofpeting at that level.

    Moments passed before someone finally broke the silence. "$110 million.¡±

    Another voice followed. "$120 million."

    Then came another. "$130 million."

    The bidding climbed slowly, each number drawing more attention. Those seated farther back craned their necks, eager to witness just how far it would go.

    "$200 million!" someone shouted.

    "$250 million," the next bidder said without a moment''s hesitation.

    A curious voice from the crowd suddenly rang out. "Isn''t it odd? Mr. Riley and Mr. Green haven''t made a single

    move."

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    Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 700 We''re

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 700

    Chapter 700 We''re Going

    To Win It!

    "Mr. Green and Mr. Riley probably just don''t like this ne."

    "That can''t be right. I''m quite sure that I heard Ms. Walton say the Star of the Desert is beautiful she must like

    it to have said that."

    "Well, Aurora didn''t seem all that interested. Perhaps that''s why Mr. Green hasn''t raised his paddle *

    Slowly but steadily, the price climbed to three hundred million dors.

    Many of the wealthy bidders began to back out upon realization that they couldn''t keep up.

    The Star of the Desert was quite beautiful, but they couldn''t afford it.

    Soon, there was only one bidder left, and the woman at his side was practically shaking with excitement. "We''re going to win it!¡±

    The auctioneer smiled at this and said, "$350 million, going once!"

    The auctioneer''s words had barely left his mouth when the two men on either side

    of Linsey raised their paddles at the same time.

    "$1 billion," Collin said.

    "$400 million," Gorman said.

    Although both of them had spoken at the same time, Collin''s bid of one billionpletely drowned out

    Gorman''s offer.

    "Am I hearing right? $1 billion? Seriously!"

    "You heard right."

    "Four years ago, I missed seeing Mr. Riley spend a billion on a ne. Today I''ve witnessed it with my own

    eyes."

    "I knew Mr. Riley would bid on it the moment Ms. Walton said she liked it!"

    "That''s what you expect from a top tycoon like him. He spent a billion dors without batting an eye."

    Even the auctioneer appeared momentarily dazed.

    However, he didn''t stay that way for long, as he had seen his fair share of surprises in auctions. Regaining hisposure, he said, "Currently, Mr. Riley is the highest bidder with a bid of $1 billion."

    Gorman hadn''t been expecting such a move from Collin.

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    Of course he expectedpetition from him, but the force of thatpetition shook Gorman

    He cursed silently at Collin''s unexpected move.

    Linsey, too, was shocked by Collin''s one-billion bid,

    She knew a billion dors meant nothing to someone like Collin.

    What surprised Linsey was that Collin had called out such an amount only because Haven liked the ne.

    It finally dawned on her that someone in his position could give anyone a billion- dor gift on a whim.

    A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Linsey''s lips. Collin must really care about Haven.

    Linsey''s chest tightened at this realization, and the urge to flee threatened to overwhelm her. She wanted nothing more than to escape the scene of Collin showering Haven with affection.

    However, in the end her reason won over her emotions.

    She kept her cool by reminding herself that this wasn''t a big deal, as there was nothing between her and Collin

    anymore.

    It was therefore his choice to decide who he gifted things to.

    Haven, in contrast to Linsey''s mood, was ecstatic.

    Her heart pounded with exhration at Colin''s grand gesture.

    Just a moment ago, Collin had been very cold to her, leaving her to believe he didn''t care about her.

    However, now she believed she had just misunderstood him. He seemed to be the kind of man who spoke with actions rather than words.

    Haven believed she was finally going to get a taste of what it felt like to be the center of attention.

    She was sure the Star of the Desert would be hers.

    Linsey took a deep breath and turned to Gorman. "I..."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 701

    Chapter 701 I Don''t Want It!

    At that moment, Gorman lifted his paddle once more and dered in a harsh tone, "$1.1 billion."

    A collective gasp filled the room.

    "Look at Mr. Green challenging Mr. Riley for the Star of the Desert!"

    "Wow, this just heated up considerably!"

    "Mr. Green has the mighty Green Group backing him, making him a formidable contender. He might truly have what it takes topete for this ne. After all, he just won the bid for Aurora''s champion design, and Mr. Riley was bidding in that round as well."

    "Actually, Mr. Riley stepped back from that earlier auction not because of ack of interest, but seemingly, he

    wasn''t all thatmitted to winning."

    "He yielded on Aurora''s design due to Ms. Walton''s preferences. If Ms. Walton sets her heart on this ne, he''ll surely go to great lengths to secure it for her!"

    Meanwhile, Linsey was oblivious to the surrounding murmurs. She stared at Gorman, dumbfounded, before snapping out of her daze.

    "Have you lost your mind? You can''t casually bid $1.1 billion as if it''s just spare change!" Linsey hissed under

    her breath.

    Gorman''s response was serious as he met her astonished look. "You admire this piece, so I must get it for you."

    Shock and disbelief clouded Linsey''s features as she struggled to grasp his rash generosity.

    "I don''t want it!" she eximed, her tone desperate. "I''ve told you before, I don''t even like this ne. Please, don''t continue bidding on it. I won''t take it, even if you win."

    She paused briefly, then averted her eyes. "If you intend to gift it to someone else, that''s your choice. You''re free to spend your money however you see fit."

    Gorman''s expression softened into a mncholy smile as he quietly urged, ¡°Linsey, there''s no one else I''d rather give it to. Regardless of your eptance, my first task is to secure this ne."

    He then gazed towards Collin and Haven, his look inscrutable as he pondered their next move.

    "Collin is aiming for Haven with his bids, right?" Gorman asked slowly, then turned to Linsey. "Tell me would you prefer to win this ne, me or Collin?"

    Linsey shivered as she met Gorman''s seemingly cheerful expression, a sudden fear creeping over her. "You..."

    Her voice trailed off as Collin announced his next bid. "$1.3 billion."

    The crowd, now used to the rising stakes, showed no signs of shock at the new figure.

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    Gorman''s gaze remained locked on Linsey. He was determined to hear her response. Without breaking eye contact, he lifted his paddle once more. "$1.5 billion."

    He was determined to match Collin''s bid for bid if necessary.

    "$1.7 billion,¡± Collin said quickly.

    The price had soared well beyond the intrinsic value of the Star of the Desert, reaching sums few could

    contemte affording.

    It seemed that both Collin and Gorman understood precisely what the other wanted. This wasn''t merely about a ne anymore. The oue of this bid seemed to carry a meaning far greater than the ne itself.

    Linsey, feeling the tension, finally spoke firmly. ¡°Gorman, this needs to stop. The bid is already at $1.7 billion.

    That''s an immense amount, even for you."

    She took a breath, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "You already secured my champion piece today,

    for which I am deeply thankful."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 702

    Chapter 702 Perhaps We Should Stop Bidding For It

    Gorman''s lips curved into a smile that looked more genuine than the previous

    ones.

    "Really?" he asked, azy smile spreading across his face. "You still haven''t answered my question, Linsey. 1

    really want to know. After all, it''s your answer that will decide if I keep bidding

    "$1.7 billion, going once?" the auctioneer called out.

    Without hesitation, Gorman raised his paddle and said, "$1.9 billion."

    A look of irritation shed across Linsey''s face.

    She immediately looked away from Gorman and looked straight ahead.

    After all, the money wasn''ting from her pocket.

    A look of disappointment curled Gorman''s lips as he saw her reaction.

    "$2.1 billion," said Collin.

    This made Gorman''s frown deepen even more.

    Linsey hadn''t been wrong. It would be hard for him toe up with such an amount.

    Yet he couldn''t seem to be able to let Collin walk away with something Linsey liked.

    "$2.3 billion," Gorman said in a voice that seemed unsure.

    Haven, all smiles, turned to Collin and softly said, "Collin, the price has gone high enough. Perhaps we should stop bidding for it."

    Collin didn''t turn to Haven, so he missed the look on her face and failed to realize her misunderstanding.

    Gaze steadily fixed ahead, he said, "That''s not an option. I have to win the Star of the Desert."

    It had been a long time since Collin had seen Linsey''s face light up like that.

    That was how he knew she liked the Star of the Desert and why he was determined to win it for her.

    Even if she had started a family, he still wanted to get the ne for Linsey.

    Without further ado, Collin said, "$2.7 billion."

    Gorman''s face twitched, and he red daggers at Collin.

    His resentment for Collin didn''t just stem from the fact that they werepeting for the Star of the Desert. It was more because he knew all too well that Linsey couldn''t forget Collin.

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    Chapter 707 Page Sets

    He had noticed that Avery 5 Laney saw Colin, for muraty a sat

    Gorman really didn''t understand where Cottle oude kom entrada to litery mes

    tund for pas

    had presed

    Gothian grew an angrier at this change

    *$2.7 billion, going on the svctionary darkward

    A thought crossed Gorman''s mind

    Before he had found Linsey, he had often thad to sabotage the Souther of ca.

    Cory, though be wasn''t aware at the time that Collin was the founder

    Gorman wasn''t worried about how well CX Corporation was doing

    However, he knew that only if Collin died would Linery finally look at kim

    And Collin''s death meant that the CR Corporation would fall too.

    If that happened, Gorman would lead the Green Group to take over the Gres we wont having to be

    under Collin''s thumb

    "$2.7 billion, going twice the auctioneer announced

    It was at that moment Gorman finally gave up and tossed his paddle adde

    Letting Collin overpay for the Star of the Desert was a small way to vent his ang After all, he knew that Linsey would never take anything from Colin, <chapter 702="" perhaps="" we="" should="" stop="" bidding="" for="" it<="" p=""></chapter>

    He had noticed that every time Linsey saw Collin, she immediately grew sad.

    Gorman really didn''t understand what about Collin made him unforgettable to Linsey even though four years

    had passed.

    Gorman grew even angrier at this thought.

    "$2.7 billion, going once!" the auctioneer dered.

    A thought crossed Gorman''s mind.

    Before he had found Linsey, he had often tried to sabotage the founder of CR Corporation, even though he wasn''t aware at the time that Collin was the founder.

    Gorman wasn''t worried about how well CR Corporation was doing.

    However, he knew that only if Collin died would Linsey finally look at him.

    And Collin''s death meant that the CR Corporation would fall too.

    If that happened, Gorman would lead the Green Group to take over the Grester

    market without having to be under Collin''s thumb.

    "$2.7 billion, going twice!" the auctioneer announced.

    It was at that moment Gorman finally gave up and tossed his paddle aside.

    Letting Collin overpay for the Star of the Desert was a small way to vent his anger.

    After all, he knew that Linsey would never take anything from Collin.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 703

    Chapter 703 I Could Tell

    She Really Wanted It

    To Linsey, there was no doubt-Collin''s sky-high bid on the Star of the Desert tonight had nothing to do with the ne itself. It was all for Haven.

    "Sold right here, $2.7 billion." The gavel fell with a firm crack, prompting a swell of apuse that rolled through the venue like thunder. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, congrattions to Mr. Riley, winner of the Star of the Desert!"

    The crowd erupted, a cascade of ps and cheers echoing off the crystal chandeliers.

    Gorman turned to Collin with a tight smile. "Collin, what a shame. I''d hoped to win that ne for mypanion. She fell for it the moment sheid eyes on it."

    Collin''s face betrayed nothing. He met Gorman''s gaze squarely, but after a moment, his eyes shifted sharply toward Linsey. "I''m sorry," he said smoothly, "but there''s someone important to me, too. I could tell she really wanted it."

    Linsey''s lips curled in a silent scoff.

    Of course, he was talking about Haven. The woman hadn''t even tried to be subtle-she had t-out told him she wanted it. Two point seven billion dors. Linsey didn''t know whether to be stunned or bitter. Collin had never been this generous when she was his wife four years ago. The contrast was staggering.

    She watched him now with cold rity. He was a man clearly moved on, so thoroughly enchanted by Haven that he was. willing to splurge extravagantly just to keep her smiling.

    The auction drew to a close, but the celebration carried on, spilling into the adjacent ballroom with soft jazz, clinking sses, and glowing candlelight.

    Since Collin imed the Star of the Desert, Haven had been smiling from ear to ear. She was over the moon,pletely forgetting the warning he had given her in the corridor earlier.

    Though Collin might harbor lingering feelings for his ex-wife-but tonight, it was she who stood at his side.

    She believed that soon, she would erase Linsey''s presence from his world entirely.

    "Collin," she said with a bright smile, lifting her ss to his, "a toast to you. Thank you for taking such good care of me tonight."

    He clinked his ss to hers with aposed smile. "No need to thank me. My grandmother asked me to keep an eye on you. If you want to thank anyone, thank her."

    Across the room, Linsey stood still, her gaze locked on the sight of the two of them standing together-so casual, so intimate.

    Her face was unreadable. She guessed she would hear the news of Collin and Haven''s engagement soon.

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    12

    15:48

    She looked away sharply, trying to suppress the sudden tightness in her chest.

    With Gorman called away on urgent business, she was spared the need for small talk.

    She set her wine ss down, her decision made. She had had enough of the charade. She slipped away from the crowd and headed toward the restroom.

    It was empty when she entered, so with a slow breath, she pulled off her mask, as if shedding the suffocation of the night.

    Leaning against the cool marble sink, she exhaled-deeply, fully-feeling the weight of the evening press against her ribs.

    She washed her hands slowly, and when she finally lifted her eyes to the mirror, she was taken aback.

    Heavy foundation masked herplexion. Her eyes were bold, lined and shadowed in a way that hardened her gaze. Her lips were painted a vivid, fearless red.

    She blinked, then gave a faint, dry smile.

    For a moment, she had forgotten just how dramatic her makeup was tonight. It had been a deliberate choice-her mask, her disguise. She was so far removed from who she normally was.

    The longer she stared, the stranger it felt.

    She considered washing it off before leaving, but her phone buzzed from deep within her purse.

    She dried her hands, picked up her mask, and walked out of the restroom.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 704

    Chapter 704 Are You With

    Gorman Now

    When Linsey saw Zenia''s name shing on the screen, a tender warmth immediately softened her eyes.

    She picked up without hesitation. "Hello, sweetheart."

    "Mommy! I miss you so, so much! When are youing home?" Zenia''s voice, delicate and full of longing, fluttered through the speaker like a breeze.

    Linsey stepped into the hushed corridor and wandered toward the quiet end. Her voice dropped to a gentle murmur. "I will be home soon. You two be good and wait for me, alright?"

    The sweetness in Zenia''s reply made Linsey''s heart ache in the most beautiful way.

    "Mommy, Zander and I are being really good. We''re doing everything Caylee tells us."

    From the background, she could just make out Zander''s eager little voice. "Zenia! I want to talk to Mommy too!"

    Zenia paused, then switched to her most solemn, grown-up tone. "Okay, I''ll let you talk to Mommy for a little while."

    Linsey let out a soft, breathy chuckle, her heart full. Zander''s voice came next, filled with earnest concern. "Mommy, did you eat yet? Are you hungry?"

    She hadn''t even thought about food until that moment-but now that he mentioned it, the emptiness in her stomach made itself known. Still, she smiled through the warmth in her chest.

    "It''s alright, sweetheart. I will wait. I''ll eat with you and Zenia when I get back," Linsey responded.

    Zander giggled, then practically burst with excitement. "Mommy, guess what! Zenia and I learned how to bake cookies with Caylee! When youe home, you have to try them!"

    Before Linsey could respond, Zenia''s scandalized little protest rang out. "Zander! I told you it was a surprise! Why''d you tell Mommy?!"

    Linseyughed aloud, her heart swelling with joy. "It''s okay, darling. I''m already surprised¡ªand so happy! The two of you baked cookies? That''s amazing. I can''t wait to taste them when I get home."

    The call went on a little longer, full of sweet exchanges and giggles, until Linsey gently coaxed the kids to say goodnight.

    As the screen dimmed and the call ended, she stared at the fading glow with a soft smile, all the loneliness she had felt earlier dissolving like sugar in tea.

    She realized, in that moment, there was nothing to feel sad about. With Zenia and Zander in her life, she had everything she needed. They were her joy, her anchor, her home.

    As for Collin... she exhaled quietly, the decision settling with surprising ease. He could do whatever he pleased. It had nothing to do with her anymore,

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    10.10

    Chapter 704 Are You With Gorman Now

    Linsey took a long breath, steadying herself. Reinvigorated, she turned to leave- only toe face to face with a pair of eyes watching her.

    "Ah!" A soft gasp escaped her lips.

    Collin stood a few steps away, expression unreadable, his gaze heavy with something she couldn''t quite ce.

    Her breath hitched. She hadn''t expected to see him-not here, not now. She wondered if he had heard part of her

    conversation.

    A ripple of unease passed through her as her thoughts scrambled.

    She opened her mouth, ready to say something, but his low voice cut in first-quiet and weighty.

    "Linsey," he said, voice low and raw, "tell me."

    The simplicity of the words struck like a whip, the undertone sharp with usation and uncertainty. She froze, a chill running down her spine.

    Her disguise was gone. There was no mask hiding her face. Even with all the carefully applied makeup, anyone who had truly known her would recognize her, let alone Collin.

    She straightened, steadying her voice into something cold andposed. "What do you mean?"

    Collin''s gaze darkened, every word that followed thick with restrained emotion.

    "Are you with Gorman now?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly, as if each syble cost him.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 705

    Chapter 705 I Knew It Was

    You

    Snapped back to the present by those words, Linsey couldn''t help but find the entire situation absurd.

    A smile yed on her lips, heavy with irony.

    ¡°Collin,¡± she said, addressing him directly for the first time in years.

    Collin''s eyes welled up, emotion brimming as he struggled to hold back tears.

    "Linsey, it''s really you. I knew it was you." Ovee with emotion, he stepped toward her, his voice brimming with hope.

    "You''ve trulye back."

    Instinctively, Linsey stepped backward, creating distance between them. Her voice was frosty, her demeanor distant as she responded, "We''ve been divorced for four years. My current rtionships are no longer your concern, are they?"

    Linsey reflected on the fact that Collin had just spent 2.7 billion on the Star of the Desert for Haven, clearly indicating

    where his affectionsy.

    During her four-year absence from Grester, Collin, as the founder of CR Corporation, was inevitably surrounded by many

    sessful and appealing women.

    She was convinced that had she not returned unexpectedly, Collin might well have erased her from his memory.

    The audacity of him now, questioning her about her personal life, struck her as both ironic and ludicrous.

    As these thoughts ran through her mind, her eyes glowed with the threat of tears, yet she sternly repressed them.

    She refused to let Collin affect her any longer and was determined to do everything she could to move on from him.

    But Collin was persistent, his voice a soft but firm plea. "You haven''t answered my question, Linsey. Are you with Gorman

    now? Did you really spend these past four years together?"

    "Yes," Linsey responded coldly, without a moment''s pause.

    She maintained her poise, determined not to give herself away. "I''m with Gorman now. Does that answer your question?"

    Collin''s face hardened, his eyebrows drawing together as a cold realization washed over him.

    Linsey, sensing his doubt, added more forcefully, "I left Grester with Gorman four years ago. Since then, I''ve been abroad

    with him..."

    Before she could finish her sentence, the air between them shifted dramatically.

    Collin''s lips crashed against hers in a kiss full of desperate longing, cutting off her words and overwhelming her senses.

    Shock registered in Linsey''s eyes, her body momentarily paralyzed by the unexpected intensity of his kiss.

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    15:48

    Chapter 705 I Knew It Was You

    She raised her hands to push him away, but Collin''s strong grip on her head and waist held her tightly in ce, leaving her

    unable to break free.

    "Let go!" Linsey''s voice was muffled against his lips as she struggled in vain.

    In a sudden burst of defiance, Linsey bit down hard on Collin''s lip.

    Collin groaned through clenched teeth, his hold finally easing.

    Taking advantage of his brief moment of weakness, Linsey pushed him back forcefully.

    Then, without a word, she delivered a sharp p across his face, the sound echoing sharply.

    Collin''s head turned from the force of her p, the sting snapping him to reality.

    The sudden sting that struck his cheek snapped him back to reality, clearing the haze from his mind.

    In an instant, Collin grasped the gravity of his actions, and regret swept over him.

    Collin stood frozen, staring at Linsey, who was breathing heavily, visibly shaken by her agitation. His eyes reflected a

    mixture of apology and conflicting emotions.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 706

    Chapter 706 I''ve Been Looking Everywhere For...

    Linsey slowly collected herself as she clenched her hand into a fist.

    "Sorry..." Collin said, his voice faltering, his usual poise reced by a look of defeat.

    Linsey cut him off, her expression empty, as she said firmly, "Let me be clear once more. Gorman and I have a strong bond.

    I need you to keep your distance from my life."

    At her words, Collin''s face drained of emotion.

    He inhaled deeply, his lips trembling, unable to speak, his breaths uneven and heavy in the silence.

    Eventually, Collin turned and walked away, each stepden with the weight of his

    sorrow.

    His retreating figure visibly crumbled under the emotional strain.

    Turning away, Linsey felt a lump form in her throat..

    She averted her gaze, her eyes stinging with tears she fought to hold back.

    A profound heaviness settled on her chest, constricting her breathing.

    Bending slightly, Linsey felt drained, her hands gripping the railing to prevent herself from falling.

    Why did Collin insist on confronting her? What right did he think he had? Why couldn''t he let her be?

    Despite his affections for another, why did he continue to bother her?

    Confusion swirled in Linsey''s mind, the barrage of thoughts intensifying her headache.

    The emotional torment radiated through her, her entire body throbbing with pain. Finally, Linsey staggered away, caught a taxi, and headed back to her hotel alone. The minute she entered her room, her phone immediately rang-it was Gorman. "Linsey, where have you been? I''ve been looking everywhere for you." There was a trace of worry in Gorman''s voice as he

    spoke.

    Just then, Caylee emerged with a weing smile, ready to greet Linsey.

    However, the perplexed and distant look on Linsey''s face made her halt mid-step, unsure of how to proceed.

    It was apparent that something was wrong with Linsey.

    Her hair was tousled, her eyes swollen and red, and her gaze distant.

    Clutching her phone tightly, Linsey looked downward. When she finally spoke, her voice was hoarse and almost

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    < Chapter 706 I''ve Been Looking Everywhere For You

    unrecognizable.

    "I''m sorry. I''ve made it back to the hotel." Shepressed her lips, then added, "I''m just extremely exhausted, that''s all."

    Gorman waited a moment before responding in a forced calm tone, "Alright, I''m relieved you made it there safely."

    He paused, concerncing his voice. "Please, try to rest, okay?"

    "Okay," Linsey murmured softly, then quickly hung up the phone. "Linsey..." Caylee said tentatively.

    Linsey forced a smile and said, "I''m fine. Please keep an eye on the kids. I need to take a shower."

    As Linsey retreated to her room, Caylee stood watching, her concern deepening.

    Caylee was about to go check on the children in the next room when her phone buzzed.

    A message from Gorman popped up.

    Caylee slipped into a corner to read the message more carefully.

    Shock registered on her face as she read, her eyes widening.

    How could Gorman consider such an action?

    Trying to steady her racing heart, Caylee typed back quickly, "Mr. Green, I can''t do this..."

    Almost immediately, Gorman responded with a terse threat. "If you refuse, remember, I can withdraw support for your

    grandmother''s medical care at any moment."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 707

    Chapter 707 Can We Help You With Anything, Cayl...

    Caylee''s face drained of color as she read Gorman''s message.

    She clenched her teeth and wrung her hands.

    After a few moments, Caylee took a deep breath to rx herself and then texted back, "I got it."

    She had reached the door of the guest bedroom when it swung open from within, revealing two small figures in front of

    her.

    "Caylee, we thought we just heard Mommy''s voice," Zenia said.

    Zander saw the purse by the entryway and pointed at it, saying, "Look, that''s Mommy''s purse. She''s back!"

    Before Caylee could say a word, the two children dashed towards Linsey''s room. "Mommy! Are you in there?"

    "Come out and have some cookies with us!"

    Caylee stood rooted to where she stood as she watched the children pat the door

    to the master bedroom. Suddenly a lump rose in her throat.

    If it were any other day, she would have gently led the kids away and not let them disturb Linsey when she was in a bad mood

    However, Gorman''s message to her made Caylee hold back.

    It wasn''t long before Linsey opened the door. She had on a bathrobe and no makeup. Her hair, too, was still damp.

    She crouched down and gently said to the children, "I haven''t showered yet. How about you wait for me to finish, and then we can have cookies together?"

    Zenia reached out and touched Linsey''s damp hair. "Dry your hair quickly, Mommy, or you''ll catch a cold."

    Linsey smiled warmly at her and said, "I will, sweetie. Thank you for reminding me."

    She then took both children by the hand and said to Caylee, who still stood there in a daze, "Could you take the kids to the dining room for me? I''ll be there soon."

    Caylee finally snapped out of her daze and hurried towards Linsey and the kids. "Do you want anything to eat, Linsey? The little ones already had some milk earlier."

    Linsey looked thoughtful for a moment before finally replying, "I''d like some pasta if you don''t mind."

    "Of course," Caylee said, not meeting Linsey''s gaze. Once Linsey went back into the bedroom, Caylee led the two children to the dining room.

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    16:40

    Chapter 707 Can We Help You With Anything, Caylee

    "Can we help you with anything, Caylee?" Zander asked sweetly.

    "We know how to do a lot of things now. We could help you cook pasta for Mommy," Zenia chimed in.

    Caylee couldn''t help butugh. "In that case, I''ll leave it to my two little chefs to help me wash some vegetables."

    Not long afterwards, Linsey came out freshly washed, and Caylee had finished preparing the pasta.

    The two children sat obediently at the table. They had ced cookies next to the pasta.

    This brought a smile to Linsey''s face.

    She walked over to the table and sat down. ¡°Thank you for the yummy pasta and cookies," she said.

    "Have some to eat, Mommy. You must be hungry," Zenia said.

    Linsey nodded, then picked up a fork and began to eat.

    Zander watched her intently for a while before saying, "Mommy, Zenia and I washed the vegetables on your pasta. They are super clean."

    Linsey looked up at Zander.

    His striking resemnce to Collin brought a flood of memories rushing back to her.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 708

    Ever After

    Chapter 708 W¨¢s Mommy Crying Earlier

    Collin had once prepared meals for Linsey with simr care, looking at her with anticipation.

    Tears welled up in Linsey''s eyes, heating up until they blurred her vision.

    As she bowed her head, a lone tear dropped onto her dinner te.

    Linsey quicklyposed herself, attempting to brush the tears aside.

    Yet, her children''s keen observation had not missed her distress.

    "Mommy, are you okay?" Zenia asked, her voiceced with concern, her bright eyes clouding with worry.

    Zenia climbed onto her chair, stretching her small hand to touch Linsey''s cheek.

    Meanwhile, Zander didn''t waste a moment; he scurried to get some tissues and came rushing back. "Let me

    help, Mommy."

    Linsey had been keeping herselfposed, but watching the two children care for her so gently made her emotions swell even more.

    The next second, a quiet, strangled sob slipped from her lips before she could stop it.

    It was quick and tightly held back.

    Linsey drew in a trembling breath, forcing herself to speak past the weight pressing against her chest. In a voice tinged with rasp, she said, "I''m alright, sweethearts. I just swallowed wrong. I''m not crying."

    With a faint sigh, she forced a smile and reached for a cookie, taking a slow bite. "Delicious! You''ve both done such a wonderful job. These cookies are perfect!"

    Zenia''s face lit up with a joyful grin. "I''m d you like them, Mommy! Have some more, please!"

    Together with the children, Linsey continued her meal, their presenceforting her.

    "Caylee, could you please take Zenia and Zander to bed? I''ll handle the cleanup," Linsey murmured gently.

    Caylee, mindful of a request Gorman had earlier made,plied without objection and guided the children to their bedrooms.

    Once the bedroom door clicked shut, Zenia''s small voice was barely audible as

    she looked up at Caylee. "Caylee, was Mommy crying earlier?"

    Zander was more assertive. "I''m sure of it. Mommy was crying."

    Caylee was taken aback by their acute observations.

    13:28

    She knew Linsey had struggled to suppress her emotions, hoping to shield the children from her sorrow.

    If this had happened in the past, Caylee would have respected Linsey''s wishes and skillfully sidestepped the children''s curious questions.

    Considering Zenia and Zander''s young age, barely four, redirecting their focus would normally be straightforward.

    However, Caylee''s face took on a serious expression as she gathered the children close on the couch, speaking in hushed tones. "You both noticed Mommy''s tears, didn''t you?"

    Zander nodded and said, "Yes, I''m certain. Mommy cried. I think she even looked at me just as she began to

    cry."

    A shadow of concern crossed Zander''s features. "Caylee, did I upset Mommy somehow?"

    Zenia interjected earnestly, "If we did anything to make Mommy sad, we want to say sorry!"

    Touched by their sincerity and concern, Caylee felt a wave of affection and regret. She ruffled their hair affectionately.

    Drawing in a deep breath, she whispered, "Tonight, your mom and Gorman attended a significant event. She was cheerful at first, but their evening changed after an unexpected encounter."

    Intrigued, Zander''s eyes grew wide. "Who did they meet?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 709

    < Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 709 Do You Know Who The Guy Is

    Caylee felt a headacheing on as she pondered over the orders Gorman had given her.

    He seemed to have grown even more unscrupulous, stooping so low that he used children to achieve his goal.

    However, at the thought of her hospitalized grandmother, she realized that she was out of options. "That guy must really be terrible. He hurt your mom then and made her sad. Tonight she saw him again, and this must be upsetting her."

    Caylee paused shortly, then continued, "Tonight, Linsey wanted that ne, and Gorman wanted to buy it for her, but that bad man took it away from her. He is a really awful man. Your mom wouldn''t be upset if it

    weren''t for him."

    It was easy for Caylee to sound serious to two four-year-olds if she deepened her voice a little.

    After all, the victim of this wicked man was their dear mother, Linsey.

    As expected, Zander''s face twisted into a look of anger, while Zenia seemed quite sad.

    "That guy is so mean. Why does he bully Mommy?" Zenia asked, her voice trembling.

    Caylee, seeing that Zenia was on the verge of tears, said soothingly, "Don''t cry, sweetheart. Linsey would only worry more if you cry."

    Zander nodded and said, "Caylee is right. We can''t cry, or we''ll make Mommy more sad."

    This seemed to calm Zenia down. She sniffed and took Zander''s hand. "What can we do to make Mommy happy again?"

    Zander looked to Caylee and asked, "Do you know who the guy is?"

    Caylee took out her phone and showed them a picture of Collin. "This is the bad man, Collin Riley. He''s the founder of CR Corporation here in Grester and is a very powerful man. That''s why Linsey couldn''t fight back even though he bullied her."

    Caylee carefully watched the children''s expressions as she spoke.

    Both Zander and Zenia stared at the picture with what could be said to be anger. Zander seemed more angry than his sister.

    Caylee had never seen that kind of look on Zander''s face since he was born.

    She sighed to herself.

    She knew this was exactly what Gorman wanted, to make Linsey''s children hate Collin.

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    Chapter 709 Do You Know Who The Guy Is

    That way, even if Linsey wanted to get back together with him, the kids wouldn''t allow it.

    Caylee knew that Zenia and Zander hade to love and trust Gorman.

    Zenia even called Gorman Daddy when no one was around.

    Given how much Linsey loved her children, she would think twice about being with Collin so as not to upset

    them.

    And with Haven still in the picture, even if Linsey wasn''t ready to ept Gorman now, she might have to change her mind.

    Gorman knew that since Linsey had just returned to Grester, it was normal for old feelings to be rekindled after she ran into Collin again after so many years.

    His n now was to eliminate any chance of Linsey going back to Collin.

    It didn''t matter to him that he had to use two children to further his agenda.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 710

    Chapter 710 Just Take A Look At The Couple

    Linsey was left feeling miserable after her unexpected meeting with Collin again.

    Meanwhile, Dolores had pulled Dustin away from the banquet hall and was now wandering the hotel halls with

    him.

    Dustin, after seemingly wandering the halls with no purpose, finally asked, "Where exactly are you taking me?" Dolores, on the other hand, was thinking of how to erase Zanderpletely from his memory, only to realize that was impossible.

    Suddenly an idea popped into her head. Dolores in that moment decided to distract Dustin with something even more exciting

    She nced back at Dustin and said, "Have a little patience. It''s not every day I take a guy out for a walk. You should cherish a moment as rare as this."

    Dustin''s eyes lit up upon hearing this. However, that didn''tst long, as he suddenly looked away awkwardly. He scratched his head, then asked in a voice barely above a whisper, "Is this your first time out on a night date

    with a guy?"

    "I''m sorry?" Dolores asked, turning back.

    Too embarrassed to repeat himself, Dustin replied, "It''s nothing

    Scanning the empty environment, he asked, "Are we just going to keep wandering about? Shouldn''t we be heading back to the banquet hall? There''s still an auctioning up."

    ¡°Auctions are so boring," Dolores said dismissively.

    It was then she noticed a crowd gathered not far away. "What''s going on over there?"

    Dustin took the lead and went ahead of Dolores. After a good gaze, he finally said, "It looks like a wedding."

    "Someone''s having a wedding outdoors thiste?" Dolores asked.

    Faint music could be hearding from the crowd.

    "It seems to be an outdoor wedding with a dance party vibe. It''s more of a big celebration with friends than a traditional ceremony," Dustin exined.

    "You sure know a lot about this," Doloresmented thoughtfully.

    Then she smirked and teased, "I bet your wedding would just be asid-back and fun as this one."

    Dustin smiled back and replied, "Not just me. I think you would enjoy a wedding like this too."

    13:31

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    Dolores was surprised by his statement.

    She stared at the crowd and could see the group of men and women dancing joyfully with the bride in the

    center.

    Even from the distance, Dolores could tell how happy the bride was on her big day.

    She smiled at this, but her smile soon disappeared when she tried to image herself in the same situation.

    Instead a bitter smile tugged at her lips, and she said, "Marriage just isn''t in the cards for me."

    Dustin was shocked to hear her say this. "Why not?" he asked.

    Dolores hesitated. She seemed on the verge of actually answering his question. However, she instead said, "I just don''t want to. I don''t have to have a reason." For some reason Dustin felt a tightness in his chest as a result of her words. Trying to convince her otherwise, he said, "Just take a look at the couple. They look so happy. What could be better than getting to marry the one you love

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 711

    Chapter 711 Collin Never Truly Loved Linsey

    Dolores let out a long sigh. Then, in a calm voice, she asked, "Do you think Linsey liked Collin four years ago?"

    The question caught Dustin off guard. His face shifted. He was unsure how to respond.

    As close friends of Linsey and Collin, they both knew the story-how it started, how it ended.

    So, Dustin quickly realized why Dolores brought it up. She was clearly trying to challenge what he had just said about marriage being a happy thing.

    After a short pause, he answered, "Of course she liked him. I could see it. Linsey really liked Collin back then." "No," Dolores said firmly. Her voice was steady and slow. "She didn''t just like him. She loved him with her

    whole heart."

    Dustin nodded. "You''re right."

    Dolores went on, "I saw it. She was glowing. I''ve known Linsey for over twenty years, and that was the first time I saw her that happy. She gave her all. No holding back."

    She paused, drawing in a shaky breath. Then her voice dropped. "And look how it ended. She was hurt, lied to, betrayed. used by the man she loved most of being shallow and materialistic. If it had been me, I don''t think I could''ve survived it, let alone..."

    Her voice trailed off. A flicker of shock crossed her eyes. Regret followed right after.

    She had almost said too much-almost revealed that Linsey had given birth to a pigeon pair abroad.

    She bit her lip. She shouldn''t have let her guard down, not even with Dustin.

    He had helped her before, yes. But he was still Collin''s best friend.

    She fell silent in an instant. own guilt.

    ankfully, Dustin didn''t notice. He was too lost in his

    He didn''t know why, but seeing Dolores like this always tore at him. Her sadness weighed heavy on his chest. The more he thought about it, the worse he felt. His voice was tight as he spoke. "I was to me too. I told Collin to be honest with her, but he was scared. I didn''t push hard enough. And now... Two people who loved each other are living apart."

    Dolores''s eyes narrowed. Her tone turned sharp. "Two people who loved each other? Don''t kid yourself. Collin never truly loved Linsey."

    "That''s not fair. He did love her. He just didn''t know how to show it. He didn''t understand how much honesty matters," Dustin replied.

    13:31

    **711 Cabo Ay Toby Lovedsey

    tearing that only made Dolores

    Love wasn''t at 6cymma for rewing someone so much pain.

    Aftey will, the past four years had been really hosed for Linsey.

    She clenched her fiets. "You make it sound like Linsey''s suffering doesn''t matter-

    like Collin is the real victim here Spare me.¡± Her cheeks flushed with anger. She turned, storming off

    Dustin''s words had pushed her too far.

    He always had a way of defending Collin, and she was tired of i

    "Dolores, wait!" Dustin panicked and reached out, grabbing her wrist. "I''m sorry, I

    shouldn''t have said that Please, don''t be mad

    Manying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After

    Chapter 712 He''s Not M

    Chapter 711 Collin Never Truly Loved Linsey

    Dolores let out a long sigh. Then, in a calm voice, she asked, "Do you think Linsey liked Collin four years ago?"

    The question caught Dustin off guard. His face shifted. He was unsure how to respond.

    As close friends of Linsey and Collin, they both knew the story-how it started, how it ended.

    So, Dustin quickly realized why Dolores brought it up. She was clearly trying to challenge what he had just said about marriage being a happy thing.

    After a short pause, he answered, "Of course she liked him. I could see it. Linsey really liked Collin back then." "No," Dolores said firmly. Her voice was steady and slow. "She didn''t just like him. She loved him with her

    whole heart."

    Dustin nodded. "You''re right."

    Dolores went on, "I saw it. She was glowing. I''ve known Linsey for over twenty years, and that was the first time I saw her that happy. She gave her all. No holding back."

    She paused, drawing in a shaky breath. Then her voice dropped. "And look how it ended. She was hurt, lied to, betrayed. used by the man she loved most of being shallow and materialistic. If it had been me, I don''t think I could''ve survived it, let alone..."

    Her voice trailed off. A flicker of shock crossed her eyes. Regret followed right after.

    She had almost said too much-almost revealed that Linsey had given birth to a pigeon pair abroad.

    She bit her lip. She shouldn''t have let her guard down, not even with Dustin.

    He had helped her before, yes. But he was still Collin''s best friend.

    She fell silent in an instant. Thankfully, Dustin didn''t notice. He was too lost in his own guilt.

    He didn''t know why, but seeing Dolores like this always tore at him. Her sadness weighed heavy on his chest. The more he thought about it, the worse he felt. His voice was tight as he spoke. "I was to me too. I told Collin to be honest with her, but he was scared. I didn''t push hard enough. And now... Two people who loved each other are living apart."

    Dolores''s eyes narrowed. Her tone turned sharp. "Two people who loved each other? Don''t kid yourself. Collin never truly loved Linsey."

    "That''s not fair. He did love her. He just didn''t know how to show it. He didn''t understand how much honesty matters," Dustin replied.

    13:31

    ** 711 Cabo Ay Toby Lovedsey

    tearing that only made Dolores

    Love wasn''t at 6cymma for rewing someone so much pain.

    Aftey will, the past four years had been really hosed for Linsey.

    She clenched her fiets. "You make it sound like Linsey''s suffering doesn''t matter-

    like Collin is the real victim here Spare me." Her cheeks flushed with anger. She turned, storming off

    Dustin''s words had pushed her too far.

    He always had a way of defending Collin, and she was tired of i

    "Dolores, wait!" Dustin panicked and reached out, grabbing her wrist. "I''m sorry, I

    shouldn''t have said that Please, don''t be mad

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 712

    Chapter 712 He''s Not My Type

    Dolores was burning with frustration. She tried to pull her arm free from Dustin''s grip, but he held on tight.

    "Let go of me! I''m going back to the banquet!"

    But Dustin wasn''t ready to let her walk away, not tonight.

    This was one of the rare moments they had actually gotten a little closer, and he didn''t want things to fall

    apart now.

    "Dolores, I¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, a cheerful voice rang out nearby. "Hey! You two over there!"

    Both of them froze and turned their heads. A few people were heading over from the wedding venue.

    The sudden scene caught them off guard. Neither knew what to expect.

    The group approached with big smiles, but one of them quickly looked concerned. "Are you two having a fight?"

    "Uh..." Dolores nced down, a bit embarrassed.

    Had they really been that obvious?

    Dustin gave a small, sheepish smile. "Sorry. Didn''t mean to disturb anyone."

    The person waved it off with a chuckle. "No big deal."

    Before they could say another word, one person grabbed Dolores'' hand, another took Dustin''s arm, and the pair was gently pulled back toward the party.

    "Come on, let''s dance! You''ll forget whatever it was after a few spins!"

    As they were swept into the rhythm of the music, someone else added, "Yeah, couples fight all the time. Don''t say things you''ll regret. Cool off first-then talk it out."

    Their words hit Dolores all at once-and she realized they had misunderstoodpletely. She blinked, stunned. Wait... What?

    She quickly spoke up. "No, no! We''re not a couple!"

    Dustin was equally surprised. He hadn''t seen thating at all.

    But when Dolores denied it so fast, a quiet sting settled in his chest.

    The others picked up on his face and exchanged knowing looks.

    "Oh! So, you''re still working on it? Well, don''t blow it, man. Rule number one- don''t make her mad before

    13:31

    she''s even yours," one of the guys said with a smirk as he pped Dustin on the shoulder.

    Dustin flushed. His ears turned red, then the blush spread across his whole face. Being mistaken for Dolores'' boyfriend didn''t bother him.

    But hearing them talk like he was chasing her made his heart race-and not in a good way.

    "... You..." he stammered, lost for words.

    Anyone who knew Dustin-the cool, smooth-talking yer-would have been stunned to see him like this.

    Dolores, seeing how flustered he looked, assumed it was just the teasing getting to him.

    With a carefree smile, she slung an arm over his shoulder andughed. "Come on, don''t be ridiculous! We''re just friends. No way we''d date. He''s not my type!"

    She said it fast, loud, and with zero hesitation. Dustin stared at her, stunned. Herugh rang in his ears, but all he could feel was the sharp ache in his chest. It hit like a p, clean and unexpected.

    The group nced between the two, amused. Whatever was going on between them-it was clearly something worth watching

    Exclusive Offer For You

    im Now

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 713

    Chapter 713 You''re Wasted

    "No matter what, we met by fate tonight-so let''s have a good time!" one of them dered with a grin, their energy still buzzing.

    Before Dolores or Dustin could even protest, hands grabbed theirs and tugged them along. ¡°There''s drinks, barbecue, and music inside! Nobody''s going home till we''ve all had our fun!"

    Dolores, ever the social butterfly, was quick to fall in step. Within minutes, she wasughing and chatting like she had known them all for years.

    Meanwhile, Dustin wasn''t so lighthearted. He sat quietly, still mulling over what Dolores had said earlier.

    She caught a glimpse of him-his expression dark, shoulders low, not even a flicker of amusement on his face.

    "Hey, are you still sulking because I went off on Collin earlier?" She tilted her head, genuinely confused.

    Dustin seemed to value his friendship with Collin. She said bad things about Collin a moment ago, and here

    Dustin was, still pulling a long face.

    Still, she didn''t regret it. Honestly, she thought she had gone too easy on Collin. Dustin finally snapped out of it and replied under his breath, "It''s not about Collin." "Oh,e on," Dolores huffed, grabbing a beer and sliding it in front of him. "Don''t mope. Drink something-

    it''ll take the edge off."

    Dustin nced at the bottle, then back at her. His face gave nothing away.

    "What are you staring at? Drink it already. But don''t forget to eat first, unless you want to puke your guts outter," she said.

    Without a word, Dustin popped the cap and tilted the bottle back, letting the beer pour straight down his

    throat.

    Dolores blinked in surprise, thenughed. "Wow. So, you do know how to drink." With a yful gleam in her eye, she pulled over more bottles. "Alright then. Let''s settle this with a drinking contest. Let''s see who taps out first!"

    Dustin didn''t say a word. Beer dripped down his chin and vanished into his cor as he reached for another

    bottle and chugged it.

    As she saw him go all in, Dolores''petitive side kicked in. She grabbed a bottle, popped it open, and

    downed it fast.

    Time flew. People gradually said their goodbyes, heading out one by one.

    Someone nced over and chuckled. "You two are still at it? Want a ride home?"

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    Chapter 713 You''re Wasted

    Another added with a teasing grin, "Forget that. There''s a hotel next doo-nght as well get a room tar

    "Oh, please. They''re not even together"

    "They''re adults. It''s not that deep. If they wanna share a room, that''s their business."

    Dolores heard the voices through a fuzzy haze. Her face was flushed, her baby beary.

    "... I''m not going home tonight. I''d just be alone anyway..." she mumbled, her stomach twhating, with wee Beside her, Dustin winced at the pounding in his skull. He rubbed his forehead and groaned, "Why & you turn this into a drinking contest? We''re bothpletely wasted..."

    Dolores scoffed, "You''re wasted. I''m fine."

    She grabbed her bag and wobbled to her feet, swaying as she headed toward the door

    Before leaving, she turned to wave at the group. "Thanks for the fun! Next time, I''m buying everyze Gazet

    Dustin saw her stumble on the way out and rushed after her. He reached the door just in time-but ready tripped on the threshold himself.

    Dolores turned to re at him, unimpressed, "What, are you blind? Watch where you''re going

    "Yeah. Got it."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 714

    Chapter 714 nning To

    Snitch To Collin

    Dolores and Dustin clung to each other as they stumbled into the hotel next door.

    "Wee," the receptionist greeted with a polite smile.

    Dolores fished out her identity card from her bag and pped it on the counter. "Give me your best suite-the

    absolute fanciest!"

    The receptionist, clearly no stranger to such scenes, stayed calm. Her eyes flicked between them. She clearly noticed they were a bit tipsy. "I''ll need your ID card too, sir."

    Dustin froze. His mind went nk.

    Why would he need to show his identity card?

    He wasn''t nning to go home.

    Growing impatient, Dolores gave him a shove. "What are you waiting for? I''m about to pass out from

    exhaustion!"

    "Oh, right. Right." Dustin quickly pulled out his identity card and handed it over.

    With room cards in hand, they leaned on each other and made their way to the suite. The moment they stepped inside, Dolores started undressing without saying a word. Dustin, still by the door, turned around to find her already down to her underwear. His eyes widened. The alcohol in his system seemed to vanish instantly.

    He stammered as he asked, "Dolores! Why are you taking your clothes off?"

    She frowned sleepily and mumbled, "I''m going to shower and sleep. What else do you expect me to do?" Without waiting for a reply, she padded into the bathroom.

    Once the shock faded, Dustin said, "Be careful in there. Don''t slip."

    "I''ve been drunk before. It''s nothing new," she replied. Standing under the spray, she added in a distant voice, "Back when thepany was falling apart, I drank every night. Got wasted."

    Dustin''s thoughts shed back to that night four years ago-when he had seen her being humiliated at a business dinner.

    He lowered his gaze and stayed quiet for a moment. Then, gently, he said, "You''ve really been through a lot.¡±

    He managed a soft smile. ¡°But things are better now. Your firm is doing great. The designer you sent to the

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    Doloresthered on some body wash, her face glowing with pride. "That was Linsey. Of course she won. She''s

    brilliant."

    Dustin blinked, stunned. "Wait... Are you saying Aurora is Linsey?"

    He remembered clearly-Collin had gone to see the contestant in Booth 3, and it hadn''t been Linsey.

    His mind raced in circles.

    It all made sense now. No wonder Collin kept saying Aurora reminded him of Linsey. He was right all along.

    What Dustin didn''t know was that Collin had already figured out who she really was.

    Dustin''s first instinct was to tell him. He grabbed his phone without thinking.

    But just then, a loud thud came from the bathroom.

    He jumped, his heart skipping a beat. Something might have happened.

    He was about to rush in when suddenly, the bathroom door flew open. A figure

    burst out, spun him around, and mmed him against the wall.

    "nning to break that to Collin?" Dolores growled, her eyes sharp and furious. She had just realized what she let slip.

    Dustin opened his mouth to exin, but his eyes dropped-she was soaking wet,pletely naked.

    His face turned crimson. Even his ears and neck were burning red.

    14:46

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 715

    Chapter 715 Dolores, Do You Have Feelings For Me

    Dustin stammered, "Y-you''re not wearing clothes!"

    Dolores seized his cor forcefully as she repeated, "Are you going to break that to Collin?"

    Dustin struggled to look away from Dolores.

    "You might consider dressing first. After that, we can discuss," he suggested.

    "There''s no need for discussion!" Dolores retorted. "You''re gonna tell Collin about Aurora, aren''t you?"

    With a firm gesture, she extended her hand. "Give me your phone, now!"

    With a gulp, Dustinplied, pressing himself against the wall, his body rigid.

    Snatching the phone from him, Dolores smirked, removed the SIM card, switched off the device, and flung both onto the nearby table.

    "That settles that." Dolores dusted off her hands and fixed her gaze on Dustin, who was still staring up at the ceiling. "Why the red face?"

    As Dolores moved closer, her breath warming his ear, Dustin''s cheeks deepened to a darker red.

    Dolores'' curiosity grew as she observed him. "Is this how you react to alcohol?"

    Dustin clenched his teeth, his entire being urging him to resist.

    He slightly pushed her away and murmured, "I need to leave."

    Without a second thought, he rushed toward the door.

    His instincts warned him they were on the brink of a significant boundary.

    "Dustin, wait! Are you really going to tell Collin?" Dolores cried out, pulling him back forcefully.

    However, she stumbled over the bed frame as she stepped back, falling backward and pulling Dustin down with her. Together, theynded heavily on the mattress.

    Dolores eximed sharply as she realized she was trapped beneath Dustin.

    Dustin''s gaze was intense, his heart thumping so loudly he feared she might feel it against her.

    "You..." Dolores muttered, her thoughts clouded by alcohol until that moment.

    She realized her naked state before Dustin!

    A sense of urgency crossed her face, which oddly steadied Dustin. He framed her face with his armis, speaking

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    in a soothing tone. "Dolores, do you have feelings for me?"

    Dolores was caught off guard, her mind turning nk. She gazed at Dustin incredulously, struggling to speak. "Could you repeat that?"

    Holding her gaze steadily, Dustin didn''t wait for her to recover before saying, "I have feelings for you."

    His sudden confession left Dolores dumbfounded.

    Dustin''s fists tightened, and his breath caught in his throat, a mix of fear and exhration flooding through him.

    His eyelids fluttered slightly.

    Gradually, he leaned closer, his breaths blending with hers.

    Dolores was motionless, caught in the moment. As his lips gently met hers, surprisingly, she didn''t pull away.

    As he observed her receptiveness, a spark of joy lit up Dustin''s eyes.

    He tenderly stroked her cheek, abandoning all hesitations, and deepened the kiss.

    Collin spent a restless night, yet an essential meeting awaited him, forcing him to start his day early.

    Exhausted, he reclined in the car''s backseat, pressing his thumb against a pulsing ache in his temple.

    The echo of Linsey''sst conversation haunted him.

    "Mr. Riley," his assistant said from the front, ncing back with concern, "I wasn''t able to reach Mr. Wade.

    < Marrying A Secret Zillionaire:

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 716

    Chapter 716 You''re Bullying A Kid!

    At those words, Collin slowly opened his eyes and replied in a calm voice, "I didn''t see Dustin again after the banquetst night."

    After a brief pause, he added mildly, "It''s fine. I''ll bring him up to speed on the meetingter."

    "Yes, sir," the assistant replied promptly.

    Collin turned his gaze to the window, his eyes settling on a quaint coffee shop up ahead. "Stop here," he said. "I''ll grab a coffee."

    The assistant straightened at once. "Please-let me get it for you. You can rest in the car."

    He had already noticed that his boss looked unusually worn that morning.

    With a dismissive wave, Collin stepped out. "No need. I want to stretch my legs."

    The driver pulled over, and the assistant quickly followed suit, trailing Collin as they made their way toward

    the caf¨¦.

    But just as they turned the corner, a small kid burst out from behind a wall-then wham-ran straight into

    Collin.

    Without thinking, Collin instinctively caught the child in his arms, steadying himself with practiced ease.

    But his face darkened the next second.

    The child''s ice cream had smashed right against his chest, smearing cold, sticky streaks across his finely

    tailored suit.

    The assistant''s heart dropped. He stepped forward sharply, voice rising with frustration. "What''s wrong with you, kid?"

    Startled by the scolding, Zenia recoiled. She had intended to fake a few sniffles, but now her eyes brimmed with genuine tears. The grievance was all too real!

    "M-my ice cream!" she wailed. "You... you''re bad guys! You''re bullying me!"

    Her loud, shrill cries instantly attracted a crowd.

    "What''s going on here?"

    "Oh no, that poor little girl. She looks terrified!"

    "Those two guys look so respectable, but they''re bullying a little girl?"

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    "All that over some ice cream on his suit? How heartless."

    Oblivious to the murmurs, Zenia kept crying, loud and broken, repeating through sobs, "You''re bullying a kid!"

    She was doing exactly as instructed. Before she ran into Collin, Zander had given her clear instructions-collide with the man, then cry as if her heart were breaking, and shout that she was being bullied.

    They had been told that Collin had once deeply hurt Linsey, and this was their way of making him pay- publicly,

    From behind a nearby wall, Zander observed everything, eyes sharp with anticipation. The more people gathered, the better.

    Let the world see Collin for what he was.

    The assistant shifted nervously as Zenia''s sobs grew louder and more dramatic.

    He had worked alongside Collin long enough to know one thing: the man had no patience for children¡ª especially not ones throwing public tantrums.

    "Mr. Riley," he said hesitantly, "should I call someone to calm her down? Or maybe take her to the nearest precinct so her family can be contacted?"

    Collin pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and brushed the mess from his suit with a casual flick of the wrist. Then, his eyesnded on the girl, and he froze for a moment.

    There was something unmistakable in her tear-streaked face. And then it struck him. This was the same girl he had seen at the airport a few days ago-the one who looked hauntingly like Linsey.

    His expression shifted, darkening with aplexity that unsettled even the assistant.

    So it was her. The child was likely Linsey Gorman''s daughter.

    He had once imagined that he would feel nothing but aversion toward this child. He had, after all, heard her call Gorman Daddy with his own ears.

    But as he looked at her now-crying with raw emotion, her little fists balled at her sides-he felt a strange ache tightening in his chest. In her eyes, in her vulnerable little face, he saw Linsey-just likest night-eyes wet, voice trembling, looking at him like she was trying not to shatter.

    No, he wasn''t surprised by the sudden softness creeping into his chest. Zenia looked too much like her.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 717

    Chapter 717 Do You Need Help Finding Your Parents

    Without Collin even noticing, his demeanor softened. He paused thoughtfully before lowering himself to Zenia''s level, his tone unusually tender as he reassured her, saying, "Hey there, little one, don''t be upset. I wasn''t

    angry with you,"

    Collin then nced down at the ice cream smeared on his suit and with patience, he said, "This is just a small mess, nothing to worry about. I''ll have my suit cleanedter, so please don''t worry."

    The transformation was striking Collin, already a handsome man, seemed altogether different with his kind expression and soothing voice, shedding his typical cold demeanor for a warmth that felt both surprising and weing

    Both his assistant and Zenia were taken aback by the change.

    She stared at Collin, her eyes wide with disbelief, as she struggled to reconcile this gentle side with his usual

    sternness,

    She had intentionally rushed into his embrace, Caylee had told her about his fearsome reputation and harsh treatment of Linsey,

    Justst evening, Linsey had been deeply hurt by him, to the point of tears.

    Zenia had braced herself for a much harsher response, making Collin''s kindness all the more unexpected.

    Collin, noticing Zenia''s shocked expression, couldn''t resist smiling.

    He tenderly brushed Zenia''s smooth hair, muffling his voice as he said, "Your hair looks lovely. Did your mom style it for you?"

    The mention of Linsey, however, briefly darkened his expression.

    Touching her braid reflexively, Zenia sniffled and corrected, "No, Caylee did this for me."

    Her view of Collin shifted in that moment, the possibility that he might not be the monster she had imagined taking hold

    Collin had no clue who Caylee was, not even the faintest idea. He gave a quietugh and said, ¡°Are you all by yourself? Do you need help finding your parents?"

    At those words, Zenia suddenly regained herposure.

    She remembered that she and Zander had secretly left to confront Collin today, without informing anyone, especially their mother.

    That was exactly why Zenia worried Linsey might end up anxious if she ever discovered the truth.

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    Chapter 717 Do You Need Help Finding Your Parends

    Reflecting on this made Zenia''s heart heary, recalling how Linsey had wept the previous night.

    Her feelings towards Collin quickly turned sour again, and she resolved to join forces with Zander to defend Linsey and ensure Collin faced consequences for his actions.

    Zenia''s sweet expression transformed into one of determination.

    Collin was caught off guard by the rapid shift in her demeanor

    In an instant, Zenia lunged into Collin''s arms once more, transferring her tears,

    runny nose, and melting ice cream onto his suit.

    His assistant stood by, utterly bewildered by the scene.

    "Mr. Riley, should I handle this?" the assistant asked, eyeing the mess on Collin''s suit.

    The assistant silently spected that Zenia must really despise Collin

    Yet, Collin appeared unfazed and exined calmly, "She''s likely overwhelmed because she''s lost. Her behavior is just her way of coping Don''t worry, I''ll personally take her to the police station."

    Aware of Zenia''s ties to Gorman, Collin preferred to leave the situation in the hands of the authorities rather than engage directly with him.

    Thus, he decided to escort Zenia to the police station to confirm her identity and contact Gorman there.

    Uncertain whether Linsey truly was Zenia''s mother and still uneasy from their encounterst night, Collin hesitated to confront her directly.

    He concluded that the most responsible course of action was to ensure Zenia''s safety by taking her to the police station himself.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 718

    Chapter 718 A Bad Man Took Zenia!

    Collin''s words caught Zenia off guard all over again, leaving her momentarily speechless.

    She believed that Collin intended to have her arrested by taking her to the police station.

    In a sudden state of panic, Zenia was too stunned to resist as Collin lifted her and headed toward the waiting

    car.

    Meanwhile, Zander was attempting to take photos nearby, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw Zenia being led away by Collin.

    Fear gripped him as he mistakenly assumed Zenia was being kidnapped, tears of worry filling his eyes.

    As the car began to pull away, Zander chased after it, his small legs pumping desperately.

    At that moment, his phone rang with a call from Linsey. "Zander, why did you and Zenia leave so early today?"

    The moment Zander heard the worry in Linsey''s voice, the fear he had been holding back spilled out in a rush.

    "Mommy! Help me! A bad man took Zenia!"

    The words hit Linsey like a jolt, and she shot to her feet, the look on her face suddenly darkening. "What did

    you just say?!"

    Beside her, Caylee, equally rmed, turned swiftly and asked, "What''s going on? Are Zenia and Zander in

    trouble?"

    With no time for a detailed exnation, Linsey urged Zander, saying, "Don''t be scared. Where are you right now?"

    Trying to steady his voice, Zander managed to give the exact location near the coffee shop.

    "Zander, stay right where you are, I''m on my way to get you. Just stay put until I arrive," Linsey said.

    As soon as she ended the call, Linsey''s heart raced with apprehension. She leapt to her feet and dashed towards the door, her mind set on alerting the police immediately.

    Even amid her haste, Linsey took a moment to inform Caylee, saying, "Zander just told me Zenia has been abducted by someone dangerous. We need to review the security footage around the coffee shop to identify

    this person."

    Linsey''s call to the police was swiftly answered, and she ryed the urgent situation with precision and rity.

    Upon disconnecting the call, Linsey whirled around to leave and caught sight of Caylee trailing her, a look of distress masking her face, suggesting she was hiding something.

    Oblivious to the underlying truth, Linsey assumed Caylee''s anxiety stemmed from concern for Zenia and

    Zander.

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    To soothe her, Linsey said, "Don''t worry, Caylee. Zenia and Zander are resourceful kids. They''ll manage."

    Caylee snapped out of her daze at Linsey''s words, meeting her calm look with a surge of guilt.

    It dawned on Caylee that Collin, whom she had discussed with the childrenst night, must be the bad man

    Zander referred to.

    Caylee hadn''t anticipated that Zenia and Zander would confront Collino soon, and now Zenia had been captured by him.

    The thought of Linsey discovering this truth filled Caylee with dread.

    The longer Caylee sat with it, the heavier the guilt pressed down on her. Still, the thought of admitting everything outright froze her in ce. All she could manage was a quiet apology, her voice tight with nerves. "Linsey, I''m really sorry. I should have been watching Zenia and Zander more carefully. When I noticed they weren''t in the room this morning, I just assumed they were off ying somewhere else in the hotel."

    They continued their urgent pace outside, gging down a taxi swiftly.

    Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Linsey addressed Caylee with earnest, saying, "We all make mistakes, Caylee. I too am at fault. I should have made sure they understood the boundaries since moving into this hotel."

    She paused, her voiceden with concern, and said, "They''ve always been quite bold, ever since we lived

    overseas."

    Caylee listened, her heart heavy with regret.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 719

    Chapter 719 It''s My Favorite One!

    Caylee gripped her phone, wrestling with the decision to inform Gorman of the situation.

    She regretted her previous conversation with Zenia and Zander; had she foreseen the consequences, she would

    have held her tongue.

    After all, it was an adult matter that shouldn''t have involved the children.

    Meanwhile, inside Collin''s car, Zenia came to a sudden realization about her situation.

    It shocked her that she had been kidnapped by Collin.

    "Let me go, you viin!" Zenia shouted, thrashing in Collin''s grasp as she attempted to escape.

    Collin managed to calm Zenia down and then gently ced her on the seat next to him.

    Zenia immediately moved as far away as she could within the seat, eyeing Collin with suspicion.

    Internally, however, Zenia was bing increasingly frightened and anxious.

    She desperately missed Zander and hoped he would appear to save her soon. Collin epted a clean towel from his assistant and, instead of using it himself, he offered it to Zenia, speaking softly. "Would you like to clean up a little? It seems your lovely dress has gotten dirty."

    Zenia stopped to look at her stained dress, her distress evident as tears began to pool in her eyes. "My dress... It''s my favorite one!"

    The assistant braced for another bout of tears from Zenia.

    Yet, Collin continued to show unexpected kindness, gently dabbing the stains on her dress with the towel.

    At the same time, he said soothingly, "We''re near a mall. How about we go and pick out a new dress for you?" Zenia looked up at Collin''s earnest face, feeling a surprising sense offort.

    Hearing his suggestion, Zenia frowned deeply and said, "Mommy told me never to take things from strangers!" Collin hesitated at her reaction, then began to ask tentatively, "Is your mother..."

    He cut himself off, a wry smile briefly crossing his face as he realized the pointlessness of his question. Regardless of whether Zenia''s mother was Linsey, Linsey''s dislike for him remained unchanged. Moreover, Zenia was unaware of any past conflicts between him and Linsey.

    Collin concluded that it was neither appropriate nor useful to seek such answers from a child.

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    Chapter 719 It''s My Favorite One!

    "Okay, we don''t have to go to the mall. I''m going to take you to the police station now, where they can help you find your mom so you can go home," Collin said gently.

    Zenia looked up at him, taken aback for a moment.

    Being so young, she inadvertently revealed her thoughts as she asked, "Are you taking me to the police station for them to punish me?"

    Caught off guard by her question, Collin responded with a puzzled expression, "Why would I want the polic¨¦ to punish you?"

    Zenia hesitated, then wisely avoided mentioning that she had deliberately run into him. Instead, she said, "Because you were angry!"

    With a light chuckle, Collin said, "If we make peace, there will be no punishment from the police."

    Confused, Zenia asked, "What''s ''make peace''?"

    "It means that I forgive you, and you forgive me," Collin exined.

    Zenia''s cheeks ballooned with frustration as she retorted, "But I''m not ready to forgive you yet, you viin."

    Collin lifted his brows at her and lightly tapped the tip of Zenia''s nose with one finger. "You keep calling me a viin. I''m curious-what exactly did I do that makes me so terrible?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 720

    Chapter 720 What Made

    You Take My Water Then

    Zenia fixed Collin with a steady gaze, her lips sealed shut.

    Together with Zander, she had crafted their n meticulously and was determined to keep it a secret from

    Linsey.

    "Are you not in the mood to talk?" Collin asked, his voice soft and his demeanor soothing "That''s perfectly fine. Just take some time to rest; we''ll arrive at the police station shortly,"

    After a brief silence, he said, "I''m sorry, but I don''t have any children''s beverages

    in the car. Would you like some water instead?"

    Zenia gave a small nod without making a sound.

    Her throat felt parched.

    Collin smiled slightly and requested his assistant to pass a water bottle.

    He checked the temperature of the bottle before loosening the cap.

    Looking back at his assistant, Collin asked, "Is there a straw avable?"

    "Yes," the assistant responded, promptly producing a straw and passing it to him.

    Collin inserted the straw into the bottle and handed it to Zenia.

    Zenia tried to grasp it, but her hands were too small to hold it steadily.

    Observing this, Collin supported the bottle from below, allowing her to sipfortably.

    Suddenly, his assistant, seated in the front, said hesitantly, "Mr. Riley, the meeting

    is set to start in ten minutes. We''re likely going to bete."

    Without any apparent worry, Collin said, "Reschedule the meeting for thirty minutester."

    He seemed unable to fully rx until he had personally ensured Zenia was safe at the police station

    As Collin watched Zenia drink, he noted a resemnce to Linsey in her features.

    But then, something about her face tugged at a memory he couldn''t fully grasp. It nagged at him, just out of

    reach.

    For a moment, he considered whether she might look a bit like Gorman, but the idea slipped away before it could settle. The doubt annoyed him.

    Indeed, Collin had overheard Zenia referring to Gorman as Daddy, confirming his suspicion about her

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    Chapter 7210 her Made You Take My Water Then

    parentage

    Be suspected his personal aversion to Gorman was clouding his judgment, making him doubt Zenia''s

    resemnce to him.

    "I don''t need any more water." Zenia said, pulling Collin from his thoughts.

    Acknowledging her, he resealed the water bottle.

    With a yful smirk, he joked, "Didn''t you mention that you shouldn''t ept

    things from strangers? What made you take my water then?"

    Zenia was caught off guard, her cheeks turning a rosy shade.

    "Just really thirsty," she retorted firmly.

    Collin gently cautioned her, saying, "It''s important to remember your mom''s advice to avoid worrying her, right?

    Reflecting further, Collin considered the randomness of their encounter today, concerned about who else Zenia might recklessly approach in the future.

    So he went on, saying, "Also, charging at people like that isn''t a good idea. Someone could get hurt, don''t you

    think?

    Zenia fixed her gaze on Collin, eyes round and still, then slowly tilted her head, clearly puzzled by him. In that moment, she thought Zander bore a slight resemnce to Collin.

    Not far from the coffee shop, Zander caught sight of Linsey and Caylee approaching rapidly.

    "Mommy! You have to save Zenia!" he begged, tears streaking his face, his voice thick with urgency.

    "My dear, don''t worry. We''ll rescue Zenia," Linsey reassured him, her eyes scanning the area.

    With relief, she noted several security cameras in view, confident that the footage would reveal who had taken

    Zenia.

    Just as she reached for her phone to contact security, it rang.

    "Hello, is this Ms. Linsey Brooks? Your daughter has been brought to the police station."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 721

    Chapter 721 I Didn''t Get Much Rest Last Night

    When she heard the police officer''s words,cey''s face lit up with relief Ceeat, I''m on my way"

    She told Cayles to bring Zander back to their hotel abead of ter, then stepped out onto the curb to g down a cab and made her way to the police station

    During the ride, Linsey''s hands were tightly decked, her nerves on edge over Zenia''s safery.

    Her thoughts were chackic, pozzet over the Lexity of the bad man Zander had mentioned and cutous about who had taken Zenia to the police

    Arting at the police station, litsey buried out of the cab and into the building. She quickly found Zenia sitting beside a policewoman

    Zenta legged into Linsey''s arms, and as she inhaled her mother''s familiar scent, tears began to flow freely.

    Linsey softly stroked Zenia''s back and said, "Everything''s okay now. Mommy''s here, so there''s no need to be

    After a moment, she gently pulled back to inspect Zenia carefully. "Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"

    Zenia, her eyes tearful, shook her head

    At that point, the policewoman interjected, I''ve examined your daughter, and she''s fine. Just make sure to keep a closer eye on her. Fortunately, a good Samaritan brought her in."

    "I truly appreciate it. I''m so sorry for causing any trouble," said Linsey, her tone full of gratitude. Without wasting a moment, she followed up with a question. "Would you happen to know the name of the person who helped my daughter?

    Linsey couldn''t shake the feeling that if that kind stranger hadn''t stepped in, Zenia might have ended up in

    real danger.

    That thought alone made her determined to find them and express her gratitude face-to-face.

    The policewoman paused briefly before responding, "I''m sorry, but the individual chose to remain anonymous. However, I must say, he seemed like someone not easily crossed. But now that your daughter is safe, perhaps it''s best to let it be." Upon hearing this, Linsey nodded her understanding and quickly left with Zenia

    She felt frustrated that Zander and Zenia had been so reckless to sneak out that early. Determined to address

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    this, she nned a serious discussion with them forter.

    While Collin was heading to thepany, he remainedpletely unaware of everything that had unfolded

    after he left.

    He had an urgent meeting to attend and, having ensured Zenia was safe at the police station, he had no choice

    but to leave.

    Changing into a fresh suit while in the car, Collin reflected on his short time with Zenia, feeling an unexpected sense of solitude.

    Zenia''s vibrant and intelligent nature reminded him of Linsey.

    He found himself wondering, almost wistfully, if he and Linsey had had a child in those days, maybe their little girl would have been every bit as sweet and charming as Zenia.

    With a self-mocking smile, he dismissed the thought, murmuring to himself, "How could that even be possible?" By the time Collin stepped into his top-floor office, he finally caught sight of Dustin, who had been off the radar sincest night.

    Dustin was slouched on the sofa, deep in his own head, so distracted he didn''t even look up when Collin approached.

    Caught off guard by the unusual silence, Collin raised his voice just enough to pull him back. "Hey, whatever''s eating at you can wait. We''ve got a meeting to get through first."

    Dustin, jolted from his thoughts, stared at Collin briefly before saying, ¡°Oh, yes. Of course."

    Throughout the meeting, Collin noticed Dustin''s mind wandering. Despite several board members engaging him with questions, Dustin seemed elsewhere.

    Finally, Collin was unable to tolerate it any longer, his tone bing stern as he said, ¡°Dustin, should I throw some water on you to wake you up?"

    The coldness in his voice was evident, making everyone tense.

    Given Collin''s recent irritability, the board was surprised Dustin would allow himself to be so distracted.

    Sensing the shift in tone, Dustin gave his cheek a quick p, shook off the haze, and pulled himself back into focus. "No, that won''t be necessary. Apologies, I didn''t get much restst night."

    11:14

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 722

    Chapter 722 Is This About

    Dolores

    Collin gave Dustin a dismissive look, then gestured to the board member and said, "Please proceed."

    As soon as the meeting was over and the others were heading out, Collin''s stern voice halted them. "Dustin, my office, now."

    A collective shudder went through the room at hismand.

    The group was certain Dustin was in for a severe reprimand.

    Dustin trailed behind Collin into the office, his expression distant and unfocused,pletely unaware of the thoughts running through everyone else''s minds.

    Once the office door shut behind them, Dustin overheard Collin on the phone. "Contact the boxing gym. I''m bringing someone along shortly."

    The moment he heard those words, Dustin jolted back to awareness, his voiceced with panic as he asked, "Collin, you''re not actually thinking of dragging me to the boxing gym, are you?"

    Collin adjusted his tie and responded coldly, "You need to sharpen up. We can''t afford yourck of focus with the workload we have."

    Just then, a knock came at the door. "Boss, the gym is prepared for your arrival. Shall we go now?" Dustin''s panic surged, and his first thought was escape. "Collin, hold on, I suddenly feel quite ill..." "Let''s go," Collin said firmly, grabbing Dustin by the cor and steering him forcefully out of the office. Three hourster, Dustiny exhausted and soaked in sweat on the gym mat.

    Hey there with his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his mind frozen, too shaken to begin processing everything he had just endured.

    Collin, drenched in sweat as well, stood off to the side with a calm that didn''t match the scene.

    Without a flicker of emotion, he nced down at Dustin, who was struggling for air, then peeled off his gloves at an unhurried pace. ¡°Get up.¡±

    Fear washed over Dustin''s face, but he couldn''t even lift a hand to protest. "I can''t do it, Collin. I messed up. Just let me off the hook. If this keeps going, it''s going to kill me."

    Collin gave him a distant look, then sat down abruptly on the gym floor, stripping off his gloves and flinging

    them to the side.

    Just then, his assistant arrived with two water bottles, handing them to Collin who casually threw one to Dustin.

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    Startled by the unexpected toss, Dustin eximed, "Collin, you''re really-"

    "What are you trying to say?" Collin asked, a hint of challenge in his tone.

    Dustin hesitated, then quietly unscrewed the cap of his water bottle and took a sip.

    Momentster, Collin''s voice dropped to a whisper as he said, "I hope this won''t happen again."

    Dustin understood right away that Collin was calling him out for spacing out during the meeting. "Yeah, I know. I''m not myself today. I''m sorry."

    "Is this about Dolores?" said Collin, tossing the question out so easily that Dustin jolted up like someone had yanked a string tied to his spine.

    "How did you know?" Dustin''s shock was evident, his mind racing with paranoia.

    Collin sneered, "You disappeared with Dolores after the banquetst night. You think people wouldn''t notice?" Dustin''s face turned red with embarrassment. "You seem to catch everything, don''t you, Collin?"

    Taking a breath, Dustin looked at Collin and said, "What if, hypothetically, I ended up spending the night with someone?"

    "If you''re into Dolores, you can ask her out," Collin suggested.

    Dustin''s cheeks burned with embarrassment at the straightforward response.

    However, just a second after, he let out a faint, rueful smile and said, ¡°But I have a feeling she doesn''t see it that way..."

    Momentster, Collin said firmly, "Then you should try harder."

    With that, Collin got to his feet and started walking away.

    Watching him go, Dustin murmured in disbelief, ¡°But I tried my hardestst

    night..."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 723

    Chapter 723 I Won''t Do It Again

    Before Dustin could finish his thought, another water bottle flew at him. It smacked him hard, and he cried out

    in pain

    Collin, at a loss for words, said, "I was trying to say that you should really try harder to win her over. What were you thinking?"

    Linsey had just returned to the hotel with Zenia when Zander and Caylee rushed over, their faces full of worry.

    "Zenia!" Zander called out.

    "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" Caylee inquired with concern.

    Zenia''s heart settled the moment she saw her mother. "I''m fine," she addressed Zander and Caylee.

    Zander breathed out in relief. But then, his eyes shifted to Linsey. Her expression was cold. "Mommy..." he called gently.

    Linsey said nothing. She walked straight to the sofa, ignoring him.

    Zander''s and Zenia''s smiles faded. Their eyes dropped, a trace of hurt showing. Caylee bit her lip, clearly torn.

    After a pause, she took the kids'' hands and led them over to Linsey.

    They stood quietly in front of her-one adult and two children-waiting to see how she would react.

    The room went quiet. The silence stretched. Finally, Zenia couldn''t hold it in.

    She stepped closer, tugged at Linsey''s sleeve, and asked in a soft voice, "Mommy, what''s wrong?"

    Linsey looked down at Zenia''s nervous little face, then over at Zander, who stood stiffly with a tense look. Her voice cracked as she spoke. "Why did you two go out by yourselves this morning? And why did you go so far?"

    She remembered that the coffee shop was near CR Corporation. It was nowhere near their hotel.

    She couldn''t understand why the kids had wandered off that far.

    Caylee''s heart sank. Guilt washed over her.

    She was the one who had talked about Collin and those cesst night.

    But she never thought the kids would actually sneak out the next day to find him.

    Too much had happened. Things could have gone terribly wrong.

    009

    11:14

    > O III

    Chapter 7231 Wont De Apa

    Caylee feared that if Linsey found out she was the reason bekundit, she would be

    Rather than wait to be exposed, Caylee thought it best to tell the truth besser

    But before she could say a word, Zandey suddenly stepped forward More F just wanted to have some fun. It''s boring in the boted"

    Caylee froze. Her hands clenched without thinking whatever courage shed tissyyexuel

    She didn''t understand why Zander hid the truth.

    Her brows furrowed. She stood there, unsure of what to do.

    Linsey let out a tired sigh. "I never said you couldn''t go out and y. But you''re both state & you want to go out, you need an adult with you. I wasn''t busy today. I could''ve taken you had is custos Cafe would''ve gone. But slipping out without telling anyone?"

    By the end, her voice shook. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she took their hats. I sing happened to you... I wouldn''t have been there to save you."

    Zenia''s lips trembled. Seeing her mother so upset broke her heart. I''m sorry, Mommy wong and

    it again."

    She leaned in slowly, wrapping her small arms around Linsey as tears streamed down bar chees

    Zander''s eyes were tearful too, but he blinked fast, trying hard not to cry.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 724

    Chapter 724 I Never Wanna Leave You, Mommy

    Zander pressed his lips together, trying to appear braver than he felt. "Mommy, it was my fault I shouldn''t have taken Zenia out running around"

    Linsey gently dabbed away Zenia''s tears with a soft tissue, then reached for Zander and wrapped both children tightly in het arms, holding them close against her heart.

    Her voice was calm and tender when she finally spoke. "I''m not scolding you. I just need you to promise you won''t scare me like that again."

    The two kids nodded earnestly, their voices chiming together. "We promise we won''t!"

    A faint smile touched Linsey''s lips at their sincerity.

    No matter how she tried, she could never bring herself to be too harsh with them.

    Yes, mistakes had to be acknowledged-but she didn''t want them to be afraid of her.

    That was the quiet vow she repeated to herself again and again.

    After all, Zenia and Zander were growing up without a father. So Linsey wanted only to fill their world with as much warmth and love as she possibly could, making sure they felt just as cherished and whole as any other

    kids.

    With that thought softening her gaze, she gently patted their heads and said, "I know living in a hotel room isn''t veryfortable, so..."

    Zander''s eyes lit up in an instant, and he bounced on his toes. "Mommy, are we going home?"

    Even Caylee looked surprised by the question.

    She had assumed Linsey nned to leave Grester, which would have meant she wouldn''t have to go through with what Gorman had asked of her.

    The idea of betraying Linsey again made her stomach twist.

    But Linsey let out a softugh, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Grester is our home. I grew up here-and from now on, this is where the two of you will live, too."

    Zander''s expression faltered at once. His shoulders slumped as he murmured, "Okay then."

    But the pout didn''tst long. His eyes gleamed again a momentter. "Then I want to live where you grew up for a few more years!"

    Linsey tilted her head, her smile full of affection. "When you''re all grown up, you''ll be free to go wherever your heart leads you."

    11:14

    Chapter 7541 Never Wanns eve You Marry

    Zenia clung to her mother, smuggling against her shooMey, her votre sweat and drenip never rona leys you. Mommy.

    Their innocent voices washed sway the worry that had been ruging at Lindy''s chest

    Then, as if a thought had just surfaced, she nced over at Caylee "Would youe with me in the next for days to check out new ces to live?"

    But Caylee looked lost, as if her mind were somewhere far away

    "Caylee?" Linsey repeated, watching her closely.

    Caylee finally blinked and snapped out of it. "Huh? Oh yes, Linsey What''s up?

    Linsey narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing that something wasn''t quite right-but she brushed it off, assuming Caylee was just exhausted from helping with the kids.

    "I was saying we can''t stay in a hotel forever. I''m going to start checking out apartments-renting or buying whichever makes sense. As long as it''sfortable and in a good neighborhood, that''s all that matters"

    Caylee nodded quickly. "Of course. I''ll start looking into options ahead of time-see what''s avable"

    "Thank you," Linsey said softly. "You''ve been working so hardtely. Take the rest of the day to rest-I''ll watch

    the kids."

    Caylee''s eyes widened with surprise, and she immediately waved her hands. "No, no, it''s really no trouble at all! This is what I''m here for."

    She didn''t know much about design. The only reason she had be Linsey''s assistant was because Linsey had seen something in her-dependability, quiet diligence-and brought her on to help manage orders and asionally look after the children.

    Linsey paid her generously, far more than most assistants earned.

    But just before they were supposed to leave for Grester, her grandmother, the only family she had, the woman who had raised her, had fallen gravely ill.

    That was when Gorman stepped in. He paid for the surgery-an expensive one Caylee never could have afforded on her own. And ever since, she had always felt indebted to him.

    11:14

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 725

    Marrying A Secret Zionaire Happy Ever After

    Chapter 725 I''m Staying

    Caylee knew she owed Linsey.

    She also knew how hard Linsey worked to raise two kids on her own.

    Because of that, she couldn''t bring herself to ask Linsey for money.

    In the end, she had no choice but to agree to Gorman''s request-doing only things

    that wouldn''t harm Linsey or the children, at least on the surface.

    Linsey, of course, had no idea what was going through Caylee''s mind.

    After everything that happened today, she realized one thing-they couldn''t keep living in a hotel. Zander and

    Zenia needed a bigger, safer space.

    A hotel room, no matter how nice, would never feel like home.

    Luckily, she had managed to save up a decent amount over the years as Aurora. Now, she could afford to rent a cozy apartment in Grester-a ce where the kids could finally feel settled.

    Buying a house would take more time ande with a lot ofplications.

    For now, she decided to start by looking around and take it from there.

    "Linsey... Have you really decided to stay in Grester?" Caylee asked gently, still

    unsure.

    She remembered Linsey saying they wouldn''t stay long when they first arrived.

    She hadn''t expected her to change her mind so soon.

    Linsey turned on the TV and found a cartoon for the kids.

    Then she nodded, her eyes steady and full of resolve. "I''ve made up my mind," she said. ¡°I just won first ce in the designpetition. If I leave now, I might lose out on some big opportunities thate with that. For my career-and for the kids'' future-staying here is the right choice."

    She paused, then added softly, "Dolores''pany is finally getting back on its feet. She hasn''t said much, but I know she needs me. And Grester... This is where we grew up. It holds our memories. This city gave me friendship, dreams, and roots. I won''t run from it. I''m staying."

    When she first came back, Linsey never thought she would stay. The city had once brought her so much pain.

    And after she bumped into Collin against night, the old memories came flooding back.

    They stung more than she had expected.

    But after a long night of thinking, she came to a simple truth-she wouldn''t give up a whole city just because

    of one man.

    14:06

    Chapter 725 I''m Staying

    This was her home. Her best friend was here. Her childhood, her career- everything she had built mattered

    more than the past. Collin was just a chapter. He didn''t get to write the whole story.

    And the more she tried to avoid him, the harder it was to truly move on.

    She realized that the night she saw him again after four long years.

    Now, she believed the only way to heal was to face it all, head-on.

    Caylee didn''t speak right away. She nced at Zander and Zenia, then said carefully, ¡°Linsey... What if that person finds out...¡±

    She didn''t finish the sentence, but Linsey understood right away.

    She smiled gently, calm and unfazed. "Zander and Zenia are my children. No one has the right to take them

    away. No one."

    The moment she said that, the kids looked away from the screen.

    They didn''t fully understand, but they could feel something serious in her voice. Quietly, they moved closer and wrapped their arms around her.

    "Mommy, we just want to stay with you!" Zenia pouted, her voice loud and sure.

    Zander frowned slightly. He was always the thoughtful one. "Mommy, is someone trying to take us? Are they bad people?"

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 726

    Chapter 726 I Still Keep An Apartment There -

    Linsey burst intoughter and soothingly stroked the children''s heads. "Don''t worry, no one could ever take you two from me. We''ll always be together, all right?¡± she reassured them in a calm tone.

    "Yes! We''ll always be with Mommy!" eximed Zenia, her eyes gleaming with joy and her smile radiating pure

    adorableness.

    As lunchtime approached, Linsey and Caylee hurriedly prepared a straightforward meal. Satisfied and full, the children soon found it hard to keep their eyes open.

    To ensure Caylee had a peaceful rest today, Linsey decided they would nap in her room, allowing Caylee the solitude of the guest room.

    After Linsey gently shut her bedroom door, she turned to Caylee with a sudden thought.

    "It just urred to me, I never asked if you''d like to stay here in Grester," Linsey said, her voice tinged with regret. "I realize Grester isn''t your home, and your grandmother probably misses you."

    As she spoke, she affectionately grasped Caylee''s hand. "If you wish to return, I can contact some friends there to help you secure a job. You know, I still keep an apartment there. You and your grandmother can use it until the lease is up, if you like."

    Caylee''s eyes welled up with tears as she listened. Shaking her head, she responded, "Linsey, you''ve done so much already. I can''t possibly ept more."

    Linsey, with the warmth of a sister, tenderly brushed a lock of hair from Caylee''s face."

    "You''ve been with me so long. You''re like family," she continued. "You''ve taken such good care of Zenia and Zander. I see everything you do. So please, don''t feel guilty. I''ve paid that apartment''s rent already, it''s empty and waiting."

    "Linsey, I''m not going anywhere!" Caylee said, clutching Linsey''s hand. "I want to stay with you and the kids longer."

    Linsey''s face lit up with a smile. "I''d love that. I just worry about your grandmother. She must miss you." Caylee'' looked down, her expression clouded with sorrow.

    She hadn''t yet shared with Linsey that her grandmother was gravely ill and hospitalized.

    She was also keeping a secret about how Gorman had covered the hospital expenses and had her pass on secret messages.

    Caylee couldn''t bear to think about how Linsey would see her if she ever discovered the things she had done for Gorman.

    14:06

    <

    Chapter 7261 Still Keep An Apartment There

    The mere thought of it sent a nervous shiver through Caylee

    "Are you good?" Linsey asked, noticing her difort

    Caylee quickly looked up. "I''m fine, really."

    Linsey looked at her with a worried expression. "You look like hell. Could it be that you''re just tired?"

    Leading Caylee to the guest room, Linsey opened the door and softly suggested, "Get some rest. We can sort everything else outter. And if you feel unwell, tell me immediately. I''ll take you to the doctor"

    Tears welled up in Caylee''s eyes as she nodded. "Okay."

    Linsey didn''t push further, assuming that recent fatigue was all that troubled Caylee.

    14:06

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 727

    Chapter 727 You''re So Brave, Zander

    Linsey waited by the door, watching as Caylee slipped into the room. The moment she closed the door, Linsey slipped her phone from her pocket. She sent a message to Dolores, asking when her friend might be free for a

    quick meet-up.

    After all, it was time Dolores heard the news-she had made up her mind. She was staying in Grester.

    Meanwhile, in the quiet room where they were supposed to be fast asleep, two little silhouettes huddled under the covers, wide-eyed and whispering like tiny conspirators.

    "Zander, I think that bad guy might actually be... a good person," Zenia murmured. She was thinking about that morning-about Collin-and something in her wanted to defend him.

    Zander shot upright, eyes shing. "But he took you! That''s what bad guys do!"

    Zenia bit her lip, clearly torn. "But he was nice to me. He didn''t yell or get mad. He brought me straight to the police station so Mommy coulde get me."

    Zander''s face scrunched up like a balloon about to pop. "I''m the one who called Mommy. I told her toe

    save you!"

    Zenia blinked, a little thrown. "But, Zander... you didn''t call the police yourself." His face stiffened, eyes flicking away in awkward silence. "Anyway, you were probably tricked. That''s what bad guys do they pretend to be nice."

    Zenia folded her arms, lips pushed into a pout. Then, as if struck by a wild idea, she leaned in, voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. "You know what? I think... you kind of look like that bad guy."

    "What?! Nonsense!" Zander recoiled so fast he nearly fell off the bed. "I don''t look like him! He made Mommy cry so much-I''d never make her cry like that!"

    Zenia''s face fell. "But... when we snuck out this morning, Mommy was really upset."

    That hit a nerve. Zander puffed up indignantly. "She was worried, not upset! That''s different!"

    "Okay," Zenia gave up trying to untangle it all. She said softly, "So what now? Mommy''s never gonna let us go out alone again."

    Zander fell silent, thinking hard. Then suddenly, his eyes lit up. "I''m gonna settle things with that bad guy myself."

    Zenia gasped. ¡°Zander! What are you going to do? He''s really tall!"

    "I''m not scared of him!" Zander puffed up his chest and balled his tiny fists. "I''ll stand up to him like a real

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    Chapter 727 You''re So Brave, Zander

    man. I''ll make sure he knows he can''t hurt Mommy again."

    Zenia''s lips parted in awe. She looked at her brother like he had grown a superhero cape. "You''re so brave,

    Zander..."

    Dolores arrived not long after Linsey''s message had gone out.

    The moment she stepped inside, she made a beeline for the water pitcher, pouring herself a ss and downing it like she had crossed a desert. ¡°Ugh, I''m exhausted," she gasped between gulps. "Why is it so hot out today?"

    Linsey watched nervously, half-expecting her friend to choke. "Slow down, would you?"

    Seeing how flushed and sweaty Dolores was, she quietly fetched a fresh towel and began patting her friend''s cheeks with gentle care.

    "I told you we could meet whenever it worked for you. Why''d you rush over like this?" Linsey said.

    Dolores gave a sheepish smile. "The board was driving me insane. Same useless discussions, going in circles for hours. I couldn''t take another second. So I ran away¡ªto here. Consider this my hiding ce."

    Linsey''s brows pulled together in a frown. "They''re pressuring you again? Why? I thought yourpany was doing better this year. Why are they still pestering you with that nonsense?"

    Dolores looked away for a beat-just long enough. "No... it''s not that."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 728

    Chapter 728 When Do I

    Start

    Linsey knew Dolores too well. So the moment she saw that look sh across her face, she had a feeling it was

    about her.

    She stopped and stared straight ¨¢t her. ¡°Spill it. Either you tell me now, or I''ll head to yourpany and ask

    the board myself."

    "Please don''t!" Dolores blurted, then sighed. "Since you helped us win the designpetition, the board''s been on my neck. They want you as our chief designer. I told them you wouldn''t stay in town for long, but they think I''m being stingy-that I''m not offering you enough.".

    Linsey let out a softugh.

    Dolores nced sideways at her, frowning. "How can you stillugh? I turned them down for you, just like you

    asked."

    That was true. Linsey had told her before-she wasn''t nning to stay in Grester.

    But things had changed. Justst night, she had made up her mind. And that was exactly what she wanted to

    talk to Dolores about.

    Still, she couldn''t resist teasing her first. Linsey raised an eyebrow. "So... What kind of offer were you nning

    to make me?"

    Dolores didn''t think much of it. She shrugged. "Only the best. Sry''s a given. The title might be chief designer, but if you joined, you''d be my second-in-mand. Everyone else would report to you."

    If people weren''t asleep in the next room, Linsey would have burst outughing.

    She cleared her throat. "Oh,e on. I''m not signing up to be your vice president. Chief designer just means I run the design team, right?"

    Dolores lifted her chin and gave a little huff. "You''re my best friend. That''s how I see it. The board thinks I''m being petty. But if they knew what I was really thinking, they''d just drown me in useless advice again."

    Linsey smiled and gently wiped the sweat from Dolores'' forehead. "Alright then. Since you''re offering me such a sweet deal... I ept. So, when do I start?"

    Dolores froze. She stared at Linsey, mouth slightly open, struggling to process the words. "You..."

    Linsey raised an eyebrow, ying along. "What? Changed your mind already? Don''t want me anymore?"

    "Of course not!" Dolores shouted, making Linsey jump.

    "Shhh! The kids are still sleeping," Linsey pressed a finger to her lips.

    14.07

    Chapter 728 When Do I Start

    Dolores blinked, then snapped out of it. She set down her ss and grabbed Linsey, dragging her to the couch. "But you said a few days ago you''d be leaving. What changed?"

    Linsey smiled and began to exin everything she had been thinking.

    With Dolores, she never held back. She could speak freely.

    When she finished, Dolores was beaming. She nodded quickly. "Good! Yo finally see that your careeres first-way more important than any guy."

    Linsey was amused by her tone.

    Still, Dolores wasn''t wrong. Linsey had spent so long worrying-afraid that bumping into Collin would stir up old feelings or mess with her head.

    But she hadn''t done anything wrong back then. There was no reason to hide.

    Yes, Collin was powerful. He founded CR Corporation, after all. But that didn''t mean he could stop her from chasing her dreams in Grester.

    And if he tried? Well, Linsey would just think even less of him. That would only prove he was small-minded.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 729

    Chapter 729 Do You Have Feelings For Him.

    Dolores lit up the moment she heard the news. "That''s wonderful! We don''t have to be apart anymore."

    Her joy was honest, unguarded. Then, with a small sigh, she admitted, "Truthfully, there were so many moments I wanted to ask you to stay. But I held back-l didn''t want my feelings to sway your choice. I wanted it to be yours. So I stayed silent. But now that you''ve chosen this on your own... I''m genuinely happy."

    Linsey offered a soft smile, eyes warm as she met Dolores'' gaze. "Thank you, Dolores. For always knowing how

    to be there for me."

    With a yful huff, Dolores reached out and tapped her finger lightly against Linsey''s forehead. "When did you start sounding so formal with me, huh?"

    Chuckling, Linsey picked up the towel again and gently resumed dabbing the sweat from Dolores'' skin. "I was joking, but you took it seriously."

    Dolores tilted her chin obligingly, letting Linsey finish the job.

    "Anyway," she murmured, "let''s drop the mushy stuff. You and I? We don''t need

    it."

    "Understood, boss," Linsey replied with an exaggerated grin, still wiping gently. But then her hand paused. Her smile faded, her gaze fixed on something just below Dolores'' corbone. "Dolores... aboutst night..."

    She trailed off.

    #1

    Dolores blinked, thrown by the sudden shift. Something wasn''t right.

    She followed Linsey''s stare, but the angle didn''t let her see anything.

    Noticing that, Linsey quietly set the towel aside, reached for a mirror on the table, and handed it to her. "Here. Take a look."

    Dolores raised the mirror-and immediately spotted the faint red marks along her corbone.

    Her expression froze.

    "Oh, crap..." she muttered, visibly annoyed.

    When she looked up, Linsey regarded her teasingly.

    Dolores, at a loss for words, tossed the mirror back onto the table, avoiding eye-

    contact. "It''s nothing. Don''t make a big deal out of it."

    Linsey stared at her, obviously not buying it. "Is that so?"

    14:07

    Chapter 729 Do You Have Feelings For Him

    Dolores sat straighter, bristling. ¡°Of course. Why would I lie to you?"

    She shot Linsey a sideways nce, puffed up with mock pride. "I''m a grown woman. Gettingid is perfectly

    normal, isn''t it?"

    Linsey nodded in agreement. "Of course. Totally normal."

    Dolores'' relief was short lived. Linsey leaned in close and whispered with wicked smile, "So... was it Dustin?"

    Dolores nearly jumped out of her skin. She recoiled into the sofa cushions, wide- eyed. "How the hell did you figure that out?!"

    Linsey gave an innocent blink. "You told me at the banquet that you were taking Dustin away. Then you vanished. Connect the dots."

    She paused, thoughtful now. "Even when I was away from Grester, you''d still tell me random things about him. Stories, little details. That kind of consistency? It means something."

    She rubbed her chin as if piecing together a puzzle. "From what I know, Dustin isn''t exactly Mr. Sentimental. But he''s not careless either. If he''s been keeping up with you all this time, I''d say you matter to him. More than

    a little."

    Dolores looked down, teeth pressing into her lip. ¡°Last night... I think he confessed his feelings."

    Linsey''s eyes lit up instantly. "So, what? You two just jumped into each other''s arms?"

    "No!" Dolores groaned, covering her face with one hand. ¡°I was drunk. I didn''t even understand what he meant. The whole thing-it just kind of... happened."

    Linsey leaned closer again, curiosity written all over her. "So, do you have feelings for him?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 730

    Chapter 730 Dating''s Not A Priority

    Dolores took a deep breath, straightened up, and spoke seriously, "Honestly, I''ve never really thought about things like that."

    She looked Linsey right in the eye, steady and sure. "Thepany''s just starting to grow. Right now, dating''s not a priority. I feel like if I get into a rtionship, it''ll just take up too much of my time."

    She paused, then added, "Besides, I''m still not sure how I feel about Dustin. I''ve always just seen him as a

    friend..."

    Linsey gave a gentle nod. "That''s okay. Feelings aren''t something you rush. Take your time-I''m not going to

    push you."

    Dolores smiled faintly, and the topic naturally dropped. All of a sudden, she seemed to remember something important. "The reason I took Dustin awayst night was because I was worried he''d remember seeing Zander at that restaurant. I mean, Zander looks so much like Collin. If that jerk ever finds out, do you think he''d try to take him away?"

    Linsey''s face turned serious in a sh. "Zander is my son. If Collin tries to take him, he''ll have to go through me first. I won''t back down, not for a second."

    Dolores looked startled and quickly spoke up. "Let''s not panic. Grester''s a big ce. With any luck, Collin may never run into him."

    They chatted for a while longer. Eventually, Dolores nced at the time and jumped up. She had work to do at

    thepany.

    She grabbed her bag in a hurry. "If you''re free tomorrow, drop by thepany. We''ll sign the contract, and you can start whenever you''re ready."

    Linsey grinned. "With all the buzz around Aurora, I''d better get started right away. Time to help thepany make some real money."

    Doloresughed and high-fived her. "That''s the spirit! See you tomorrow then."

    "Yeah, see you."

    After Dolores left, Linsey stretched a little and started toward her room, hoping to catch a short nap.

    But just then, there was a knock at the door.

    She paused, thinking Dolores had forgotten something.

    She walked over and opened it, starting to say, "Did you forget-"

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    Chapter 730 Owings Mix A Priory

    But the words stopped as soon as she saw Corman''s smiling face.

    The smile that had just begun to form on Linsey''s lips vanished

    For a moment, she didn''t know what to say.

    After everything Gorman had done for her and the kids, she couldn''t just shut the door in his face.

    But after what he saidst night, she also didn''t want to send the wrong message again.

    While she was still searching for words, Gorman spoke softly. "What? Won''t you invite me in?"

    He held up a small bag of toys. "I promised Zenia and Zander I''d bring them these today."

    Linsey blinked, surprised. She hadn''t known he made such a promise.

    Still, he was here for the kids.

    Whatever was going on between her and Gorman, she didn''t want them caught in

    the middle. And the truth was, Zenia and Zander liked him a lot.

    With that in mind, she stepped aside and opened the door wider. "They''re still napping, but they''ll be up soon.

    Come in "

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 731

    Chapter 731 What''s Made You Change Your Mind

    Gorman spoke softly. "It''s no trouble. I''m here because I promised the kids I''de, and I don''t want to disappoint them."

    As Linsey shut the door, Gorman added, "I remembered your words from yesterday. Once everything is

    delivered, I''ll head out."

    Linsey''s difort grew on hearing his words.

    Gorman, though asionally strange, was generally a kind man and had always treated Linsey well.

    If not, Linsey wouldn''t have tolerated him purchasing the apartment next to hers four years ago.

    "Why don''t you take a seat? Can I get you a drink?" Linsey asked, choosing to overlook his previous statement.

    Raising his eyebrows, Gorman replied, "Anything cold will do. I''m quite warm."

    "Here, have some ice water," Linsey said as she fetched a bottle from the fridge and handed it to Gorman, who

    had settled onto the couch.

    "Thank you," Gorman said, cracking a slight smile, then smoothly transitioned. "Now that the designpetition is done, are you nning to extend your stay in Grester with the kids, or are you leaving soon?"

    Taking a seat in the nearby armchair, Linsey responded, "I''ve decided to stay."

    As he began to unscrew the bottle cap, Gorman paused, a fleeting, malicious expression crossing his face.

    With a forced smile, he lightly asked, "What''s made you change your mind? Is it difficult to say goodbye to

    Grester?"

    While he was speaking, Gorman''s hand tightened around the bottle.

    He set the bottle down on the table with a deliberate thud, without taking a sip.

    Linsey''s brow furrowed as she noted the emotional turmoil beginning to stir within Gorman.

    "Having spent over twenty years in Grester, it''s be home. E, who has taken me in, lives here, and my best friend too. I''ve grown ustomed to life in this town. After careful consideration, I''m choosing to stay,"

    she dered.

    Her gaze was steady and determined as she met Gorman''s eyes.

    For a brief moment, Gorman observed her quietly, then his expression softened into a warm, kind smile, "Understood. I respect your choice," he said smoothly. "The Davidson Group has flourished recently. Joining them as Aurora would be an excellent move for you and Dolores."

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    Linsey was taken aback by Gorman''s words they echoed her and Dolores'' own ns precisely.

    This unexpected agreement from Gorman caught her off guard.

    She hadn''t anticipated that Gorman would agree when she brought it up

    To her surprise, he immediately said he would support her.

    Gorman''s opinion would not sway her determination.

    Yet, his attitude caught her off guard, leaving her a little surprised.

    Linsey then asked, "And what about you? Are you nning to leave Grester?"

    Studying Linsey''sposed expression, Gorman sensed her courtesy was merely formal-she had no intention of suggesting he stay.

    To Linsey, his presence or absence was seemingly inconsequential.

    With this realization, a pang of frustration touched Gorman''s heart.

    Despite this, he couldn''t just give up, especially since Linsey had yet to reconcile with Collin

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 732

    Chapter 732 Having Caylee Here Simplifies Matters...

    Gorman knew he needed to remain in Grester, utilizing Zenia and Zander as part of his strategy to win Linsey''s heart eventually.

    For Linsey, Gorman had the patience to wait as long as necessary.

    With a chuckle, Gorman said, "Before arriving here, my father and I had a significant conversation. He''s tasked me with expanding Green Group''s operations in Grester, which means I''ll be staying here for an extended period."

    Linsey expressed surprise, not having anticipated such a directive from Gorman''s father, Marco Green.

    Indeed, after four years, CR Corporation had captured over half of Grester''s market, making any new gains for Green Group challenging.

    However, decisions within the Green family were not hers to influence, as she was an outsider to their internal affairs.

    "Understood," Linsey responded with a nod.

    Something then seemed to strike Gorman, prompting him to suggest with a raised eyebrow, ¡°Linsey, with the kids in tow, you must be considering a new living arrangement, right? Why don''t you..."

    Before Gorman could continue, Linsey calmly interjected, "Caylee and I have discussed this. We''re nning to start looking for a ce to rent in theing days."

    While Linsey suspected Gorman might have been about to offer his own ce, she clearly stated her intentions to forestall any such offer, preferring not to deepen his involvement in her life.

    It was crucial for her to maintain rity and set boundaries, to avoid any misinterpretations that might lead her to repeat past mistakes.

    She hade to recognize that too much involvement from Gorman in her life posed potential risks.

    "That''s good to hear," Gorman responded softly, his expression untroubled.

    Linsey breathed a quiet sigh of relief at this, pondering if she might have been overanalyzing the situation, convinced that Gorman wouldn''t persist in pursuing her. After all, she didn''t view herself as someone sopelling as to warrant his undivided attention for years. She was sure Gorman had moved on by now.

    At that moment, a noise came from the door.

    Caylee, appearing somewhat sleepy, emerged from the guest bedroom. Yet, upon noticing Gorman, she instantly snapped to alertness.

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    Her posture stiffened, and her hands, previously rzed at her sides, now reached by the seed kom,

    "Mr. Green"

    Gorman acknowledged her with a brief nod, offering no further Borde

    Caylee quickly turned to Linsey. "Linsey, the children might be waking up soon. I''ll go check on them"

    "Sure," Linsey responded softly, not noticing Caylee''s distress.

    As Caylee walked towards the bedroom, she overheard Gorman asking Linsey, "You''re setting in Greater, but what about Caylee? Does she intend to stay as well?"

    When she heard this, Caylee''s heart skipped a beat, a wave of anxiety washing over her.

    Linsey responded, "For the time being, she''s staying with me."

    Gorman''s lips curved into a subtle smile as he replied, "Having Caylee here simplifies matters considerably,"

    The implications of his words could vary greatly depending on the listener.

    Linsey interpreted hisment to mean that Caylee''s presence would make her own life easier.

    Caylee, on the other hand, discerned a different subtext.

    She understood it to mean that by staying with Linsey, she would still be involved in fulfilling tasks for Gorman.

    This realization sent a chill through Caylee.

    She inhaled deeply and pushed the door open, attempting to dispel the unease Corman''s presence induced. She then softly roused the children.

    The mention of Gorman bringing gifts sparked immediate joy in Zenia and Zander, who, thrilled, dashed from

    the room.

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    Chapter 733 You Kept Your Promise, Gorman!

    "Gorman!" Zenia rushed into his arms, her voice full of excitement. "You really came to see us-me and Zander! We missed you a lot!"

    At the same time, Zander ran straight to the toys, his face glowing as he opened a toy box. "You kept your promise, Gorman! You really got me the limited-edition race car!"

    Gorman nced at Zenia, noticing how much she looked like Linsey. It made his heart feel warm.

    He caressed her hair with a smile and said, "I missed you too, Zenia,"

    A momentter, he turned to Zander and said, "I made a promise to you both, and I always keep my word."

    Then he grabbed the cute plush toy he had brought for Zenia and started to unwrap it. "Here, Zenia, look at this. Do you like it?"

    Zenia''s eyes lit up as she nodded excitedly. "Yes! I love it! Thanks, Gorman!"

    Linsey sat quietly nearby, watching her children hug and talk to Gorman. Her heart felt full of mixed feelings.

    She realized that since both kids liked Gorman so much, and he had promised that he wouldn''t cross any lines, maybe she didn''t need to stay so distant

    anymore.

    After all, during those four years away from Grester, Gorman had really supported her. She felt it wouldn''t be right to act ungrateful now.

    While talking kindly with Zenia, Gorman caught Linsey looking at him from the corner of his eye.

    He paused in surprise, then smiled more freely, his eyes showing quiet determination.

    The next day, Linsey showed up on time at Davidson Group for her meeting with Dolores.

    After a short talk, Linsey made her decision and signed the contract with Dolores without hesitation.

    Dolores joked. "You signed so fast! Aren''t you worried I might trick you?"

    Linsey gave her a look andughed. "I know you''d never lie to me-not even if it meant losing the wholepany. I trust you."

    Dolores smiled wide and said, "d to see you trust me so much. I''ve looked after you for more than twenty

    years, after all!"

    After a short pause, Dolores sorted the contract and gave it to her assistant, Khloe Craig. Then she turned to

    Linsey and said, "Okay, it''s lunchtime. Let''s go eat and celebrate you joining the Davidson Group!"

    Linsey nodded and stood beside Dolores, ready to go.

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    Khloe quickly collected the papers and followed behind, pulling out her phone. "Dolores, should I book a table ahead of time?"

    Dolores was just about to respond when she opened the door-nd almost mmed straight into Dustin, who came rushing in like a storm of excitement.

    An intern from the secretarial team hurried after him. "Mr. Wade, wait! You can''t just walk in there like that!" By the time the intern caught up, Dustin had already pushed open the door to Dolores'' office without a care.

    "Dolores," the intern said, clearly flustered, "Mr. Wade wouldn''t listen. I don''t even know how he got past everyone... I seriously tried to stop him."

    Dolores shot Dustin a cold, piercing look and stayed silent, her expression unreadable.

    Khloe stepped up, her face tight with concern. "What happened?" she asked the intern. ¡°Did the front desk or security downstairs just let him through?"

    Dustin locked eyes with Dolores, catching his breath before blurting, "It''s not their fault-I yanked the phone

    cord out at the front desk."

    Linsey, standing just behind Dolores, had no words. She honestly didn''t know whether to be annoyed or

    impressed.

    It hit her-Dustin was still the same. He always pulled random stunts, always being impossible to predict.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 734

    Chapter 734 I Will Take Responsibility

    Dolores was seething with fury. She red at Dustin and shouted, "Why did you disconnect the phone line at the front desk? What happens if a client calls? Will you be responsible for the financial losses?"

    "I will take responsibility," Dustin quickly replied. "I disconnected only the front desk and your office phones. I didn''t want anyone tipping you off about my arrival because you''ve been avoiding me."

    Dolores'' eyes red as she instinctively responded, "I haven''t been avoiding you!"

    "Really? You haven''t?" Dustin emphasized each word. "Then why haven''t you taken my calls or responded to my texts recently? I was here yesterday looking for you, and everyone imed you were out."

    In the background, Linsey observed the confrontation, uncertain if she should intervene.

    She noticed Khloe and the intern exchanging ufortable nces, so she quickly gave them a discreet nod to leave the scene,

    Following Linsey''s subtle hint, Khloe quietly ushered the intern out, leaving Dolores and Dustin by the doorway, with Linsey still standing near the entrance.

    "I''m busy with work! Unlike you, I don''t have the luxury to waste time all day," Dolores retorted sharply.

    Dustin paused, searching for words, then continued, "Yet, you still haven''t addressed the real issue between us."

    Dolores''s voice rose sharply as she replied, "Are you expecting some kind of formal proposal as if we''re in a business meeting? If there''s a solution to be had, shouldn''t you be the one presenting it? Why am I the one who has toe up with it?"

    Caught off guard by the intensity of the situation over such a trivial issue, Linsey couldn''t hold back a soft giggle at the absurdity of their discussion.

    Dustin quickly retorted, "I''m prepared to suggest a solution, but are you willing to consider it?"

    Tired of the back-and-forth, Dolores ended the conversation abruptly. "Enough, I''m too hungry to argue. Move

    out of the way. I''m going to lunch."

    She motioned for Linsey to follow her, indicating it was time to depart.

    Just as Dustin was about to add more, he suddenly noticed Linsey and reacted with surprise. "Oh... Linsey?

    You''re back in town?"

    Before Linsey could reply, Dolores sharply interjected, "And what concern is that of yours?"

    Dustin realized his mistake and hastened to apologize. "Sorry, I just blurted that out because I was surprised.

    He continued to stare at Linsey, his surprise causing him to momentarily forget the reason for his visit.

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    Linsey then calmly said, "I''ve been back for some time now."

    She thought for a moment before softly adding, "Since you and Dolores are friends, let''s keep things informal"

    At thatment, Dolores quickly retorted, "Who said anything about him and me..."

    Dustin picked up on her implication and interjected, his voice filled with disbelief, "What, we''re not even friends now? Dolores, that''s really cold."

    His reaction wasden with a sense of betrayal, as though Dolores'' words had deeply wounded him.

    Linsey found herself chuckling at the exchange, then hastily added, "Sorry." Dustin seemed unfazed by herughter, his attention solely on Dolores.

    Feeling cornered by his intense gaze, Dolores gave in with exasperation. "Fine, fine, we''re friends. I haven''t even finished speaking, and you''re already upset?"

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 735

    Chapter 735 The Decision

    Is Yours

    Even though Dolores maintained a facade of calmness, Linsey was aware of the underlying turmoil, evidenced by the increasing pressure of Dolores'' grip on her hand.

    Despite her best efforts to endure the difort, Linsey eventually had to pinch Dolores'' palm gently to snap

    her out of her daze.

    Upon regaining herposure and realizing her emotional turmoil in Dustin''s presence, Dolores quickly said, "Step aside. Linsey and I are famished. We''re going to eat."

    Dustin''s face lit up. "Why don''t I take you both out? There''s this new restaurant I''ve been meaning to try."

    He then looked expectantly at Linsey, hoping for her agreement. "How about it, Linsey? If you''d prefer somewhere else, just name it, and we''ll go there."

    Dolores couldn''t resist a retort, hinting at her independence. "We don''t necessarily need your ride, I''ve got my

    own car."

    Dustin acknowledged this with a nod, still amiable. "That''s totally fine. You can drive if you prefer. I''m just offering options here. It''s really whatever you two decide."

    Linsey smiled slightly, deferring the decision. "I''m open to anything. Dolores, why don''t you pick?"

    Dustin then cautiously focused on Dolores, saying, "Dolores, the decision is yours."

    Dolores, taken aback by Dustin''s demeanor, felt slightly embarrassed but kept her cool.

    She responded lightly, "Okay, let''s try the ce you mentioned. Just remember, if the food''s no good, you''re on

    the menu next."

    And with that decision made, Linsey and Dolores joined Dustin in his car, heading to the restaurant.

    Dustin positioned himself in the driver''s seat and took a quick look in the rearview mirror before starting the

    car.

    He was still reeling from Linsey''s return, debating internally whether he should inform Collin.

    Collin had been tirelessly looking for Linsey for years.

    With this thought weighing on him, Dustin pursed his lips and stealthily reached for his phone, intending to

    send Collin a message.

    However, Dolores'' voice interrupted him from the back seat. "Dustin, what are you up to?"

    Caught off guard, Dustin almost let his phone slip from his hands. "Uh-nothing important."

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    Dolores gave a skeptical snort, her voice sharp, saying, "You better not be thinking of telling Collin about Linsey again."

    Dustin''s pulse quickened at her usation. "I wouldn''t!" he quickly replied. "Dolores, really, I wasn''t going to."

    From her seat, Linsey looked up and interjected gently, "There''s no need to inform

    Collin. He found out I was back the night of the banquet."

    Dustin turned to her, his surprise evident. "You were back that night?"

    It puzzled him that Collin, despite being aware of Linsey''s return, had maintained hisposure and hadn''t.

    mentioned it to him.

    Collin had offered Dustin rtionship advice, showing the same calm,

    professional demeanor, seemingly

    unaffected by Linsey''s unexpected return.

    Dustin suddenly recalled how, just yesterday, Collin had taken him to the boxing gym, leaving him so beaten he nearly crawled back home.

    He now understood that Collin''s aggressive sparring was likely an outlet for his frustrations.

    Dolores interrupted his thoughts with a sharpmand. "What are you waiting for? Drive."

    "Right, sorry." Dustin snapped out of his reverie and started the engine. Considering Linsey''s return, Dustin felt Collin should now manage the situation himself.

    He caught a glimpse of Dolores leaning in to whisper to Linsey in the back seat.

    Dustin decided he had enough burdens of his own and couldn''t invest more effort in assisting Collin.

    All he could do was silently wish Collin luck as he focused on the road ahead.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 736

    Chapter 736 This ce Must Be Expensive

    Linsey, Dolores and Dustin soon reached the restaurant.

    The ce was packed. Linsey and Dolores scanned the room, barely spotting an empty seat.

    "So many people!" Dolores gasped.

    Dustin chuckled. "It''s a new spot. Everyone wants to try it."

    He looked at Linsey, then turned to Dolores, asking in a soft voice, "Do you want to sit outside or take a private

    room?"

    Dolores frowned slightly. "With this crowd, let''s just grab whatever we can."

    She looked uneasy. Honestly, if she had known it would be this full, she might not havee. Waiting in line wasn''t her idea of fun.

    Dustin noticed her hesitation. A confident smile lit up his face. "Don''t worry. I made a reservation."

    "Just then, a staff member approached with a polite smile. "Mr. Wade, both your outdoor table and private room

    are ready. Where would you like to sit?"

    Dustin cleared his throat and looked at Dolores. "Your call. Where would you like to sit?"

    Dolores blinked in surprise. She hadn''t expected him to n ahead like this.

    She bit her lip, then turned to Linsey. "Where do you want to sit?"

    Linsey answered quickly. "You decide."

    Dolores sighed. "Why do you always leave it to me? Alright. We''re not here to talk business. Let''s sit outside."

    They chose a window-side table. The spotless ss gave them a clear view of the street. The atmosphere felt light and easy.

    Soon, a server walked over with menus. "Mr. Wade, please take your time. If you''re unsure, I rmend our house specials.¡±

    Dolores flipped through the menu. Everything looked good. "Let''s start with a few of those."

    "Of course. I''ll bring them out shortly," the server responded with a bow before leaving.

    Once he was gone, Dolores nced across the table at Dustin. "You really went all out. How did you even get a reservation here? And both spots too? This ce must be expensive."

    Dustin rubbed the back of his neck and nced at Linsey. "Do I really have to say it?"

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    Chapter 736 This ce Must Be Expensive

    Linsey''s eyes widened. She quickly covered her ears. "I''m not listening!"

    Dolores rolled her eyes and pulled Linsey''s hands away. "Oh,e on. What''s the big secret?"

    With nowhere to hide, Dustin let out a breath. "After that night, I kept hoping to see you again. So, I booked a table here for every meal-breakfast, lunch, dinner, even afternoon tea and drinks at night. I just wanted to be ready if you had time." Linsey''s jaw dropped. She couldn''t help but admire the effort.

    It had only been a few days, but Dustin had nned everything down to thest detail. His care was crystal

    clear.

    Dolores sat quietly, caught off guard. For a moment, she didn''t know what to say.

    She looked away from his gaze, fiddled with her lips, then finally smiled. "You really know how to sweep a girl

    off her feet."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 737

    Chapter 737 How Exactly Did He Advise You

    Dustin swiftly retorted, fixing his eyes on Dolores, "No, that''s not right! Women usually approach me first! It

    was Collin''s suggestion this time. I can''t afford to squander any chance to meet you."

    Upon hearing Collin''s name, Linsey paused, then quietly lowered her head and took a sip of her water.

    Dolores perceived Linsey''s subtle change of mood and shot a stern look at Dustin.

    Realizing he had perhaps said too much, Dustin mimicked locking his lips.

    The awkward silence that followed prompted Linsey to engage further. "How exactly did he advise you?"

    Dustin, cautious of Dolores'' reaction, hesitated, then said, "Collin urged me to be forthright and pursue Dolores

    with determination."

    Dolores blushed, quickly reached for her water to hide her embarrassment, and grumbled, "Do you really have to bother us while we eat? Cut out the nonsense."

    "I was just answering Linsey''s question," Dustin murmured, sounding somewhat hurt.

    Linsey, amused by their banter, chuckled warmly. After a brief pause, she

    considerately suggested, "I''ll step out as soon as I''m done eating to give you both some privacy."

    Dustin''s expression immediately brightened, gratitude evident. "Thanks a lot, Linsey!"

    Dolores reflexively held onto Linsey''s arm, her voice tinged with resistance. "Wait a minute, who gave you permission to leave?"

    With a resigned expression, Linsey moved closer to Dolores and murmured, "It''s important for you two to discuss things openly. That''s the only way you''ll truly understand your feelings toward him."

    Caught off-guard, Dolores momentarily lost her words.

    Their meal was served just then.

    As they were about to begin eating, a voice that sounded somewhat familiar interjected, "Mr. Wade, what are the odds! Collin and I just decided to dine here, and here you are."

    Turning towards the voice, Linsey found herself meeting Collin''s intense look.

    Beside him stood Haven, who was elegantly dressed in a chic long gown, her smile gracious yet calcted Linsey paused, her utensils in mid-air.

    The instant Haven noticed Linsey, her expression shifted with surprise.

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    Chapter 737 How Exactly Did He Advise You

    Haven was overwhelmed by Linsey''s natural elegance, but her initial shock quickly turned into a subtle shade

    of envy

    Linsey''s simplicity belied her poised andpelling charm.

    Her fine features resembled those of a finely sculpted masterpiece.

    She exuded the youthful vibrancy of a university student, blending innocer with a captivating allure.

    Something about Linsey struck a chord of recognition in Haven, unsettling her with a vague sense of familiarity. Haven was eager to uncover Linsey''s identity and the reason behind her lunch with Dustin.

    Dolores, turning to see Collin, registered surprise with a sharp intake of breath.

    The unexpected sight of Collin, particrly with another woman, caught herpletely off guard.

    Since Dolores had departedst night''s banquet early with Dustin, she was unaware of who Haven might be. Recovering from her initial surprise, Dolores subtly turned to observe Linsey at her side.

    Linsey, for her part, maintained a calm facade, looking down and showing no outward reaction to Collin and

    Haven''s presence.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 738

    Chapter 738 That''s Mighty Thoughtful Of Him

    Dolores, having been Linsey''s close friend for a long while, was the first to sense the unease brewing up with

    her.

    This got Dolores so upset that she could barely eat.

    That jerk, Collin, had brought another woman on a date. As if that wasn''t bad enough, he had to do that in her

    and Linsey''s presence.

    Dolores grew even more upset as she thought about it. In the end, she couldn''t help but vent her anger on

    Dustin.

    She red daggers at him as though it was all his fault.

    Dustin saw the usatory gaze Dolores threw his way and immediately grew very nervous. He wanted to exin himself but knew that it wasn''t the right time to do so.

    Why did things have to turn out this way?

    It was bad enough that Collin showed up, but why did he have to bring Haven along?

    Dolores snorted, then looked away from Collin and Haven. In a whisper, she said to Dustin, ¡°Since someone''s here for you, we''ll head out. We wouldn''t want to disrupt your reunion with your friends."

    Dustin immediately blurted out, "No, that won''t be necessary. I''m having dinner with you two. Collin and Miss Walton being here is just a coincidence."

    Dustin then turned to Collin, wordlessly pleading with him to y along.

    "Isn''t that right, Collin?" he asked with a nervousugh.

    He had worked really hard to get a chance to have a meal with Dolores, so he couldn''t bear to see it all fall

    apart now.

    Collin finally tore his gaze from Linsey.

    His eyes had been on her ever since he walked in.

    Their paths had crossed again. It seems she was really back in Grester.

    For thest four years, he had looked everywhere in search of her.

    But now that he saw her sitting right in front of him, he felt anything but at peace. The memory of that night at the banquet resurfaced in his mind. He recalled how Linsey had seemed so cold and distant as she spoke those sharp words to him. The dull ache he had felt in his chest then returned.

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    However, Collin knew that he couldn''t let how he felt show at the moment.

    So with practiced indifference, he said to Dustin, "It''s fine. We reserved another table."

    Haven waited expectantly for Collin to introduce her to Dustin. She knew Dustin was one of Collin''s closest friends and that if she could build a good rtionship with him, it would help her chances of marrying Collin.

    However, Collin didn''t seem inclined to introduce Dustin to her.

    In fact, the only reason Haven was with him in the first ce was because she had gone to great lengths to win

    over Ivy.

    Haven was well aware that Collin presently had no feelings for her. However, she didn''t intend to give up because of that. In fact, this made her more determined to win him over.

    "Collin, since we''ve run into each other, why don''t we all eat together? You already reserved arge private room. It should be more than enough for all of us," Haven said softly. She was trying to y the role of a girlfriend who was striving to know her boyfriend and his friends better.

    Linsey appeared unaffected by Haven''s suggestion. Dolores, on the other hand, wasn''t. She let out a short, derisiveugh.

    "It seems Mr. Riley knows how to treat his girl. I heard that it was quite difficult to get a reservation in this restaurant, yet he managed to secure arge room. That''s mighty thoughtful of him."

    There was a short pause, then Dolores continued, "Oh, wait. That''s right. I nearly forgot that Mr. Riley is the founder of CR Corporation. No restaurant is out of his reach."

    Rmended for you

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 739

    Chapter 739 You And Dustin Can Stay And Eat

    Dustin waspletely taken aback. He never imagined Dolores would dare talk to Collin like that.

    Worried that Collin might take it the wrong way andsh out, Dustin quickly forced a smile. ¡°Collin, Dolores was just saying how impressive you are," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

    Collin didn''t react much. His face stayed calm. But Haven didn''t look too pleased.

    Dolores had called Haven Collin''s girlfriend, but her tone was sharp, not kind. Her words dripped with sarcasm. Dustin also behaved oddly. Though he was close friends with Collin, the president of CR Corporation, he yed dumb when Dolores criticized Collin and even quickly tried to smooth things over.

    Haven nced at Dolores. Noticing that Dolores'' face held a flicker of contempt, she gave a faint smile and opened her mouth as if to say something.

    But before she could say anything, Linsey gently took Dolores'' hand. "I''ve lost my appetite. I think I''ll head back. You and Dustin can stay and eat."

    "You''re leaving?" Dolores'' eyes widened in disbelief. She looked ready to shake Linsey out of it.

    Her ex-husband had the nerve to show up with his new girlfriend. And Linsey wanted to leave?

    No way. Dolores wasn''t about to let that happen.

    They got there first. They had already ced their order.

    If anyone needed to leave, it should be Collin and his new girl.

    Suddenly, Collin walked over and sat down right beside Dustin.

    He waved over a waiter and asked for an extra chair at the table.

    Everyone froze for a second, especially Haven.

    She realized she would now be pushed to the edge of the table. It felt awkward. "Collin, I..." Haven said.

    Collin looked at her. His voice was neutral-neither cold nor warm. "Not hungry? I can have someone take you

    home."

    "No, that''s not it." Haven gave a shaky smile and quickly gathered herself. Then she turned to Linsey. Her tone was gentle, but her words carried a quiet force that was hard to ignore. "Didn''t this youngdy just say she had to leave? That works perfectly. Four seats, no need for another chair."

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    Dolores stared at her, stunned. She couldn''t believe how Haven made such a selfish request sound so polite.

    Linsey''s face fell. She pressed her lips together and held back Dolores, who looked ready to blow up.

    "Fine," Linsey murmured.

    She didn''t want to be there anyway.

    But just as she was about to get up, Collin spoke, cutting her off. "You can''t leave.

    I have something for you.

    His eyes stayed locked on hers, steady and firm.

    Linsey''s heart skipped. She hadn''t seen thising.

    She stared at him, frozen with shock, her face nk, her eyes full of confusion.

    Her thoughts spun in circles. Hadn''t she already said everything at the banquet? What more was left to say?

    And wasn''t he dating Haven? Why stop her from leaving-right in front of her?

    Her grip on Dolores'' hand tightened without her realizing it. Dolores, just as stunned, turned to Dustin. Her eyes asked the question her lips didn''t-What was going on here?

    Mother''s Day Limited-Time Offer

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 740

    Chapter 740 I''m Interested In Partnering With...

    Dustin couldn''t give Dolores an answer he was just as confused.

    But out of everyone, the one who struggled the most to ept the situation was Haven. She stood off to the side, frozen in ce.

    Her smile faltered. She looked at Collin, puzzled, "Collin, what did you just say? Do o you know this youngdy?"

    A strange unease crept into her chest. She couldn''t shake it off. "What could you possibly have to discuss with her?" she pressed, her voice sharp with tension.

    Linsey felt a chill run down her spine.

    She had no desire to interfere in Collin''s life. It didn''t matter to her who he was dating now-she wanted no

    part of it.

    But this twist hadpletely caught her off guard.

    She wished Haven hadn''t noticed her at all.

    After what felt like an eternity, Collin finally spoke, calm and deliberate. Instead of answering her questions, he addressed Linsey. "I''m interested in partnering with Davidson Group. Since you''re connected to Ms. Davidson, the CEO, I assume you''re involved with thepany. This is a good chance to talk business. You can also consult with Ms. Davidson as needed."

    He turned to Dolores with a warm smile and a courteous tone. "What do you think, Ms. Davidson?"

    Dolores blinked, surprised. "Are you serious?"

    She hadn''t expected Collin to propose a business deal.

    Though she disliked him for what he had done to Linsey, she couldn''t ignore the name CR Corporation.

    The firm wasn''t just a giant in Grester-it had power across the whole country. Joining hands with CR Corporation would definitely benefit Davidson Group a lot. For a second, she was tempted.

    "Do you think I''ll agree just because you brought it up?" Dolores snapped.

    In her eyes, Collin was the enemy. She wouldn''t betray Linsey by working with him.

    Not a chance.

    "Dolores!" Dustin jumped in, trying to stop her. This was a golden opportunity-one she couldn''t afford to

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    Chapter 940 F''m Interected in Partnering Vin. Devidson Grip

    throw away

    Linsey understood too. Quietly, she gave Dolores hand gentle squeeze, orging her to stay extr

    Meanwhile, Haven watched Collin closely, suspicion written alley hey fare Something still didn''t eit right.

    "So you''re Ms. Davidson of Davidson Group It''s a pleasure, Haven saidh a police smile to Dotnes Then she turned her sharp gaze to Linsey "And this youngdy is she really part of Davidson Cre? I thought the was just a friend of yours."

    Linsey met her eyes steadily. Her brows pinched slightly, but she kept her cost

    That look from Haven was like a needle-subtle but sharp

    Dolores picked up on it instantly. "Of course she is," she replied firmly

    Collin hadn''t mentioned Linsey''s name once. He hadn''t said she was the designer known as Autora Whether or not he had told Haven privately, Dolores had no intention of revealing it now. She smiled calmly and turned to Collin, her tone polite but distant. "Since you''re this interested, let''s talk about the coboration." She faced him without a trace of fear. While others in Grester trembled at the mention of Collin''s name, Dolores stood tall-confident and unshaken.

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    41

    Chapter 741 Why Don''t

    You Introduce Yourself...

    "I know CR Corporation has been expanding fast. But don''t underestimate us. Aurora is with our firm and just won a top design award. That alone speaks volumes about our talent," Dolores said with quiet pride.

    Collin gave a small nod. "I''m well aware. Aurora''s talent is unmatched. That''s exactly why I''m eager to work with Davidson Group. I believe we''ll achieve great things together."

    As they began to talk business, Haven had no choice but to settle into the extra chair Collin had requested.

    She didn''t want to sit there, but staying on her feet would only draw more attention. She wasn''t about to let that happen-not with so many eyes watching.

    Dustin finally let out a silent sigh of relief. The tension in the air had eased a little. He nced over at Collin and Linsey, who now sat across from each other, both calm andposed.

    He couldn''t help but feel surprised. Four years ago, things between them had ended so badly that even as a bystander, he thought they would never be in the same room again-let alone sharing a table. But here they

    were.

    Linsey, however, stayed quiet. She hadn''t looked at Collin once.

    Then Haven spoke, her voice soft butced with meaning. "I haven''t had the pleasure of hearing thisdy''s

    name yet. She''s been quiet since the beginning. As Ms. Davidson''s capable assistant, shouldn''t she speak up a

    little more?"

    Dolores looked over and smiled faintly. "Why don''t you introduce yourself first? After all, you''re the one Mr.

    Riley brought along."

    Hearing that, Dustin sighed and rubbed his face, eyes closing briefly.

    He wasn''t surprised. Dolores never missed a chance to poke at Collin.

    Collin quietly set down his utensils, his tone still polite. "This is Haven Walton. She recently returned from

    abroad."

    Dolores gave a knowing smile. "Mr. Riley and Ms. Walton seem quite close."

    Haven''s lips curled into a sweet smile. She was ready to agree, but Collin cut in before she could speak. "My grandmother is close with the Waltons. She asked me to help show Haven around."

    His tone was even, but there was no mistaking the message. Then he nced at Linsey.

    Her face remained steady and unreadable-as if none of it concerned her.

    That flicker of indifference hit Collin hard. A shadow passed through his eyes. There was a trace of bitterness in

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    Chapter 741 Why Don''t You Introduce Yourself fast

    his smile.

    He wanted to exin more, but Haven''s presence held him back

    If she caught on, she mightsh outter when he wasn''t there to protect Linsey, After everything that happened four years ago, Collin couldn''t afford to take that risk

    So he didn''t reveal Linsey''s identity as Aurora. He didn''t even say her nar

    Haven fell silent. Her smile stiffened as she realized what had just happened- Collin was distancing himself

    from her right in front of everyone.

    The sting of it was sharp and humiliating.

    Just earlier, even Dolores had assumed she was Collin''s girlfriend.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 742

    Chapter 742 What Did You Dig Up

    Dolores raised a brow, her voiceced with sarcasm. "Oh? I thought you two were a couple."

    Haven, eager to keep Collin from saying more, quickly answered, "We''re just friends."

    A quiet voice broke through the moment. "How can that be true?" Linsey cut in. "Didn''t Mr. Riley spend 2.7 billion at a charity auction to buy the Star of the Desert for Haven? That doesn''t sound like just friends to me."

    Dolores froze. She was stunned-not just by the insane price of the ne, but by the fact that Linsey, who had been silent, chose to speak up now.

    She wasn''t the only one surprised. Dustin''s eyes widened too.

    He turned to Collin and asked in a hushed voice, "You bought a ne for Haven? For 2.7 billion? Why didn''t you tell me?"

    Linsey''s words left Collin momentarily speechless.

    Haven, on the other hand, blushed deeply. "Collin only bought the Star of the Desert for my birthday. It''s the most touching gift I''ve ever received," she said with a bashful smile.

    Collin''s brows furrowed. He wanted to say something more.

    But just as the words reached his lips, he stopped.

    With the way things stood between him and Linsey now, even the truth might do more harm than good.

    She might think he was using money to win her back.

    And if she thought that, it would only prove what she had believed four years ago- that he saw her as nothing more than a greedy, shallow woman.

    The cold look on his face didn''t go unnoticed. Dustin, sitting beside him, felt the tension and shifted ufortably.

    Even though he had finally had the chance to see Dolores today, he couldn''t help feeling annoyed. This unexpected group had thrown everything off.

    What a headache, he thought.

    Meanwhile, Collin''s silence only deepened Linsey''s suspicions.

    So it was true. He really had spent 2.7 billion on a ne for Haven.

    It was all because her birthday wasing up.

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    Chapter 742 What Did You Dig Up

    No matter what he said before, his actions said something else entirely.

    Linsey also remembered something she had heard earlier-Ivy had a close bond with Haven''s family Their families were well connected.

    It wasn''t hard to believe the two of them had once been set up to marry.

    And clearly, Ivy had liked Haven enough to still want her for Collin, even er Haven left Collin at the altar

    With that, the table fell into silence. Everyone returned to their food, each person lost in their own threes.

    "I''m going to thedies'' room," Haven said, wiping her mouth with a napkin and standing, she smiled as the looked at Linsey and Dolores. "Would either of you like toe with me?"

    Both shook their heads.

    "You go ahead," Linsey said politely.

    Haven paused for a moment, giving Linsey onest look before walking off.

    Once inside the restroom, she made sure no one else was there. Then she let out

    a deep breath, pulled out her phone, and dialed a number.

    "Joanne, hey. How''s it going? Did you find anything? I asked you to look into Collin''s ex-wife, Linsey Brooks.

    What did you dig up?"

    22:47

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 743

    Chapter 743 There''s Mango

    In It!

    Joanne responded right away, "I just finished organizing everything. I''ll send the file to you now."

    "Got it," Haven said, then ended the call.

    Yet something inside her twisted uneasily. A creeping suspicion took hold. The woman dining with Dolores... Could she really be Linsey?

    If she was, then it meant Collin, Dolores, and even Dustin had all been covering for her-hiding her identity.

    But why? What were they trying to keep from her? Were they deliberately leaving her out?

    A sharp gleam entered Haven''s eyes.

    Momentster, her phone buzzed with a message. Joanne had sent the investigation report.

    She opened the file quickly-and froze the second she read the contents.

    Back outside, the meal was nearly over. tes were mostly cleared, and the atmosphere had settled down.

    A server approached with a tray of drinks, smiling warmly. "To celebrate our grand opening, we''re offeringplimentary fresh orange juice. Would anyone like some?"

    Linsey nced at the orange-yellow drink, her throat dry. "Yes, please," she said softly.

    One by one, the others took a ss. A light fruity scent drifted through the air, whetting their appetites once

    more.

    "Smells like orange juice," Dolores remarked with a smile.

    Linsey took a small sip. It was sweet and cooling, just what she needed.

    Collin, seated diagonally across from her, brought his ss closer to his nose-but the moment he caught a

    whiff, his expression changed.

    His brows furrowed sharply. Without warning, he looked up, rm shing in his eyes. Just as Linsey raised. the ss again, he reached over and grabbed it from her hand.

    "Don''t drink that!" Collin said firmly, his voice low and tense.

    Startled, Linsey stared at him in confusion. "You..."

    Dolores frowned, clearly irritated. "What are you doing, Collin? What does it

    matter to you if she drinks juice?"

    "There''s mango in it!" he said quickly, not taking his eyes off Linsey.

    "Wait, what?" Dolores''s face went pale.

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    Chapter 743 There''s Mango In It!

    Linsey froze, her heart skipping a beat. Suddenly, whether real or imagined, it became hard to breathe.

    Collin reacted instantly. He shoved the tes aside and came around the table to her side, leaning close.

    "How do you feel?" he asked urgently, concern evident in his tone. "Is your breathing okay?"

    Linsey''s chest tightened. Her breaths came in short, uneven bursts. Her body weakened, and she slumped

    without warning.

    "Linsey!" Dolores gasped, leaping to her feet. Panic broke through her voice. "Quick,y her down t! I''m calling an ambnce!"

    Collin caught her just in time, gently easing her onto the long bench, carefully supporting her head.

    Behind them, Dustin''s face had turned grim. He spun toward the server and snapped, "Why was there mango in that juice? Didn''t you say it was fresh orange juice?"

    The server looked horrified. "We made mango juice this morning, and at noon we switched to orange. It must''ve gotten mixed in by mistake..." Ô£

    Linsey''s face had already started to swell and flush red. Her breathing turned morebored by the second. Tears streamed uncontrobly down her cheeks.

    Her vision blurred, but she could still make out Collin''s worried face hovering above her-and something in her chest ached at the sight.

    It was too much. Her face burned, and pain pulsed through her skin.

    "Leave me alone..." Linsey croaked, her voice hoarse and weak. She tried to push Collin away.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 744

    Chapter 744 What Happened

    The suddenmotion drew the attention of the customers.

    "What''s going on?"

    "Is there something wrong with the food?"

    The restaurant manager rushed over and attempted to calm everyone. "There is nothing wrong with our food. The food is safe for consumption. The customer is having an allergic reaction."

    "You don''t warn customers about potential allergens in your food? You mixed mango into orange juice without any warning to your customers. Do you know how dangerous that is?" Dustin snapped, his tone full of anger.

    Dustin''s words visibly rattled the manager. ¡°I''m so sorry, sir. We''ll cover any medical expenses to thedy thate as a result of this," the manager said apologetically.

    Collin felt a dull pang in his chest when Linsey pushed him away.

    It was just as he feared. She still hadn''t forgiven him for what had happened four years ago.

    A pained look appeared on his face, but he managed to hide it.

    "Linsey, we need to set the past aside for now. You''re having an allergic reaction and need to be taken to a hospital immediately," Collin said gently.

    Without further ado, Collin lifted the near-unconscious Linsey to his chest.

    He was finally holding Linsey like that after four years. Her warmth, scent, and weight were just as he had

    remembered.

    His heart skipped a bit as a lump of emotion welled up within him.

    He, however, didn''t have the time to dwell on this, as they were in an urgent situation.

    He steadily and purposefully moved as he held Linsey in his arms.

    Dustin and Dolores, finally over the initial shock, followed suit, shoving through the crowd that had gathered.

    "How does an allergy get that bad?" That''s really terrifying."

    "True. I hope it''s not deadly."

    Several of the customers seemed shaken up by the incident.

    Haven returned from the restroom just in time to catch the discussion of the incident.

    She had heard themotion but had been on the phone with Joanne and, as such, couldn''t find out what was

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    happening immediately.

    Staring confusedly at the gathered crowd, she turned to a customer and asked, "What happened?"

    "Ady just had a severe allergic reaction. They just took her to the hospital." Haven''s curiosity immediately fizzled out, and she shrugged indifferently before walking back to her table.

    The chairs were empty save for the cleaning staff, who were cleaning the ble. What was going on?

    Had they just left without saying a word? Even Collin was gone!

    One of the servers noticed Haven standing there in shock. "Ma''am, didn''t you leave with yourpanions?" "Thedy at your table had a severe allergic reaction and had to be rushed to the hospital by the others."

    It was then that Haven realized that the person who had the allergic reaction was from their table and a woman.

    Was it Dolores? Or...

    Regardless of who it was, she couldn''t understand why Collin would leave her behind just like that.

    Haven angrily walked out of the restaurant and pulled out her phone to call Collin. However, she was unable to get through to him.

    She could do nothing but stand outside the restaurant, fuming with rage.

    After a few moments, she called Joanne. When Joanne answered, she said, "Put the investigation on Linsey Brooks on hold for now. I need you to look into Dolores Davidson from the Davidson Group. I want to know everything about her, including people close to her."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 745

    Chapter 745 Let''s Focus On Investigating Dolores

    Upon hearing Haven''s words, Joanne responded with a concerned expression, "Gathering information about Linsey Brooks is proving incredibly difficult. I''m starting to think Mr. Riley might be involved. How else could all traces of her, even a simple photograph, vanish? Especially since, four years back, Linsey was quite a notable designer in town."

    A shadow crossed her face as Haven reflected on the fruitless files she had recently examined. She muttered with a hint of satisfaction, "Collin must be going to great lengths to keep Linsey''s details buried. That actually works in my favor."

    Initially, Haven had believed the woman she saw with Dolores might be Linsey. Now, she doubted that assumption.

    She reasoned that if the woman had indeed been Linsey, Collin would not have remained soposed at the same table.

    Furthermore, the woman''s striking beauty had sparked a sudden sense of threat and jealousy within Haven.

    Out of the blue, Joanne asked, "Weren''t you supposed to meet with Collin today? How did it go? Are things moving forward with you two?"

    A shadow passed over Haven''s face as she heard the question.

    Driven by pride, she covered up the truth. "He had to handle some urgent business at hispany, so he left right after lunch," she replied, then swiftly diverted the conversation. "Let''s focus on investigating Dolores."

    Joanne sighed in resignation. "Understood, but what''s Dolores'' connection to Collin?"

    Haven chose not to respond.

    Meanwhile, Collin carefully ced Linsey in the back seat of his car.

    Dolores, following closely, quickly said, "I''ll sit next to Linsey."

    "Alright, I''ll take the wheel," Collin responded, easing Linsey down before heading to the driver''s seat:

    Dustin, left with little choice, settled into the passenger seat.

    As he observed Collin''s strained features, it was clear that his feelings for Linsey remained profound.

    The twists of fate seemed to mock them with their cruel irony.

    The vehicle hastened along the highway.

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    In the back seat, Dolores cradled Linsey, dabbing at her forehead to relieve her of the sweat.

    She lowered the window, allowing the fresh air to flow in.

    With a look of concern, Dolores watched Linsey struggle for breath, tears welling up in her own eyes.

    Never before had Linsey''s allergic reactions been so severe.

    However, her allergies intensified following the births of Zenia and Zander.

    At that time, the doctor had advised Linsey to be especially cautious, and ever since, they had taken great care.

    They never anticipated facing such an ident today.

    Linsey had merely tasted orange juiceced with mango, triggering a frighteningly intense reaction.

    The thought of a higher mango content was harrowing.

    Dolores, overwhelmed by guilt for not recognizing the mango sooner, let out a quiet sob.

    It had been Collin who first spotted the danger.

    "Dominic''s hospital is where we''re headed, right?" Dustin asked.

    "Yes, I have the utmost confidence in his expertise," Collin assured.

    Caught up in her worries, Dolores was jolted back to reality when Linsey squeezed her hand.

    The sharp pinch pulled Dolores from her reverie, prompting her to nce at Linsey, whose expression had sharpened.

    Linsey''s slight frown and gentle head shake were subtle yet unmistakably intentional, catching Dolores''s

    attention.

    As Dolores met Linsey''s slightly anxious gaze, she suddenly realized something important.

    22:48

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 746

    Chapter 746 What Did The Doctor Say

    Realizing that, Dolores quickly said, "Isn''t there a closer hospital? Let''s just go to that one!"

    Dustin turned to Dolores and said, "Dominic is an excellent doctor and is familiar with Linsey and her condition."

    Dustin''s words caused Dolores to grow even more anxious. It was exactly

    because Dominic was an excellent doctor that she couldn''t let them take Linsey to his hospital.

    If it were revealed that Linsey had given birth before and that had caused her allergic reaction to worsen, Collin would finally know about the existence of the two kids.

    Dolores knew within her that nothing could long be hidden under the sun, but she felt that now was not the time for the revtion of this particr secret.

    Linsey was weak and unable to defend herself.

    If Collin decided to demand custody of the kids, there was nothing they could do to stop him.

    It was in consideration of this fact that Dolores made the decision not to let Linsey be taken to Dominic''s

    hospital.

    "Linsey is in so much pain. We have to get her to the nearest hospital. You''re dying because you don''t care about her, but I know she needs treatment immediately," Dolores said sharply.

    The atmosphere grew exceedingly tense upon her words.

    Dustin nervously nced at Collin, afraid that Dolores'' words would enrage him. Collin, however, appeared to be untouched by her words. Attempting to smooth things over, Dustin began saying, "Dolores, we..."

    However, before he could finish, he was interrupted by Collin. "Fine. We''ll head for the nearest hospital." Collin stole a nce at Linsey through the rearview mirror and saw her lying in Dolores'' arms, her face pale.

    This image caused a dull pang in his chest.

    Fortunately, the nearest hospital was close, so in less than twenty minutes, Linsey was receiving the proper medical care she so needed.

    As Dolores was the person closest to Linsey at the time, the doctor called her aside for a private chat

    As expected, the doctor spoke about how Linsey''s allergic reaction had been exacerbated due to theplications that had arisen during childbirth. He reminded Dolores that Linsey had to be particrly mindful of her diet in the future.

    "Understood. Thank you, Doctor," Dolores said, visibly relieved.

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    The truth had managed to remain hidden.

    When Dolores stepped out from the consultation room, she spotted Dustin leaning on the wall not far away.

    Dustin rushed over immediately he spotted her and asked, "How is Linsey? What did the doctor say?"

    "It was just an allergic reaction. She''ll need some medication and a few days of rest," Dolores replied

    Dustin let out a relieved sigh, although the fear that had been on his face didn''tpletely disappear. "That was the most severe allergic reaction I''ve ever seen. It terrified me," he said.

    "It terrified me too," Dolores replied with a sigh.

    Dustin noticed her troubled expression. In a bid tofort her, he gently patted her on the back and said, "It''s fine now. I''m happy we got her treated in time. Collin, too, helped by driving quickly. He really came through when it mattered."

    Dolores nced around in search of Collin. When she didn''t see him, she scoffed and said, "Collin left? Was he rushing off to see his new lover, Haven?"

    Dolores believed that Collin was just as unreliable as ever. She couldn''t believe she had actually felt gratitude earlier when she had seen how concerned he had been for Lindsey.

    Dustin frowned at Dolores'' statement and said, "Collin''s still here. He''s in Linsey''s hospital room with her." "What?" Dolores asked, eyes widened in shock. Without another word, she turned and marched towards the room. "What the hell is Collin trying to do? Linsey is sick! Is he trying to upset her even further?"

    Dustin hurried after her, calling for her to wait.

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    10

 Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 747

    Chapter 747 The shards

    Might Cut You

    In the sterile quiet of the hospital room, Linsey stirred. Hershes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was a pair of deep, unwavering eyes fixed on her.

    Those eyes-how familiar they had once felt.

    Her chest tightened. For a second, her heart skipped a beat.

    Collin leaned in, his face etched with concern. "Linsey, you are awake. How are you feeling?"

    She blinked, dazed. And then, like a crashing wave, memory returned.

    Her gaze hardened. She turned her head sharply, avoiding him. "Why are you still here?" Her voice rasped, brittle as dry leaves.

    He did not flinch at her hostility. His tone remained gentle. "Dolores was called away. I stayed in case you needed something when you woke up."

    "I need nothing," she snapped. "You may leave now."

    The chill in her voice could have frozen steel.

    Collin did not move. Instead, as if untouched by her venom, he reached for the pitcher on the side table and

    poured her a ss of water.

    "Your throat sounds sore. Drink some water," he suggested.

    Linsey turned toward him-only to catch sight of herself in the reflection.

    With a swollen face, eyes puffy, blotchy skin, she looked like a stranger.

    Her breath caught. A wave of horror washed over her. Without thinking, sheshed out. Her hand struck the ss in his grasp, sending it flying.

    The crash rang out sharply as it shattered on the floor, shards scattering like tiny daggers.

    "Collin Riley, are you deaf?" she shouted hysterically. "I told you to leave!"

    Why was he seeing her like this?

    They were nothing now-strangers. He should not have mattered anymore. And yet, she still cared.

    A mix of shame, anger, and something achingly familiar churned inside her.

    Collin was taken aback by her outburst, but he regained hisposure immediately.

    But beneath his calm facade, he felt a mix of sympathy and concern.

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    Chapter 747 The shards Might Cut vou

    "I am sorry," he murmured, voire low and strained

    Linsey''s breath hitched as he rose from his eest. "I will clean it up. Then I will leave

    She stared at him in disbelief as he squatted dowm Ciney the temovy retoria Venter of C Corporation was picking up shards of ss with his bare hands

    A frown tugged at her lips. "Why are you doing this?"

    He did not look up. "The shards might cut you.

    She immediately understood what he meant.

    He was trying to protect her?

    Her throat tightened.

    Her eyes burned with the sting of unshed tears. She watched his crouched figure,

    hands carefully collecting sharp fragments.

    A part of her wanted to scoff-to call his concern a performance.

    But the sight of him like that-quiet, unflinching, real-left her stunned, her defenses cracking,

    The door banged open, making her flinch. "Linsey!" Dolores'' voice rang out. She stopped short at the doorway

    Behind her, Dustin froze mid-step.

    Both of them stared at the same scene. Collin was silently gathering broken ss.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 748

    Chapter 748 I Should''ve Let

    Go Of The Past

    "Collin! What are you doing?" Dustin rushed over. "This isn''t something you should be handling yourself. Just let someone else take care of it."

    Collin quietly cleaned the floor, his face calm as he wrapped the ss shards in thick paper. Without looking up, he said, "It''s nothing."

    Then he turned slightly to Dolores and spoke politely. "I''ll leave the rest to you."

    He had wanted to say more. But with everything going on, he knew he had no right to meddle in Linsey''s

    matters.

    So he held back and gave Dustin a short nce. ¡°Let''s go."

    Dustin blinked in surprise. "Huh? We''re just leaving?"

    After all, it was rare for Collin to get a moment alone with Linsey. Dustin couldn''t understand why he was leaving so soon.

    "Let''s go," Collin repeated, his voice steady and low.

    Without another word, he turned and walked out, not even ncing back.

    Dustin hesitated. He looked at Dolores, unsure. But in the end, he followed Collin out.

    Linsey needed rest, and with Collin gone, Dustin knew it wasn''t right for him to stay either.

    Soon, the room fell quiet, with only Linsey and Dolores left inside.

    Dolores sat down beside the bed. Linsey stared ahead, her eyes red, her face nk. Dolores sighed softly.

    No matter what Collin had shown, Linsey''s reaction said it all-she hadn''t let him gopletely.

    But now wasn''t the time to bring him up. Dolores feared it would only deepen Linsey''s pain.

    After a pause, she spoke gently. "Linsey, why don''t you rest a little more? I''ll call Cayleeter and ask her to

    look after Zander and Zenia. You don''t need to worry about the kids."

    Linsey''s eyes shifted slightly. Then she said slowly, "Dolores, I just don''t understand what Collin is trying to do."

    Dolores pressed her lips together. "Me neither. He and Haven seem close, yet there''s this strange bought her a ne worth $2.7 billion, but around us, he acts like she means nothing."

    1. ce. He

    She paused, then nced at Linsey and added, "And today, when this happened

    to you, he looked so panicked that he left Haven behind. I don''t get it."

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    Chapter 748 I Should''ve Let Go Of The Past

    Linsey stayed quiet, sadness clouding her eyes. "Dolores... Haven is the woman who walked out on Collin at their wedding. She humiliated him."

    Dolores''s eyes widened in shock.

    "What? Haven was the bride who left him? She embarrassed him like that, and he''s still so kind to her?"

    As soon as the words slipped out, Dolores regretted them. She realized she had said too much.

    Linsey gave a faint smile, trying to case the moment. "It''s okay. I should''ve let go of the past. I was the one being foolish."

    "No, you weren''t!" Dolores said quickly, holding Linsey''s hand with care. "You loved Collin with all your heart, and he hurt you deeply. Now that you''re back in town, it''s only natural for your emotions to be everywhere. You''re human, Linsey. Feelings are messy. Don''t beat yourself up. Just take it one step at a time."

    Linsey looked into her eyes, moved by her words. Her throat tightened, and she nodded softly. "You''re right," she wh

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 749

    Chapter 749 It Could Be He Just Doesn''t Care

    Dolores seemed thoughtful for a while as she recalled the meal they had earlier before adding, "However, just because Collin doesn''t hold a grudge towards Haven for running away from the wedding doesn''t necessarily mean that he likes her. It could be he just doesn''t care. Gut reactions are most certainly right. I believe he was just being polite to Haven. Nothing more."

    Linsey chuckled softly at this. "I never thought I''d see the day when you defend Collin," she said.

    Ever since the incident four years ago, Dolores'' attitude towards Collin had changed drastically. She hated him so much that she would have leaped with glee

    if CR Corporation were to copse the next minute.

    This was probably the first time since all tho

    years that Dolores had spoken of Collin without prejudice.

    "I''m not defending him. I''m only just telling you what I think. You know I''ll always side with you," Dolores

    retorted.

    Linsey smiled at this. Her once gloomy mood had lightened significantly because of Dolores.

    A thought suddenly crossed Linsey''s mind, and she said, "Dolores, working with CR Corporation would be a great opportunity for the Davidson Group. You mustn''t throw that away because of the issues between me and

    Collin."

    "Come on. It''s not like CR Corporation is the onlypany we can work with," Dolores said with a pout.

    Linsey shook her head and retorted, "CR Corporation is currently the leadingpany in Grester and even nationwide. There are only a fewpanies that can be said to be at their level. You have to seize this opportunity!"

    Seeing that Linsey brooked no argument on the subject, Dolores reluctantly agreed. "Fine. Let''s see what kind of project Collin wants to partner on beforeing to a decision."

    She then gave Linsey a meaningful look and said, "From what I said earlier, it seems he''s interested in working with Aurora."

    Linsey''s expression froze upon hearing this. There were a few seconds of silence before she finally said, "Let''s see what terms he offers. We can''t afford to pass up a good deal."

    Dolores chuckled at this and put her hands on Linsey''s shoulders. "Alright,

    enough talk. You should rest now. A good rest will help replenish your strength."

    ome

    ¤È

    "Okay," Linsey said, pulling the nket over herself. However, before she closed her eyes, she added, "You and Dustin were supposed to have a conversation. Go find Dustin and have that conversation. It would clear things

    up."

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    Chapter 749 it Could Be He Just Doesn''t Care

    Dolores was slightly taken aback that Linsey still remembered something as trivial as that in this situation.

    "Go to sleep and stop worrying about things," Dolores simply said in reply.

    Linsey closed her eyes and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

    Dolores sat at her bedside watching her for a while, then her phone buzzed.

    She took it out and, to her surprise, saw it was a message from Dustin. "Ifn still in the hallway outside. If you have time,e outside. Let''s talk."

    Dolores was surprised. Had it not been that Linsey had fallen asleep without touching her phone, Dolores might have used her of nning this with Dustin.

    It did seem nned that just when Linsey had fallen asleep, Dustin''s message hade in.

    Dolores contemted the subject for a while before finally agreeing that she and Dustin needed to have a proper conversation.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 750

    Chapter 750 When Did You Meet This

    This Gentleman

    Dolores rose from her seat without a sound and quietly left the hospital room.

    Moments after she disappeared, the door creaked open again. A tall figure stepped inside, his movements so soft he barely made any sound.

    Crossing the room in a few strides, he came to a halt at Linsey''s bedside. He stood there, silently taking in her peaceful, sleeping face before pulling out a small jar of ointment from his pocket. Kneeling beside her, he began dabbing the ointment over the redness on her cheeks with the utmost care.

    Even in her sleep, Linsey seemed to notice the change. The throbbing heat on her skin gave way to a refreshing coolness that soothed her senses.

    The lingering difort faded bit by bit, easing her deeper into a calm and restful sleep.

    As he finished tending to her, his finger brushed softly against the delicate skin near her ear, pausing there for

    a fleeting second before finally pulling away.

    A quiet sigh of relief escaped Collin''s lips once hepleted applying the ointment.

    Still, he didn''t rush to leave. Instead, he sat there, his gaze full of tenderness as he studied Linsey''s gentle

    expression.

    However, the warmth in his eyes gradually dimmed when he remembered that Linsey had yet to forgive him.

    Collin understood more than anyone that it would be both selfish and unjust to ask Linsey to forgive him for all the wrong things he had done.

    Still, he was prepared to wait. Even if it took a lifetime, he would hold on to the hope that one day, she might find it in her heart to give him another chance.

    That quiet promise to himself reignited a firm resolve in Collin''s chest.

    He made up his mind to uncover the truth about the little girl who looked so much like Linsey when the timing

    was right.

    Collin lingered by Linsey''s side, reluctant to tear himself away from her peaceful world.

    Atst, he rose and stepped out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him with a soft click. The he turned around, he found himself facing someone he hadn''t expected, Gorman.

    nent

    "Hey! You''re the man who sent me to the police station!" Zenia eximed with a wide smile, her face lighting up the instant she spotted him, as she grabbed onto Gorman''s hand.

    Collin didn''t say a word at first. His eyes moved slowly from Gorman to Zenia, and after a few moments, the

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    hard lines on his face softened. He gave Zen¨ªa a gentle smile and said, "Hey there, kid."

    Chuckling softly, Gorman reached out and tousled Zenia''s fluffy hair. Pretending not to know, he teased, "Zenia, when did you meet this gentleman? Why didn''t you ever tell me about him?"

    Lifting her head with a bright grin, Zenia answered sweetly, "Oh, Daddy, I totally forgot! I''ll tell you everythingter tonight, okay?"

    Although Collin had already heard her call Gorman Daddy before, hearing it spoken so clearly, so naturally, from just a few feet away, hit him harder than he expected.

    Still, he tried to convince himself that just because Zenia looked strikingly like Linsey didn''t automatically mean she was her daughter.

    "Alright then," Gorman said with a soft chuckle. He cast a quick nce toward the hospital room before bending down slightly to Zenia''s level. "Mommy''s resting inside. Go on and see her, but be sure to stay quiet, alright?"

    Zenia gave an eager nod. "Got it! I''ll be super quiet."

    Without wasting another second, she tiptoed toward the hospital door, carefully eased it open, and slipped inside like a tiny whisper of wind.

    The door clicked shut behind her, leaving nothing but silence between the two men standing in the hallway. Collin''s whole expression shifted. A heavy coldness settled around him as he stared Gorman down, the earlier conversation reying itself in his mind like a cruel reminder.

    Pain twisted in his chest, a deep ache spreading as he finally epted what he had tried so hard to deny. Zenia really was Linsey''s child.

    Gorman stayed rxed, slipping his hands casually into his pockets. He met Collin''s icy re with an almost yful smirk. After a short pause, Gorman tilted his head and spoke lightly. "Isn''t Zenia a sweet girl?"

    Collin felt the words hit him like a blow. His breath caught in his throat, and before he could stop himself, his fists clenched at his sides, his body going rigid as he struggled to keep it all in.

    22:49

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 751

    Chapter 751 That Means I

    Still Have A Chance

    Gorman wasn''t the least bit bothered by Collin''s silence. If anything, his smile grew even more brazen, each word he spoke stabbing into Collin''s heart like a sharp knife.

    Gorman said, "Zenia has always been a sensible child. She never needed much attention from us. Maybe she takes after Linsey more than me. After all, I was quite the troublemaker growing up."

    He then let out a slow sigh. "It''s funny how strong family resemnces can be. Linsey and Zenia are like two peas in a pod. Anyone who knows Linsey could tell right away that Zenia is her daughter, no exnations needed."

    As he finished speaking, Gorman''s gaze turned cold. He stared hard at Collin, who still said nothing.

    "What do you think, Collin?" he asked with a frosty smile. "You don''t seem the least bit surprised about Zenia. So, I guess there''s nothing left for me to say, is there?"

    Collin lifted his eyelids slowly, his face calm and untouched by Gorman''s jabs. Moving his lipszily, he asked, "What exactly are you getting at?¡±

    Gorman let out a mockingugh, clearly annoyed by Collin''s indifference. He stepped closer, shrinking the space between them, and looked Collin up and down with a sneer. "Let me warn you, Collin. Don''t even think

    about Linsey. As you can see, we already have a beautiful daughter together, and soon, we''ll be married."

    He paused, lifted his eyebrows arrogantly, and added, "Don''t worry, you''ll get an invitation."

    As he heard those words, Collin''s hand shot out. He grabbed Gorman by the cor, his veins bulging with anger, his grip strong enough to crush.

    Gorman nearly stumbled. His face darkened as he clutched Collin''s hand and growled, "What? nning to hit

    me? Go ahead. I wouldn''t mind letting Linsey see what a sore loser her ex- husband is!"

    His mocking words were like gasoline on fire, pushing Collin closer to losing control.

    Collin''s grip tightened, his knuckles white with rage. For a second, he looked ready to strangle Gorman then

    and there.

    "You haven''t even married her, yet you had a child with her! What respect is that for her?" Collin''s voice was low and deadly.

    Gorman''s smirk faded.

    He had thought Collin was mad about Linsey having a child with another man. But now he realized-Collin was furious because he thought Linsey had been left unmarried and pregnant.

    Gorman''s face stiffened awkwardly. He tried to pry Collin''s hand away, but to his shock, he couldn''t move him

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    an inch.

    Frustration boiled in Gorman''s chest. Grinding his teeth, he hissed, "Collin, let me go. Or I''ll call Linsey and Zenia out here and show them what a madman you''ve be!"

    At those words, Collin suddenly let go.

    Just as Gorman was about to draw a smug smile, Collin shoved him hard.

    Gorman stumbled back, lookingpletely disheveled.

    "You!" Gorman barked, his face flushed red with anger and shame.

    But Collin had already calmed down. He looked down at Gorman, who was still hunched over, and said in a

    deep, steady voice, "Look at you. You''re not even half the man you were four years ago. So, what if you and

    Linsey have a child? You''re not married yet. That means I still have a chance."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 752

    Chapter 752 I Just Saw

    Your Son!

    Collin adjusted his coat, which had grown disheveled from the earliermotion, and sarcastically said, "I suppose I should thank you for bringing me such

    wonderful news, shouldn''t I?"

    Gorman red furiously at him. His wall of arrogance came crumbling down under Collin''s verbal attack.

    "Have you no shame, Collin?" he asked.

    Gorman had never in his wildest thoughts thought that Collin, the snobbish, arrogant founder of the CR Corporation, would stoop so low as to say something like that.

    He had gone to such great lengths to orchestrate this whole thing with the mindset that Collin would not engage him, yet Collin was refusing to back down.

    Collin turned as though to leave, then suddenly paused as though something had just crossed his mind. "Linsey''s daughter is a wonderful girl. I don''t see anything of you in her. That''s probably a blessing for her," he remarked casually.

    "Collin!" Gorman hissed through his teeth. By now the veins on his forehead were visible.

    He watched hatefully as Collin took his leave.

    It seemed the only way to win was to make sure Collin disappeared, permanently.

    Collin, on the other hand, confidently walked out of the hospital. It wasn''t until he was in his car that the weight of what happened came crashing down on him.

    He closed his eyes as Gorman''s words continued to echo in his head.

    He couldn''t bring himself to ept that Zenia was Linsey and Gorman''s daughter.

    Collin felt a crushing weight on his chest as his mind cast him back to four years ago when he and Linsey were still together.

    Back then, they had both wanted a kid of their own.

    Unfortunately, things had not gone as nned, and even when they had parted ways, Linsey had not conceived.

    Now, however, it seemed like fate had smiled on Linsey, and she now had a lovely and well-behaved daughter.

    Collin couldn''t help but smile bitterly at the irony of the situation.

    Still, Linsey''s daughter was just as beautiful as he had always imagined she would be.

    Each time he saw Zenia, it was as though he was looking at a younger version of Linsey.

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    Just Saw Your Son!

    Collin finally realized that it wasn''t just Linsey who had been affected by what had happened four years ago. He too was in a state of constant regret because of this.

    Perhaps if he had told Linsey the truth earlier, their marriage wouldn''t have ended.

    He and Linsey might have had a daughter of their own now.

    As Collin continued to drown in his misery, a call came in, dragging him bak to reality.

    He sighed, then pulled out his phone and answered the call.

    "Collin! Collin! I just saw your son!" Dustin screamed excitedly the moment the call connected.

    Collin, annoyed that Dustin would joke with a subject as sensitive as that, said, "I''ll give you one more chance to say something serious."

    "No, it''s true, Collin. I really did see your son. He looks exactly like you..."

    Before Dustin could finish, the line went dead.

    Dustin stared at his phone in shock, then he looked hurt. "I''m really not lying to you, Collin. I''ve run into that kid twice now. I''m not lying."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 753

    Chapter 753 I''m Not Letting

    Go

    Half an hour ago, Dustin was still standing at the end of the hospital corridor, waiting anxiously for Dolores.

    He felt a ball of nerves twisting inside him, quietly wondering how to even begin the conversation.

    Before long, Dolores appeared, arms crossed, her gaze driftingzily toward the view outside the building. She didn''t look at him as she asked in a careless tone, "What do you want to say to me?"

    The moment Dustin saw her, his face burned with heat. He stammered, "I-I just wanted to talk about what happened at the banquet that night."

    Dolores blinked, pretending not to care. "What happened that night? Didn''t we just sleep together? What''s

    there to talk about?"

    Her bluntness hit Dustin like a p. His eyes widened in shock. "You... You remember?"

    Dolores rolled her eyes. "I''m not stupid. Of course I remember."

    She paused, her face growing impatient. "So? What do you want to say? Why are you hemming and hawing like this? I never thought you were the indecisive type."

    Dustin felt a re of indignation. "I just wanted to see where you stand," he shot back.

    Hearing that, Dolores finally looked straight at him. Her sharp gaze caught him off guard, freezing him on the

    spot.

    "So? Have you figured it out? Do you know what I think? And what about you?" she asked, her voice teasing.

    Dustin stood there, dumbfounded. Every time he faced Dolores, his mind turned into a tangled mess. He wasn''t the calm and collected man he usually was in business meetings. Around her, he lost all his footing.

    Seeing his long silence, Dolores lost patiencepletely. "Oh, forget it," she muttered, turning on her heel.

    "Dolores!" Dustin panicked. In a rush, he pulled her into his arms.

    The second he wrapped his arms around her, all his restlessness melted away.

    He smiled without thinking, breathing in the warmth and scent that belonged only to her.

    Dolores stiffened for a moment, then felt her cheeks heat up.

    Instinctively, she tried to push him away, but Dustin only tightened his hold.

    "Dustin! Let me go!" she said firmly.

    But instead of letting go, Dustin clung to her even tighter and said stubbornly, "No. I won''t. I''ve wanted to do

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    this for so long. Now that I finally have you in my arms, I''m not letting go, even if it kills me!"

    Dolores rested her chin lightly on his shoulder, her hands hovering awkwardly at his waist.

    As she listened to his honest words, her heart softened against her will.

    She almost smiled but quickly looked up at the ceiling, pretending to stay cool. "What do you mean by wanting to hold me? Trying to take advantage of me?" she asked, pretending to tease.

    Dustin exined quickly, "No! It''s not like that!"

    He released her slightly, looking serious. "Dolores, I''m into you. I told you that night. Otherwise... I wouldn''t

    have slept with you."

    Dolores stared into Dustin''s honest eyes. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, even though she kept her face

    as calm as ever.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 754

    Chapter 754 That Bad Guy Is Bullying Dolores!

    "Do you think I''d just sleep with anyone?" Dolores asked, her voice sharp.

    Dustin suddenly felt a wave of uncertainty crash over him. ¡°I''m not sure. You were drunk that night," he said carefully.

    Dolores rolled her eyes again. "If I was that drunk, I would''ve been out cold long before anything happened..." she muttered.

    She stopped mid-sentence, realizing what she was about to say.

    A wave of shyness crept up on her, and she lowered her gaze. Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink, adding a delicate softness to her features.

    Dustin''s heart skipped a beat. He stared at her, stunned, and asked carefully, "Dolores... Are you saying you have feelings for me too?"

    He could hardly believe it.

    For days, she had been cold and distant. Every time they spoke, there was an edge in her voice that chipped away at his confidence.

    He never imagined she might feel the same way.

    Seeing the hesitation flicker across his face, Dolores frowned in frustration.

    "What? You doubt I have a thing for you? If that''s the case, then why are we even talking?"

    She turned to leave.

    "Dolores!" Dustin panicked and quickly pulled her back into his arms.

    Somehow, they ended up tangled together again.

    Dolores struggled to hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

    She had known her answer all along. She had just been waiting for him to be brave enough toe after her.

    If Dustin had hesitated a second longer, she would have swallowed her feelings and walked away.

    Luckily, he had made his move.

    "Dolores, does this mean we''re together now?" Dustin asked, still sounding

    unsure.

    Dolores snapped back to the moment. The word "yes" sat on the tip of her tongue, but she changed it at thest second. "Who said that? You haven''t even chased after me properly. If I say yes now, you''ll stop cherishing

    me in no time."

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    "I would never!" Dustin blurted out. Then he paused, thinking over her words, and added seriously, "You''re right, Dolores. I should prove it to you first."

    Dolores smiled, giving his shoulder a light pat. "You''ve got the green light to chase me now. Do your best," she

    said yfully.

    Just as she finished speaking, her smile froze. Ahead, near the corner of the wall, she spotted two familiar faces -Caylee and Zander-peeking at them, excitement written all over their faces.

    Dolores stiffened in shock.

    In an instant, all the sweetness in her heart disappeared. Panic seized her. She knew if Dustin saw Zander''s face, everything would fall apart.

    Without thinking, she clung tightly to Dustin, hiding her face against him. At the same time, she shot Caylee and Zander a desperate look, mouthing silently, "Go! Leave now!"

    Caylee quickly caught on. Her yful grin vanished as she grabbed Zander, ready to sneak away.

    But before she could, Zander suddenly shouted, "That bad guy is bullying Dolores!"

    Without warning, he charged straight toward them.

    Both Caylee and Dolores widened their eyes in horror. Zander hadpletely misunderstood her silent plea- and now, things were about to spiral out of control.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 755

    Chapter 755 I''m Scared!

    "Dolores!" Zander shouted, his little face twisted in anger, wishing he could grow up in an instant and punch Dustin for what he thought was bullying Dolores.

    Caylee hurried after him, calling anxiously, "Zander!"

    Hearing themotion, Dustin instinctively froze, his curiosity piqued. He began to turn around to see what was happening.

    Startled, Dolores quickly pressed his head back down. "Don''t look! Just hold on to me, okay?"

    Dustin blinked in confusion, then smiled shyly. "I just thought I heard something behind us."

    "There''s nothing back there. Just me, right in front of you," Dolores said quickly, forcing a calm tone.

    But Zander wasn''t giving up. Seeing that Dustin was still holding Dolores, his tiny face twisted even more in anger. "You jerk! Let go of Dolores!" he yelled.

    This time, Dustin heard it loud and clear. He instinctively let go of Dolores and turned around.

    Caylee sensed disaster looming. She rushed forward, scooping Zander into her arms and quickly turning her back to shield his face from Dustin.

    "You naughty boy!" she scolded loudly, pretending to be angry. Then, leaning close to Zander''s ear, she whispered urgently, "Don''t let him see your face! It''ll cause big trouble for Mommy! Pretend we don''t know Dolores, okay?"

    Dolores'' heart dropped. She gripped Dustin''s arm tightly, feeling his body tense beside her. His brows furrowed, and she could tell he was suspicious.

    "What''s wrong?" she asked, trying to steer his attention back to her.

    But Dustin was already stepping forward, his sharp gaze falling on the child in Caylee''s arms. He asked cautiously, "Ma''am, was it your child shouting just now?" Caylee felt a cold sweat break out on her back. Earlier, she and Zander had thought Dustin was Dolores ''boyfriend.

    Caylee hadn''t realized it was Dustin-Collin''s best friend.

    And she was very aware that Dustin had already seen Zander''s face before. If he

    put two and two together now. Collin would find out everything

    Caylee clutched Zander tighter and shook her head. "No, you must''ve heard wrong," she said quickly.

    She turned, ready to leave.

    But Dustin stepped forward again, blocking her way. His sharp eyes caught a glimpse of Zander''s face. He frous. for a second, be could prdy stare, disbelief written all over bus face. "This kid be muttered

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    He turned to Caylee, recognition shing in his eyes. He remembered her-the woman he had seen at the restaurant with the boy who looked so much like Collin.

    "It''s you!" Dustin eximed.

    Dolores'' mind wentpletely nk. She panicked, feeling everything slip out of control.

    Without thinking, she rushed over and grabbed Dustin''s arm. "What are ye doing? What does this woman and

    her child have to do with you?"

    Dustin hesitated, still looking between Zander and Dolores. Finally, he spoke in a low voice, "Don''t you think

    this kid looks a lot like Collin?"

    Dolores felt her whole body tense up, her mind scrambling for a response. Beside her, Caylee gripped Zander tighter, her palms mmy with sweat.

    Just as the tension reached a breaking point, Zander suddenly burst into tears, his little body shaking as he clung to Caylee. "Mommy, this bad guy is so scary! I''m scared!" he cried out pitifully.

    The sound of his wailing shattered Dustin''s thoughts.

    Caylee reacted quickly, tightening her hold on Zander. She gave Dustin a rushed apology. "Sorry!" Then she hurried away without looking back.

    "Hey! Wait a minute!" Dustin called after them, taking a step to chase.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 756

    Chapter 756 He Never

    Messed Around

    Dolores stepped in fast before Dustin could move. An idea hit her right away. "You shouldn''t go," she told him. "You scared the kid enough already. Let me go look instead."

    This was exactly the chance she had been waiting for-she could finally help Caylee and Zander get away.

    Dustin looked confused for a second, then gave a quick nod.

    By the time Dustin hung up with Collin, Dolores came back, a little out of breath. She looked him straight in the eye, totally calm. "I couldn''t catch them," she said tly. "She ran off with the kid in her arms."

    Dustin paced back and forth, frustrated that Collin had hung up on him. "You saw it, right?¡± he snapped. "That kid looks exactly like Collin! But Collin-damn it-he won''t believe me!"

    Dolores knew well that Zander looked like Collin, but what really caught her attention was what Dustin had just said.

    A wave of relief washed over her. Thank God-Collin didn''t believe any of it! She could finally breathe a sigh of

    relief!

    Dolores had been freaking out earlier when she saw Caylee show up with Zander. "If Collin doesn''t believe it, then maybe the kid just kinda looks like him. Doesn''t mean they''re rted," Dolores said casually. "You think maybe Collin had something going on with another woman before Linsey?"

    She narrowed her eyes and stared hard at Dustin, clearly suspicious.

    Dustin stammered, "I never said that! Collin''s always been straight. He never messed around-before Linsey or

    after!"

    He added firmly, "Once he married Linsey, he was loyal. No question about it." Dolores pressed her lips together, clearly not buying everything he said.

    After all, Dustin was Collin''s best friend. Of course he would defend him no matter what.

    Either way, she and Caylee had just dodged a major bullet with the whole Zander situation.

    Dolores had just started to rx when Dustin suddenly asked, confused, "Wait a second... I swear! heard that kid mention your name."

    He looked around slowly, eyebrows drawn together in confusion. "Does he know you?"

    Dolores''s heart jumped into her throat. She froze for a heartbeat, then quickly snapped, "I don''t have anything to do with those people. Don''t be ridiculous."

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    Chapter 756 He Never Messed Around

    Why did Dustin have to suddenly turn sharp at the worst times?

    He was usually blunt and a bit dense-that should have made him easy to mislead, right?

    Her firm denial seemed to throw Dustin off. He nodded, looking honestly confused. "Ah, I made a mistake."

    He scratched the back of his head and gave a littleugh.

    Dolores had no interest in dragging this topic out. She clenched her jaw quietly, then changed the subject. "We

    still haven''t dealt with us. You said you were going to chase me. So what''s the n, exactly? I''m not some easy prize, you know."

    Her words pulled Dustin''s attention right back to her.

    His face turned bright red, and all that usual tough-guy confidence melted into pure awkwardness.

    "I... I need a little time to n this right," he stuttered. Then he straightened up, his voice firmer. "Dolores, I won''t mess this up. I''m gonna work my ass off to win you over. Just wait."

    Dolores looked into his honest, hopeful eyes and couldn''t stop the tiny smile that tugged at her lips.

    She thought to herself-God, he was such a sweet idiot.

    She hadn''t really nned on making him chase her for too long anyway. -

    Truth was, she had already fallen for him.

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    10:48

    Chapter 757 Did You Bring

    Zander Too

    Linsey hadn''t been asleep for long when a gentle warmth stirred her awake, blooming softly in her heart.

    It felt like someone had cradled her in quiet tenderness, letting her rest in deep, peaceful sleep.

    Without thinking, a soft smile brushed Linsey''s lips. Then, a sweet voice broke the stillness-Zenia''s, bright with joy. "Mommy! You''re up!"

    At the sound, Linsey turned her head, her face softening in gentle surprise.

    Zenia stood by the hospital bed, leaning close before straightening up. She stretched out her tiny hand, reaching for Linsey''s cheek.

    "Mommy, does it hurt? Let me kiss it better," she said, her voice pure and earnest.

    Linsey parted her lips, ready to answer.

    "Zenia, be gentle. Don''t hurt your mom," Gorman said softly as he stepped forward. He carefully lifted Zenia

    and ced her on a nearby chair.

    Linsey''s gaze shifted to Gorman, her brow knitting slightly. "Why are you here?"

    And he had even brought Zenia along.

    Deep down, Linsey wished with all her heart that the children wouldn''t find out about her allergic reaction.

    But Gorman had made the decision on his own, without so much as a word to her.

    As he noticed the flicker of displeasure on Linsey''s face, a shadow crossed Gorman''s expression.

    In a low voice, he exined, "Someone posted a video of your allergic reaction at the restaurant. I was worried, so I brought the kids to see you."

    Linsey''s eyes widened. "You saw the video? Is it going viral?"

    "Don''t worry. I had every clip of you taken down immediately I saw it." After a pause, he added, "It looks like someone is trying to sabotage the restaurant."

    Linsey lowered her gaze, her heart sinking a little.

    If Gorman had seen the video, he must have noticed she wasn''t alone. He would have seen Dolores, C Dustin with her.

    '', and

    But she felt no need to exin. She had no ns to reconnect with Collin, and she owed Gorman no answers.

    Their rtionship was never about ounting for every move.

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    As Linsey wrestled with her thoughts, a sudden chill gripped her. Her brows drew tight as she mapped, "Did you bring Zander too? Where is he?"

    Her heart mmed against her chest.

    She didn''t know if Collin had left yet. If Gorman had brought Zander here, Collin could run into him at any

    moment.

    If Collin saw Zander''s face, the truth would explode like a powder keg! Gorman hesitated, but Zenia quickly spoke up, her voice obedient and clear. "Mommy, Zander said he needes the restroom. Caylee took him."

    Linsey''s face darkened. Without a second thought, she pushed herself up, pulling Zenia closer and swingngher legs over the side of the bed. "I have to find him."

    Gorman stepped into her path, blocking her gently but firmly. His voice was steady. "Linsey, you''re still week Stay in bed."

    But Linsey couldn''t sit still. Fear gnawed at her like a dog with a bone.

    Ignoring him, she shot him a fierce re. Her voice trembled with anger. "Why did you bring the kids here? You said you saw the video. You know-

    Before she could finish, Gorman let out a short, coldugh. He cut her off, his words sharp as knives. "Yes, I know. I saw him. I saw him standing right beside you. I saw him carry you out of that restaurant!"

    A slow, bitter smile twisted across his face. His eyes burned with a stubborn,

    wounded light. ¡°Tell me, Linsey. "What are you ying at? Are you still hung up on him? Did youe back to Grester just to run back to him?

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 758

    Chapter 758 I Couldn''t Care

    Less

    Linsey stared at Gorman in disbelief, watching as his face twisted into a near grotesque mask of raw, unfiltered emotion.

    As expected, he still thought she might reconcile with Collin.

    She should never have felt sympathy for him!

    Her breathing quickened, the realization crashing into her with brutal rity. Gorman was doing this on purpose. After seeing the video of her and Collin, he had deliberately brought the children here, stirring the waters, scheming to create chaos.

    "Mommy..." Zenia''s small, trembling voice pierced through the thick tension, her words broken by suppressed sobs, a flicker of fear darting across her innocent face.

    The sound snapped Linsey back to herself. She scooped the red-eyed Zenia into her arms, holding her tightly. "Sweetheart, it''s okay. Everything''s alright now."

    But Gorman seemed entirely indifferent to the little girl''s distress. ¡°Linsey," he started, "let me remind you-he has a new fianc¨¦e now. Haven-the daughter of the Walton family. Ivy favors her far more than she ever cared for you. It won''t be long before Haven bes his wife."

    "So what?" Linsey shot back coldly. "I couldn''t care less."

    Gorman let out a low, murky chuckle. "Oh, really? Then what if I told you they''re nning to take Zander away from you?"

    The words sent her heart plummeting, lurching violently in her chest.

    Zenia, quiet until now, stiffened in her arms, her voice rising in rm. "Who''s going to take Zander?"

    Gorman arched a brow and crouched beside them, reaching out to smooth Zenia''s hair in a mockery of

    affection.

    His touch was soft; his words were like knives. "Zenia, the man you just saw... doesn''t he look an awful lot like

    Zander?"

    "Gorman!" Linsey snapped, her voice trembling with rage as she mped her cold hands over Zenia''s ear

    Tears burned at the corners of her eyes. "How dare you say such things to her?"

    Yes, Collin had seen Zenia.

    But Zenia''s features took more after her. Only a discerning eye would catch the subtle resemnce to Collin.

    When Collin saw Gorman standing beside Zenia, he would almost certainly assume the child was Gorman''s-

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    Chapter 758 I Couldn''t Care Less

    never suspecting the truth

    After all, at the time of their divorce, he believed she hadn''t been pregnant

    Coupled with her icy, unapproachable demeanor since then, Com would never dream that she had borne his

    children in secret

    The thought made Linsey''s hands ball into trembling fists.

    Gorman had backed her into a corner, leaving her neither a way forward nor a way out.

    Because of Haven, she couldn''t simply take the children and turn to Collin for help.

    Gorman was right-if Collin ever discovered the truth, if Haven so much as whispered a word, he could very well use his power to im her children.

    The man was a founder of the mighty CR Corporation. He held more influence than she could ever hope to fight. Should he choose to move against her, Linsey knew she would be powerless to stop him.

    And yet, she couldn''t bring herself to fully trust Gorman, not when it meant cing her and her children''s safety entirely in his hands.

    She saw it with painful rity now-Gorman wasn''t just dangerous. He was deadly.

    He would use her children without a second thought, cornering her, forcing her beneath his temporary control, all in service of his own twisted goals.

    Gorman met her smoldering re with a smile-a smile so deceptively tender it made her blood run cold.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 759

    Chapter 759 I''ve Always Been Myself With You

    "Linsey, you''re scaring Zenia. We should watch our words around the children,¡± Gorman said softly, keeping his voice as gentle as a whisper.

    He finished with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes, then turned to Zen¨ªa. "You''re such a smart girl. I''m sure you understood what I meant, didn''t you?"

    Zenia''s face twisted in confusion. It was clear she didn''t understand the meaning behind his words. "Gorman..."

    Linsey pulled Zenia tightly into her arms, shielding her like a mother hen. Her voice came sharp and tense. "That''s enough. Stop talking.¡±

    But Gorman only chuckled, cool as ever. "Linsey, if you n to keep the children away from Collin, you might want to warn them. What if one day, Zenia and Zander choose to leave you for him? What will you do then?"

    His words hit Zenia like a bolt from the blue. She clung to Linsey, tears welling up fast. "Zander and I would never leave Mommy! Never!" she cried out, her voice breaking as sobs shook her tiny body.

    She looked up at Linsey with desperate eyes. "Mommy, we promise we''ll be good. Don''t send us away. Please?"

    Linsey''s heart twisted painfully. Her throat felt tight as she knelt, gently wiping Zenia''s tears away. "I would never leave you, sweetheart. No one can ever take you away from me. Don''t be scared."

    "But Gorman said..." Zenia whimpered, still trembling.

    Gorman''s face shifted suddenly, softening as he knelt down too. His voice turned smooth, almost sweet. "Zenia, just stay sharp. As long as you stay away from that bad man, he won''t take you and Zander away from your mom."

    Linsey didn''t stay at the hospital much longer. After picking up her medication, she was discharged within

    hours.

    With no real home to go to, she and Caylee returned to the hotel they were using for now.

    Gorman carried the sleeping Zenia inside, cradling her like a fragile doll. Heid her gently on the bed and pulled the nket over her with care, moving as quietly as a shadow.

    Linsey stood by the door, arms crossed, watching him with cold, sharp eyes. There was no warmth in her gaz -only bitter scorn.

    When Gorman finally stepped out and shut the door softly behind him, Linsey spoke, her voice like ice. "Gorman, sometimes I wonder... Who are you, really, beneath all that charm?"

    At her words, Gorman arched an eyebrow, amused. His eyes locked onto hers, yful yet dangerous.

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    Chapter 759 I''ve Always Been Myself With You

    "Linsey, I''ve always been myself with you. You''re the one who refuses to see me as i am just look at yourself right now. I must say, I enjoy this-having your full attention."

    hide it. Through gritted teeth, she spat, "I''m

    Disgust rose in Linsey like a bitter tide. She shuddered, unable watching you because I don''t trust you. I need to know what you''re nning for me, for my childrent"

    Gorman tilted his head, acting like he was puzzled. "Linsey, you wound me. Why would I ever hurt you or your

    little ones?"

    As he spoke, he stepped closer, his face wearing a mask of false tenderness that made Linsey''s skin craw

    Her heart pounded like a drum in her chest. Every instinct screamed danger.

    Without thinking, she stepped back fast, almost stumbling in her rush to get away from him.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 760

    Chapter 760 I Can''t Stand The Sight Of Them

    "Linsey, haven''t I made my feelings clear enough for you? Do you really think I could ever hurt you?" Gorman asked softly, a slight frown tugging at his brow.

    Linsey''s fists tightened at her sides.

    She made a silent vow. If Gorman dared try anything, she would fight him with every ounce of strength she had left.

    But Gorman seemedpletely unmoved by her defiance. He looked at her with a soft, almost tender expression before going on, "As for you and Collin''s children..."

    He let out a small, mockingugh. "I''ve never cared about them. In truth, I can''t stand the sight of them. Any kindness I showed was only because of you."

    Shock washed over Linsey, leaving her wide-eyed.

    For four long years, every time Gorman had been around the children, he had been patient and kind-gentle in ways she had never seen before.

    And now he imed it was all an act? A cold performance just to stay close to her?

    Had he been nning this from the moment he asked her to go abroad with him?

    But why?

    Linsey couldn''t wrap her mind around it. What could possibly be worth such a long game?

    Gorman''s voice turned cold, t as stone, yet it still sent a chill crawling down her spine.

    ¡°Zenia, at least, is easy on the eyes. She looks so much like you did as a child. Being around her feels like I spending time with a younger version of you."

    He paused, his face twisting with brief disgust. "But your precious son... He''s a pain in the ass. Had it not been that I was trying to please you, I wouldn''t have given Collin''s son a second nce."

    He let out a sigh, hollow and empty. "Oh, Linsey... Why did you have to end up with fraternal twins? Your son is the spitting image of Collin. He should never have been born."

    The sharp crack of Linsey''s hand against his face broke the air like a gunshot, leaving a heavy silence bel

    Linsey stood there, breathing hard, her hand throbbing with the force of the blow.

    She watched as a red mark bloomed across Gorman''s cheek. She knew then- she had hit him with everything

    she had.

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    Chapter 7601 Can''t Stand The Sight of them

    Gorman tilted his head slightly, unmoving for a long, tense moment. Then he slowly ran his tongue over the corner of his mouth where it was beginning to swell

    "You really are heartless," he murmured, his voice dripping win a fake sadness that made Linney''s skin crant

    Her voice came out rough and shaking "Gorman, you''ve already shown me exactly who you are. Drop the act Just say what you want. Let''s stop wasting time."

    For a heartbeat, Gorman''s eyes lit up. He spun toward her, desperation lighting up his face. "Marry me, Linsey. I want you. No matter what it takes,"

    Linsey''s eyes narrowed. A bitterugh slipped from her lips. "After everything you just said, you actually think I''d marry you?"

    But Gorman''s face didn''t even twitch, Instead, a strange calmness settled over him, like a man who had already made peace with madness. "Linsey, you were never truly willing to be with me, were you?"

    Her face hardened, almost imperceptibly.

    Gorman leaned in, pressing the words between them like a final card on the table. ¡°And that''s why I had to take steps you might not like. As long as you just agree to marry me, I''m cool if you have no feelings for me."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 761

    Chapter 761 You''ve Gone Completely Off The Deep...

    Linsey shook her head, her disbelief as thick as fog, eyes locking onto Gorman. "Gorman, you''ve gonepletely off the deep end! You''re driving me up the wall!¡±

    Her voice was steel, unyielding. "I''d rather eat dirt than agree to such a ridiculous demand. You could twist my arm with every dirty trick in the book, but I''ll never, ever love you."

    "That''s just peachy with me!" Gorman shot back, hisugh bursting out like a rogue firecracker-bold, wild, reckless. "Love me, hate me, it''s all the same to me. As long as you''re mine, that''s my version of hitting the

    jackpot."

    Linsey felt her sanity teetering on a knife''s edge, her eyes burning, rimmed red with the effort to hold back tears, as Gorman''s warped logic pushed her to the breaking point.

    "Linsey, no need to jump the gun," Gorman said, his voice smooth as silk, almost too rxed. His eyes, slightly tilted upward, sparkled with a calcted curiosity. "I''m in no rush for your answer. I''ve got all the time in the world to wait-patiently, of course. I''m dying to see how this ys out. Who knows? Maybe you''ll have a change of heart."

    Linsey moved like lightning, lunging forward to grab Gorman''s cor in a white- knuckled grip. Her voice cut through the air, low and fierce. "Gorman, what''s your next move?"

    She took a deep breath, her stance unyielding, every inch of her radiating a mama bear''s resolve. "Hear me loud and clear: if you darey a finger on my children, I''ll fight you tooth and nail to the bitter end!"

    To her shock, Gorman didn''t get mad. Instead, a soft smile curved his lips, unruffled. He lifted a hand-not to shove her off, but to gently wrap around her clenched fist. "Easy, Linsey. I''m not an idiot. I know those kids are your whole world right now. Why would I do something so boneheaded as to hurt you like that?"

    Locking eyes with her, he continued, "Nah, I''m ying the long game-charming them, winning them over. I''d appreciate it if you''d y along. But if Zenia and Zander suddenly turn on me, well, I can''t promise I''ll keep my cool forever."

    With that, Gorman reached out, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from Linsey''s face with a tenderness that felt like a trap. His voice dropped to a murmur. "Take care of yourself, Linsey. Get some rest. I''ll swing by again soon."

    Linsey''s face was a mask of stone as she pped his hand away, the motion dripping with barely contained fury.

    Gorman just let out a low chuckle, hollow and mirthless, before turning on his heel with the grace of a cat The second the door creaked open, Zander''s bright voice floated in from the hall. "Gorman!"

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    Chapter 761 ss Camey PS

    Linsey''s eyes widened, her heart burching on prae metus, the that format, scooping, tanker t still clutching Cayler''s hand to her me, cunting forms of before he could per word in

    Caught off guard by the sudden kng, Zander samlet sightly or quiddy wrapped fie arme underwa peering up with a worried from "Mommy, you say?

    tha Bert suck his eyes r

    one

    her

    Linsey froze, her eyes locked on Gorman, who returned her ears with a fingers, pressed protectionly against Zandere herkes just

    "I''m fine, baby," she replied, her one rough but steady

    Anyone who caught the ghostly pallor of tinney''s face in that moment could see the was anything but okay

    Caylee stood rooted to the spot for a heartbeat, her eyes darting terwoudly between Linsey and Gorman, worry etched across her face.

    For reasons she couldn''t quite pin down, the air between them felt charged, like a storm about to break, frack with unspoken tension

    Linsey, especially, was a live wire-her every dance and obte shift screaming

    distrust toward Gorman, ber wariness practically a physical force.

    What the hell had just gone down?

    Before Caylee could even start to untangle the strange vibe, Gorman turned to her, his voice dropping into an unexpectedly grave tone. "Look after Linsey, alright? If anything feels off, you let me know right away."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 762

    Chapter 762 I Had No

    Choice

    Gorman''s words mmed into Caylee like a freight train, her eyes popping wide in utter shock.

    She shot a quick nce at Gorman, who gave off a cool, careless vibe, before her gaze darted back to Linsey''s, brimming with a hollow despair that stole the air from Caylee''s lungs.

    A cold shiver snaked its way down her back.

    Gorman, cool as a cucumber, didn''t miss a beat and breezed out of the room, his steps practically bouncing.

    The hotel room fell quiet, holding just Linsey, Caylee, and the tiny Zander nestled in Linsey''s arms.

    After a moment, Linsey''s fingers softly danced through Zander''s downy hair. She leaned in close, her voice a gentle whisper. "Be a good boy, Zander. Your sister''s in there, out like a light. Why don''t you slip in and snuggle up with her? I need a quick word with Caylee."

    Zander gave a small nod and tiptoed into the room, easing the door shut with a soft click.

    That faint sound snuffed out thest flicker of hope Caylee had been clinging to.

    Thest, frail glimmer of hope in Caylee was extinguished as the door clicked gently shut.

    Without a word, Linsey moved with a grim, no-turning-back resolve to the sofa and sank into it.

    The brutal showdown with Gorman had clearly wrung her dry, sapping her strength.

    But she knew this mess was far from settled.

    Caylee sucked in a shaky breath, her hands locked so tight her knuckles gleamed white. She took a hesitant step toward Linsey.

    "Why?" Linsey''s voice sliced through the thick silence, sharp and out of nowhere.

    That single word hit like a thunderbolt. Caylee got it in a heartbeat-Linsey had seen right through the whole

    charade.

    Linsey was no fool; Gorman hadn''t needed to spell it out for her to connect the dots.

    The offhand way Gorman had bossed Caylee around, like she was just a piece on his chessboard, sealed it. This wasn''t a one-off; it was a pattern.

    And it exined why, ever since she rolled back into Grester, Gorman always seemed one step ahead, like he had a tracker on her life. He was always in the know first.

    Caylee had been his eyes and ears, the mole right in her orbit, feeding Gorman every scrap of intel

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    Chapter 7621 Had No Choice

    Caylee''s voice broke, heavy with tears she hadn''t let fall. "Linsey, I''m so sorry. I swear, I was backed into a corner... My grandma''s real sick, needs surgery bad, and I didn''t have a dime. Mr. Green was the only one who''d help. I''m telling you, I had no choice...

    After pausing for a moment, she continued, "My grandma''s all I''ve got, Linsey. We''re all each other has. I couldn''t let her go... my only family... Please, you gotta believe me. I didn''t do anything shady for Mr. Green...

    I swear I didn''t..."

    Linsey let out a long, slow breath, her voice dropping to a frosty edge. "And what exactly counts as ''shady'' to

    you, Caylee?"

    The casual, almost mocking questionnded like a sucker punch. Caylee stared at Linsey''s nk, stone-cold face, her eyes burning, a sick dread twisting tight in her gut.

    A slow, eerie grin crept across Linsey''s face. "Gorman sure knows how to deal a winning hand."

    He had revealed Caylee''s betrayal with surgical precision, striking when Linsey was vulnerable.

    He was sending a crystal-clear message: he could nt moles right in her inner circle without her blinking, Even if Linsey booted Caylee out now, Gorman would just slip another pawn into ce, keeping his grip tight. And if Caylee ever became dead weight, Gorman wouldn''t hesitate to pull the plug on her grandmother''s

    lifeline.

    "Linsey, I''m so sorry..." Caylee''s voice faltered, words drying up under the weight of her guilt.

    She felt naked, her shameid bare for exploiting Linsey''s generosity.

    Linsey shut her eyes for a heartbeat, steadying herself, before her voice came, soft but loaded. "Caylee, level with me. How much does your grandmother''s care really cost?"

    Caylee kept her head down, her voice a faint murmur as she spilled the number. It was a jaw-dropping amount.

    "She''s not out of the woods yet," Caylee added, her voice rough and raw. "The doc says more bills areing."

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    Chapter 763 Do Exactly What I''m Telling You

    Linsey''s heart sank as she took in Caylee''s words.

    Right then, it hit her like a ton of bricks: Caylee had made the only call she could.

    Deep down, Linsey knew she would never have scraped together the cash for that surgery, not with her own

    two hands.

    Still, she was gutted, her faith in Caylee shattered by what she had done.

    Still, after all the time they had spent together, Linsey couldn''t just stand there and let Caylee''s grandma kick the bucket over a stack of unpaid bills.

    A wry, self-mocking grin tugged at her lips.

    If she had been in Caylee''s shoes, she would have jumped at Gorman''s deal too- anything to keep thest piece of her world from slipping away.

    "I get it," Linsey finally said, eyes fixed on the floor, her voice t as a pancake. "You can keep working for Gorman."

    Caylee''s head snapped up, eyes wide as saucers, brows knitted in shock. "Linsey, no way! I''m done with that, I swear. I''m not passing another word to Mr. Green, cross my heart."

    "What about your grandma?" Linsey asked, her voice cutting through the heavy air.

    Caylee''s face froze, her eyes swimming with confusion, like she had been thrown into deep water without a

    lifeline.

    Linsey held her gaze, silent for a beat, until a strange calm settled over her like a quiet tide.

    She reached out, gently grabbing Caylee''s hands and pulling her down to sit next to her on the bed''s edge.

    "Listen up," Linsey said, her voice steady as a rock, gripping Caylee''s hands like they were her anchor, "your grandma''s medical bills can''t stop. Not now, not ever. You''ve got to keep feeding Gorman his reports, same as always. And don''t breathe a word to me about what he''s got you doing."

    Caylee''s jaw dropped, her head shaking like she was trying to shake off a bad dream. "Linsey, no, I can''t... I won''t-"

    Linsey cut her off, her tone sharp and unyielding, like a captain barking orders in a storm. "Trust me, Caylee. Do exactly what I''m telling you."

    She knew, with a cold certainty that chilled her to the bone, that Gorman was bent on backing her into a corner until she caved and said yes to his proposal.

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    Chapter 763 Do Exactly What I''m Teling You

    If she couldn''t outsmart Gorman while his guard was down, she might actually end up trapped in that marriage, chained to a man she didn''t love.

    But worse-far worse-was the gnawing truth eating at her. Gorman didn''t give a damn about her two kids.

    He had even had the gall to say he wished Zander was out of the picture for good.

    If she brought her children to live under Gorman''s roof, the thought of we might happen to them down the

    line made her blood run cold.

    While Linsey wrestled with that bone-deep fear, the two kids in the corner were wrapped up in their own heated, whispered showdown.

    Zenia had just mumbled her hesitant story when Zander shot back, his voice tight as a coiled spring "I''m nothing like that bastard! He''s the one picking on Mommy! I''d only ever protect her. I''m not like him, not one

    bit!"

    Zenia chewed on that for a second, her little face scrunched in thought, before she ventured cautiously, "Zander, I don''t know... when I saw that bad man, I couldn''t shake it. He kinda looks like you."

    "No way!" Zander hissed, his face scrunching up like he had bitten into a sour lemon. "I''m Mommy''s kid, so I only look like her!"

    Zenia, all serious, retorted, "Everyone says I''m the one who looks like Mommy. She was my spitting image when she was little."

    Zander huffed, practically vibrating with annoyance, but as the big brother, he reined it in, not about to blow his top at his little sister.

    Instead, his frustration zeroed in on Collin like a heat-seeking missile. Zander clenched his hands and said angrily, "That terrible, evil man! I''ll let him know who''s in charge! See whether he dares to harass Mommy once more.

    Zen¨ªa intervened abruptly and sternly, saying, "Remember, Zander? Gorman cautioned us about approaching the viin. The bad guy will take us away from Mommy."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 764

    Chapter 764 Is It Dolores Again

    Zander clenched his teeth, his voice steady and full of fire. I''m my mom''s son, and I''m not going anywhere with that man. If he touches me, he''ll regret it. I swear!"

    Zenia''s eyes lit up in awe. "Wow, Zander. You''re really brave."

    Zander beamed with pride. "Tomorrow, I''m marching straight to his office to give him a piece of my mind."

    He turned to Zenia, his tone more serious now. "Stay right here and wait for me. If Mom asks where i went, just tell her-"

    "I''ll just say I don''t know!" Zenia cut in quickly.

    Zander gave an approving nod. "Exactly. You''re smart too!"

    The next morning, Dustin walked into thepany, looking dead on his feet.

    *Collin nced up as the door creaked open. "Where were youst night? Sneaking around?"

    Dustin''s eye twitched. "Sneaking around?"

    He slumped into the chair across from Collin, face full of frustration. "I was up all night because of now you''re throwing jabs? That''s cold."

    you,

    Collin''s face tensed for a moment. Then, without missing a beat, he snapped, "If your brain''s still foggy, go

    home and clear it. Don''t bring your mess here."

    He tapped his pen twice against the desk, sharp and deliberate. "You''re lucky we don''t have any big meetings today. One more screw-up, and you''re on thin ice."

    Dustin stiffened, alert now, the warning sinking in. He sat up straighter, his tone defensive. "I have a good reason for the way I''m acting."

    Collin didn''t even look up from his papers. "Is it Dolores again?"

    Dustin flushed at the name, gaze drifting. "No... But she agreed to let me chase after her."

    Collin scoffed coldly, "At this pace, I''ll be six feet under before I see your wedding invitation." "Don''t jinx it!" Dustin blurted, his ears turning pink. "If I stay focused, I can win her over soon."

    Collin shot him a side nce. "If things are going so well, why didn''t you sleep? Too happy to shut your eyes?" Dustin blinked, remembering the real reason he hade. "Collin, did you even hear what I said during our

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    call yesterday?"

    He watched closely, hoping for any sign that Collin remembered.

    Maybe Collin did have a past with someone... But the memory was buried too deep to reach

    Still, Dustin couldn''t let it go. He had seen a boy yesterday. The boy looked just like Collin. It wasn''t the first time either. This was the second time.

    As childhood friends, Dustin knew Collin''s face like the back of his hand. He could spot even the slightest

    resemnce.

    The first time, he told himself it was just a coincidence.

    But seeing that boy again made his gut twist.

    There was no brushing it off now.

    That child might be Collin''s son.

    "What did you say again?" Collin asked, brows furrowed.

    Dustin sighed. Collin never paid attention when he rambled. He always thought

    Dustin was just full of odd ideas. But this time was different.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 765

    Chapter 765 Have You Ever Been With Another Wom...

    Dustin jolted, a ripple of anxiety tightening his chest. "I saw a boy yesterday," he blurted, voice rising. "He looked exactly like you did as a kid-same face, same eyes, I''m telling you, it was uncanny."

    Collin scoffed without lifting his eyes from the desk. "You still trapped in one of your dreams? Go back to your room and quit interrupting. I''m working.¡±

    But Dustin wasn''t backing down. "Collin, I''m serious! I saw him at the hospital-he looks exactly like you! Anyone would say the same! He could be your son, I mean it!"

    Then, as if searching for backup, he added hastily, "Dolores was there too. She saw him with her own eyes!"

    That made Collin pause. A flicker of unease crossed his face. "You mentioned this in front of Dolores?"

    Dustin frowned, caught off guard. "What are you getting at?"

    Collin pinched the bridge of his nose, struggling to contain his irritation. ¡°If you ran your mouth in front of her, she''ll take it straight to Linsey. And the second Linsey hears even a whisper of this nonsense, she''ll believe I''ve got some secret child stashed away somewhere."

    Dustin stepped back, eyes narrowing. "Collin, I''m asking you inly. Have you ever been with another woman?" Collin let out a slow breath and ced his pen down with finality. His voice was cold. "No. It''s always been Linsey. So stop fabricating stories about me having a son."

    Dustin faltered, his determination cracking under Collin''s unwavering certainty.

    Could the boy really have no connection at all?

    Was such a resemnce merely coincidence?

    A child bearing Collin''s face... yet tied to none of his blood?

    Before the silence could settle too deeply, a knock broke through the tension.

    An assistant stepped inside, holding a folder in both hands. "Mr. Riley, we''ve retrieved the records-Ms. Brooks gave birth at a hospital abroad."

    Dustin''s heart dropped. He turned to Collin, trembling. "W-what? Linsey... gave birth overseas?"

    Collin reached for the file instead of answering, flipping through it quickly, his eyes scanning every line with mounting tension.

    The records confirmed it all. Each detail aligned with the scattered fragments of information he had pieced together over the months.

    Chapter 765 Here Youko VI Var

    Six months after leaving the country, linsey was ergen were pregare inly needs weer, the hot from

    barth to a daughter, Zeme

    A ruch of disappointment fuckered through Collier

    Until this moment, a small, desperate hope had fingered.

    Maybe, just maybe, Linsey had already been pregnant with his child where had fed for drea

    But the timeline shattered that hope. The documents left no space for denial tha hade en m pregnant until long after she had left

    The child wasn''t his.

    Dustin watched Collin''s face closely, unnerved by his silence. A storm of disbelief churned in his chest

    Without warning, he reached forward and yanked the file from Collin''s hands

    He knew what the assistant had said, yet seeing it printed in ck and white bit like a punch to the ga Staring down at the file, his mind reeled. Linsey had a daughter.

    He looked up, locking eyes with Collin''s cold, steady gaze. His own mouth opened, but no words woulde

    "You can leave now," Collin said tly, ncing at the assistant.

    The assistant gave a slight bow and slipped quietly out of the office.

    Dustin was still staring at the papers trembling in his grip. How was this even possible?

    "Enough." Collin extended his hand, calmly retrieved the file, and set it aside with a flick of indifference. "Linsey had a daughter," he said. "There''s no reason to act so shocked."

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 766

    Chapter 766 Is That Child Really Gorman''s

    Dustin studied Collin''s face, searching for even a flicker of emotion-but found nothing. There was no anger or sadness, just that familiar unreadable calm.

    After a pause, he ventured carefully, "Who is the father of Linsey''s daughter?"

    He didn''t have to finish the question. Collin caught the thread. "Gorman ims he is the father."

    His lids lifted a fraction, his voice calm and remote, as though recounting something insignificant. "I ran into the child again yesterday at the hospital. That makes it the third time now."

    Only then did the memory snap into ce for Dustin-the time he had seen Gorman at the airport, not long ago, apanied by a little girl.

    Back then, they had both remarked on how strikingly the child resembled Linsey.

    So it was true. Linsey had a daughter. And that child... was Gorman''s.

    The realization hit him like a slow, rolling tide.

    Four years had passed. Everything had changed.

    Dustin just couldn''t resist asking the question aloud. "Is that child really Gorman''s?"

    He nced toward the stack of documents Collin had tossed aside earlier. "Those papers don''t confirm

    paternity."

    Collin gave a short nod. "No, they don''t. But it doesn''t matter. I''ve made my decision. I''m going after Linsey

    again."

    A spark lit in Dustin''s eyes. "You''re serious? You''re actually going to pursue her again?"

    Collin''s lips thinned into a firm line. "Yes."

    "But... what about Gorman?" Dustin asked hesitantly, the uncertainty threading into his voice.

    After all, Linsey and Gorman shared a child. Didn''t that make them a family now?

    "They''re not married," Collin said tly, cutting clean through the fog of implication. Gorman told me himself.

    A muscle in Collin''s jaw twitched, and for the first time, anger shed in his eyes. "He let her raise a child on her own without marrying her. What kind of man does that? Irresponsible bastard."

    A slow grin crept across Dustin''s face. "Collin, this could be your window. Maybe she never even loved him. If she had, they would''ve tied the knot years ago. Four years-they had more than enough time for vows and a

    108

    15:54

    grand wedding."

    At that, a faint, fleeting smile flickered across Collin''s lips.

    But Dustin frowned again. "Hold on... if you''re nning to win Linsey back, does that mean you''re giving up

    Haven Walton?"

    "Yes. My only courtesy toward Haven is out of respect for my grandmother."

    "But the rumors are already swirling. Everyone thinks you''re about to marry her. If Linsey hears that, she''ll jump to the wrong conclusion again. You remember what happened yesterday at the restaurant-she asked about Haven, and you didn''t exactly deny it."

    Collin remained silent, like he was torn. Two seconds passed. Then, out of nowhere, he asked, "Have you heard anything about Joanne?"

    Dustin looked taken aback. "Joanne? You mean Joanne Ellis? I remember she''s close to Haven."

    Collin leaned back slightly, his posture loosening as his tone turned almost leisurely. "She''s been digging into Linsey... and anyone who''s been close to Dolorestely."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 767

    Chapter 767 No One Bullied

    Me

    Dustin''s curiosity red the moment he heard Collin''s words. "Why would Joanne check up on Dolores?"

    Collin shot him a sharp look and corrected him quietly. "She''s not after Dolores. She''s digging into Linsey-the

    one who sat beside Dolores yesterday."

    "So it''s Linsey she''s focused on. Then why dig into Dolores?" Dustin muttered, suspicion creeping into his voice. A beatter, his eyes widened. He turned to Collin, stunned. "Wait... you hid Linsey''s past in Grester. So, Haven doesn''t know Linsey-the one we had dinner with-is your ex-wife?"

    Collin gave a small nod. "Exactly. None of us mentioned Linsey''s namest night. So naturally, Haven doesn''t know she''s also the designer Aurora."

    Dustin felt his head spinning.

    So much had happened in just thirty minutes, he could barely keep up.

    He exhaled slowly. "Now I get it... You''re trying to figure out Haven''s real motive."

    Collinced his fingers, gaze dropping slightly. "Linsey hasn''t forgiven me for what happened four years ago. Until I know where she stands, I don''t want to push. I''m scared she''ll vanish from Grester again... Just likest

    time."

    His lips pressed into a tight line. "If she truly doesn''t want to be with me, I won''t force it."

    Dustin nodded thoughtfully, then made up his mind. "I''ll ask Dolores about Linsey and her daughter if I can. Even if the child is Gorman''s by blood, that doesn''t mean you can''t be the stepdad."

    But Collin wasn''t interested in the what-ifs. He raised a hand in quiet dismissal, signaling Dustin to leave.

    At that moment, neither of them had the faintest idea what was unfolding downstairs in the lobby of CR

    Corporation.

    "Oh my gosh, he looks just like Mr. Riley!"

    "Could he really be Mr. Riley''s son?"

    "He''s absolutely adorable!"

    "Of course! With looks like Mr. Riley''s, how could he not be?"

    A small group of employees whispered among themselves, watching the scene from a distance.

    A few bold ones had already approached, closing in on the stylish little boy.

    "Hey there, cutie! Where''s your mom? What are you doing here all by yourself?¡±

    15:54

    Chapter 767 No One Bullied Me

    "Maybe his mom works here. What if she''s Mr. Riley''s secret lover?" someone teased with a grin.

    "With a brain like that, you should be writing movies!"

    Zander stood in the middle of them, arms folded tightly. His cap sat low over his eyes, and sunsses dangled from his shirt cor. With hisyered outfit and confident pose, he looked like a pint-sized fashion model with

    attitude.

    "I''m here to take down the bad man," he said, voice small but serious.

    The crowd melted at his tone, finding him even more adorable.

    "Bad man? Who''s bothering you, little guy?"

    Zander sniffed and lifted his chin. "No one bullied me. I said I''m here to take down the bad man!"

    His boldness made everyoneugh.

    "Alright then! But you have to tell us who he is first. Otherwise, how can we help?" Zander replied, loud and clear, "Collin Riley!"

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 768

    Chapter 768 Let Me Down

    right now!

    As the words left Zander''s mouth, a collective gasp swept through the lobby.

    Whispers sparked like wildfire. Eyes widened. Curious nces darted from one face to another.

    That boy must be connected to Collin!

    Calling Collin a bad man? Could it mean Collin had an affair with the kid''s mother?

    The rumors hung thick in the air-juicy, shocking, and impossible to ignore.

    Just then, Dustin''s confused voice cut through the buzz. "What''s going on here?"

    The crowd turned on him the second he stepped into view. A few quick voices piped up. "Mr. Wade! There''s a

    kid here who looks exactly like Mr. Riley!"

    Dustin''s brows shot up. A kid who looked like Collin?

    He turned toward the source-and froze. It was the same little boy he saw at the hospital just yesterday.

    Without missing a beat, a glint of determination shed in Dustin''s eyes. He marched straight toward the child, scooped him up, and slung him over his shoulder.

    "Ah!" Zander yelped, caught off guard. Before he could wiggle free, Dustin was already striding away with him.

    "Who are you? Let go of me! You''re a bad guy! I''m calling the police!" Zander shouted, fear shing in his chest, though he tried to sound brave.

    The employees stood frozen, jaws ck, watching Dustin march off with the struggling boy.

    "Now Collin can''t deny it. I''ve got proof!" Dustin muttered, a crooked smile forming.

    Fueled by triumph, he hauled Zander upstairs, skipping past knocks or greetings, and burst straight into

    Collin''s office.

    "Collin! Look what I found!" he yelled, voice echoing off the walls.

    Collin flinched at the sudden interruption. His expression darkened in annoyance.

    He opened his mouth to scold Dustin, but stopped cold at the sound of the boy''s angry cry. "Bad person! You''re bad too! Put me down!"

    Collin looked up, startled. A small child-four or five at most-was draped over Dustin''s shoulder, squirming

    furiously.

    His frown deepened. "Dustin, are you out of your mind?"

    Chapter 768 Let Me Down right now!

    "Just look," Dustin said, turning the boy so Collin could see his face.

    For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Two faces hung in the air-one older and sharp, the other younger and soft. Yet the resemnce was undeniable.

    Collin''s breath caught. His eyes locked on the boy''s face. A strange tightness curled in his chest.

    He couldn''t say a word.

    Zander red at them both, tiny fists clenched. "Bad people! You''re both bad! You nned this together!" He began to thrash again, face red and flustered. "Let me down right now!"

    Seeing the boy''s distress, Collin rose to his feet. His conflicted gaze lingered on him. "Dustin, put him down." "I''m not letting him run off again. He''s slipped away from me twice already," Dustin said firmly.

    Then he leaned in slightly, voice low with victory. "Now, do you believe me, Collin? Look at him. He''s the spitting image of you!"

    Zander scrunched his face in disgust. "I do not look like that bad man! You''re all big bullies! I''m calling the police!"

    mended for you

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 769

    Chapter 769 I Don''t Have

    A Dad!

    Dustin kept his cool, steering the moment with ease. "Kid, do you even know who you''re talking to? This man

    is the founder of CR Corporation-the richest man in the entire country. If the police everid a hand on him, half of Grester''s economy would crash overnight."

    He sighed, muttering under his breath, "Why am I even exining this to a toddler?"

    Zander''s cheeks puffed up with anger. "I''m not a toddler! Stop talking to me like I''m some baby!"

    Collin''s eyes narrowed. Something unreadable flickered behind them. He walked toward the boy. His gaze was sharp, focused. "Then tell me-how old are you?" His voice was calm but firm.

    Dustin perked up, curious now. He leaned in a little, waiting for Zander''s answer. Judging the boy''s age by appearance alone was no easy task.

    Zander didn''t budge. His mind was full of memories-painful ones-of how this "bad man" had treated his mom.

    He had no intention of ying along.

    Instead, he crossed his arms and turned his head sharply to the side, letting out a cold sneer in defiance.

    Dustin chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, well. This kid''s got a lot of fire in him."

    Still, both men knew better than to push too hard. Forcing answers out of a child wouldn''t get them far.

    Collin looked over at Dustin after a pause. "Take him to the sofa. I''ll talk to him once he''s calmed down."

    Before Dustin could respond, Zander shouted, "I''m not talking to you! You''re a bad guy!"

    Dustin''s brow twitched. He drew in a slow breath, clearly trying to stay patient. "Listen, kid. I heard what you said downstairs. You came here looking for Collin, didn''t you? Well, here he is. Speak now, or we''ll call the police. Then you''ll be answering questions down at the station."

    Though he mostly meant it to scare him, the words struck a real nerve.

    Zander''s face lost some color.

    The idea of being taken to the police station sent a chill down his spine.

    "I didn''t do anything wrong! You can''t call the police on me!" Zander yelled, trying to sound brave.

    Dustin didn''t let up. "You barged into ourpany and caused a scene. People couldn''t even work. Why shouldn''t we report you? You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that¡ªstanding up to Collin. But once you leave here, ask around. No one in Grester dares to mess with the founder of CR Corporation."

    Chapter 769(Dont Have A Dad!

    He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Didn''t your dad ever teach you that?"

    Zander''s face twisted with clear irritation. "I don''t have a dad! And I don''t need one! Dads just cause trouble!"

    Then he shot a re at both men "And you two are no better!"

    Despite his fieres tone, the softness of his features made his anger seem more pouty than powerful.

    Collin and Dustin had faced tougher storms. A child''s tantrum wasn''t going to shake them.

    Still, Zander''s wordsnded like tiny pebbles in still water-rippling just enough to leave an effect.

    Dustin nced at Collin, a weight behind his stare, Collin met his gaze and understood at once.

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 770

    Chapter 770 Didn''t You Come Here To Challenge...

    There was no father in sight.

    Earlier, Dustin had steered clear of asking about the child''s mother, hoping

    instead to uncover the boy''s father.

    Now, with that answer dangling inly between the lines, the truth felt even more probable-this little guy had

    to be Collin''s son.

    Still, the mystery deepened. Who had brought this boy into the world?

    Collin had insisted he had only ever been with Linsey.

    So then, where had this childe from?

    Pushing for answers now felt wrong. Collin made the conscious choice to stay quiet, realizing that bringing up something so sensitive could cut deeper than intended. The absence of a father was already a heavy weight for

    a child to carry.

    He didn''t want to add salt to that wound.

    Leaning in, Collin asked in a voice gentler than usual, ¡°Did youe all the way here just to see me?"

    Chin held high and eyes zing with purpose, Zander replied, "You bet I did! I came to challenge you, you

    mean man!"

    Dustin tried to keep it in, but the boy''s fiery deration cracked hisposure. Laughter slipped out before he

    could stop it.

    Face flushed and fuming, Zander began to wriggle furiously. "Hey! You back there! Let me go! You''reughing at a kid! That makes you a terrible grown-up!"

    It dawned on Dustin-he never imagined he would be trading barbs with someone barely tall enough to reach

    the counter.

    "Oh, so you do know you''re just a kid?" Dustin arched an eyebrow, lips twitching with amusement. "Then act like one. Who told you it was smart toe pick fights with grown-ups?"

    Without much effort, he scooped Zander off the floor like a bag of groceries, prompting the boy to yelp twice in startled protest. "Look at that. One hand. I don''t even need both. Come back when you''ve got some height on you, little warrior."

    Zander couldn''t wriggle free. Every squirm only made it more obvious-he waspletely outmatched.

    Being so easily manhandled by Dustin made his chest burn with humiliation.

    Heat rushed to his cheeks as his emotions tangled-shame, fury, and helplessness all colliding at once. The 7

    00%

    Special bonus over 40%

    15:54

    more he dwelled on his failure, the heavier the weight of disappointment became. He hadn''t even managed to stand up for his mom.

    A few tears betrayed him, slipping down his face andnding directly on Dustin''s hand.

    Startled, Dustin recoiled a little. "Hey, hey-what''s this now? Don''t cry! You win, okay? Just-stop with the

    waterworks. Kid tears give me a damn headache."

    With a helpless nce, he turned toward Collin, silently asking for backup.

    Rather than responding, Collin stood motionless, eyes narrowed and fixed on Zander as though he were

    decoding someplex equation.

    It seemed even Collin wasn''t equipped to deal with a sobbing child.

    That was what Dustin figured, still clueless that Collin''s thoughts had already wandered miles away.

    As he looked at Zander''s tear-streaked face and red eyes, Collin''s thoughts drifted to Linsey. Strange-why did

    this child remind him so much of her?

    That sudden realization jerked Collin back to the present.

    Without a word, he stepped forward and gently lifted Zander from Dustin''s arms.

    "I''ve got him," he said while adjusting the boy''s weight morefortably. "He must feel ufortable that

    way."

    Zander blinked, caught off guard by the shift. Before he could react, he found himself resting against Collin''s

    chest.

    A reflex had him wriggling in protest, but Collin''sposed tone halted his movement. "Didn''t youe here to challenge me?" he asked. "Let''s settle it, man to man."

    Zander stiffened, clearly startled by the offer. His wide eyes scanned Collin''s serious expression, and his voice softened as he responded, "I want that duel."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 771

    Chapter 771 Drinking Milk Isn''t Enough

    Collin nodded seriously. "You''re too young for us to settle this with a physical contest. Let us try another method to determine the winner."

    Zander immediately looked interested. Curiously, he asked, "What method?"

    Collin didn''t reply immediately. Instead, he lifted Zander over to the sofa.

    Zander casually rested his hands on Collin''s shoulders, but there was something oddly familiar about the whole

    situation.

    Mommy often held him like this. However, it was different because Mommy wasn''t as tall as this bad man.

    This man''s grip was firm and strong while Mommy''s hold was soft and gentle.

    Also, he liked how Mommy smelt. It was a familiar scent.

    This man''s scent, however, was apletely alien one, but he didn''t find it unpleasant.

    *Zander had always watched enviously as Gorman lifted Zenia yfully into the air.

    He had always wanted to experience the same, but Gorman had always told him that he was the older one and

    shouldn''tpete with Zenia.

    This was the first time Zander had experienced such a thrilling height.

    "Did you drink a lot of milk to grow this tall?" Zander asked curiously.

    Collin smiled, amused by Zander''s question. "Drinking milk isn''t enough. You need to also exercise regrly,"

    Collin answered.

    "Hey, kid, I lifted you high too. Why am I not getting the same attention he is getting?" Dustin interrupted.

    Zander shot Dustin an uninterested nce, then scoffed and turned back to Collin. He leanedfortably against Collin, showing that he no longer hated him as much as he used to. However, this amnesty didn''t apply

    to Dustin as Zander still disliked him.

    Dustin watched on in disbelief at the casual way in which Zander had discarded his enmity with Collin.

    The kid''s change of heart was way too quick.

    Just moments ago, he and Collin had both been heavily disliked by Zander. Now,

    it seemed like Zander didn''t want to let Collin go.

    Collin soon sat down and put Zander in hisp.

    < Channel 775 tonning this sent En

    "Have you had anything to wat? grow you like now to get you something to exer Collin wed he took out a tissue to wipe Zander''s tears.

    It was when Collin wiped his face that Zander realized that he had been crying

    His face immediately reddened in embarrasement, and he burnedly got off Collin''sp and sat upright by

    himself on the sofa

    "I''m not hungry. 1 just want to duel with you," Zander replied.

    However, his stomach seemed to disagree with this as it growled.

    Dustin burst into loudughter at this. However, a warning are from Collin immediately shot him up.

    Still, Zander had caught notice of this, and he seemed to grow smaller with embarrassment.

    Collin called over his assistant and said, "Co get some breakfast suitable for a child. Hurry up."

    The assistant bowed and then went to do as he had been told.

    Zander was totally fascinated by Collin''s ability to give orders to his subordinate.

    He stared in awe at the retreating figure before turning back to Collin with something of reverence in his eyes.

    "Sir, why does that person listen to you?" Zander innocently asked.

    Collin looked slightly taken aback by the question. He, however, casually replied, "Because he works for me. He''s expected to do everything I ask."

    This kid who had just called him a bad man not long ago was now treating him with respect.

    Were all kids this fickle-minded?

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 772

    Chapter 772 He''ll Tell Me When He''s Ready-

    Zander looked up at Collin, eyes wide with curiosity. "Do you have a lot of people working for you? Do they

    beat up bad guys for you?"

    Collin grinned, calm and confident. "Of course. Every single one of them knows what they''re doing."

    "Wow!" Zander''s face lit up with pure admiration. "Sir, you''re awesome!"

    Dustin snorted and teased, "Took you long enough to realize. Weren''t you the one talking about challenging him

    earlier?"

    Zander froze like he had been caught, then puffed out his chest and tightened his little fists. "I''m still small right now. But when I grow up, I''ll have my own crew. Then I''lle back and challenge him for real!"

    Collin reached over and softly ruffled Zander''s hair. "But why do you even want to challenge me, huh?"

    Zander wentpletely quiet, his lips sealed shut like he was guarding a secret.

    Collin gave him a long look and asked gently, "Your mom told you not to say anything?"

    "You''ve got it wrong!" Zander shouted, then quickly looked away. His little eyes darted left and right. "She doesn''t even know I came to challenge you. I didn''t say anything."

    Collin nodded like he understood. "Alright then. Since you''re putting the challenge on hold, I''ll take you home

    after breakfast."

    Zander turned his head with a dramatic huff. ¡°Nope! I''m staying right here. From now on, I''m watching you

    closely!"

    "What?" Collin tilted his head, confused.

    Zander narrowed his eyes with determination. ¡°I''m gonna figure out your weak spot. That way, when I''m older,

    I''ll definitely beat you!"

    Collinughed, clearly amused. Dustin sighed and shook his head. "You little troublemaker. Why''s your brain always stuck on fighting?"

    "I''m not a troublemaker!" Zander shot back, clearly offended.

    Collin''s eyes twitched with interest. He asked smoothly, "Oh? Then what is your name?"

    Zander''s face changed fast. "Not telling you!" he said, then his eyes darted around like he just remembered something. "Wait! I gotta pee. Where''s the bathroom?"

    Collin pointed down the hallway. "You okay to go by yourself, or need a hand?" he asked kindly.

    < Chapter 772 He''ll Tell Me When He''s Ready

    "No! I can do it alone!" Zander jumped off the couch and hurried off on his tiny legs. Halfway to the bathroom, he spun around and warned like a little general, "Don''t follow me! I need privacy, got it?"

    Without saying another word, he rushed into the bathroom, mmed the door shut, and locked it tight.

    Dustin, still sitting on the couch, nced over at Collin and said confidently, "He''s definitely making a call in

    there."

    While talking, Dustin leaned forward, starting to get up, and lowered his voice. "Collin, let''s see who the kid''s calling. Maybe we''ll finally figure out who his mom is. I saw he''s got a smartwatch-it probably makes calls."

    Collin stayed cool, and calmly ced a hand on Dustin''s knee, nudging him to sit back down.

    Dustin looked confused. "Collin, what''s the deal?"

    Collin spoke gently. "If he finds out we''re eavesdropping, he''s gonna be pissed."

    "Collin, since when do we care if a kid gets mad? He''s just-? Dustin started, clearly not getting it.

    But before he could finish, Collin cut in, his voice calm and serious. "He might actually be my kid."

    Dustin stopped cold, his eyes widening just a little in shock. Collin looked him straight in the eye and went on after a short pause. ¡°If he''s mine... I don''t want him to hate me the first time we meet. I''ve already missed the beginning of his life."

    He let out a long breath, fingersced and tightening a little. "Even if he''s not mine, we can''t just ignore what he said and spy on him. That''s messed up."

    Dustin hadn''t expected Collin to think that deep, that fast.

    He opened his mouth again, still not ready to let it go. "Then how are we supposed to find out who he is? The kid''s sharp as hell-he won''t say a word, and we''ve got nothing to go on."

    Collin''s face softened out of nowhere as he thought about how much Zander looked like him. "There''s no need to push. I''ll wait. He''ll tell me when he''s ready."

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 773

    Chapter 773 Mommy Won''t Believe That

    When Zander locked the bathroom door, he made sure there was no sounding from outside.

    He then tapped on his watch a couple of times.

    Soon, Zenia''s hushed voice came through the watch. "You aren''t back yet, Zander?"

    Whispering so he couldn''t be heard, Zander said, "The bad man is a tough nut to crack. I need more time."

    "But if you''re not back soon, Mommy would know you''re gone," Zen¨ªa said nervously.

    "If Mommy asks, just tell her I went to y with Jimmie."

    "Who''s Jimmie?" Zenia asked curiously.

    Zander without hesitation lied. "It''s a friend I made here in Grester. Just tell Mommy that. Don''t change the

    story!"

    Zenia, however, was quite hesitant. "We''ve only been in Grester for a few days, and we''ve mostly been at the hotel. How then could you have made a new friend? Mommy won''t believe that."

    "Just do as I say. I''ll be back once I''ve dealt with the bad man," Zander said earnestly.

    Then, Lindsey''s voice came through on Zenia''s end, curiously asking, "Who are you talking to, sweetie, and

    where''s Zander?"

    Zander immediately looked panicked.

    He fumbled with his watch, trying to disconnect the call.

    His mother was already asking about him! He had no idea if Zenia would be able to cover for him.

    It was barely more than a minute before Zenia called him back. Zander hesitated

    to answer the call, scared of who could be on the other end.

    His heart raced as he froze in fear.

    He waited for the call to end on its own.

    When the watch stopped buzzing, he sighed in relief.

    The sigh was barely out of his mouth when his watch began to buzz again.

    This time, to Zander''s dismay, it was Mommy calling!

    Terror washed over Zander as he watched the watch buzz. Zenia wasn''t good at lying. She had never lied to

    Mommy!

    15-55

    He couldn''t bring himself to answer the call.

    Zander''s mind raced as he tried to find a way out of the mess he was in.

    His thought turned to the man outside. Initially, he had not believed what Zenia had said, but after meeting the man today, he couldn''t deny that they looked alike.

    What was even stranger was how he felt when he was with this man.

    He didn''t feel like the man was a bad person. Instead, he felt like he was a good person.

    Zander needed to investigate further, so he had to stay here.

    He needed to understand why they looked alike even if he couldn''t teach him a lesson.

    With that thought in mind, Zander declined Linsey''s call.

    He turned off his watch, ensuring no more calls coulde through.

    He then headed for the door.

    As he passed the sink, he flushed and made a show of washing his hands.

    When he opened the door, Collin and Dustin turned to him.

    "Did you wash your hands?" Collin asked.

    "Yes, I did," Zander replied, proudly showing his hands.

    A soft smile tugged at the corner of Collin''s lips. Finally he said, "Come have breakfast."

    Zander, who was quite famished, couldn''t resist anymore. He instantly gave in.

    "Thank you, sir," he politely said, then reached for the chocte cake, eagerly unwrapped it, and began to

    devour it.

    Collin watched Zander ravenously consume the cake with a thoughtful expression on his face.

    Dustin watched Collin, a meaningful look on his face.

    It was one thing for the boy to look like Collin, but even their taste in food mimicked each other.

    Collin had never been fond of sweets except when it came to chocte. Collin always did indulge when it came to chocte cake.

    How could two people who were not rted share so many simrities?

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 774

    Chapter 774 Who Is This

    Person

    With each passing moment, Dustin''s certainty deepened that Zander was none other than Collin''s flesh and

    blood.

    Without a word, he pulled out his phone and fired off a text to Collin, seated just a few feet away. "I''ll eat my

    hat if this kid isn''t yours!"

    Collin read the message. His eyes flicked to Dustin, but he remained motionless, ignoring the message.

    Yet beneath his calm exterior, Collin harbored his own suspicions about Zander''s true parentage, suspicions he was now determined to put to rest.

    One crucial question burned in his mind. Was he truly the boy''s father?

    After a tense pause, he tapped out a response. "Set it up. We''re doing a paternity test."

    Meanwhile, across town, Linsey''s interrogation of Zenia was in full swing.

    "Where has Zander gone?" she demanded, her voice tight with worry.

    Normally, her children were models of good behavior, but since their return to Grester, chaos had be their new norm. First, Zander''s unauthorized outing with Zenia had ended with her escorted to the police station.

    Now, Zander himself had vanished, leaving Zenia to cover his tracks.

    Worse still, he had disabled his smartwatch, severing their digital lifeline.

    What could be so important that he couldn''t answer her calls?

    Did he have any idea of the panic he had caused?

    Each unanswered question stoked Linsey''s anger, transforming her gentle nature into an icy resolve.

    Caylee, a silent observer, felt a chill ripple through her at Linsey''s expression.

    Had Zander sought out Collin once more?

    The thought drained the color from her face.

    The room fell into an uneasy hush.

    Careful not to scare Zenia, Linsey took a calming breath. "Sweetheart," she began gently, "I need you to be honest. Where is your brother, and why isn''t he picking up? I''m not angry, just terribly worried. He''s even

    switched off his watch."

    Tears welled in Zenia''s eyes, guilt etched across her small face. "He... he went to see the bad man," she

    Chapter 774 Who Is This Person

    confessed, her voice barely more than a whisper

    At those words, Caylee''s heart lurched.

    Zander had gone to Collin!

    It had to be because of Gorman''s maniptions.

    Sweat beaded on her forehead as she dreaded Linsey''s reaction.

    Linsey''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Bad man? Who is this person?"

    She recalled Zander''s earlier tale of a "bad man" taking Zenia, though the police had assured her it was mersiy a helpful stranger. With Zen¨ªa unharmed, she had let it drop.

    But now, this "bad man" resurfaced, piquing her curiosity,

    The children had been confined to the hotel since arriving in Crester. How could they have encountered anyone?

    Gently, Linsey touched Zenia''s shoulder. "Tell me, who is this bad man? Why did your brother go to see him?

    Zenia''s words tumbled out in a rush. "The bad man is the one who hurt you and made you cry. Caylee said

    he''s the boss of CR Corporation. His name is Collin Riley."

    Linsey''s jaw clenched, and the blood drained from her face.

    Caylee blurted out, "It''s my doing, Linsey. I told them. That night you and Mr.

    Green were at the banquet, Mr. Green instructed me to tell the kids Collin had upset you. The kids only wanted to protect you. I should never

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    Chapter 775 The Results

    Came In

    Most of what followed blurred into static in Linsey''s ears.

    The so-called "bad man" the kids kept referring to? It was Collin.

    That meant... Zander was with him right now?

    The realization hit her like a blow. Her legs faltered beneath her, and she staggered backward, lightheaded.

    "Linsey!" Caylee gasped. She lunged forward, arms wrapping around her. Her voice cracked with remorse. "This

    happened because of me. I''m so sorry."

    "Mama!" Zenia''s tiny armstched around Linsey''s waist, trembling. Her words tumbled out between sobs. "Don''t be mad at us. We didn''t mean to hide it. Zander just wanted to go teach that bad man a lesson!"

    A sharp ring filled Linsey''s ears. Each breath grew harder than thest, tight and shallow. Panic wed at her

    chest.

    Zander''s resemnce to Collin was undeniable. All it would take was one look- Collin would start asking

    questions.

    Now that the two of them were together, a paternity test wasn''t just possible-it was inevitable.

    Linsey had spent years carefully hiding the truth, keeping her children far from Collin''s world. She did everything to prevent this exact moment.

    She had always known that bringing the kids back to Grester meant Collin would find out eventually.

    She just didn''t think it would happen this fast.

    Zenia''s tear-streaked cheeks lifted toward her. "Mommy, please don''t be mad. I''ll text Zander and tell him toe home right now."

    nkness swept over Linsey''s expression. It took her a few long seconds before her thoughts came back into

    focus.

    The storm behind her eyes slowly faded, giving way to a quiet, unnerving stillness.

    A faint smile curved Linsey''s lips as she smoothed Zenia''s hair. "Let him stay, if that''s what he''s chosen.

    There''s no need to call him back."

    Caylee stared at her, clearly stunned. "Linsey, I¡ª¡±

    She meant to offer help. She meant to bring Zander back herself since it was her mistake to begin with.

    But Linsey cut her off before the words could form. Her voice was steady. "Don''t bother."

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    < Chapter 775 The Results Came in

    Turning her attention fully to Caylee, she said gently, "We''ve been through this stick to the n Follow through with what Gorman tells you. Your grandmother''s surgery needs to happen without dy"

    Caylee shook her head hard, tears clinging to hershes. ¡°But Zander''s still with Collin. We can''t just leave him."

    "If we brought him back now, I''d feel even less secure," Linsey replied quietly. Her fingers trailed over Zerial''s cheek with care. "Help me pack. Dolores found a new ce. We''ll check out and move tonight."

    Back at Collin''s ce, Dustin entered with an envelope in hand-the test results. Collin didn''t nce up right away. He was seated on the floor, deeply focused on building a stic block tower with Zander.

    Though barely half an hour had passed, Collin was already impressed by the kid''s sharp mind.

    The toy set was meant for much older kids, but Zander maneuvered the pieces with a level of ease and logic

    that spoke volumes.

    Whoever raised him had done an exceptional job.

    "Collin, here it is. The results came in." Without hesitation, Dustin moved closer and passed the envelope to

    Collin.

    Normally, it would have taken days before a test like this came back.

    But this wasn''t a typical case-the request hade from the founder of CR Corporation, and theb responded ordingly, pushing everything aside to fast- track the results with absolute precision.

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    Chapter 776 Is Your Mom''s Name Linsey Brooks

    Collin had expected anxiety to hit him the moment the envelope reached his hands.

    Oddly enough, a strange stillness took over instead.

    Maybe, deep down, he had already epted the truth-that this boy was his.

    With measured patience, he flipped through the pages until his eyesnded on the final result.

    Across from him, Dustin studied Collin''s face, searching for some clue. When none came, he assumed the test had ruled out a connection and felt an unexpected twinge of regret.

    "So... it''s not a match?" he asked, disappointed.

    "He''s mine," Collin said quietly, as if confirming something he had always known.

    Dustin stood frozen, caught off guard by the answer. His eyes blinked rapidly, struggling to catch up-until a grin stretched across his face.

    You''re serious? This little guy is actually yours? That''s wild!"

    Without a word, Collin extended the document to him, offering silent confirmation.

    With barely contained excitement, Dustin rifled through the pages, his enthusiasm bubbling over like a proud parent reading their own child''s name in print.

    "Wow, Collin, I still can''t believe it-you actually have a kid!" Dustin eximed.

    On the floor nearby, Zander paused, his gaze bouncing between the two adults. "What are you talking about, sir?"

    he asked Collin, brows knitting in confusion.

    Dustin leaned forward, ready to fill him in. "Calling him sir? You ought to-"

    Before the words fully left his mouth, Collin interjected calmly, "We''re just discussing something work-rted."

    Dustin shot Collin a surprised look, but thetter seemed calm-like this was all part of the n.

    So Dustin kept quiet. It wasn''t his ce to exin things to the kid.

    After all, this wasn''t just any kid he was Collin''s flesh and blood.

    Watching Zander continue with his blocks, Collin casually asked, "Still not going to tell me who your mom is?"

    Zander turned, meeting his gaze directly. "Nope!" he replied without hesitation.

    The moment he let the word fly, he clenched his fists in hisp. If this man figured out who his mom was, there was no telling what he would try to do-maybe even take him away from her. That couldn''t happen. He

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    wouldn''t let it.

    Outside, the sky was deepening into dusk. It was nearly time to head home.

    Just then, a memory stirred in Dustin''s mind-the woman he had spotted at the hospital a few weeks back.

    Back then, she was carrying Zander in her arms. No doubt about it now. She had to be the boy''s mother.

    "Collin, I''m telling you-I''ve seen the boy''s mom before," Dustin said, certntyced through every word.

    Without reacting much, Collin fixed him with a calm stare. "The woman you saw probably wasn''t her."

    That response made Dustin blink. "Wait, what?" he asked, confused.

    Then Collin turned to Zander and asked in the same cool tone, "Hey kid, is your mom''s name Linsey Brooks?"

    Dustin stood there for a beat, wondering if he had misheard entirely.

    Had Collin really just said Linsey was the kid''s mother?

    With his jaw half-dropped, Dustin struggled to ask if his friend hadpletely lost

    it.

    But then, something shifted. Zander''s eyes went wide as he stared at Collin, his face frozen with disbelief.

    The unspoken message in that look was loud and clear. "How do you know?"

    Still, the boy rallied quickly, slipping into an innocent tone as he said, "Sir, who''s that? My mom doesn''t go by

    that name."

    Collin didn''t blink. His gaze stayed locked on the kid, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

    The kid wasn''t telling the truth. That much was obvious.

    Whether he was making this call on his own or following a script Linsey had given him, Collin couldn''t quite

    tell.

    Meanwhile, Dustin remained rooted to the spot, mentally trying to untangle the mess that had justnded in

    hisps.

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    Chapter 777 I Need To Hear

    It From Her

    Collin had somehow realized Linsey was the child''s mother, bot Dvatio had no thes how he had quest i ove

    Just recently, Collin even insisted that Linsey was the one who gave birth to Comets Gogger

    And now? Things were spiraling even further into confusion

    The more Dustin mulled it over, the less it made sense. He forced a strained wile, lewed in a tote done, wh muttered, "Collin, seriously. This kid has never even met linney"

    His memory was clear-both times he ran into Zander, the boy had been aperied by the wa

    Without a change in expression, Collin gave Dustin a look, then turned to the child, "Take you time te va "I''ll wait until you decide to stop pretending"

    33

    But Collin wasn''t just focused on the boy. His thoughts shifted to Zerts thete gri he had me the separate times.

    There was a chance she was his too.

    Gorman''s earlier words felt like they were designed just to get under his skin

    Zander kept turning the blocks in his hands, his fingers dumsy with tension. Then he shot to his feet and blurted out, "I''m going home. Mommy''s probably worried." Collin stood slowly, his voice calm and deliberate. "I''ll give you a lift."

    Zander recoiled at once. "No, thanks! I can do it on my own!*

    Collin didn''t say anything, but his eyes stayed locked on the boy, which only made Zander feel more on edge.

    That soft, unreadable smile stayed on the man''s face, and Zander couldn''t figure out what it meant or what to

    do next.

    His mouth mped shut, and the tightness around his jaw made it obvious just how nervous he was feeling In a gentler voice, Collin spoke with care. "You''re not just bright-you''re one of the sharpest kids I''vee across. That''s exactly why I want to meet your mother. I''m curious what kind of woman raised someone like you."

    A flicker of anxiety crept into Zander''s eyes.

    There was no way he would let that bad man anywhere near his mom. She would get upset again. He couldn''t let that happen

    "No!¡± he yelled, and before anyone could react, he dashed out the door.

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    For a moment, Destin dudit budge,pletely thrown off. Then he finally turned and said, "so

    Collin, untered, gave his newer without hesitation. "Go after my son."

    what do we

    That caught bustin off guard. "W we''re really doing that?" he asked. "Didn''t you say earlier that we should give

    the vid his sp

    #the expression never shifted. That was before i was sure," said Collin, his voice steady. "Now I know the truth. That boy le Linery and mine. I need to see her. I need to hear it from her."

    Without saying more, he headed for the door, a few of his men falling into step behind him.

    Dustin stayed back only a second longer, trying to process what was happening. He couldn''t afford to miss this. He needed to see the truth for himself.

    He broke into a jog, catching up quickly, all the while wondering if what they suspected was real.

    Had Linsey already been carrying Collin''s child when they divorced four years ago?

    If Linsey had truly been pregnant back then, there was no way Dolores-her closest friend-didn''t know.

    Still, Dolores had never said a single word to him.

    That silence stung more than he expected. To Dolores, it seemed Linsey always came first.

    Trailing behind a small child wasn''t exactly a challenge.

    But the moment they spotted Zander climbing into a taxi on his own, Collin blinked in disbelief.

    Meanwhile, Dustin''s reaction was much louder. "Wait-your four-year-old just gged down a taxi? What kind of genius-level kid does that?"

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    Chapter 778 Why Did You Follow Me

    With his eyes locked on the taxi up ahead, Collin allowed a quiet smile to stretch across his lips. "The kid picked that up from Linsey."

    The silence that followed was brief. When he finally looked down, he murmured, "She must have gone through

    hell these past few years."

    Given the choice, he would have preferred Linsey had leaned on Gorman during her time abroad.

    Bringing two children into the world and raising them alone could not have been easy.

    From the passenger seat, Dustin nced over, the confidence in Collin''s voice prompting a question. "How do you know Linsey is the mother?"

    Without blinking, Collin returned the look, his tone steady and firm. "Linsey''s the only woman I have ever been with. If it''s not her, then who else would it be?"

    A different face popped into Dustin''s mind-the same woman he had seen twice with Zander. Her name remained a mystery, but the memory stuck.

    "We''ll get answers once we''re there," Dustin said quietly.

    It wasn''t long before their car pulled in behind the taxi at the entrance of a hotel.

    With his eyebrows drawn together, Collin nced sideways at Dustin, who looked just as thrown off.

    "What''s he doing at a hotel?" Dustin asked, confused.

    Rather than answer, Collin opened the door. "We''ll find out soon enough."

    Up ahead, Zander was already jumping out of the taxi. The second Collin saw him, the tension in his chest

    eased.

    He had been uneasy ever since Zander insisted on heading back alone. Now, as he watched the boy rush toward the hotel, those worries faded. Without wasting a second, Collin and Dustin followed.

    Every step toward the entrance made Collin''s pulse pick up speed. He was moments away from seeing Linsey. And if the child was truly hers, then everything would change.

    They watched as Zander entered the hotel and stepped into an elevator.

    Both men stood at the entrance, eyes fixed on the floor number lighting up above the doors.

    "Stay put. If the kides back down, let me know immediately." Collin gave instructions to his men before stepping into the elevator.

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    Chapter 778 Why Did You Follow Me

    "Understood, sir."

    Without hesitation, Dustin stepped into the elevator alongside Collin

    The moment the doors opened on the designated floor, they filed out one after the other, scanning each

    hallway for signs of Zander

    "You head that way." Dustin said, pointing down one corridor.

    A single nod from Collin was all it took before he moved swiftly in that direction.

    Uncertainty still lingered. If they did not spot Zander soon, they would be forced to ask the front desk for help.

    Linsey would not like either option, whether it was following the child or asking at the front desk.

    Still, Collin couldn''t afford to hesitate. He needed to find her. He needed answers. And he needed them now.

    A sudden cry echoed down the hall-fragile, panicked, and unmistakably Zander''s. "Mommy Mommy, where did you go? Mommy!"

    Collin''s heart jumped. He took off in a sprint toward the voice without a second of doubt. He turned a corner and spotted a room with the door thrown wide open, Zander''s frantic sobs spilling out from within.

    Crossing the threshold without pause, Collin stepped into the room and found Zander stumbling around, red-eyed and disoriented.

    "Mommy!" Hearing someone enter, Zander spun around. But the face he saw wasn''t the one he wanted. It was the bad man. "Why did you follow me?" he shouted, face flushed with rage. "I don''t need your help! I don''t

    want you!"

    A nce around the empty room told Collin everything. The bed was untouched. There was no bags, no trace of anyone else.

    Linsey was gone.

    Just like before, she left without a word-this time abandoning both Collin and the boy they shared.

    14:55

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    Chapter 779 Now She

    Doesn''t Want Me Anymore

    Quiet steps brought Collin closer to the boy, his voice low as he knelt down, eye to eye with Zander''s tear-

    streaked but fiercely guarded face,

    "You said you''d handle this by yourself," he said softly. "But I couldn''t stay away. You''re my son, and I came to take both you and your mother home."

    Thosest few words hit like thunder. Zander''s breath caught, and his eyes flew wide. "Wait... you''re saying

    you''re my dad?"

    A calm nod followed. "Yes. That''s right. Haven''t you ever noticed how much we look alike?"

    Pulling out his phone, Collin opened the photo gallery without another word. Within seconds, he swiped to a photo and turned the screen toward the boy,

    "This one''s from before you were born. That''s your mom and me," Collin continued.

    Zander stared at the screen, his expression nk, as he watched Linsey and Collin together.

    In the photo, Linsey''s smile was bright, while Collin gazed at her with a tender expression.

    Even at his age, the emotion in the picture reached Zander.

    He took a step back, shaking his head slowly, lips trembling. "No... you''re the man who hurt Mommy. You made her cry. You''re not my dad. You''re mean. You''re the bad man!"

    Collin did not move. The wordsnded hard, but he stayed still. "She cried?" he asked gently. When?"

    A beat passed before he continued, voice lower this time, "I made a mistake... four years ago. Something I regret every day, I hurt her, and she left. I didn''t know where she went. I searched everywhere."

    Fingers curling slightly, he exhaled. "I didn''t even know you existed. Or your sister. Not until today. Now I see how much your mother has been through."

    Little by little, Zander''s re lost its edge. His bottom lip stuck out stubbornly, but his eyes no longer held the same fire. "So it was you," he muttered, folding his arms. "That means you''re the bad guy. My sister and I- we''re not going to like you, bad dad!"

    A dull pressure bloomed in Collin''s chest at the boy''s words.

    In that moment, the truth became undeniable-Linsey hadn''t just had a child. She had had two.

    "I''m going to do everything I can to make things right," Collin said with calm determination. "With your and with both of you. But first, we need to find them. Can you help me with that?"

    m,

    Suddenly, the scope of his world had shifted. It no longer revolved around the past-it now included two lives

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    he never knew he had helped create.

    And the person responsible for bringing those children into the world was the same woman who meant everything to him.

    Gratitude swelled in his chest.

    This time, he wouldn''t let that second chance slip away. He wouldn''t lose Linsey again.

    Tears threatened to spill, sorrow rising as the reality of Zander''s missing mother and sister crashed over him. Despite himself, he found a flicker offort in the presence of this stranger-this man who imed to be his

    father.

    His tone stayed stubborn, but the walls around his heart were beginning to crack.

    "I... I don''t know where they went," Zander muttered, voice barely steady. "Mommy got mad because I ran away. Now she doesn''t want me anymore."

    Collin''s breath caught as he watched Zander begin to cry.

    Without hesitation, he reached out and gently smoothed a hand over Zander''s head. ¡°That''s not true. Your mom would never leave you by choice. She loves you way too much for that. Something must''ve happened¡ªsomething she couldn''t avoid."

    Thoughts swirled through his mind; he tried to make sense of it all. From what he knew of Linsey, she would never abandon her kids unless the situation left her no other option.

    Whatever made her run-it had to be serious.

    Sniffling, Zander suddenly brightened with a spark of realization. He raised his wrist and quickly tapped the screen of his smartwatch.

    "I''ll call Mommy," he said, breath hitching. "I should have answered earlier. She tried to reach me, and I didn''t pick up. It''s my fault. I was being bad. I need to say sorry to Mommy."

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    Chapter 780 I Still Don''t

    Know Your Name -

    Collin''s eyes drifted to the smartwatch on Zander''s wrist. He couldn''t shake the thought of the boy sneaking off earlier that morning-probably to make a secret call. ¡°Did you manage to speak with your mom today?¡± he asked gently.

    A small shake of the head came from Zander. "I only talked to my sister for a second."

    Without another word, Zander lowered his gaze and tapped in Linsey''s number.

    The smartwatch let out a long string of beeps, yet no one answered.

    His lips trembled. The call disconnected without a response, and he hurried to dial again, clinging to hope.

    Yet, no one picked up.

    "She''s not answering," he whispered, voice cracking. "Mommy''s mad... she doesn''t want to talk to me..."

    Tears pooled in his eyes, and regret hit him like a wave.

    At that moment, he found himself wishing he could rewind time to that morning. Had he known Mommy would be this upset, he never would have snuck out.

    Desperate to hear from someone, Zander tried a new approach. "I''ll try my sister," he muttered, dialing Zenia''s

    number.

    But that line stayed quiet, too. Even the messages he sent went unanswered.

    One tear spilled over andnded on the screen, blurring the digital clock beneath

    it.

    A shaky breath left his lips, followed by a broken sob. "They''re ignoring me.

    Mommy and my sister-they''re not talking to me anymore..."

    Confusion settled into Collin''s brow. Something didn''t feel right.

    He didn''t believe for a second that Linsey would ignore her son on purpose. Even if she was angry, this wasn''t

    like her.

    After a pause, Collin knelt and gently wiped the boy''s cheeks. "Hey, it''s okay. Maybe they''re just caught up in something. Doesn''t mean they don''t care."

    With warmth in his voice, he added, "Why don''t youe home with me for now? We''ll find Mommy and your sister together."

    Eyes wide and full of heartbreak, Zander looked up at him. "You really think you can find them, bad man?" he asked through heavy sobs.

    Chapter 7801 Still Don''t Know Your Name

    Collin held back the urge to correct him. This wasn''t the time for titles or pride Instead, he softened his tone and offered the only thing he could right now a quiet, steady smile.

    "That''s right." Collin gave a small nod before continuing. "You saw them this morning, didn''t you? My team''s good-really good. If anyone can find your mom and sister, it''s them."

    Images of Collin''s capable staff shed through Zander''s mind. Their quiet efficiency and sharp uniforms had left an impression

    For the first time, something shifted in his expression. "Okay... I''ll believe you this once."

    "So... does that mean you''re ready toe home with me?" Collin asked, making sure to keep his tone as gentle as possible so he wouldn''t scare Zander.

    Rather than answer right away, Zander looked down at his shoes, lips pursed in thought. A few quiet moments passed before he gave a slow, thoughtful nod. That one gesture was enough to ease the tension in Collin''s chest. He exhaled and opened his arms with a small smile. "Come here. I''ll carry you."

    The offer brought back a memory for Zander-Collin''s arms had felt oddly safe thest time. He hesitated just a second before stepping forward. Without saying a word, he tucked himself into the man''s arms, letting himself be lifted once more.

    "You know... I still don''t know your name." Collin nced at the boy''s flushed face.

    He recalled that the little girl''s name was Zenia.

    Zander introduced himself to Collin, telling him his name.

    An eyebrow arched slightly as Collin spoke. "Can I call you Zander?"

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    Chapter 781 Call Dolores

    Dustin showed up just as Collin stepped out of the hotel room with Zander in his arms.

    "What happened here?" he asked, ncing around the vacant suite, confusion written all over his face.

    But where was the boy''s mother?

    Collin didn''t respond right away. He didn''t want to say anything in front of Zander. "I''ll fill you inter. First, find out if Linsey reserved this suite. Also, get your hands on the security footage-see exactly when she left."

    "Understood."

    Collin brought Zander to his apartment near thepany.

    Since Linsey''s departure, he hadn''t visited Vista Vi much.

    This ce was modest, nothing like the vi he used to live in.

    By the time they arrived, Zander had dozed off in Collin''s arms, worn out from all the crying

    Collin gently slipped off the boy''s coat and shoes, ced him on the bed in the main room, and pulled the

    covers over him.

    Once he was sure Zander was fast asleep, he stepped out quietly and closed the door behind him.

    In the lounge, Dustin was waiting on a single chair. The moment Collin joined him on the sofa, Dustin leaned in. "What exactly is going on with Linsey?"

    Collin gave a quick summary of the situation.

    "I knew it. She actually had two kids in secret," Dustin muttered, stunned. He paused, brow furrowed. "But why did she take off so suddenly? There''s no way she just left her son behind."

    Right then, one of Collin''s men walked in holding a report. He greeted them respectfully.

    Dustin jumped in. "Was the room under Linsey''s name?"

    Collin looked over at him.

    The man lowered his gaze and spoke. "No, sir. The original reservation was made by Gorman. But all the follow-up bookings and the final checkout were handled by someone named Caylee Garrett."

    He handed them a printed image-a snapshot from Caylee''s profile online. "This is Ms. Garrett. She arrived in Grester recently with Ms. Brooks. She''s not from around here."

    Collin took one look and instantly recognized her. She was the same woman who posed as Aurora at the design

    contest.

    Dustin stared at the photo. His eyes widened in shock. "That''s her! Both times I ran into the boy, she was the

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    one looking after him. I figured she was the mom."

    Collin paused to think "Which means Caylee vanished with Linsey and the other child-Zenia."

    Then he asked, "Any idea where they went?"

    The man''s expression tightened. "This part''s odd. We only found footage of Ms. Brooks walking out alone that morning. No sign of her, Caylee, or the girl leaving together. Whoever nned this made sure it couldn''t be tracked. We''re still digging to find out where she went after that."

    Dustin shook his head. "Something''s not right. This runs deeper."

    Collin''s eyes darkened. He turned sharply to Dustin. "Call Dolores, Right now."

    Dustin looked stunned. "You''re thinking of grilling her about Linsey''s location?"

    He hesitated, then said firmly, "You know how close those two are. No amount of pressure will make her talk. And I won''t let you treat her unfairly."

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    Chapter 782 Is Collin With

    You Right Now

    A crease formed between Collin''s brows the moment he heard that. His voice dropped, slow and deliberate. "If Dolores really knew where Linsey went, I''d feel better. But right now? I don''t think even she knows."

    While he spoke, Collin''s eyes settled on Dustin, the weight in his gaze unmistakable. ¡°I''m starting to believe Linsey didn''t leave by choice."

    A cold unease crawled down Dustin''s spine.

    It didn''t take much to connect the dots.

    There was no way Linsey could have erased the hotel''s surveince footage on her own-not without clearance

    or help.

    And that wasn''t the only red g. Linsey would never abandon her child like this. Ignoring Zander''s calls was

    not her style.

    If she had chosen to disappear, she would have left clues-a note or a message. But what made the whole thing even stranger was the silence from Zenia''s end. Zander hadn''t been able to reach his sister either.

    Surely Linsey wouldn''t be so upset with her son that she would iste him from his sister, too. That didn''t add

    1. up.

    With tension rising fast, Dustin grabbed his phone and ced a call to Dolores.

    The line connected almost instantly. "Why are you calling thiste?" she asked, her voice edged with confusion. Shooting a look at Collin, Dustin lowered his voice and got to the point. "Did Linsey get in touch with you today?" There was a pause on the other end, brief but telling. Dolores returned with a question of her own, feigning confusion. "Why are you suddenly asking about her?"

    Dustin had expected resistance. He braced himself and responded with deliberate emphasis, ¡°Dolores, we already know. Linsey had two kids. They''re Collin''s. You don''t have to keep covering for her anymore."

    For several seconds, there was only silence. Then came a stunned whisper. "You found out? But... how?" "That''s not important right now," Dustin replied, urgency threading through his words. "The important thing Linsey is missing. And no one can reach her daughter either. Do you have Caylee''s number? Call her. She might still be with Linsey and Zenia."

    "Alright. I''ll check." Dolores hung up without another word.

    Just ten minutester, her name lit up on Dustin''s screen again.

    Urgencyced every word when Dolores spoke. "Is Collin with you right now? Send me your location. I''ll be

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    < Chapter 782 is Collin With You Right Now

    there soon."

    Without hesitation, Dustin replied, "Got it. Be careful on the road

    Quiet tension settled over Collin as he clenched his fists, saying nothing

    Dolores''s involvement could be the breakthrough they needed.

    Still, something else was gnawing at the edges of Collin''s mind

    In all of Grester, there was only one man with the reach, audacity, and motive to

    pull off something the dis Everything pointed to Gorman.

    "M-mommy... Mommy!"

    Linsey could hear her children''s voices echoing through the haze of her dream.

    Zander''s panicked cries mixed with Zenia''s desperate call for her. They were both looking for ber

    "Mommy, where are you?"

    "Are you going to leave us behind?"

    Linsey''s face turned pale, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead as shey there, her eyes squeered shot. "No... No, I wouldn''t... Zenia... Zander..." she whispered in a strained, breathless voice. Mommy''s right here

    A sudden warmth touched her cheek, jarring her from the dream entirely.

    Linsey snapped awake as her eyes shot open.

    Hovering just inches above her was Gorman-his gaze soft, expression almost too gentle.

    Revulsion washed over Linsey like ice.

    Every moment leading up to her ckout surged back all at once, hitting her like a tidal wave.

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 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 783

    Chapter 783 Where Is My Daughter

    "Zenia!" Linsey''s arms trembled as she pushed herself upright, her voice cracking with desperation. "Where is my daughter?"

    Nothing came back to her-not even a breath of acknowledgment. Her face hardened, and the fear in her eyes

    turned to steel.

    With sudden force, shetched onto Gorman''s arm, her grip tight and shaking. "Tell me what you did to Zenia.

    Where is she?"

    Despite the frantic clutch of her hand, Gorman remained perfectly still, not a flicker of irritation crossing his

    face.

    His brows lifted, and his voice came soft, like damp air on skin. It was quiet, but cold enough to chill.

    "Why are you panicking, Linsey? Didn''t you arrange for Zander to be taken to Collin? He''s the one who looks too much like his father. If I had to choose, I''d be more inclined to resent him. You''ve already done what it takes to keep your son safe. So why are you still afraid?"

    A low chuckle slipped from his mouth, but it didn''t reach his eyes. The sound was dry, and something cruel lingered underneath it.

    "Zenia reminds me of you. That''s why I''ve always looked at her differently. She matters to me. Hurting her wouldn''t make sense,¡± he continued.

    Color drained from Linsey''s cheeks, and her eyes filled with a hatred she no longer tried to hide.

    "You''re vile," she hissed. Each word came loaded with disgust.

    Once she confirmed that Zander was with Collin, she didn''t waste another second. She packed up what she needed and intended to take Zenia straight to the safe house Dolores had arranged.

    Living in that hotel suite came with a risk-Gorman could appear out of nowhere.

    By noon, hunger kicked in. Linsey asked Caylee to keep packing and watch Zenia while she stepped out to grab

    lunch.

    She didn''t make it far. The second she left the building, she caught sight of Gorman.

    One small gesture from him was all it took. Her vision went ck before a single word escaped her lips.

    Not when she stirred awake did she realize he had orchestrated this.

    Every move had been calcted. He had been patient, waiting for the one

    moment she would be alone  unprepared.

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    The realization hit her. Her eyes stung, rimmed red with rage that boiled up from helplessness.

    Rather than flinch at her fury, Gorman looked like he had just received a gift. Her anger delighted him.

    He let out a full-bodiedugh, then sighed like a man satisfied by a long-awaited indulgence. "I forgot how alive you look when you stop pretending not to care."

    Without hesitation, he leaned in, eyes gleaming with something close to joy- twisted and bare.

    For a moment, he lost himself in the sight of her. Her pupils, wide and dted, reflected only him. It mesmerized him.

    "You never really see me... not unless I bring you to this ce," he whispered, letting the words settle slowly between them.

    His smile shifted, softer now butced with regret. "If I''d known it would feel this good, I wouldn''t have wasted four years trying to y the part you wanted. I should''ve done this sooner."

    Without hesitation, Linsey delivered a fierce p across Gorman''s face.

    The sound sliced through the quiet of the room.

    From the impact, Gorman''s head snapped to the side.

    For a brief moment, he didn''t move. A faint sting crawled along the edge of his mouth, proof that Linsey hadn''t held back.

    A low chuckle slipped from him instead of rage. Just as he began to turn his gaze back to her, something caught his eye, her hand lifting again, ready for another strike.

    Something shifted in Gorman''s expression. In one swift motion, he caught her by the wrist, his grip unyielding as a glint of menace sparked in his eyes. "You really think I''ll keep letting that slide?"

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 784

    Chapter 784 You''ve Always Belonged To Me

    A bitter smirk yed across Linsey''s lips, her eyes sharp with distrust and simmering with quiet rage. "Do you seriously think people crave your attention?" she said, her voice like ice. "Get over yourself, Gorman You''re not some gift to the world. Right now, all I see is someone I can''t stand to be near."

    Gorman didn''t respond right away. His gaze lingered on her, swirling with a mix of things he never put into

    words

    "I''ve been by your side for years, waiting, giving everything-and you call that disgusting? All I''m doing now is reiming what''s mine. And this is the thanks I get?" he said, sounding almost wounded.

    A deep crease appeared between Linsey''s brows. Her voice turned stiff, disbelieving "What exactly are you reiming?*

    That question made something shift in him. The tension in his face melted into a grin, slow, almost pleased.

    He said, "You''ve always belonged to me. You just never realized it."

    Linsey''sposure finally cracked. Her voice rose, sharp and furious. "You''re out of your damn mind."

    For a second, she fought to steady herself, her chest rising and falling as she breathed through the fury. "I already know where this is going. You''ll bring up how

    I saved your life. Or maybe you''ll say you loved me before Collin ever showed up."

    That name struck him like a nerve exposed. It never failed to cut deep.

    His expression soured on the spot, the bitterness wing its way to the surface.

    By now, his obsession had consumed him whole. He had stayed by her side for four years, swallowing his pride, pretending not to see that the children she protected didn''t carry his blood, but Collin''s. And still, he treated them like they were his own.

    It hadn''t even been a full week since Linsey returned to Grester with the kids, yet Collin had already found a way under her skin again. She had handed Zander over to him without hesitation-just to protect the boy from Gorman''s reach.

    The more Gorman mulled it over, the more it all felt like a cruel joke.

    Gorman couldn''t wrap his head around it. Why was she so willing to reveal Zander and Zenia to Collin as if it were some long-awaited reunion?

    "I''ve told you this again and again, Gorman." Her voice held firm, but her eyes wavered. "Collin being around not changes nothing. You and I were never meant to be."

    "Stop lying!" Gorman''s voice exploded, shattering the air between them.

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    The sudden fury in his tone made Linsey flinch before she even realized she had moved

    His features twisted violently. The anger in him was thick and consuming, filling the space live survive

    "How much longer are you going to do this? How many times are you going to pretend i don''t exist, while running back to a man who left you?" Blood rushed to his eyes, casting them a dangerous red His jaw clenched, and his cheek twitched like something was barely being held back. "If your love for Collin was real, why you walk away from him in the first ce? Why end the marriage at all?"

    Then came theughter-dark, unhinged, and full of something that made linsey''s stomach twist. "That divorce wasn''t an ending. It was fate that cracked open a door for you and me. Don''t you see it, Linsey? You were never meant to stay with him. You were meant to be mine. You have to know that."

    Curled beneath the covers, Linsey sank deeper into the bed, as if the fabric could protect her from what wasing. Tremors ran through her limbs; small, constant, and fueled by fear, she couldn''t hold back

    She forced her trembling to stop, muscles tight with effort. A sharp breath slipped out as she clenched her ju. She finally said, "Gorman, why is this so hard for you to ept? Even if Collin vanished from my lifepletely, I still wouldn''t choose you. You can''t twist feelings into something they''re not. I really believed you''d understand that by now-after everything, after four years."

    Rmended for you

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 785

    Chapter 785 I Could Probably Snag You An...

    Out of nowhere, Gorman''s hands mped onto Linsey''s shoulders like a vice.

    Her heart skipped a beat, racing like a runaway train. Instinctively, she squirmed to break free, but Gorman''s grip was unbreakable.

    "Linsey, you''re always preaching rity to me, but what about you, huh?" Gorman''s eyes bored into hers, a mix of confusion and frustration, his words tumbling out in a chaotic rhythm. "How can you even think about forgiving Collin so fast? Have you forgotten the hell he put you through four years ago? Or do you need me to jog your memory to finally cut him loose?"

    Linsey bit back the pain shooting through her shoulders, her face pale. "Gorman, you''ve lost your damn mind

    He barreled on, ignoring her. "Four years ago, you and Collin had that whirlwind marriage, remember? He kept his true self under wraps, thinking you were just some gold-digger chasing the power and wealth of CR Corporation''s founder!" Stop it..." Linsey shouted, his words slicing into her heart like a jagged knife.

    Even after four years, those memories still stung.

    "Oh, yeah." Gorman''s face softened suddenly, his voice dripping with a deceptive warmth. "Collin did have a soft spot for you back then. Why else would he drop a cool billion on that auction ne for you?"

    0

    With that, he let go of her shoulders, his fingers brushing her long hair gently, his words slow and deliberate. "But you saw it with your own eyes, didn''t you? Just days ago, at that auction, Collin threw down $2.7 billion for the Star of the Desert- for Haven."

    Linsey''s pale face froze, stiff as stone.

    "I hear Haven''s family is already cozying up with Collin''s grandma, talking wedding ns," Gorman said, a smile curling his lips. "If nothing derails it, they''ll tie the knot that got shelved five years ago. So, what do you say, wanna attend their wedding? I could probably snag you an invite."

    Linsey swallowed the dull ache gnawing at her chest, her voice barely above a whisper. "Their marriage? It''s got nothing to do with me."

    Gorman raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Nothing? Come on, Linsey. You''re the one who sent Zander to Collin. Once Collin confirms he''s Zander''s dad and marries Haven, who do you think Zander''s gonna call Mom-you

    or her?"

    His words shattered the fragile wall she had built around her heart, and tears welled up, betraying her.

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    Gorman''s smug expression flickered for a moment

    He reached out to wipe her tears, but Linsey turned away sharply, swiping the wetness from key chanks herself "This is none of your damn business," she said, her voice raw and hoarse "just tell me where Zeza"

    Gorman let out a soft chuckle, dodging her question about Zenia. Instead, he leaned in "Linney, you could lea on me, you know. I''d help you get Zander back from Collin."

    "No!" Her voice shot up, cold as ice. "Even if Collin''s marrying Haven, he''s not the type to hurt Zander You said it yourself-I went through hell to get Zander to him. So why are you pushing to drag him back now? What''s your game, Gorman? You know exactly what you''re doing!"

 The Billionaireâ€™s Hidden Bride A Lifetime of Love 786

    Chapter 786 You''re using The Wrong...

    Zander showing up at Collin''spany hadn''t been something anyone had nned.

    It never crossed Linsey''s mind that her son, overwhelmed by her emotional breakdown that night, would take matters into his own hands and confront Collin face-to-face.

    But the truth behind it all pointed straight to Gorman, who had quietly pulled the strings and ordered Caylee to

    carry it out.

    To Linsey, it was painfully clear-everything spiraling out of control had been Gordon''s doing, And now he had the gall to use her of pushing Zander toward Collin on purpose?

    The usation was nothing short of ridiculous.

    Fighting to stayposed, she filled her lungs with air and said, "Where is Zenia? If you''ve hurt her in any way, I won''t stop until I''ve made you pay."

    Not knowing where her daughter was sent her thoughts racing, each one darker than thest

    Even if Gorman hadn''t shown the same hostility toward Zenia that he did toward Zander, it didn''t change the fact that she, too, was Collin''s flesh and blood. Because of that, Linsey refused to believe Gorman could ever truly care for Zenia. Gorman leaned back with the same unsettling calm he always wore. "She''s fine,¡± he said casually. "I just had someone take her out to enjoy the day."

    His tone was too easy, too smooth, and Linsey didn''t trust a word of it.

    This was the same man who had gone to great lengths to trap them before they could slip away. Whatever he was up to now, she was certain it wasn''t innocent.

    A sudden ding from his phone echoed through the room.

    After a quick nce at his phone, Gorman looked up with a surprisingly gentle tone. "She''s back now. Zenia''s downstairs."

    The moment those words registered, Linsey threw back the covers and started to get up.

    Before she could take a full step, Gorman''s hand mped around her wrist. "Wait. Something''s not right with her. You might want to brace yourself."

    His words struck her like ice water. Linsey turned to him, disbelief written across her face. ¡°She''s only fo Her voice cracked. "How could you even think of hurting her and not feel anything?"

    Feigning innocence, Gorman widened his eyes and spoke with mock sincerity. "You''re using the wrong

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    Chapter 786 You''re using The Wrong Person

    person. I haven''t left your side-not once. How would I even have the chance to hurt her?"

    "Let go." Linsey tore herself free, done listening, done reasoning

    She stormed out of the room, the hallways unfamiliar and twisting, until she finally found the staircase

    The space wasvish, cold in its elegance. A passing thought drifted through her mind-this must be Corman''s

    estate in Grester.

    As her feet hurried down the stairs, her eyes caught a glimpse of the living room.

    From afar, Caylee looked weighed down by both sadness and graveness.

    A sharp squeeze gripped Linsey''s chest as dread took hold. Without thinking, she bolted forward, her voice cracking with urgency. "Zenia!"

    Hearing her name, the little girl stirred in Caylee''s arms and lifted her head, eyes searching

    One look at her daughter''s face made Linsey stop in her tracks, her breath catching mid-step.

    Dirt streaked across Zenia''s cheeks, and faint scratches ran along her soft skin. Her dress, once neat, now hung wrinkled and stained with dust.

    "Mommy!" Zenia''s voice cracked as soon as her eyes locked onto Linsey, tears rushing to the surface.

    That single word carried more weight than a full confession-packed with sorrow, fear, and longing Without hesitation, Linsey dropped to her knees, arms open, ready to catch the little body barreling toward her. The instant Zenia collided with her, she pressed her face into Linsey''s shoulder and broke into scbs, her cries fragile and aching. "Mommy..."

    Hearing the voice tightened something in Linsey''s chest, her throat thick with emotion she couldn''t swallow. Blinking fast, she fought the sting behind her eyes and lowered her head, gently cupping the back of Zenia''s head with her palm. "You''re safe now. Mommy''s got you."

    15.12

 Chapter 784

    ?Chapter 784:

    She wondered if he had heard part of her conversation.

    A ripple of unease passed through her as her thoughts scrambled. She opened her mouth, ready to say something, but his low voice cut in first¡ªquiet and weighty.

    ¡°Linsey,¡± he said, voice low and raw, ¡°tell me.¡±

    The simplicity of the words struck like a whip, the undertone sharp with usation and uncertainty. She froze, a chill running down her spine.

    Her disguise was gone. There was no mask hiding her face. Even with all the carefully applied makeup, anyone who had truly known her would recognize her, let alone Collin.

    She straightened, steadying her voice into something cold andposed. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Collin¡¯s gaze darkened, every word that followed thick with restrained emotion.

    ¡°Are you with Gorman now?¡± he asked, his voice cracking slightly, as if each syble cost him.

    Snapped back to the present by those words, Linsey couldn¡¯t help but find the entire situation absurd.

    A smile yed on her lips, heavy with irony.

    ¡°Collin,¡± she said, addressing him directly for the first time in years.

    ????? ????????????????????????????????: ??????????¦Í??????.????

    Collin¡¯s eyes welled up, emotion brimming as he struggled to hold back tears.

    ¡°Linsey, it¡¯s really you. I knew it was you.¡± Ovee with emotion, he stepped toward her, his voice brimming with hope. ¡°You¡¯ve trulye back.¡±

    Instinctively, Linsey stepped backward, creating distance between them. Her voice was frosty, her demeanor distant as she responded, ¡°We¡¯ve been divorced for four years. My current rtionships are no longer your concern, are they?¡±

    Linsey reflected on the fact that Collin had just spent 2.7 billion on the Star of the Desert for Haven, clearly indicating where his affectionsy. During her four-year absence from Grester, Collin, as the founder of CR Corporation, was inevitably surrounded by many sessful and appealing women.

    She was convinced that had she not returned unexpectedly, Collin might well have erased her from his memory.

    The audacity of him now, questioning her about her personal life, struck her as both ironic and ludicrous.

    As these thoughts ran through her mind, her eyes glowed with the threat of tears, yet she sternly repressed them. She refused to let Collin affect her any longer and was determined to do everything she could to move on from him.

    But Collin was persistent, his voice a soft but firm plea. ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question, Linsey. Are you with Gorman now? Did you really spend these past four years together?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Linsey responded coldly, without a moment¡¯s pause.

    She maintained her poise, determined not to give herself away. ¡°I¡¯m with Gorman now. Does that answer your question?¡±

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 Chapter 785

    ?Chapter 785:

    Collin¡¯s face hardened, his eyebrows drawing together as a cold realization washed over him.

    Linsey, sensing his doubt, added more forcefully, ¡°I left Grester with Gorman four years ago. Since then, I¡¯ve been abroad with him¡­¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, the air between them shifted dramatically.

    Collin¡¯s lips crashed against hers in a kiss full of desperate longing, cutting off her words and overwhelming her senses.

    Shock registered in Linsey¡¯s eyes, her body momentarily paralyzed by the unexpected intensity of his kiss.

    She raised her hands to push him away, but Collin¡¯s strong grip on her head and waist held her tightly in ce, leaving her unable to break free.

    ¡°Let go!¡± Linsey¡¯s voice was muffled against his lips as she struggled in vain.

    In a sudden burst of defiance, Linsey bit down hard on Collin¡¯s lip.

    Collin groaned through clenched teeth, his hold finally easing. Taking advantage of his brief moment of weakness, Linsey pushed him back forcefully.

    Then, without a word, she delivered a sharp p across his face, the sound echoing sharply.

    Collin¡¯s head turned from the force of her p, the sting snapping him to reality.

    Discover more content at ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    The sudden sting that struck his cheek cleared the haze from his mind.

    In an instant, Collin grasped the gravity of his actions, and regret swept over him.

    Collin stood frozen, staring at Linsey, who was breathing heavily, visibly shaken by her agitation. His eyes reflected a mixture of apology and conflicting emotions.

    Linsey slowly collected herself as she clenched her hand into a fist.

    ¡°Sorry¡­¡± Collin said, his voice faltering, his usual poise reced by a look of defeat.

    Linsey cut him off, her expression empty, as she said firmly, ¡°Let me be clear once more. Gorman and I have a strong bond. I need you to keep your distance from my life.¡±

    At her words, Collin¡¯s face drained of emotion.

    He inhaled deeply, his lips trembling, unable to speak, his breaths uneven and heavy in the silence.

    Eventually, Collin turned and walked away, each stepden with the weight of his sorrow.

    His retreating figure visibly crumbled under the emotional strain.

    Turning away, Linsey felt a lump form in her throat.

    She averted her gaze, her eyes stinging with tears she fought to hold back.

    A profound heaviness settled on her chest, constricting her breathing. Bending slightly, Linsey felt drained, her hands gripping the railing to prevent herself from falling.

    Why did Collin insist on confronting her? What right did he think he had? Why couldn¡¯t he let her be?

    Despite his affections for another, why did he continue to bother her? Confusion swirled in Linsey¡¯s mind, the barrage of thoughts intensifying her headache.

    .

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 Chapter 786

    ?Chapter 786:

    The emotional torment radiated through her, her entire body throbbing with pain.

    Finally, Linsey staggered away, caught a taxi, and headed back to her hotel alone.

    The minute she entered her room, her phone immediately rang¡ªit was Gorman.

    ¡°Linsey, where have you been? I¡¯ve been looking everywhere for you.¡± There was a trace of worry in Gorman¡¯s voice as he spoke.

    Just then, Caylee emerged with a weing smile, ready to greet Linsey.

    However, the perplexed and distant look on Linsey¡¯s face made her halt mid-step, unsure of how to proceed.

    It was apparent that something was wrong with Linsey.

    Her hair was tousled, her eyes swollen and red, and her gaze distant. Clutching her phone tightly, Linsey looked downward. When she finally spoke, her voice was hoarse and almost unrecognizable. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve made it back to the hotel.¡± Shepressed her lips, then added, ¡°I¡¯m just extremely exhausted, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Gorman waited a moment before responding in a forced calm tone, ¡°Alright, I¡¯m relieved you made it there safely.¡±

    He paused, concerncing his voice. ¡°Please, try to rest, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Linsey murmured softly, then quickly hung up the phone.

    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con

    ¡°Linsey¡­¡± Caylee said tentatively.

    Linsey forced a smile and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Please keep an eye on the kids. I need to take a shower.¡±

    As Linsey retreated to her room, Caylee stood watching, her concern deepening.

    Caylee was about to go check on the children in the next room when her phone buzzed.

    A message from Gorman popped up.

    Caylee slipped into a corner to read the message more carefully.

    Shock registered on her face as she read, her eyes widening.

    How could Gorman consider such an action?

    Trying to steady her racing heart, Caylee typed back quickly, ¡°Mr. Green, I can¡¯t do this¡­¡±

    Almost immediately, Gorman responded with a terse threat. ¡°If you refuse, remember, I can withdraw support for your grandmother¡¯s medical care at any moment.¡±

    Caylee¡¯s face drained of color as she read Gorman¡¯s message.

    She clenched her teeth and wrung her hands.

    After a few moments, Caylee took a deep breath to calm herself and then texted back, ¡°I got it.¡±

    She had reached the door of the guest bedroom when it swung open from within, revealing two small figures in front of her.

    ¡°Caylee, we thought we just heard Mommy¡¯s voice,¡± Zenia said.

    Zander saw the purse by the entryway and pointed at it, saying, ¡°Look, that¡¯s Mommy¡¯s purse. She¡¯s back!¡±

    .

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 Chapter 787

    ?Chapter 787:

    Before Caylee could say a word, the two children dashed toward Linsey¡¯s room.

    ¡°Mommy! Are you in there?¡±

    ¡°Come out and have some cookies with us!¡±

    Caylee stood rooted to where she was as she watched the children pat the door to the master bedroom. Suddenly, a lump rose in her throat.

    If it were any other day, she would have gently led the kids away and not let them disturb Linsey when she was in a bad mood. However, Gorman¡¯s message to her made Caylee hold back.

    It wasn¡¯t long before Linsey opened the door. She was wearing a bathrobe and no makeup. Her hair, too, was still damp.

    She crouched down and gently said to the children, ¡°I haven¡¯t showered yet. How about you wait for me to finish, and then we can have cookies together?¡±

    Zenia reached out and touched Linsey¡¯s damp hair. ¡°Dry your hair quickly, Mommy, or you¡¯ll catch a cold.¡±

    Linsey smiled warmly at her and said, ¡°Will do, sweetie. Thank you for reminding me.¡±

    She then took both children by the hand and said to Caylee, who still stood there in a daze, ¡°Could you take the kids to the dining room for me? I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    Caylee finally snapped out of her daze and hurried toward Linsey and the kids. ¡°Do you want anything to eat, Linsey? The little ones already had some milk earlier.¡±

    Every story starts at galn   ovels ;

    Linsey looked thoughtful for a moment before finally replying, ¡°I¡¯d like some pasta if you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Caylee said, not meeting Linsey¡¯s gaze.

    Once Linsey went back into the bedroom, Caylee led the two children to the dining room.

    ¡°Can we help you with anything, Caylee?¡± Zander asked sweetly.

    ¡°We know how to do a lot of things now. We could help you cook pasta for Mommy,¡± Zenia chimed in.

    Caylee couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll leave it to my two little chefs to help me wash some vegetables.¡±

    Not long afterward, Linsey came out freshly washed, and Caylee had finished preparing the pasta.

    The two children sat obediently at the table. They had ced cookies next to the pasta.

    This brought a smile to Linsey¡¯s face.

    She walked over to the table and sat down. ¡°Thank you for the yummy pasta and cookies,¡± she said.

    ¡°Have some to eat, Mommy. You must be hungry,¡± Zenia said.

    Linsey nodded, then picked up a fork and began to eat.

    Zander watched her intently for a while before saying, ¡°Mommy, Zenia and I washed the vegetables on your pasta. They are super clean.¡±

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 Chapter 788

    ?Chapter 788:

    Linsey looked up at Zander.

    His striking resemnce to Collin brought a flood of memories rushing back to her.

    Collin had once prepared meals for Linsey with simr care, looking at her with anticipation.

    Tears welled up in Linsey¡¯s eyes, heating up until they blurred her vision.

    As she bowed her head, a lone tear dropped onto her dinner te.

    Linsey quicklyposed herself, attempting to brush the tears aside.

    Yet, her children¡¯s keen observation had not missed her distress.

    ¡°Mommy, are you okay?¡± Zenia asked, her voiceced with concern, her bright eyes clouding with worry.

    Zenia climbed onto her chair, stretching her small hand to touch Linsey¡¯s cheek.

    Meanwhile, Zander didn¡¯t waste a moment; he scurried to get some tissues and came rushing back. ¡°Let me help, Mommy.¡±

    Linsey had been keeping herselfposed, but watching the two children care for her so gently made her emotions swell even more.

    The next second, a quiet, strangled sob slipped from her lips before she could stop it.

    It was quick and tightly held back.

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    Linsey drew in a trembling breath, forcing herself to speak past the weight pressing against her chest.

    In a voice tinged with rasp, she said, ¡°I¡¯m alright, sweethearts. I just swallowed wrong. I¡¯m not crying.¡±

    With a faint sigh, she forced a smile and reached for a cookie, taking a slow bite.

    ¡°Delicious! You¡¯ve both done such a wonderful job. These cookies are perfect!¡±

    Zenia¡¯s face lit up with a joyful grin. ¡°I¡¯m d you like them, Mommy! Have some more, please!¡±

    Together with the children, Linsey continued her meal, their presenceforting her.

    ¡°Caylee, could you please take Zenia and Zander to bed? I¡¯ll handle the cleanup,¡± Linsey murmured gently.

    Caylee, mindful of a request Gorman had earlier made,plied without objection and guided the children to their bedrooms.

    Once the bedroom door clicked shut, Zenia¡¯s small voice was barely audible as she looked up at Caylee. ¡°Caylee, was Mommy crying earlier?¡±

    Zander was more assertive. ¡°I¡¯m sure of it. Mommy was crying.¡±

    Caylee was taken aback by their acute observations.

    She knew Linsey had struggled to suppress her emotions, hoping to shield the children from her sorrow.

    If this had happened in the past, Caylee would have respected Linsey¡¯s wishes and skillfully sidestepped the children¡¯s curious questions. Considering Zenia and Zander¡¯s young age, barely four, redirecting their focus would normally be straightforward.

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 Chapter 789

    ?Chapter 789:

    However, Caylee¡¯s face took on a serious expression as she gathered the children close on the couch, speaking in hushed tones. ¡°You both noticed Mommy¡¯s tears, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Zander nodded and said, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m certain. Mommy cried. I think she even looked at me just as she began to cry.¡±

    A shadow of concern crossed Zander¡¯s features. ¡°Caylee, did I upset Mommy somehow?¡±

    Zenia interjected earnestly, ¡°If we did anything to make Mommy sad, we want to say sorry!¡±

    Touched by their sincerity and concern, Caylee felt a wave of affection and regret.

    She ruffled their hair affectionately.

    Drawing in a deep breath, she whispered, ¡°Tonight, your mom and Gorman attended a significant event. She was cheerful at first, but their evening changed after an unexpected encounter.¡±

    Intrigued, Zander¡¯s eyes grew wide. ¡°Who did they meet?¡±

    Caylee felt a headacheing on as she pondered over the orders Gorman had given her.

    He seemed to have grown even more unscrupulous, stooping so low that he used children to achieve his goal.

    However, at the thought of her hospitalized grandmother, she realized that she was out of options.

    ¡°That guy must really be terrible. He hurt your mom then and made her sad. Tonight she saw him again, and this must be upsetting her.¡±

    See more chapters at g??l no vels.??????

    Caylee paused shortly, then continued, ¡°Tonight, Linsey wanted that ne, and Gorman wanted to buy it for her, but that bad man took it away from her. He is a really awful man. Your mom wouldn¡¯t be upset if it weren¡¯t for him.¡±

    It was easy for Caylee to sound serious to two four-year-olds if she deepened her voice a little.

    After all, the victim of this wicked man was their dear mother, Linsey.

    As expected, Zander¡¯s face twisted into a look of anger, while Zenia seemed quite sad.

    ¡°That guy is so mean. Why does he bully Mommy?¡± Zenia asked, her voice trembling.

    Caylee, seeing that Zenia was on the verge of tears, said soothingly, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, sweetheart. Linsey would only worry more if you cry.¡±

    Zander nodded and said, ¡°Caylee is right. We can¡¯t cry, or we¡¯ll make Mommy more sad.¡±

    This seemed to calm Zenia down. She sniffed and took Zander¡¯s hand.

    ¡°What can we do to make Mommy happy again?¡±

    Zander looked to Caylee and asked, ¡°Do you know who the guy is?¡±

    Caylee took out her phone and showed them a picture of Collin. ¡°This is the bad man, Collin Riley. He¡¯s the founder of CR Corporation here in Grester and is a very powerful man. That¡¯s why Linsey couldn¡¯t fight back even though he bullied her.¡±

    Caylee carefully watched the children¡¯s expressions as she spoke. Both Zander and Zenia stared at the picture with what could be said to be anger.

    Zander seemed angrier than his sister.

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 Chapter 790

    Chapter 790:

    Caylee had never seen that kind of look on Zander¡¯s face since he was born.

    She sighed to herself.

    She knew this was exactly what Gorman wanted¡ªto make Linsey¡¯s children hate Collin.

    That way, even if Linsey wanted to get back together with him, the kids wouldn¡¯t allow it.

    Caylee knew that Zenia and Zander hade to love and trust Gorman. Zenia even called Gorman Daddy when no one was around.

    Given how much Linsey loved her children, she would think twice about being with Collin so as not to upset them.

    And with Haven still in the picture, even if Linsey wasn¡¯t ready to ept Gorman now, she might have to change her mind.

    Gorman knew that since Linsey had just returned to Grester, it was normal for old feelings to be rekindled after she ran into Collin again after so many years.

    His n now was to eliminate any chance of Linsey going back to Collin.

    It didn¡¯t matter to him that he had to use two children to further his agenda.

    Linsey was left feeling miserable after her unexpected meeting with Collin again.

    Meanwhile, Dolores had pulled Dustin away from the banquet hall and was now wandering the hotel halls with him.

    Dustin, after seemingly wandering the halls with no purpose, finally asked, ¡°Where exactly are you taking me?¡±

    Read exclusive updates g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Dolores, on the other hand, was thinking of how to erase Zanderpletely from his memory, only to realize that was impossible. Suddenly, an idea popped into her head.

    Dolores at that moment decided to distract Dustin with something even more exciting. She nced back at Dustin and said, ¡°Have a little patience. It¡¯s not every day I take a guy out for a walk. You should cherish a moment as rare as this.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing this. However, that didn¡¯tst long, as he suddenly looked away awkwardly. He scratched his head, then asked in a voice barely above a whisper, ¡°Is this your first time out on a night date with a guy?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± Dolores asked, turning back.

    Too embarrassed to repeat himself, Dustin replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Scanning the empty environment, he asked, ¡°Are we just going to keep wandering about? Shouldn¡¯t we be heading back to the banquet hall? There¡¯s still an auctioning up.¡±

    ¡°Auctions are so boring,¡± Dolores said dismissively.

    It was then she noticed a crowd gathered not far away. ¡°What¡¯s going on over there?¡±

    Dustin took the lead and went ahead of Dolores. After a good gaze, he finally said, ¡°It looks like a wedding.¡±

    ¡°Someone¡¯s having a wedding outdoors thiste?¡± Dolores asked.

    Faint music could be hearding from the crowd.

    ¡°It seems to be an outdoor wedding with a dance party vibe. It¡¯s more of a big celebration with friends than a traditional ceremony,¡± Dustin exined.

    .

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    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice sunday dear ones, hope you liked the chapters. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 791

    ?Chapter 791:

    ¡°You sure know a lot about this,¡± Doloresmented thoughtfully. Then she smirked and teased, ¡°I bet your wedding would just be asid-back and fun as this one.¡±

    Dustin smiled back and replied, ¡°Not just me. I think you would enjoy a wedding like this too.¡±

    Dolores was surprised by his statement.

    She stared at the crowd and could see the group of men and women dancing joyfully with the bride in the center.

    Even from the distance, Dolores could tell how happy the bride was on her big day.

    She smiled at this, but her smile soon disappeared when she tried to imagine herself in the same situation.

    Instead, a bitter smile tugged at her lips, and she said, ¡°Marriage just isn¡¯t in the cards for me.¡±

    Dustin was shocked to hear her say this. ¡°Why not?¡± he asked.

    Dolores hesitated. She seemed on the verge of actually answering his question.

    However, she instead said, ¡°I just don¡¯t want to. I don¡¯t have to have a reason.¡±

    For some reason, Dustin felt a tightness in his chest as a result of her words. Trying to convince her otherwise, he said, ¡°Just take a look at the couple. They look so happy. What could be better than getting to marry the one you love?¡±

    Dolores let out a long sigh. Then, in a calm voice, she asked, ¡°Do you think Linsey liked Collin four years ago?¡±

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    The question caught Dustin off guard. His face shifted. He was unsure how to respond.

    As close friends of Linsey and Collin, they both knew the story¡ªhow it started, how it ended.

    So, Dustin quickly realized why Dolores brought it up. She was clearly trying to challenge what he had just said about marriage being a happy thing.

    After a short pause, he answered, ¡°Of course she liked him. I could see it. Linsey really liked Collin back then.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Dolores said firmly. Her voice was steady and slow. ¡°She didn¡¯t just like him. She loved him with her whole heart.¡±

    Dustin nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Dolores went on, ¡°I saw it. She was glowing. I¡¯ve known Linsey for over twenty years, and that was the first time I saw her that happy. She gave her all. No holding back.¡±

    She paused, drawing in a shaky breath. Then her voice dropped. ¡°And look how it ended. She was hurt, lied to, betrayed. used by the man she loved most of being shallow and materialistic. If it had been me, I don¡¯t think I could¡¯ve survived it, let alone¡­¡±

    Her voice trailed off. A flicker of shock crossed her eyes. Regret followed right after.

    She had almost said too much¡ªalmost revealed that Linsey had given birth to a pigeon pair abroad.

    She bit her lip. She shouldn¡¯t have let her guard down, not even with Dustin.

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 Chapter 792

    ?Chapter 792:

    He had helped her before, yes. But he was still Collin¡¯s best friend.

    She fell silent in an instant. Thankfully, Dustin didn¡¯t notice. He was too lost in his own guilt.

    He didn¡¯t know why, but seeing Dolores like this always tore at him. Her sadness weighed heavy on his chest.

    The more he thought about it, the worse he felt. His voice was tight as he spoke. ¡°I was to me too. I told Collin to be honest with her, but he was scared. I didn¡¯t push hard enough. And now¡­ two people who loved each other are living apart.¡±

    Dolores¡¯s eyes narrowed. Her tone turned sharp. ¡°Two people who loved each other? Don¡¯t kid yourself. Collin never truly loved Linsey.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not fair. He did love her. He just didn¡¯t know how to show it. He didn¡¯t understand how much honesty matters,¡± Dustin replied.

    Hearing that only made Dolores angrier.

    Love wasn¡¯t an excuse for causing someone so much pain.

    After all, the past four years had been really hard for Linsey.

    She clenched her fists. ¡°You make it sound like Linsey¡¯s suffering doesn¡¯t matter¡ªlike Collin is the real victim here. Spare me.¡±

    Her cheeks flushed with anger. She turned, storming off.

    Dustin¡¯s words had pushed her too far.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s hosts captivating tales

    He always had a way of defending Collin, and she was tired of it.

    ¡°Dolores, wait!¡± Dustin panicked and reached out, grabbing her wrist.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have said that. Please, don¡¯t be mad.¡±

    Dolores was burning with frustration. She tried to pull her arm free from Dustin¡¯s grip, but he held on tight. ¡°Let go of me! I¡¯m going back to the banquet!¡±

    But Dustin wasn¡¯t ready to let her walk away, not tonight.

    This was one of the rare moments they had actually gotten a little closer, and he didn¡¯t want things to fall apart now.

    ¡°Dolores, I¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, a cheerful voice rang out nearby. ¡°Hey! You two over there!¡±

    Both of them froze and turned their heads. A few people were heading over from the wedding venue.

    The sudden scene caught them off guard. Neither knew what to expect. The group approached with big smiles, but one of them quickly looked concerned. ¡°Are you two having a fight?¡±

    Dolores nced down, a bit embarrassed.

    Had they really been that obvious?

    Dustin gave a small, sheepish smile. ¡°Sorry. Didn¡¯t mean to disturb anyone.¡±

    The person waved it off with a chuckle. ¡°No big deal.¡±

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 Chapter 793

    ?Chapter 793:

    Before they could say another word, one person grabbed Dolores¡¯ hand, another took Dustin¡¯s arm, and the pair was gently pulled back toward the party.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s dance! You¡¯ll forget whatever it was after a few spins!¡±

    As they were swept into the rhythm of the music, someone else added, ¡°Yeah, couples fight all the time. Don¡¯t say things you¡¯ll regret. Cool off first¡ªthen talk it out.¡±

    Their words hit Dolores all at once¡ªand she realized they had misunderstoodpletely. She blinked, stunned. Wait¡­ what?

    She quickly spoke up. ¡°No, no! We¡¯re not a couple!¡±

    Dustin was equally surprised. He hadn¡¯t seen thating at all.

    But when Dolores denied it so fast, a quiet sting settled in his chest.

    The others picked up on his face and exchanged knowing looks.

    ¡°Oh! So, you¡¯re still working on it? Well, don¡¯t blow it, man. Rule number one¡ªdon¡¯t make her mad before she¡¯s even yours,¡± one of the guys said with a smirk as he pped Dustin on the shoulder.

    Dustin flushed. His ears turned red, then the blush spread across his whole face.

    Being mistaken for Dolores¡¯ boyfriend didn¡¯t bother him.

    But hearing them talk like he was chasing her made his heart race¡ªand not in a good way.

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    ¡°You¡­¡± he stammered, lost for words.

    Anyone who knew Dustin¡ªthe cool, smooth-talking yer¡ªwould have been stunned to see him like this.

    Dolores, seeing how flustered he looked, assumed it was just the teasing getting to him.

    With a carefree smile, she slung an arm over his shoulder andughed. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be ridiculous! We¡¯re just friends. No way we¡¯d date. He¡¯s not my type!¡±

    She said it fast, loud, and with zero hesitation.

    Dustin stared at her, stunned. Herugh rang in his ears, but all he could feel was the sharp ache in his chest. It hit like a p, clean and unexpected.

    The group nced between the two, amused.

    Whatever was going on between them¡ªit was clearly something worth watching.

    ¡°No matter what, we met by fate tonight¡ªso let¡¯s have a good time!¡± one of them dered with a grin, their energy still buzzing.

    Before Dolores or Dustin could even protest, hands grabbed theirs and tugged them along. ¡°There¡¯s drinks, barbecue, and music inside! Nobody¡¯s going home till we¡¯ve all had our fun!¡±

    Dolores, ever the social butterfly, was quick to fall in step. Within minutes, she wasughing and chatting like she had known them all for years.

    Meanwhile, Dustin wasn¡¯t so lighthearted. He sat quietly, still mulling over what Dolores had said earlier.

    She caught a glimpse of him¡ªhis expression dark, shoulders low, not even a flicker of amusement on his face.

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 Chapter 794

    ?Chapter 794:

    ¡°Hey, are you still sulking because I went off on Collin earlier?¡± She tilted her head, genuinely confused.

    Dustin seemed to value his friendship with Collin. She said bad things about Collin a moment ago, and here Dustin was, still pulling a long face.

    Still, she didn¡¯t regret it. Honestly, she thought she had gone too easy on Collin.

    Dustin finally snapped out of it and replied under his breath, ¡°It¡¯s not about Collin.¡±

    ¡°Oh,e on,¡± Dolores huffed, grabbing a beer and sliding it in front of him. ¡°Don¡¯t mope. Drink something¡ªit¡¯ll take the edge off.¡±

    Dustin nced at the bottle, then back at her. His face gave nothing away.

    ¡°What are you staring at? Drink it already. But don¡¯t forget to eat first, unless you want to puke your guts outter,¡± she said.

    Without a word, Dustin popped the cap and tilted the bottle back, letting the beer pour straight down his throat.

    Dolores blinked in surprise, thenughed. ¡°Wow. So, you do know how to drink.¡±

    With a yful gleam in her eye, she pulled over more bottles. ¡°Alright then. Let¡¯s settle this with a drinking contest. Let¡¯s see who taps out first!¡±

    Dustin didn¡¯t say a word. Beer dripped down his chin and vanished into his cor as he reached for another bottle and chugged it.

    As she saw him go all in, Dolores¡¯petitive side kicked in. She grabbed a bottle, popped it open, and downed it fast.

    S???? ???????????????? ???? g??????ov?????.con

    Time flew. People gradually said their goodbyes, heading out one by one.

    Someone nced over and chuckled. ¡°You two are still at it? Want a ride home?¡±

    Another added with a teasing grin, ¡°Forget that. There¡¯s a hotel next door¡ªmight as well get a room there!¡±

    ¡°Oh, please. They¡¯re not even together.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re adults. It¡¯s not that deep. If they want to share a room, that¡¯s their business.¡±

    Dolores heard the voices through a fuzzy haze. Her face was flushed, her body heavy.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going home tonight. I¡¯d just be alone anyway¡­¡± she mumbled, her stomach twisting with unease.

    Beside her, Dustin winced at the pounding in his skull. He rubbed his forehead and groaned, ¡°Why did you turn this into a drinking contest? We¡¯re bothpletely wasted.¡±

    Dolores scoffed, ¡°You¡¯re wasted. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    She grabbed her bag and wobbled to her feet, swaying as she headed toward the door.

    Before leaving, she turned to wave at the group. ¡°Thanks for the fun! Next time, I¡¯m buying everyone dinner!¡±

    Dustin saw her stumble on the way out and rushed after her. He reached the door just in time¡ªbut nearly tripped on the threshold himself.

    Dolores turned to re at him, unimpressed. ¡°What, are you blind? Watch where you¡¯re going!¡±

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 Chapter 795

    ?Chapter 795:

    ¡°Yeah. Got it.¡±

    Dolores and Dustin clung to each other as they stumbled into the hotel next door.

    ¡°Wee,¡± the receptionist greeted them with a polite smile.

    Dolores fished out her identity card from her bag and pped it on the counter. ¡°Give me your best suite¡ªthe absolute fanciest!¡±

    The receptionist, clearly no stranger to scenes like this, stayed calm. Her eyes flicked between them, noticing they were a bit tipsy.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need your ID card too, sir.¡±

    Dustin froze. His mind went nk. Why would he need to show his identity card? He wasn¡¯t nning to go home.

    Growing impatient, Dolores gave him a shove. ¡°What are you waiting for? I¡¯m about to pass out from exhaustion!¡±

    ¡°Oh, right. Right.¡± Dustin quickly pulled out his identity card and handed it over.

    With room cards in hand, they leaned on each other and made their way to the suite.

    The moment they stepped inside, Dolores started undressing without saying a word.

    Dustin, still by the door, turned around to find her already down to her underwear. His eyes widened. The alcohol in his system seemed to vanish instantly.

    He stammered, ¡°Dolores! Why are you taking your clothes off?¡±

    Your imagination thrives at  punt

    She frowned sleepily and mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m going to shower and sleep. What else do you expect me to do?¡±

    Without waiting for a reply, she padded into the bathroom.

    Once the shock faded, Dustin said, ¡°Be careful in there. Don¡¯t slip.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been drunk before. It¡¯s nothing new,¡± she replied. Standing under the spray, she added in a distant voice, ¡°Back when thepany was falling apart, I drank every night. Got wasted.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s thoughts shed back to that night four years ago¡ªwhen he had seen her being humiliated at a business dinner.

    He lowered his gaze and stayed quiet for a moment. Then, gently, he said, ¡°You¡¯ve really been through a lot.¡±

    He managed a soft smile. ¡°But things are better now. Your firm is doing great. The designer you sent to thepetition even took first ce. That¡¯s huge.¡±

    Doloresthered on some body wash, her face glowing with pride.

    ¡°That was Linsey. Of course she won. She¡¯s brilliant.¡±

    Dustin blinked, stunned. ¡°Wait¡­ Are you saying Aurora is Linsey?¡± He remembered clearly¡ªCollin had gone to see the contestant in Booth 3, and it hadn¡¯t been Linsey.

    His mind raced in circles.

    It all made sense now. No wonder Collin kept saying Aurora reminded him of Linsey. He was right all along.

    What Dustin didn¡¯t know was that Collin had already figured out who she really was.

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 Chapter 796

    ?Chapter 796:

    Dustin¡¯s first instinct was to tell him. He grabbed his phone without thinking.

    But just then, a loud thud came from the bathroom.

    He jumped, his heart skipping a beat. Something might have happened. He was about to rush in when suddenly, the bathroom door flew open. A figure burst out, spun him around, and mmed him against the wall.

    ¡°nning to break that to Collin?¡± Dolores growled, her eyes sharp and furious.

    She had just realized what she had let slip.

    Dustin opened his mouth to exin, but his eyes dropped¡ªshe was soaking wet,pletely naked.

    His face turned crimson. Even his ears and neck were burning red.

    Dustin stammered, ¡°Y-you¡¯re not wearing clothes!¡±

    Dolores seized his cor forcefully as she repeated, ¡°Are you going to break that to Collin?¡±

    Dustin struggled to look away from Dolores.

    ¡°You might consider dressing first. After that, we can discuss,¡± he suggested.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for discussion!¡± Dolores retorted. ¡°You¡¯re gonna tell Collin about Aurora, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    With a firm gesture, she extended her hand. ¡°Give me your phone, now!¡±

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    With a gulp, Dustinplied, pressing himself against the wall, his body rigid.

    Snatching the phone from him, Dolores smirked, removed the SIM card, switched off the device, and flung both onto the nearby table.

    ¡°That settles that.¡± Dolores dusted off her hands and fixed her gaze on Dustin, who was still staring up at the ceiling. ¡°Why the red face?¡±

    As Dolores moved closer, her breath warming his ear, Dustin¡¯s cheeks deepened to a darker red.

    Dolores¡¯ curiosity grew as she observed him. ¡°Is this how you react to alcohol?¡±

    Dustin clenched his teeth, his entire being urging him to resist. He slightly pushed her away and murmured, ¡°I need to leave.¡±

    Without a second thought, he rushed toward the door.

    His instincts warned him they were on the brink of a significant boundary.

    ¡°Dustin, wait! Are you really going to tell Collin?¡± Dolores cried out, pulling him back forcefully.

    However, she stumbled over the bed frame as she stepped back, falling backward and pulling Dustin down with her. Together, theynded heavily on the mattress.

    Dolores eximed sharply as she realized she was trapped beneath Dustin.

    Dustin¡¯s gaze was intense, his heart thumping so loudly he feared she might feel it against her.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Dolores muttered, her thoughts clouded by alcohol until that moment.

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 Chapter 797

    ?Chapter 797:

    She realized her naked state before Dustin!

    A sense of urgency crossed her face, which oddly steadied Dustin. He framed her face with his arms, speaking in a soothing tone. ¡°Dolores, do you have feelings for me?¡±

    Dolores was caught off guard, her mind turning nk. She gazed at Dustin incredulously, struggling to speak. ¡°Could you repeat that?¡±

    Holding her gaze steadily, Dustin didn¡¯t wait for her to recover before saying, ¡°I have feelings for you.¡±

    His sudden confession left Dolores dumbfounded.

    Dustin¡¯s fists tightened, and his breath caught in his throat, a mix of fear and exhration flooding through him.

    His eyelids fluttered slightly.

    Gradually, he leaned closer, his breaths blending with hers.

    Dolores was motionless, caught in the moment. As his lips gently met hers, surprisingly, she didn¡¯t pull away.

    As he observed her receptiveness, a spark of joy lit up Dustin¡¯s eyes. He tenderly stroked her cheek, abandoning all hesitations, and deepened the kiss.

    Collin spent a restless night, yet an essential meeting awaited him, forcing him to start his day early.

    Exhausted, he reclined in the car¡¯s backseat, pressing his thumb against a pulsing ache in his temple.

    g???????¦Í??????.k???? ¨C ???????????? ???? ????

    The echo of Linsey¡¯sst conversation haunted him.

    ¡°Mr. Riley,¡± his assistant said from the front, ncing back with concern, ¡°I wasn¡¯t able to reach Mr. Wade.¡±

    At those words, Collin slowly opened his eyes and replied in a calm voice, ¡°I didn¡¯t see Dustin again after the banquetst night.¡± After a brief pause, he added mildly, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll bring him up to speed on the meetingter.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the assistant replied promptly.

    Collin turned his gaze to the window, his eyes settling on a quaint coffee shop up ahead. ¡°Stop here,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll grab a coffee.¡±

    The assistant straightened at once. ¡°Please¡ªlet me get it for you. You can rest in the car.¡±

    He had already noticed that his boss looked unusually worn that morning.

    With a dismissive wave, Collin stepped out. ¡°No need. I want to stretch my legs.¡±

    The driver pulled over, and the assistant quickly followed suit, trailing Collin as they made their way toward the caf¨¦.

    But just as they turned the corner, a small child burst out from behind a wall¡ªthen, wham¡ªran straight into Collin.

    Without thinking, Collin instinctively caught the child in his arms, steadying himself with practiced ease.

    But his face darkened the next second.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 798

    ?Chapter 798:

    The child¡¯s ice cream had smashed right against his chest, smearing cold, sticky streaks across his finely tailored suit.

    The assistant¡¯s heart dropped. He stepped forward sharply, his voice rising with frustration. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, kid?¡±

    Startled by the scolding, Zenia recoiled. She had intended to fake a few sniffles, but now her eyes brimmed with genuine tears. The grievance was all too real!

    ¡°M-my ice cream!¡± she wailed. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re bad guys! You¡¯re bullying me!¡±

    Her loud, shrill cries instantly attracted a crowd.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    ¡°Oh no, that poor little girl. She looks terrified!¡±

    ¡°Those two guys look so respectable, but they¡¯re bullying a little girl?¡±

    ¡°All that over some ice cream on his suit? How heartless.¡±

    Oblivious to the murmurs, Zenia kept crying, loud and broken, repeating through sobs, ¡°You¡¯re bullying a kid!¡±

    She was doing exactly as instructed. Before she ran into Collin, Zander had given her clear instructions¡ªcollide with the man, then cry as if her heart were breaking, and shout that she was being bullied. They had been told that Collin had once deeply hurt Linsey, and this was their way of making him pay¡ªpublicly.

    From behind a nearby wall, Zander observed everything, eyes sharp with anticipation. The more people gathered, the better. Let the world see Collin for what he was.

    The assistant shifted nervously as Zenia¡¯s sobs grew louder and more dramatic.

    G3t th3 l3g1t v3rs10n 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m

    He had worked alongside Collin long enough to know one thing: the man had no patience for children¡ªespecially not ones throwing public tantrums.

    ¡°Mr. Riley,¡± he said hesitantly, ¡°should I call someone to calm her down? Or maybe take her to the nearest precinct so her family can be contacted?¡±

    Collin pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and brushed the mess from his suit with a casual flick of the wrist.

    Then, his eyesnded on the girl, and he froze for a moment.

    There was something unmistakable in her tear-streaked face. And then it struck him. This was the same girl he had seen at the airport a few days ago¡ªthe one who looked hauntingly like Linsey.

    His expression shifted, darkening with aplexity that unsettled even the assistant.

    So it was her. The child was likely Linsey Gorman¡¯s daughter.

    He had once imagined that he would feel nothing but aversion toward this child. He had, after all, heard her call Gorman ¡°Daddy¡± with his own ears.

    But as he looked at her now¡ªcrying with raw emotion, her little fists balled at her sides¡ªhe felt a strange ache tightening in his chest. In her eyes, in her vulnerable little face, he saw Linsey¡ªjust likest night¡ªeyes wet, voice trembling, looking at him like she was trying not to shatter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 799

    ?Chapter 799:

    No, he wasn¡¯t surprised by the sudden softness creeping into his chest. Zenia looked too much like her.

    Without Collin even noticing, his demeanor softened. He paused thoughtfully before lowering himself to Zenia¡¯s level, his tone unusually tender as he reassured her, saying, ¡°Hey there, little one, don¡¯t be upset. I wasn¡¯t angry with you.¡±

    Collin then nced down at the ice cream smeared on his suit, and with patience, he said, ¡°This is just a small mess, nothing to worry about. I¡¯ll have my suit cleanedter, so please don¡¯t worry.¡±

    The transformation was striking. Collin, already a handsome man, seemed altogether different with his kind expression and soothing voice, shedding his typical cold demeanor for a warmth that felt both surprising and weing.

    Both his assistant and Zenia were taken aback by the change.

    She stared at Collin, her eyes wide with disbelief, as she struggled to reconcile this gentle side with his usual sternness.

    She had intentionally rushed into his embrace. Caylee had told her about his fearsome reputation and harsh treatment of Linsey.

    Justst evening, Linsey had been deeply hurt by him, to the point of tears.

    Zenia had braced herself for a much harsher response, making Collin¡¯s kindness all the more unexpected.

    Read new content at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Collin, noticing Zenia¡¯s shocked expression, couldn¡¯t resist smiling. He tenderly brushed Zenia¡¯s smooth hair, muffling his voice as he said, ¡°Your hair looks lovely. Did your mom style it for you?¡±

    The mention of Linsey, however, briefly darkened his expression. Touching her braid reflexively, Zenia sniffled and corrected, ¡°No, Caylee did this for me.¡±

    Her view of Collin shifted in that moment, the possibility that he might not be the monster she had imagined taking hold.

    Collin had no clue who Caylee was, not even the faintest idea. He gave a quietugh and said, ¡°Are you all by yourself? Do you need help finding your parents?¡±

    At those words, Zenia suddenly regained herposure.

    She remembered that she and Zander had secretly left to confront Collin today, without informing anyone, especially their mother. That was exactly why Zenia worried Linsey might end up anxious if she ever discovered the truth.

    Reflecting on this made Zenia¡¯s heart heavy, recalling how Linsey had wept the previous night.

    Her feelings towards Collin quickly turned sour again, and she resolved to join forces with Zander to defend Linsey and ensure Collin faced consequences for his actions.

    Zenia¡¯s sweet expression transformed into one of determination.

    Collin was caught off guard by the rapid shift in her demeanor.

    In an instant, Zenia lunged into Collin¡¯s arms once more, transferring her tears, runny nose, and melting ice cream onto his suit.

    His assistant stood by, utterly bewildered by the scene.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 800

    Chapter 800:

    ¡°Mr. Riley, should I handle this?¡± the assistant asked, eyeing the mess on Collin¡¯s suit.

    The assistant silently spected that Zenia must really despise Collin. Yet, Collin appeared unfazed and exined calmly, ¡°She¡¯s likely overwhelmed because she¡¯s lost. Her behavior is just her way of coping. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll personally take her to the police station.¡±

    Aware of Zenia¡¯s ties to Gorman, Collin preferred to leave the situation in the hands of the authorities rather than engage directly with him. Thus, he decided to escort Zenia to the police station to confirm her identity and contact Gorman there.

    Uncertain whether Linsey truly was Zenia¡¯s mother and still uneasy from their encounterst night, Collin hesitated to confront her directly. He concluded that the most responsible course of action was to ensure Zenia¡¯s safety by taking her to the police station himself.

    Collin¡¯s words caught Zenia off guard all over again, leaving her momentarily speechless.

    She believed that Collin intended to have her arrested by taking her to the police station.

    In a sudden state of panic, Zenia was too stunned to resist as Collin lifted her and headed toward the waiting car.

    Meanwhile, Zander was attempting to take photos nearby, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw Zenia being led away by Collin. Fear gripped him as he mistakenly assumed Zenia was being kidnapped, tears of worry filling his eyes.

    As the car began to pull away, Zander chased after it, his small legs pumping desperately.

    At that moment, his phone rang with a call from Linsey.

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    ¡°Zander, why did you and Zenia leave so early today?¡±

    The moment Zander heard the worry in Linsey¡¯s voice, the fear he had been holding back spilled out in a rush.

    ¡°Mommy! Help me! A bad man took Zenia!¡±

    The words hit Linsey like a jolt, and she shot to her feet, the look on her face suddenly darkening.

    ¡°What did you just say?!¡±

    Beside her, Caylee, equally rmed, turned swiftly and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are Zenia and Zander in trouble?¡±

    With no time for a detailed exnation, Linsey urged Zander, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. Where are you right now?¡±

    Trying to steady his voice, Zander managed to give the exact location near the coffee shop.

    ¡°Zander, stay right where you are. I¡¯m on my way to get you. Just stay put until I arrive,¡± Linsey said.

    As soon as she ended the call, Linsey¡¯s heart raced with apprehension. She leapt to her feet and dashed toward the door, her mind set on alerting the police immediately.

    Even amid her haste, Linsey took a moment to inform Caylee, saying, ¡°Zander just told me Zenia has been abducted by someone dangerous. We need to review the security footage around the coffee shop to identify this person.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s call to the police was swiftly answered, and she ryed the urgent situation with precision and rity.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Have a great week dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

 Chapter 801

    ?Chapter 801:

    Upon disconnecting the call, Linsey whirled around to leave and caught sight of Caylee trailing her, a look of distress masking her face, suggesting she was hiding something.

    Oblivious to the underlying truth, Linsey assumed Caylee¡¯s anxiety stemmed from concern for Zenia and Zander.

    To soothe her, Linsey said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Caylee. Zenia and Zander are resourceful kids. They¡¯ll manage.¡±

    Caylee snapped out of her daze at Linsey¡¯s words, meeting her calm look with a surge of guilt.

    It dawned on Caylee that Collin, whom she had discussed with the childrenst night, must be the ¡°bad man¡± Zander referred to.

    Caylee hadn¡¯t anticipated that Zenia and Zander would confront Collin so soon, and now Zenia had been captured by him.

    The thought of Linsey discovering this truth filled Caylee with dread. The longer Caylee sat with it, the heavier the guilt pressed down on her. Still, the thought of admitting everything outright froze her in ce. All she could manage was a quiet apology, her voice tight with nerves.

    ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m really sorry. I should have been watching Zenia and Zander more carefully. When I noticed they weren¡¯t in the room this morning, I just assumed they were off ying somewhere else in the hotel.¡±

    They continued their urgent pace outside, gging down a taxi swiftly.

    Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Linsey addressed Caylee earnestly, saying, ¡°We all make mistakes, Caylee. I too am at fault. I should have made sure they understood the boundaries since moving into this hotel.¡±

    She paused, her voiceden with concern, and said, ¡°They¡¯ve always been quite bold, ever since we lived overseas.¡±

    Caylee listened, her heart heavy with regret.

    Caylee gripped her phone, wrestling with the decision to inform Gorman of the situation.

    She regretted her previous conversation with Zenia and Zander; had she foreseen the consequences, she would have held her tongue. After all, it was an adult matter that shouldn¡¯t have involved the children.

    Meanwhile, inside Collin¡¯s car, Zenia came to a sudden realization about her situation.

    It shocked her that she had been kidnapped by Collin.

    ¡°Let me go, you viin!¡± Zenia shouted, thrashing in Collin¡¯s grasp as she attempted to escape.

    Collin managed to calm Zenia down and then gently ced her on the seat next to him.

    Zenia immediately moved as far away as she could within the seat, eyeing Collin with suspicion.

    Internally, however, Zenia was bing increasingly frightened and anxious.

    She desperately missed Zander and hoped he would appear to save her soon.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 802

    ?Chapter 802:

    Collin epted a clean towel from his assistant and, instead of using it himself, he offered it to Zenia, speaking softly.

    ¡°Would you like to clean up a little? It seems your lovely dress has gotten dirty.¡±

    Zenia stopped to look at her stained dress, her distress evident as tears began to pool in her eyes.

    ¡°My dress¡­ It¡¯s my favorite one!¡±

    The assistant braced for another bout of tears from Zenia.

    Yet, Collin continued to show unexpected kindness, gently dabbing the stains on her dress with the towel.

    At the same time, he said soothingly, ¡°We¡¯re near a mall. How about we go and pick out a new dress for you?¡±

    Zenia looked up at Collin¡¯s earnest face, feeling a surprising sense offort.

    Hearing his suggestion, Zenia frowned deeply and said, ¡°Mommy told me never to take things from strangers!¡±

    Collin hesitated at her reaction, then began to ask tentatively, ¡°Is your mother¡­¡±

    He cut himself off, a wry smile briefly crossing his face as he realized the pointlessness of his question.

    Regardless of whether Zenia¡¯s mother was Linsey, Linsey¡¯s dislike for him remained unchanged.

    ?????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????: g???????¦Í??????????????

    Moreover, Zenia was unaware of any past conflicts between him and Linsey.

    Collin concluded that it was neither appropriate nor useful to seek such answers from a child.

    ¡°Okay, we don¡¯t have to go to the mall. I¡¯m going to take you to the police station now, where they can help you find your mom so you can go home,¡± Collin said gently.

    Zenia looked up at him, taken aback for a moment.

    Being so young, she inadvertently revealed her thoughts as she asked, ¡°Are you taking me to the police station for them to punish me?¡±

    Caught off guard by her question, Collin responded with a puzzled expression, ¡°Why would I want the police to punish you?¡±

    Zenia hesitated, then wisely avoided mentioning that she had deliberately run into him. Instead, she said, ¡°Because you were angry!¡±

    With a light chuckle, Collin said, ¡°If we make peace, there will be no punishment from the police.¡±

    Confused, Zenia asked, ¡°What¡¯s ¡®make peace¡¯?¡±

    ¡°It means that I forgive you, and you forgive me,¡± Collin exined.

    Zenia¡¯s cheeks ballooned with frustration as she retorted, ¡°But I¡¯m not ready to forgive you yet, you viin.¡±

    Collin lifted his brows at her and lightly tapped the tip of Zenia¡¯s nose with one finger. ¡°You keep calling me a viin. I¡¯m curious¡ªwhat exactly did I do that makes me so terrible?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 803

    ?Chapter 803:

    Zenia fixed Collin with a steady gaze, her lips sealed shut.

    Together with Zander, she had crafted their n meticulously and was determined to keep it a secret from Linsey.

    ¡°Are you not in the mood to talk?¡± Collin asked, his voice soft and his demeanor soothing. ¡°That¡¯s perfectly fine. Just take some time to rest; we¡¯ll arrive at the police station shortly.¡±

    After a brief silence, he said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t have any children¡¯s beverages in the car. Would you like some water instead?¡±

    Zenia gave a small nod without making a sound.

    Her throat felt parched.

    Collin smiled slightly and requested his assistant to pass a water bottle. He checked the temperature of the bottle before loosening the cap.

    Looking back at his assistant, Collin asked, ¡°Is there a straw avable?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the assistant responded, promptly producing a straw and passing it to him.

    Collin inserted the straw into the bottle and handed it to Zenia.

    Zenia tried to grasp it, but her hands were too small to hold it steadily. Observing this, Collin supported the bottle from below, allowing her to sipfortably.

    Suddenly, his assistant, seated in the front, said hesitantly, ¡°Mr. Riley, the meeting is set to start in ten minutes. We¡¯re likely going to bete.¡±

    Without any apparent worry, Collin said, ¡°Reschedule the meeting for thirty minutester.¡±

    ?????????? ???????????? ??????? g???????¦Í?????????????

    He seemed unable to fully rx until he had personally ensured Zenia was safe at the police station.

    As Collin watched Zenia drink, he noted a resemnce to Linsey in her features.

    But then, something about her face tugged at a memory he couldn¡¯t fully grasp. It nagged at him, just out of reach.

    For a moment, he considered whether she might look a bit like Gorman, but the idea slipped away before it could settle. The doubt annoyed him. Indeed, Collin had overheard Zenia referring to Gorman as Daddy, confirming his suspicions about her parentage.

    He suspected his personal aversion to Gorman was clouding his judgment, making him doubt Zenia¡¯s resemnce to him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need any more water,¡± Zenia said, pulling Collin from his thoughts.

    Acknowledging her, he resealed the water bottle.

    With a yful smirk, he joked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you shouldn¡¯t ept things from strangers? So why did you take my water?¡±

    Zenia was caught off guard, her cheeks turning a rosy shade.

    ¡°Just really thirsty,¡± she retorted firmly.

    Collin gently cautioned her, ¡°It¡¯s important to remember your mom¡¯s advice so she doesn¡¯t worry, right?¡±

    As he reflected, Collin thought about how random their encounter had been today. He grew concerned about who else Zenia might approach so recklessly in the future.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 804

    ?Chapter 804:

    So he continued, ¡°Also, charging at people like that isn¡¯t a good idea. Someone could get hurt, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Zenia fixed her gaze on Collin, her eyes wide and still. Slowly, she tilted her head, clearly puzzled by him.

    In that moment, she thought Zander bore a slight resemnce to Collin.

    Not far from the coffee shop, Zander spotted Linsey and Caylee approaching quickly.

    ¡°Mommy! You have to save Zenia!¡± he cried, tears streaking down his face, his voice thick with urgency.

    ¡°My dear, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll rescue Zenia,¡± Linsey reassured him, her eyes scanning the area.

    With relief, she noticed several security cameras in view, confident the footage would reveal who had taken Zenia.

    Just as she reached for her phone to call security, it rang.

    ¡°Hello, is this Ms. Linsey Brooks? Your daughter has been brought to the police station.¡±

    When she heard the police officer¡¯s words, Linsey¡¯s face lit up with relief.

    ¡°Great, I¡¯m on my way!¡±

    She told Caylee to take Zander back to their hotel ahead of her, then stepped out onto the curb to g down a cab and made her way to the police station.

    Exclusive updates: galno¦Íe??s.co??

    During the ride, Linsey¡¯s hands were tightly clenched, her nerves on edge over Zenia¡¯s safety. Her thoughts were chaotic, puzzled over the identity of the bad man Zander had mentioned and curious about who had taken Zenia to the police station.

    Arriving at the station, Linsey hurried out of the cab and into the building. She quickly spotted Zenia sitting beside a policewoman.

    ¡°Zenia!¡±

    ¡°Mommy!¡±

    Zenia leaped into Linsey¡¯s arms, and as she inhaled her mother¡¯s familiar scent, tears began to flow freely.

    Linsey softly stroked Zenia¡¯s back and said, ¡°Everything¡¯s okay now. Mommy¡¯s here, so there¡¯s no need to be afraid.¡±

    After a moment, she gently pulled back to inspect Zenia carefully.

    ¡°Are you alright? Did you get hurt?¡±

    Zenia, her eyes tearful, shook her head.

    At that point, the policewoman interjected,

    ¡°I¡¯ve examined your daughter, and she¡¯s fine. Just make sure to keep a closer eye on her. Fortunately, a good Samaritan brought her in.¡±

    ¡°I truly appreciate it. I¡¯m so sorry for causing any trouble,¡± Linsey said, her tone full of gratitude. Without wasting a moment, she followed up with a question.

    ¡°Would you happen to know the name of the person who helped my daughter?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 805

    ?Chapter 805:

    Linsey couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that if that kind stranger hadn¡¯t stepped in, Zenia might have ended up in real danger. That thought alone made her determined to find them and express her gratitude face-to-face.

    The policewoman paused briefly before responding,

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the individual chose to remain anonymous. However, I must say, he seemed like someone not easily crossed. But now that your daughter is safe, perhaps it¡¯s best to let it be.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Linsey nodded her understanding and quickly left with Zenia.

    She felt frustrated that Zander and Zenia had been so reckless to sneak out that early. Determined to address this, she nned a serious discussion with them forter.

    While Collin was heading to thepany, he remainedpletely unaware of everything that had unfolded after he left.

    He had an urgent meeting to attend and, having ensured Zenia was safe at the police station, he had no choice but to leave.

    Changing into a fresh suit while in the car, Collin reflected on his short time with Zenia, feeling an unexpected sense of solitude. Zenia¡¯s vibrant and intelligent nature reminded him of Linsey.

    He found himself wondering, almost wistfully, if he and Linsey had had a child in those days, maybe their little girl would have been every bit as sweet and charming as Zenia.

    With a self-mocking smile, he dismissed the thought, murmuring to himself, ¡°How could that even be possible?¡±

    g?????0¦Í??????.??????, ???????????? ????????

    By the time Collin stepped into his top-floor office, he finally caught sight of Dustin, who had been off the radar sincest night.

    Dustin was slouched on the sofa, deep in his own head, so distracted he didn¡¯t even look up when Collin approached.

    Caught off guard by the unusual silence, Collin raised his voice just enough to pull him back. ¡°Hey, whatever¡¯s eating at you can wait. We¡¯ve got a meeting to get through first.¡±

    Dustin, jolted from his thoughts, stared at Collin briefly before saying, ¡°Oh, yes. Of course.¡±

    Throughout the meeting, Collin noticed Dustin¡¯s mind wandering. Despite several board members engaging him with questions, Dustin seemed elsewhere.

    Finally, Collin was unable to tolerate it any longer, his tone bing stern as he said, ¡°Dustin, should I throw some water on you to wake you up?¡±

    The coldness in his voice was evident, making everyone tense. Given Collin¡¯s recent irritability, the board was surprised Dustin would allow himself to be so distracted.

    Sensing the shift in tone, Dustin gave his cheek a quick p, shook off the haze, and pulled himself back into focus. ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary. Apologies, I didn¡¯t get much restst night.¡±

    Collin gave Dustin a dismissive look, then gestured to the board member and said, ¡°Please proceed.¡±

    As soon as the meeting was over and the others were heading out, Collin¡¯s stern voice halted them. ¡°Dustin, my office, now.¡± A collective shudder went through the room at hismand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 806

    ?Chapter 806:

    The group was certain Dustin was in for a severe reprimand.

    Dustin trailed behind Collin into the office, his expression distant and unfocused,pletely unaware of the thoughts running through everyone else¡¯s minds.

    Once the office door shut behind them, Dustin overheard Collin on the phone. ¡°Contact the boxing gym. I¡¯m bringing someone along shortly.¡± The moment he heard those words, Dustin jolted back to awareness, his voiceced with panic as he asked, ¡°Collin, you¡¯re not actually thinking of dragging me to the boxing gym, are you?¡±

    Collin adjusted his tie and responded coldly, ¡°You need to sharpen up. We can¡¯t afford yourck of focus with the workload we have.¡± Just then, a knock came at the door. ¡°Boss, the gym is prepared for your arrival. Shall we go now?¡±

    Dustin¡¯s panic surged, and his first thought was escape. ¡°Collin, hold on, I suddenly feel quite ill¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Collin said firmly, grabbing Dustin by the cor and steering him forcefully out of the office.

    Three hourster, Dustiny exhausted and soaked in sweat on the gym mat.

    Hey there with his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his mind frozen, too shaken to begin processing everything he had just endured.

    Collin, drenched in sweat as well, stood off to the side with a calm that didn¡¯t match the scene.

    ???????????? ???????? ??????????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    Without a flicker of emotion, he nced down at Dustin, who was struggling for air, then peeled off his gloves at an unhurried pace. ¡°Get up.¡±

    Fear washed over Dustin¡¯s face, but he couldn¡¯t even lift a hand to protest. ¡°I can¡¯t do it, Collin. I messed up. Just let me off the hook. If this keeps going, it¡¯s going to kill me.¡±

    Collin gave him a distant look, then sat down abruptly on the gym floor, stripping off his gloves and flinging them to the side.

    Just then, his assistant arrived with two water bottles, handing them to Collin, who casually threw one to Dustin.

    Startled by the unexpected toss, Dustin eximed, ¡°Collin, you¡¯re really¡ª¡±

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Collin asked, a hint of challenge in his tone.

    Dustin hesitated, then quietly unscrewed the cap of his water bottle and took a sip.

    Momentster, Collin¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper as he said, ¡°I hope this won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    Dustin understood right away that Collin was calling him out for spacing out during the meeting. ¡°Yeah, I know. I¡¯m not myself today. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Is this about Dolores?¡± Collin said, tossing the question out so easily that Dustin jolted up, like someone had yanked a string tied to his spine.

    ¡°How did you know?¡± Dustin¡¯s shock was evident, his mind racing with paranoia.

    Collin sneered, ¡°You disappeared with Dolores after the banquetst night. You think people wouldn¡¯t notice?¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 807

    ?Chapter 807:

    Dustin¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment. ¡°You seem to catch everything, don¡¯t you, Collin?¡±

    Taking a breath, Dustin looked at Collin and said, ¡°What if, hypothetically, I ended up spending the night with someone?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re into Dolores, you can ask her out,¡± Collin suggested. Dustin¡¯s cheeks burned with embarrassment at the straightforward response.

    However, just a secondter, he let out a faint, rueful smile and said, ¡°But I have a feeling she doesn¡¯t see it that way¡­¡±

    Momentster, Collin said firmly, ¡°Then you should try harder.¡± With that, Collin got to his feet and started walking away.

    Watching him go, Dustin murmured in disbelief, ¡°But I tried my hardestst night¡­¡±

    Before Dustin could finish his thought, another water bottle flew at him. It smacked him hard, and he cried out in pain.

    Collin, at a loss for words, said, ¡°I was trying to say that you should really try harder to win her over. What were you thinking?¡±

    Linsey had just returned to the hotel with Zenia when Zander and Caylee rushed over, their faces full of worry.

    ¡°Zenia!¡± Zander called out.

    ???????????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????[?]??????

    ¡°Are you okay? Did you get hurt?¡± Caylee inquired with concern.

    Zenia¡¯s heart settled the moment she saw her mother. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she addressed Zander and Caylee.

    Zander breathed out in relief. But then, his eyes shifted to Linsey. Her expression was cold.

    ¡°Mommy¡­¡± he called gently.

    Linsey said nothing. She walked straight to the sofa, ignoring him. Zander¡¯s and Zenia¡¯s smiles faded. Their eyes dropped, a trace of hurt showing.

    Caylee bit her lip, clearly torn.

    After a pause, she took the kids¡¯ hands and led them over to Linsey. They stood quietly in front of her¡ªone adult and two children¡ªwaiting to see how she would react.

    The room went quiet. The silence stretched. Finally, Zenia couldn¡¯t hold it in.

    She stepped closer, tugged at Linsey¡¯s sleeve, and asked in a soft voice, ¡°Mommy, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Linsey looked down at Zenia¡¯s nervous little face, then over at Zander, who stood stiffly with a tense look. Her voice cracked as she spoke.

    ¡°Why did you two go out by yourselves this morning? And why did you go so far?¡±

    She remembered that the coffee shop was near CR Corporation. It was nowhere near their hotel.

    .

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 Chapter 808

    ?Chapter 808:

    She couldn¡¯t understand why the kids had wandered off that far.

    Caylee¡¯s heart sank. Guilt washed over her.

    She was the one who had talked about Collin and those cesst night.

    But she never thought the kids would actually sneak out the next day to find him.

    Too much had happened. Things could have gone terribly wrong. Caylee feared that if Linsey found out she was the reason behind it, she would feel let down.

    Rather than wait to be exposed, Caylee thought it best to tell the truth herself.

    But before she could say a word, Zander suddenly stepped forward. ¡°Mommy, it was me. I took Zenia out. I just wanted to have some fun. It¡¯s boring in the hotel.¡±

    Caylee froze. Her hands clenched without thinking. Whatever courage she had disappeared in a sh.

    She didn¡¯t understand why Zander hid the truth.

    Her brows furrowed. She stood there, unsure of what to do.

    Linsey let out a tired sigh. ¡°I never said you couldn¡¯t go out and y. But you¡¯re both still kids. If you want to go out, you need an adult with you. I wasn¡¯t busy today. I could¡¯ve taken you. And if I couldn¡¯t, Caylee would¡¯ve gone. But slipping out without telling anyone?¡±

    By the end, her voice shook. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she took their hands. ¡°If something had happened to you¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have been there to save you.¡±

    Zenia¡¯s lips trembled. Seeing her mother so upset broke her heart. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mommy. I was wrong. I won¡¯t do it again.¡±

    Your next journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    She leaned in slowly, wrapping her small arms around Linsey as tears streamed down her cheeks.

    Zander¡¯s eyes were tearful too, but he blinked fast, trying hard not to cry.

    Zander pressed his lips together, trying to appear braver than he felt. ¡°Mommy, it was my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have taken Zenia out running around.¡±

    Linsey gently dabbed away Zenia¡¯s tears with a soft tissue, then reached for Zander and wrapped both children tightly in her arms, holding them close against her heart.

    Her voice was calm and tender when she finally spoke. ¡°I¡¯m not scolding you. I just need you to promise you won¡¯t scare me like that again.¡±

    The two kids nodded earnestly, their voices chiming together. ¡°We promise we won¡¯t!¡±

    A faint smile touched Linsey¡¯s lips at their sincerity.

    No matter how she tried, she could never bring herself to be too harsh with them.

    Yes, mistakes had to be acknowledged¡ªbut she didn¡¯t want them to be afraid of her.

    That was the quiet vow she repeated to herself again and again.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 809

    ?Chapter 809:

    After all, Zenia and Zander were growing up without a father. So Linsey wanted only to fill their world with as much warmth and love as she possibly could, making sure they felt just as cherished and whole as any other kids.

    With that thought softening her gaze, she gently patted their heads and said, ¡°I know living in a hotel room isn¡¯t veryfortable, so¡­¡±

    Zander¡¯s eyes lit up in an instant, and he bounced on his toes.

    ¡°Mommy, are we going home?¡±

    Even Caylee looked surprised by the question.

    She had assumed Linsey nned to leave Grester, which would have meant she wouldn¡¯t have to go through with what Gorman had asked of her.

    The idea of betraying Linsey again made her stomach turn.

    But Linsey let out a softugh, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°Grester is our home. I grew up here¡ªand from now on, this is where the two of you will live, too.¡±

    Zander¡¯s expression faltered at once. His shoulders slumped as he murmured, ¡°Okay then.¡±

    But the pout didn¡¯tst long. His eyes gleamed again a momentter. ¡°Then I want to live where you grew up for a few more years!¡±

    Linsey tilted her head, her smile full of affection. ¡°When you¡¯re all grown up, you¡¯ll be free to go wherever your heart leads you.¡±

    F??ll ?????????? ??????i?????????? ???? g??l??ov?ls.??????

    Zenia clung to her mother, snuggling against her shoulder, her voice sweet and dreamy. ¡°I never wanna leave you, Mommy¡­¡±

    Their innocent voices washed away the worry that had been tugging at Linsey¡¯s chest.

    Then, as if a thought had just surfaced, she nced over at Caylee.

    ¡°Would youe with me in the next few days to check out new ces to live?¡±

    But Caylee looked lost, as if her mind were somewhere far away.

    ¡°Caylee?¡± Linsey repeated, watching her closely.

    Caylee finally blinked and snapped out of it. ¡°Huh? Oh¡ªyes, Linsey. What¡¯s up?¡±

    Linsey narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing that something wasn¡¯t quite right¡ªbut she brushed it off, assuming Caylee was just exhausted from helping with the kids.

    ¡°I was saying we can¡¯t stay in a hotel forever. I¡¯m going to start checking out apartments¡ªrenting or buying, whichever makes sense. As long as it¡¯sfortable and in a good neighborhood, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±

    Caylee nodded quickly. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll start looking into options ahead of time¡ªsee what¡¯s avable.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Linsey said softly. ¡°You¡¯ve been working so hardtely. Take the rest of the day to rest¡ªI¡¯ll watch the kids.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 810

    ?Chapter 810:

    Caylee¡¯s eyes widened with surprise, and she immediately waved her hands. ¡°No, no, it¡¯s really no trouble at all! This is what I¡¯m here for.¡±

    She didn¡¯t know much about design. The only reason she had be Linsey¡¯s assistant was because Linsey had seen something in her¡ªdependability, quiet diligence¡ªand brought her on to help manage orders and asionally look after the children.

    Linsey paid her generously, far more than most assistants earned.

    But just before they were supposed to leave for Grester, her grandmother¡ªthe only family she had, the woman who had raised her¡ªhad fallen gravely ill.

    That was when Gorman stepped in. He paid for the surgery¡ªan expensive one Caylee never could have afforded on her own. And ever since, she had always felt indebted to him.

    Caylee knew she owed Linsey.

    She also knew how hard Linsey worked to raise two kids on her own.

    Because of that, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask Linsey for money.

    In the end, she had no choice but to agree to Gorman¡¯s request¡ªdoing only things that wouldn¡¯t harm Linsey or the children, at least on the surface.

    Linsey, of course, had no idea what was going through Caylee¡¯s mind. After everything that happened today, she realized one thing¡ªthey couldn¡¯t keep living in a hotel. Zander and Zenia needed a bigger, safer space.

    Stay tuned for more g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c¡ðm

    A hotel room, no matter how nice, would never feel like home.

    Luckily, she had managed to save up a decent amount over the years as Aurora. Now, she could afford to rent a cozy apartment in Grester¡ªa ce where the kids could finally feel settled.

    Buying a house would take more time ande with a lot ofplications.

    For now, she decided to start by looking around and take it from there.

    ¡°Linsey¡­ Have you really decided to stay in Grester?¡± Caylee asked gently, still unsure.

    She remembered Linsey saying they wouldn¡¯t stay long when they first arrived.

    She hadn¡¯t expected her to change her mind so soon.

    Linsey turned on the TV and found a cartoon for the kids.

    Then she nodded, her eyes steady and full of resolve. ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind,¡± she said. ¡°I just won first ce in the designpetition. If I leave now, I might lose out on some big opportunities thate with that. For my career¡ªand for the kids¡¯ future¡ªstaying here is the right choice.¡±

    She paused, then added softly, ¡°Dolores¡¯pany is finally getting back on its feet. She hasn¡¯t said much, but I know she needs me. And Grester¡­ This is where we grew up. It holds our memories. This city gave me friendship, dreams, and roots. I won¡¯t run from it. I¡¯m staying.¡±

    When she first came back, Linsey never thought she would stay. The city had once brought her so much pain.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 811

    ?Chapter 811:

    And after she bumped into Collin against night, the old memories came flooding back.

    They stung more than she had expected.

    But after a long night of thinking, she came to a simple truth¡ªshe wouldn¡¯t give up a whole city just because of one man.

    This was her home. Her best friend was here. Her childhood, her career¡ªeverything she had built mattered more than the past. Collin was just a chapter. He didn¡¯t get to write the whole story.

    And the more she tried to avoid him, the harder it was to truly move on.

    She realized that the night she saw him again after four long years.

    Now, she believed the only way to heal was to face it all, head-on.

    Caylee didn¡¯t speak right away. She nced at Zander and Zenia, then said carefully, ¡°Linsey¡­ What if that person finds out¡­¡±

    She didn¡¯t finish the sentence, but Linsey understood right away. She smiled gently, calm and unfazed. ¡°Zander and Zenia are my children. No one has the right to take them away. No one.¡±

    The moment she said that, the kids looked away from the screen. They didn¡¯t fully understand, but they could feel something serious in her voice. Quietly, they moved closer and wrapped their arms around her.

    ¡°Mommy, we just want to stay with you!¡± Zenia pouted, her voice loud and sure.

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Zander frowned slightly. He was always the thoughtful one. ¡°Mommy, is someone trying to take us? Are they bad people?¡±

    Linsey burst intoughter and soothingly stroked the children¡¯s heads. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no one could ever take you two from me. We¡¯ll always be together, all right?¡± she reassured them in a calm tone.

    ¡°Yes! We¡¯ll always be with Mommy!¡± eximed Zenia, her eyes gleaming with joy and her smile radiating pure adorableness.

    As lunchtime approached, Linsey and Caylee hurriedly prepared a straightforward meal. Satisfied and full, the children soon found it hard to keep their eyes open.

    To ensure Caylee had a peaceful rest today, Linsey decided they would nap in her room, allowing Caylee the solitude of the guest room. After Linsey gently shut her bedroom door, she turned to Caylee with a sudden thought.

    ¡°It just urred to me, I never asked if you¡¯d like to stay here in Grester,¡± Linsey said, her voice tinged with regret. ¡°I realize Grester isn¡¯t your home, and your grandmother probably misses you.¡± As she spoke, she affectionately grasped Caylee¡¯s hand. ¡°If you wish to return, I can contact some friends there to help you secure a job. You know, I still keep an apartment there. You and your grandmother can use it until the lease is up, if you like.¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 812

    ?Chapter 812:

    Caylee¡¯s eyes welled up with tears as she listened. Shaking her head, she responded, ¡°Linsey, you¡¯ve done so much already. I can¡¯t possibly ept more.¡±

    Linsey, with the warmth of a sister, tenderly brushed a lock of hair from Caylee¡¯s face.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been with me so long. You¡¯re like family,¡± she continued. ¡°You¡¯ve taken such good care of Zenia and Zander. I see everything you do. So please, don¡¯t feel guilty. I¡¯ve paid that apartment¡¯s rent already; it¡¯s empty and waiting.¡±

    ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m not going anywhere!¡± Caylee said, clutching Linsey¡¯s hand. ¡°I want to stay with you and the kids longer.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face lit up with a smile. ¡°I¡¯d love that. I just worry about your grandmother. She must miss you.¡±

    Caylee looked down, her expression clouded with sorrow.

    She hadn¡¯t yet shared with Linsey that her grandmother was gravely ill and hospitalized.

    She was also keeping a secret about how Gorman had covered the hospital expenses and had her pass on secret messages.

    Caylee couldn¡¯t bear to think about how Linsey would see her if she ever discovered the things she had done for Gorman. The mere thought of it sent a nervous shiver through Caylee.

    ¡°Are you good?¡± Linsey asked, noticing her difort.

    Your favorite tales live at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    Caylee quickly looked up. ¡°I¡¯m fine, really.¡±

    Linsey looked at her with a worried expression. ¡°You look like hell. Could it be that you¡¯re just tired?¡±

    Leading Caylee to the guest room, Linsey opened the door and softly suggested, ¡°Get some rest. We can sort everything else outter. And if you feel unwell, tell me immediately. I¡¯ll take you to the doctor.¡±

    Tears welled up in Caylee¡¯s eyes as she nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Linsey didn¡¯t push further, assuming that recent fatigue was all that troubled Caylee.

    Linsey waited by the door, watching as Caylee slipped into the room. The moment she closed the door, Linsey pulled her phone from her pocket and sent a message to Dolores, asking when her friend might be free for a quick meet-up.

    After all, it was time Dolores heard the news¡ªshe had made up her mind. She was staying in Grester.

    Meanwhile, in the quiet room where they were supposed to be fast asleep, two little silhouettes huddled under the covers, wide-eyed and whispering like tiny conspirators.

    ¡°Zander, think that bad guy might actually be¡­ a good person,¡± Zenia murmured. She was thinking about that morning¡ªabout Collin¡ªand something in her wanted to defend him.

    Zander shot upright, eyes shing. ¡°But he took you! That¡¯s what bad guys do!¡±

    Zenia bit her lip, clearly torn. ¡°But he was nice to me. He didn¡¯t yell or get mad. He brought me straight to the police station so Mommy coulde get me.¡±

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 Chapter 813

    ?Chapter 813:

    Zander¡¯s face scrunched up like a balloon about to pop. ¡°I¡¯m the one who called Mommy. I told her toe save you!¡±

    Zenia blinked, a little thrown. ¡°But, Zander¡­ you didn¡¯t call the police yourself.¡±

    His face stiffened, eyes flicking away in awkward silence. ¡°Anyway, you were probably tricked. That¡¯s what bad guys do¡ªthey pretend to be nice.¡±

    Zenia folded her arms, lips pushed into a pout. Then, as if struck by a wild idea, she leaned in, her voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. ¡°You know what? I think¡­ you kind of look like that bad guy.¡±

    ¡°What?! Nonsense!¡± Zander recoiled so fast he nearly fell off the bed. ¡°I don¡¯t look like him! He made Mommy cry so much¡ªI¡¯d never make her cry like that!¡±

    Zenia¡¯s face fell. ¡°But¡­ when we snuck out this morning, Mommy was really upset.¡±

    That hit a nerve. Zander puffed up indignantly. ¡°She was worried, not upset! That¡¯s different!¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Zenia gave up trying to untangle it all. She said softly, ¡°So what now? Mommy¡¯s never gonna let us go out alone again.¡±

    Zander fell silent, thinking hard. Then suddenly, his eyes lit up. ¡°I¡¯m gonna settle things with that bad guy myself.¡±

    Zenia gasped. ¡°Zander! What are you going to do? He¡¯s really tall!¡±

    Read more at g??lnovel s.??????

    ¡°I¡¯m not scared of him!¡± Zander puffed up his chest and balled his tiny fists. ¡°I¡¯ll stand up to him like a real man. I¡¯ll make sure he knows he can¡¯t hurt Mommy again.¡±

    Zenia¡¯s lips parted in awe. She looked at her brother like he had grown a superhero cape. ¡°You¡¯re so brave, Zander¡­¡±

    Dolores arrived not long after Linsey¡¯s message had gone out.

    The moment she stepped inside, she made a beeline for the water pitcher, pouring herself a ss and downing it like she had crossed a desert. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m exhausted,¡± she gasped between gulps. ¡°Why is it so hot out today?¡±

    Linsey watched nervously, half-expecting her friend to choke. ¡°Slow down, would you?¡±

    Seeing how flushed and sweaty Dolores was, she quietly fetched a fresh towel and began patting her friend¡¯s cheeks with gentle care. ¡°I told you we could meet whenever it worked for you. Why¡¯d you rush over like this?¡± Linsey said.

    Dolores gave a sheepish smile. ¡°The board was driving me insane. Same useless discussions, going in circles for hours. I couldn¡¯t take another second. So I ran away¡ªto here. Consider this my hiding ce.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s brows pulled together in a frown. ¡°They¡¯re pressuring you again? Why? I thought yourpany was doing better this year. Why are they still pestering you with that nonsense?¡±

    Dolores looked away for a beat¡ªjust long enough. ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s not that.¡±

    Linsey knew Dolores too well. So the moment she saw that look sh across her face, she had a feeling it was about her.

    .

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 Chapter 814

    ?Chapter 814:

    She stopped and stared straight at her. ¡°Spill it. Either you tell me now, or I¡¯ll head to yourpany and ask the board myself.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t!¡± Dolores blurted, then sighed. ¡°Since you helped us win the designpetition, the board¡¯s been on my neck. They want you as our chief designer. I told them you wouldn¡¯t stay in town for long, but they think I¡¯m being stingy¡ªthat I¡¯m not offering you enough.¡±

    Linsey let out a softugh.

    Dolores nced sideways at her, frowning. ¡°How can you stillugh? I turned them down for you, just like you asked.¡±

    That was true. Linsey had told her before¡ªshe wasn¡¯t nning to stay in Grester.

    But things had changed. Justst night, she had made up her mind. And that was exactly what she wanted to talk to Dolores about.

    Still, she couldn¡¯t resist teasing her first. Linsey raised an eyebrow. ¡°So what kind of offer were you nning to make me?¡±

    Dolores didn¡¯t think much of it. She shrugged. ¡°Only the best. Sry¡¯s a given. The title might be chief designer, but if you joined, you¡¯d be my second-inmand. Everyone else would report to you.¡±

    If people weren¡¯t asleep in the next room, Linsey would have burst outughing.

    She cleared her throat. ¡°Oh,e on. I¡¯m not signing up to be your vice president. Chief designer just means I run the design team, right?¡±

    See full story at g???????¦Í???????co??

    Dolores lifted her chin and gave a little huff. ¡°You¡¯re my best friend. That¡¯s how I see it. The board thinks I¡¯m being petty. But if they knew what I was really thinking, they¡¯d just drown me in useless advice again.¡±

    Linsey smiled and gently wiped the sweat from Dolores¡¯ forehead. ¡°Alright then. Since you¡¯re offering me such a sweet deal¡­ I ept. So, when do I start?¡±

    Dolores froze. She stared at Linsey, mouth slightly open, struggling to process the words. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Linsey raised an eyebrow, ying along. ¡°What? Changed your mind already? Don¡¯t want me anymore?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Dolores shouted, making Linsey jump.

    ¡°Shhh! The kids are still sleeping,¡± Linsey pressed a finger to her lips.

    Dolores blinked, then snapped out of it. She set down her ss and grabbed Linsey, dragging her to the couch. ¡°But you said a few days ago you¡¯d be leaving. What changed?¡±

    Linsey smiled and began to exin everything she had been thinking. With Dolores, she never held back. She could speak freely.

    When she finished, Dolores was beaming. She nodded quickly. ¡°Good! You finally see that your careeres first¡ªway more important than any guy.¡±

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 Chapter 815

    ?Chapter 815:

    Linsey was amused by her tone.

    Still, Dolores wasn¡¯t wrong. Linsey had spent so long worrying¡ªafraid that bumping into Collin would stir up old feelings or mess with her head.

    But she hadn¡¯t done anything wrong back then. There was no reason to hide.

    Yes, Collin was powerful. He founded CR Corporation, after all. But that didn¡¯t mean he could stop her from chasing her dreams in Grester. And if he tried? Well, Linsey would just think even less of him. That would only prove he was small-minded.

    Dolores lit up the moment she heard the news. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! We don¡¯t have to be apart anymore.¡±

    Her joy was honest, unguarded. Then, with a small sigh, she admitted, ¡°Truthfully, there were so many moments I wanted to ask you to stay. But I held back¡ªI didn¡¯t want my feelings to sway your choice. I wanted it to be yours, so I stayed silent. But now that you¡¯ve chosen this on your own¡­ I¡¯m genuinely happy.¡±

    Linsey offered a soft smile, eyes warm as she met Dolores¡¯ gaze. ¡°Thank you, Dolores. For always knowing how to be there for me.¡±

    With a yful huff, Dolores reached out and tapped her finger lightly against Linsey¡¯s forehead. ¡°When did you start sounding so formal with me, huh?¡±

    Chuckling, Linsey picked up the towel again and gently resumed dabbing the sweat from Dolores¡¯ skin. ¡°I was joking, but you took it seriously.¡±

    ???????????????? ???????????????? @ g??????¦Í??????©q?????

    Dolores tilted her chin obligingly, letting Linsey finish the job. ¡°Anyway,¡± she murmured, ¡°let¡¯s drop the mushy stuff. You and I? We don¡¯t need it.¡±

    ¡°Understood, boss,¡± Linsey replied with an exaggerated grin, still wiping gently.

    But then her hand paused. Her smile faded, and her gaze fixed on something just below Dolores¡¯ corbone. ¡°Dolores¡­ aboutst night¡­¡±

    She trailed off.

    Dolores blinked, thrown by the sudden shift. Something wasn¡¯t right.

    She followed Linsey¡¯s stare, but the angle didn¡¯t let her see anything. Noticing that, Linsey quietly set the towel aside, reached for a mirror on the table, and handed it to her. ¡°Here. Take a look.¡±

    Dolores raised the mirror¡ªand immediately spotted the faint red marks along her corbone.

    Her expression froze.

    ¡°Oh, crap¡­¡± she muttered, visibly annoyed.

    When she looked up, Linsey regarded her teasingly.

    Dolores, at a loss for words, tossed the mirror back onto the table, avoiding eye contact. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Don¡¯t make a big deal out of it.¡±

    Linsey stared at her, obviously not buying it. ¡°Is that so?¡±

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 Chapter 816

    ?Chapter 816:

    Dolores sat straighter, bristling. ¡°Of course. Why would I lie to you?¡± She shot Linsey a sideways nce, puffed up with mock pride. ¡°I¡¯m a grown woman. Gettingid is perfectly normal, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Linsey nodded in agreement. ¡°Of course. Totally normal.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ relief was short-lived. Linsey leaned in close and whispered with a wicked smile, ¡°So¡­ was it Dustin?¡±

    Dolores nearly jumped out of her skin. She recoiled into the sofa cushions, wide-eyed. ¡°How the hell did you figure that out?!¡±

    Linsey gave an innocent blink. ¡°You told me at the banquet that you were taking Dustin away. Then you vanished. Connect the dots.¡± She paused, thoughtful now. ¡°Even when I was away from Grester, you¡¯d still tell me random things about him. Stories, little details. That kind of consistency? It means something.¡±

    She rubbed her chin as if piecing together a puzzle. ¡°From what I know, Dustin isn¡¯t exactly Mr. Sentimental. But he¡¯s not careless either. If he¡¯s been keeping up with you all this time, I¡¯d say you matter to him. More than a little.¡±

    Dolores looked down, teeth pressing into her lip. ¡°Last night¡­ I think he confessed his feelings.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. ¡°So, what? You two just jumped into each other¡¯s arms?¡±

    g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ???????????? ????????

    ¡°No!¡± Dolores groaned, covering her face with one hand. ¡°I was drunk. I didn¡¯t even understand what he meant. The whole thing¡ªit just kind of¡­ happened.¡±

    Linsey leaned closer again, curiosity written all over her. ¡°So, do you have feelings for him?¡±

    Dolores took a deep breath, straightened up, and spoke seriously. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯ve never really thought about things like that.¡±

    She looked Linsey right in the eye, steady and sure. ¡°Thepany¡¯s just starting to grow. Right now, dating¡¯s not a priority. I feel like if I get into a rtionship, it¡¯ll just take up too much of my time.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°Besides, I¡¯m still not sure how I feel about Dustin. I¡¯ve always just seen him as a friend¡­¡±

    Linsey gave a gentle nod. ¡°That¡¯s okay. Feelings aren¡¯t something you rush. Take your time¡ªI¡¯m not going to push you.¡±

    Dolores smiled faintly, and the topic naturally dropped. All of a sudden, she seemed to remember something important. ¡°The reason I took Dustin awayst night was because I was worried he¡¯d remember seeing Zander at that restaurant. I mean, Zander looks so much like Collin. If that jerk ever finds out, do you think he¡¯d try to take him away?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face turned serious in a sh. ¡°Zander is my son. If Collin tries to take him, he¡¯ll have to go through me first. I won¡¯t back down, not for a second.¡±

    Dolores looked startled and quickly spoke up. ¡°Let¡¯s not panic. Grester¡¯s a big ce. With any luck, Collin may never run into him.¡±

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 Chapter 817

    ?Chapter 817:

    They chatted for a while longer. Eventually, Dolores nced at the time and jumped up. She had work to do at thepany.

    She grabbed her bag in a hurry. ¡°If you¡¯re free tomorrow, drop by thepany. We¡¯ll sign the contract, and you can start whenever you¡¯re ready.¡±

    Linsey grinned. ¡°With all the buzz around Aurora, I¡¯d better get started right away. Time to help thepany make some real money.¡±

    Doloresughed and high-fived her. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! See you tomorrow then.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, see you.¡±

    After Dolores left, Linsey stretched a little and started toward her room, hoping to catch a short nap.

    But just then, there was a knock at the door.

    She paused, thinking Dolores had forgotten something.

    She walked over and opened it, starting to say, ¡°Did you forget¡ª¡± But the words stopped as soon as she saw Gorman¡¯s smiling face.

    The smile that had just begun to form on Linsey¡¯s lips vanished.

    For a moment, she didn¡¯t know what to say.

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    After everything Gorman had done for her and the kids, she couldn¡¯t just shut the door in his face.

    But after what he saidst night, she also didn¡¯t want to send the wrong message again.

    While she was still searching for words, Gorman spoke softly. ¡°What? Won¡¯t you invite me in?¡±

    He held up a small bag of toys. ¡°I promised Zenia and Zander I¡¯d bring them these today.¡±

    Linsey blinked, surprised. She hadn¡¯t known he made such a promise. Still, he was here for the kids.

    Whatever was going on between her and Gorman, she didn¡¯t want them caught in the middle. And the truth was, Zenia and Zander liked him a lot.

    With that in mind, she stepped aside and opened the door wider.

    ¡°They¡¯re still napping, but they¡¯ll be up soon. Come in.¡±

    Gorman spoke softly. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. I¡¯m here because I promised the kids I¡¯de, and I don¡¯t want to disappoint them.¡±

    As Linsey shut the door, Gorman added, ¡°I remembered your words from yesterday. Once everything is delivered, I¡¯ll head out.¡± Linsey¡¯s difort grew on hearing his words.

    Gorman, though asionally strange, was generally a kind man and had always treated Linsey well.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 818

    ?Chapter 818:

    If not, Linsey wouldn¡¯t have tolerated him purchasing the apartment next to hers four years ago.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a seat? Can I get you a drink?¡± Linsey asked, choosing to overlook his previous statement.

    Raising his eyebrows, Gorman replied, ¡°Anything cold will do. I¡¯m quite warm.¡±

    ¡°Here, have some ice water,¡± Linsey said as she fetched a bottle from the fridge and handed it to Gorman, who had settled onto the couch.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Gorman said, cracking a slight smile, then smoothly transitioned. ¡°Now that the designpetition is done, are you nning to extend your stay in Grester with the kids, or are you leaving soon?¡±

    Taking a seat in the nearby armchair, Linsey responded, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to stay.¡±

    As he began to unscrew the bottle cap, Gorman paused, a fleeting, malicious expression crossing his face.

    With a forced smile, he lightly asked, ¡°What¡¯s made you change your mind? Is it difficult to say goodbye to Grester?¡±

    While he was speaking, Gorman¡¯s hand tightened around the bottle. He set the bottle down on the table with a deliberate thud, without taking a sip.

    Linsey¡¯s brow furrowed as she noted the emotional turmoil beginning to stir within Gorman.

    G a lno v els  is packed with thrilling adventures

    ¡°Having spent over twenty years in Grester, it¡¯s be home. E, who has taken me in, lives here, and my best friend too. I¡¯ve grown ustomed to life in this town. After careful consideration, I¡¯m choosing to stay,¡± she dered.

    Her gaze was steady and determined as she met Gorman¡¯s eyes. For a brief moment, Gorman observed her quietly, then his expression softened into a warm, kind smile.

    ¡°Understood. I respect your choice,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°The Davidson Group has flourished recently. Joining them as Aurora would be an excellent move for you and Dolores.¡±

    Linsey was taken aback by Gorman¡¯s words¡ªthey echoed her and Dolores¡¯ own ns precisely.

    This unexpected agreement from Gorman caught her off guard.

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated that Gorman would agree when she brought it up.

    To her surprise, he immediately said he would support her.

    Gorman¡¯s opinion would not sway her determination.

    Yet, his attitude caught her off guard, leaving her a little surprised. Linsey then asked, ¡°And what about you? Are you nning to leave Grester?¡±

    Studying Linsey¡¯sposed expression, Gorman sensed her courtesy was merely formal¡ªshe had no intention of suggesting he stay. To Linsey, his presence or absence was seemingly inconsequential.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 819

    ?Chapter 819:

    With this realization, a pang of frustration touched Gorman¡¯s heart. Despite this, he couldn¡¯t just give up, especially since Linsey had yet to reconcile with Collin.

    Gorman knew he needed to remain in Grester, utilizing Zenia and Zander as part of his strategy to win Linsey¡¯s heart eventually.

    For Linsey, Gorman had the patience to wait as long as necessary.

    With a chuckle, Gorman said, ¡°Before arriving here, my father and I had a significant conversation. He¡¯s tasked me with expanding Green Group¡¯s operations in Grester, which means I¡¯ll be staying here for an extended period.¡±

    Linsey expressed surprise, not having anticipated such a directive from Gorman¡¯s father, Marco Green.

    Indeed, after four years, CR Corporation had captured over half of Grester¡¯s market, making any new gains for Green Group challenging. However, decisions within the Green family were not hers to influence, as she was an outsider to their internal affairs.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Linsey responded with a nod.

    Something then seemed to strike Gorman, prompting him to suggest with a raised eyebrow, ¡°Linsey, with the kids in tow, you must be considering a new living arrangement, right? Why don¡¯t you¡­¡±

    Before Gorman could continue, Linsey calmly interjected, ¡°Caylee and I have discussed this. We¡¯re nning to start looking for a ce to rent in theing days.¡±

    While Linsey suspected Gorman might have been about to offer his own ce, she clearly stated her intentions to forestall any such offer, preferring not to deepen his involvement in her life.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©qc??m has it all

    It was crucial for her to maintain rity and set boundaries, to avoid any misinterpretations that might lead her to repeat past mistakes. She hade to recognize that too much involvement from Gorman in her life posed potential risks.

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Gorman responded softly, his expression untroubled.

    Linsey breathed a quiet sigh of relief at this, pondering if she might have been overanalyzing the situation, convinced that Gorman wouldn¡¯t persist in pursuing her. After all, she didn¡¯t view herself as someone sopelling as to warrant his undivided attention for years.

    She was sure Gorman had moved on by now.

    At that moment, a noise came from the door.

    Caylee, appearing somewhat sleepy, emerged from the guest bedroom. Yet, upon noticing Gorman, she instantly snapped to alertness. Her posture stiffened, and her hands, previously rxed at her sides, now clenched tightly. She addressed him, ¡°Mr. Green.¡±

    Gorman acknowledged her with a brief nod, offering no further words. Caylee quickly turned to Linsey. ¡°Linsey, the children might be waking up soon. I¡¯ll go check on them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 820

    Chapter 820:

    ¡°Sure,¡± Linsey responded softly, not noticing Caylee¡¯s distress.

    As Caylee walked towards the bedroom, she overheard Gorman asking Linsey, ¡°You¡¯re settling in Grester, but what about Caylee? Does she intend to stay as well?¡±

    When she heard this, Caylee¡¯s heart skipped a beat, a wave of anxiety washing over her.

    Linsey responded, ¡°For the time being, she¡¯s staying with me.¡±

    Gorman¡¯s lips curved into a subtle smile as he replied, ¡°Having Caylee here simplifies matters considerably.¡±

    The implications of his words could vary greatly depending on the listener.

    Linsey interpreted hisment to mean that Caylee¡¯s presence would make her own life easier.

    Caylee, on the other hand, discerned a different subtext.

    She understood it to mean that by staying with Linsey, she would still be involved in fulfilling tasks for Gorman. This realization sent a chill through Caylee.

    She inhaled deeply and pushed the door open, attempting to dispel the unease Gorman¡¯s presence induced. She then softly roused the children. The mention of Gorman bringing gifts sparked immediate joy in Zenia and Zander, who, thrilled, dashed from the room.

    ¡°Gorman!¡± Zenia rushed into his arms, her voice full of excitement. ¡°You really came to see us¡ªme and Zander! We missed you a lot!¡± At the same time, Zander ran straight to the toys, his face glowing as he opened a toy box. ¡°You kept your promise, Gorman! You really got me the limited-edition race car!¡±

    Gorman nced at Zenia, noticing how much she looked like Linsey. It made his heart feel warm.

    ???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ????: g???????¦Í?????????????

    He caressed her hair with a smile and said, ¡°I missed you too, Zenia.¡± A momentter, he turned to Zander and said, ¡°I made a promise to you both, and I always keep my word.¡±

    Then he grabbed the cute plush toy he had brought for Zenia and started to unwrap it. ¡°Here, Zenia, look at this. Do you like it?¡±

    Zenia¡¯s eyes lit up as she nodded excitedly. ¡°Yes! I love it! Thanks, Gorman!¡±

    Linsey sat quietly nearby, watching her children hug and talk to Gorman. Her heart felt full of mixed feelings.

    She realized that since both kids liked Gorman so much, and he had promised that he wouldn¡¯t cross any lines, maybe she didn¡¯t need to stay so distant anymore.

    After all, during those four years away from Grester, Gorman had really supported her. She felt it wouldn¡¯t be right to act ungrateful now.

    While talking kindly with Zenia, Gorman caught Linsey looking at him from the corner of his eye.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Great Sunday for you dear readers, sorry for being a bitte. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä-

    .

 Chapter 821

    ?Chapter 821:

    He paused in surprise, then smiled more freely, his eyes showing quiet determination.

    The next day, Linsey showed up on time at Davidson Group for her meeting with Dolores.

    After a short talk, Linsey made her decision and signed the contract with Dolores without hesitation.

    Dolores joked, ¡°You signed so fast! Aren¡¯t you worried I might trick you?¡±

    Linsey gave her a look andughed. ¡°I know you¡¯d never lie to me¡ªnot even if it meant losing the wholepany. I trust you.¡±

    Dolores smiled wide and said, ¡°d to see you trust me so much. I¡¯ve looked after you for more than twenty years, after all!¡±

    After a short pause, Dolores sorted the contract and gave it to her assistant, Khloe Craig. Then she turned to Linsey and said, ¡°Okay, it¡¯s lunchtime. Let¡¯s go eat.¡±

    ¡°Celebrate you joining the Davidson Group!¡± Linsey nodded and stood beside Dolores, ready to go.

    Khloe quickly collected the papers and followed behind, pulling out her phone. ¡°Dolores, should I book a table ahead of time?¡±

    Dolores was just about to respond when she opened the door¡ªand almost mmed straight into Dustin, who came rushing in like a storm of excitement.

    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    An intern from the secretarial team hurried after him. ¡°Mr. Wade, wait! You can¡¯t just walk in there like that!¡±

    By the time the intern caught up, Dustin had already pushed open the door to Dolores¡¯ office without a care.

    ¡°Dolores,¡± the intern said, clearly flustered, ¡°Mr. Wade wouldn¡¯t listen. I don¡¯t even know how he got past everyone¡­ I seriously tried to stop him.¡±

    Dolores shot Dustin a cold, piercing look and stayed silent, her expression unreadable.

    Khloe stepped up, her face tight with concern. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked the intern. ¡°Did the front desk or security downstairs just let him through?¡±

    Dustin locked eyes with Dolores, catching his breath before blurting, ¡°It¡¯s not their fault¡ªI yanked the phone cord out at the front desk.¡±

    Linsey, standing just behind Dolores, had no words. She honestly didn¡¯t know whether to be annoyed or impressed.

    It hit her¡ªDustin was still the same. He always pulled random stunts, always being impossible to predict.

    Dolores was seething with fury. She red at Dustin and shouted, ¡°Why did you disconnect the phone line at the front desk? What happens if a client calls? Will you be responsible for the financial losses?¡±

    ¡°I will take responsibility,¡± Dustin quickly replied. ¡°I disconnected only the front desk and your office phones. I didn¡¯t want anyone tipping you off about my arrival because you¡¯ve been avoiding me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 822

    ?Chapter 822:

    Dolores¡¯ eyes red as she instinctively responded, ¡°I haven¡¯t been avoiding you!¡±

    ¡°Really? You haven¡¯t?¡± Dustin emphasized each word. ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you taken my calls or responded to my texts recently? I was here yesterday looking for you, and everyone imed you were out.¡±

    In the background, Linsey observed the confrontation, uncertain if she should intervene.

    She noticed Khloe and the intern exchanging ufortable nces, so she quickly gave them a discreet nod to leave the scene.

    Following Linsey¡¯s subtle hint, Khloe quietly ushered the intern out, leaving Dolores and Dustin by the doorway, with Linsey still standing near the entrance.

    ¡°I¡¯m busy with work! Unlike you, I don¡¯t have the luxury to waste time all day,¡± Dolores retorted sharply.

    Dustin paused, searching for words, then continued, ¡°Yet, you still haven¡¯t addressed the real issue between us.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ voice rose sharply as she replied, ¡°Are you expecting some kind of formal proposal as if we¡¯re in a business meeting? If there¡¯s a solution to be had, shouldn¡¯t you be the one presenting it? Why am I the one who has toe up with it?¡±

    Caught off guard by the intensity of the situation over such a trivial issue, Linsey couldn¡¯t hold back a soft giggle at the absurdity of their discussion.

    Dustin quickly retorted, ¡°I¡¯m prepared to suggest a solution, but are you willing to consider it?¡±

    ???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í?????????????

    Tired of the back-and-forth, Dolores ended the conversation abruptly. ¡°Enough, I¡¯m too hungry to argue. Move out of the way. I¡¯m going to lunch.¡±

    She motioned for Linsey to follow her, indicating it was time to depart. Just as Dustin was about to add more, he suddenly noticed Linsey and reacted with surprise. ¡°Oh¡­ Linsey? You¡¯re back in town?¡±

    Before Linsey could reply, Dolores sharply interjected, ¡°And what concern is that of yours?¡±

    Dustin realized his mistake and hastened to apologize. ¡°Sorry, I just blurted that out because I was surprised.¡±

    He continued to stare at Linsey, his surprise causing him to momentarily forget the reason for his visit.

    Linsey then calmly said, ¡°I¡¯ve been back for some time now.¡±

    She thought for a moment before softly adding, ¡°Since you and Dolores are friends, let¡¯s keep things informal.¡±

    At thatment, Dolores quickly retorted, ¡°Who said anything about him and me¡­¡±

    Dustin picked up on her implication and interjected, his voice filled with disbelief, ¡°What, we¡¯re not even friends now? Dolores, that¡¯s really cold.¡±

    His reaction wasden with a sense of betrayal, as though Dolores¡¯ words had deeply wounded him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 823

    ?Chapter 823:

    Linsey found herself chuckling at the exchange, then hastily added, ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Dustin seemed unfazed by herughter, his attention solely on Dolores.

    Feeling cornered by his intense gaze, Dolores gave in with exasperation. ¡°Fine, fine, we¡¯re friends. I haven¡¯t even finished speaking, and you¡¯re already upset?¡±

    Even though Dolores maintained a facade of calmness, Linsey was aware of the underlying turmoil, evidenced by the increasing pressure of Dolores¡¯ grip on her hand.

    Despite her best efforts to endure the difort, Linsey eventually had to pinch Dolores¡¯ palm gently to snap her out of her daze.

    Upon regaining herposure and realizing her emotional turmoil in Dustin¡¯s presence, Dolores quickly said, ¡°Step aside. Linsey and I are famished. We¡¯re going to eat.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Why don¡¯t I take you both out? There¡¯s this new restaurant I¡¯ve been meaning to try.¡±

    He then looked expectantly at Linsey, hoping for her agreement. ¡°How about it, Linsey? If you¡¯d prefer somewhere else, just name it, and we¡¯ll go there.¡±

    Dolores couldn¡¯t resist a retort, hinting at her independence. ¡°We don¡¯t necessarily need your ride; I¡¯ve got my own car.¡±

    Dustin acknowledged this with a nod, still amiable. ¡°That¡¯s totally fine. You can drive if you prefer. I¡¯m just offering options here. It¡¯s really whatever you two decide.¡±

    Linsey smiled slightly, deferring the decision. ¡°I¡¯m open to anything. Dolores, why don¡¯t you pick?¡±

    Dustin then cautiously focused on Dolores, saying, ¡°Dolores, the decision is yours.¡±

    Dolores, taken aback by Dustin¡¯s demeanor, felt slightly embarrassed but kept her cool.

    She responded lightly, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s try the ce you mentioned. Just remember, if the food¡¯s no good, you¡¯re on the menu next.¡±

    And with that decision made, Linsey and Dolores joined Dustin in his car, heading to the restaurant.

    Dustin positioned himself in the driver¡¯s seat and took a quick look in the rearview mirror before starting the car.

    He was still reeling from Linsey¡¯s return, debating internally whether he should inform Collin.

    Collin had been tirelessly looking for Linsey for years.

    With this thought weighing on him, Dustin pursed his lips and stealthily reached for his phone, intending to send Collin a message. However, Dolores¡¯ voice interrupted him from the back seat. ¡°Dustin, what are you up to?¡±

    Caught off guard, Dustin almost let his phone slip from his hands. ¡°Uh¡ªnothing important.¡±

    Dolores gave a skeptical snort, her voice sharp. ¡°You better not be thinking of telling Collin about Linsey again.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 824

    ?Chapter 824:

    Dustin¡¯s pulse quickened at her usation. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t!¡± he quickly replied. ¡°Dolores, really, I wasn¡¯t going to.¡±

    From her seat, Linsey looked up and interjected gently, ¡°There¡¯s no need to inform Collin. He found out I was back the night of the banquet.¡±

    Dustin turned to her, his surprise evident. ¡°You were back that night?¡± It puzzled him that Collin, despite being aware of Linsey¡¯s return, had maintained hisposure and hadn¡¯t mentioned it to him.

    Collin had offered Dustin rtionship advice, showing the same calm, professional demeanor, seemingly unaffected by Linsey¡¯s unexpected return.

    Dustin suddenly recalled how, just yesterday, Collin had taken him to the boxing gym, leaving him so beaten he nearly crawled back home. He now understood that Collin¡¯s aggressive sparring was likely an outlet for his frustrations.

    Dolores interrupted his thoughts with a sharpmand. ¡°What are you waiting for? Drive.¡±

    ¡°Right, sorry.¡± Dustin snapped out of his reverie and started the engine. Considering Linsey¡¯s return, Dustin felt Collin should now manage the situation himself.

    He caught a glimpse of Dolores leaning in to whisper to Linsey in the back seat.

    Dustin decided he had enough burdens of his own and couldn¡¯t invest more effort in assisting Collin.

    ???????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í????????©q??????

    All he could do was silently wish Collin luck as he focused on the road ahead.

    Linsey, Dolores, and Dustin soon reached the restaurant.

    The ce was packed. Linsey and Dolores scanned the room, barely spotting an empty seat.

    ¡°So many people!¡± Dolores gasped.

    Dustin chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s a new spot. Everyone wants to try it.¡±

    He looked at Linsey, then turned to Dolores, asking in a soft voice, ¡°Do you want to sit outside or take a private room?¡±

    Dolores frowned slightly. ¡°With this crowd, let¡¯s just grab whatever we can.¡±

    She looked uneasy. Honestly, if she had known it would be this full, she might not havee. Waiting in line wasn¡¯t her idea of fun.

    Dustin noticed her hesitation. A confident smile lit up his face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I made a reservation.¡±

    Just then, a staff member approached with a polite smile. ¡°Mr. Wade, both your outdoor table and private room are ready. Where would you like to sit?¡±

    Dustin cleared his throat and looked at Dolores. ¡°Your call. Where would you like to sit?¡±

    Dolores blinked in surprise. She hadn¡¯t expected him to n ahead like this.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 825

    ?Chapter 825:

    She bit her lip, then turned to Linsey. ¡°Where do you want to sit?¡±

    Linsey answered quickly. ¡°You decide.¡±

    Dolores sighed. ¡°Why do you always leave it to me? Alright. We¡¯re not here to talk business. Let¡¯s sit outside.¡±

    They chose a window-side table. The spotless ss gave them a clear view of the street. The atmosphere felt light and easy.

    Soon, a server walked over with menus. ¡°Mr. Wade, please take your time. If you¡¯re unsure, I rmend our house specials.¡±

    Dolores flipped through the menu. Everything looked good. ¡°Let¡¯s start with a few of those.¡±

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll bring them out shortly,¡± the server responded with a bow before leaving.

    Once he was gone, Dolores nced across the table at Dustin. ¡°You really went all out. How did you even get a reservation here? And both spots too? This ce must be expensive.¡±

    Dustin rubbed the back of his neck and nced at Linsey. ¡°Do I really have to say it?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes widened. She quickly covered her ears. ¡°I¡¯m not listening!¡±

    Step into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    Dolores rolled her eyes and pulled Linsey¡¯s hands away. ¡°Oh,e on. What¡¯s the big secret?¡±

    With nowhere to hide, Dustin let out a breath. ¡°After that night, I kept hoping to see you again. So, I booked a table here for every meal¡ªbreakfast, lunch, dinner, even afternoon tea and drinks at night. I just wanted to be ready if you had time.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s jaw dropped. She couldn¡¯t help but admire the effort. It had only been a few days, but Dustin had nned everything down to thest detail. His care was crystal clear.

    Dolores sat quietly, caught off guard. For a moment, she didn¡¯t know what to say.

    She looked away from his gaze, fiddled with her lips, then finally smiled. ¡°You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet.¡±

    Dustin swiftly retorted, fixing his eyes on Dolores, ¡°No, that¡¯s not right! Women usually approach me first! It was Collin¡¯s suggestion this time. I can¡¯t afford to squander any chance to meet you.¡±

    Upon hearing Collin¡¯s name, Linsey paused, then quietly lowered her head and took a sip of her water.

    Dolores perceived Linsey¡¯s subtle change of mood and shot a stern look at Dustin.

    Realizing he had perhaps said too much, Dustin mimicked locking his lips.

    The awkward silence that followed prompted Linsey to engage further. ¡°How exactly did he advise you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 826

    ?Chapter 826:

    Dustin, cautious of Dolores¡¯ reaction, hesitated, then said, ¡°Collin urged me to be forthright and pursue Dolores with determination.¡±

    Dolores blushed, quickly reached for her water to hide her embarrassment, and grumbled, ¡°Do you really have to bother us while we eat? Cut out the nonsense.¡±

    ¡°I was just answering Linsey¡¯s question,¡± Dustin murmured, sounding somewhat hurt.

    Linsey, amused by their banter, chuckled warmly. After a brief pause, she considerately suggested, ¡°I¡¯ll step out as soon as I¡¯m done eating to give you both some privacy.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s expression immediately brightened, gratitude evident. ¡°Thanks a lot, Linsey!¡±

    Dolores reflexively held onto Linsey¡¯s arm, her voice tinged with resistance. ¡°Wait a minute, who gave you permission to leave?¡±

    With a resigned expression, Linsey moved closer to Dolores and murmured, ¡°It¡¯s important for you two to discuss things openly. That¡¯s the only way you¡¯ll truly understand your feelings toward him.¡±

    Caught off-guard, Dolores momentarily lost her words.

    Their meal was served just then.

    As they were about to begin eating, a voice that sounded somewhat familiar interjected, ¡°Mr. Wade, what are the odds! Collin and I just decided to dine here, and here you are.¡±

    Turning towards the voice, Linsey found herself meeting Collin¡¯s intense look.

    Beside him stood Haven, who was elegantly dressed in a chic long gown, her smile gracious yet calcted.

    Linsey paused, her utensils in mid-air.

    The instant Haven noticed Linsey, her expression shifted with surprise. Haven was overwhelmed by Linsey¡¯s natural elegance, but her initial shock quickly turned into a subtle shade of envy.

    Linsey¡¯s simplicity belied her poised andpelling charm.

    Her fine features resembled those of a finely sculpted masterpiece.

    She exuded the youthful vibrancy of a university student, blending innocence with a captivating allure.

    Something about Linsey struck a chord of recognition in Haven, unsettling her with a vague sense of familiarity.

    Haven was eager to uncover Linsey¡¯s identity and the reason behind her lunch with Dustin.

    Dolores, turning to see Collin, registered surprise with a sharp intake of breath.

    The unexpected sight of Collin, particrly with another woman, caught herpletely off guard.

    Since Dolores had departedst night¡¯s banquet early with Dustin, she was unaware of who Haven might be.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 827

    ?Chapter 827:

    Recovering from her initial surprise, Dolores subtly turned to observe Linsey at her side.

    Linsey, for her part, maintained a calm facade, looking down and showing no outward reaction to Collin and Haven¡¯s presence.

    Dolores, having been Linsey¡¯s close friend for a long time, was the first to sense the unease brewing within her. This got Dolores so upset that she could barely eat.

    That jerk, Collin, had brought another woman on a date. As if that wasn¡¯t bad enough, he had to do that in her and Linsey¡¯s presence. Dolores grew even more upset as she thought about it. In the end, she couldn¡¯t help but vent her anger on Dustin.

    She red daggers at him as though it was all his fault.

    Dustin saw the usatory gaze Dolores threw his way and immediately grew very nervous. He wanted to exin himself but knew that it wasn¡¯t the right time to do so.

    Why did things have to turn out this way?

    It was bad enough that Collin showed up, but why did he have to bring Haven along?

    Dolores snorted, then looked away from Collin and Haven. In a whisper, she said to Dustin, ¡°Since someone¡¯s here for you, we¡¯ll head out. We wouldn¡¯t want to disrupt your reunion with your friends.¡±

    Dustin immediately blurted out, ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary. I¡¯m having dinner with you two. Collin and Miss Walton being here is just a coincidence.¡±

    Dustin then turned to Collin, wordlessly pleading with him to y along.

    Stay tuned galnov??????.co??

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Collin?¡± he asked with a nervousugh.

    He had worked really hard to get a chance to have a meal with Dolores, so he couldn¡¯t bear to see it all fall apart now.

    Collin finally tore his gaze from Linsey.

    His eyes had been on her ever since he walked in.

    Their paths had crossed again. It seemed she was really back in Grester. For thest four years, he had looked everywhere in search of her. But now that he saw her sitting right in front of him, he felt anything but at peace.

    The memory of that night at the banquet resurfaced in his mind. He recalled how Linsey had seemed so cold and distant as she spoke those sharp words to him. The dull ache he had felt in his chest then returned. However, Collin knew that he couldn¡¯t let how he felt show at the moment.

    So with practiced indifference, he said to Dustin, ¡°It¡¯s fine. We reserved another table.¡±

    Haven waited expectantly for Collin to introduce her to Dustin. She knew Dustin was one of Collin¡¯s closest friends, and that if she could build a good rtionship with him, it would help her chances of marrying Collin.

    However, Collin didn¡¯t seem inclined to introduce Dustin to her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 828

    ?Chapter 828:

    In fact, the only reason Haven was with him in the first ce was because she had gone to great lengths to win over Ivy.

    Haven was well aware that Collin presently had no feelings for her. However, she didn¡¯t intend to give up because of that. In fact, this made her more determined to win him over.

    ¡°Collin, since we¡¯ve run into each other, why don¡¯t we all eat together? You already reserved arge private room. It should be more than enough for all of us,¡± Haven said softly. She was trying to y the role of a girlfriend who was striving to know her boyfriend and his friends better.

    Linsey appeared unaffected by Haven¡¯s suggestion. Dolores, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t. She let out a short, derisiveugh.

    ¡°It seems Mr. Riley knows how to treat his girl. I heard that it was quite difficult to get a reservation in this restaurant, yet he managed to secure arge room. That¡¯s mighty thoughtful of him.¡±

    There was a short pause, then Dolores continued, ¡°Oh, wait. That¡¯s right. I nearly forgot that Mr. Riley is the founder of CR Corporation. No restaurant is out of his reach.¡±

    Dustin waspletely taken aback. He never imagined Dolores would dare talk to Collin like that.

    Worried that Collin might take it the wrong way andsh out, Dustin quickly forced a smile. ¡°Collin, Dolores was just saying how impressive you are,¡± he said, trying to lighten the mood.

    ?????? ???????? ????????????????: g??????¦Í?????????????

    Collin didn¡¯t react much. His face stayed calm. But Haven didn¡¯t look too pleased.

    Dolores had called Haven Collin¡¯s girlfriend, but her tone was sharp, not kind. Her words dripped with sarcasm.

    Dustin also behaved oddly. Though he was close friends with Collin, the president of CR Corporation, he yed dumb when Dolores criticized Collin and even quickly tried to smooth things over.

    Haven nced at Dolores. Noticing that Dolores¡¯ face held a flicker of contempt, she gave a faint smile and opened her mouth as if to say something.

    But before she could say anything, Linsey gently took Dolores¡¯ hand. ¡°I¡¯ve lost my appetite. I think I¡¯ll head back. You and Dustin can stay and eat.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± Dolores¡¯ eyes widened in disbelief. She looked ready to shake Linsey out of it.

    Her ex-husband had the nerve to show up with his new girlfriend. And Linsey wanted to leave?

    No way. Dolores wasn¡¯t about to let that happen.

    They got there first. They had already ced their order.

    If anyone needed to leave, it should be Collin and his new girl.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 829

    ?Chapter 829:

    Suddenly, Collin walked over and sat down right beside Dustin.

    He waved over a waiter and asked for an extra chair at the table.

    Everyone froze for a second, especially Haven.

    She realized she would now be pushed to the edge of the table. It felt awkward.

    ¡°Collin,¡± Haven said.

    Collin looked at her. His voice was neutral¡ªneither cold nor warm. ¡°Not hungry? I can have someone take you home.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡± Haven gave a shaky smile and quickly gathered herself. Then she turned to Linsey. Her tone was gentle, but her words carried a quiet force that was hard to ignore. ¡°Didn¡¯t this youngdy just say she had to leave? That works perfectly. Four seats, no need for another chair.¡±

    Dolores stared at her, stunned. She couldn¡¯t believe how Haven made such a selfish request sound so polite.

    Linsey¡¯s face fell. She pressed her lips together and held back Dolores, who looked ready to blow up.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Linsey murmured.

    She didn¡¯t want to be there anyway.

    1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m

    But just as she was about to get up, Collin spoke, cutting her off. ¡°You can¡¯t leave. I have something for you.¡±

    His eyes stayed locked on hers, steady and firm.

    Linsey¡¯s heart skipped. She hadn¡¯t seen thising.

    She stared at him, frozen with shock, her face nk, her eyes full of confusion.

    Her thoughts spun in circles. Hadn¡¯t she already said everything at the banquet?

    What more was left to say?

    And wasn¡¯t he dating Haven? Why stop her from leaving¡ªright in front of her?

    Her grip on Dolores¡¯ hand tightened without her realizing it. Dolores, just as stunned, turned to Dustin. Her eyes asked the question her lips didn¡¯t¡ªWhat was going on here?

    Dustin couldn¡¯t give Dolores an answer¡ªhe was just as confused. But out of everyone, the one who struggled the most to ept the situation was Haven. She stood off to the side, frozen in ce. Her smile faltered. She looked at Collin, puzzled. ¡°Collin, what did you just say? Do you know this youngdy?¡±

    A strange unease crept into her chest. She couldn¡¯t shake it off. ¡°What could you possibly have to discuss with her?¡± she pressed, her voice sharp with tension.

    Linsey felt a chill run down her spine.

    She had no desire to interfere in Collin¡¯s life. It didn¡¯t matter to her who he was dating now¡ªshe wanted no part of it. But this twist hadpletely caught her off guard. She wished Haven hadn¡¯t noticed her at all.

    After what felt like an eternity, Collin finally spoke, calm and deliberate. Instead of answering her questions, he addressed Linsey. ¡°I¡¯m interested in partnering with Davidson Group. Since you¡¯re connected to Ms. Davidson, the CEO, I assume you¡¯re involved with thepany. This is a good chance to talk business. You can also consult with Ms. Davidson as needed.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 830

    Chapter 830:

    He turned to Dolores with a warm smile and a courteous tone. ¡°What do you think, Ms. Davidson?¡±

    Dolores blinked, surprised. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    She hadn¡¯t expected Collin to propose a business deal. Though she disliked him for what he had done to Linsey, she couldn¡¯t ignore the name CR Corporation. The firm wasn¡¯t just a giant in Grester¡ªit had power across the entire country. Joining hands with CR Corporation would definitely benefit Davidson Group.

    For a second, she was tempted.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll agree just because you brought it up?¡± Dolores snapped.

    In her eyes, Collin was the enemy. She wouldn¡¯t betray Linsey by working with him. Not a chance.

    ¡°Dolores!¡± Dustin jumped in, trying to stop her. This was a golden opportunity¡ªone she couldn¡¯t afford to throw away.

    Linsey understood too. Quietly, she gave Dolores¡¯ hand a gentle squeeze, urging her to stay calm.

    Meanwhile, Haven watched Collin closely, suspicion written all over her face. Something still didn¡¯t sit right.

    ¡°So you¡¯re Ms. Davidson of Davidson Group. It¡¯s a pleasure,¡± Haven said with a polite smile to Dolores. Then she turned her sharp gaze to Linsey. ¡°And this youngdy¡ª is she really part of Davidson Group? I thought she was just a friend of yours.¡±

    Linsey met her eyes steadily. Her brows pinched slightly, but she kept herposure. That look from Haven was like a needle¡ªsubtle but sharp.

    Dolores picked up on it instantly. ¡°Of course she is,¡± she replied firmly. Collin hadn¡¯t mentioned Linsey¡¯s name once. He hadn¡¯t said she was the designer known as Aurora. Whether or not he had told Haven privately, Dolores had no intention of revealing it now.

    She smiled calmly and turned to Collin, her tone polite but distant. ¡°Since you¡¯re this interested, let¡¯s talk about the coboration.¡±

    She faced him without a trace of fear. While others in Grester trembled at the mention of Collin¡¯s name, Dolores stood tall¡ªconfident and unshaken.

    ¡°I know CR Corporation has been expanding fast. But don¡¯t underestimate us. Aurora is with our firm and just won a top design award. That alone speaks volumes about our talent,¡± Dolores said with quiet pride.

    Collin gave a small nod. ¡°I¡¯m well aware. Aurora¡¯s talent is unmatched. That¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m eager to work with Davidson Group. I believe we¡¯ll achieve great things together.¡±

    As they began to discuss business, Haven had no choice but to settle into the extra chair Collin had requested. She didn¡¯t want to sit there, but staying on her feet would only draw more attention. She wasn¡¯t about to let that happen¡ªnot with so many eyes watching.

    Dustin finally let out a silent sigh of relief. The tension in the air had eased a little. He nced over at Collin and Linsey, who now sat across from each other, both calm andposed.

    He couldn¡¯t help but feel surprised. Four years ago, things between them had ended so badly that even as a bystander, he thought they would never be in the same room again¡ªlet alone sharing a table. But here they were.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Wishing you, dear loved ones, a great day. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

 Chapter 831

    ?Chapter 831:

    Linsey, however, stayed quiet. She hadn¡¯t looked at Collin once.

    Then Haven spoke, her voice soft butced with meaning. ¡°I haven¡¯t had the pleasure of hearing thisdy¡¯s name yet. She¡¯s been quiet since the beginning. As Ms. Davidson¡¯s capable assistant, shouldn¡¯t she speak up a little more?¡±

    Dolores looked over and smiled faintly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you introduce yourself first? After all, you¡¯re the one Mr. Riley brought along.¡± Hearing that, Dustin sighed and rubbed his face, his eyes closing briefly.

    He wasn¡¯t surprised. Dolores never missed a chance to poke at Collin.

    Collin quietly set down his utensils, his tone still polite. ¡°This is Haven Walton. She recently returned from abroad.¡±

    Dolores gave a knowing smile. ¡°Mr. Riley and Ms. Walton seem quite close.¡±

    Haven¡¯s lips curled into a sweet smile. She was ready to agree, but Collin cut in before she could speak. ¡°My grandmother is close with the Waltons. She asked me to help show Haven around.¡±

    His tone was even, but there was no mistaking the message. Then he nced at Linsey.

    Her face remained steady and unreadable¡ªas if none of it concerned her.

    That flicker of indifference hit Collin hard. A shadow passed through his eyes, and there was a trace of bitterness in his smile.

    He wanted to exin more, but Haven¡¯s presence held him back.

    ?????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????? ¡ª ????????????: ????????????????©q??????

    If she caught on, she mightsh outter¡ªwhen he wasn¡¯t there to protect Linsey.

    After everything that happened four years ago, Collin couldn¡¯t afford to take that risk.

    So he didn¡¯t reveal Linsey¡¯s identity as Aurora. He didn¡¯t even say her name.

    Haven fell silent. Her smile stiffened as she realized what had just happened¡ªCollin was distancing himself from her right in front of everyone.

    The sting of it was sharp and humiliating.

    Just earlier, even Dolores had assumed she was Collin¡¯s girlfriend.

    Dolores raised a brow, her voiceced with sarcasm. ¡°Oh? I thought you two were a couple.¡±

    Haven, eager to keep Collin from saying more, quickly answered, ¡°We¡¯re just friends.¡±

    A quiet voice broke through the moment. ¡°How can that be true?¡± Linsey cut in. ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Riley spend 2.7 billion at a charity auction to buy the Star of the Desert for Haven? That doesn¡¯t sound like just friends to me.¡±

    Dolores froze. She was stunned¡ªnot just by the insane price of the ne, but by the fact that Linsey, who had been silent, chose to speak up now.

    She wasn¡¯t the only one surprised. Dustin¡¯s eyes widened too. He turned to Collin and asked in a hushed voice, ¡°You bought a ne for Haven? For 2.7 billion? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Linsey¡¯s words left Collin momentarily speechless.

    Haven, on the other hand, blushed deeply. ¡°Collin only bought the Star of the Desert for my birthday. It¡¯s the most touching gift I¡¯ve ever received,¡± she said with a bashful smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 832

    ?Chapter 832:

    Collin¡¯s brows furrowed. He wanted to say something more.

    But just as the words reached his lips, he stopped.

    With the way things stood between him and Linsey now, even the truth might do more harm than good.

    She might think he was using money to win her back.

    And if she thought that, it would only prove what she had believed four years ago¡ªthat he saw her as nothing more than a greedy, shallow woman.

    The cold look on his face didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Dustin, sitting beside him, felt the tension and shifted ufortably.

    Even though he had finally had the chance to see Dolores today, he couldn¡¯t help feeling annoyed. This unexpected group had thrown everything off.

    What a headache, he thought.

    Meanwhile, Collin¡¯s silence only deepened Linsey¡¯s suspicions.

    So it was true. He really had spent 2.7 billion on a ne for Haven. It was all because her birthday wasing up.

    No matter what he had said before, his actions spoke volumes. Linsey also remembered something she had heard earlier¡ª Ivy had a close bond with Haven¡¯s family. Their families were well connected. It wasn¡¯t hard to believe that the two of them had once been set up to marry.

    And clearly, Ivy had liked Haven enough to still want her for Collin, even after Haven had left Collin at the altar. With that, the table fell into silence. Everyone returned to their food, each person lost in their own thoughts.

    ???????????????????? ?????????????????? ???? g??????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°I¡¯m going to thedies¡¯ room,¡± Haven said, wiping her mouth with a napkin and standing. She smiled as she looked at Linsey and Dolores. ¡°Would either of you like toe with me?¡±

    Both shook their heads.

    ¡°You go ahead,¡± Linsey said politely.

    Haven paused for a moment, giving Linsey onest look before walking off.

    Once inside the restroom, she made sure no one else was there. Then she let out a deep breath, pulled out her phone, and dialed a number.

    ¡°Joanne, hey. How¡¯s it going? Did you find anything? I asked you to look into Collin¡¯s ex-wife, Linsey Brooks. What did you dig up?¡±

    Joanne responded right away, ¡°I just finished organizing everything. I¡¯ll send the file to you now.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Haven said, then ended the call.

    Yet something inside her twisted uneasily. A creeping suspicion took hold. The woman dining with Dolores¡­ Could she really be Linsey? If she was, then it meant Collin, Dolores, and even Dustin had all been covering for her¡ªhiding her identity.

    But why? What were they trying to keep from her? Were they deliberately leaving her out? A sharp gleam entered Haven¡¯s eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 833

    ?Chapter 833:

    Momentster, her phone buzzed with a message. Joanne had sent the investigation report.

    She opened the file quickly¡ªand froze the second she read the contents.

    Back outside, the meal was nearly over. tes were mostly cleared, and the atmosphere had settled down.

    A server approached with a tray of drinks, smiling warmly. ¡°To celebrate our grand opening, we¡¯re offeringplimentary fresh orange juice. Would anyone like some?¡±

    Linsey nced at the orange-yellow drink, her throat dry. ¡°Yes, please,¡± she said softly.

    One by one, the others took a ss. A light fruity scent drifted through the air, whetting their appetites once more.

    ¡°Smells like orange juice,¡± Dolores remarked with a smile.

    Linsey took a small sip. It was sweet and cooling, just what she needed. Collin, seated diagonally across from her, brought his ss closer to his nose¡ªbut the moment he caught a whiff, his expression changed. His brows furrowed sharply. Without warning, he looked up, rm shing in his eyes. Just as Linsey raised the ss again, he reached over and grabbed it from her hand.

    ¡°Don¡¯t drink that!¡± Collin said firmly, his voice low and tense.

    Startled, Linsey stared at him in confusion. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Dolores frowned, clearly irritated. ¡°What are you doing, Collin? What does it matter to you if she drinks juice?¡±

    Every story starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    ¡°There¡¯s mango in it!¡± he said quickly, not taking his eyes off Linsey.

    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Dolores¡¯s face went pale.

    Linsey froze, her heart skipping a beat. Suddenly, whether real or imagined, it became hard to breathe.

    Collin reacted instantly. He shoved the tes aside and came around the table to her side, leaning close. ¡°How do you feel?¡± he asked urgently, concern evident in his tone. ¡°Is your breathing okay?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s chest tightened. Her breaths came in short, uneven bursts. Her body weakened, and she slumped without warning.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Dolores gasped, leaping to her feet. Panic broke through her voice. ¡°Quick,y her down t! I¡¯m calling an ambnce!¡±

    Collin caught her just in time, gently easing her onto the long bench, carefully supporting her head.

    Behind them, Dustin¡¯s face had turned grim. He spun toward the server and snapped, ¡°Why was there mango in that juice? Didn¡¯t you say it was fresh orange juice?¡±

    The server looked horrified. ¡°We made mango juice this morning, and at noon we switched to orange. It must¡¯ve gotten mixed in by mistake.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face had already started to swell and flush red. Her breathing turned morebored by the second. Tears streamed uncontrobly down her cheeks.

    Her vision blurred, but she could still make out Collin¡¯s worried face hovering above her¡ªand something in her chest ached at the sight. It was too much. Her face burned, and pain pulsed through her skin. ¡°Leave me alone¡­¡± Linsey croaked, her voice hoarse and weak. She tried to push Collin away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 834

    ?Chapter 834:

    The suddenmotion drew the attention of the customers.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Is there something wrong with the food?¡±

    The restaurant manager rushed over and attempted to calm everyone. ¡°There is nothing wrong with our food. The food is safe for consumption. The customer is having an allergic reaction.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t warn customers about potential allergens in your food? You mixed mango into orange juice without any warning! Do you know how dangerous that is?¡± Dustin snapped, his tone full of anger.

    Dustin¡¯s words visibly rattled the manager. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, sir. We¡¯ll cover any medical expenses for thedy that arise from this,¡± the manager said apologetically.

    Collin felt a dull pang in his chest when Linsey pushed him away. It was just as he feared. She still hadn¡¯t forgiven him for what had happened four years ago.

    A pained look appeared on his face, but he managed to hide it.

    ¡°Linsey, we need to set the past aside for now. You¡¯re having an allergic reaction and need to be taken to a hospital immediately,¡± Collin said gently.

    Without further ado, Collin lifted the near-unconscious Linsey to his chest.

    He was finally holding Linsey like that after four years. Her warmth, scent, and weight were just as he remembered.

    His heart skipped a beat as a lump of emotion welled up within him. He didn¡¯t have the time to dwell on this, though, as they were in an urgent situation.

    He steadily and purposefully moved as he held Linsey in his arms. Dustin and Dolores, finally over the initial shock, followed suit, shoving through the crowd that had gathered.

    ¡°How does an allergy get that bad? That¡¯s really terrifying.¡±

    ¡°True. I hope it¡¯s not deadly.¡±

    Several of the customers seemed shaken by the incident.

    Haven returned from the restroom just in time to catch the discussion of the incident.

    She had heard themotion but had been on the phone with Joanne, so she couldn¡¯t find out what was happening immediately. Staring confusedly at the gathered crowd, she turned to a customer and asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Ady just had a severe allergic reaction. They just took her to the hospital.¡±

    Haven¡¯s curiosity immediately fizzled out, and she shrugged indifferently before walking back to her table.

    The chairs were empty, save for the cleaning staff, who were tidying up the table.

    What was going on?

    Had they just left without saying a word? Even Collin was gone!

    One of the servers noticed Haven standing there in shock. ¡°Ma¡¯am, didn¡¯t you leave with yourpanions?¡±

    ¡°Thedy at your table had a severe allergic reaction and had to be rushed to the hospital by the others.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 835

    ?Chapter 835:

    It was then that Haven realized the person who had the allergic reaction was from their table¡ªand a woman.

    Was it Dolores? Or¡­

    Regardless of who it was, she couldn¡¯t understand why Collin would leave her behind like that.

    Haven angrily walked out of the restaurant and pulled out her phone to call Collin.

    However, she was unable to get through to him.

    She could do nothing but stand outside the restaurant, fuming with rage.

    After a few moments, she called Joanne. When Joanne answered, she said, ¡°Put the investigation on Linsey Brooks on hold for now. I need you to look into Dolores Davidson from the Davidson Group. I want to know everything about her, including people close to her.¡±

    Upon hearing Haven¡¯s words, Joanne responded with a concerned expression. ¡°Gathering information about Linsey Brooks is proving incredibly difficult. I¡¯m starting to think Mr. Riley might be involved. How else could all traces of her, even a simple photograph, vanish? Especially since, four years ago, Linsey was quite a notable designer in town.¡±

    A shadow crossed Haven¡¯s face as she reflected on the fruitless files she had recently examined. She muttered with a hint of satisfaction, ¡°Collin must be going to great lengths to keep Linsey¡¯s details buried. That actually works in my favor.¡±

    Initially, Haven had believed the woman she saw with Dolores might be Linsey. Now, she doubted that assumption.

    ???????? ???????? ?????????? ???? g????????¦Í????????????

    She reasoned that if the woman had indeed been Linsey, Collin would not have remained soposed at the same table.

    Furthermore, the woman¡¯s striking beauty had sparked a sudden sense of threat and jealousy within Haven.

    Out of the blue, Joanne asked, ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to meet with Collin today? How did it go? Are things moving forward with you two?¡± A shadow passed over Haven¡¯s face as she heard the question.

    Driven by pride, she covered up the truth. ¡°He had to handle some urgent business at hispany, so he left right after lunch,¡± she replied, then swiftly diverted the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on investigating Dolores.¡±

    Joanne sighed in resignation. ¡°Understood, but what¡¯s Dolores¡¯ connection to Collin?¡±

    Haven chose not to respond.

    Meanwhile, Collin carefully ced Linsey in the back seat of his car.

    Dolores, following closely, quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll sit next to Linsey.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take the wheel,¡± Collin responded, easing Linsey down before heading to the driver¡¯s seat.

    Dustin, left with little choice, settled into the passenger seat.

    As he observed Collin¡¯s strained features, it was clear that his feelings for Linsey remained profound.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 836

    ?Chapter 836:

    The twists of fate seemed to mock them with their cruel irony.

    The vehicle hastened along the highway.

    In the back seat, Dolores cradled Linsey, dabbing at her forehead to relieve the sweat.

    She lowered the window, allowing the fresh air to flow in.

    With a look of concern, Dolores watched Linsey struggle for breath, tears welling up in her own eyes.

    Never before had Linsey¡¯s allergic reactions been so severe.

    However, her allergies had intensified after the births of Zenia and Zander.

    At that time, the doctor had advised Linsey to be especially cautious, and ever since, they had taken great care.

    They never anticipated facing such an ident today.

    Linsey had merely tasted orange juiceced with mango, triggering a frighteningly intense reaction.

    The thought of a higher mango content was harrowing.

    Dolores, overwhelmed by guilt for not recognizing the mango sooner, let out a quiet sob.

    It had been Collin who first spotted the danger.

    ???????? ???????????????? ????????  g???????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°Dominic¡¯s hospital is where we¡¯re headed, right?¡± Dustin asked.

    ¡°Yes, have the utmost confidence in his expertise,¡± Collin assured.

    Caught up in her worries, Dolores was jolted back to reality when Linsey squeezed her hand.

    The sharp pinch pulled Dolores from her reverie, prompting her to nce at Linsey, whose expression had sharpened.

    Linsey¡¯s slight frown and gentle head shake were subtle, yet unmistakably intentional, catching Dolores¡¯s attention.

    As Dolores met Linsey¡¯s slightly anxious gaze, she suddenly realized something important.

    Realizing that, Dolores quickly said, ¡°Isn¡¯t there a closer hospital? Let¡¯s just go to that one!¡±

    Dustin turned to Dolores and said, ¡°Dominic is an excellent doctor and is familiar with Linsey and her condition.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s words caused Dolores to grow even more anxious. It was exactly because Dominic was an excellent doctor that she couldn¡¯t let them take Linsey to his hospital.

    If it were revealed that Linsey had given birth before and that had caused her allergic reaction to worsen, Collin would finally know about the existence of the two kids.

    Dolores knew within her that nothing could remain hidden forever, but she felt that now was not the time for this particr secret to be revealed.

    Linsey was weak and unable to defend herself.

    If Collin decided to demand custody of the kids, there was nothing they could do to stop him.

    It was with this consideration in mind that Dolores made the decision not to let Linsey be taken to Dominic¡¯s hospital.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 837

    ?Chapter 837:

    ¡°Linsey is in so much pain. We have to get her to the nearest hospital. You¡¯re dying because you don¡¯t care about her, but I know she needs treatment immediately,¡± Dolores said sharply.

    The atmosphere grew exceedingly tense after her words.

    Dustin nervously nced at Collin, afraid that Dolores¡¯ words would enrage him. Collin, however, appeared untouched by her words.

    Attempting to smooth things over, Dustin began, ¡°Dolores, we¡­¡±

    However, before he could finish, he was interrupted by Collin. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll head for the nearest hospital.¡±

    Collin stole a nce at Linsey through the rearview mirror and saw her lying in Dolores¡¯ arms, her face pale. This image caused a dull pang in his chest.

    Fortunately, the nearest hospital was close, so in less than twenty minutes, Linsey was receiving the proper medical care she so desperately needed.

    As Dolores was the person closest to Linsey at the time, the doctor called her aside for a private conversation.

    As expected, the doctor spoke about how Linsey¡¯s allergic reaction had been exacerbated byplications that had arisen during childbirth.

    The doctor reminded Dolores that Linsey would need to be particrly mindful of her diet in the future.

    ¡°Understood. Thank you, Doctor,¡± Dolores said, visibly relieved.

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    The truth had managed to remain hidden.

    When Dolores stepped out of the consultation room, she spotted Dustin leaning against the wall not far away.

    Dustin rushed over immediately when he saw her and asked, ¡°How is Linsey? What did the doctor say?¡±

    ¡°It was just an allergic reaction. She¡¯ll need some medication and a few days of rest,¡± Dolores replied.

    Dustin let out a relieved sigh, although the fear that had been on his face didn¡¯tpletely disappear.

    ¡°That was the most severe allergic reaction I¡¯ve ever seen. It terrified me,¡± he said.

    ¡°It terrified me too,¡± Dolores replied with a sigh.

    Dustin noticed her troubled expression. In a bid tofort her, he gently patted her on the back and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine now. I¡¯m happy we got her treated in time. Collin, too, helped by driving quickly. He really came through when it mattered.¡±

    Dolores nced around in search of Collin. When she didn¡¯t see him, she scoffed and said, ¡°Collin left? Was he rushing off to see his new lover, Haven?¡±

    Dolores believed that Collin was just as unreliable as ever. She couldn¡¯t believe she had actually felt gratitude earlier when she had seen how concerned he had been for Linsey.

    Dustin frowned at Dolores¡¯ statement and said, ¡°Collin¡¯s still here. He¡¯s in Linsey¡¯s hospital room with her.¡±

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 Chapter 838

    ?Chapter 838:

    ¡°What?¡± Dolores asked, her eyes widening in shock. Without another word, she turned and marched toward the room.

    ¡°What the hell is Collin trying to do? Linsey is sick! Is he trying to upset her even further?¡±

    Dustin hurried after her, calling for her to wait.

    In the sterile quiet of the hospital room, Linsey stirred. Hershes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was a pair of deep, unwavering eyes fixed on her.

    Those eyes¡ªhow familiar they had once felt.

    Her chest tightened. For a second, her heart skipped a beat.

    Collin leaned in, his face etched with concern. ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re awake. How are you feeling?¡±

    She blinked, dazed. And then, like a crashing wave, memories returned. Her gaze hardened. She turned her head sharply, avoiding him.

    ¡°Why are you still here?¡± Her voice rasped, brittle as dry leaves.

    He did not flinch at her hostility. His tone remained gentle. ¡°Dolores was called away. I stayed in case you needed something when you woke up.¡±

    ¡°I need nothing,¡± she snapped. ¡°You may leave now.¡± The chill in her voice could have frozen steel.

    Collin did not move. Instead, as if untouched by her venom, he reached for the pitcher on the side table and poured her a ss of water.

    ¡°Your throat sounds sore. Drink some water,¡± he suggested.

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    Linsey turned toward him¡ªonly to catch sight of herself in the reflection.

    With a swollen face, eyes puffy, and blotchy skin, she looked like a stranger.

    Her breath caught. A wave of horror washed over her. Without thinking, sheshed out. Her hand struck the ss in his grasp, sending it flying.

    The crash rang out sharply as it shattered on the floor, shards scattering like tiny daggers.

    ¡°Collin Riley, are you deaf?¡± she shouted hysterically. ¡°I told you to leave!¡±

    Why was he seeing her like this?

    They were nothing now¡ªstrangers. He should not have mattered anymore. And yet, she still cared.

    A mix of shame, anger, and something achingly familiar churned inside her.

    Collin was taken aback by her outburst, but he regained hisposure immediately.

    But beneath his calm facade, he felt a mix of sympathy and concern.

    ¡°I am sorry,¡± he murmured, his voice low and strained.

    Linsey¡¯s breath hitched as he rose from his seat. ¡°I will clean it up. Then I will leave.¡±

    She stared at him in disbelief as he squatted down. Collin Riley¡ªthe famously untouchable founder of CR Corporation¡ªwas picking up shards of ss with his bare hands.

    A frown tugged at her lips. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡±

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 Chapter 839

    ?Chapter 839:

    He did not look up. ¡°The shards might cut you.¡±

    She immediately understood what he meant.

    He was¡­ trying to protect her?

    Her throat tightened.

    Her eyes burned with the sting of unshed tears. She watched his crouched figure, hands carefully collecting the sharp fragments. A part of her wanted to scoff¡ªto call his concern a performance. But the sight of him like that¡ªquiet, unflinching, real¡ªleft her stunned, her defenses cracking.

    The door banged open, making her flinch.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Dolores¡¯ voice rang out. She stopped short at the doorway.

    Behind her, Dustin froze mid-step.

    Both of them stared at the same scene. Collin was silently gathering broken ss.

    ¡°Collin! What are you doing?¡± Dustin rushed over. ¡°This isn¡¯t something you should be handling yourself. Just let someone else take care of it.¡±

    Collin quietly cleaned the floor, his face calm as he wrapped the ss shards in thick paper. Without looking up, he said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Then he turned slightly to Dolores and spoke politely. ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡±

    He had wanted to say more, but with everything going on, he knew he had no right to meddle in Linsey¡¯s matters.

    So he held back and gave Dustin a short nce. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

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    Dustin blinked in surprise. ¡°Huh? We¡¯re just leaving?¡±

    After all, it was rare for Collin to get a moment alone with Linsey.

    Dustin couldn¡¯t understand why he was leaving so soon.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Collin repeated, his voice steady and low.

    Without another word, he turned and walked out, not even ncing back.

    Dustin hesitated. He looked at Dolores, unsure. But in the end, he followed Collin out.

    Linsey needed rest, and with Collin gone, Dustin knew it wasn¡¯t right for him to stay either.

    Soon, the room fell quiet, with only Linsey and Dolores left inside.

    Dolores sat down beside the bed. Linsey stared ahead, her eyes red, her face nk.

    Dolores sighed softly.

    No matter what Collin had shown, Linsey¡¯s reaction said it all¡ªshe hadn¡¯t let him gopletely.

    But now wasn¡¯t the time to bring him up. Dolores feared it would only deepen Linsey¡¯s pain.

    After a pause, she spoke gently. ¡°Linsey, why don¡¯t you rest a little more? I¡¯ll call Cayleeter and ask her to look after Zander and Zenia. You don¡¯t need to worry about the kids.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes shifted slightly. Then she said slowly, ¡°Dolores, I just don¡¯t understand what Collin is trying to do.¡±

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 Chapter 840

    Chapter 840:

    Dolores pressed her lips together. ¡°Me neither. He and Haven seem close, yet there¡¯s this strange distance. He bought her a ne worth $2.7 billion, but around us, he acts like she means nothing.¡±

    She paused, then nced at Linsey and added, ¡°And today, when this happened to you, he looked so panicked that he left Haven behind. I don¡¯t get it.¡±

    Linsey stayed quiet, sadness clouding her eyes. ¡°Dolores¡­ Haven is the woman who walked out on Collin at their wedding. She humiliated him.¡±

    Dolores¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°What? Haven was the bride who left him? She embarrassed him like that, and he¡¯s still so kind to her?¡±

    As soon as the words slipped out, Dolores regretted them. She realized she had said too much.

    Linsey gave a faint smile, trying to ease the moment. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I should¡¯ve let go of the past. I was the one being foolish.¡±

    ¡°No, you weren¡¯t!¡± Dolores said quickly, holding Linsey¡¯s hand with care. ¡°You loved Collin with all your heart, and he hurt you deeply. Now that you¡¯re back in town, it¡¯s only natural for your emotions to be everywhere. You¡¯re human, Linsey. Feelings are messy. Don¡¯t beat yourself up. Just take it one step at a time.¡±

    Linsey looked into her eyes, moved by her words. Her throat tightened, and she nodded softly. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she whispered, her voice shaking.

    Dolores seemed thoughtful for a while as she recalled the meal they had earlier, before adding, ¡°However, just because Collin doesn¡¯t hold a grudge towards Haven for running away from the wedding doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that he likes her. It could be that he just doesn¡¯t care. Gut reactions are often right. I believe he was just being polite to Haven. Nothing more.¡±

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    Linsey chuckled softly at this. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see the day when you defend Collin,¡± she said.

    Ever since the incident four years ago, Dolores¡¯ attitude towards Collin had changed drastically. She hated him so much that she would have leaped with glee if CR Corporation were to copse the next minute. This was probably the first time since all those years that Dolores had spoken of Collin without prejudice.

    ¡°I¡¯m not defending him. I¡¯m just telling you what I think. You know I¡¯ll always side with you,¡± Dolores retorted.

    Linsey smiled at this. Her once gloomy mood had lightened significantly because of Dolores.

    A thought suddenly crossed Linsey¡¯s mind, and she said, ¡°Dolores, working with CR Corporation would be a great opportunity for the Davidson Group. You mustn¡¯t throw that away because of the issues between me and Collin.¡±

    ¡°Come on. It¡¯s not like CR Corporation is the onlypany we can work with,¡± Dolores said with a pout.

    Linsey shook her head and retorted, ¡°CR Corporation is currently the leadingpany in Grester and even nationwide. There are only a fewpanies that can be said to be at their level. You have to seize this opportunity!¡±

    Seeing that Linsey brooked no argument on the subject, Dolores reluctantly agreed. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s see what kind of project Collin wants to partner on beforeing to a decision.¡±

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 Chapter 841

    ?Chapter 841:

    She then gave Linsey a meaningful look and said, ¡°From what I said earlier, it seems he¡¯s interested in working with Aurora.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s expression froze upon hearing this. There were a few seconds of silence before she finally said, ¡°Let¡¯s see what terms he offers. We can¡¯t afford to pass up a good deal.¡±

    Dolores chuckled at this and put her hands on Linsey¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Alright, enough talk. You should get some rest now. A good rest will help replenish your strength.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Linsey said, pulling the nket over herself. However, before she closed her eyes, she added, ¡°You and Dustin were supposed to have a conversation. Go find him and have that talk. It would clear things up.¡±

    Dolores was slightly taken aback that Linsey still remembered something as trivial as that in this situation.

    ¡°Go to sleep and stop worrying about things,¡± Dolores simply said in reply.

    Linsey closed her eyes and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

    Dolores sat at her bedside, watching her for a while, then her phone buzzed.

    She took it out and, to her surprise, saw it was a message from Dustin. ¡°I¡¯m still in the hallway outside. If you have time,e outside. Let¡¯s talk.¡±

    Dolores was surprised. Had it not been for Linsey falling asleep without touching her phone, Dolores might have used her of nning this with Dustin.

    It did seem oddly timed that just when Linsey had fallen asleep, Dustin¡¯s message hade in.

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    Dolores contemted the matter for a while before finally agreeing that she and Dustin needed to have a proper conversation.

    Dolores rose from her seat without a sound and quietly left the hospital room.

    Moments after she disappeared, the door creaked open again. A tall figure stepped inside, his movements so soft he barely made a sound.

    Crossing the room in a few strides, he came to a halt at Linsey¡¯s bedside. He stood there, silently taking in her peaceful, sleeping face before pulling out a small jar of ointment from his pocket. Kneeling beside her, he began dabbing the ointment over the redness on her cheeks with the utmost care.

    Even in her sleep, Linsey seemed to notice the change. The throbbing heat on her skin gave way to a refreshing coolness that soothed her senses.

    The lingering difort faded bit by bit, easing her deeper into a calm and restful sleep.

    As he finished tending to her, his finger brushed softly against the delicate skin near her ear, pausing there for a fleeting second before finally pulling away.

    A quiet sigh of relief escaped Collin¡¯s lips once hepleted applying the ointment.

    Still, he didn¡¯t rush to leave. Instead, he sat there, his gaze full of tenderness as he studied Linsey¡¯s gentle expression.

    However, the warmth in his eyes gradually dimmed when he remembered that Linsey had yet to forgive him.

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 Chapter 842

    ?Chapter 842:

    Collin understood more than anyone that it would be both selfish and unjust to ask Linsey to forgive him for all the wrong things he had done.

    Still, he was prepared to wait. Even if it took a lifetime, he would hold on to the hope that one day, she might find it in her heart to give him another chance.

    That quiet promise to himself reignited a firm resolve in Collin¡¯s chest. He made up his mind to uncover the truth about the little girl who looked so much like Linsey when the timing was right.

    Collin lingered by Linsey¡¯s side, reluctant to tear himself away from her peaceful world.

    Atst, he rose and stepped out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him with a soft click. The moment he turned around, he found himself facing someone he hadn¡¯t expected: Gorman.

    ¡°Hey! You¡¯re the man who sent me to the police station!¡± Zenia eximed with a wide smile, her face lighting up the instant she spotted him. She grabbed onto Gorman¡¯s hand excitedly.

    Collin didn¡¯t say a word at first. His eyes moved slowly from Gorman to Zenia, and after a few moments, the hard lines on his face softened. He gave Zenia a gentle smile and said, ¡°Hey there, kid.¡±

    Chuckling softly, Gorman reached out and tousled Zenia¡¯s fluffy hair. Pretending not to know, he teased, ¡°Zenia, when did you meet this gentleman? Why didn¡¯t you ever tell me about him?¡±

    Lifting her head with a bright grin, Zenia answered sweetly, ¡°Oh, Daddy, totally forgot! I¡¯ll tell you everythingter tonight, okay?¡± Although Collin had already heard her call Gorman ¡°Daddy¡± before, hearing it spoken so clearly, so naturally, from just a few feet away hit him harder than he expected.

    ?????????????? ???????? ????: ?????????¦Í????????©q?????

    Still, he tried to convince himself that just because Zenia looked strikingly like Linsey didn¡¯t automatically mean she was her daughter.

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Gorman said with a soft chuckle. He cast a quick nce toward the hospital room before bending down slightly to Zenia¡¯s level. ¡°Mommy¡¯s resting inside. Go on and see her, but be sure to stay quiet, alright?¡±

    Zenia gave an eager nod. ¡°Got it! I¡¯ll be super quiet.¡±

    Without wasting another second, she tiptoed toward the hospital door, carefully eased it open, and slipped inside like a tiny whisper of wind. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving nothing but silence between the two men standing in the hallway.

    Collin¡¯s whole expression shifted. A heavy coldness settled around him as he stared Gorman down, the earlier conversation reying itself in his mind like a cruel reminder.

    Pain twisted in his chest, a deep ache spreading as he finally epted what he had tried so hard to deny. Zenia really was Linsey¡¯s child.

    Gorman stayed rxed, slipping his hands casually into his pockets. He met Collin¡¯s icy re with an almost yful smirk. After a short pause, Gorman tilted his head and spoke lightly. ¡°Isn¡¯t Zenia a sweet girl?¡±

    Collin felt the words hit him like a blow. His breath caught in his throat, and before he could stop himself, his fists clenched at his sides, his body going rigid as he struggled to keep it all in.

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 Chapter 843

    ?Chapter 843:

    Gorman wasn¡¯t the least bit bothered by Collin¡¯s silence. If anything, his smile grew even more brazen, each word he spoke stabbing into Collin¡¯s heart like a sharp knife.

    Gorman said, ¡°Zenia has always been a sensible child. She never needed much attention from us. Maybe she takes after Linsey more than me. After all, I was quite the troublemaker growing up.¡± He then let out a slow sigh. ¡°It¡¯s funny how strong family resemnces can be. Linsey and Zenia are like two peas in a pod. Anyone who knows Linsey could tell right away that Zenia is her daughter, no exnations needed.¡±

    As he finished speaking, Gorman¡¯s gaze turned cold. He stared hard at Collin, who still said nothing.

    ¡°What do you think, Collin?¡± he asked with a frosty smile. ¡°You don¡¯t seem the least bit surprised about Zenia. So, I guess there¡¯s nothing left for me to say, is there?¡±

    Collin lifted his eyelids slowly, his face calm and untouched by Gorman¡¯s jabs. Moving his lipszily, he asked, ¡°What exactly are you getting at?¡±

    Gorman let out a mockingugh, clearly annoyed by Collin¡¯s indifference. He stepped closer, shrinking the space between them, and looked Collin up and down with a sneer. ¡°Let me warn you, Collin. Don¡¯t even think about Linsey. As you can see, we already have a beautiful daughter together, and soon, we¡¯ll be married.¡±

    He paused, lifted his eyebrows arrogantly, and added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get an invitation.¡±

    As he heard those words, Collin¡¯s hand shot out. He grabbed Gorman by the cor, his veins bulging with anger, his grip strong enough to crush.

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    Gorman nearly stumbled. His face darkened as he clutched Collin¡¯s hand and growled, ¡°What? nning to hit me? Go ahead. I wouldn¡¯t mind letting Linsey see what a sore loser her ex-husband is!¡±

    His mocking words were like gasoline on fire, pushing Collin closer to losing control.

    Collin¡¯s grip tightened, his knuckles white with rage. For a second, he looked ready to strangle Gorman right then and there.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t even married her, yet you had a child with her! What respect is that for her?¡± Collin¡¯s voice was low and deadly.

    Gorman¡¯s smirk faded.

    He had thought Collin was mad about Linsey having a child with another man. But now he realized¡ªCollin was furious because he thought Linsey had been left unmarried and pregnant.

    Gorman¡¯s face stiffened awkwardly. He tried to pry Collin¡¯s hand away, but to his shock, he couldn¡¯t move him an inch.

    Frustration boiled in Gorman¡¯s chest. Grinding his teeth, he hissed, ¡°Collin, let me go. Or I¡¯ll call Linsey and Zenia out here and show them what a madman you¡¯ve be!¡±

    At those words, Collin suddenly let go.

    Just as Gorman was about to draw a smug smile, Collin shoved him hard. Gorman stumbled back, lookingpletely disheveled.

    ¡°You!¡± Gorman barked, his face flushed red with anger and shame.

    But Collin had already calmed down. He looked down at Gorman, who was still hunched over, and said in a deep, steady voice, ¡°Look at you. You¡¯re not even half the man you were four years ago. So, what if you and Linsey have a child? You¡¯re not married yet. That means I still have a chance.¡±

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 Chapter 844

    ?Chapter 844:

    Collin adjusted his coat, which had grown disheveled from the earliermotion, and sarcastically said, ¡°I suppose I should thank you for bringing me such wonderful news, shouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    Gorman red furiously at him. His wall of arrogance came crumbling down under Collin¡¯s verbal attack. ¡°Have you no shame, Collin?¡± he asked.

    Gorman had never in his wildest thoughts imagined that Collin, the snobbish, arrogant founder of CR Corporation, would stoop so low as to say something like that.

    He had gone to such great lengths to orchestrate this whole thing with the mindset that Collin would not engage with him, yet Collin was refusing to back down.

    Collin turned as though to leave, then suddenly paused, as though something had just crossed his mind. ¡°Linsey¡¯s daughter is a wonderful girl. I don¡¯t see anything of you in her. That¡¯s probably a blessing for her,¡± he remarked casually.

    ¡°Collin!¡± Gorman hissed through his teeth. By now, the veins on his forehead were visible.

    He watched hatefully as Collin took his leave.

    It seemed the only way to win was to make sure Collin disappeared¡ªpermanently.

    Collin, on the other hand, confidently walked out of the hospital. It wasn¡¯t until he was in his car that the weight of what happened came crashing down on him.

    He closed his eyes as Gorman¡¯s words continued to echo in his head. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to ept that Zenia was Linsey and Gorman¡¯s daughter.

    Collin felt a crushing weight on his chest as his mind cast him back to four years ago when he and Linsey were still together.

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    Back then, they had both wanted a child of their own.

    Unfortunately, things had not gone as nned, and even when they had parted ways, Linsey had not conceived.

    Now, however, it seemed like fate had smiled on Linsey, and she now had a lovely and well-behaved daughter.

    Collin couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly at the irony of the situation. Still, Linsey¡¯s daughter was just as beautiful as he had always imagined she would be.

    Each time he saw Zenia, it was as though he was looking at a younger version of Linsey.

    Collin finally realized that it wasn¡¯t just Linsey who had been affected by what had happened four years ago. He, too, was in a constant state of regret because of it.

    Perhaps if he had told Linsey the truth earlier, their marriage wouldn¡¯t have ended.

    He and Linsey might have had a daughter of their own by now.

    As Collin continued to drown in his misery, a call came in, dragging him back to reality.

    He sighed, then pulled out his phone and answered the call.

    ¡°Collin! Collin! I just saw your son!¡± Dustin screamed excitedly the moment the call connected.

    Collin, annoyed that Dustin would joke about something so sensitive, said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you one more chance to say something serious.¡±

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 Chapter 845

    ?Chapter 845:

    ¡°No, it¡¯s true, Collin. I really did see your son. He looks exactly like you¡­¡±

    Before Dustin could finish, the line went dead.

    Dustin stared at his phone in shock, then looked hurt. ¡°I¡¯m really not lying to you, Collin. I¡¯ve run into that kid twice now. I¡¯m not lying.¡±

    Half an hour ago, Dustin was still standing at the end of the hospital corridor, waiting anxiously for Dolores.

    He felt a ball of nerves twisting inside him, quietly wondering how to even begin the conversation.

    Before long, Dolores appeared, arms crossed, her gaze driftingzily toward the view outside the building. She didn¡¯t look at him as she asked in a careless tone, ¡°What do you want to say to me?¡±

    The moment Dustin saw her, his face burned with heat. He stammered, ¡°I-I just wanted to talk about what happened at the banquet that night.¡±

    Dolores blinked, pretending not to care. ¡°What happened that night? Didn¡¯t we just sleep together? What¡¯s there to talk about?¡±

    Her bluntness hit Dustin like a p. His eyes widened in shock. ¡°You¡­ you remember?¡±

    Dolores rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not stupid. Of course I remember.¡±

    She paused, her face growing impatient. ¡°So? What do you want to say? Why are you hemming and hawing like this? I never thought you were the indecisive type.¡±

    ?????????????? ????????????: g??????¦Í??????????????

    Dustin felt a re of indignation. ¡°I just wanted to see where you stand,¡± he shot back.

    Hearing that, Dolores finally looked straight at him. Her sharp gaze caught him off guard, freezing him on the spot.

    ¡°So? Have you figured it out? Do you know what I think? And what about you?¡± she asked, her voice teasing.

    Dustin stood there, dumbfounded. Every time he faced Dolores, his mind turned into a tangled mess. He wasn¡¯t the calm and collected man he usually was in business meetings. Around her, he lost all his footing.

    Seeing his long silence, Dolores lost patiencepletely. ¡°Oh, forget it,¡± she muttered, turning on her heel.

    ¡°Dolores!¡± Dustin panicked. In a rush, he pulled her into his arms. The second he wrapped his arms around her, all his restlessness melted away.

    He smiled without thinking, breathing in the warmth and scent that belonged only to her.

    Dolores stiffened for a moment, then felt her cheeks heat up.

    Instinctively, she tried to push him away, but Dustin only tightened his hold.

    ¡°Dustin! Let me go!¡± she said firmly.

    But instead of letting go, Dustin clung to her even tighter and said stubbornly, ¡°No. I won¡¯t. I¡¯ve wanted to do this for so long. Now that I finally have you in my arms, I¡¯m not letting go, even if it kills me!¡±

    Dolores rested her chin lightly on his shoulder, her hands hovering awkwardly at his waist.

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 Chapter 846

    ?Chapter 846:

    As she listened to his honest words, her heart softened against her will.

    She almost smiled but quickly looked up at the ceiling, pretending to stay cool. ¡°What do you mean by wanting to hold me? Trying to take advantage of me?¡± she asked, pretending to tease.

    Dustin exined quickly, ¡°No! It¡¯s not like that!¡±

    He released her slightly, looking serious. ¡°Dolores, I¡¯m into you. I told you that night. Otherwise¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have slept with you.¡±

    Dolores stared into Dustin¡¯s honest eyes. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, even though she kept her face as calm as ever.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯d just sleep with anyone?¡± Dolores asked, her voice sharp.

    Dustin suddenly felt a wave of uncertainty crash over him. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. You were drunk that night,¡± he said carefully.

    Dolores rolled her eyes again. ¡°If I was that drunk, I would¡¯ve been out cold long before anything happened¡­¡± she muttered.

    She stopped mid-sentence, realizing what she was about to say. A wave of shyness crept up on her, and she lowered her gaze. Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink, adding a delicate softness to her features. Dustin¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He stared at her, stunned, and asked carefully, ¡°Dolores¡­ Are you saying you have feelings for me too?¡± He could hardly believe it.

    For days, she had been cold and distant. Every time they spoke, there was an edge in her voice that chipped away at his confidence.

    He never imagined she might feel the same way.

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    Seeing the hesitation flicker across his face, Dolores frowned in frustration. ¡°What? You doubt I have a thing for you? If that¡¯s the case, then why are we even talking?¡± She turned to leave.

    ¡°Dolores!¡± Dustin panicked and quickly pulled her back into his arms. Somehow, they ended up tangled together again.

    Dolores struggled to hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She had known her answer all along. She had just been waiting for him to be brave enough toe after her.

    If Dustin had hesitated a second longer, she would have swallowed her feelings and walked away. Luckily, he had made his move.

    ¡°Dolores, does this mean we¡¯re together now?¡± Dustin asked, still sounding unsure.

    Dolores snapped back to the moment. The word ¡°yes¡± sat on the tip of her tongue, but she changed it at thest second. ¡°Who said that? You haven¡¯t even chased after me properly. If I say yes now, you¡¯ll stop cherishing me in no time.¡±

    ¡°I would never!¡± Dustin blurted out. Then he paused, thinking over her words, and added seriously, ¡°You¡¯re right, Dolores. I should prove it to you first.¡±

    Dolores smiled, giving his shoulder a light pat. ¡°You¡¯ve got the green light to chase me now. Do your best,¡± she said yfully.

    Just as she finished speaking, her smile froze. Ahead, near the corner of the wall, she spotted two familiar faces¡ªCaylee and Zander¡ªpeeking at them, excitement written all over their faces.

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 Chapter 847

    ?Chapter 847:

    Dolores stiffened in shock.

    In an instant, all the sweetness in her heart disappeared. Panic seized her. She knew if Dustin saw Zander¡¯s face, everything would fall apart.

    Without thinking, she clung tightly to Dustin, hiding her face against him. At the same time, she shot Caylee and Zander a desperate look, mouthing silently, ¡°Go! Leave now!¡±

    Caylee quickly caught on. Her yful grin vanished as she grabbed Zander, ready to sneak away.

    But before she could, Zander suddenly shouted, ¡°That bad guy is bullying Dolores!¡±

    Without warning, he charged straight toward them.

    Both Caylee and Dolores widened their eyes in horror. Zander hadpletely misunderstood her silent plea¡ªand now, things were about to spiral out of control.

    ¡°Dolores!¡± Zander shouted, his little face twisted in anger, wishing he could grow up in an instant and punch Dustin for what he thought was bullying Dolores.

    Caylee hurried after him, calling anxiously, ¡°Zander!¡±

    Hearing themotion, Dustin instinctively froze, his curiosity piqued. He began to turn around to see what was happening.

    Startled, Dolores quickly pressed his head back down. ¡°Don¡¯t look! Just hold on to me, okay?¡±

    Dustin blinked in confusion, then smiled shyly. ¡°I just thought I heard something behind us.¡±

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    ¡°There¡¯s nothing back there. Just me, right in front of you,¡± Dolores said quickly, forcing a calm tone.

    But Zander wasn¡¯t giving up. Seeing that Dustin was still holding Dolores, his tiny face twisted even more in anger. ¡°You jerk! Let go of Dolores!¡± he yelled.

    This time, Dustin heard it loud and clear. He instinctively let go of Dolores and turned around.

    Caylee sensed disaster looming. She rushed forward, scooping Zander into her arms and quickly turning her back to shield his face from Dustin.

    ¡°You naughty boy!¡± she scolded loudly, pretending to be angry. Then, leaning close to Zander¡¯s ear, she whispered urgently, ¡°Don¡¯t let him see your face! It¡¯ll cause big trouble for Mommy! Pretend we don¡¯t know Dolores, okay?¡±

    Dolores¡¯ heart dropped. She gripped Dustin¡¯s arm tightly, feeling his body tense beside her. His brows furrowed, and she could tell he was suspicious.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked, trying to steer his attention back to her.

    But Dustin was already stepping forward, his sharp gaze falling on the child in Caylee¡¯s arms. He asked cautiously, ¡°Ma¡¯am, was it your child shouting just now?¡±

    Caylee felt a cold sweat break out on her back. Earlier, she and Zander had thought Dustin was Dolores¡¯ boyfriend.

    Caylee hadn¡¯t realized it was Dustin¡ªCollin¡¯s best friend.

    And she was very aware that Dustin had already seen Zander¡¯s face before. If he put two and two together now, Collin would find out everything.

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 Chapter 848

    ?Chapter 848:

    Caylee clutched Zander tighter and shook her head. ¡°No, you must¡¯ve heard wrong,¡± she said quickly.

    She turned, ready to leave.

    But Dustin stepped forward again, blocking her way. His sharp eyes caught a glimpse of Zander¡¯s face. He froze. For a second, he could only stare, disbelief written all over his face. ¡°This kid¡­¡± he muttered.

    He turned to Caylee, recognition shing in his eyes. He remembered her¡ªthe woman he had seen at the restaurant with the boy who looked so much like Collin.

    ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± Dustin eximed.

    Dolores¡¯ mind wentpletely nk. She panicked, feeling everything slip out of control.

    Without thinking, she rushed over and grabbed Dustin¡¯s arm. ¡°What are you doing? What does this woman and her child have to do with you?¡±

    Dustin hesitated, still looking between Zander and Dolores. Finally, he spoke in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t you think this kid looks a lot like Collin?¡±

    Dolores felt her whole body tense up, her mind scrambling for a response. Beside her, Caylee gripped Zander tighter, her palms mmy with sweat.

    Just as the tension reached a breaking point, Zander suddenly burst into tears, his little body shaking as he clung to Caylee. ¡°Mommy, this bad guy is so scary! I¡¯m scared!¡± he cried out pitifully. The sound of his wailing shattered Dustin¡¯s thoughts.

    Caylee reacted quickly, tightening her hold on Zander. She gave Dustin a rushed apology. ¡°Sorry!¡± Then she hurried away without looking back.

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    ¡°Hey! Wait a minute!¡± Dustin called after them, taking a step to chase.

    Dolores stepped in quickly before Dustin could move. An idea hit her right away. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t go,¡± she told him. ¡°You scared the kid enough already. Let me go look instead.¡±

    This was exactly the chance she had been waiting for¡ªshe could finally help Caylee and Zander get away.

    Dustin looked confused for a second, then gave a quick nod.

    By the time Dustin finished his call with Collin, Dolores returned, a little out of breath. She looked him straight in the eye, totally calm. ¡°I couldn¡¯t catch them,¡± she said tly. ¡°She ran off with the kid in her arms.¡±

    Dustin paced back and forth, frustrated that Collin had hung up on him. ¡°You saw it, right?¡± he snapped. ¡°That kid looks exactly like Collin! But Collin¡ªdamn it¡ªhe won¡¯t believe me!¡±

    Dolores knew well that Zander looked like Collin, but what really caught her attention was what Dustin had just said.

    A wave of relief washed over her. Thank God¡ªCollin didn¡¯t believe any of it! She could finally breathe a sigh of relief!

    Dolores had been freaking out earlier when she saw Caylee show up with Zander.

    ¡°If Collin doesn¡¯t believe it, then maybe the kid just kind of looks like him. Doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re rted,¡± Dolores said casually. ¡°You think maybe Collin had something going on with another woman before Linsey?¡±

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 Chapter 849

    ?Chapter 849:

    She narrowed her eyes and stared hard at Dustin, clearly suspicious.

    Dustin stammered, ¡°I never said that! Collin¡¯s always been straight. He never messed around¡ªbefore Linsey or after!¡±

    He added firmly, ¡°Once he married Linsey, he was loyal. No question about it.¡±

    Dolores pressed her lips together, clearly not buying everything he said. After all, Dustin was Collin¡¯s best friend. Of course he would defend him no matter what.

    Either way, she and Caylee had just dodged a major bullet with the whole Zander situation.

    Dolores had just started to rx when Dustin suddenly asked, confused, ¡°Wait a second¡­ I swear I heard that kid mention your name.¡±

    He looked around slowly, eyebrows drawn together in confusion. ¡°Does he know you?¡±

    Dolores¡¯s heart jumped into her throat. She froze for a heartbeat, then quickly snapped, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to do with those people. Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡±

    Why did Dustin have to suddenly turn sharp at the worst times? He was usually blunt and a bit dense¡ªthat should have made him easy to mislead, right?

    Her firm denial seemed to throw Dustin off. He nodded, looking honestly confused. ¡°Ah, I made a mistake.¡±

    He scratched the back of his head and gave a littleugh.

    Dolores had no interest in dragging this topic out. She clenched her jaw quietly, then changed the subject. ¡°We still haven¡¯t dealt with us. You said you were going to chase me. So what¡¯s the n, exactly? I¡¯m not some easy prize, you know.¡±

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    Her words pulled Dustin¡¯s attention right back to her.

    His face turned bright red, and all that usual tough-guy confidence melted into pure awkwardness.

    ¡°I need a little time to n this right,¡± he stuttered. Then he straightened up, his voice firmer. ¡°Dolores, I won¡¯t mess this up. I¡¯m gonna work my ass off to win you over. Just wait.¡±

    Dolores looked into his honest, hopeful eyes and couldn¡¯t stop the tiny smile that tugged at her lips.

    She thought to herself¡ªGod, he was such a sweet idiot.

    She hadn¡¯t really nned on making him chase her for too long anyway.

    Truth was, she had already fallen for him.

    Linsey hadn¡¯t been asleep for long when a gentle warmth stirred her awake, blooming softly in her heart.

    It felt like someone had cradled her in quiet tenderness, letting her rest in deep, peaceful sleep.

    Without thinking, a soft smile brushed Linsey¡¯s lips. Then, a sweet voice broke the stillness¡ªZenia¡¯s, bright with joy. ¡°Mommy! You¡¯re up!¡±

    At the sound, Linsey turned her head, her face softening in gentle surprise.

    Zenia stood by the hospital bed, leaning close before straightening up. She stretched out her tiny hand, reaching for Linsey¡¯s cheek.

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 Chapter 850

    Chapter 850:

    ¡°Mommy, does it hurt? Let me kiss it better,¡± she said, her voice pure and earnest.

    Linsey parted her lips, ready to answer.

    ¡°Zenia, be gentle. Don¡¯t hurt your mom,¡± Gorman said softly as he stepped forward. He carefully lifted Zenia and ced her on a nearby chair.

    Linsey¡¯s gaze shifted to Gorman, her brow knitting slightly. ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    And he had even brought Zenia along.

    Deep down, Linsey wished with all her heart that the children wouldn¡¯t find out about her allergic reaction.

    But Gorman had made the decision on his own, without so much as a word to her.

    As he noticed the flicker of displeasure on Linsey¡¯s face, a shadow crossed Gorman¡¯s expression.

    In a low voice, he exined, ¡°Someone posted a video of your allergic reaction at the restaurant. I was worried, so I brought the kids to see you.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You saw the video? Is it going viral?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I had every clip of you taken down immediately after I saw it.¡± After a pause, he added, ¡°It looks like someone is trying to sabotage the restaurant.¡±

    Linsey lowered her gaze, her heart sinking a little.

    If Gorman had seen the video, he must have noticed she wasn¡¯t alone. He would have seen Dolores, Collin, and Dustin with her.

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    But she felt no need to exin. She had no ns to reconnect with Collin, and she owed Gorman no answers.

    Their rtionship was never about ounting for every move. As Linsey wrestled with her thoughts, a sudden chill gripped her. Her brows drew tight as she snapped, ¡°Did you bring Zander too? Where is he?¡±

    Her heart mmed against her chest.

    She didn¡¯t know if Collin had left yet. If Gorman had brought Zander here, Collin could run into him at any moment.

    If Collin saw Zander¡¯s face, the truth would explode like a powder keg!

    Gorman hesitated, but Zenia quickly spoke up, her voice obedient and clear. ¡°Mommy, Zander said he needed the restroom. Caylee took him.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face darkened. Without a second thought, she pushed herself up, pulling Zenia closer and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. ¡°I have to find him.¡±

    Gorman stepped into her path, blocking her gently but firmly. His voice was steady. ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re still weak. Stay in bed.¡±

    But Linsey couldn¡¯t sit still. Fear gnawed at her like a dog with a bone. Ignoring him, she shot him a fierce re. Her voice trembled with anger. ¡°Why did you bring the kids here? You said you saw the video. You know¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Gorman let out a short, coldugh. He cut her off, his words sharp as knives. ¡°Yes, I know. I saw him. I saw him standing right beside you. I saw him carry you out of that restaurant!¡±

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    Message from Noah: Good night dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

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 Chapter 851

    ?Chapter 851:

    A slow, bitter smile twisted across his face. His eyes burned with a stubborn, wounded light. ¡°Tell me, Linsey. What are you ying at? Are you still hung up on him? Did youe back to Grester just to run back to him?¡±

    Linsey stared at Gorman in disbelief, watching as his face twisted into a near grotesque mask of raw, unfiltered emotion.

    As expected, he still thought she might reconcile with Collin.

    She should never have felt sympathy for him!

    Her breathing quickened, the realization crashing into her with brutal rity: Gorman was doing this on purpose. After seeing the video of her and Collin, he had deliberately brought the children here, stirring the waters, scheming to create chaos.

    ¡°Mommy¡­¡± Zenia¡¯s small, trembling voice pierced through the thick tension, her words broken by suppressed sobs, a flicker of fear darting across her innocent face.

    The sound snapped Linsey back to herself. She scooped the red-eyed Zenia into her arms, holding her tightly. ¡°Sweetheart, it¡¯s okay. Everything¡¯s alright now.¡±

    But Gorman seemed entirely indifferent to the little girl¡¯s distress. ¡°Linsey,¡± he started, ¡°let me remind you¡ªhe has a new fianc¨¦e now. Haven¡ªthe daughter of the Walton family. Ivy favors her far more than she ever cared for you. It won¡¯t be long before Haven bes his wife.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Linsey shot back coldly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less.¡±

    Gorman let out a low, murky chuckle. ¡°Oh, really? Then what if I told you they¡¯re nning to take Zander away from you?¡±

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    The words sent her heart plummeting, lurching violently in her chest. Zenia, quiet until now, stiffened in her arms, her voice rising in rm. ¡°Who¡¯s going to take Zander?¡±

    Gorman arched a brow and crouched beside them, reaching out to smooth Zenia¡¯s hair in a mockery of affection.

    His touch was soft; his words were like knives. ¡°Zenia, the man you just saw¡­ doesn¡¯t he look an awful lot like Zander?¡±

    ¡°Gorman!¡± Linsey snapped, her voice trembling with rage as she mped her cold hands over Zenia¡¯s ears. Tears burned at the corners of her eyes. ¡°How dare you say such things to her?¡±

    Yes, Collin had seen Zenia.

    But Zenia¡¯s features took more after her. Only a discerning eye would catch the subtle resemnce to Collin.

    When Collin saw Gorman standing beside Zenia, he would almost certainly assume the child was Gorman¡¯s¡ªnever suspecting the truth. After all, at the time of their divorce, he believed she hadn¡¯t been pregnant.

    Coupled with her icy, unapproachable demeanor since then, Collin would never dream that she had borne his children in secret.

    The thought made Linsey¡¯s hands ball into trembling fists.

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 Chapter 852

    ?Chapter 852:

    Gorman had backed her into a corner, leaving her neither a way forward nor a way out.

    Because of Haven, she couldn¡¯t simply take the children and turn to Collin for help.

    Gorman was right¡ªif Collin ever discovered the truth, if Haven so much as whispered a word, he could very well use his power to im her children.

    The man was the founder of the mighty CR Corporation. He held more influence than she could ever hope to fight. Should he choose to move against her, Linsey knew she would be powerless to stop him.

    And yet, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to fully trust Gorman, not when it meant cing her and her children¡¯s safety entirely in his hands.

    She saw it with painful rity now¡ªGorman wasn¡¯t just dangerous. He was deadly.

    He would use her children without a second thought, cornering her, forcing her beneath his temporary control, all in service of his own twisted goals.

    Gorman met her smoldering re with a smile¡ªa smile so deceptively tender it made her blood run cold.

    ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re scaring Zenia. We should watch our words around the children,¡± Gorman said softly, keeping his voice as gentle as a whisper. He finished with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, then turned to Zenia. ¡°You¡¯re such a smart girl. I¡¯m sure you understood what I meant, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Zenia¡¯s face twisted in confusion. It was clear she didn¡¯t understand the meaning behind his words. ¡°Gorman¡­¡±

    Linsey pulled Zenia tightly into her arms, shielding her like a mother hen. Her voice came sharp and tense. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Stop talking.¡±

    ?????????¦Í??????.??????, ???????? ???????????????? ????

    But Gorman only chuckled, cool as ever. ¡°Linsey, if you n to keep the children away from Collin, you might want to warn them. What if one day, Zenia and Zander choose to leave you for him? What will you do then?¡±

    His words hit Zenia like a bolt from the blue. She clung to Linsey, tears welling up fast. ¡°Zander and I would never leave Mommy! Never!¡± she cried out, her voice breaking as sobs shook her tiny body.

    She looked up at Linsey with desperate eyes. ¡°Mommy, we promise we¡¯ll be good. Don¡¯t send us away, please?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s heart twisted painfully. Her throat felt tight as she knelt, gently wiping Zenia¡¯s tears away. ¡°I would never leave you, sweetheart. No one can ever take you away from me. Don¡¯t be scared.¡±

    ¡°But Gorman said¡­¡± Zenia whimpered, still trembling.

    Gorman¡¯s face shifted suddenly, softening as he knelt down too. His voice turned smooth, almost sweet. ¡°Zenia, just stay sharp. As long as you stay away from that bad man, he won¡¯t take you and Zander away from your mom.¡±

    Linsey didn¡¯t stay at the hospital much longer. After picking up her medication, she was discharged within hours.

    With no real home to go to, she and Caylee returned to the hotel they were using for now.

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 Chapter 853

    ?Chapter 853:

    Gorman carried the sleeping Zenia inside, cradling her like a fragile doll. Heid her gently on the bed and pulled the nket over her with care, moving as quietly as a shadow.

    Linsey stood by the door, arms crossed, watching him with cold, sharp eyes. There was no warmth in her gaze¡ªonly bitter scorn.

    When Gorman finally stepped out and shut the door softly behind him, Linsey spoke, her voice like ice. ¡°Gorman, sometimes I wonder¡­ Who are you, really, beneath all that charm?¡±

    At her words, Gorman arched an eyebrow, amused. His eyes locked onto hers, yful yet dangerous.

    ¡°Linsey, I¡¯ve always been myself with you. You¡¯re the one who refuses to see me as I am. Just look at yourself right now. I must say, enjoy this¡ªhaving your full attention.¡±

    Disgust rose in Linsey like a bitter tide. She shuddered, unable to hide it. Through gritted teeth, she spat, ¡°I¡¯m watching you because I don¡¯t trust you. I need to know what you¡¯re nning¡ªfor me, for my children!¡±

    Gorman tilted his head, acting like he was puzzled. ¡°Linsey, you wound me. Why would I ever hurt you or your little ones?¡±

    As he spoke, he stepped closer, his face wearing a mask of false tenderness that made Linsey¡¯s skin crawl.

    Her heart pounded like a drum in her chest. Every instinct screamed danger.

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    Without thinking, she stepped back quickly, almost stumbling in her rush to get away from him.

    ¡°Linsey, haven¡¯t I made my feelings clear enough for you? Do you really think I could ever hurt you?¡± Gorman asked softly, a slight frown tugging at his brow.

    Linsey¡¯s fists tightened at her sides.

    She made a silent vow. If Gorman dared try anything, she would fight him with every ounce of strength she had left.

    But Gorman seemedpletely unmoved by her defiance. He looked at her with a soft, almost tender expression before continuing, ¡°As for you and Collin¡¯s children¡­¡±

    He let out a small, mockingugh. ¡°I¡¯ve never cared about them. In truth, I can¡¯t stand the sight of them. Any kindness I showed was only because of you.¡±

    Shock washed over Linsey, leaving her wide-eyed.

    For four long years, every time Gorman had been around the children, he had been patient and kind¡ªgentle in ways she had never seen before.

    And now he imed it was all an act? A cold performance just to stay close to her?

    Had he been nning this from the moment he asked her to go abroad with him?

    But why?

    Linsey couldn¡¯t wrap her mind around it. What could possibly be worth such a long game?

    Gorman¡¯s voice turned cold, t as stone, yet it still sent a chill crawling down her spine.

    ¡°Zenia, at least, is easy on the eyes. She looks so much like you did as a child. Being around her feels like I¡¯m spending time with a younger version of you.¡±

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 Chapter 854

    ?Chapter 854:

    He paused, his face twisting with brief disgust. ¡°But your precious son¡­ He¡¯s a pain in the ass. Had it not been that I was trying to please you, I wouldn¡¯t have given Collin¡¯s son a second nce.¡±

    He let out a sigh, hollow and empty. ¡°Oh, Linsey¡­ Why did you have to end up with fraternal twins? Your son is the spitting image of Collin. He should never have been born.¡±

    The sharp crack of Linsey¡¯s hand against his face broke the air like a gunshot, leaving a heavy silence behind.

    Linsey stood there, breathing hard, her hand throbbing with the force of the blow.

    She watched as a red mark bloomed across Gorman¡¯s cheek. She knew then¡ªshe had hit him with everything she had.

    Gorman tilted his head slightly, unmoving for a long, tense moment. Then he slowly ran his tongue over the corner of his mouth where it was beginning to swell.

    ¡°You really are heartless,¡± he murmured, his voice dripping with a fake sadness that made Linsey¡¯s skin crawl.

    Her voice came out rough and shaking. ¡°Gorman, you¡¯ve already shown me exactly who you are. Drop the act. Just say what you want. Let¡¯s stop wasting time.¡±

    For a heartbeat, Gorman¡¯s eyes lit up. He spun toward her, desperation lighting up his face. ¡°Marry me, Linsey. I want you. No matter what it takes.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes narrowed. A bitterugh slipped from her lips. ¡°After everything you just said, you actually think I¡¯d marry you?¡±

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    But Gorman¡¯s face didn¡¯t even twitch. Instead, a strange calmness settled over him, like a man who had already made peace with madness. ¡°Linsey, you were never truly willing to be with me, were you?¡±

    Her face hardened, almost imperceptibly.

    Gorman leaned in, pressing the words between them like a final card on the table. ¡°And that¡¯s why I had to take steps you might not like. As long as you just agree to marry me, I¡¯m cool if you have no feelings for me.¡±

    Linsey shook her head, her disbelief as thick as fog, eyes locking onto Gorman. ¡°Gorman, you¡¯ve gonepletely off the deep end! You¡¯re driving me up the wall!¡±

    Her voice was steel, unyielding. ¡°I¡¯d rather eat dirt than agree to such a ridiculous demand. You could twist my arm with every dirty trick in the book, but I¡¯ll never, ever love you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just peachy with me!¡± Gorman shot back, hisugh bursting out like a rogue firecracker¡ªbold, wild, reckless. ¡°Love me, hate me, it¡¯s all the same to me. As long as you¡¯re mine, that¡¯s my version of hitting the jackpot.¡±

    Linsey felt her sanity teetering on a knife¡¯s edge, her eyes burning, rimmed red with the effort to hold back tears, as Gorman¡¯s warped logic pushed her to the breaking point.

    ¡°Linsey, no need to jump the gun,¡± Gorman said, his voice smooth as silk, almost too rxed. His eyes, slightly tilted upward, sparkled with a calcted curiosity. ¡°I¡¯m in no rush for your answer. I¡¯ve got all the time in the world to wait¡ªpatiently, of course. I¡¯m dying to see how this ys out. Who knows? Maybe you¡¯ll have a change of heart.¡±

    Linsey moved like lightning, lunging forward to grab Gorman¡¯s cor in a white-knuckled grip. Her voice cut through the air, low and fierce. ¡°Gorman, what¡¯s your next move?¡±

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 Chapter 855

    ?Chapter 855:

    She took a deep breath, her stance unyielding, every inch of her radiating a mama bear¡¯s resolve. ¡°Hear me loud and clear: if you darey a finger on my children, I¡¯ll fight you tooth and nail to the bitter end!¡±

    To her shock, Gorman didn¡¯t get mad. Instead, a soft smile curved his lips, unruffled. He lifted a hand¡ªnot to shove her off, but to gently wrap around her clenched fist. ¡°Easy, Linsey. I¡¯m not an idiot. I know those kids are your whole world right now. Why would I do something so boneheaded as to hurt you like that?¡±

    Locking eyes with her, he continued, ¡°Nah, I¡¯m ying the long game¡ªcharming them, winning them over. I¡¯d appreciate it if you¡¯d y along. But if Zenia and Zander suddenly turn on me, well, I can¡¯t promise I¡¯ll keep my cool forever.¡±

    With that, Gorman reached out, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from Linsey¡¯s face with a tenderness that felt like a trap. His voice dropped to a murmur. ¡°Take care of yourself, Linsey. Get some rest. I¡¯ll swing by again soon.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face was a mask of stone as she pped his hand away, the motion dripping with barely contained fury.

    Gorman let out a low chuckle, hollow and mirthless, before turning on his heel with the grace of a cat.

    The second the door creaked open, Zander¡¯s bright voice floated in from the hall. ¡°Gorman!¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes widened, her heart lurching. On pure instinct, she rushed forward, scooping Zander¡ªwho was still clutching Caylee¡¯s hand¡ªinto her arms, cutting Gorman off before he could get a word in.

    R?????? ???????????????? ???????? g??l????¦Í??????.??o??

    Caught off guard by the sudden hug, Zander stumbled slightly but quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, peering up with a worried frown. ¡°Mommy, you okay?¡±

    Linsey froze, her eyes locked on Gorman, who returned her stare with a smile that didn¡¯t touch his eyes. Her fingers, pressed protectively against Zander¡¯s back, trembled just enough to betray her.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, baby,¡± she replied, her voice rough but steady.

    Anyone who caught the ghostly pallor of Linsey¡¯s face in that moment could see she was anything but okay.

    Caylee stood rooted to the spot for a heartbeat, her eyes darting nervously between Linsey and Gorman, worry etched across her face. For reasons she couldn¡¯t quite pin down, the air between them felt charged, like a storm about to break, thick with unspoken tension.

    Linsey, especially, was a live wire¡ªher every nce and subtle shift screaming distrust toward Gorman, her wariness practically a physical force.

    What the hell had just gone down?

    Before Caylee could even start to untangle the strange vibe, Gorman turned to her, his voice dropping into an unexpectedly grave tone. ¡°Look after Linsey, alright? If anything feels off, you let me know right away.¡±

    Gorman¡¯s words mmed into Caylee like a freight train, her eyes popping wide in utter shock.

    She shot a quick nce at Gorman, who gave off a cool, careless vibe, before her gaze darted back to Linsey¡¯s, brimming with a hollow despair that stole the air from Caylee¡¯s lungs.

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 Chapter 856

    ?Chapter 856:

    A cold shiver snaked its way down her back.

    Gorman, cool as a cucumber, didn¡¯t miss a beat and breezed out of the room, his steps practically bouncing.

    The hotel room fell quiet, holding just Linsey, Caylee, and the tiny Zander nestled in Linsey¡¯s arms.

    After a moment, Linsey¡¯s fingers softly danced through Zander¡¯s downy hair. She leaned in close, her voice a gentle whisper. ¡°Be a good boy, Zander. Your sister¡¯s in there, out like a light. Why don¡¯t you slip in and snuggle up with her? I need a quick word with Caylee.¡±

    Zander gave a small nod and tiptoed into the room, easing the door shut with a soft click.

    That faint sound snuffed out thest flicker of hope Caylee had been clinging to.

    Thest, frail glimmer of hope in Caylee was extinguished as the door clicked gently shut.

    Without a word, Linsey moved with a grim, no-turning-back resolve to the sofa and sank into it.

    The brutal showdown with Gorman had clearly wrung her dry, sapping her strength.

    But she knew this mess was far from settled.

    Caylee sucked in a shaky breath, her hands locked so tight her knuckles gleamed white. She took a hesitant step toward Linsey. ¡°Why?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s voice sliced through the thick silence, sharp and out of nowhere.

    That single word hit like a thunderbolt. Caylee got it in a heartbeat¡ªLinsey had seen right through the whole charade.

    Linsey was no fool; Gorman hadn¡¯t needed to spell it out for her to connect the dots.

    The offhand way Gorman had bossed Caylee around, like she was just a piece on his chessboard, sealed it. This wasn¡¯t a one-off; it was a pattern.

    And it exined why, ever since she rolled back into Grester, Gorman always seemed one step ahead, like he had a tracker on her life. He was always in the know first.

    Caylee had been his eyes and ears, the mole right in her orbit, feeding Gorman every scrap of intel.

    Caylee¡¯s voice broke, heavy with tears she hadn¡¯t let fall. ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m so sorry. I swear, I was backed into a corner¡­ My grandma¡¯s really sick, needs surgery bad, and I didn¡¯t have a dime. Mr. Green was the only one who¡¯d help. I¡¯m telling you, I had no choice¡­

    After pausing for a moment, she continued, ¡°My grandma¡¯s all I¡¯ve got, Linsey. We¡¯re all each other has. I couldn¡¯t let her go¡­ my only family. Please, you gotta believe me. I didn¡¯t do anything shady for Mr. Green¡­ swear I didn¡¯t¡­¡±

    Linsey let out a long, slow breath, her voice dropping to a frosty edge. ¡°And what exactly counts as ¡®shady¡¯ to you, Caylee?¡±

    The casual, almost mocking questionnded like a sucker punch. Caylee stared at Linsey¡¯s nk, stone-cold face, her eyes burning, a sick dread twisting tight in her gut.

    A slow, eerie grin crept across Linsey¡¯s face. ¡°Gorman sure knows how to deal a winning hand.¡±

    He had revealed Caylee¡¯s betrayal with surgical precision, striking when Linsey was vulnerable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 857

    ?Chapter 857:

    He was sending a crystal-clear message: he could nt moles right in her inner circle without her blinking.

    Even if Linsey booted Caylee out now, Gorman would just slip another pawn into ce, keeping his grip tight.

    And if Caylee ever became dead weight, Gorman wouldn¡¯t hesitate to pull the plug on her grandmother¡¯s lifeline.

    ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± Caylee¡¯s voice faltered, words drying up under the weight of her guilt.

    She felt naked, her shameid bare for exploiting Linsey¡¯s generosity. Linsey shut her eyes for a heartbeat, steadying herself, before her voice came, soft but loaded. ¡°Caylee, level with me. How much does your grandmother¡¯s care really cost?¡±

    Caylee kept her head down, her voice a faint murmur as she spilled the number.

    It was a jaw-dropping amount.

    ¡°She¡¯s not out of the woods yet,¡± Caylee added, her voice rough and raw.

    ¡°The doc says more bills areing.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s heart sank as she took in Caylee¡¯s words.

    Right then, it hit her like a ton of bricks: Caylee had made the only call she could.

    ?????????? ???? ???????? ??????????: g???????¦Í????????©q?????

    Deep down, Linsey knew she would never have scraped together the cash for that surgery, not with her own two hands.

    Still, she was gutted, her faith in Caylee shattered by what she had done.

    But even after all the time they had spent together, Linsey couldn¡¯t just stand there and let Caylee¡¯s grandma suffer over a stack of unpaid bills.

    A wry, self-mocking grin tugged at her lips.

    If she had been in Caylee¡¯s shoes, she would have jumped at Gorman¡¯s deal too¡ªanything to keep thest piece of her world from slipping away.

    ¡°I get it,¡± Linsey finally said, eyes fixed on the floor, her voice t. ¡°You can keep working for Gorman.¡±

    Caylee¡¯s head snapped up, eyes wide as saucers, brows knitted in shock. ¡°Linsey, no way! I¡¯m done with that, I swear. I¡¯m not passing another word to Mr. Green, cross my heart.¡±

    ¡°What about your grandma?¡± Linsey asked, her voice cutting through the heavy air.

    Caylee¡¯s face froze, her eyes swimming with confusion, as if she had been thrown into deep water without a lifeline.

    Linsey held her gaze, silent for a beat, until a strange calm settled over her like a quiet tide.

    She reached out, gently grabbing Caylee¡¯s hands and pulling her down to sit next to her on the bed¡¯s edge.

    ¡°Listen up,¡± Linsey said, her voice steady as a rock, gripping Caylee¡¯s hands like they were her anchor. ¡°Your grandma¡¯s medical bills can¡¯t stop. Not now, not ever. You¡¯ve got to keep feeding Gorman his reports, same as always. And don¡¯t breathe a word to me about what he¡¯s got you doing.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 858

    ?Chapter 858:

    Caylee¡¯s jaw dropped, her head shaking as if she were trying to shake off a bad dream. ¡°Linsey, no, I can¡¯t¡­ I won¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Linsey cut her off, her tone sharp and unyielding, like a captain barking orders in a storm. ¡°Trust me, Caylee. Do exactly what I¡¯m telling you.¡±

    She knew, with a cold certainty that chilled her to the bone, that Gorman was bent on backing her into a corner until she caved and said yes to his proposal.

    If she couldn¡¯t outsmart Gorman while his guard was down, she might actually end up trapped in that marriage, chained to a man she didn¡¯t love.

    But worse¡ªfar worse¡ªwas the gnawing truth eating at her: Gorman didn¡¯t give a damn about her two kids.

    He had even had the gall to say he wished Zander was out of the picture for good.

    If she brought her children to live under Gorman¡¯s roof, the thought of what might happen to them down the line made her blood run cold.

    While Linsey wrestled with that bone-deep fear, the two kids in the corner were wrapped up in their own heated, whispered showdown.

    Zenia had just mumbled her hesitant story when Zander shot back, his voice tight as a coiled spring. ¡°I¡¯m nothing like that bastard! He¡¯s the one picking on Mommy! I¡¯d only ever protect her. I¡¯m not like him, not one bit!¡±

    Zenia chewed on that for a second, her little face scrunched in thought, before she ventured cautiously, ¡°Zander, I don¡¯t know¡­ when I saw that bad man, I couldn¡¯t shake it. He kinda looks like you.¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Zander hissed, his face scrunching up like he had bitten into a sour lemon. ¡°I¡¯m Mommy¡¯s kid, so I only look like her!¡±

    ?????????????? ????????: g???????????????????????

    Zenia, all serious, retorted, ¡°Everyone says I¡¯m the one who looks like Mommy. She was my spitting image when she was little.¡±

    Zander huffed, practically vibrating with annoyance, but as the big brother, he reined it in, not about to blow his top at his little sister. Instead, his frustration zeroed in on Collin like a heat-seeking missile. Zander clenched his hands and said angrily, ¡°That terrible, evil man! I¡¯ll let him know who¡¯s in charge! See whether he dares to harass Mommy once more.¡±

    Zenia intervened abruptly and sternly, saying, ¡°Remember, Zander? Gorman cautioned us about approaching the viin. The bad guy will take us away from Mommy.¡±

    Zander clenched his teeth, his voice steady and full of fire. ¡°I¡¯m my mom¡¯s son, and I¡¯m not going anywhere with that man. If he touches me, he¡¯ll regret it. I swear!¡±

    Zenia¡¯s eyes lit up in awe. ¡°Wow, Zander. You¡¯re really brave.¡±

    Zander beamed with pride. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯m marching straight to his office to give him a piece of my mind.¡±

    He turned to Zenia, his tone more serious now. ¡°Stay right here and wait for me. If Mom asks where I went, just tell her¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just say I don¡¯t know!¡± Zenia cut in quickly.

    Zander gave an approving nod. ¡°Exactly. You¡¯re smart too!¡±

    The next morning, Dustin walked into thepany, looking dead on his feet.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 859

    ?Chapter 859:

    Collin nced up as the door creaked open. ¡°Where were youst night? Sneaking around?¡±

    Dustin¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Sneaking around?¡±

    He slumped into the chair across from Collin, face full of frustration. ¡°I was up all night because of you, and now you¡¯re throwing jabs? That¡¯s cold.¡±

    Collin¡¯s face tensed for a moment. Then, without missing a beat, he snapped, ¡°If your brain¡¯s still foggy, go home and clear it. Don¡¯t bring your mess here.¡±

    He tapped his pen twice against the desk, sharp and deliberate. ¡°You¡¯re lucky we don¡¯t have any big meetings today. One more screw-up, and you¡¯re on thin ice.¡±

    Dustin stiffened, alert now, the warning sinking in. He sat up straighter, his tone defensive. ¡°I have a good reason for the way I¡¯m acting.¡±

    Collin didn¡¯t even look up from his papers. ¡°Is it Dolores again?¡±

    Dustin flushed at the name, gaze drifting. ¡°No¡­ But she agreed to let me chase after her.¡±

    Collin scoffed coldly. ¡°At this pace, I¡¯ll be six feet under before I see your wedding invitation.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it!¡± Dustin blurted, his ears turning pink. ¡°If I stay focused, I can win her over soon.¡±

    Collin shot him a side nce. ¡°If things are going so well, why didn¡¯t you sleep? Too happy to shut your eyes?¡±

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    Dustin blinked, remembering the real reason he hade. ¡°Collin, did you even hear what I said during our call yesterday?¡±

    He watched closely, hoping for any sign that Collin remembered. Maybe Collin did have a past with someone¡­ but the memory was buried too deep to reach.

    Still, Dustin couldn¡¯t let it go. He had seen a boy yesterday. The boy looked just like Collin. It wasn¡¯t the first time either. This was the second time.

    As childhood friends, Dustin knew Collin¡¯s face like the back of his hand. He could spot even the slightest resemnce. The first time, he told himself it was just a coincidence.

    But seeing that boy again made his gut twist.

    There was no brushing it off now.

    That child might be Collin¡¯s son.

    ¡°What did you say again?¡± Collin asked, his brows furrowed.

    Dustin sighed. Collin never paid attention when he rambled. He always thought Dustin was just full of odd ideas. But this time, it was different.

    Dustin jolted, a ripple of anxiety tightening his chest. ¡°I saw a boy yesterday,¡± he blurted, his voice rising. ¡°He looked exactly like you did as a kid¡ªsame face, same eyes. I¡¯m telling you, it was uncanny.¡±

    Collin scoffed without lifting his eyes from the desk. ¡°You¡¯re still trapped in one of your dreams? Go back to your room and quit interrupting. I¡¯m working.¡±

    But Dustin wasn¡¯t backing down. ¡°Collin, I¡¯m serious! I saw him at the hospital¡ªhe looks exactly like you! Anyone would say the same! He could be your son, I mean it!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 860

    Chapter 860:

    Then, as if searching for backup, he added hastily, ¡°Dolores was there too. She saw him with her own eyes!¡±

    That made Collin pause. A flicker of unease crossed his face. ¡°You mentioned this in front of Dolores?¡±

    Dustin frowned, caught off guard. ¡°What are you getting at?¡±

    Collin pinched the bridge of his nose, struggling to contain his irritation. ¡°If you ran your mouth in front of her, she¡¯ll take it straight to Linsey. And the second Linsey hears even a whisper of this nonsense, she¡¯ll believe I¡¯ve got some secret child stashed away somewhere.¡±

    Dustin stepped back, eyes narrowing. ¡°Collin, I¡¯m asking you inly. Have you ever been with another woman?¡±

    Collin let out a slow breath and ced his pen down with finality. His voice was cold. ¡°No. It¡¯s always been Linsey. So stop fabricating stories about me having a son.¡±

    Dustin faltered, his determination cracking under Collin¡¯s unwavering certainty.

    Could the boy really have no connection at all?

    Was such a resemnce merely a coincidence?

    A child bearing Collin¡¯s face¡­ yet tied to none of his blood?

    Before the silence could settle too deeply, a knock broke through the tension.

    Discover what¡¯s next on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    An assistant stepped inside, holding a folder in both hands. ¡°Mr. Riley, we¡¯ve retrieved the records¡ªMs. Brooks gave birth at a hospital abroad.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s heart dropped. He turned to Collin, trembling. ¡°W-what? Linsey¡­ gave birth overseas?¡±

    Collin reached for the file instead of answering, flipping through it quickly, his eyes scanning each line with mounting tension.

    The records confirmed it all. Every detail aligned with the scattered fragments of information he had pieced together over the months.

    Six months after leaving the country, Linsey was seven weeks pregnant. Thirty-one weekster, she had given birth to a daughter, Zenia.

    A rush of disappointment flickered across Collin¡¯s expression.

    Until this moment, a small, desperate hope had lingered.

    Maybe, just maybe, Linsey had already been pregnant with his child when she had filed for divorce.

    But the timeline shattered that hope. The documents left no space for denial. She hadn¡¯t even known she was pregnant until long after she had left.

    The child wasn¡¯t his.

    Dustin watched Collin¡¯s face closely, unnerved by his silence. A storm of disbelief churned in his chest.

    Without warning, he reached forward and yanked the file from Collin¡¯s hands.

    He knew what the assistant had said, yet seeing it printed in ck and white hit like a punch to the gut. Staring down at the file, his mind reeled. Linsey had a daughter.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you liked the chapters dear readers, this week I will release new novels in mass, so I hope you like the new content I bring to gal. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?( ?? ? ?? )?

    .

 Chapter 861

    ?Chapter 861:

    He looked up, locking eyes with Collin¡¯s cold, steady gaze. His mouth opened, but no words woulde.

    ¡°You can leave now,¡± Collin said tly, ncing at the assistant.

    The assistant gave a slight bow and slipped quietly out of the office. Dustin was still staring at the papers, trembling in his grip. How was this even possible?

    ¡°Enough.¡± Collin extended his hand, calmly retrieved the file, and set it aside with a flick of indifference. ¡°Linsey had a daughter,¡± he said. ¡°There¡¯s no reason to act so shocked.¡±

    Dustin studied Collin¡¯s face, searching for even a flicker of emotion¡ªbut found nothing. There was no anger or sadness, just that familiar, unreadable calm.

    After a pause, he ventured carefully, ¡°Who is the father of Linsey¡¯s daughter?¡±

    He didn¡¯t have to finish the question. Collin caught the thread.

    ¡°Gorman ims he is the father.¡±

    His lids lifted a fraction, his voice calm and remote, as though recounting something insignificant. ¡°I ran into the child again yesterday at the hospital. That makes it the third time now.¡±

    Only then did the memory snap into ce for Dustin¡ªthe time he had seen Gorman at the airport, not long ago, apanied by a little girl. Back then, they had both remarked on how strikingly the child resembled Linsey.

    So it was true. Linsey had a daughter. And that child¡­ was Gorman¡¯s.

    L¨»t??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    The realization hit him like a slow, rolling tide.

    Four years had passed. Everything had changed.

    Dustin just couldn¡¯t resist asking the question aloud.

    ¡°Is that child really Gorman¡¯s?¡±

    He nced toward the stack of documents Collin had tossed aside earlier. ¡°Those papers don¡¯t confirm paternity.¡±

    Collin gave a short nod. ¡°No, they don¡¯t. But it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ve made my decision. I¡¯m going after Linsey again.¡±

    A spark lit in Dustin¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re serious? You¡¯re actually going to pursue her again?¡±

    Collin¡¯s lips thinned into a firm line. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ what about Gorman?¡± Dustin asked hesitantly, the uncertainty threading into his voice.

    After all, Linsey and Gorman shared a child. Didn¡¯t that make them a family now?

    ¡°They¡¯re not married,¡± Collin said tly, cutting clean through the fog of implication. ¡°Gorman told me himself.¡±

    A muscle in Collin¡¯s jaw twitched, and for the first time, anger shed in his eyes. ¡°He let her raise a child on her own without marrying her. What kind of man does that? Irresponsible bastard.¡±

    A slow grin crept across Dustin¡¯s face. ¡°Collin, this could be your window. Maybe she never even loved him. If she had, they would¡¯ve tied the knot years ago. Four years¡ªthey had more than enough time for vows and a grand wedding.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 862

    ?Chapter 862:

    At that, a faint, fleeting smile flickered across Collin¡¯s lips.

    But Dustin frowned again. ¡°Hold on¡­ if you¡¯re nning to win Linsey back, does that mean you¡¯re giving up Haven Walton?¡±

    ¡°Yes. My only courtesy toward Haven is out of respect for my grandmother.¡±

    ¡°But the rumors are already swirling. Everyone thinks you¡¯re about to marry her. If Linsey hears that, she¡¯ll jump to the wrong conclusion again. You remember what happened yesterday at the restaurant¡ªshe asked about Haven, and you didn¡¯t exactly deny it.¡±

    Collin remained silent, torn. Two seconds passed. Then, out of nowhere, he asked, ¡°Have you heard anything about Joanne?¡±

    Dustin looked taken aback. ¡°Joanne? You mean Joanne Ellis? I remember she¡¯s close to Haven.¡±

    Collin leaned back slightly, his posture loosening as his tone turned almost leisurely. ¡°She¡¯s been digging into Linsey¡­ and anyone who¡¯s been close to Dolorestely.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s curiosity red the moment he heard Collin¡¯s words. ¡°Why would Joanne check up on Dolores?¡±

    Collin shot him a sharp look and corrected him quietly. ¡°She¡¯s not after Dolores. She¡¯s digging into Linsey¡ªthe one who sat beside Dolores yesterday.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s Linsey she¡¯s focused on. Then why dig into Dolores?¡± Dustin muttered, suspicion creeping into his voice. A beatter, his eyes widened. He turned to Collin, stunned. ¡°Wait¡­ you hid Linsey¡¯s past in Grester. So, Haven doesn¡¯t know Linsey¡ªthe one we had dinner with¡ªis your ex-wife?¡±

    Collin gave a small nod. ¡°Exactly. None of us mentioned Linsey¡¯s namest night. So naturally, Haven doesn¡¯t know she¡¯s also the designer Aurora.¡±

    F??nd n?w ??h??????????s ??t g??l??ov?ls.?????

    Dustin felt his head spinning.

    So much had happened in just thirty minutes, he could barely keep up. He exhaled slowly. ¡°Now I get it¡­ You¡¯re trying to figure out Haven¡¯s real motive.¡±

    Collinced his fingers, his gaze dropping slightly. ¡°Linsey hasn¡¯t forgiven me for what happened four years ago. Until I know where she stands, I don¡¯t want to push. I¡¯m scared she¡¯ll vanish from Grester again¡­ just likest time.¡±

    His lips pressed into a tight line. ¡°If she truly doesn¡¯t want to be with me, I won¡¯t force it.¡±

    Dustin nodded thoughtfully, then made up his mind. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Dolores about Linsey and her daughter if I can. Even if the child is Gorman¡¯s by blood, that doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t be the stepdad.¡±

    But Collin wasn¡¯t interested in the what-ifs. He raised a hand in quiet dismissal, signaling Dustin to leave.

    At that moment, neither of them had the faintest idea what was unfolding downstairs in the lobby of CR Corporation.

    ¡°Oh my gosh, he looks just like Mr. Riley!¡±

    ¡°Could he really be Mr. Riley¡¯s son?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s absolutely adorable!¡±

    ¡°Of course! With looks like Mr. Riley¡¯s, how could he not be?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 863

    ?Chapter 863:

    A small group of employees whispered among themselves, watching the scene from a distance. A few bold ones had already approached, closing in on the stylish little¡­

    ¡°Hey there, cutie! Where¡¯s your mom? What are you doing here all by yourself?¡±

    ¡°Maybe his mom works here. What if she¡¯s Mr. Riley¡¯s secret lover?¡± someone teased with a grin.

    ¡°With a brain like that, you should be writing movies!¡±

    Zander stood confidently in the middle of them, his arms folded tightly. His cap sat low over his eyes, and sunsses hung from his shirt cor. With hisyered outfit and assertive pose, he looked like a pint-sized fashion model with attitude.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to take down the bad man,¡± he said, his voice small but serious.

    The crowd melted at his tone, finding him even more adorable.

    ¡°Bad man? Who¡¯s bothering you, little guy?¡±

    Zander sniffed and lifted his chin. ¡°No one bullied me, I said I¡¯m here to take down the bad man!¡± His boldness made everyoneugh.

    ¡°Alright then! But you have to tell us who he is first. Otherwise, how can we help?¡±

    Zander replied, loud and clear, ¡°Collin Riley!¡±

    As the words left Zander¡¯s mouth, a collective gasp swept through the lobby. Whispers sparked like wildfire. Eyes widened, and curious nces darted from one face to another.

    Your next adventure is at g  al n ovels . con

    That boy must be connected to Collin!

    Calling Collin a bad man? Could it mean Collin had an affair with the kid¡¯s mother?

    The rumors hung thick in the air¡ªjuicy, shocking, and impossible to ignore.

    Just then, Dustin¡¯s confused voice cut through the buzz. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    The crowd turned to him the second he stepped into view. A few quick voices piped up. ¡°Mr. Wade! There¡¯s a kid here who looks exactly like Mr. Riley!¡±

    Dustin¡¯s brows shot up. A kid who looked like Collin?

    He turned toward the source¡ªand froze. It was the same little boy he had seen at the hospital just yesterday.

    Without missing a beat, a glint of determination shed in Dustin¡¯s eyes. He marched straight toward the child, scooped him up, and slung him over his shoulder.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Zander yelped, caught off guard. Before he could wiggle free, Dustin was already striding away with him.

    ¡°Who are you? Let go of me! You¡¯re a bad guy! I¡¯m calling the police!¡± Zander shouted, fear shing in his chest, though he tried to sound brave.

    The employees stood frozen, jaws ck, watching Dustin march off with the struggling boy.

    ¡°Now Collin can¡¯t deny it. I¡¯ve got proof!¡± Dustin muttered, a crooked smile forming.

    Fueled by triumph, he hauled Zander upstairs, skipping past knocks or greetings, and burst straight into Collin¡¯s office.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 864

    ?Chapter 864:

    ¡°Collin! Look what I found!¡± he yelled, his voice echoing off the walls.

    Collin flinched at the sudden interruption. His expression darkened in annoyance. He opened his mouth to scold Dustin but stopped cold at the sound of the boy¡¯s angry cry.

    ¡°Bad person! You¡¯re bad too! Put me down!¡±

    Collin looked up, startled.

    A small child¡ªfour or five at most¡ªwas draped over Dustin¡¯s shoulder, squirming furiously. His frown deepened. ¡°Dustin, are you out of your mind?¡±

    ¡°Just look,¡± Dustin said, turning the boy so Collin could see his face.

    For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Two faces hung in the air¡ªone older and sharp, the other younger and soft. Yet the resemnce was undeniable.

    Collin¡¯s breath caught. His eyes locked on the boy¡¯s face. A strange tightness curled in his chest.

    He couldn¡¯t say a word.

    Zander red at them both, tiny fists clenched. ¡°Bad people! You¡¯re both bad! You nned this together!¡±

    He began to thrash again, face red and flustered. ¡°Let me down right now!¡±

    Seeing the boy¡¯s distress, Collin rose to his feet. His conflicted gaze lingered on him. ¡°Dustin, put him down.¡±

    ?????????????? ?????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°I¡¯m not letting him run off again. He¡¯s slipped away from me twice already,¡± Dustin said firmly.

    Then he leaned in slightly, his voice low with victory. ¡°Now, do you believe me, Collin? Look at him. He¡¯s the spitting image of you!¡±

    Zander scrunched his face in disgust. ¡°I do not look like that bad man! You¡¯re all big bullies! I¡¯m calling the police!¡±

    Dustin kept his cool, steering the moment with ease. ¡°Kid, do you even know who you¡¯re talking to? This man is the founder of CR Corporation¡ªthe richest man in the entire country. If the police everid a hand on him, half of Grester¡¯s economy would crash overnight.¡±

    He sighed, muttering under his breath, ¡°Why am I even exining this to a toddler?¡±

    Zander¡¯s cheeks puffed up with anger. ¡°I¡¯m not a toddler! Stop talking to me like I¡¯m some baby!¡±

    Collin¡¯s eyes narrowed. Something unreadable flickered behind them. He walked toward the boy. His gaze was sharp, focused. ¡°Then tell me¡ªhow old are you?¡± His voice was calm but firm.

    Dustin perked up, curious now. He leaned in a little, waiting for Zander¡¯s answer.

    Judging the boy¡¯s age by appearance alone was no easy task.

    Zander didn¡¯t budge. His mind was full of memories¡ªpainful ones¡ªof how this ¡°bad man¡± had treated his mom.

    He had no intention of ying along.

    Instead, he crossed his arms and turned his head sharply to the side, letting out a cold sneer in defiance.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 865

    ?Chapter 865:

    Dustin chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Well, well. This kid¡¯s got a lot of fire in him.¡±

    Still, both men knew better than to push too hard. Forcing answers out of a child wouldn¡¯t get them far.

    Collin looked over at Dustin after a pause. ¡°Take him to the sofa. I¡¯ll talk to him once he¡¯s calmed down.¡±

    Before Dustin could respond, Zander shouted, ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you! You¡¯re a bad guy!¡±

    Dustin¡¯s brow twitched. He drew in a slow breath, clearly trying to stay patient. ¡°Listen, kid. I heard what you said downstairs. You came here looking for Collin, didn¡¯t you? Well, here he is. Speak now, or we¡¯ll call the police. Then you¡¯ll be answering questions down at the station.¡± Though he mostly meant it to scare him, the words struck a real nerve. Zander¡¯s face lost some color.

    The idea of being taken to the police station sent a chill down his spine. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong! You can¡¯t call the police on me!¡± Zander yelled, trying to sound brave.

    Dustin didn¡¯t let up. ¡°You barged into ourpany and caused a scene. People couldn¡¯t even work. Why shouldn¡¯t we report you? You¡¯ve got guts, I¡¯ll give you that¡ªstanding up to Collin. But once you leave here, ask around. No one in Grester dares to mess with the founder of CR Corporation.¡±

    He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. ¡°Didn¡¯t your dad ever teach you that?¡±

    Zander¡¯s face twisted with clear irritation. ¡°I don¡¯t have a dad! And I don¡¯t need one! Dads just cause trouble!¡±

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Then he shot a re at both men. ¡°And you two are no better!¡± Despite his fierce tone, the softness of his features made his anger seem more pouty than powerful.

    Collin and Dustin had faced tougher storms. A child¡¯s tantrum wasn¡¯t going to shake them.

    Still, Zander¡¯s wordsnded like tiny pebbles in still water¡ªrippling just enough to leave an effect.

    Dustin nced at Collin, a weight behind his stare. Collin met his gaze and understood at once.

    There was no father in sight. Earlier, Dustin had steered clear of asking about the child¡¯s mother, hoping instead to uncover the boy¡¯s father. Now, with that answer hanging inly between the lines, the truth felt even more probable¡ªthis little guy had to be Collin¡¯s son.

    Still, the mystery deepened. Who had brought this boy into the world? Collin had insisted he had only ever been with Linsey, so then, where had this childe from?

    Pushing for answers now felt wrong. Collin made the conscious choice to stay quiet, realizing that bringing up something so sensitive could cut deeper than intended. The absence of a father was already a heavy weight for a child to carry. He didn¡¯t want to add salt to that wound.

    Leaning in, Collin asked in a voice gentler than usual, ¡°Did youe all the way here just to see me?¡±

    Chin held high and eyes zing with purpose, Zander replied, ¡°You bet I did! I came to challenge you, you mean man!¡±

    .

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 Chapter 866

    ?Chapter 866:

    Dustin tried to keep it in, but the boy¡¯s fiery deration cracked hisposure. Laughter slipped out before he could stop it.

    Face flushed and fuming, Zander began to wriggle furiously. ¡°Hey! You back there! Let me go! You¡¯reughing at a kid! That makes you a terrible grown-up!¡±

    It dawned on Dustin¡ªhe never imagined he would be trading barbs with someone barely tall enough to reach the counter.

    ¡°Oh, so you do know you¡¯re just a kid?¡± Dustin arched an eyebrow, lips twitching with amusement. ¡°Then act like one. Who told you it was smart toe pick fights with grown-ups?¡±

    Without much effort, he scooped Zander off the floor like a bag of groceries, prompting the boy to yelp twice in startled protest. ¡°Look at that. One hand. I don¡¯t even need both. Come back when you¡¯ve got some height on you, little warrior.¡±

    Zander couldn¡¯t wriggle free. Every squirm only made it more obvious that he waspletely outmatched.

    Being so easily manhandled by Dustin made his chest burn with humiliation.

    Heat rushed to his cheeks as his emotions tangled¡ªshame, fury, and helplessness all colliding at once. The more he dwelled on his failure, the heavier the weight of disappointment became. He hadn¡¯t even managed to stand up for his mom.

    A few tears betrayed him, slipping down his face andnding directly on Dustin¡¯s hand.

    Startled, Dustin recoiled slightly. ¡°Hey, hey¡ªwhat¡¯s this now? Don¡¯t cry! You win, okay? Just¡ªstop with the waterworks. Kid tears give me a damn headache.¡±

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    With a helpless nce, he turned toward Collin, silently asking for backup.

    Rather than responding, Collin stood motionless, his eyes narrowed and fixed on Zander as though he were decoding someplex equation.

    It seemed even Collin wasn¡¯t equipped to deal with a sobbing child. That¡¯s what Dustin figured, still clueless that Collin¡¯s thoughts had already wandered miles away.

    As he looked at Zander¡¯s tear-streaked face and red eyes, Collin¡¯s thoughts drifted to Linsey. Strange¡ªwhy did this child remind him so much of her?

    That sudden realization jerked Collin back to the present.

    Without a word, he stepped forward and gently lifted Zander from Dustin¡¯s arms.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got him,¡± he said, adjusting the boy¡¯s weight morefortably. ¡°He must feel ufortable that way.¡±

    Zander blinked, caught off guard by the shift. Before he could react, he found himself resting against Collin¡¯s chest.

    A reflex had him wriggling in protest, but Collin¡¯sposed tone halted his movement. ¡°Didn¡¯t youe here to challenge me?¡± he asked. ¡°Let¡¯s settle it, man to man.¡±

    Zander stiffened, clearly startled by the offer. His wide eyes scanned Collin¡¯s serious expression, and his voice softened as he responded, ¡°I want that duel.¡±

    Collin nodded seriously. ¡°You¡¯re too young for us to settle this with a physical contest. Let us try another method to determine the winner.¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 867

    ?Chapter 867:

    Zander immediately looked interested. ¡°What method?¡± he asked, his curiosity piqued.

    Collin didn¡¯t reply immediately. Instead, he lifted Zander and ced him on the sofa.

    Zander casually rested his hands on Collin¡¯s shoulders, but there was something oddly familiar about the whole situation. Mommy often held him like this. However, it felt different because Mommy wasn¡¯t as tall as this ¡°bad man.¡±

    This man¡¯s grip was firm and strong, while Mommy¡¯s hold was soft and gentle. He also liked how Mommy smelled¡ªa familiar scent. This man¡¯s scent, however, waspletely foreign, though he didn¡¯t find it unpleasant.

    Zander had always watched enviously as Gorman yfully lifted Zenia into the air. He had always wanted to experience the same thing, but Gorman had always told him that he was the older one and shouldn¡¯tpete with Zenia.

    This was the first time Zander had experienced such a thrilling height.

    ¡°Did you drink a lot of milk to grow this tall?¡± Zander asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

    Collin smiled, amused by Zander¡¯s question. ¡°Drinking milk isn¡¯t enough. You also need to exercise regrly,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Hey, kid, I lifted you high too. Why am I not getting the same attention he¡¯s getting?¡± Dustin interrupted.

    Zander shot Dustin an uninterested nce, then scoffed and turned back to Collin. He leanedfortably against him, showing that he no longer disliked him as much as he used to. However, this change didn¡¯t extend to Dustin, as Zander still disliked him.

    Dustin watched in disbelief at how casually Zander had let go of his animosity toward Collin. The kid¡¯s change of heart was way too fast. Just moments ago, both he and Collin had been heavily disliked by Zander. Now, it seemed like Zander didn¡¯t want to leave Collin¡¯s side.

    g???????¦Í??????.??????, ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ????

    Collin soon sat down and ced Zander in hisp.

    ¡°Have you had anything to eat? Would you like me to get you something?¡± Collin asked as he took out a tissue to wipe Zander¡¯s tears.

    It was only when Collin wiped his face that Zander realized he had been crying. His face immediately turned red with embarrassment, and he quickly hopped off Collin¡¯sp, sitting up straight on the sofa. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. I just want to duel with you,¡± Zander replied.

    However, his stomach seemed to disagree as it growled loudly. Dustin couldn¡¯t hold back a burst ofughter, but a warning re from Collin instantly silenced him.

    Zander, noticing the sound, shrank in embarrassment.

    Collin called for his assistant. ¡°Go get some breakfast that¡¯s suitable for a child. Hurry.¡±

    The assistant bowed and immediately went to carry out the order. Zander watched in fascination, observing Collin¡¯smanding demeanor.

    He stared in awe at the retreating figure before turning back to Collin with a look of reverence in his eyes. ¡°Sir, why does that person listen to you?¡± Zander asked innocently.

    Collin, slightly taken aback by the question, replied casually, ¡°Because he works for me. He¡¯s expected to do everything I ask.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 868

    ?Chapter 868:

    This kid, who had just called him a bad man, was now treating him with respect. Were all kids this fickle-minded?

    Zander looked up at Collin, his eyes wide with curiosity. ¡°Do you have a lot of people working for you? Do they beat up bad guys for you?¡±

    Collin grinned, calm and confident. ¡°Of course. Every single one of them knows what they¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡± Zander¡¯s face lit up with pure admiration. ¡°Sir, you¡¯re awesome!¡±

    Dustin snorted and teased, ¡°Took you long enough to realize. Weren¡¯t you the one talking about challenging him earlier?¡±

    Zander froze as if he¡¯d been caught, then puffed out his chest and clenched his little fists. ¡°I¡¯m still small right now. But when I grow up, I¡¯ll have my own crew. Then I¡¯lle back and challenge him for real!¡±

    Collin reached over and softly ruffled Zander¡¯s hair. ¡°But why do you even want to challenge me, huh?¡±

    Zander wentpletely silent, his lips sealed shut like he was guarding a secret. Collin gave him a long look and asked gently, ¡°Your mom told you not to say anything?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got it wrong!¡± Zander shouted, quickly looking away. His little eyes darted left and right. ¡°She doesn¡¯t even know I came to challenge you. I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Collin nodded as if he understood. ¡°Alright then. Since you¡¯re putting the challenge on hold, I¡¯ll take you home after breakfast.¡±

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    Zander turned his head with a dramatic huff. ¡°Nope! I¡¯m staying right here. From now on, I¡¯m watching you closely!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Collin tilted his head, confused.

    Zander narrowed his eyes with determination. ¡°I¡¯m gonna figure out your weak spot. That way, when I¡¯m older, I¡¯ll definitely beat you!¡±

    Collinughed, clearly amused. Dustin sighed and shook his head. ¡°You little troublemaker. Why¡¯s your brain always stuck on fighting?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a troublemaker!¡± Zander shot back, clearly offended.

    Collin¡¯s eyes twitched with interest. He asked smoothly, ¡°Oh? Then what is your name?¡±

    Zander¡¯s face changed fast. ¡°Not telling you!¡± he said, then his eyes darted around like he just remembered something. ¡°Wait! I gotta pee. Where¡¯s the bathroom?¡±

    Collin pointed down the hallway. ¡°You okay to go by yourself, or do you need a hand?¡± he asked kindly.

    ¡°No! I can do it alone!¡± Zander jumped off the couch and hurried off on his tiny legs. Halfway to the bathroom, he spun around and warned like a little general, ¡°Don¡¯t follow me! I need privacy, got it?¡±

    Without saying another word, he rushed into the bathroom, mmed the door shut, and locked it tightly.

    Dustin, still sitting on the couch, nced over at Collin and said confidently, ¡°He¡¯s definitely making a call in there.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 869

    ?Chapter 869:

    As he spoke, Dustin leaned forward, starting to get up, and lowered his voice. ¡°Collin, let¡¯s see who the kid¡¯s calling. Maybe we¡¯ll finally figure out who his mom is. I saw he¡¯s got a smartwatch¡ªit probably makes calls.¡±

    Collin stayed cool, calmly cing a hand on Dustin¡¯s knee, nudging him to sit back down.

    Dustin looked confused. ¡°Collin, what¡¯s the deal?¡±

    Collin spoke gently. ¡°If he finds out we¡¯re eavesdropping, he¡¯s gonna be pissed.¡±

    ¡°Collin, since when do we care if a kid gets mad? He¡¯s just¡ª¡± Dustin started, clearly not getting it.

    But before he could finish, Collin cut in, his voice calm but serious. ¡°He might actually be my kid.¡±

    Dustin stopped cold, his eyes widening just a little in shock. Collin looked him straight in the eye and continued after a short pause. ¡°If he¡¯s mine, I don¡¯t want him to hate me the first time we meet. I¡¯ve already missed the beginning of his life.¡±

    He let out a long breath, his fingersced and tightening a little. ¡°Even if he¡¯s not mine, we can¡¯t just ignore what he said and spy on him. That¡¯s messed up.¡±

    Dustin hadn¡¯t expected Collin to think that deeply, that quickly.

    He opened his mouth again, still not ready to let it go. ¡°Then how are we supposed to find out who he is? The kid¡¯s sharp as hell¡ªhe won¡¯t say a word, and we¡¯ve got nothing to go on.¡±

    Collin¡¯s face softened unexpectedly as he thought about how much Zander looked like him. ¡°There¡¯s no need to push. I¡¯ll wait. He¡¯ll tell me when he¡¯s ready.¡±

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    When Zander locked the bathroom door, he made sure there was no sounding from outside. He then tapped on his watch a couple of times.

    Soon, Zenia¡¯s hushed voice came through the watch. ¡°You aren¡¯t back yet, Zander?¡±

    Whispering so he couldn¡¯t be heard, Zander replied, ¡°The bad man is a tough nut to crack. I need more time.¡±

    ¡°But if you¡¯re not back soon, Mommy will know you¡¯re gone,¡± Zenia said nervously.

    ¡°If Mommy asks, just tell her I went to y with Jimmie.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Jimmie?¡± Zenia asked curiously.

    Zander lied without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s a friend I made here in Grester. Just tell Mommy that. Don¡¯t change the story!¡±

    Zenia, however, was quite hesitant. ¡°We¡¯ve only been in Grester for a few days, and we¡¯ve mostly been at the hotel. How could you have made a new friend? Mommy won¡¯t believe that.¡±

    ¡°Just do as I say. I¡¯ll be back once I¡¯ve dealt with the bad man,¡± Zander said earnestly.

    Then, Linsey¡¯s voice came through on Zenia¡¯s end, curiously asking, ¡°Who are you talking to, sweetie? And where¡¯s Zander?¡±

    Zander immediately looked panicked. He fumbled with his watch, trying to disconnect the call.

    His mother was already asking about him! He had no idea if Zenia would be able to cover for him.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 870

    ?Chapter 870:

    It was barely more than a minute before Zenia called him back. Zander hesitated to answer the call, scared of who could be on the other end.

    His heart raced as he froze in fear.

    He waited for the call to end on its own.

    When the watch stopped buzzing, he sighed in relief.

    The sigh was barely out of his mouth when his watch began to buzz again.

    This time, to Zander¡¯s dismay, it was Mommy calling!

    Terror washed over him as he watched the watch buzz. Zenia wasn¡¯t good at lying. She had never lied to Mommy! Zander couldn¡¯t bring himself to answer the call.

    His mind raced as he tried to find a way out of the mess he was in. His thoughts turned to the man outside. Initially, he had not believed what Zenia had said, but after meeting the man today, he couldn¡¯t deny they looked alike.

    What was even stranger was how he felt when he was with this man. He didn¡¯t feel like the man was a bad person. Instead, he felt that he was a good person.

    Zander needed to investigate further, so he had to stay here. He needed to understand why they looked alike, even if he couldn¡¯t teach him a lesson.

    With that thought in mind, Zander declined Linsey¡¯s call. He turned off his watch, ensuring no more calls coulde through. He then headed for the door.

    As he passed the sink, he flushed and made a show of washing his hands.

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    When he opened the door, Collin and Dustin turned to him.

    ¡°Did you wash your hands?¡± Collin asked.

    ¡°Yes, I did,¡± Zander replied, proudly showing his hands.

    A soft smile tugged at the corner of Collin¡¯s lips. Finally, he said, ¡°Come have breakfast.¡±

    Zander, who was quite famished, couldn¡¯t resist anymore. He instantly gave in.

    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± he politely said, then reached for the chocte cake, eagerly unwrapping it and beginning to devour it.

    Collin watched Zander ravenously consume the cake with a thoughtful expression on his face. Dustin watched Collin, a meaningful look on his face.

    It was one thing for the boy to look like Collin, but even their taste in food mirrored each other. Collin had never been fond of sweets except when it came to chocte. He always indulged when it came to chocte cake.

    Here is the revised version of your sentence:

    ¡°How could two people, who weren¡¯t rted, share so many simrities?¡±

    This revision adds rity by insertingmas for proper pacing and readability, while maintaining the meaning and tone of your original sentence. Let me know if you¡¯d like further adjustments!

    With each passing moment, Dustin¡¯s certainty grew stronger¡ªZander was undeniably Collin¡¯s flesh and blood.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 871

    ?Chapter 871:

    Without a word, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Collin, who was seated just a few feet away. ¡°I¡¯ll eat my hat if this kid isn¡¯t yours!¡±

    Collin read the message. His eyes flicked toward Dustin, but he remained motionless, ignoring the text.

    Beneath his calm exterior, however, Collin harbored his own suspicions about Zander¡¯s true parentage, suspicions that now burned within him. One crucial question lingered in his mind¡ªwas he truly the boy¡¯s father?

    After a tense moment, Collin tapped out a response. ¡°Set it up. We¡¯re doing a paternity test.¡±

    Meanwhile, across town, Linsey¡¯s interrogation of Zenia was underway.

    ¡°Where has Zander gone?¡± she demanded, her voice tight with worry. Normally, her children were well-behaved, but since their return to Grester, chaos seemed to be their new norm. First, Zander¡¯s unauthorized outing with Zenia had ended with her being escorted to the police station.

    Now, Zander himself had vanished, leaving Zenia to cover for him. Worse still, he had disabled his smartwatch, severing their digital lifeline.

    What could be so important that he couldn¡¯t answer her calls? Did he have any idea of the panic he had caused?

    Each unanswered question stoked Linsey¡¯s anger, transforming her gentle nature into an icy resolve.

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    Caylee, a silent observer, felt a chill ripple through her at Linsey¡¯s expression.

    Had Zander sought out Collin once again? The thought drained the color from her face.

    The room fell into an uneasy hush.

    Careful not to scare Zenia, Linsey took a calming breath. ¡°Sweetheart,¡± she began gently, ¡°I need you to be honest. Where is your brother, and why isn¡¯t he picking up? I¡¯m not angry, just terribly worried. He even switched off his watch.¡±

    Tears welled in Zenia¡¯s eyes, guilt etched across her small face. ¡°He went to see the bad man,¡± she confessed, her voice barely more than a whisper.

    At those words, Caylee¡¯s heart lurched.

    Zander had gone to Collin!

    It had to be because of Gorman¡¯s maniptions.

    Sweat beaded on her forehead as she dreaded Linsey¡¯s reaction.

    Linsey¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Bad man? Who is this person?¡±

    She recalled Zander¡¯s earlier story about a ¡°bad man¡± who had taken Zenia, though the police had assured her it was merely a helpful stranger. With Zenia unharmed, she had let it drop.

    But now, this ¡°bad man¡± resurfaced, piquing her curiosity.

    The children had been confined to the hotel since arriving in Grester. How could they have encountered anyone?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 872

    ?Chapter 872:

    Gently, Linsey touched Zenia¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Tell me, who is this bad man? Why did your brother go to see him?¡±

    Zenia¡¯s words tumbled out in a rush. ¡°The bad man is the one who hurt you and made you cry. Caylee said he¡¯s the boss of CR Corporation. His name is Collin Riley.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s jaw clenched, and the blood drained from her face.

    Caylee blurted out, ¡°It¡¯s my doing, Linsey. I told them. That night you and Mr. Green were at the banquet, Mr. Green instructed me to tell the kids that Collin had upset you. The kids only wanted to protect you. I should never have listened to Mr. Green.¡±

    Most of what followed blurred into static in Linsey¡¯s ears.

    The so-called ¡°bad man¡± the kids kept referring to? It was Collin.

    That meant¡­ Zander was with him right now?

    The realization hit her like a blow. Her legs faltered beneath her as she staggered backward, lightheaded.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Caylee gasped. She lunged forward, her arms wrapping around her. Her voice cracked with remorse. ¡°This happened because of me. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    ¡°Mama!¡± Zenia¡¯s tiny armstched around Linsey¡¯s waist, trembling. Her words tumbled out between sobs. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad at us. We didn¡¯t mean to hide it. Zander just wanted to go teach that bad man a lesson!¡±

    A sharp ringing filled Linsey¡¯s ears. Each breath grew harder than thest, tight and shallow. Panic wed at her chest.

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    Zander¡¯s resemnce to Collin was undeniable. All it would take was one look¡ªCollin would start asking questions.

    Now that the two of them were together, a paternity test wasn¡¯t just possible¡ªit was inevitable.

    Linsey had spent years carefully hiding the truth, keeping her children far from Collin¡¯s world. She did everything to prevent this exact moment.

    She had always known that bringing the kids back to Grester meant Collin would find out eventually.

    She just didn¡¯t think it would happen this fast.

    Zenia¡¯s tear-streaked cheeks lifted toward her. ¡°Mommy, please don¡¯t be mad. I¡¯ll text Zander and tell him toe home right now.¡±

    nkness swept over Linsey¡¯s expression. It took her a few long seconds before her thoughts came back into focus.

    The storm behind her eyes slowly faded, giving way to a quiet, unnerving stillness.

    A faint smile curved Linsey¡¯s lips as she smoothed Zenia¡¯s hair. ¡°Let him stay, if that¡¯s what he¡¯s chosen. There¡¯s no need to call him back.¡±

    Caylee stared at her, clearly stunned. ¡°Linsey, I¡ª¡±

    She meant to offer help. She meant to bring Zander back herself since it was her mistake to begin with.

    But Linsey cut her off before the words could form. Her voice was steady. ¡°Don¡¯t bother.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 873

    ?Chapter 873:

    Turning her attention fully to Caylee, she said gently, ¡°We¡¯ve been through this. Stick to the n. Follow through with what Gorman tells you. Your grandmother¡¯s surgery needs to happen without dy.¡±

    Caylee shook her head hard, tears clinging to hershes. ¡°But Zander¡¯s still with Collin. We can¡¯t just leave him.¡±

    ¡°If we brought him back now, I¡¯d feel even less secure,¡± Linsey replied quietly. Her fingers trailed over Zenia¡¯s cheek with care. ¡°Help me pack.

    Dolores found a new ce. We¡¯ll check out and move tonight.¡±

    Back at Collin¡¯s ce, Dustin entered with an envelope in hand¡ªthe test results. Collin didn¡¯t nce up right away. He was seated on the floor, deeply focused on building a stic block tower with Zander. Though barely half an hour had passed, Collin was already impressed by the kid¡¯s sharp mind.

    The toy set was meant for much older kids, but Zander maneuvered the pieces with a level of ease and logic that spoke volumes.

    Whoever raised him had done an exceptional job.

    ¡°Collin, here it is. The results came in.¡± Without hesitation, Dustin moved closer and passed the envelope to Collin.

    Normally, it would have taken days before a test like this came back. But this wasn¡¯t a typical case¡ªthe request hade from the founder of CR Corporation, and theb responded ordingly, putting everything aside to fast-track the results with absolute precision.

    Collin had expected anxiety to hit him the moment the envelope reached his hands. Oddly enough, a strange stillness took over instead. Maybe, deep down, he had already epted the truth¡ªthat this boy was his.

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    With measured patience, he flipped through the pages until his eyesnded on the final result. Across from him, Dustin studied Collin¡¯s face, searching for some clue. When none came, he assumed the test had ruled out a connection and felt an unexpected twinge of regret.

    ¡°So¡­ it¡¯s not a match?¡± he asked, disappointment evident in his voice.

    ¡°He¡¯s mine,¡± Collin said quietly, as if confirming something he had always known.

    Dustin stood frozen, caught off guard by the answer. His eyes blinked rapidly, struggling to catch up¡ªuntil a grin stretched across his face. ¡°You¡¯re serious? This little guy is actually yours? That¡¯s wild!¡± Without a word, Collin extended the document to him, offering silent confirmation.

    With barely contained excitement, Dustin rifled through the pages, his enthusiasm bubbling over like a proud parent reading their own child¡¯s name in print.

    ¡°Wow, Collin, I still can¡¯t believe it¡ªyou actually have a kid!¡± Dustin eximed.

    On the floor nearby, Zander paused, his gaze bouncing between the two adults. ¡°What are you talking about, sir?¡± he asked Collin, brows furrowing in confusion.

    Dustin leaned forward, ready to fill him in. ¡°Calling him sir? You ought to¡ª¡±

    Before the words fully left his mouth, Collin interjected calmly, ¡°We¡¯re just discussing something work-rted.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 874

    ?Chapter 874:

    Dustin shot Collin a surprised look, but Collin seemed calm, as if this was all part of the n. So, Dustin kept quiet. It wasn¡¯t his ce to exin things to the kid. After all, this wasn¡¯t just any kid¡ªhe was Collin¡¯s flesh and blood.

    Watching Zander continue with his blocks, Collin casually asked, ¡°Still not going to tell me who your mom is?¡±

    Zander turned, meeting his gaze directly. ¡°Nope!¡± he replied without hesitation.

    The moment he let the word slip, he clenched his fists in hisp. If this man figured out who his mom was, there was no telling what he would try to do¡ªmaybe even take him away from her. That couldn¡¯t happen. He wouldn¡¯t let it.

    Outside, the sky was deepening into dusk. It was nearly time to head home.

    Just then, a memory stirred in Dustin¡¯s mind¡ªthe woman he had spotted at the hospital a few weeks back. Back then, she had been carrying Zander in her arms. No doubt about it now. She had to be the boy¡¯s mother.

    ¡°Collin, I¡¯m telling you¡ªI¡¯ve seen the boy¡¯s mom before,¡± Dustin said, certaintycing every word.

    Without reacting much, Collin fixed him with a calm stare. ¡°The woman you saw probably wasn¡¯t her.¡±

    That response made Dustin blink. ¡°Wait, what?¡± he asked, confused. Then Collin turned to Zander and asked in the same cool tone, ¡°Hey kid, is your mom¡¯s name Linsey Brooks?¡±

    Dustin stood there for a beat, wondering if he had misheard entirely. Had Collin really just said Linsey was the kid¡¯s mother?

    Feel the thrill at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    With his jaw half-dropped, Dustin struggled to ask if his friend hadpletely lost it. But then, something shifted. Zander¡¯s eyes went wide as he stared at Collin, his face frozen with disbelief.

    The unspoken message in that look was loud and clear: ¡°How do you know?¡±

    Still, the boy rallied quickly, slipping into an innocent tone as he said, ¡°Sir, who¡¯s that? My mom doesn¡¯t go by that name.¡±

    Collin didn¡¯t blink. His gaze stayed locked on the kid, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

    The kid wasn¡¯t telling the truth. That much was obvious. Whether he was making this call on his own or following a script Linsey had given him, Collin couldn¡¯t quite tell.

    Meanwhile, Dustin remained rooted to the spot, mentally trying to untangle the mess that had justnded in hisp.

    Collin had somehow realized Linsey was the child¡¯s mother, but Dustin had no idea how he had figured it out. Just recently, Collin had even insisted that Linsey was the one who gave birth to Gorman¡¯s daughter! And now? Things were spiraling even further into confusion.

    The more Dustin mulled it over, the less it made sense. He forced a strained smile, leaned in a little closer, and muttered, ¡°Collin, seriously. This kid has never even met Linsey.¡±

    His memory was clear¡ªboth times he ran into Zander, the boy had been apanied by another woman.

    Without a change in expression, Collin gave Dustin a look, then turned to the child. ¡°Take your time,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll wait until you decide to stop pretending.¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 875

    ?Chapter 875:

    But Collin wasn¡¯t just focused on the boy. His thoughts shifted to Zenia¡ªthe little girl he had met three separate times. There was a chance she was his too. Gorman¡¯s earlier words felt like they were designed just to get under his skin.

    Zander kept turning the blocks in his hands, his fingers clumsy with tension. Then he shot to his feet and blurted out, ¡°I¡¯m going home. Mommy¡¯s probably worried.¡±

    Collin stood slowly, his voice calm and deliberate. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a lift.¡±

    Zander recoiled at once. ¡°No, thanks! I can do it on my own!¡± Collin didn¡¯t say anything, but his eyes stayed locked on the boy, which only made Zander feel more on edge. That soft, unreadable smile stayed on the man¡¯s face, and Zander couldn¡¯t figure out what it meant or what to do next.

    His mouth mped shut, and the tightness around his jaw made it obvious just how nervous he was feeling.

    In a gentler voice, Collin spoke with care. ¡°You¡¯re not just bright¡ªyou¡¯re one of the sharpest kids I¡¯vee across. That¡¯s exactly why I want to meet your mother. I¡¯m curious what kind of woman raised someone like you.¡±

    A flicker of anxiety crept into Zander¡¯s eyes. There was no way he would let that bad man anywhere near his mom. She would get upset again. He couldn¡¯t let that happen.

    ¡°No!¡± he yelled, and before anyone could react, he dashed out the door. For a moment, Dustin didn¡¯t budge,pletely thrown off. Then he finally turned and said, ¡°So¡­ what do we do now?¡±

    Collin, unfazed, gave his answer without hesitation. ¡°Go after my son.¡±

    ???????????????? ?????????????? ???????? g???????????????????????

    That caught Dustin off guard. ¡°W-we¡¯re really doing that?¡± he asked. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say earlier that we should give the kid his space?¡± His expression never shifted.

    ¡°That was before I was sure,¡± Collin said, his voice steady. ¡°Now I know the truth. That boy is Linsey¡¯s and mine. I need to see her. I need to hear it from her.¡±

    Without saying more, he headed for the door, a few of his men falling into step behind him.

    Dustin stayed back only a second longer, trying to process what was happening. He couldn¡¯t afford to miss this. He needed to see the truth for himself.

    He broke into a jog, catching up quickly, all the while wondering if what they suspected was real. Had Linsey already been carrying Collin¡¯s child when they divorced four years ago?

    If Linsey had truly been pregnant back then, there was no way Dolores¡ªher closest friend¡ªdidn¡¯t know. Still, Dolores had never said a single word to him.

    That silence stung more than he expected. To Dolores, it seemed Linsey always came first.

    Trailing behind a small child wasn¡¯t exactly a challenge. But the moment they spotted Zander climbing into a taxi on his own, Collin blinked in disbelief.

    Meanwhile, Dustin¡¯s reaction was much louder. ¡°Wait¡ªyour four-year-old just gged down a taxi? What kind of genius-level kid does that?¡±

    With his eyes locked on the taxi ahead, Collin allowed a quiet smile to stretch across his lips. ¡°The kid picked that up from Linsey.¡±

    The silence that followed was brief. When he finally looked down, he murmured, ¡°She must have gone through hell these past few years.¡± Given the choice, he would have preferred Linsey had leaned on Gorman during her time abroad. Bringing two children into the world and raising them alone could not have been easy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 876

    ?Chapter 876:

    From the passenger seat, Dustin nced over, the confidence in Collin¡¯s voice prompting a question. ¡°How do you know Linsey is the mother?¡±

    Without blinking, Collin returned the look, his tone steady and firm. ¡°Linsey¡¯s the only woman I¡¯ve ever been with. If it¡¯s not her, then who else would it be?¡±

    A different face popped into Dustin¡¯s mind¡ªthe same woman he had seen twice with Zander. Her name remained a mystery, but the memory stuck.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get answers once we¡¯re there,¡± Dustin said quietly.

    It wasn¡¯t long before their car pulled in behind the taxi at the entrance of a hotel.

    With his eyebrows drawn together, Collin nced sideways at Dustin, who looked just as thrown off.

    ¡°What¡¯s he doing at a hotel?¡± Dustin asked, confused.

    Rather than answer, Collin opened the door. ¡°We¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±

    Up ahead, Zander was already jumping out of the taxi. The second Collin saw him, the tension in his chest eased. He had been uneasy ever since Zander insisted on heading back alone. Now, as he watched the boy rush toward the hotel, those worries faded. Without wasting a second, Collin and Dustin followed.

    Every step toward the entrance made Collin¡¯s pulse quicken. He was moments away from seeing Linsey. And if the child was truly hers, then everything would change.

    They watched as Zander entered the hotel and stepped into an elevator. Both men stood at the entrance, eyes fixed on the floor number lighting up above the doors.

    ?????? ???????????????? ????????????: gal?no?vels?co?m

    ¡°Stay put. If the kides back down, let me know immediately.¡± Collin gave instructions to his men before stepping into the elevator.

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    Without hesitation, Dustin stepped into the elevator alongside Collin. The moment the doors opened on the designated floor, they filed out one after the other, scanning each hallway for signs of Zander.

    ¡°You head that way,¡± Dustin said, pointing down one corridor.

    A single nod from Collin was all it took before he moved swiftly in that direction.

    Uncertainty still lingered. If they didn¡¯t spot Zander soon, they would be forced to ask the front desk for help. Linsey would not like either option, whether it was following the child or asking at the front desk.

    Still, Collin couldn¡¯t afford to hesitate. He needed to find her. He needed answers. And he needed them now.

    A sudden cry echoed down the hall¡ªfragile, panicked, and unmistakably Zander¡¯s. ¡°Mommy! Mommy, where did you go? Mommy!¡±

    Collin¡¯s heart jumped. He took off in a sprint toward the voice without a second thought. He turned a corner and spotted a room with the door thrown wide open, Zander¡¯s frantic sobs spilling out from within.

    Crossing the threshold without pause, Collin stepped into the room and found Zander stumbling around, red-eyed and disoriented.

    ¡°Mommy!¡± Hearing someone enter, Zander spun around. But the face he saw wasn¡¯t the one he wanted. It was the bad man.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 877

    ?Chapter 877:

    ¡°Why did you follow me?¡± he shouted, face flushed with rage. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help! I don¡¯t want you!¡±

    A nce around the empty room told Collin everything. The bed was untouched. There were no bags, no trace of anyone else. Linsey was gone.

    Just like before, she had left without a word¡ªthis time abandoning both Collin and the boy they shared.

    Quiet steps brought Collin closer to the boy, his voice low as he knelt down, eye to eye with Zander¡¯s tear-streaked but fiercely guarded face.

    ¡°You said you¡¯d handle this by yourself,¡± he said softly. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t stay away. You¡¯re my son, and I came to take both you and your mother home.¡±

    Thosest few words hit like thunder. Zander¡¯s breath caught, and his eyes flew wide. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re saying you¡¯re my dad?¡±

    A calm nod followed. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s right. Haven¡¯t you ever noticed how much we look alike?¡±

    Pulling out his phone, Collin opened the photo gallery without another word. Within seconds, he swiped to a photo and turned the screen toward the boy.

    ¡°This one¡¯s from before you were born. That¡¯s your mom and me,¡± Collin continued.

    Zander stared at the screen, his expression nk, as he watched Linsey and Collin together. In the photo, Linsey¡¯s smile was bright, while Collin gazed at her with a tender expression. Even at his age, the emotion in the picture reached Zander.

    He took a step back, shaking his head slowly, lips trembling. ¡°No¡­ you¡¯re the man who hurt Mommy. You made her cry. You¡¯re not my dad. You¡¯re mean. You¡¯re the bad man!¡±

    Additional chapters at g ??ln ov els .???? ??

    Collin did not move. The wordsnded hard, but he stayed still. ¡°She cried?¡± he asked gently. ¡°When?¡±

    A beat passed before he continued, his voice lower this time. ¡°I made a mistake¡­ four years ago. Something I regret every day. I hurt her, and she left. I didn¡¯t know where she went. I searched everywhere.¡± His fingers curled slightly as he exhaled. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know you existed. Or your sister. Not until today. Now I see how much your mother has been through.¡±

    Little by little, Zander¡¯s re lost its edge. His bottom lip stuck out stubbornly, but his eyes no longer held the same fire. ¡°So it was you,¡± he muttered, folding his arms. ¡°That means you¡¯re the bad guy. My sister and I¡ªwe¡¯re not going to like you, bad dad!¡±

    A dull pressure bloomed in Collin¡¯s chest at the boy¡¯s words.

    In that moment, the truth became undeniable¡ªLinsey hadn¡¯t just had a child. She had had two.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to do everything I can to make things right,¡± Collin said with calm determination. ¡°With your mom, and with both of you. But first, we need to find them. Can you help me with that?¡±

    Suddenly, the scope of his world had shifted. It no longer revolved around the past¡ªit now included two lives he never knew he had helped create. And the person responsible for bringing those children into the world was the same woman who meant everything to him.

    Gratitude swelled in his chest. This time, he wouldn¡¯t let that second chance slip away. He wouldn¡¯t lose Linsey again.

    .

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 Chapter 878

    ?Chapter 878:

    Tears threatened to spill, sorrow rising as the reality of Zander¡¯s missing mother and sister crashed over him. Despite himself, he found a flicker offort in the presence of this stranger¡ªthis man who imed to be his father.

    His tone stayed stubborn, but the walls around his heart were beginning to crack.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where they went,¡± Zander muttered, his voice barely steady. ¡°Mommy got mad because I ran away. Now she doesn¡¯t want me anymore.¡±

    Collin¡¯s breath caught as he watched Zander begin to cry. Without hesitation, he reached out and gently smoothed a hand over Zander¡¯s head.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true. Your mom would never leave you by choice. She loves you way too much for that. Something must¡¯ve happened¡ªsomething she couldn¡¯t avoid.¡±

    Thoughts swirled through his mind; he tried to make sense of it all. From what he knew of Linsey, she would never abandon her kids unless the situation left her no other option. Whatever made her run¡ªit had to be serious.

    Sniffling, Zander suddenly brightened with a spark of realization. He raised his wrist and quickly tapped the screen of his smartwatch.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call Mommy,¡± he said, breath hitching. ¡°I should have answered earlier. She tried to reach me, and I didn¡¯t pick up. It¡¯s my fault. I was being bad. I need to say sorry to Mommy.¡±

    Collin¡¯s eyes drifted to the smartwatch on Zander¡¯s wrist. He couldn¡¯t shake the thought of the boy sneaking off earlier that morning¡ªprobably to make a secret call.

    ¡°Did you manage to speak with your mom today?¡± he asked gently.

    M?????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    A small shake of the head came from Zander. ¡°I only talked to my sister for a second.¡±

    Without another word, Zander lowered his gaze and tapped in Linsey¡¯s number. The smartwatch let out a long string of beeps, yet no one answered. His lips trembled. The call disconnected without a response, and he hurried to dial again, clinging to hope.

    Yet, no one picked up.

    ¡°She¡¯s not answering,¡± he whispered, voice cracking. ¡°Mommy¡¯s mad. She doesn¡¯t want to talk to me¡­¡±

    Tears pooled in his eyes, and regret hit him like a wave. At that moment, he found himself wishing he could rewind time to that morning. Had he known Mommy would be this upset, he never would have snuck out.

    Desperate to hear from someone, Zander tried a new approach. ¡°I¡¯ll try my sister,¡± he muttered, dialing Zenia¡¯s number.

    But that line stayed quiet, too. Even the messages he sent went unanswered.

    One tear spilled over andnded on the screen, blurring the digital clock beneath it. A shaky breath left his lips, followed by a broken sob.

    ¡°They¡¯re ignoring me. Mommy and my sister¡ªthey¡¯re not talking to me anymore¡­¡±

    Confusion settled into Collin¡¯s brow. Something didn¡¯t feel right. He didn¡¯t believe for a second that Linsey would ignore her son on purpose. Even if she was angry, this wasn¡¯t like her.

    .

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 Chapter 879

    ?Chapter 879:

    After a pause, Collin knelt and gently wiped the boy¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay. Maybe they¡¯re just caught up in something. Doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t care.¡±

    With warmth in his voice, he added, ¡°Why don¡¯t youe home with me for now? We¡¯ll find Mommy and your sister together.¡±

    Eyes wide and full of heartbreak, Zander looked up at him.

    ¡°You really think you can find them, bad man?¡± he asked through heavy sobs.

    Collin held back the urge to correct him. This wasn¡¯t the time for titles or pride. Instead, he softened his tone and offered the only thing he could right now¡ªa quiet, steady smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Collin said with a small nod. ¡°You saw them this morning, didn¡¯t you? My team¡¯s good¡ªreally good. If anyone can find your mom and sister, it¡¯s them.¡±

    Images of Collin¡¯s capable staff shed through Zander¡¯s mind. Their quiet efficiency and sharp uniforms had left an impression.

    For the first time, something shifted in his expression. ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯ll believe you this once.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re ready toe home with me?¡± Collin asked, making sure to keep his tone as gentle as possible so he wouldn¡¯t scare Zander.

    Rather than answer right away, Zander looked down at his shoes, lips pursed in thought. A few quiet moments passed before he gave a slow, thoughtful nod.

    That one gesture was enough to ease the tension in Collin¡¯s chest. He exhaled and opened his arms with a small smile. ¡°Come here. I¡¯ll carry you.¡±

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    The offer brought back a memory for Zander¡ªCollin¡¯s arms had felt oddly safe thest time. He hesitated for just a second before stepping forward. Without saying a word, he tucked himself into the man¡¯s arms, letting himself be lifted once more.

    ¡°You know¡­ I still don¡¯t know your name,¡± Zander mumbled.

    Collin nced at the boy¡¯s flushed face. He recalled that the little girl¡¯s name was Zenia.

    Zander introduced himself to Collin, telling him his name.

    An eyebrow arched slightly as Collin spoke. ¡°Can I call you Zander?¡±

    ¡°Sure¡­¡± Zander mumbled.

    Dustin showed up just as Collin stepped out of the hotel room with Zander in his arms.

    ¡°What happened here?¡± he asked, ncing around the vacant suite, confusion written all over his face. ¡°But where¡¯s the boy¡¯s mother?¡±

    Collin didn¡¯t respond right away. He didn¡¯t want to say anything in front of Zander. ¡°I¡¯ll fill you inter. First, find out if Linsey reserved this suite. Also, get your hands on the security footage¡ªsee exactly when she left.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Collin brought Zander to his apartment near thepany. Since Linsey¡¯s departure, he hadn¡¯t visited Vista Vi much. This ce was modest¡ªnothing like the vi he used to live in.

    By the time they arrived, Zander had dozed off in Collin¡¯s arms, worn out from all the crying. Collin gently slipped off the boy¡¯s coat and shoes, ced him on the bed in the main room, and pulled the covers over him.

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 Chapter 880

    ?Chapter 880:

    Once he was sure Zander was fast asleep, he stepped out quietly and closed the door behind him.

    In the lounge, Dustin was waiting in a single chair. The moment Collin joined him on the sofa, Dustin leaned in. ¡°What exactly is going on with Linsey?¡±

    Collin gave a quick summary of the situation.

    ¡°I knew it. She actually had two kids in secret,¡± Dustin muttered, stunned. He paused, brow furrowed. ¡°But why did she take off so suddenly? There¡¯s no way she just left her son behind.¡±

    Right then, one of Collin¡¯s men walked in holding a report. He greeted them respectfully.

    Dustin jumped in. ¡°Was the room under Linsey¡¯s name?¡±

    Collin looked over at him.

    The man lowered his gaze and spoke. ¡°No, sir. The original reservation was made by Gorman. But all the follow-up bookings and the final checkout were handled by someone named Caylee Garrett.¡±

    He handed them a printed image¡ªa snapshot from Caylee¡¯s profile online. ¡°This is Ms. Garrett. She arrived in Grester recently with Ms. Brooks. She¡¯s not from around here.¡±

    Collin took one look and instantly recognized her. She was the same woman who posed as Aurora at the design contest.

    Dustin stared at the photo, his eyes widening in shock. ¡°That¡¯s her! Both times I ran into the boy, she was the one looking after him. I figured she was the mom.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away

    Collin paused to think. ¡°Which means Caylee vanished with Linsey and the other child¡ªZenia.¡±

    He then asked, ¡°Any idea where they went?¡±

    The man¡¯s expression tightened. ¡°This part¡¯s odd. We only found footage of Ms. Brooks walking out alone that morning. No sign of her, Caylee, or the girl leaving together. Whoever nned this made sure it couldn¡¯t be tracked. We¡¯re still digging to find out where she went after that.¡±

    Dustin shook his head. ¡°Something¡¯s not right. This runs deeper.¡±

    Collin¡¯s eyes darkened. He turned sharply to Dustin. ¡°Call Dolores. Right now.¡±

    Dustin looked stunned. ¡°You¡¯re thinking of grilling her about Linsey¡¯s location?¡±

    He hesitated, then said firmly, ¡°You know how close those two are. No amount of pressure will make her talk. And I won¡¯t let you treat her unfairly.¡±

    A crease formed between Collin¡¯s brows the moment he heard that. His voice dropped, slow and deliberate. ¡°If Dolores really knew where Linsey went, I¡¯d feel better. But right now? I don¡¯t think even she knows.¡±

    While he spoke, Collin¡¯s eyes settled on Dustin, the weight in his gaze unmistakable. ¡°I¡¯m starting to believe Linsey didn¡¯t leave by choice.¡±

    A cold unease crawled down Dustin¡¯s spine. It didn¡¯t take much to connect the dots. There was no way Linsey could have erased the hotel¡¯s surveince footage on her own¡ªnot without clearance or help.

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 Chapter 881

    ?Chapter 881:

    And that wasn¡¯t the only red g. Linsey would never abandon her child like this. Ignoring Zander¡¯s calls was not her style. If she had chosen to disappear, she would have left clues¡ªa note or a message. But what made the whole situation even stranger was the silence from Zenia¡¯s end. Zander hadn¡¯t been able to reach his sister either. Surely Linsey wouldn¡¯t be so upset with her son that she would iste him from his sister, too. That didn¡¯t add up.

    With tension rising fast, Dustin grabbed his phone and ced a call to Dolores.

    The line connected almost instantly. ¡°Why are you calling thiste?¡± she asked, her voice edged with confusion.

    Shooting a look at Collin, Dustin lowered his voice and got to the point. ¡°Did Linsey get in touch with you today?¡±

    There was a brief pause on the other end, telling but subtle. Dolores returned with a question of her own, feigning confusion. ¡°Why are you suddenly asking about her?¡±

    Dustin had expected resistance. He braced himself and responded with deliberate emphasis, ¡°Dolores, we already know. Linsey had two kids. They¡¯re Collin¡¯s. You don¡¯t have to keep covering for her anymore.¡±

    For several seconds, there was only silence. Then came a stunned whisper. ¡°You found out? But¡­ how?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not important right now,¡± Dustin replied, urgency threading through his words. ¡°The important thing is Linsey is missing. And no one can reach her daughter either. Do you have Caylee¡¯s number? Call her. She might still be with Linsey and Zenia.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll check.¡± Dolores hung up without another word.

    Your source of stories: galn¦Òv??ls.??????

    Just ten minutester, her name lit up on Dustin¡¯s screen again. Urgencyced every word when Dolores spoke. ¡°Is Collin with you right now? Send me your location. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    Without hesitation, Dustin replied, ¡°Got it. Be careful on the road.¡± Quiet tension settled over Collin as he clenched his fists, saying nothing. Dolores¡¯s involvement could be the breakthrough they needed. Still, something else was gnawing at the edges of Collin¡¯s mind.

    In all of Grester, there was only one man with the reach, audacity, and motive to pull off something like this. Everything pointed to Gorman.

    ¡°M-mommy¡­ Mommy!¡±

    Linsey could hear her children¡¯s voices echoing through the haze of her dream. Zander¡¯s panicked cries mixed with Zenia¡¯s desperate call for her. They were both looking for her.

    ¡°Mommy, where are you?¡± ¡°Are you going to leave us behind?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face turned pale, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead as shey there, her eyes squeezed shut.

    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t¡­ Zenia¡­ Zander¡­¡± she whispered in a strained, breathless voice. ¡°Mommy¡¯s right here¡­¡±

    A sudden warmth touched her cheek, jarring her from the dream entirely.

    Linsey snapped awake as her eyes shot open. Hovering just inches above her was Gorman¡ªhis gaze soft, his expression almost too gentle.

    Revulsion washed over Linsey like ice. Every moment leading up to her ckout surged back all at once, hitting her like a tidal wave.

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 Chapter 882

    ?Chapter 882:

    ¡°Zenia!¡± Linsey¡¯s arms trembled as she pushed herself upright, her voice cracking with desperation. ¡°Where is my daughter?¡±

    Nothing came back to her¡ªnot even a breath of acknowledgment. Her face hardened, and the fear in her eyes turned to steel.

    With sudden force, shetched onto Gorman¡¯s arm, her grip tight and shaking. ¡°Tell me what you did to Zenia. Where is she?¡±

    Despite the frantic clutch of her hand, Gorman remained perfectly still, not a flicker of irritation crossing his face. His brows lifted, and his voice came soft, like damp air on skin. It was quiet, but cold enough to chill.

    ¡°Why are you panicking, Linsey? Didn¡¯t you arrange for Zander to be taken to Collin? He¡¯s the one who looks too much like his father. If I had to choose, I¡¯d be more inclined to resent him. You¡¯ve already done what it takes to keep your son safe. So why are you still afraid?¡± A low chuckle slipped from his mouth, but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. The sound was dry, and something cruel lingered underneath it.

    ¡°Zenia reminds me of you. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve always looked at her differently. She matters to me. Hurting her wouldn¡¯t make sense,¡± he continued.

    Color drained from Linsey¡¯s cheeks, and her eyes filled with a hatred she no longer tried to hide.

    ¡°You¡¯re vile,¡± she hissed. Each word came loaded with disgust.

    Once she confirmed that Zander was with Collin, she didn¡¯t waste another second. She packed up what she needed and intended to take Zenia straight to the safe house Dolores had arranged.

    ???????????? ?????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????©q??????

    Living in that hotel suite came with a risk¡ªGorman could appear out of nowhere.

    By noon, hunger kicked in. Linsey asked Caylee to keep packing and watch Zenia while she stepped out to grab lunch.

    She didn¡¯t make it far. The second she left the building, she caught sight of Gorman.

    One small gesture from him was all it took. Her vision went ck before a single word escaped her lips.

    Not when she stirred awake did she realize he had orchestrated this. Every move had been calcted. He had been patient, waiting for the one moment she would be alone and unprepared.

    The realization hit her hard. Her eyes stung, rimmed red with rage that boiled up from helplessness.

    Rather than flinch at her fury, Gorman looked as though he had just received a gift. Her anger delighted him.

    He let out a full-bodiedugh, then sighed like a man satisfied by a long-awaited indulgence. ¡°I forgot how alive you look when you stop pretending not to care.¡±

    Without hesitation, he leaned in, his eyes gleaming with something close to joy¡ªtwisted and bare.

    For a moment, he lost himself in the sight of her. Her pupils, wide and dted, reflected only him. It mesmerized him.

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 Chapter 883

    ?Chapter 883:

    ¡°You never really see me¡­ not unless I bring you to this ce,¡± he whispered, letting the words settle slowly between them.

    His smile shifted, softer now butced with regret. ¡°If I¡¯d known it would feel this good, I wouldn¡¯t have wasted four years trying to y the part you wanted. I should¡¯ve done this sooner.¡±

    Without hesitation, Linsey delivered a fierce p across Gorman¡¯s face.

    The sound sliced through the quiet of the room.

    From the impact, Gorman¡¯s head snapped to the side. For a brief moment, he didn¡¯t move. A faint sting crawled along the edge of his mouth, proof that Linsey hadn¡¯t held back.

    A low chuckle slipped from him instead of rage. Just as he began to turn his gaze back to her, something caught his eye¡ªher hand lifting again, ready for another strike.

    Something shifted in Gorman¡¯s expression. In one swift motion, he caught her by the wrist, his grip unyielding as a glint of menace sparked in his eyes. ¡°You really think I¡¯ll keep letting that slide?¡±

    A bitter smirk yed across Linsey¡¯s lips, her eyes sharp with distrust and simmering with quiet rage. ¡°Do you seriously think people crave your attention?¡± she said, her voice like ice. ¡°Get over yourself, Gorman. You¡¯re not some gift to the world. Right now, all I see is someone I can¡¯t stand to be near.¡±

    Gorman didn¡¯t respond right away. His gaze lingered on her, swirling with a mix of things he never put into words.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been by your side for years, waiting, giving everything¡ªand you call that disgusting? All I¡¯m doing now is reiming what¡¯s mine. And this is the thanks I get?¡± he said, sounding almost wounded.

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    A deep crease appeared between Linsey¡¯s brows. Her voice turned stiff, disbelieving. ¡°What exactly are you reiming?¡±

    That question made something shift in him. The tension in his face melted into a grin, slow, almost pleased.

    ¡°You¡¯ve always belonged to me. You just never realized it.¡±

    Linsey¡¯sposure finally cracked. Her voice rose, sharp and furious. ¡°You¡¯re out of your damn mind.¡±

    For a second, she fought to steady herself, her chest rising and falling as she breathed through the fury. ¡°I already know where this is going. You¡¯ll bring up how I saved your life. Or maybe you¡¯ll say you loved me before Collin ever showed up.¡±

    That name struck him like an exposed nerve. It never failed to cut deep. His expression soured on the spot, the bitterness wing its way to the surface.

    By now, his obsession had consumed him whole. He had stayed by her side for four years, swallowing his pride, pretending not to see that the children she protected didn¡¯t carry his blood, but Collin¡¯s. And still, he treated them like they were his own.

    It hadn¡¯t even been a full week since Linsey returned to Grester with the kids, yet Collin had already found a way under her skin again. She had handed Zander over to him without hesitation¡ªjust to protect the boy from Gorman¡¯s reach.

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 Chapter 884

    ?Chapter 884:

    The more Gorman mulled it over, the more it all felt like a cruel joke.

    Gorman couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it. Why was she so willing to reveal Zander and Zenia to Collin as if it were some long-awaited reunion?

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you this again and again, Gorman.¡± Her voice held firm, but her eyes wavered. ¡°Collin being around or not changes nothing. You and I were never meant to be.¡±

    ¡°Stop lying!¡± Gorman¡¯s voice exploded, shattering the air between them. The sudden fury in his tone made Linsey flinch before she even realized she had moved.

    His features twisted violently. The anger in him was thick and consuming, filling the space like smoke.

    ¡°How much longer are you going to do this? How many times are you going to pretend I don¡¯t exist, while running back to a man who left you?¡± Blood rushed to his eyes, casting them a dangerous red. His jaw clenched, and his cheek twitched, like something was barely being held back. ¡°If your love for Collin was real, why¡¯d you walk away from him in the first ce? Why end the marriage at all?¡±

    Then came theughter¡ªdark, unhinged, and full of something that made Linsey¡¯s stomach twist. ¡°That divorce wasn¡¯t an ending. It was fate that cracked open a door for you and me. Don¡¯t you see it, Linsey? You were never meant to stay with him. You were meant to be mine. You have to know that.¡±

    Curled beneath the covers, Linsey sank deeper into the bed, as if the fabric could protect her from what wasing. Tremors ran through her limbs¡ªsmall, constant, and fueled by fear¡ªshe couldn¡¯t hold back.

    She forced herself to stop trembling, her muscles tight with effort. A sharp breath slipped out as she clenched her jaw. She finally said, ¡°Gorman, why is this so hard for you to ept? Even if Collin vanished from my lifepletely, I still wouldn¡¯t choose you. You can¡¯t twist feelings into something they¡¯re not. I really believed you¡¯d understand that by now¡ªafter everything, after four years.¡±

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    Out of nowhere, Gorman¡¯s hands mped onto Linsey¡¯s shoulders like a vice.

    Her heart skipped a beat, racing like a runaway train. Instinctively, she squirmed to break free, but Gorman¡¯s grip was unbreakable.

    ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re always preaching rity to me, but what about you, huh?¡± Gorman¡¯s eyes bored into hers, a mix of confusion and frustration, his words tumbling out in a chaotic rhythm. ¡°How can you even think about forgiving Collin so fast? Have you forgotten the hell he put you through four years ago? Or do you need me to jog your memory to finally cut him loose?¡±

    Linsey bit back the pain shooting through her shoulders, her face pale. ¡°Gorman, you¡¯ve lost your damn mind¡­¡±

    He barreled on, ignoring her. ¡°Four years ago, you and Collin had that whirlwind marriage, remember? He kept his true self under wraps, thinking you were just some gold-digger chasing the power and wealth of CR Corporation¡¯s founder!¡±

    ¡°Stop it¡­¡± Linsey shouted, his words slicing into her heart like a jagged knife. Even after four years, those memories still stung.

    ¡°Oh, yeah.¡± Gorman¡¯s face softened suddenly, his voice dripping with a deceptive warmth. ¡°Collin did have a soft spot for you back then. Why else would he drop a cool billion on that auction ne for you?¡± With that, he let go of her shoulders, his fingers brushing her long hair gently. His words were slow and deliberate. ¡°But you saw it with your own eyes, didn¡¯t you? Just days ago, at that auction, Collin threw down $2.7 billion for the Star of the Desert¡ªfor Haven.¡±

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 Chapter 885

    ?Chapter 885:

    Linsey¡¯s pale face froze, stiff as stone.

    ¡°I hear Haven¡¯s family is already cozying up with Collin¡¯s grandma, talking wedding ns,¡± Gorman said, a smile curling his lips. ¡°If nothing derails it, they¡¯ll tie the knot that got shelved five years ago. So, what do you say? Wanna attend their wedding? I could probably snag you an invite.¡±

    Linsey swallowed the dull ache gnawing at her chest, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Their marriage? It¡¯s got nothing to do with me.¡±

    Gorman raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. ¡°Nothing? Come on, Linsey. You¡¯re the one who sent Zander to Collin. Once Collin confirms he¡¯s Zander¡¯s dad and marries Haven, who do you think Zander¡¯s gonna call Mom¡ªyou or her?¡±

    His words shattered the fragile wall she had built around her heart, and tears welled up, betraying her.

    Gorman¡¯s smug expression flickered for a moment.

    He reached out to wipe her tears, but Linsey turned away sharply, swiping the wetness from her cheeks herself.

    ¡°This is none of your damn business,¡± she said, her voice raw and hoarse. ¡°Just tell me where Zenia is.¡±

    Gorman let out a soft chuckle, dodging her question about Zenia. Instead, he leaned in. ¡°Linsey, you could lean on me, you know. I¡¯d help you get Zander back from Collin.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Her voice shot up, cold as ice. ¡°Even if Collin¡¯s marrying Haven, he¡¯s not the type to hurt Zander. You said it yourself¡ªI went through hell to get Zander to him. So why are you pushing to drag him back now? What¡¯s your game, Gorman? You know exactly what you¡¯re doing!¡±

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    Zander showing up at Collin¡¯spany hadn¡¯t been something anyone had nned.

    It never crossed Linsey¡¯s mind that her son, overwhelmed by her emotional breakdown that night, would take matters into his own hands and confront Collin face-to-face. But the truth behind it all pointed straight to Gorman, who had quietly pulled the strings and ordered Caylee to carry it out.

    To Linsey, it was painfully clear¡ªeverything spiraling out of control had been Gorman¡¯s doing. And now he had the gall to use her of pushing Zander toward Collin on purpose? The usation was nothing short of ridiculous.

    Fighting to stayposed, she filled her lungs with air and said, ¡°Where is Zenia? If you¡¯ve hurt her in any way, I won¡¯t stop until I¡¯ve made you pay.¡±

    Not knowing where her daughter was sent her thoughts racing, each one darker than thest. Even if Gorman hadn¡¯t shown the same hostility toward Zenia that he did toward Zander, it didn¡¯t change the fact that she, too, was Collin¡¯s flesh and blood. Because of that, Linsey refused to believe Gorman could ever truly care for Zenia.

    Gorman leaned back with the same unsettling calm he always wore. ¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± he said casually. ¡°I just had someone take her out to enjoy the day.¡±

    His tone was too easy, too smooth, and Linsey didn¡¯t trust a word of it. This was the same man who had gone to great lengths to trap them before they could slip away. Whatever he was up to now, she was certain it wasn¡¯t innocent.

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 Chapter 886

    ?Chapter 886:

    A sudden ding from his phone echoed through the room.

    After a quick nce at his phone, Gorman looked up with a surprisingly gentle tone. ¡°She¡¯s back now. Zenia¡¯s downstairs.¡± The moment those words registered, Linsey threw back the covers and started to get up.

    Before she could take a full step, Gorman¡¯s hand mped around her wrist. ¡°Wait. Something¡¯s not right with her. You might want to brace yourself.¡±

    His words struck her like ice water. Linsey turned to him, disbelief written across her face. ¡°She¡¯s only four!¡± Her voice cracked. ¡°How could you even think of hurting her and not feel anything?¡±

    Feigning innocence, Gorman widened his eyes and spoke with mock sincerity. ¡°You¡¯re using the wrong person. I haven¡¯t left your side¡ªnot once. How would I even have the chance to hurt her?¡±

    ¡°Let go.¡± Linsey tore herself free, done listening, done reasoning. She stormed out of the room, the hallways unfamiliar and twisting, until she finally found the staircase.

    The space wasvish, cold in its elegance. A passing thought drifted through her mind¡ªthis must be Gorman¡¯s estate in Grester.

    As her feet hurried down the stairs, her eyes caught a glimpse of the living room. From afar, Caylee looked weighed down by both sadness and gravitas.

    A sharp squeeze gripped Linsey¡¯s chest as dread took hold. Without thinking, she bolted forward, her voice cracking with urgency. ¡°Zenia!¡±

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    Hearing her name, the little girl stirred in Caylee¡¯s arms and lifted her head, eyes searching.

    One look at her daughter¡¯s face made Linsey stop in her tracks, her breath catching mid-step.

    Dirt streaked across Zenia¡¯s cheeks, and faint scratches ran along her soft skin. Her dress, once neat, now hung wrinkled and stained with dust.

    ¡°Mommy!¡± Zenia¡¯s voice cracked as soon as her eyes locked onto Linsey, tears rushing to the surface.

    That single word carried more weight than a full confession¡ªpacked with sorrow, fear, and longing.

    Without hesitation, Linsey dropped to her knees, arms open, ready to catch the little body barreling toward her.

    The instant Zenia collided with her, she pressed her face into Linsey¡¯s shoulder and broke into sobs, her cries fragile and aching. ¡°Mommy¡­¡±

    Hearing the voice tightened something in Linsey¡¯s chest, her throat thick with emotion she couldn¡¯t swallow.

    Blinking fast, she fought the sting behind her eyes and lowered her head, gently cupping the back of Zenia¡¯s head with her palm. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. Mommy¡¯s got you.¡±

    Linsey could not begin to imagine what Zenia had endured.

    It was the first time that she had seen her daughter like this¡ªheartbroken and helpless.

    Unsure of what had happened, Linsey turned to Caylee and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Caylee¡¯s face reflected quiet sympathy as she regarded Zenia. But when Linsey addressed her directly, she hesitated, dropping her eyes to the floor as if the words caught in her throat.

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 Chapter 887

    ?Chapter 887:

    Confused by the silence, Linsey narrowed her eyes, unsure why Caylee refused to answer.

    Before anyone else could speak, Gorman stepped into the room. His lips curved into a faint smile, but the chill in his eyesnded squarely on Caylee. ¡°She asked you a question. Why the dy? Is there something you¡¯re trying to avoid?¡±

    The sound of his voice made Caylee lift her head sharply. Her eyes locked on him, swimming with unease and quiet defiance. She knew he had orchestrated that incident.

    After a pause to collect herself, Caylee inhaled and turned to Linsey. ¡°Let¡¯s get Zenia changed first. Her clothes are still a mess.¡±

    Gorman did not argue. With a casual nod, he gestured toward a nearby servant. ¡°Take her to wash up.¡±

    Without thinking, Linsey pulled Zenia closer. The little girl clung to her chest like an anchor, and Linsey had no intention of letting go.

    ¡°Linsey,¡± Caylee stepped forward and gently rested her hand over Linsey¡¯s. ¡°She¡¯ll feel better once she¡¯s cleaned up,¡± she said softly.

    Reluctantly, Linsey looked into Caylee¡¯s eyes. After a moment, she let her arms loosen, then crouched down beside Zenia and brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. ¡°Mommy will be right here, okay? Just for a little while.¡±

    Zenia nodded without protest, quiet and trusting as she followed the servant upstairs.

    Once the child had disappeared from view, Caylee lowered her eyes and exhaled. The strength she had held onto began to waver.

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    Before saying anything, she cast a nce at Gorman, her brows pinched in frustration. Then, slowly, she turned to Linsey and began to speak. ¡°After you left¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Green sent someone to take Zenia and me here. We both saw you lying there. I told her you were just resting from packing, and she believed me.¡±

    Gorman stood back, silent as ever, though a flicker of amusement danced beneath his half-lowered eyes.

    Linsey remained still, but her hands were clenched tightly in herp. A storm brewed beneath her calm expression.

    ¡°He told us this would be our new home,¡± Caylee continued, her voice turning faint. ¡°He thought Zenia might feel out of ce, so he suggested we go for a short walk. Everything was fine until we ran into a group of children. The moment they spotted Zenia, they swarmed her. They shouted things like¡ªshe had no father, she was unwanted, like some stray dog.¡±

    Her words began to falter, her breath catching with the memory. ¡°I tried to stop them. I told them to leave her alone, but they justughed. Some pushed me down. The others started shoving Zenia, taunting her. I only managed to scare them off after I picked up a stick.¡±

    The blood drained from Linsey¡¯s face as her fingers began to tremble. Never once had she faced anything like this while raising Zander and Zenia on her own.

    She lived in a time when single parents were nothing out of the ordinary. People didn¡¯t shame children for missing a parent.

    And yet, here they were. On their very first day in this house, Zenia had already been cruelly targeted.

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 Chapter 888

    ?Chapter 888:

    Tears welled up in Linsey¡¯s eyes. Her throat felt too tight to speak, but she forced herself to turn and look at Gorman, who stood several feet away. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

    It took effort just to breathe, but finally, she rasped out the only words that could break through her pain. ¡°Gorman, you¡¯ve really gone too far.¡±

    Gorman arched an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading as he nced at Caylee, who hung her head like a wilting flower. Turning to Linsey, he said, ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re not seriously buying her story, are you? Did you forget what I told you yesterday? Caylee¡¯s been quietly pocketing my cash.¡±

    Caylee¡¯s eyes shot wide with panic. ¡°I didn¡¯t lie!¡± she blurted, her voice trembling.

    She turned to Linsey, her gaze pleading, desperate to w her way out of the hole. ¡°Linsey, I swear, everything I said is true!¡±

    Gorman let out a soft, mocking chuckle, sauntering closer like a cat toying with its prey. ¡°Caylee, what¡¯s the point of digging in your heels? You agreed to be my messenger for your grandma¡¯s medical bills. Rememberst time? Zander grabbed Zenia and bolted because you spilled the beans about Collin, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    With that, he plopped onto the sofa, all ease and swagger, picking up a cup from the table and rolling itzily in his hand. ¡°If I¡¯m guilty of anything, you¡¯re just as deep in the mud, Caylee. An aplice like you? Linsey wouldn¡¯t trust you as far as she could throw you.¡±

    Caylee¡¯s face crumpled, despair washing over her like a cold tide. A bitter, self-mocking smile tugged at her lips. How could she even face Linsey now?

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    She was Gorman¡¯s aplice, after all.

    Linsey had known about her shady deals with Gorman for a while. No way would Linsey believe her anymore.

    Caylee could almost see Linsey¡¯s mind turning. Linsey might suspect she had coached those kids to say cruel things in front of Zenia, or worse, orchestrated this whole drama to nt seeds of doubt and sadness in Zenia¡¯s heart.

    Caylee opened her mouth, grasping for words to salvage herself. But Linsey¡¯s voice cut through. ¡°Gorman, do you get a kick out of stirring the pot?¡±

    Gorman¡¯s smug look faltered, his brows knitting together just enough to betray his surprise.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who set those kids up to bully Zenia, making her feel like she¡¯s less than,¡± Linsey snapped.

    The memory of Zenia¡¯s tear-streaked face shed in her mind, stabbing at her heart.

    For four years, Linsey had poured her soul into raising those kids. Whatever other children had, she would move heaven and earth to give them the same.

    Until today, the kids had never felt the sting of not having a dad.

    But Gorman¡¯s cruel stunt had cast a dark shadow over Zenia¡¯s heart. Just as Linsey had always suspected, Gorman didn¡¯t give a damn about her kids. He was nothing short of a devil in her eyes now.

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 Chapter 889

    ?Chapter 889:

    Linsey sucked in a quick, shaky breath, her hand tightening around Caylee¡¯s beside her. She fixed Gorman with a cial stare as he lounged there, smug as ever. ¡°You nned this whole thing, didn¡¯t you? You wanted me to lose faith in Caylee, so I would feel helpless and rely on you.¡±

    She paused, letting her thoughts settle before continuing. ¡°If I really cut Caylee loose, you¡¯d stop footing the bill for her grandma¡¯s surgery, wouldn¡¯t you? Because by then, she¡¯d be no use to you.¡±

    Caylee¡¯s heart clenched.

    Deep down, she had known it from the start¡ªagreeing to Gorman¡¯s demands had set her on a road with no good exits.

    If she had said no from the jump, she would never have scraped together the money for her grandma¡¯s surgery, nor would she have made it to Grester with Linsey.

    But if she kept ying Gorman¡¯s game, Linsey would eventually wash her hands of her, fed up with the betrayal. And once she was no longer Linsey¡¯s assistant, she would have nothing to offer Gorman. He would cut off the surgery funds without a second thought.

    Every path led to the same dead end. It was only a matter of when.

    But now? Caylee was done selling her soul to Gorman.

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    As for her grandma¡¯s surgery fees, she would find another way to make it work.

    Gorman¡¯s eyes locked onto Linsey, a knowing glint in his gaze before his lips curved into a sly, loaded smile. ¡°Linsey, when you say that, you¡¯re really just talking to Caylee, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯re boxing her in, making sure she¡¯s got no choice but to stick by you. You know as long as Caylee works for you, I¡¯ll keep footing the bill for her grandma¡¯s hospital stay.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face twisted, irritation bubbling up like a pot about to boil over. ¡°Don¡¯t go pping your sneaky assumptions on everyone else! You think we¡¯re all as calcting as you? We¡¯re not ying those games! I trust Caylee because I know her. She¡¯s been by my side for years, and I¡¯ve got a better read on her than you ever will.¡±

    As Caylee listened, her eyes flickered intensely, tears threatening to spill. She gave Linsey¡¯s hand a quiet squeeze, her heart swelling with gratitude. The heavy cloud of gloom that had been weighing her down for days lifted, just like that.

    Out of nowhere, Gorman pped his hands, a mocking show of apuse. ¡°Well, ain¡¯t that a heartwarming little bond you two got? Since you¡¯re so tight, I won¡¯t waste my breath trying to drive a wedge between you.¡±

    Then he turned to Caylee, shing her a polished, gentlemanly smile. ¡°In fact, you can help me out. Talk some sense into Linsey. Two weeks from now, I¡¯m throwing the wedding I¡¯ve nned for her. I¡¯m hoping she¡¯ll slip into the dress I designed for her.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s and Caylee¡¯s jaws dropped, their eyes wide with shock.

    ¡°A wedding?¡± Linsey¡¯sugh was sharp,ced with fury. ¡°When did I ever say I¡¯d marry you?¡±

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 Chapter 890

    Chapter 890:

    Gorman rose abruptly and closed the distance between them. The sudden nearness made Linsey and Caylee¡¯s skin crawl.

    ¡°Linsey, haven¡¯t you figured it out yet?¡± Gorman¡¯s face was all smiles, but his words cut. ¡°You¡¯re out of moves. This is me calling the shots.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face hardened, her fists balling up as she fought the urge to wipe that smug look off his face with a p.

    ¡°I¡¯m not marrying you,¡± she spat. ¡°You can lock me up here forever, but I won¡¯t sign papers with you or walk down any aisle.¡±

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Gorman¡¯s gaze drifted upward, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. ¡°Linsey, you will. Because Zenia needs a dad.¡±

    Her grip tightened, a jolt of pain shooting through her as she stared at Gorman, disbelief and rage shing in her eyes. Her head pounded, thoughts grinding to a halt as a deafening buzz filled her ears, drowning out the world.

    It hit her like a freight train: Gorman was using Zenia to twist her arm. Setting up those kids to torment Zenia was just the opening move in his sick game.

    Gorman¡¯s tone was calm, almost casual. ¡°You can dig your heels in and stay here forever; I¡¯ve got all the time in the world. But Zenia? She¡¯s only four. She needs school, friends, a real future. As her mom, can you really stomach clipping her wings like that?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s legs buckled, her body swaying like a tree in a storm. She would have hit the floor if Caylee hadn¡¯t caught her just in time.

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    ¡°Linsey, head upstairs and take a breather,¡± Gorman said, his eyes fixed on her pale face. ¡°This ce is locked down tighter than a drum, inside and out. Trying to slip away with Zenia? You¡¯d just be spinning your wheels.¡±

    With that, Gorman turned and walked off, leaving Linsey and Caylee frozen in ce, their minds reeling, unable to process the weight of his words.

    When Linsey walked into the room, the servant had just finished helping Zenia freshen up.

    ¡°Mommy!¡± Zenia spotted her and leapt off the bed, running straight into her arms.

    Linsey¡¯s cold heart softened just a little. She scooped Zenia up, gently smoothing her freshly dried hair, and managed a smile. ¡°Are you tired, Zenia? Do you want to take a nap?¡± It was around the usual time for their afternoon rest.

    Zenia usually napped with Zander. But today, Zander wasn¡¯t there.

    ¡°Mommy, will you stay with me while I sleep?¡± she asked softly.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Linsey replied with a warm smile, trying to sound calm so Zenia wouldn¡¯t feel scared.

    The servant quietly stepped out. Linseyid Zenia back on the bed andy beside her, pulling the covers up with care.

    ¡°Close your eyes now,¡± she whispered, patting Zenia¡¯s shoulder gently. Zenia snuggled close to her, blinking slowly. After a short silence, she asked in a small voice, ¡°Mommy, isn¡¯t Zandering back? Will he know where to find us?¡±

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    Message from Noah: Sorry for beingte, triple chapters to make up for it dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 891

    ?Chapter 891:

    Linsey paused before answering. ¡°He¡¯lle back, sweetie. Just not right away.¡±

    Zenia¡¯s breath hitched. Tears formed in her eyes. She grabbed Linsey¡¯s cor tightly, her voice shaking. ¡°Mommy¡­ Can we not give Zander to that bad guy? He¡¯ll be really sad.¡±

    Linsey froze for a moment. ¡°No, Zenia. I¡¯m not giving him away. He¡¯s just staying there for a while.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Zenia looked up at her, tears spilling down her cheeks. ¡°But Gorman said Zander was sent to the bad guy and won¡¯t evere back. He also said you¡¯ll send me too if I¡¯m not good.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s chest ached. Her heart twisted as she saw Zenia cry like that. ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± she said firmly. She wiped Zenia¡¯s tears and added gently, ¡°You¡¯re such a good girl. I would never send you away. And Zander wille back. I promise.¡±

    Then, as she thought of Gorman¡¯s words, something in Linsey snapped. She wouldn¡¯t let him hurt Zenia again.

    After a quiet moment, Linsey brushed Zenia¡¯s cheek with her fingers and whispered, ¡°Zenia, can I tell you a secret? But you must keep it just between us. Don¡¯t tell anyone, okay?¡±

    Zenia nodded without hesitation. ¡°Okay. I won¡¯t tell.¡±

    Linsey smiled, leaned close, and whispered in her ear, ¡°Do you remember Collin? The one Caylee talked about? He¡¯s not a bad person. He¡¯s your dad. You¡¯re not a child without a father. Collin is, and Zander and you have a real dad.¡±

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    She watched Zenia¡¯s face closely after saying it. Zenia looked stunned. Her eyes widened in shock.

    ¡°Zenia? Are you alright?¡± Linsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Was Zenia upset?

    Zenia blinked quickly, then whispered, as if it were a secret, ¡°The man who took me to the police station¡­ Was that my dad?¡±

    Linsey froze, then smiled without meaning to.

    Linsey hadn¡¯t expected that the man who took Zenia to the police station was actually Collin.

    Now it all made sense. She finally understood why Zander had said it was ¡°the bad guy¡± who took Zenia away.

    A wave of realization hit her, mixed with emotions she couldn¡¯t quite name. The two kids had already been in contact with Collin without her knowing.

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s your father,¡± she said gently. After a brief pause, she added, ¡°That¡¯s why I sent Zander to him first. He¡¯ll be safe with his dad.¡±

    Zenia, who had been pouting earlier, suddenly forgot all her worries. She held in her excitement and whispered, ¡°Mommy, I¡¯ll keep the secret safe.¡±

    Linsey smiled and stroked her hair softly. ¡°That¡¯s my sweet girl. And listen, Gorman isn¡¯t who he used to be. The man you see now is someone you must be careful around. He¡¯s keeping us locked up, so don¡¯t trust anything he says. Mommy will find a way to get us out, alright?¡±

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 Chapter 892

    ?Chapter 892:

    Zenia¡¯s eyes widened in shock, but she nodded. She trusted Linsey with all her heart. To her, only Mommy and Zander were truly good. So if Linsey said it, it had to be true.

    Soon, Zenia drifted off to sleep in her arms, her breathing calm and peaceful. Watching her, Linsey felt her own heart settle. No matter what, she had to stay strong. She couldn¡¯t let Gorman shake her resolve.

    That was when she realized¡ªGorman had taken Caylee¡¯s and her phones, as well as Zenia¡¯s watch. But if someone on the outside noticed something was wrong, that might be their chance.

    Right now, the most important thing was finding a way to contact the outside world.

    In all of Grester, the only person who could challenge Gorman was probably Collin.

    Even if Collin was really nning to marry Haven, Linsey believed that if he knew Zenia was still with Gorman, he wouldn¡¯t sit back and do nothing.

    And as for who would get custody of the children¡­ That could be decided after they were safe.

    ¡°That¡¯s the situation. I spoke with Linsey this morning and arranged for her and Zenia to move into one of my properties. It¡¯s in a gated neighborhood with tight security. Without an ess card, no one can get in¡ªnot even Gorman,¡± Dolores said, her tone serious.

    She paused, then frowned. ¡°But now, it looks like Gorman found out ahead of time and took them before they could leave.¡±

    ¡°That bastard! He was a menace four years ago, and now he¡¯s crossing the line again! What¡¯s he trying to do¡ªlock Linsey up?¡± Dustin shot to his feet, furious. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough! I¡¯m heading straight to the Green family¡¯s residence to drag him out myself!¡±

    ??¦Á???????? §ã????¦Ñ???????? ??¦Á??????¦Í??????©q?????

    Collin stopped him coldly. ¡°I already checked. Gorman doesn¡¯t live there anymore. If you show up now, it¡¯ll be for nothing¡ªand it might tip him off.¡±

    Dolores¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Collin, are you even trying? I thought you¡¯d changed, but you¡¯re still as useless as you were back then. Aren¡¯t you the founder of CR Corporation? What are you so afraid of? If I were you, I¡¯d flip all of Grester upside down to find Gorman!¡±

    As soon as Dolores finished speaking, the air in the room turned still. Dustin¡¯s pulse thundered in his ears. He stared at Dolores, stunned, unable to believe what had juste out of her mouth.

    Without thinking, he reached out and clutched her wrist, urging her with a firm grip to stop before she went too far¡ªbefore she provoked Collin into something no one could undo.

    In Grester, no one spoke to Collin that way.

    But Dolores? She seemed born without the instinct for fear, at least where Linsey was concerned.

    Dustin¡¯s mind raced. Trying to salvage the moment, he forced a smile and spoke with a cheer that sounded too light for the room¡¯s tension. ¡°All right, all right, let¡¯s not argue. What matters is that we know Gorman has Linsey and Zenia. Now we just need a n to get them back.¡±

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 Chapter 893

    ?Chapter 893:

    But before Collin could say a word, Dolores yanked her arm from Dustin¡¯s grasp and snapped, her voiceced with ice, ¡°A n? Look at him! Do you see any urgency in his face? He¡¯s not even trying to save them.¡± She tossed a pointed, frosty nce toward Collin, her eyes gleaming with usation. ¡°In my opinion,¡± she said, her voice sharp, ¡°his head is filled with Haven right now. They¡¯re about to get married, after all.¡±

    Her eyes locked onto Collin, and her voice grew more cutting with every syble. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re the father of Linsey¡¯s children. But that does not mean Linsey wants you back. I never said she did. And you¡ªalready engaged in an arranged marriage¡ªneed to stop feeding her fantasies. Even if she survives Gorman, nothing changes. So do not even think about using this to seduce her into bing your mistress.¡±

    The words hung in the air like smoke¡ªcaustic, unrelenting. Dustin flinched. He tried to interject, desperate to cool the rising heat. ¡°Dolores, that¡¯s a misunderstanding. There¡¯s absolutely nothing going on between Collin and Haven¡ª¡±

    But Collin stood abruptly, his chair scraping back with quiet finality. Though his face remained unreadable, something cold shifted behind his eyes. ¡°This is not the time for personal exnations,¡± he said, his voice controlled and calm, almost too calm.

    Instead of rising to Dolores¡¯ challenge, he addressed her with polite distance. ¡°Zander trusts you, and so do I. Keep him safe. Dustin and I will take care of the rescue.¡±

    And just like that, the subject was dismissed.

    Stay tuned for more g??lno¦Íe??s.c?m

    Dolores blinked, taken aback. For a moment, she almost thought he was deliberately dodging her usations. But even she couldn¡¯t argue with his reasoning. Linsey and Zenia were in danger, and time was not on their side. Emotions could wait. Action could not.

    Still, as Collin and Dustin headed out, Dolores clenched her fists behind her back. The determination in her gut tightened into resolve.

    Once Linsey was safe, she would make sure she saw through Collin. He would not get into her head again.

    The ck sedan pulled away from the estate and melted into the city¡¯sbyrinth of streets. Inside, Collin and Dustin sat in a silence heavy with thought.

    Not long after, a subordinate, behind the wheel, spoke up. ¡°Mr. Riley, we¡¯ve checked every lead. Gorman¡¯s trail went cold after he left the hotel with Ms. Brooks this morning. He switched vehicles several times. We scoured thest location, but found nothing.¡±

    Dustin exhaled slowly, jaw tight. ¡°That bastard nned this too well. Even our best men cannot track him down.¡±

    Next to him, Collin¡¯s eyes darkened. He turned the ring on his left finger with deliberate care, his thoughts hidden beneath a cold exterior. A beat of silence passed. Then, he said in a low voice, ¡°We will find him. It is only a matter of time.¡±

    Dustin nced sideways at him, sensing something deeper beneath Collin¡¯s calm. ¡°What¡¯s our next move?¡±

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 Chapter 894

    ?Chapter 894:

    Collin paused briefly, then gave a firm directive. ¡°Get someone to keep an eye on Haven. I want to know what she¡¯s been up totely.¡±

    The unexpectedmand left Dustinpletely thrown off. He had no clue why Collin would suddenly bring Haven into the conversation.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the subordinate replied without hesitation.

    The subordinate never challenged Collin¡¯s decisions, but Dustin couldn¡¯t help the uncertainty building in his chest.

    Trying to make sense of it, he asked, ¡°You think this has something to do with Haven?¡±

    Collin didn¡¯t look at him. His eyes stayed fixed ahead, calm and focused. ¡°If I¡¯m right, Gorman will need Haven soon. And if we¡¯re watching her closely, it might just lead us to him.¡±

    The morning sun had barely risen when Linsey opened her eyes. Still curled up in her arms, Zenia slept soundly, her tiny breaths slow and steady.

    Moving carefully, Linsey slipped out from under the covers, doing her best not to stir the sleeping little girl as she tiptoed out of the room. Caylee was already up, so Linsey quietly used the bathroom in her room to wash up.

    ¡°Linsey, I swear I didn¡¯t say a word to Mr. Green about us leaving. I don¡¯t even know how he found out or managed to get to you first,¡± Caylee said as soon as she saw Linsey, her voiceced with guilt.

    Even after Linsey stood up for her in front of Gorman and made it clear she trusted her, Caylee still couldn¡¯t let go of the guilt weighing on her. She kept wondering if all of this could have been avoided if only she had turned down Gorman from the start.

    ?o?.sl??ou??? uo s??s?? l??????o

    Caylee couldn¡¯t shake the guilt that clung to her. Deep down, she knew her choices had yed a role in trapping Linsey and Zenia in Gorman¡¯s grasp.

    Picking up on Caylee¡¯s distress, Linsey offered a calm voice offort. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t carry this burden. I know this wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    A taunting smile curled at the corners of Linsey¡¯s mouth as memories of Gorman¡¯s schemes resurfaced. ¡°He used your grandmother¡¯s surgery money to control you, all while using you to watch my every move. If it hadn¡¯t been you, he would¡¯ve found someone else to y his game.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s expression dimmed as she continued, her tone quieter now. ¡°Don¡¯t forget. It was Gorman who helped me book that hotel in the first ce.¡±

    Looking back, it became painfully clear. The moment Linsey called the front desk about checking out, Gorman must have realized what she was nning. That was how he managed to show up at the hotel entrance right on time, prepared to stop her in her tracks.

    Caylee stood there in silence, stunned by the realization. Gorman¡¯s maniption ran deeper than she had imagined.

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 Chapter 895

    ?Chapter 895:

    After gathering her thoughts, she leaned in and whispered, ¡°I noticed something yesterday. There aren¡¯t any phones or Inte ess here. We¡¯repletely cut off. If we could somehow get a message to Ms. Davidson or the police, we might be safe.¡±

    Linsey didn¡¯t immediately shoot down Caylee¡¯s idea, but her eyes darkened with doubt. With the kind of power Gorman held, she doubted the police could do much, let alone Dolores.

    And after everything Dolores had done to get herpany back on its feet, thest thing Linsey wanted was to pull her into this dangerous mess.

    Truthfully, Linsey had someone else in mind¡ªsomeone she trusted more than the police or even Dolores when it came to asking for help.

    But Caylee had a point. First and foremost, they had to find a way to reach the outside world. Without that, any n would fall apart before it even began.

    Quietly, Linsey said, ¡°You¡¯re right. For now, we need to keep our heads down and stay alert. Once the timing¡¯s right, we¡¯ll make our move.¡±

    Caylee gave a quick nod. ¡°Got it. I won¡¯t do anything reckless.¡±

    Just as Linsey and Caylee stepped into the hallway, a servant approached with a polite smile. ¡°Ms. Brooks, someone¡¯s here to see you.¡± The moment she heard those words, Linsey grew cautious instead of feeling pleasantly surprised.

    Considering where she was, she couldn¡¯t imagine anyone casually dropping by to visit, especially not at Gorman¡¯s ce. Whoever it was had to be someone she knew. More importantly, they had to be someone Gorman trusted enough to let through the door. Otherwise, there was no way they would have been allowed in.

    Explore g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s for fresh content

    Linsey¡¯s brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of it. ¡°Okay, I¡¯lle down now.¡±

    Before heading off, she turned to Caylee. ¡°Can you go back to my room? If Zenia wakes up and finds no one there, she might panic.¡±

    Worry flickered in Caylee¡¯s eyes as she tightened her lips. ¡°Do you want me toe downstairs with you, Linsey?¡±

    Linsey offered a soft smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Just stay with Zenia. That¡¯ll ease my mind more than anything.¡±

    She had finally managed to calm Zenia yesterday, and she wasn¡¯t about to let anyone from Gorman¡¯s people upset the child again. With no better option, Caylee gave in to Linsey¡¯s request and quietly stepped back into the room to stay with Zenia.

    After watching Caylee quietly shut the door behind her, Linsey turned and headed down the stairs.

    In the living room below, a woman sat calmly with her back facing Linsey.

    Linsey¡¯s chest tightened for a moment as a certain face shed through her mind. The woman on the couch turned her head at the sound of approaching footsteps.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Ms. Brooks,¡± Haven said with a graceful smile. Even from where she stood, Linsey immediately spotted the ne glinting against Haven¡¯s neck¡ªthe unmistakable Star of the Desert.

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 Chapter 896

    ?Chapter 896:

    That same piece had sold for a staggering 2.7 billion dors at the charity auction, with Collin cing the final bid. Now, it rested around Haven¡¯s neck like it had always belonged there.

    Though Linsey¡¯s world revolved around fashion design, she knew enough about fine jewelry to recognize the piece instantly. One nce was all it took to confirm it: this was definitely the same Star of the Desert from that night.

    For a brief moment, Linsey remained frozen, a quiet scoff echoing in her mind. She didn¡¯t know why she needed to be sure. Everyone already knew Collin had purchased the Star of the Desert for Haven during the charity auction. Collin had offered it freely, and Haven had every right to wear what had been gifted to her.

    Pushing down the emotions threatening to surface, Linsey calmed herself, walked forward, and took a seat across from Haven in a single chair.

    ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Walton?¡± Linsey asked, her eyes fixed calmly on Haven¡¯s graceful posture.

    Haven let out a soft smile, her voice smooth and deliberate, carrying the effortless grace of someone well-versed in high society. ¡°Thest time we crossed paths, you never got the chance to introduce yourself. It was only afterward that Collin mentioned you were his ex-wife¡ªand quite the celebrated designer in Grester, too.¡±

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Linsey asked, her tone even and unreadable. She met Haven¡¯s gaze with calm indifference. The moment Haven noticed Linsey¡¯s unreadable expression, a flicker of irritation passed through her eyes.

    Haven¡¯s dislike for Linsey wasn¡¯t new; it had taken root long before they had ever officially met. In Haven¡¯s mind, if Linsey hadn¡¯t left Collin at the altar, Linsey never would have had the chance to be his wife.

    galno¦Í?ls is your update source

    But what stung more was the truth Haven couldn¡¯t ignore: Collin had genuinely loved Linsey. Even though four years had passed since the divorce, Haven could still see how much Linsey meant to Collin.

    It wasn¡¯t only what Collin had said to her during the banquet that bothered her. It was the way Collin had repeatedly, whether intentionally or not, stepped in to protect Linsey. She recalled that moment at the restaurant, how Collin had downyed Linsey¡¯s identity, like she wasn¡¯t someone Haven needed to know.

    To her, it felt like Collin didn¡¯t think she was important enough to even be properly introduced to Linsey. Then there was the allergy incident. Collin had taken Linsey to the hospital himself, and Haven had only learned about it muchter. Honestly, if Gorman hadn¡¯t told her the truth, Haven would have remained unaware for a little while longer.

    Haven had a strong suspicion that Collin was the reason Joanne came up empty-handed when trying to dig up anything on Linsey. He must have gone out of his way to keep her background buried.

    As the thought settled, a calmer expression reced the tension on Haven¡¯s face.

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 Chapter 897

    ?Chapter 897:

    Wearing a polite smile, she said, ¡°I hope I¡¯m not intruding. I heard you¡¯re engaged to Gorman, and I wanted to stop by and offer my congrattions. I even brought a few gifts for the asion.¡±

    Haven then gestured gracefully toward a table, where a selection of carefully arranged presents awaited.

    Linsey barely nced at them. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Walton,¡± she said coolly.

    Linsey¡¯s tone remained courteous, but something in her manner seemed off, and Haven could feel it.

    Still, remembering what Gorman had told her beforehand, she carried on in a gentle tone. ¡°Funny how life works, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s almost like fate decided we should meet.¡±

    Linsey looked Haven in the eye, her voice steady. ¡°And what makes you say that?¡±

    With a poised smile, Haven replied, ¡°Collin and I are nning to get marriedter this year, if everything goes as expected.¡± For a split second, Linsey¡¯s expression faltered.

    Haven caught it instantly, and her smile stretched just a bit wider. With deliberate subtlety, Linsey allowed a trace of sorrow to seep into her expression. Her gaze dropped slightly, and the sadness behind her eyes felt genuine, even if it wasn¡¯t.

    For a moment, even Haven was caught off guard by the emotional weight in Linsey¡¯s face.

    Though she sneered inwardly, Haven put on an innocent face, feigning confusion, and tilted her head as she asked sweetly, ¡°Ms. Brooks, aren¡¯t you going to wish Collin and me well?¡±

    ?????????????? ????????????: ?????????¦Í???????????????

    Linsey shifted her gaze away, her voice edged with a chill tone. ¡°Is my blessing really necessary?¡±

    Without waiting for a response, she added tly, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, Ms. Walton, I think I¡¯ll excuse myself. I¡¯ll head upstairs.¡± She turned to leave, not bothering to wait for permission.

    But before she could step away, Gorman¡¯s voice floated in from the doorway, casual, yet loaded with intent. ¡°Linsey, your guest just got here, and you¡¯re already trying to send her off?¡±

    Though Linsey¡¯s expression stayedposed and frosty, her mind was anything but calm. This was exactly what she had anticipated. Gorman had clearly run out of patience.

    She didn¡¯t doubt for a second that Haven¡¯s visit had been carefully arranged by Gorman.

    Linsey understood exactly what Gorman expected from her, and she was more than willing to y along. Maybe, just maybe, putting on a convincing performance would buy her the opportunity she needed to break free.

    With her back still turned to the sound of Gorman¡¯s footsteps drawing closer, Linsey took a silent breath and prepared herself. By the time Gorman reached her, Linsey had already summoned tears. Her eyes shimmered, and her gaze held a quiet sorrow.

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 Chapter 898

    ?Chapter 898:

    The moment Gorman saw her like that, something twisted inside him. Jealousy wrapped tight around his chest, followed by a sharp pang of resentment. It stunned him to think that, after everything, Linsey still held feelings for Collin.

    Just the idea that Linsey was genuinely upset by news of Collin and Haven¡¯s uing wedding made Gorman seethe with anger. Fueled by spite, Gorman became determined to tear down whatever fragile hope Linsey might still be clinging to. She needed to understand that there would never be a future between her and Collin¡ªnot in this lifetime.

    With that bitter thought, a cold smirk tugged at Gorman¡¯s lips as he reached out and grabbed Linsey¡¯s wrist.

    Linsey tried to pull away, but Gorman tightened his hold, refusing to let go.

    ¡°Miss Walton is also getting married. Why don¡¯t you two try on your wedding dresses on the same day?¡± Gorman said with a steady gaze locked on Linsey, his smileced with quiet defiance and unwavering resolve. ¡°Besides, the dress I created for you has already been refined to perfection. Why not let her weigh in and tell us whether it fits you well?¡±

    Although the question seemed to be aimed at Linsey, Gorman wasn¡¯t actually waiting for her to answer. His gaze stayed on Linsey, yet he addressed Haven. ¡°What¡¯s your opinion, Miss Walton?¡±

    He paused for a moment, then casually shed a smile and added, ¡°Collin would definitely agree, no doubt about it.¡±

    .c¨®m is the source

    Catching on to what Gorman really meant, Haven gave a faint smile and answered in a calm voice, ¡°Of course he would. I¡¯ll let him know once I return.¡±

    She had already nned to update Collin about Gorman and Linsey¡¯s impending marriage and would try to convince him toe along and apany Linsey to try on her wedding dress.

    What Gorman truly wanted was to trick both Linsey and Collin into believing the other had moved on. He was confident Linsey would never directly ask Collin about it, given how she usually kept her feelings to herself. And Collin? He wouldn¡¯t get the chance to clear up the confusion with Linsey.

    As a result, the distance between them would only grow wider. Once Linsey became Gorman¡¯s wife, neither of them would be able to undo what had happened.

    When Gorman first pitched the idea, Haven wasn¡¯t entirely convinced it would work. It was hard for her to believe that a single mimunication could create such a rift between Linsey and Collin.

    Given how deeply Collin cared for Linsey, Haven doubted he would simply back down, even if Linsey went through with marrying Gorman. Still, she went along with Gorman¡¯s scheme because she had her own n to fall back on.

    And with that thought, Haven¡¯s smile remained warm, though something far colder flickered in her eyes.

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 Chapter 899

    ?Chapter 899:

    Haven didn¡¯t stick around for long and made her way out shortly after. Just before stepping into the car, she nced back at the vi onest time.

    To her, it felt like Gorman had locked Linsey away in a luxurious prison.

    She hadn¡¯t noticed until now how isted Gorman¡¯s home truly was.

    As soon as she got inside the car, her phone rang. It was Joanne calling.

    ¡°Haven, I took care of everything you asked. She¡¯s right here with me. Want to say something to her?¡±

    A brief sh of disdain crossed Haven¡¯s face. ¡°No need for that. I don¡¯t waste my time talking to people from prison. Just ry the message.¡± Letting out a slow, unbothered sigh, she added, ¡°Tell her to think hard about who got her locked up and who ruined the life she once boasted about. Since there¡¯s nothing left for her anyway, she might as well take this shot at revenge and get rid of the one we both despise.¡±

    Joanne gave a shortugh. ¡°Rx. If anything, she probably hates Linsey more than you do. She¡¯ll get the job done, beautifully.¡±

    As soon as Haven stepped out of the vi, Linsey turned and made her way upstairs.

    To her surprise, Gorman had already predicted she would try to walk away and pulled her back without hesitation.

    With Gorman¡¯s firm grip on her shoulder, he forced Linsey to sit beside him, leaving her unable to pull away.

    Continue reading at g?????¦Ï¦Í??????. c o??

    ¡°Gorman! Let go of me!¡± she snapped, trying to fight him off. Her eyes were puffy and red, filled with fury as she red at him.

    Still, Linsey kept her voice low, knowing Zenia was resting in the room above.

    Meanwhile, Gorman kept smiling at Linsey, though his gaze wasced with a chilling intensity that made her skin crawl.

    Gorman opened his mouth and spoke slowly. ¡°Linsey, I¡¯ve always respected your choices. I never forced anything because I hoped¡­ one day, you¡¯de to me on your own.¡±

    He paused, and when he spoke again, his voice was low, heavy with bitterness. ¡°But what did I get for waiting all these years?¡±

    A bitter smile tugged at his lips. His tone turned cold. ¡°All I ever got was your distance¡­ and disgust.¡±

    Linsey clenched her jaw. Her voice was firm, unshaken. ¡°Gorman, I told you a long time ago¡ªI have no feelings for you. You¡¯re the one forcing things.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Gorman suddenly snapped, his voice thundering. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m the stubborn one! I won¡¯t give up until I win your heart!¡±

    Linsey flinched, her heart racing wildly. She couldn¡¯t catch her breath, and her brows knitted together as confusion clouded her eyes. She didn¡¯t understand his obsession.

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 Chapter 900

    Chapter 900:

    There were so many beautiful women in the world¡ªwomen better than her. And with Gorman¡¯s looks and status, he could have anyone. Yet still, he wanted her. She simply couldn¡¯t figure it out.

    Gorman read her expression like a book.

    He let out a cold scoff, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Why can¡¯t you see me, Linsey? I¡¯d do anything for you. I¡¯d even treat your children with Collin like my own. But you? You won¡¯t even let me in. And now, you¡¯ve barely returned to Grester, and you¡¯re already thinking of going back to Collin¡­¡±

    His eyes darkened with resentment. But he quickly wiped the emotion from his face and spoke calmly. ¡°What a shame. So what if you still have feelings for him? You gave Zander to Collin yourself, but it won¡¯t make any difference.¡±

    He smiled as if nothing had happened, reaching out with his other hand to run his fingers through her hair.

    Linsey stiffened. Every part of her rejected his touch. She tried to pull back, but he held her tightly, giving her no room to move.

    ¡°You saw it, didn¡¯t you?¡± Gorman¡¯s voice was soft, almost like a lover¡¯s whisper. But his words were sharp as knives. ¡°Collin spent a fortune on the Star of the Desert. And now? It¡¯s hanging around Haven¡¯s neck. I heard it¡¯s a birthday gift from him to her.¡±

    Color drained from Linsey¡¯s face. Her breath hitched as she whispered, ¡°You called her here on purpose.¡±

    Gorman chuckled, amused. ¡°Of course I did. Why would I argue? Without me, do you think Haven could have shown up here?¡±

    He paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°Anyway, since you¡¯ve already sent Zander to Collin, it should¡¯ve been easy for him to find you. But tell me¡ªwhy hasn¡¯t hee?¡±

    Linsey slowly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were red with emotion. ¡°Because he¡¯s marrying Haven. I don¡¯t matter to him anymore.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s hands curled into fists. ¡°For the record, I never nned to send Zander to Collin. He¡¯s my son. I would never hand him over to a man I can¡¯t stand.¡±

    That much, Gorman didn¡¯t bother disputing. He had spent enough time around Linsey to know that there wasn¡¯t a chance she would have sent Zander to Collin.

    He had told Caylee to poison the kids¡¯ perception of Collin, painting him as the one who had mistreated Linsey. But truthfully, the oue didn¡¯t trouble him in the slightest. Zander had never been someone he was fond of. In fact, seeing him leave Linsey¡¯s side made Gorman¡¯s life easier. Zenia, though, was a different matter. She resembled Linsey so closely that her presence didn¡¯t feel like an intrusion.

    And as long as one of the children stayed close, it gave him exactly what he wanted: something to hold over Linsey whenever necessary. Once the wedding went through, he figured the kids would matter less. They would have a family of their own eventually, and theseplications would fade.

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    Message from Noah: Hope you have a great day dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ??(£Þ?£Þ)??

    .

 Chapter 901

    ?Chapter 901:

    The thought pulled a quiet chuckle from Gorman¡¯s lips as he abruptly let go of her arm.

    An instinctive urge to bolt shed through Linsey¡¯s body. Before she could act on it, his voice drifted toward her¡ªsmooth, deliberate. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know the truth?¡±

    Her steps halted, suspicion rising in her eyes. ¡°What truth?¡±

    Gorman studied her face and spoke slowly, each word deliberate. ¡°I¡¯m talking about whether Collin shows up with Haven to try on wedding dresses. If he does, it means your engagement to me means nothing to him. If he stays away, it only proves he¡¯s finished with you. He won¡¯t even look your way.¡±

    A faint smirk tugged at Linsey¡¯s lips as she replied, ¡°So by your logic, no matter what he does, it means he¡¯s done with me. What¡¯s the point in watching it happen?¡±

    Thatment drew a subtle lift of Gorman¡¯s brow. ¡°If Collin still carries even a shred of feeling for you, he¡¯ll show up before I take you to try on dresses. Haven¡¯s already here today, and with the kind of pull Collin has, there¡¯s no way he wouldn¡¯t be able to track this ce down.¡±

    His reasoning wasn¡¯t lost on her. It was sound¡ªpainfully so.

    Earlier, she had exchanged a few words with Haven not out of civility, but in hopes that she would sense something was wrong¡­ and say something to Collin.

    Whether Haven passed along that hint or not, Linsey believed the truth would eventually reach Collin¡ªthat she and Zenia were being held against their will.

    ?????????????? ???????????????? ????????: ??????????¦Í??????.??????

    Besides, Zander was still staying at Collin¡¯s home. And knowing her son, Linsey had no doubt he would plead with Collin to do something. The only thing she couldn¡¯t predict was whether Collin would be able to track them to this exact location.

    After spending a full day inside, Linsey had started to suspect that this wasn¡¯t Gorman¡¯s usual property at all.

    ¡°I see,¡± she murmured, her eyes dropping to the floor as her tone softened.

    From the sofa, Gorman watched as she quietly climbed the stairs. He didn¡¯t move until her figure disappeared from view.

    Eventually, he rose and made his way into the study off the main hall. It wasn¡¯t long before Danny arrived, voice confident andposed.

    ¡°Mr. Green, everything¡¯s handled. We¡¯ve rerouted Haven¡¯s car more than once, and some of the surveince on her route has been tampered with. Even if Collin had her followed, they won¡¯t be able to trace us here.¡±

    Gorman¡¯s lips curled with satisfaction. ¡°Even with Collin¡¯s influence and resources, we can stay hidden for a while. He¡¯ll find this ce eventually, but dying for a few days is enough. My goal is simple¡ªmake Linseypletely give up on Collin.¡±

    On the other side of town, Collin¡¯s subordinate gave his report. ¡°Mr. Riley, Ms. Walton¡¯s movements yesterday were routine¡ªjust traveling between the mall and her home. Nothing unusual caught our attention. We still can¡¯t pinpoint Gorman¡¯s hideout. He¡¯s covering his tracks well, and hasn¡¯t seemed to venture out at all.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 902

    ?Chapter 902:

    Collin¡¯s face darkened with concern. ¡°When everything looks normal, that¡¯s exactly what worries me most.¡±

    After a thoughtful moment, he asked, ¡°Have you looked into those isted neighborhoods on the edges of Grester?¡±

    His subordinate paused before responding. ¡°You think Gorman might have taken Ms. Brooks out of the city?¡±

    Standing nearby, Dustin chimed in with surprise. ¡°Collin, isn¡¯t Gorman the type who craves luxury? How would he stand living somewhere so remote? The outskirts are crawling with all sorts of shady characters. Would he really expose Linsey to that?¡±

    ¡°What if staying hidden matters more to him right now thanfort?¡± Collin responded quietly.

    Dustin fell silent, struck by the possibility. He couldn¡¯t wrap his mind around Gorman hiding Linsey in such poor surroundings just to disappear for a short while. The reasoning behind such a movepletely escaped him.

    ¡°There¡¯s no record of Gorman buying tickets at any station, airport, or harbor in Grester,¡± the subordinate exined, frustration etched on his face. ¡°If he¡¯s truly not in the city, those remote, rundown areas might be our best bet. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll send our people to gather information there right away.¡±

    Collin¡¯s voice hardened with urgency. ¡°Grester¡¯s outskirts teem with a shifting, diverse poption that willplicate our search considerably. Deploy additional teams and locate Gorman with the utmost haste.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on it.¡±

    ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ??????????¦Í??????[.]??????

    After the subordinate departed, Dustin released a frustrated curse under his breath. ¡°What twisted purpose drives Gorman to such desperate measures¡ªsnatching Linsey and her daughter away? Is he deluded enough to think forced proximity will lead to marriage?¡±

    Collin responded with grave intensity, ¡°Gorman understands all too well that Linsey detests such maniption. He must be wielding other pressures against her will. Whatever his methods, finding Linsey swiftly remains our imperative.¡±

    Dustin observed the shadow of concern darkening Collin¡¯s features and felt a profound weight settle in his chest. Thebyrinth ofplications between Collin and Linsey seemed woven into the very fabric of their lives. He harbored a genuine hope that after weathering this storm, they might finally engage in honest conversation and cease their perpetual dance of missed connections.

    Suddenly, another knock echoed through the office door.

    A subordinate entered and announced, ¡°Mr. Riley, Mr. Wade, Ms. Walton has arrived.¡±

    At this news, Collin exchanged a nce with Dustin, each recognizing the significance reflected in the other¡¯s eyes. They both understood that Haven¡¯s perfectly timed appearance might deliver the crucial intelligence they needed about Linsey¡¯s situation.

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 Chapter 903

    ?Chapter 903:

    ¡°Let her in,¡± Collin said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Momentster, Haven glided through the doorway, an exquisite lunch box cradled in her hands. Her eyes widened with genuine surprise at the unexpected presence. ¡°I hadn¡¯t anticipated finding you here as well, Mr. Wade. Had I known, I would have prepared additional refreshments.¡±

    Dustin arched a single eyebrow, his response deliberately casual. ¡°Think nothing of it, Ms. Walton.¡±

    Without a flicker of surprise, Collin cast a calm look in Haven¡¯s direction. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    With practiced elegance, Haven set thecquered lunch box on the table, slowly lifting the lid to reveal a neat arrangement of pastries. ¡°You¡¯ve been working nonstop. I figured you could use something sweet to take the edge off.¡±

    His fingers reached for a nearby document, flipping it open. ¡°That¡¯s thoughtful of you, but you should be spending more time with your family.¡±

    Collin¡¯s polite tone didn¡¯t fool her. They both knew the pastries weren¡¯t the real reason she came. Never once had she shown up during his working hours before now.

    Still, Haven remained poised, her smile unfazed by his cool response. Men like Collin, in her view, weren¡¯t the type to show their cards easily. His stoic nature didn¡¯t intimidate her. In fact, it made sense to her that someone so driven would be emotionally restrained. She might have trusted him less if he had been overly warm. The greater the distance, the more intrigued she became.

    ?????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???? g????????¦Í?????????????

    Rather than pressing the pastries on him, Haven kept her tone casual. ¡°Since Mr. Wade is also present, I thought it¡¯d be the perfect time to share something worth celebrating. Gorman Green¡¯s getting married. He¡¯s taking his fianc¨¦e dress shoppingter this afternoon, and I n to join them for the asion. Collin, would youe along?¡±

    Her invitation sparked a subtle shift in the expressions of both Collin and Dustin, just enough to be noticeable.

    Then, as if dropping the final card, she smiled and added, ¡°Oh, and the fianc¨¦e¡¯s name is Linsey Brooks. You know her, don¡¯t you?¡±

    At this point, Haven was already clear on who Linsey really was. Still, when speaking to Collin, she chose to y innocent, acting as though she was unaware of Linsey¡¯s past. In this way, if something happened to Linseyter, Collin wouldn¡¯t immediately tie it back to her.

    The moment Haven spoke her name, Collin¡¯s eyes darkened, emotion rippling beneath the surface.

    Just as he had suspected, Linsey had fallen into Gorman¡¯s grasp. Collin figured that if Linsey truly wanted to marry Gorman, there would be no reason to keep her hidden. Obviously, she was being forced.

    It was also clear to him that Gorman hadn¡¯t sent Haven by ident. He had used her to deliver the message, just in case Collin hadn¡¯t yet caught wind of their so-called wedding.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 904

    ?Chapter 904:

    ¡°Linsey Brooks?¡± Dustin turned toward Haven, his eyebrows drawn together. ¡°You didn¡¯t know she¡¯s Collin¡¯s ex-wife? I figured that wasmon knowledge around Grester.¡±

    The subtle shift in Haven¡¯s expression didn¡¯t go unnoticed. She had assumed Collin would keep that detail under wraps. After all, during theirst shared dinner, no one had introduced Linsey by name, let alone exined who she truly was.

    Dustin¡¯s sudden openness caught her slightly off guard. For a brief second, Haven wasn¡¯t sure what to make of their shift in tone. Still, she didn¡¯t linger on it. She had already done what she came to do¡ªdrop the news, and that was enough. In her mind, Collin would naturally assume Linsey had agreed to marry Gorman of her own choice.

    And once that seed was nted, she expected it to take root and grow into distance. Especially with the next phase of her n already in motion, she was confident. Even if Collin still held onto Linsey emotionally, circumstances would push him to let go.

    ¡°His ex-wife?¡± Haven echoed with a soft smile, her eyes sliding toward Collin. ¡°He¡¯s mentioned her once or twice, but I never got the chance to know much about her.¡±

    After a brief pause, Haven adopted a polite, almost apologetic tone. ¡°Collin, I didn¡¯t know earlier. It seems you won¡¯t be able to join me to see Ms. Brooks try on wedding dresses.¡±

    Collin didn¡¯t flinch. His face remained unreadable, and his voice carried a cool edge. ¡°Given our rocky past, and the fact she¡¯s about to marry someone else, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s my ce to be there.¡±

    Without missing a beat, Dustin added his agreement. ¡°Right, plus we¡¯ve got a key meeting this afternoon. There¡¯s barely time to attend our own events, let alone someone else¡¯s bridal fitting. Besides, we and the Green family haven¡¯t exactly been friendly. It¡¯s doubtful we¡¯ll even get invited to Gorman¡¯s wedding.¡±

    ???????? ???? ???????????????? ???????? ?g???????¦Í?????????????

    A soft smile curved Haven¡¯s lips as she replied gently, ¡°That¡¯s okay. I understand.¡±

    Sensing the right moment, she rose from her seat and spoke with practiced grace. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll let you get back to work. Please enjoy the snacks I brought.¡±

    Then, with a parting smile, she exited the office, and the quiet click of the door signaled her departure.

    Momentster, an assistant stepped inside and leaned closer, whispering, ¡°Ms. Brooks has left.¡±

    Dustin turned to Collin with a look of gravity. ¡°What¡¯s the n now?¡±

    Collin took a breath, letting a few seconds pass before responding. His voice was low andmanding. ¡°Send a team to follow Haven. We need to know exactly where Gorman¡¯s taking Linsey to try on wedding dresses. And keep digging. Locate Gorman¡¯s hidden residence. If he brings Linsey out this afternoon, there¡¯s a good chance the child will be left behind. Make sure the child is protected.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it immediately,¡± Dustin said with a firm nod, already preparing to move.

    Sure enough, by two in the afternoon, Gorman emerged from the vi with Linsey in tow¡ªher first time outside in two days.

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 Chapter 905

    ?Chapter 905:

    Only after the car had left the property did Linsey realize that Gorman had deliberately chosen a remote residential district in Grester to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

    As they neared the base of the mountain, the streets became noticeably livelier, the crowd swelling with every block.

    From her window, Linsey scanned the scene¡ªpeople moved in waves, and rows of weathered apartment buildings lined the street, overwhelming the view with their closeness and noise.

    Amidst the chaos, Gorman had somehow managed to find a spacious vi, carefully tucked away from the hustle and bustle.

    ¡°What¡¯s caught your eye?¡± Gorman asked casually, his tone almost yful. ¡°You¡¯re not secretly nning an escape, are you? Zenia¡¯s still back at the house, waiting for us.¡±

    Those words hit Linsey like a cold wave. Her brows furrowed in concern. ¡°This area is packed with pickpockets and street gangs. Leaving Zenia and Caylee behind in a ce like this¡ª I don¡¯t feel right about it.¡±

    A calm smile tugged at his lips. ¡°You can rx. I¡¯ve stationed enough guards nearby. No one gets in without clearance. Zenia¡¯s well protected.¡±

    Then his eyes locked onto hers, the look behind them sharp with intent. ¡°Of course, that depends on you. As long as her motheres back on time, she¡¯ll remain perfectly safe.¡±

    There it was¡ªthe polite but pointed warning. The message was clear: she wasn¡¯t free to act.

    ?????????????? ?????????? ?????? galn??v??????£®??????

    Linsey lowered her gaze, her voice t. ¡°I¡¯m not reckless enough to risk that.¡±

    Without a reliable n in ce, she couldn¡¯t afford to jeopardize her daughter¡¯s safety, not even for a chance at freedom.

    The car rolled to a stop in front of an upscale bridal boutique, its windows gleaming like mirrors.

    Instinctively, Linsey reached for the handle, only to find the door still locked.

    All she could do was sit silently and watch as Gorman stepped out first, then circled around to her side to unlock and open the door himself.

    These past two days, he hadn¡¯t let her out of his sight for a second, as though he feared any moment could be her escape.

    Gorman gripped Linsey tightly by the wrist the moment she stepped out of the car. Linsey, resigned to her fate, didn¡¯t struggle against his hold.

    Before entering the bridal shop, she looked back but saw nothing unusual.

    Gorman noticed her nce and leaned in, his voice low. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you waiting for Collin toe rescue you?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s expression revealed nothing as she turned away. Indifferently, she replied, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking this. Didn¡¯t you say Collin wasn¡¯ting with Haven today because he¡¯s busy with work?¡±

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 Chapter 906

    ?Chapter 906:

    ¡°I¡¯m d you haven¡¯t forgotten,¡± Gorman said, his mood visibly lifting. ¡°Haven also mentioned that Collin felt it was inappropriate to appear before us due to how messy your divorce was four years ago.¡±

    It was then that Linsey realized what Gorman was trying to do with his words.

    He wanted to make her discard any lingering feelings for Collin. But there was one thing Linsey couldn¡¯t quite understand. Why did Gorman care who she had feelings for if he had already decided to force her into marrying him? Wasn¡¯t having her in name enough?

    Gorman and Linsey finally entered the bridal shop, several bodyguards following closely behind.

    Across the street, a woman watched Linsey intently. Her eyes burned with hatred so palpable it could almost be felt.

    ¡°You just wait, Linsey. I¡¯ll make sure you suffer for ruining my life!¡± Kylee muttered to herself, her anger boiling over. She smashed the coffee cup she was holding onto the table.

    Then, reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a knife.

    Four years. She had spent four years in prison.

    ?????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? g???????¦Í??????????????

    No one knew how much she had suffered.

    And it was all Linsey¡¯s fault!

    Why? Why did Linsey get to be lucky?

    Even after Collin dumped her, she still managed to charm Gorman.

    This was unfair!

    With that thought in mind, Kylee was breathing hard, her veins standing out in her neck and forehead from the intensity of her rage. Today, she would take her revenge on Linsey.

    On the second floor of the bridal shop, in the VIP lounge, Linsey stood in an exquisite wedding gown. Her hair had been perfectly styled by the shop¡¯s stylist, highlighting her delicate features.

    ¡°The bride is truly beautiful. In all my years working here, I¡¯ve never met a bride as stunning as she,¡± the stylist said, trying to tter Gorman. ¡°You are truly fortunate to marry such a beautiful bride, Mr. Green.¡±

    Gorman beamed at thepliment.

    Being associated with Linsey always gave him a satisfaction and joy he couldn¡¯t fully exin.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done an excellent job with the wedding dress,¡± Gorman said to the stylist.

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Green.¡±

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 Chapter 907

    ?Chapter 907:

    Linsey, however, barely paid attention to any of the conversation. Her gaze remained fixed on her reflection in the mirror, lost in her own thoughts.

    Linsey stared at her reflection, the silence thick around her, the ivory fabric floating like a memory. Then, a vision from five years ago appeared in her mind: her first meeting with Collin.

    That day, she had worn a wedding gown as well. It hadn¡¯t been asvish or intricately crafted as the one she wore now, but it had etched itself deeper into her heart than any designerbel ever could.

    From nearby, Gorman¡¯s gaze shifted toward Linsey. Something about her quiet poise in that moment melted the coldness that had settled in his heart over the past few days. Despite everything, Linsey remained the woman he dreamed of building a life with. No matter how tense things had been, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to be cold toward her now.

    Suppressing a sigh, Gorman stepped closer, gently taking herce-gloved hand in his. His voice softened as he murmured, ¡°Linsey, my parents are visiting Grester in a few days. They¡¯re thrilled about the wedding. You know they¡¯ve always liked you¡ªand once we¡¯re married, they¡¯ll treat you like their own daughter.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes refocused, and without sparing him a nce, she pulled her hand away. ¡°I¡¯ve tried it on. Let¡¯s just go,¡± she said, her brow slightly furrowed in impatience.

    An awkward silence settled over the room. The few people nearby could sense the tension in the air. There was no mistaking it; this woman didn¡¯t seem eager to marry.

    Step into fiction with  .

    The softness in Gorman¡¯s expression faltered for a moment. Then, with forcedposure, he managed a strained smile and reached for her hand once more.

    ¡°Wait, not yet,¡± he said, keeping his tone light. ¡°You haven¡¯t seen me in my suit.¡±

    Fixing his eyes on her, Gorman refused to look away. ¡°You¡¯re a designer. Shouldn¡¯t you help your fianc¨¦ decide if his wedding look is worthy of standing beside you?¡±

    Without another word, Gorman let go of her hand and walked toward the fitting room.

    Behind him, Linsey watched his retreating figure, her frown deepening. Was he really so confident that he could just casually try on his suit?

    A sudden realization struck her¡ªthe entire first floor of the boutique was swarming with Gorman¡¯s people. And with her in that voluminous wedding gown, there was no way she could make a clean escape.

    More than that, Zenia and Caylee were still under his control. Running was simply not an option.

    Frustration clenched in her chest as Linsey bit her lip, the weight of powerlessness pressing down on her. For a brief moment, the image of Haven¡¯s elegant silhouette adorned in the Star of the Desert shed through her thoughts.

    She had to face the truth.

    If Collin had truly intended to save her, he would have acted by now. He had the means. He had the power. Yet, he had turned down Haven¡¯s invitation. He hadn¡¯t even set foot here.

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 Chapter 908

    ?Chapter 908:

    Whatever n she held onto, it had toe from her¡ªand no one else.

    With that resolve, Linsey gathered the heavy skirt of her gown, steeling herself to return to the fitting room and change back into her own clothes.

    But just as she was about to step forward, a clear, graceful voice rang out from behind her. ¡°Ms. Brooks, I hope I didn¡¯t miss too much?¡±

    Instinctively, Linsey¡¯s breath hitched, and a flicker of light briefly ignited in her eyes¡ªhope, fleeting but radiant.

    As she turned, her gaze met only Haven¡ªno one else hade with her.

    Linsey quickly steadied her expression, responding withposed grace, ¡°You¡¯re right on time.¡±

    It hadn¡¯t been her decision to invite Haven here in the first ce. But when Haven caught sight of Linsey in the bridal gown, a flicker of envy briefly shed in her eyes. Still, she reminded herself that this woman wouldn¡¯t be standing there much longer.

    Kylee had made it clear: If given the chance to deal the final blow to Linsey herself, she would never breathe a word about Joanne, the one who had temporarily pulled her out of prison.

    To Haven, that promise meant there was nothing to worry about. Once Linsey was out of the picture, Collin¡¯s memories of her would surely fade like yesterday¡¯s dust.

    And in due time, it would be Haven standing beside him at the altar.

    C?ntent ?riginally fr?m g?l????¦Í?????????????

    ¡°Ms. Brooks, that wedding gown is absolutely exquisite on you¡ªlike it was crafted specifically for your silhouette. Mr. Green clearly poured his heart into selecting it,¡± Haven remarked with a calcted smile, all the while mentally tracking the seconds, anxiously awaiting Kylee¡¯s arrival.

    With Gorman momentarily absent from Linsey¡¯s side, the perfect window for action had opened. Yet Haven couldn¡¯t fathom why Kylee still hesitated to make her move. A shadow of impatience flickered across Haven¡¯s features, betraying her growing frustration.

    Linsey had just parted her lips to offer a courteous response when the unmistakable rhythm of approaching footsteps caught her ear. Her pulse quickened with hope, though she dared not trust whether her ears were deceiving her.

    Haven, catching the soft footfalls behind her, felt a spark of triumph bloom in her chest, certain Kylee had finally arrived. Yet, as she pivoted, she found Collin striding purposefully toward them instead.

    Haven¡¯s face fell immediately. She was blindsided by Collin¡¯s presence. Hadn¡¯t he explicitly mentioned being swamped with workmitments?

    This sudden development left Haven strangely diposed. Collin¡¯s arrival cast a looming shadow over their carefully orchestrated n, leaving its sess hanging precariously in the bnce. Linsey froze in equal astonishment, never having anticipated Collin would actually appear.

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 Chapter 909

    ?Chapter 909:

    She fought to maintain her poise, her fingers inteced so tightly her knuckles nched.

    The purpose behind Collin¡¯s arrival remained an enigma to her. Moreover, she questioned whether appealing to him for assistance would be wise in these delicate circumstances. Should Collin refuse to help, her plea might only prompt Gorman to tighten his suffocating grip on her life.

    ¡°Collin, why are you here?¡± Haven swiftly masked her shock, gliding toward him with practiced grace as she curled her fingers possessively around his arm. Her smile dripped honey as she deliberately unted their closeness before Linsey¡¯s eyes. ¡°I thought you were drowning in work this afternoon. Had a change of heart?¡±

    As she witnessed their exchange, Linsey¡¯s nails dug into her palms, leaving crescent marks. Though she fought to maintain an air of indifference, her traitorous gaze drifted to Collin¡¯s left hand, where a brilliantly cut diamond ring caught the light with mocking perfection.

    A tempest of conflicting emotions churned within Linsey¡¯s chest. The question haunted her¡ªwas Collin trulymitted to making Haven his wife? Yet her spiral of uncertainty evaporated in an instant.

    For in the next breath, Collin firmly disengaged Haven¡¯s clinging fingers from his sleeve. Closing the distance between himself and Linsey, he captured her with eyes that bore into her soul, unwavering and intense. The boldness of his approach rooted Linsey to the spot.

    Her heartbeat thundered against her ribs, her breathing in shallow, uneven waves. Bewilderment clouded her thoughts as she struggled to decipher why he looked at her like that.

    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??¦Ï?? (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°¦Ï¡± griega)

    Linsey¡¯s fingers unconsciously twisted into the delicate fabric of her gown, her breath catching like a butterfly in a storm. Electric tension crackled between them, filling the space with unspoken possibilities.

    Bystanders faded to shadows, powerless to prate the invisible barrier that had formed around the pair. Haven was abandoned at the periphery, her manicured nails carving half-moons into her palms as venomous loathing zed in her eyes while she bore holes into Linsey¡¯s back.

    In Haven¡¯s twisted perception, Linsey had immediately unfurled a web of seduction the instant Collin had appeared. Jaw clenched so tight it ached, Haven prepared to reim her territory with calcted precision.

    ¡°Collin, shall we¡ª¡±

    Her intervention shattered against themanding baritone of Collin¡¯s voice. ¡°Linsey, is marrying Gorman truly what you want?¡± His question nearly sent Haven spiraling into blind fury.

    Linsey froze, utterly stunned that his first words struck directly at the core of her predicament.

    Linsey parted her lips, poised to tell the truth without hesitation. Naturally, marriage to Gorman was the furthest thing from her desires. Yet just as words began to form, Gorman¡¯s menacing voice slithered from behind her.

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 Chapter 910

    Chapter 910:

    ¡°Collin, when did you arrive?¡± Gorman sauntered to Linsey¡¯s side and, with deliberate casualness, ced his hand at the nape of her neck, his fingertips exerting subtle pressure against her skin. This seemingly innocuous gesture instantly demolished Linsey¡¯s resolve like a house of cards.

    Fear shed across Linsey¡¯s eyes, her pupils constricting into tiny points of dread. She couldn¡¯t tell the truth. Zenia remained firmly within Gorman¡¯s grasp¡ªher daughter¡¯s life wasn¡¯t something she dared gamble with.

    With this crushing realization, Linsey bit back her defiance, her jaw clenched tight as she turned away coldly, avoiding the intensity of Collin¡¯s questioning gaze. Perhaps Collin had merely inquired without deeper intentions. Divulging everything now would not only jeopardize her safety but potentially doom both Zenia and Caylee, still ensnared in Gorman¡¯s treacherous web.

    When he noted Linsey¡¯s telling silence, Gorman¡¯s lips curved into a satisfied smirk. He cast a meaningful nce downward at her before addressing the stone-faced Collin with chilling precision. ¡°Miss Walton informed us you were otherwise upied this afternoon. Finished early?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Gorman continued with an air of smug triumph, ¡°Both Linsey and I appreciate your kind wishes. Rest assured, we¡¯ll return the favor at your wedding to Haven.¡±

    Linsey dropped her gaze to the floor, concealing the ocean of despair threatening to drown her. So it was true¡ªCollin truly intended to marry Haven.

    More chapters on g????????¦Í??????.?????

    ¡°I¡¯m not engaged to Haven.¡± Collin¡¯s deration cut through the air like tempered steel, each syble weighted with unmistakable gravity, devoid of even a whisper of humor.

    Linsey¡¯s heart faltered mid-beat. She lifted her gaze to meet Collin¡¯s, incredulity washing over her as their eyes connected. Time seemed to suspend as their gazes intertwined.

    In that crystallized moment, memories cascaded through her mind¡ªCollin¡¯s earnest words in the sterile hospital room, the image of him kneeling to gather glittering shards of ss with careful precision. Collin imed no engagement with Haven existed.

    Had she misunderstood all along?

    Revtion dawned, and Linsey¡¯s eyes kindled with a flicker of rekindled hope. But questions swarmed like restless bees¡ªwhat about the Star of the Desert? What about the diamond ring adorning Collin¡¯s finger like a silent promise? The more she unraveled these thoughts, the more they tangled into an impossible knot. Yet circumstances forbade further exploration of this bewildering puzzle.

    Gorman¡¯s fingers dug deeper into her flesh, a cruel vise that momentarily stole her breath away.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Gorman¡¯s face darkened visibly. He turned to Haven with a nce tinged with contempt, as if surveying something worthless. ¡°Strange, when Miss Walton herself mentioned your families discussing marriage. I heard your grandmother is quite fond of her.¡±

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    Message from Noah: Enjoy the weekend dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 911

    ?Chapter 911:

    Haven forced a tight smile, mortification washing over her at Collin¡¯s blunt rejection. Still, Gorman pressed the ufortable topic. Haven knew better than anyone that Collin had directly told her to abandon hope from the start. It was her stubborn persistence, bolstered by Ivy¡¯s support, that kept her hovering in Collin¡¯s orbit, creating misunderstandings.

    Now, with Collin publicly severing even this illusion, humiliation burned through her.

    Despite the crushing embarrassment, she squared her shoulders, determined to maintain the dignified poise expected of a Walton.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Collin. It¡¯s my fault. I¡¯m responsible for the misunderstanding,¡± Haven said nervously. ¡°Mr. Green and Ms. Brooks need to continue trying on their wedding attire. Perhaps we should give them some space.¡±

    As Haven finished speaking, she caught sight of a figure out of the corner of her eye heading upstairs. The person was dressed like a staff member of the bridal shop, wearing a mask and serving refreshments to the guests. Haven, however, instantly recognized the person despite the disguise. Kylee had finally shown up.

    Haven immediately lost interest in getting Collin to distance himself from Linsey. Instead, she waited in anticipation for Kylee¡¯s action, her breath held in expectation of Kylee¡¯s knife piercing Linsey¡¯s skin.

    Collin, on the other hand, stared at Linsey as though nothing else mattered. He didn¡¯t seem to have heard Haven as he repeated his question. ¡°Are you willingly marrying Gorman, Linsey?¡±

    That was the only thing that mattered to him at that moment. He wanted to hear her say whether or not she was marrying Gorman of her free will. If she was doing this willingly, he would leave her be. But if she showed even the slightest hesitation, he would not hesitate to take her from Gorman.

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? I¦Ç ?a?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    Gorman smirked and pulled Linsey close to him. ¡°Of course, Linsey is marrying me. Of her own free will.¡± Then, Gorman nced meaningfully at the ring on Collin¡¯s left finger and continued, ¡°Considering your present status, I don¡¯t think you have any right to meddle in our private affairs. A man with a wedding ring on his finger, like you, should be mindful of the kind of things he involves himself in.¡±

    There was a look of surprise and hurt on Linsey¡¯s face, which she suppressed almost immediately as it appeared. She knew that Collin wouldn¡¯t wear a ring on such an important finger unless it meant something. When Linsey and Collin had been married, they had never worn wedding rings. But now, time had passed, and it seemed Collin had a ring on for someone really significant in his life.

    What Collin said next shocked Linsey even more.

    ¡°Four years ago, I bought a pair of wedding rings for myself and Linsey. This is the men¡¯s ring from that pair,¡± he said, staring at his finger. Linsey¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, her heart pounding in her chest as if it wanted to leap out.

    ¡°To me, Linsey has always been my wife,¡± Collin continued.

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 Chapter 912

    ?Chapter 912:

    Linsey felt the sting of emotion build within her, and tears began to form in her eyes.

    So, the words he had spoken earlier were sincere and not just toying with her.

    He had no intention of marrying Haven, nor had he fallen for another woman.

    After all these years, his heart still belonged to her.

    Linsey didn¡¯t even realize when the first tear fell, her eyes brimming with emotions she had kept hidden for so long.

    The next moment, Gorman seized Linsey¡¯s chin with savage intensity.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Collin¡¯s eyes flew wide as he lunged forward to rescue her from Gorman¡¯s grip.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Gorman snarled, his fingers sliding from Linsey¡¯s chin to encircle her delicate throat, his voice crystallizing into something cial. ¡°Collin, dare take another step, and you¡¯ll live to regret it.¡±

    Collin froze mid-stride, his expression hardening into a mask of dread, his gaze riveted to the brutal fingers Gorman had mped around Linsey¡¯s neck.

    Dustin remained ominously silent, his thoughts racing. He had to buy more time. Yet, how could he stand by and watch Linsey face such peril?

    Driven by the thought, Collin casually slipped his hand into his pocket, his fingers connecting with something solid and reassuring. Meanwhile, a contingent of Gorman¡¯s men emerged from the stairwell, forming a menacing perimeter around the group. Each man brandished a gleaming pistol.

    ¡°Nobody moves! Stay exactly where you are!¡±

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    Terror rippled through the shop assistants, who huddled together like frightened birds, their screams piercing the tense atmosphere. At the sight of the weapons, color drained from the faces throughout the room, leaving everyone paralyzed with fear, their bodies shaking uncontrobly.

    A dangerous shadow passed across Collin¡¯s features. This esction confirmed his suspicion that Gorman hadn¡¯t escorted Linsey here for the innocent purpose of bridal gown shopping.

    Seemingly oblivious to Collin¡¯s subtle movements, Gorman roughly yanked Linsey¡¯s face toward his own. Beneath her racing heart, Linsey mastered her panicked breathing and steadily raised her gaze to meet Gorman¡¯s nearly maniacal expression.

    ¡°You¡¯re crying? You¡¯re actually crying?¡± Gorman barely contained his fury, veins threatening to burst beneath bloodshot eyes. His lips twisted into a contemptuous smile that failed to mask the anguish beneath. A hollowugh escaped him before he hissed, ¡°Linsey, did Collin¡¯s pathetic deration move you so deeply?¡±

    Linsey gazed at Gorman¡¯s contorted features, teetering between hysteria and despair. The mental fog that had clouded her for so long suddenly lifted with terrifying rity.

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 Chapter 913

    ?Chapter 913:

    Those armed men surrounded them not merely to prevent her escape, but¡­

    The realization sent a cold shiver of dread cascading through her veins, transforming her expression into one of raw terror.

    In that same heartbeat, Gorman¡¯s face hardened to stone. With practiced swiftness, he drew a sleek pistol from beneath his wedding attire and aimed it directly at Collin.

    The sight of the weapon aimed at Collin sent a shockwave through Linsey¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Collin!¡±

    Her scream ripped from her throat as she lunged recklessly toward Gorman¡¯s extended arm, abandoning all caution.

    The room erupted with chaos, screams ricocheting through the air like stray bullets.

    Linsey copsed to the floor, only to be violently yanked upward by Gorman an instantter.

    ¡°Linsey! Have you lost your mind?¡± Gorman red at her, shock evident in his eyes. His voice vibrated with volcanic rage and frustration. ¡°This is a loaded pistol! If I hadn¡¯t steadied my hand, that bullet would have torn through you!¡±

    rity pierced through Linsey¡¯s fog of confusion.

    Her heart thundered against her ribcage with such force she feared it might break through her chest.

    ???????? ???????? ?????????? ???????????????? ???? g????????¦Í??????£®??????

    Without pausing to catch her breath, she turned to Collin, finding him ensnared by Gorman¡¯s henchmen, utterly trapped in their human cage.

    Miraculously, he stood unscathed.

    The bullet, deflected by her desperate intervention, had embedded itself in the nearby wall, leaving only a silent crater.

    As if drawn by invisible threads, Collin slowly turned to meet her gaze. His familiar eyes held a tempest of emotions too deep for words.

    In that electric moment, Collin needed no verbal deration from Linsey.

    She held no love for Gorman.

    Her heart remained, as it always had, irrevocably his.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Gorman¡¯s voice shattered the silence, raw emotion threatening to break through his facade.

    With desperation wing at his throat, he called her name again, releasing a bitterugh that mocked his own misery.

    ¡°Why? Why don¡¯t you love me? Collin hasn¡¯t changed in four years,¡± Gorman whispered, each word deliberate, ¡°and neither have I. What draws you to him while leaving me in the shadows?¡±

    Linsey whirled around.

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 Chapter 914

    ?Chapter 914:

    A cial mask descended over Gorman¡¯s features. Wordlessly, he raised his hand and aimed the still-warm barrel at Collin once more, the metal gleaming with deadly intent.

    ¡°Gorman!¡± Linsey flung herself forward, arms spread wide to shield Collin from the weapon¡¯s deadly promise. Her crimson-rimmed eyes bore into Gorman with icy resolve.

    She understood now. Gorman had orchestrated this encounter, patiently awaiting Collin¡¯s arrival.

    The truth had been there all along¡ªCollin¡¯s appearance was never a surprise but an anticipated certainty.

    The men gathered beforehand served one chilling purpose: to ensure Collin¡¯s death.

    ¡°Linsey! Move!¡± Collin¡¯s voice tore through the tension, urgent and panicked.

    Anyone could see the dangerous haze clouding Gorman¡¯s judgment. One bullet had already found its mark; a second could fly at any heartbeat¡¯s notice.

    As Gorman witnessed Linsey¡¯s protective stance, crimson fury bloomed in his eyes. His lips twisted into a bitter smirk.

    ¡°Linsey,¡± he rasped, ¡°must you shield him so desperately before my very eyes?¡±

    Darkness settled across his features as he delivered his final blow.

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    ¡°Remember, your daughter remains under my control.¡±

    ¡°Shameless!¡± The curse erupted from Linsey¡¯s clenched jaw, days of buried terror finally breaking through as sobs wracked her body.

    In one fluid motion, Gorman hurled the pistol to the floor.

    ¡°Linsey,¡± he murmured, his voice velvet-soft with dangerous tenderness. ¡°I¡¯ll spare Collin¡¯s life on one condition¡ªmarry me. His survival rests in your hands. Shall we proceed to the courthouse now, Linsey? Make it official today?¡±

    Collin¡¯s knuckles turned white as he fought to contain the rage boiling beneath his skin.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! I will never marry you!¡± The words tore from Linsey¡¯s throat even as relief washed through her upon seeing the discarded weapon.

    Yet beneath this momentary calm, her resolve crystallized like steel. Love for Gorman was unimaginable¡ªmarriage, an impossibility she wouldn¡¯t entertain.

    Darkness swept across Gorman¡¯s gaze, extinguishing whatever light had lingered there. Even in this pivotal moment, Linsey refused to offer him thefort of a convenient lie.

    Gorman¡¯s throat constricted visibly as words formed on his lips.

    ¡°Linsey! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± From the shadows, Kylee emerged like a specter, a knife clutched in her white-knuckled grip as she lunged toward Linsey¡¯s unprotected back.

    Pivoting sharply, Linsey caught sight of Kylee¡¯s contorted features¡ªthen her mind emptied into a void of pure shock.

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 Chapter 915

    ?Chapter 915:

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Terror shed across Collin¡¯s eyes as he violently shoved aside anyone standing between them, desperation fueling his movement.

    Unfortunately, he was still too far from Linsey.

    The sound of the de piercing flesh cut through the silence¡ªa sickening thud that seemed to stop time itself.

    Strangely, Linsey felt no pain wash over her.

    Someone shoved her roughly aside, the force unexpected and jarring. Then the unmistakable metallic scent of blood filled her nostrils, sharp and immediate.

    Bright red droplets spattered across her white wedding dress, the stark contrast horrifying in its rity.

    In the next breath, she tumbled into Collin¡¯s protective embrace.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Fear etched deep lines across Collin¡¯s face as he caught her, his arms strong and steady, keeping her from copsing to the floor while his eyes searched hers for signs of injury.

    For a moment, Linsey froze in confusion before turning to look behind her.

    Together, they watched as Gorman staggered backward, his body betraying him as he copsed to the floor. Blood poured from the terrible wound in his chest, pooling beneath him in an ever-widening circle that made her stomach lurch. The knife had struck true¡ªplunging directly into his heart.

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    Linsey¡¯s pupils dted in shock, her mind reeling from the sudden turn of events. ¡°Gorman!¡±

    Her instincts screamed at her to rush to his side, but his subordinates had already swarmed around him.

    ¡°Mr. Green!¡± Panic rippled through Gorman¡¯s men as they shouted frantically.

    Several rushed forward to support their fallen leader while others quickly apprehended Kylee, the knife still wet with Gorman¡¯s blood.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Kylee¡¯s face contorted with disbelief, her bloodshot eyes burning with hatred at having identally wounded the wrong target. Struggling against her captors¡¯ grip, she heaved ragged breaths, her body trembling with impotent rage.

    ¡°Why? Why wasn¡¯t it you?¡± The scream tore from Kylee¡¯s throat, her eyes fixed on the fallen de as she imagined driving it into Linsey¡¯s flesh.

    For several heartbeats, Linsey stood frozen before reality crashed back. Whirling toward the shell-shocked shop assistants, shemanded, ¡°Call an ambnce!¡±

    Pain etched deep lines across Gorman¡¯s face as he fought for each shallow breath. With tremendous effort, he forced his heavy eyelids open to meet Linsey¡¯s gaze, his attention catching on the vivid crimson stain blooming across her wedding dress.

    Something flickered behind Gorman¡¯s eyes, and the ghost of a smile touched his lips as he rasped, ¡°Linsey¡­¡±

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 Chapter 916

    ?Chapter 916:

    At the sound of her name, Linsey dropped to her knees, reaching out to staunch the bleeding wound.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch him!¡± Rough hands shoved her away as Danny glowered with undisguised resentment. His words dripped venom. ¡°He has sacrificed everything for you! Yet you remain cold-hearted, blind to his devotion, treating him like an enemy!¡±

    Linsey¡¯s outstretched hand hung suspended in midair.

    ¡°Enough,¡± Gorman growled through clenched teeth, his brow furrowed with displeasure.

    The moment his reprimand faded, a torrent of bright crimson bubbled from between Gorman¡¯s lips, triggering a violent coughing fit.

    ¡°Mr. Green! Just hold on! The ambnce will be here any moment!¡± Linsey quickly pulled out a handkerchief and gently dabbed at the crimson trail snaking from Gorman¡¯s mouth. ¡°Gorman, try to stay calm. Help ising soon.¡±

    At her words, Gorman¡¯s ashen face tightened with effort as he forced his heavy eyelids open to meet Linsey¡¯s gaze. Confusion and sorrow clouded his weakening stare.

    His attention drifted past her to where Collin stood as if rooted to the spot, and a bitter smile ghosted across his bloodless lips.

    ¡°Collin, you deliberately came without reinforcements, didn¡¯t you?¡± Each syble emerged as a fragile whisper, Gorman¡¯s strength clearly waning. ¡°You wanted me to lower my defenses, to believe I held sway over you. You knew all along I nned to end your life today.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s lipspressed into a thin line, her voiceyered withplicated emotions. ¡°Gorman, none of this borate scheme was necessary. Right now, nothing matters except stopping this bleeding and getting you proper medical attention. All other scores can be settled once you¡¯re out of danger.¡±

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    Collin remained silent, his gaze settling on Gorman with an icy pity that seemed to mock the dying man¡¯s miscalction.

    Gorman slowly curled his fingers into a weak fist and rasped, ¡°Linsey, after bringing you here today, I had Zenia and Caylee escorted back to the hotel.¡±

    His revtion struck like lightning, causing Linsey¡¯s eyes to widen with stunned disbelief.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± she eximed.

    Her mind raced frantically. Only hours ago, Gorman had leveraged Zenia¡¯s safety as a weapon, coercing her into marrying him.

    Why would he suddenly release Zenia from his grasp?

    Had he already surrendered his leverage over Zenia back then, without her knowledge?

    A ghost of a smile curved Gorman¡¯s bloodstained lips. ¡°Linsey, I didn¡¯t lie to you. I¡¯ve known Zenia since she was just an infant. How could I not care deeply for her? Should you doubt my words, have Collin confirm it with Dustin.¡±

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 Chapter 917

    ?Chapter 917:

    Collin¡¯s features hardened with gravity. ¡°I dispatched Dustin to search your current residence for Zenia. Your premature relocation dyed his arrival to assist me.¡±

    Linsey whipped around to face Collin, her eyes widening with fresh astonishment.

    So Collin had nned to rescue Zenia all along.

    He needn¡¯t have appeared today at all. With his vast resources, he must have anticipated Gorman¡¯s murderous intentions.

    Nevertheless, he arrived¡ªalone and vulnerable, without a single ally at his back.

    The realization washed over Linsey, illuminating Collin¡¯s true motives. His concern for her safety had driven him to this reckless solitary mission.

    Neither of them had foreseen Kylee¡¯s unexpected intrusion.

    Even Gorman had offered himself as a living shield to protect her.

    ¡°I remained unaware of your arrangements for Zenia. I released her early solely to ease Linsey¡¯s mind,¡± Gorman murmured, his intense gaze boring into Linsey¡¯s face, each word measured and deliberate.

    Emotions churned violently within Linsey¡¯s chest. Bewildered, she struggled topose her features into some semnce of coherence when facing Gorman.

    She had convinced herself that Gorman had descended irretrievably into madness.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? brings imagination alive

    Yet the sight of him bleeding from wounds taken in her defense revealed aplexity she had refused to see.

    ¡°Hush now, Gorman. Preserve your strength,¡± Linsey murmured, fighting against the constriction in her throat as she drew a steadying breath.

    ¡°Linsey, it¡¯s my heart that bears the wound,¡± Gorman whispered with a fragile, rueful smile.

    His gaze lingered on her face for a heartbeat before his fingers suddenly enveloped hers, clutching her hand with surprising strength.

    Linsey flinched as warmth¡­

    Spread across her palm, Gorman¡¯s blood seeped between their joined hands, crimson and using.

    His words reverberated through her consciousness, unleashing a tidal wave of horror that crashed against her ribcage.

    The de had pierced his heart.

    Scarlet life drained from him with eachbored breath.

    And still, no wailing sirens announced the ambnce¡¯s arrival.

    Even if it had been dispatched from the nearest hospital, precious minutes would tick away before help could reach them. Minutes, now, were a luxury Gorman couldn¡¯t afford.

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 Chapter 918

    ?Chapter 918:

    Only two heartbeats had passed since the de found its mark, yet already his vitality ebbed visibly, draining away with each shallow breath.

    His fingers remained wrapped around hers in a desperate clutch, but the pressure¡ªeven with all his determination¡ªfelt ghostly light. So fragile, Linsey could slip free with the merest twitch.

    Before she could respond, Gorman¡¯s voice drifted between them, each word deliberately formed. ¡°Linsey, when will you finally shed a tear for me?¡±

    The question struck her like a physical blow, shock rippling across her features.

    In the next heartbeat, the weight against her palm suddenly vanished. Gorman¡¯s hand fell lifelessly,nding against the hem of her wedding gown, crimson blooming across the immacte white silk.

    An unnatural stillness descended upon the scene.

    When sound returned to Linsey¡¯s world, it came in the form of the raw, desperate cries of Gorman¡¯s men. ¡°Mr. Green!¡±

    ¡°Wake up!¡±

    Through the haze of shock came the bted arrival of medical personnel.

    Amid frantic shouts and urgent movements, Gorman¡¯s blood-soaked form was whisked away.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm opens doors to fiction

    Nothing remained but a grotesque crimson pool spreading across the floor.

    Linsey woke up with a splitting headache. Groggily, she looked around and saw Collin staring at her with a look of concern.

    ¡°How are you feeling now, Linsey?¡± he gently asked.

    Linsey shook her head, unsure of what she was seeing. ¡°Collin? Why are you here?¡± she asked, ncing around the room with confusion. She soon realized she wasn¡¯t at the hospital or in her bedroom. The room she was in was unfamiliar.

    ¡°Where am I?¡± Linsey asked as she tried to sit up.

    Collin immediately helped her up, cing a pillow behind her back for support.

    ¡°Take it easy,¡± he said, gently propping her up.

    Linsey felt heavy, as though shecked the energy to move by herself.

    ¡°Here, have some water,¡± Collin said, handing her a cup of water. Linsey took a few sips, then answered her earlier question.

    ¡°This is my ce,¡± Collin replied. ¡°The doctor said you¡¯re not too weak to need hospitalization. He rmended a few days of rest.¡±

    Slowly, the events of before began toe back to Linsey. She opened her mouth to ask a question, but Collin stopped her, saying, ¡°Zenia and Zander are both outside. They¡¯re with Dustin and Dolores.¡±

    ¡°Zenia¡¯s back?¡± Linsey asked, her eyes lighting up with joy. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Zenia and Zander in days.¡±

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 Chapter 919

    ?Chapter 919:

    Collin smiled at her reaction, then tucked her hair behind her ear. ¡°You really don¡¯t have anything to worry about now.¡±

    Linsey looked away from him, the issues between her and Collin unresolved, leaving her unsure of how to face him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Linsey,¡± Collin suddenly said.

    Linsey was taken aback by his apology. Unsure if she had heard him correctly, she asked, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Collin met her eyes, his expression softening. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were pregnant four years ago. I left you to give birth abroad and raise the children alone. I owe you big time, Linsey. I¡¯m sorry I failed to fulfill my role as a father. You suffered because of me. Dolores told me about how difficult childbirth was for you, how you almost¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve made your point,¡± Linsey interrupted awkwardly. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t listen to Dolores. She¡¯s just being dramatic. Childbirth is tough for every woman, and I was no exception.¡±

    There was a brief pause before she added, ¡°Your first sentence sounded a bit like aint. What, are you ming me for hiding my pregnancy?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. I just think you¡¯ve been through a lot,¡± Collin said earnestly.

    Linsey stared at him, unsure whether to believe him.

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    Finally, she sighed and said, ¡°I admit I was being vengeful when I decided not to tell you about the pregnancy. I had already made up my mind to divorce you, and I knew if I told you I was pregnant, you wouldn¡¯t have¡­¡±

    ¡°You thought I wouldn¡¯t have agreed to the divorce,¡± Collin finished softly.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Collin smiled, then took Linsey¡¯s hand in his. ¡°Even if I had known about your pregnancy, I would never have forced you to stay in our broken marriage. I would have tried to persuade you to reconsider the divorce, but I would never have forced you to stay. That would be tantamount to imprisonment.¡±

    After several weighted moments of silence, Collin spoke again. ¡°Had I known your heartbreak would drive you from Grester, I would have moved heaven and earth to support you. You shouldn¡¯t have faced childbirth¡¯s perils alone. After all, I am the father.¡±

    Linsey released a soft, nomittal hum, feigning indifference. ¡°Since you understood you couldn¡¯t force me to stay, surely you realized I would have rejected any assistance from you in those days.¡± She lifted her gaze then, meeting his eyes with newfound serenity. ¡°Departing on my own terms was the only viable path forward.¡±

    Collin¡¯s expression remained carefully controlled, though vulnerability flickered briefly across his features. ¡°I was wrong, Linsey¡ªwrong not to be forthright with you then. The fault lies entirely with me.¡±

    ¡°Four years provides ample time for anger to cool,¡± Linsey murmured, dropping her gaze once more. ¡°Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have felt that sting when you showed Haven such consideration.¡±

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 Chapter 920

    Chapter 920:

    Collin straightened immediately, words tumbling out in his eagerness to rify. ¡°Haven means nothing to me. My politeness extended only from respect for my grandmother. Those rumors circting through Grester only recently reached my ears. I never noticed before because I was¡ª¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes flickered with interest as she waited. ¡°Because you were what?¡±

    A rare hint of awkwardness cracked Collin¡¯s typically impableposure. ¡°My attention remained fixed solely on you during that period¡ªI noticed little else. Dustin eventually brought those whispers to my attention.¡±

    This confession coaxed a softugh from Linsey¡¯s lips.

    ¡°The mighty founder of CR Corporation, stumbling over something so trivial.¡± She tilted her chin upward with yful disdain. ¡°Youmand CR Corporation. Who in all of Grester would dare stand against you? If Haven truly meant nothing, why not silence those rumors immediately?¡±

    Collin paused thoughtfully before offering his unvarnished truth. ¡°Partly because I remained uncertain of your feelings toward me. I feared any exnation might provoke Haven into creatingplications in your life. And partly because¡­¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes narrowed with sudden insight. ¡°You simply wanted to witness my jealousy, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Caught with his innermost motives exposed, Collin could only bow his head, dropping all pretense before her prating gaze.

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    ¡°You can be truly infuriating sometimes, Collin,¡± Linsey said, delivering a yful punch to his shoulder. Her exasperation softened into reluctant affection.

    Their conversation meandered naturally for some time, with Collin deftly guiding it toward increasingly trivial matters.

    Though Linsey had only recently emerged from unconsciousness, her mind still clouded by the remnants of sleep, she couldn¡¯t help but notice Collin¡¯s persistent attempts to redirect their discussion.

    ¡°You¡¯re acting strangely, Collin,¡± Linsey observed, concern creasing her brow.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Collin countered too quickly.

    Rarely had Linsey witnessed such transparent difort in his usuallyposed demeanor.

    Her frown deepened as fragments of memory crystallized¡ªvivid shes of crimson sshed across pristine white.

    ¡°How is Gorman holding up?¡± Linsey whispered, her heartbeat elerating with sudden dread.

    Collin¡¯s features immediately hardened into solemnity. He regarded her with a long, weighted silence before finally answering, ¡°He died.¡±

    The rming news hit Linsey hard.

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    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hi dear readers, I hope you enjoyed the chapters! From now on, new chapters will be released every Tuesday and Friday. Also, four new novels will beunched each week. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

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 Chapter 921

    ?Chapter 921:

    For several long seconds, the world around her seemed to grind to a halt¡ªeverything became motionless, smeared, and unreal.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Collin¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, firm and urgent, as he grabbed her shoulders with both hands, anchoring her in ce. His voice snapped her back to reality.

    Her breathing came in shallow bursts, eyes wide and dazed as she locked onto Collin¡¯s face,pletely stunned. When she tried to speak, the words came out in a dry rasp, barely a whisper. The sentence broke off in her throat, her gaze drifting and then fixating on one point as if the rest of the world no longer existed.

    ¡°Linsey, listen to me.¡± Collin¡¯s voice lowered but didn¡¯t lose its edge. Slowly, deliberately, he said, ¡°It was Kylee who stabbed Gorman. You had nothing to do with it. Stop ming yourself.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s chest rose sharply as she gasped for air, tears welling as she stared at him, her voice cracking. ¡°How did ite to this? How is Gorman¡­ gone? Didn¡¯t they get him to the hospital in time? Why couldn¡¯t they save him?¡±

    Collin held her tighter, trying to still the tremor in her body. After a long pause, he finally replied, his voice grim, ¡°The knife she used wasn¡¯t ordinary. It was custom-made, razor-sharp. He lost too much blood. By the time they got him there, his breathing was already shallow. The bleeding was just¡­ too much. They couldn¡¯t bring him back.¡±

    As the words sank in, Linsey¡¯s strength vanished, and her body gave way, copsing backward in a daze.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Collin¡¯s voice rose with urgency as he lunged forward, catching her just in time. Though his arm cushioned her fall, the jolt mmed his hand into the sharp edge of the headboard. Pain red instantly, but he didn¡¯t flinch. His entire focus was locked on her.

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    ¡°Did you hit anything? Are you hurt?¡± he asked, scanning her face with visible worry.

    A blink brought her back to the present. Still disoriented, Linsey reached for his hand and drew it toward her. Her eyes immediately caught the angry red scrape along his knuckles, the bones beneath the skin stark and tense.

    ¡°Your hand,¡± she murmured, her voice trembling as she stared down at the mark, head bowed and vision swimming.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Collin assured gently, though a subtle furrow formed between his brows, the pain in his heart greater than any wound.

    Without warning, a single tear slid down from Linsey¡¯sshes and fell onto the back of his hand. That drop, cool yet burning, made his fingers flinch slightly, a reflex born from emotion, not pain.

    ¡°Linsey¡­¡± Collin exhaled softly, the weight of everything pressing into his chest.

    Without saying more, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Resting her head on his shoulder, Linsey allowed thest of her restraint to break. Her tears flowed freely now, blurring everything, and soaking into the quietfort of his embrace.

    There had been a time when Linsey couldn¡¯t even bear the sound of Gorman¡¯s name; her hatred ran that deep. Never, not once, had she thought his life would end so abruptly. What devastated her more than the loss itself was the cruel irony that Gorman had died protecting her.

    The truth gnawed at her until she buried her face in her hands, sobbing with her eyes squeezed shut.

    After what felt like a lifetime packed into thirty seconds, she finally looked up. Her fingers wiped away the streaks on her cheeks, but her gaze remained intense, locked on Collin.

    ¡°How did Kylee get released?¡± she asked, her voice rough but steady. ¡°Her sentence wasn¡¯t even over.¡± Earlier, Collin had mentioned the de Kylee used¡ªone that wasn¡¯t just ordinary, but custom-forged.

    A detail like that gnawed at Linsey¡¯s thoughts. Someone with power had to be involved, someone capable of pulling strings and arming Kylee with something so deadly.

    She no longer doubted it¡ªthis wasn¡¯t chance. Something darker was at work beneath the surface.

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 Chapter 922

    ?Chapter 922:

    Collin gently wiped away Linsey¡¯s tears with a tissue before speaking. ¡°Kylee couldn¡¯t have orchestrated such aplex n on her own. Not only did she know exactly when Gorman would escort you to the bridal shop, but she also infiltrated the ce disguised as staff. Someone else must be pulling the strings behind her.¡±

    Linsey looked at Collin, the storm in her expression slowly calming. ¡°She refused to reveal her aplice, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Collin nodded without hesitation. ¡°The authorities are working hard to gather evidence as we speak. With Gorman being a Green, simply apprehending Kylee for the assault won¡¯t be enough to deliver justice.¡± His words instantly took Linsey¡¯s mind to Gorman¡¯s parents abroad.

    She had met them during her time overseas.

    Gorman¡¯s father had carried himself with a dignified authority, while his mother radiated grace and warmth. Both had weed her with unexpected kindness.

    Back then, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Gorman had briefed them beforehand, as they seemed unphased by her having two children already and had subtly hinted at their hopes for her to join the Green family.

    Ultimately, she had declined, doing so with gentle but firm resolve.

    Upon returning to Grester, Gorman¡¯s parents had faded from her life.

    Lowering her gaze, Linsey pressed her lips into a thin line and whispered, ¡°When Gorman¡¯s parents find out about his fate, they¡¯ll be devastated. I dread having to face them.¡±

    Darkness clouded Collin¡¯s eyes. He took Linsey¡¯s hand in his, his voice steady and resolute. ¡°I stand by you. Whatever stormse, we¡¯ll face them together.¡±

    After a moment of quiet reflection, Linsey lifted her chin. ¡°Collin, I need to confront Kylee. Maybe I can coax the truth out of her.¡±

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    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make the arrangements,¡± Collin promised, without a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    After a brief pause, Linsey prepared to leave. With her children out for an outing with Dolores and Dustin, she freshened up and followed Collin to the police station.

    Kylee¡¯s murder,mitted while already incarcerated, had only made her crimes even more heinous.

    Whether or not they uncovered the puppeteer manipting her, Kylee would face the full, unforgiving weight of justice for her actions. Thanks to Collin¡¯s influence, Linsey quickly received authorization to meet with Kylee.

    At the threshold, however, she turned to Collin with quiet determination. ¡°I need to face her alone. Please wait for me here.¡±

    Collin¡¯s brow furrowed in disapproval. He was clearly troubled by her request. ¡°I¡¯d rather apany you for your safety.¡±

    A gentle smile touched Linsey¡¯s lips. ¡°The room will be guarded, and Kylee has been thoroughly searched and restrained. There¡¯s no danger.¡± She hesitated briefly before lowering her voice to a confidential murmur. ¡°Besides, Kylee has always harbored feelings for you. Your presence would only make her more defiant and secretive.¡±

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 Chapter 923

    ?Chapter 923:

    Collin¡¯s frown deepened, a clear sign of confusion. Linsey¡¯s reasoning eluded him.

    Yet, seeing her unwavering resolve, he relented and stopped protesting.

    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll keep watch outside. Don¡¯t linger too long,¡± he said.

    Linsey gave a reassuring nod. ¡°I won¡¯t. Visitation rules here are quite strict anyway.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, guided by a stern-faced officer, Linsey stepped into the austere interview room.

    Kylee, hunched at the institutional table, barely reacted to Linsey¡¯s entrance, offering only the slightest tilt of her head. Linsey approached with measured steps and sat across from her adversary, her face impassive as she observed Kylee, who was withdrawn, her head bowed.

    With unflinching directness, Linsey broke the heavy silence. ¡°Are you aware that Gorman is dead?¡±

    Kylee lowered her head, releasing a bitterugh that rippled through her frame like ice cracking.

    ¡°I know, of course I know.¡± Her gaze snapped upward, locking with Linsey¡¯s in a predatory stare. A twisted smile curled across her lips, her face radiating the feverish glow of someone intoxicated by their own malice. ¡°That knife was made for your death. Any soul pierced by its edge would bleed out in moments¡ªeven a shallow wound would drain them dry before help could arrive.¡±

    The sound that escaped Kylee wasn¡¯t quiteughter¡ªmore like something broken rattling within her chest. Even the seasoned officers shifted ufortably.

    She had fully crossed into madness.

    Linsey regarded Kylee with an icyposure. ¡°Yet Gorman lies dead, though he was never your intended victim.¡±

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    The satisfaction drained from Kylee¡¯s features, leaving behind something feral and raw as her stare bored into Linsey.

    Silence stretched between them before Kylee erupted. ¡°You got him killed. The knife was meant for you alone! But Gorman¡ªthat fool threw himself in my way, shielding you with his worthless life! How dare you me me for his heroics?¡±

    Each word tore from Kylee¡¯s throat, her eyes zing crimson with a fury bordering on hatred. ¡°He ruined everything! Your corpse should be cooling on that floor, Linsey! What cursed luck keeps you alive? Why do you get to live?¡±

    Linsey absorbed the tirade with marble stillness, her expression carved from stone.

    When Kylee¡¯s rage finally exhausted itself, Linsey¡¯s voice cut through the aftermath like a de. ¡°Who helped you get that knife?¡±

    Kylee¡¯s fierce mask cracked and fell away. Then she smiled¡ªslow, predatory¡ªstudying Linsey like a cat toying with wounded prey.

    ¡°What? Getting scared now?¡± Kyleeughed triumphantly. ¡°Finally realizing I¡¯m not the only one in Grester who wants you dead? Does that terrify you?¡±

    Linsey remained calm. ¡°You¡¯re already caught, and the Green family will be here soon. The person behind you should be the one panicking, not me. With their influence, it¡¯s only a matter of time before they trace everything back to the source.¡±

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 Chapter 924

    ?Chapter 924:

    Kylee¡¯s face darkened, her re sharpening to razor points. ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    Linsey chuckled softly. ¡°I actually feel sorry for you. You¡¯ve destroyed your entire life for someone who¡¯s probably sitting at home right now,pletely rxed. They think you¡¯re stupid enough to take all the me alone. After all, didn¡¯t they promise to deal with meter?¡±

    The word ¡°stupid¡± hit Kylee like a p, and anger shed across her face.

    But she suppressed her fury and sneered instead. ¡°At least you understand. Even if I go down, others wille for you.¡±

    Linsey absorbed this, then released a sharpugh. ¡°I credited you with more intelligence. Clearly, I overestimated you.¡±

    Beforeing here, Linsey had recognized that conventional interrogation would yield nothing from Kylee.

    Hatred ran too deep in Kylee¡¯s veins¡ªshe would rather die than grant her peace.

    So Linsey chose a different weapon: cranking up her arrogant bravado to the extreme. She would force Kylee to see who truly held the power to offer her the greatest benefit now.

    Until that name passed Kylee¡¯s lips, she would know no rest. Linsey was determined to get her answer today.

    ¡°Come again?¡± Kylee¡¯s expression darkened, her voice heavy with rage. ¡°Linsey, don¡¯t think you¡¯re better than me just because you¡¯ve won a few times. Your moment wille¡­ just wait.¡±

    Before she could finish, Linsey interjected sharply, ¡°One day, I¡¯ll have all of you locked up in prison. And when that happens, I¡¯ll be living so well, you¡¯ll choke just watching.¡±

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    Kylee froze, her eyes wide in stunned silence. The mere thought of that reality sent a shiver through her.

    ¡°Never going to happen!¡± she retorted, her voice rising with fury. ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself, Linsey! I¡¯m not the only one in Grester who wants to see you fall. There¡¯s more¡ª¡±

    ¡°You mean Cynthia Keller? Marisol and Felix Wells? Maybe Joanna Saunders, too? And let¡¯s not forget Fernanda and Huntley Rileys.¡± Linsey¡¯s voice stayed level, almost amused, as she ticked off each name. With every mention, Kylee¡¯s face drained of color. ¡°Every one of them tried to destroy me. Funny thing is, they all lost. And me? I¡¯ve got kids with Collin now, and we¡¯re on the verge of remarrying. Once I¡¯m officially the wife of CR Corporation¡¯s founder, tell me¡ªwho in this city would even dare touch me? Are you really that naive to think your aplice holds more weight than Collin?¡±

    At that, Linsey tilted her head slightly, eyes wide with faux innocence, a look that only deepened Kylee¡¯s frustration.

    ¡°You shameless cunt!¡± Kylee screamed. ¡°Is there anything you can do besides cling to Collin like a parasite?¡±

    A slight arch of Linsey¡¯s brow was the only reaction she gave. ¡°Cling to him? I must be amazing if he keeps me around.¡±

    ¡°So this is the real you,¡± Kylee hissed, venom in her voice. Her re was sharp enough to cut. ¡°From the very beginning, you plotted everything. You wormed your way into his life for money, for power. You¡¯re disgusting! One day, Collin will see through you¡ªhe¡¯ll see the monster you really are!¡±

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 Chapter 925

    ?Chapter 925:

    Linsey¡¯s chin lifted ever so slightly, her voice calm but pointed. ¡°You really think Collin doesn¡¯t already know I¡¯m a woman drawn to vanity? If that were some grand revtion, then why would he have divorced me four years ago in the first ce?¡±

    After a brief pause, she continued, ¡°The difference now is that I¡¯ve given birth to his children. Even if he can¡¯t stand me, those kids tie us together. Like it or not, that¡¯s leverage. So tell me¡ªdon¡¯t you think that counts for something?¡±

    Doubt crept into Kylee¡¯s eyes, and her voice cracked. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re telling me you actually had Collin¡¯s children?¡±

    That revtion didn¡¯t align with anything she had heard before.

    Never once had anyone mentioned something so important. Not even Haven. And Haven had made it crystal clear that she was desperate to marry Collin. If Linsey already had children with him, why hadn¡¯t she said anything?

    If what Linsey was saying was true, then Collin might feel obligated to take her back, for the children¡¯s sake, if nothing else.

    Suddenly, every promise Haven had whispered to Kylee seemed fragile. How could she deliver on any of them now?

    Backed into a corner, Kylee clung to the little hope she had left. All she could do was pray that Haven would still marry Collin and get her out of prison, like she had sworn she would. But Linsey¡¯s words had shifted everything.

    Now it made perfect sense why Collin had been so gentle with her at the bridal boutique.

    She had believed Haven¡¯s story about the 2.7 billion-dor ne, convinced it was a gift from Collin.

    Now it was clear. The entire thing had been a lie, carefully spun to keep her in the dark.

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    ¡°You really think I¡¯d lie to you?¡± Linsey lifted an eyebrow. ¡°If I were lying, then why is Collin being kind to me again? Do you honestly think he¡¯s fallen for me?¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Kylee couldn¡¯t bring herself to believe it.

    How could Collin possibly fall for someone like Linsey? If he had truly loved her, he wouldn¡¯t have ended their marriage four years ago.

    It had to be because of the kids!

    Collin was only trying to get back with Linsey because of their children.

    Kylee¡¯s thoughts spun out of control, and her heart raced. It now seemed clear that Haven wouldn¡¯t be marrying Collin after all.

    She had messed up again!

    The more Kylee thought things through, the more she regretted her choices.

    Why had she believed everything Haven said so easily?

    Her anger had clouded her judgment.

    As soon as she saw a chance to ruin Linsey, she lost sight of everything else.

    But now, she hadn¡¯t just failed to kill Linsey¡ªshe had ended up causing Gorman¡¯s death by mistake. He was the only heir of the Green family.

    Once the Green family returned to Grester to deal with her, she was going to pay dearly! She really hated Linsey.

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 Chapter 926

    ?Chapter 926:

    But with things the way they were, her only choice was to depend on Linsey¡ªwho seemed to have gotten back together with Collin. Haven had promised to help her escape prison if she managed to kill Linsey.

    But they hadn¡¯t expected that she would end up killing Gorman instead!

    Could Haven¡¯s powerful family really save her now?

    Kylee ran through all of this in her mind in under thirty seconds.

    She hesitated for a moment, then looked at Linsey, her eyes filled with doubt. ¡°Why would you get me out, Linsey? I was trying to kill you. You lived, but Gorman died instead. Haven¡¯t you thought about getting revenge for him?¡±

    Kylee no longer trusted Haven, but that didn¡¯t mean she was on Linsey¡¯s side either.

    They were still enemies.

    Linsey had already guessed that Kylee would ask that, so she answered without flinching. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? That day at the bridal boutique, I was forced to be there with Gorman. I never liked him¡ªnot even a little. So why would I want revenge? Honestly, what matters to me now is figuring out who helped you with all this. If I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll always be looking over my shoulder.¡±

    She paused for a second, then added, ¡°Yeah, I know Collin will make sure I¡¯ve got protection, but that doesn¡¯t mean I can let my guard down. You can¡¯t defend yourself from an enemy you can¡¯t even seeing.¡±

    With nothing more to say, Linsey didn¡¯t bother dragging the conversation out. She stood up and said, ¡°You know what? Forget it.

    Clearly, you¡¯re not willing to work with me. I¡¯ll figure something else out.¡±

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    Without waiting for a reply, Linsey turned and started walking toward the door. She knew exactly what she was doing¡ªthis was a strategic move. Kylee wouldn¡¯t be able to ignore it.

    And just like she predicted, before she had even taken her third step, Kylee blurted out in panic, ¡°Linsey! I¡¯ll tell you everything¡ªjust don¡¯t leave me hanging like this. Please, help me!¡±

    Linsey came to a slow stop but didn¡¯t bother turning back to face her. Kylee clenched her teeth and muttered, ¡°But I want it in writing¡ªyou¡¯ve gotta promise you¡¯ll get me out of this ce.¡±

    Outside the room, Collin had just finished checking some work emails when he noticed Linsey stepping out.

    He got to his feet right away, walked over to her, and brushed his hand gently across her forehead.

    ¡°So? How¡¯d it go in there?¡± he asked.

    Linsey paused, then met Collin¡¯s gaze and said, ¡°It¡¯s Haven.¡±

    Collin¡¯s expression remained unchanged, and he simply replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Linsey frowned, dissatisfied with Collin¡¯s reaction. ¡°You don¡¯t seem bothered. Why? Do you not believe me? Kylee told me herself. She mentioned it, among other things.¡±

    Collin let out a soft chuckle, an amused look on his face.

    He then wrapped an arm around Linsey as they walked outside and said, ¡°How could I not believe you? I already suspected it, so I wasn¡¯t really surprised to hear it from you.¡±

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 Chapter 927

    ?Chapter 927:

    Linsey¡¯s frown softened upon hearing this.

    She had to admit that Haven¡¯s lingering presence in their lives bothered her.

    Although it was true that Haven and Collin had never gotten married, Linsey knew it was because Haven had run away at thest minute. That was the only reason she had gotten a chance to meet Collin.

    Collin and Linsey both got into the car.

    Once inside, Linsey said, her voiceced with jealousy, ¡°I thought you still had feelings for Haven. You two almost got married.¡±

    Collin regarded Linsey with a mix of helplessness and affection. He then took her hand in his and said, ¡°Back then, my expectations for marriage weren¡¯t high, and my grandma was quite eager to see me settle down, so I agreed. When I found out Haven had run away, my only worry was that Grandma wouldn¡¯t be happy.¡±

    The earnest look on Collin¡¯s face left no doubt that every word he spoke was the truth.

    ¡°Until I met you, I didn¡¯t see the beauty in marriage. Now, every day I spend with you is bliss.¡±

    The butterflies in Linsey¡¯s stomach began to flutter furiously. Turning away to hide her blush, she muttered, ¡°How did you grow so sentimental in just four years?¡±

    ¡°Sentimental?¡± Collin asked, his eyebrows raised.

    He then jabbed Linsey yfully and pulled her into an embrace.

    ¡°If you still think I¡¯m being sentimental, then you haven¡¯t grasped my true feelings.¡±

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    Collin paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°That means I have to say how I feel more often so you can get used to it.¡±

    Linsey leaned against his chest, a satisfied smile on her lips.

    Then a thought popped into her mind.

    She sat up, fixed his cor, and said, ¡°What about the Star of the Desert? It¡¯s not so much the ridiculous amount spent on it that bothers me, but the thought behind it. You said Ivy wanted you to take care of Haven, but that still doesn¡¯t exin why you spent so much on a ne for her.¡±

    Collin was slightly taken aback by her words. Brows furrowing lightly, he replied, ¡°I bid on the Star of the Desert for you, not Haven.¡±

    Then a look of realization crossed his face, and he asked, ¡°Did those ridiculous rumors reach you? Don¡¯t believe what was said. I bid on the Star of the Desert for you, not her. Do you understand?¡±

    Blinking in astonishment, Linsey slowly raised a finger to her chest. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re actually giving the ne to me?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I saw how much you liked it during the auction that night. That¡¯s the only reason I stepped in and kept bidding against Gorman. I didn¡¯t think twice about it. I just wanted to get the ne and give it to you when the time felt right.¡± Collin added, ¡°At the time, I didn¡¯t know what you really felt, and I didn¡¯t want to make things difficult for you. That¡¯s why I kept quiet about it.¡±

    Linsey narrowed her eyes and gave Collin a pout, suspicion flickering across her face. Her voice danced between yful and irritated as she said, ¡°But you already gave the Star of the Desert to Haven. She showed up at Gorman¡¯s just a few days ago wearing it. I saw it myself, and there¡¯s no mistaking it was the real thing.¡±

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 Chapter 928

    ?Chapter 928:

    As soon as she said it, Collin¡¯s face tightened, like a storm brewing. ¡°Come again?¡±

    His sudden shift unsettled Linsey, and she quickly repeated herself. ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth¡ªI saw it around Haven¡¯s neck. Honestly, I¡¯d been meaning to talk to you, to ask for help. But the moment I saw her wearing that ne, I froze. I kept wondering if maybe I was toote. That¡¯s why I looked so stunned when you showed up at the bridal shop.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s words only carved deeper shadows across Collin¡¯s face, his jaw tensing as the weight of it sank in.

    A bitter chuckle escaped him,ced with disbelief. ¡°So someone really had the guts to rob me blind.¡±

    He reached for Linsey¡¯s hand and held it with a steady,forting grasp. ¡°When I won the Star of the Desert, I tucked it away in the desk drawer in my study. It just hit me¡ªHaven had dropped by not long ago and used my grandmother as some excuse to slip into the study while I wasn¡¯t paying attention.¡±

    Regret flickered in his eyes like a dying ember. ¡°I should¡¯ve been smarter. Should¡¯ve checked the ce the second she left.¡±

    Everything clicked for Linsey atst, and a soft, ironicugh slipped past her lips as the truth unfolded in her mind.

    It dawned on her¡ªshe hadpletely misread Collin from the beginning.

    All this time, she had convinced herself that he was nning a future with Haven, and that belief had fueled the harsh words she had thrown at him.

    On the flip side, Collin had concluded she had given her heart to¡­

    Gorman.

    A single honest conversation could have straightened everything out, yet they let silence stretch the distance. So much time lost over nothing but a mimunication.

    When Linsey didn¡¯t speak, Collin felt the weight in his chest press harder, the quiet gnawing at him.

    With guilt etched into his features, he dropped his gaze and murmured, ¡°This is all on me. I should¡¯ve made it clear how I felt from the start. Instead, I let you doubt, made you second-guess if you could even talk to me.¡±

    His words stirred something deep in her chest, and a lump tightened in her throat before she could stop it.

    She turned her head just a little and met his gaze, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. Her voice came out soft and measured as she said, ¡°Four years is a long time, Collin. People change. And you never came for me during all that time. So how could I possibly know if your feelings had stayed the same?¡±

    Collin¡¯s head turned slowly, and the shock in his eyes stripped away the usual calm. For once, he lookedpletely unguarded.

    His voice came out unsteady. ¡°Are you telling me you never, actually tried to avoid me?¡±

    Linsey gave a small blink, caught off guard by the question. ¡°I was hurt at first, badly. I wanted to put Grester behind me, leave you and everything else behind. But after a while, that hurt mixed with something else. I still hoped you¡¯d show up. I kept wishing you¡¯de and say you were sorry¡­ like you meant it.¡±

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 Chapter 929

    ?Chapter 929:

    Tears welled up in Linsey¡¯s eyes, her voice cracking under the weight of everything she had held in. ¡°I held on, hoping you¡¯de¡­ but you never did. After a while, I convinced myself you¡¯d stopped loving me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Collin blurted.

    Yet the rest of his words never came. Everything he wanted to exin tangled in his throat.

    With quiet anguish, Linsey looked him straight in the eye. ¡°You¡¯re the head of CR Corporation, Collin. You have eyes and ears everywhere. How could you not find me? When I first left for another country, I lived in fear you¡¯d show up at my doorstep. But months passed¡­ and I realized it was foolish of me to think you¡¯d even try.¡±

    Collin shook his head slowly, eyes searching hers, weighed down with regret and silent fury¡ªmostly directed at himself.

    A strained smile flickered across his lips, but there was no joy behind it. ¡°I swear to you, Linsey, I searched. For four years, I turned over every stone, hunted for any trace of you. Nothing came up. It was only after you came back to Grester that I finally heard a whisper of your name. Until then¡­ I knew nothing. Not about you. Not about Gorman.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s fingers stilled mid-motion, the breath hitching in her throat. ¡°You were really¡­ looking for me?¡± she whispered, stunned.

    ¡°Every single day,¡± Collin said, raising his hand like a solemn vow. ¡°I sent people to search high and low. I flew across cities and crossed borders, trying to figure out where you¡¯d gone. I never stopped. I just¡­ I could never catch up to you.¡±

    He drew in a heavy breath, his face clouding over with grim recognition. ¡°There was a time I even went straight to the Green Group¡¯s headquarters¡ªthe city where you and Gorman lived for four years. I left empty-handed. No records. No sign of you anywhere. I even deployed people to dig discreetly. But all I uncovered was that Gorman¡¯s parents had been running things. They imed they had no idea where he was.¡±

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    That was the moment everything fell into ce for Linsey.

    A strangeugh nearly bubbled out of her, but it copsed into a breathless murmur. ¡°So Gorman¡­ with his family¡¯s help¡­ they wiped me clean from the map on purpose.¡±

    The car seemed to tilt for a second, but she steadied herself with a shaky breath. ¡°After Zander and Zenia were born, I was eager to work again. Gorman told me I should rebrand, leave the name Linsey behind. He made it sound reasonable¡ªsaid the past would only haunt me, that gossip would ruin everything. I didn¡¯t question it. I went along with it and became Aurora, thinking I was starting over on my terms.¡±

    Her breath caught as the realization sank in. ¡°It wasn¡¯t about protecting me. Gorman nned it. He erased me. And with the Green Group covering his tracks, you never had a chance of finding me.¡±

    A shadow crossed Collin¡¯s face, and a cold dread settled deep in his chest.

    ¡°If Dolores hadn¡¯t pushed me to enter that designpetition¡­ if I¡¯d just kept saying no and stayed away from Grester like I meant to, maybe we really would¡¯ve gone our whole lives without ever seeing each other again,¡± Linsey said, her voice shaking as the words slipped past clenched teeth and her breath caught in her throat.

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 Chapter 930

    ?Chapter 930:

    Collin leaned forward and gently cupped her face, as if trying to hold the moment in ce. A fragile smile tugged at his lips. ¡°No wonder Gorman refused to back off. Four years by your side. Schemes, lies, control¡ªand still, you never gave him what he wanted. Honestly, if I were in his ce¡­ maybe I would¡¯ve lost it, too.¡±

    Leaning into his touch, Linsey fought back the sting of heartache threatening to rise within her.

    Then she said with quiet resolve, ¡°No, you would never do anything that would hurt me. Just like you did four years ago, when I was the one who kept pushing for the divorce. You didn¡¯t want it, but you still agreed to let me go because it was what I asked for. Collin, I understand the kind of man you are. Even if everyone else walked away from me, I know you¡¯d never stand by and let me get hurt.¡±

    Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes, but for the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself breathe¡ªand smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I love you,¡± she whispered, the words blooming like a promise.

    Meanwhile, across town in the Walton family¡¯s estate, inside Haven¡¯s dimly lit room, she sat stiffly, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles had turned white, panic etched into every line of her face.

    ¡°Rx, Haven. There¡¯s nothing that ties this back to you. I made sure every trace is gone,¡± Joanne murmured, trying to soothe her.

    Fear clouded Haven¡¯s expression as she yelled through a strained throat, ¡°Kylee¡¯s aplete idiot! She didn¡¯t just miss Linsey¡ªshe killed Gorman! Do you realize what that means? Gorman was the Green Group¡¯s only heir!¡±

    She paused, brows furrowed, her voice sharpened with urgency. ¡°Do you even grasp what the Green Group represents? It¡¯s second only to CR Corporation in power!¡±

    Joanne kept her lips tight and answered softly, ¡°Haven, you were there and saw it with your own eyes. Kylee¡¯s knife was without a doubt meant for Linsey. No one could¡¯ve known that Gorman would suddenly jump in and take the blow for her.¡±

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    Each word fell softer than thest, revealing her own confusion¡ªshe was just as shaken by how everything had unraveled.

    A dryugh escaped Haven, ending in a sharp snort. ¡°If Linsey had died, people would¡¯ve moved on. But now Gorman¡¯s the one in a coffin. And if the Green family ever finds out I was the one pulling Kylee¡¯s strings¡­¡±

    The rest of her words withered on her tongue¡ªfear held them back. If the Green family came knocking for blood, not even the Walton fortune could buy forgiveness.

    Besides, there was no chance the Walton family would ever actually hand over their entire fortune just to protect her. That realization made her fists tighten, nails digging into her skin until angry red crescents bloomed on her palms.

    ¡°Why?¡± Haven asked through clenched teeth, her head lowered as she sucked in a harsh breath. Her tone turned icy as she continued, ¡°Why is it that every man seems to fall so hopelessly in love with Linsey?

    What is it about her? Is it just that she¡¯s a bit more attractive than the rest? What gives her that kind of hold, the kind that draws in both Collin and Gorman, the most eligible bachelors in town?¡±

    Joanne pressed her teeth into her lip, sympathy clouding her face as she nced at Haven. ¡°Haven, don¡¯t let yourself think that way. From everything I¡¯ve observed about Gorman, his feelings for Linsey seemed real. If they weren¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t have been so determined to marry her. But when ites to Collin, I wouldn¡¯t be so quick to assume the same. If you ask me, he¡¯s probably just irritated that Gorman tried to marry the woman he used to be married to. Men can be like that, right? Their pride gets in the way, especially someone like Collin, who built the entire CR Corporation from the ground up.¡±

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 Chapter 931

    ?Chapter 931:

    When she heard that, Haven paused, doubt creeping into her voice. ¡°Really? If Collin doesn¡¯t have feelings for Linsey, then why did he show up that day, demanding to know if she was seriously going to marry Gorman?¡±

    She stopped for a moment, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face as she continued, ¡°And during that banquet not too long ago, Collin told me directly that he still wasn¡¯t over his ex-wife. And isn¡¯t Linsey the one he used to be married to?¡±

    Joanne gave a shortugh after a beat of silence. ¡°Men love to think they¡¯re noble when they¡¯re really just being possessive. That¡¯s exactly why we nned to remove Linsey¡ªfor good. To stop Collin from chasing her ghost.¡±

    Joanne¡¯s smile slowly slipped away, reced by a cold edge in her voice. ¡°Linsey survived, so we¡¯ll need to rethink our strategy.¡±

    Concern furrowed Haven¡¯s brows. ¡°Are you absolutely certain Kylee won¡¯t turn on us? What if she talks?¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± said Joanne with steady assurance. ¡°I looked into Kylee¡¯s background thoroughly. Her hatred for Linsey runs just as deep as ours. I promised her that everything she¡¯s done won¡¯t be for nothing, and that we¡¯ll stand by her in getting the payback she wants. So of course, giving us up isn¡¯t something she¡¯ll even consider.¡±

    Even with Joanne¡¯s confidence, a sense of dread still gnawed at Haven¡¯s gut.

    The silence stretched as she tried to gather her next words, but something else interrupted her train of thought.

    A knock interrupted them, followed by a muffled voice beyond the door. ¡°Miss Haven, Mr. Walton says Mr. Riley and his girlfriend have arrived and are waiting downstairs.¡±

    The announcement struck Haven like a p¡ªher face drained of color as she swung toward Joanne, stunned.

    ¡°Collin?¡± she gasped. ¡°And his girl? Since when does he have a girlfriend? How¡­ how is that even possible?¡±

    Joanne¡¯s expression mirrored Haven¡¯s¡ªsurprised and puzzled.

    The news rattled them, but it hit Haven the hardest. Panic swept over her, unraveling herposure by the second.

    ¡°Joanne, what do we do now? Collin¡¯s nevere here before¡ªnot once. Why would he show up today of all days¡ªand with a girlfriend? And why didn¡¯t we know about it? Could he really be¡­¡±

    A shiver ran down Haven¡¯s spine, and Joanne could see it written all over her face.

    Joanne quickly shut it down. ¡°No. That¡¯s not possible.¡±

    Meeting Joanne¡¯s eyes, Haven forced a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her lips. Her voice dropped to a whisper as she said, ¡°You¡¯re thinking it too, aren¡¯t you? You think Collin¡¯s girlfriend might be Linsey.¡±

    Before Joanne could speak, the servant¡¯s voice returned, more insistent this time. ¡°Miss Haven, Mr. Walton says toe downstairs immediately.¡±

    ¡°Go away!¡± Haven barked, her voice sharp and unraveling. Her entire body was beginning to shake beneath the weight of her panic.

    It didn¡¯t feel real¡ªCollin was actually here. And there was a terrifying chance he hadn¡¯te alone. Linsey might be with him. If that were true, then Collin had never truly let Linsey go.

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 Chapter 932

    ?Chapter 932:

    With Linsey still breathing, Haven couldn¡¯t shake the dread that Collin was here to call her out¡ªto make her pay.

    Still, Linsey had survived. So even if Collin still harbored feelings, what right did he have to show up and use her of anything?

    She clung to one fragile thought¡ªGorman was the one who died, not Linsey. Surely Collin wouldn¡¯t do anything reckless over that.

    Joanne stepped forward andid a firm hand on Haven¡¯s trembling shoulder, trying to ground her before the panic swallowed her whole. Turning toward the door, Joanne raised her voice just enough to be heard. ¡°I¡¯ll help Haven prepare. We¡¯ll be down in a moment.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Ms. Ellis,¡± the servant answered before footsteps faded down the hallway.

    Facing Haven again, Joanne offered a calm nod. ¡°You¡¯re not facing this alone. I¡¯ll go down with you and find out exactly why Collin came.¡± After a short pause, her voice lowered into something steady and sharp. ¡°Whatever he throws at us, don¡¯t lose your cool. He may be powerful, but unless he has solid proof, he can¡¯t touch us.¡±

    Each word from Joanne chipped away at Haven¡¯s fear, steadying her one breath at a time.

    It finally clicked¡ªCollin had nothing to go on. Joanne had made sure every loose end was tied, every clue buried.

    With that realization, the fear began to fade, reced by a slow, creeping confidence.

    A soft sigh escaped her lips as she finally managed a smile. ¡°Joanne, you¡¯ve stayed by me through everything. When this blows over, I¡¯ll make good on my promise. I¡¯ll make your wishe true.¡±

    Joanne¡¯s eyes shifted for a brief moment before she offered a gentle smile. ¡°That can wait. What matters most now is whatever you¡¯re dealing with.¡±

    Everything she had poured into Haven¡¯s n came from her own desires, not pure loyalty.

    Her goal was to win Haven¡¯s trust so she could use the Walton family¡¯s influence to get closer to the man she had quietly longed for. If Haven ended up marrying Collin, it would actually work out even better for her.

    Her backgroundcked status, and without borrowing someone else¡¯s connections, she knew she might never get near him on her own.

    That was why she had ced all her hopes on Haven.

    But if Haven proved useless to her, she would have no choice but to act quickly and find another path forward.

    At that same time, Linsey and Collin sat in the Walton family¡¯s living room, speaking with Haven¡¯s father, Kase Walton.

    Kase¡¯s eyes moved between Linsey and Collin with a warm expression, though his tone carried something deeper. ¡°I truly didn¡¯t expect the two of you to have such a solid bond¡ªafter four years, you still managed to clear things up and get back together.¡±

    Letting his gaze drift away, Kase released a quiet sigh tinged with emotion. ¡°Back when Ivy and I used to talk, we thought there was a real chance of bing inws. We spent quite some time feeling happy about it, believing Collin and Haven might end up married. It¡¯s unfortunate. Some things really are beyond our control.¡±

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 Chapter 933

    ?Chapter 933:

    On the surface, it sounded like he wasplimenting Linsey and Collin¡¯s renewed connection. But then he shifted the conversation to the almost-marriage between Collin and Haven.

    Kase even went as far as mentioning Ivy directly, making it clear through implication that Ivy held a strong preference for Haven.

    Linsey didn¡¯t dwell on his remarks. She barely knew Kase, and there was no reason to be affected by the opinion of someone unrted to her life.

    Collin, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t tolerate even the smallest hint of doubt when it came to Linsey¡¯s ce in his heart. Without holding back, he responded, ¡°Mr. Walton, that¡¯s not how it is.¡±

    ¡°Walton, no matter what my grandmother may have thought, I¡¯ve never had feelings for Haven. The only woman I love is Linsey.¡±

    While speaking, Collin gently took Linsey¡¯s hand in his. He gave her a warm smile before turning back to Kase. ¡°I haven¡¯t properly introduced my girl yet. This is Linsey Brooks, an incredibly talented designer.¡±

    Linsey listened quietly, her chest filling with warmth. His words made her heart soften with affection.

    She didn¡¯t say anything, but her fingers curled more tightly around his in silent response.

    Kase¡¯s face stiffened for a second; he was clearly caught off guard by Collin¡¯s words, but he managed to recover quickly.

    A strained smile formed on his lips, and he opened his mouth to speak. Before he could get a word out, Collin calmly continued without hesitation, ¡°As for my grandmother, she met Linsey more than four years ago and liked her right from the start. Later on, I made some terrible choices that hurt Linsey and led to our divorce. Back then, my grandmother was furious with me. She scolded me for not treasuring such a wonderful wife and refused to speak to me for a long time.¡±

    Kase¡¯s face darkened in an instant, his earlierposure slipping. Meanwhile, Linsey turned toward Collin, surprise shing in her eyes as she subtly tried to stop him with a nce.

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    She assumed he was exaggerating the story just to get under Kase¡¯s skin.

    Collin noticed the look she gave him and deliberately added in a steady voice, ¡°Mr. Walton, if you don¡¯t believe me, feel free to ask my grandmother directly.¡±

    Collin¡¯s words confirmed what Linsey had longed to believe. Indeed, from their very first encounter, Ivy had shown her an exceptional kindness that couldn¡¯t be feigned.

    Through the seasons that followed, Ivy had tended to Linsey with genuine care, her concern radiating through every gentle gesture.

    When her marriage to Collin crumbled, Linsey chose divorce and departed Grester, severing her connection to Ivy without a proper farewell.

    Never had she imagined that Ivy would champion her cause after learning of the bitter disputes between her and Collin.

    The smile drained from Kase¡¯s face, leaving only stone.

    He fixed Collin with an unwavering gaze and demanded, his voice sharp as winter frost, ¡°Are you implying that Ivy¡¯s warmth toward our family was nothing but calcted pretense?¡±

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 Chapter 934

    ?Chapter 934:

    Collin¡¯s response came wrapped in a serene smile, a deliberate contrast to Kase¡¯s barely contained anger. ¡°Have you forgotten, Mr. Walton? My grandmother and your wife shared a deep friendship. She envisioned a union between Haven and myself because of their bond. But Haven thought little of me¡ªeven fleeing our wedding ceremony. That event prevented our families from forging stronger ties.¡±

    The reference to Haven¡¯s wedding day escape from five years past painted Kase¡¯s features with unmistakable difort.

    He hesitated, then managed to say weakly, ¡°Haven hase to regret that choice, but¡­¡±

    ¡°I harbor no resentment toward Haven for her decision,¡± Collin interjected smoothly. ¡°I merely speak the truth. In fact, I owe Haven my gratitude. Had she not fled, I would never have met Linsey.¡±

    As he spoke these words, his typically austere expression melted into something surprisingly tender.

    ¡°Perhaps fate was guiding us all along.¡± Collin turned once more toward Linsey, his gaze softening with an affection that transformed his entire countenance.

    With each passing moment, Kase¡¯s irritation mounted dangerously.

    Were it not for the Walton family¡¯s reputation and the demands of social grace, he might have risen and stormed out, unwilling to endure further subtle insults to his family¡¯s dignity.

    A sudden disturbance near the staircase captured everyone¡¯s attention. All eyes shifted to witness Haven and Joanne descending in session, their presencemanding the room.

    Kase, the sting of Collin¡¯s earlier mockery still fresh, felt a surge of misdirected anger toward Haven.

    In his mind, a persistent thought burned: had Haven not abandoned her wedding to Collin, the resulting alliance would have elevated the Walton family to uncontested dominance in Grester¡¯s social hierarchy.

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    The more Kase dwelled on the situation, the hotter his fury zed. Heshed out, ¡°Mr. Riley and Ms. Brooks have been sitting here awaiting your presence! Is this how you¡¯ve chosen to honor our guests? Have the lessons of hospitality we instilled in you evaporated sopletely?¡±

    Though Haven had steeled herself for the inevitable sight of Collin beside Linsey, the reality of them seated together sent a crushing weight through her chest, constricting her breath.

    The scene before her felt impossibly wrong.

    With frustration etching into her bitten lip, Haven could only advance obediently under the weight of Kase¡¯s merciless stare.

    ¡°Forgive me, Grandpa. My preparations took longer than anticipated. I never intended to keep everyone waiting.¡±

    Kase¡¯s hand had always fallen heavily upon Haven¡¯s shoulders, particrly since that fateful day five years ago when she fled her own wedding.

    Had the abandoned groom merely been the Riley family¡¯s eldest son with his disability, perhaps forgiveness might havee easier.

    But Collin¡¯s true identity¡ªfounder of the formidable CR Corporation, a man of aristocratic lineage and unfathomable wealth¡ªmade her transgression unforgivable.

    The revtion of Collin¡¯s true stature had plunged the family into a maelstrom of regret so profound it defied expression.

    Haven¡¯s return home had carried with it a fragile hope: that following Collin¡¯s divorce, she might win him over.

    Yet in her calctions, she had failed to ount for the most devastating possibility¡ªCollin¡¯s heart had always belonged irrevocably to Linsey.

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 Chapter 935

    ?Chapter 935:

    Kase¡¯s face darkened with irritation as he snapped at Haven. ¡°Sit down quickly! Don¡¯t forget to greet our honored guests.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Haven replied with a slight nod, her tone respectful.

    Watching the exchange unfold, Linsey felt a strange knot of emotions tighten in her chest.

    She hadn¡¯t expected Haven¡ªso graceful and confident in public¡ªto appear so meek at home.

    It became clear to Linsey that Kase truly had a hold over Haven.

    While Linsey was still caught up in her thoughts, a sudden, piercing stare caught her attention.

    She turned her head in confusion and met a pair of wide, shocked eyes.

    Joanne quickly looked away, startled, and whispered in a small voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Linsey responded with a soft shake of her head, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Though they had never met before, Linsey couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was something oddly intense about the way Joanne had looked at her.

    What Linsey didn¡¯t realize was that Joanne waspletely overwhelmed by what she saw.

    Joanne was so stunned that her breathing had be uneven.

    She was in disbelief¡ªLinsey resembled Jeffery far too closely.

    At that moment, Haven wasn¡¯t paying any attention to Joanne¡¯s reaction.

    After settling into her seat, she nced toward Linsey, her expression difficult to read.

    The moment her eyes met Linsey¡¯s steady stare, a flicker of panic made her look away. She shifted her focus toward Collin instead.

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    ¡°Collin, did you have something you wanted to talk to me about today?¡± Haven asked softly, her voice gentle, and her smile still as pleasant as ever.

    She behaved as though Linsey wasn¡¯t even there.

    To any observer, seeing Linsey and Collin side by side would naturally suggest they had already patched things up.

    Still, Haven chose to act unaware, clearly avoiding any confrontation or direct acknowledgment.

    Collin, however, had no intention of sparing Haven¡¯s feelings. He cast a cold, detached nce her way, and the moment he spoke, Haven¡¯s expression froze.

    ¡°Back at the auction banquet, I ced a winning bid on a ne called the Star of the Desert¡ªa gift meant for my girl. Tell me, have you seen it anywhere?¡±

    ¡°A ne?¡± Kase, unaware of the deeper issue, brushed it off casually. ¡°So you misced something expensive. Isn¡¯t that a matter for the police? Why bring it up here?¡±

    He shot Collin a look of irritation,pletely missing Haven¡¯s growing unease that was creeping across her face.

    Collin kept hisposure and calmly replied, ¡°If I didn¡¯t have proof, I wouldn¡¯t have brought my girl here in the first ce.¡±

    Haven¡¯s heartbeat quickened at his words, a sudden jolt of panic hitting her.

    Collin turned to his assistant, who handed him several photographs. He began cing them one by one on the coffee table.

    The first photo captured a moment from the CR Corporation auction¡ªinside a velvet-lined case rested the Star of the Desert, glittering with brilliance and precision-cut diamonds.

    The next image showed Haven smiling proudly, a ne draped around her neck, impossible to miss.

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 Chapter 936

    ?Chapter 936:

    Even a quick nce was enough for anyone to see both photos featured the same piece of jewelry.

    Haven stared at the pictures, her face draining of color as her lips began to tremble.

    Back then, determined to make Linsey believe she truly intended to marry Collin, Haven had slipped into his ce and quietly taken the Star of the Desert while his attention was elsewhere.

    Back then, Haven truly believed that Collin had bought the ne as a birthday gift for her.

    That belief made it easier for her to take the ne without asking, thinking it was harmless.

    In her mind, the ne already belonged to her, so wearing it a little early didn¡¯t seem wrong.

    Still, she didn¡¯t have the courage to wear the Star of the Desert openly in front of Collin.

    After convincing Linsey that the piece belonged to her, she left Gorman¡¯s residence without a second thought.

    What she didn¡¯t expect was to bump into several high-society girls from Grester along the way.

    The moment they noticed the Star of the Desert around her neck, they gushed over it, pouring outpliments that fed her pride.

    But she had no clue that someone had secretly taken pictures of her at the time.

    Now that Collin had shown her those very photos and started questioning her, she had no idea how to exin herself.

    Worse still, she had unted the ne in front of Linsey on purpose. What truly blindsided her, though, was that Linsey hadn¡¯t died at Kylee¡¯s hands and had somehow patched things up with Collin. A single misjudgment had snowballed into a mess she couldn¡¯t untangle.

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    A hollowugh threatened to escape Haven¡¯s lips. She realized she had trapped herself without even knowing it.

    Kase, who sat beside her, also saw the pictures clearly.

    Though shocked at first, he forced out a tight smile. ¡°This is all just a mix-up. Haven will return the ne right away.¡±

    Haven sat frozen in ce, unable to respond or even lift a hand.

    With a subtle smirk, Collin turned his gaze toward Kase. ¡°A moment ago, you were ready to get the police involved, and now you¡¯re calling it a misunderstanding?¡±

    His fingertipnded squarely on the auction image and continued, ¡°This ne was purchased for 2.7 billion dors. You really think something like that can be dismissed so casually?¡±

    Though his tone carried a calm edge, the quiet threat in his voice was impossible to miss.

    Tension hit Haven like a wave. Her shoulders trembled, and fear showed inly across her face.

    All this time, she had leaned on Ivy¡¯s goodwill, forgetting entirely that Collin¡ªwho built CR Corporation from the ground up¡ªwasn¡¯t the kind of man to be taken lightly.

    With her nerves barely holding, Haven forced herself to say, ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t do it on purpose¡­¡±

    She bit down on her lower lip and softened her posture, adopting a helpless look. ¡°I was seated next to you at the auction. I mentioned my birthday wasing soon. Then you ced a bid. When people started saying you bought the Star of the Desert for me, you didn¡¯t correct them. You didn¡¯t say it was for anyone else either. So, of course, I believed it was meant for me.¡±

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 Chapter 937

    ?Chapter 937:

    She drew in a shaky breath before continuing, ¡°That day, when I visited your home, I saw the ne. I thought¡­ maybe it was your way of surprising me.¡±

    Before she could say more, Collin let out a cold, mockingugh. Worse than the sound was the way he looked at her¡ªcold, cutting, unforgiving.

    Her words caught in her throat, and the fragile expression she had managed to wear vanished in an instant.

    The weight of his presence pressed down on her, leaving herpletely powerless to respond.

    Even the Walton household staff, scattered quietly around the room, stiffened so much that not a single one of them dared to breathe.

    Not a single sound echoed through the room¡ªonly the frantic rhythm of Haven¡¯s heartbeat filled her ears.

    Not even Kase had words to fill the stillness, a flicker of difort tightening in his chest.

    Right when it seemed Collin might explode in fury, Linsey, who had remained silent until now, gently reached for his sleeve.

    ¡°Collin, you¡¯re scaring everyone,¡± she said, her voice soft as a breeze, melting the tension carved across his face.

    A small smile tugged at Collin¡¯s lips as he nced over at Linsey. With a slight lift of his brow, he asked in a low voice, ¡°Did I startle you too?¡±

    With a yful nce, Linsey gave him a look that was part scolding, part fondness. Her eyes told him clearly¡ªshe would take it from here. Catching her signal, Collin didn¡¯t say another word. He simply lowered his head and brushed his fingers gently along hers.

    The sight left everyone in the room frozen¡ªHaven included. Witnessing Collin, the feared powerhouse of Grester, show such unfiltered affection was nothing short of shocking.

    No one in Grester had ever seen Collin like this. People spoke of his ruthlessness and strength, not this version of him¡ªtender andpletely taken.

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    Jealousy twisted inside Haven as she watched the interaction unfold.

    Everything Linsey had now was supposed to be hers.

    In just a few seconds, all that envy she had tried to bury came flooding back.

    The fear she had felt toward Collin gave way to something darker, and her eyes locked onto Linsey, brimming with spite.

    Linsey noticed. Calm andposed, she returned Haven¡¯s gaze without flinching, fully aware of what was behind it.

    Rather than respond with irritation, she let a small, knowing smile lift the corners of her mouth.

    A flicker of tension crossed Haven¡¯s face, her brows knitting the moment she heard those words.

    Without sparing a nce at Collin¡¯s hand toying with hers, Linsey began to speak, her voice calm but deliberate. ¡°Ms. Walton, I assume you realize we didn¡¯te all this way just to take back the Star of the Desert.¡±

    The mention made Haven¡¯s heart lurch. Instantly, her mind flew to the one thing she hoped wouldn¡¯t be brought up¡ªGorman¡¯s sudden death. Right on cue, Linsey¡¯s tone deepened, a weight settling into each word. ¡°As Collin exined earlier, it¡¯s reckless to use someone of theft without solid proof¡­¡±

    She paused. Her eyes, cool and measured,nded on Haven once more.

    ¡°Or a murderer.¡±

    The final word struck a nerve with Haven.

    She reacted violently, shouting angrily, ¡°What are you trying to say, Linsey? Are you using me of murder now?¡±

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 Chapter 938

    ?Chapter 938:

    Realizing she might have overreacted, she quickly adjusted, covering her panic with a scoff. ¡°First I¡¯m a thief, now a murderer? What¡¯s next? Is CR Corporation handing out criminal charges now too?¡±

    Kase, sitting beside her, didn¡¯t try to hide his growing irritation. His eyes met Linsey¡¯s with a stormy re.

    It boiled his blood to see someone like Linsey, who came from nothing, daring to speak so boldly in front of the Walton family¡ªall because Collin happened to like her.

    In his mind, without Collin¡¯s support, she wouldn¡¯t even deserve to stand in the same room as Haven, let alone talk back to her.

    That thought only fueled the fire in him.

    With a sharp exhale and a bitter smile, Kase scoffed loudly, letting his authority fill the room like a heavy fog.

    ¡°You really are something else, Ms. Brooks. You¡¯re a designer, but the things you involve yourself in go far beyond what any designer should ever touch,¡± said Kase, his tone growing colder as his eyes narrowed on Linsey. ¡°Since you¡¯re Collin¡¯s girl for the time being, I¡¯ll excuse your involvement in recovering the ne. But tell me¡ªwhat business do you have digging into Gorman Green¡¯s ident?¡±

    He paused, letting the weight of his next words settle with a smug tilt of his mouth. ¡°Word has it you vanished overseas with Mr. Green after your divorce. Just returned recently, haven¡¯t you? It¡¯s been, what¡ªfour years? Makes me wonder what exactly went on between the two of you during all that time.¡±

    Linsey didn¡¯t flinch. She met his stare with a quiet strength, herposure as steady as ever.

    Though this was the first time they had spoken, Kase clearly hadn¡¯t walked in blind. His knowledge of her past was too precise to be casual.

    Linsey¡¯s thoughts drifted briefly to something Collin had once mentioned¡ªhow Ivy¡¯s respect for the Walton family came from her fondness for Carly Walton, Haven¡¯s grandmother.

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    That connection now seemed far more curated than coincidental. Kase had clearly gone to great lengths to preserve Ivy¡¯s loyalty, using Carly¡¯s memory as leverage.

    It was also painfully obvious now that Kase had long envisioned Haven as Collin¡¯s rightful match.

    Linsey, however, had derailed those expectations entirely.

    No wonder Kase bristled with such barely disguised contempt toward her¡ªmore so than even Haven herself.

    Still, the realization didn¡¯t rattle Linsey in the slightest. If anything, the bitterness amused her.

    ¡°I appreciate your concern, Mr. Walton. But the issues you¡¯ve raised don¡¯t really rte to today¡¯s matters. That said, since you seem genuinely invested in Collin¡¯s personal affairs, I¡¯ll offer you this¡ªhe and I understand one anotherpletely. There is no room for doubt between us.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s voice was calm and soft, her demeanor unhurried and poised. That level of calm only made Kase¡¯s attitude seem all the more forceful and intrusive.

    For a man his age to be so fixated on the love life of someone else¡¯s son, and a woman he had no blood rtion to, was deeply inappropriate. To any outsider listening, his line of questioning would have sounded downright intrusive.

    ¡°You¡ª¡± Kase snapped, but whatever authority he hoped to wield crumbled beneath Linsey¡¯sposed reply, leaving him red-faced and rattled.

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 Chapter 939

    ?Chapter 939:

    Anger rushed to his wrinkled face, turning it red.

    Just as he looked ready to explode, Linsey cut in with a quiet steadiness in her voice. ¡°You already know Gorman was murdered, Mr. Walton. But did you know the knife used on him was supposed to end up in me instead?¡±

    The weight of her words mmed into the room, stopping Kase like he had been struck by lightning.

    Off to the side, even Haven, who had said nothing this entire time, visibly stiffened. Her face had turned ghostly pale.

    She wasn¡¯t just a witness to the mess. She was the mastermind behind every step that led to it.

    Back when she had devised the n, Haven never once considered the fallout of getting rid of Linsey.

    To her, Linsey was just an orphan who could be erased without consequence.

    But the moment she saw Collin¡¯s protectiveness, everything shifted. His affection wasn¡¯t shallow or fleeting. He didn¡¯t just care for Linsey ¡ª he loved her.

    Because of that, Linsey¡¯s survival now carried the same weight as Gorman¡¯s death.

    One had already been buried. The other had returned, standing at Collin¡¯s side with purpose.

    That terrifying thought made Haven¡¯s heart pound so loudly she could feel it in her throat.

    She pulled in a shaky breath, forcing herself to stay still even as panic pressed down on her chest.

    The only thing keeping her calm was the belief that they hade up empty-handed. Kylee was the one who had done it, and she hadn¡¯t been involved at all.

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    And with that thought came a flicker of reassurance. Even if Linsey hurled the usation at her directly, there was no evidence.

    Haven forced down the wave of panic building inside her and managed to pull together a strained smile.

    ¡°Linsey, we¡¯ve crossed paths before, but today is the first time we¡¯re truly being introduced. I have to say, I¡¯ve always admired you. Honestly, Ipletely understand why Collin would be drawn to you. I won¡¯t deny that I used to have feelings for him. Still, as a member of the Walton family, I know better than to hold onto something that doesn¡¯t serve me. I¡¯d never do anything that would bring disgrace to our name,¡± Haven said.

    Her voice remained calm, every word carefully chosen, delivered with the kind of weight that made it seem heartfelt.

    She took a moment before continuing, ¡°About Gorman¡¯s death¡­ I really have nothing to exin. At the bridal shop that day, someone came charging out with a knife, and I was just as stunned as anyone else. I panicked. I ran without even seeing the attacker¡¯s face clearly. So why are you pulling me into all this?¡±

    While speaking, Haven kept her posture modest, her face shaped into a look of sincerity.

    If Linsey hadn¡¯t already spoken to Kylee or uncovered the truth herself, she might have actually believed the act.

    Linsey couldn¡¯t shake the thought that Haven had likely worn that very same look and used that exact tone when she had twisted Kylee into carrying out her wishes.

    Considering Kylee¡¯s built-up resentment toward her, Haven had likely found it all too easy to manipte her into going along with the n. With very little effort, she had probably nudged Kylee in the right direction, letting her remove whatever¡ªor whoever¡ªstood in Haven¡¯s way.

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 Chapter 940

    ?Chapter 940:

    What none of them sawing, including Linsey herself, was that Gorman would throw himself into the chaos and take the fatal strike that had been meant for her.

    The image of the blood spreading across the floor of the bridal shop came rushing back, and Linsey¡¯s heart ached as though it were happening all over again.

    She had never felt any fondness for Gorman¡ªthat much was true. Yet, even with that, she couldn¡¯t ignore the fact that he had given his life to protect her.

    Whether it was to ensure her own safety or to avenge Gorman¡¯s death, Linsey knew one thing for certain¡ªshe had to uncover the person truly responsible and make sure they paid the price.

    After a moment of silence, Linsey pulled out her phone and tapped on a file. She set it down gently on the table, and soon, Kylee¡¯s voice began ying through the speaker.

    ¡°It was Haven who told me to kill Linsey. She handed me the knife.

    And no one but her could¡¯ve known the exact time Linsey would be at the bridal shop that day.¡±

    As the words echoed through the room, Haven¡¯s eyes grew wide with disbelief.

    ¡°That¡¯s a lie! She¡¯s making it all up!¡± Haven screamed, her voice cracking as she red at Linsey, her face twisted in outrage. ¡°You¡¯re framing me! You went as far as forging evidence just to trap me!¡±

    Haven¡¯s shouting didn¡¯t stop there. In the next breath, she sprang to her feet, pointing at Linsey with a trembling hand, her eyes wild and burning.

    ¡°Linsey! I knew it! You¡¯ve been plotting against me from the start! You¡¯re still alive, aren¡¯t you? I never told Kylee to kill you. It¡¯s obvious you got tired of Gorman keeping you on a leash, so you used Kylee to get rid of him! You¡¯re the one behind everything! You scheming, cold-hearted snake!¡±

    As Haven¡¯s fury boiled over, Joanne, seated next to her, instinctively reached out to hold her back.

    Find your adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°§à¡± cir¨ªlica)

    But then, an idea slipped into Joanne¡¯s mind as her eyesnded on Linsey¡¯s face, which carried an eerie likeness to Jeffery¡¯s.

    Something inside her whispered that there was more to their connection than anyone had let on.

    That one thought changed everything. Joanne quickly realized she could no longer afford to go after Linsey because of Haven.

    A wave of regret surged through Joanne as she pondered her past schemes against Linsey.

    By sheer luck, her ndestine moves had left no trace leading back to her.

    If Linsey truly had any link to Jeffrey, Joanne felt certain she could clear her name.

    She could not afford the slightest tarnish on her standing with Jeffrey, as it would unravel years of careful nning.

    Taking a deep breath, Joanne steadied herself, masking her unease. Unbeknownst to her, Collin had noticed the faint shift in her demeanor.

    Suspicion glinted in his eyes, and a wry smile tugged at his lips. He had long observed Joanne¡¯s eager support for Haven, yet today she sat silent, as if deliberately distancing herself. The stark change in her behavior stood out sharply.

    Meanwhile, Haven¡¯s usations fell t against Linsey¡¯sposure. In a cool and detached voice, she said, ¡°I never told you Gorman restricted my freedom, Haven.¡±

    Those words left Haven visibly thrown.

    The recording of Kylee¡¯s pointed allegations against Haven was solid proof.

    With calm precision, Linsey disyed several photos.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 941

    ?Chapter 941:

    ¡°These show your purchase of a military-style knife from an underground market. Date, time, price, and tax receipt are all clearly documented. This knife matches the one Kylee carried that day.¡±

    Haven¡¯s face drained of color, her jaw tightening as Linsey presented this damning evidence.

    Even Kase, previously radiating irritation, now looked stunned. He turned to Haven, struggling to process her connection to Gorman¡¯s death.

    That Haven had yed a role in such a vile act was bad enough. Her carelessness in leaving such clear evidence was beyond reckless.

    Rage churned within Kase, barely contained.

    Were it not for Linsey and Collin¡¯s presence, he might haveshed out at Haven¡¯s foolishness.

    She really was a fool.

    How had their family produced such a tant fool?

    Linsey, observing Haven¡¯s and Kase¡¯s reactions, pulled up another piece of evidence.

    She said, ¡°Three days before the incident, you sent Joanne to the prison on your behalf. You spent heavily to secure Kylee¡¯s brief release, then met her yourself to hash out the details. That meeting happened right here in this restaurant. A staff member saw you and Kylee enter the same private room. Surveince footage backs this up.¡±

    A soft, almost taunting chuckle slipped from Linsey¡¯s lips. ¡°You took pains to disguise yourself. ck wool coat, hat, and mask. I nearly didn¡¯t recognize you.¡±

    Cold sweat now dotted Haven¡¯s forehead.

    Linsey¡¯s evidence was airtight, rendering any defense feeble.

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    She stood powerless as Linsey methodically tore her apart.

    ¡°But you missed one thing,¡± Linsey went on, her tone smooth yet cutting. ¡°Your earrings. They¡¯re thetest from a luxury brand, sold at just three stores in Grester. Each keeps detailed buyer records. Besides you, only three other young women and one movie star in this city own them.¡±

    Haven gave a bitter grin, her lips curling into a sarcastic twist. Her voice cracked with fury as she snapped, ¡°So you¡¯repletely sure it was me in that surveince footage?¡±

    Linsey responded smoothly, ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange? On that exact day, the movie star was overseas on a shoot, and those three young women were off jet-setting together, like they always do.¡±

    She paused for emphasis before continuing, ¡°I¡¯m no specialist when ites to jewelry, so I had no clue if the earrings were real or fake. That¡¯s why I tracked down the original designer¡ªthe one who actually made them¡ªto get some answers. And guess what? The woman in that restaurant footage was wearing the real thing.¡±

    Haven¡¯s breathing turned uneven, her chest rising and falling in sharp waves.

    Her mind kept telling her that insisting any further was pointless.

    Still, a fierce unwillingness to back down burned inside her.

    Why did Linsey always end up ahead?

    She had spent so longying out every detail of her n, only to copse right before reaching the finish line¡ªthe most important step of all!

    Why was it Linsey who came out unscathed that day? Why did everything seem to go her way?

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of arguing at this stage? I¡¯m not admitting to anything. Everything you¡¯re saying is a lie! You¡¯re making all of it up!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 942

    ?Chapter 942:

    Rage red in Haven¡¯s eyes as she shot Linsey a look cold enough to stop a heartbeat. With clenched teeth, she shouted, ¡°Kylee was the one whomitted that murder, not me! Don¡¯t even think about tying me to what she did!¡±

    Linsey had expected this exact reaction. ¡°I already know that, and so do the police. They¡¯ve confirmed Kylee was the killer. But are you aware that convincing a prisoner to carry out a murder is still a serious offense? And more than that, the military-grade knives you bought in secret were never meant for civilian use, yet you acquired one specifically to kill. When you add those charges to the theft of that expensive ne, you¡¯re looking at several years behind bars.¡±

    Everything around Haven seemed to stop as her thoughts spiraled in shock.

    Her knees gave out, and she copsed onto the sofa, her entire body trembling uncontrobly.

    Kase lowered his eyes and shut them slowly, overwhelmed by what he had just witnessed.

    Everything had fallen apart. His granddaughter¡¯s life waspletely destroyed.

    Linsey quietly slipped her phone into her pocket and nced at the clock. ¡°If I¡¯m right, the police should be arriving any moment now.¡±

    Haven¡¯s eyes flew open, locking onto Linsey, her voice shaking as she asked, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Linsey replied with a steady chill in her voice, ¡°We gave all of the evidence to the police before we even came here. With the kind of ess they have, they¡¯ll uncover even more than we did. If you still have even the slightest trace of regret, the smartest thing you can do now is turn yourself in. It might earn you some mercy.¡±

    Suddenly, Haven broke into a fit ofughter, her bloodshot eyes spilling fresh tears.

    Sheughed through her tears, eyes never leaving Linsey. ¡°You went through all that effort to dig up the truth¡ªwasn¡¯t it all for Gorman¡¯s sake? Can¡¯t you see it, Linsey? On the day you and Gorman were picking out your wedding clothes, I wasn¡¯t the only one plotting. Gorman nned to use that same moment to take Collin¡¯s life!¡±

    Tears welled up in Haven¡¯s eyes as she turned her gaze toward Collin, her voice thick with pain.

    I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m

    ¡°Collin, every move I made was to protect you! If I hadn¡¯t sent Kylee to take out Linsey first, Gorman would¡¯ve had his people kill you! You¡¯d be lying in a grave right now! I did it all for you! How could you turn your back on me like this?¡±

    The gleam in Collin¡¯s eyes turned mean, sharper than before. Even though Haven swore she was doing it all for him, her grudge against Linsey was far too personal to disguise as concern.

    He honestly couldn¡¯t tell if Haven was being cruel on purpose or if her stupidity had simply reached new heights.

    ¡°Keep talking. When the cops get here, make sure you tell them everything. Let¡¯s see if they¡¯ll toss out our evidence in favor of your ridiculous little fairy tale,¡± said Collin, his voice cold as stone.

    Those words hit Haven like a punch to the gut. Panic wed at her chest before she could stop it.

    No excuse she gave would sway him now. His mind was made up, and her lies were worthless.

    Collin didn¡¯t care if she spent the rest of her life behind bars. She meant nothing to him anymore.

    What was worse, the woman she had tried to kill was the only one Collin truly cared about. There was no way he would let her off. That realization twisted inside her like a knife. Her lips lifted into a sour smile.

    She didn¡¯t need to ask for forgiveness. It would nevere.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 943

    ?Chapter 943:

    Just then, the door burst open, and a Walton servant stumbled in, clearly shaken.

    ¡°Mr. Walton, Ms. Walton¡ªthe police are here!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Haven whipped around, her face draining of all color.

    Within seconds, officers flooded into the room.

    ¡°Haven Walton, you¡¯re under suspicion for the illegal purchase of a custom military weapon and colluding with a known criminal tomit attempted murder. You¡¯ll need toe with us.¡±

    Two of them closed in, locking cold cuffs around her wrists.

    Haven¡¯s scream pierced through the room. ¡°No! That¡¯s a lie! They¡¯re setting me up!¡±

    Wild-eyed and thrashing, she pointed toward Linsey. ¡°It was her! She¡¯s behind all of this! She killed Gorman, not me! Why are you arresting me?! Go after her!¡±

    From the corner, Joanne had been quietly watching it all unfold. For just a second, her expression betrayed her¡ªa flicker of disbelief breaking through her calm.

    The possibility that Linsey and Collin would actually involve the authorities hadn¡¯t even crossed her mind. She thought they were bluffing.

    Given Collin¡¯s status as the man behind CR Corporation, it made sense he had no fear.

    But Linsey? She had no wealth. No backing. Nothing.

    That was why Joanne was stunned that Linsey showed no fear. Not even a flicker of doubt crossed her face. Once she lost Collin¡¯s support, she would have to face the wrath of the Waltons alone. Had that thought never crossed her mind?

    As that question sank in, Joanne found her thoughts drifting to someone else entirely¡ªJeffery.

    Linsey¡¯s features weren¡¯t just familiar. They mirrored Jeffery¡¯s almost exactly. That resemnce sparked a new suspicion in Joanne, one too striking to ignore. There had to be something deeper tying Linsey to the Lawson family.

    Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Joanne¡¯s memory stirred with the image of Carol¡ªgone now, killed in an ident four years back.

    Whispers from the upper circles came back to her too. Some imed Carol had never truly belonged to the Lawson family by blood.

    Given Linsey¡¯s uncanny simrity to Jeffery, the idea clicked into ce. Linsey might actually be the real daughter of the Lawson family.

    Meanwhile, Kase stood amid the tension, fury and helplessness twisting inside him like a storm.

    He rose shakily to his feet, clearly torn, as though he wanted to speak up and say something to the officers. But the words never came. In the end, he held back, unwilling to further drag the Walton name through the mud.

    Haven was, after all, one of their own¡ªand her behavior had already stained the family¡¯s reputation.

    So Kase made his choice. He decided it was best to cut ties entirely.

    With a sharp, bitter snort, he turned his back on her, not bothering to say a single word. The silence that followed was louder than anything he could have said. Leaning on a servant for support, he slowly made his way up the stairs.

    ¡°Grandpa! Please save me! Grandpa!¡± Haven¡¯s voice cracked as she watched him walk away, a cold dread sinking deep into her bones.

    Everything had started crumbling the moment the Walton family realized who Collin really was. Once his identity as CR Corporation¡¯s founder came to light, their treatment of her had changed overnight. She had scraped and wed her way into their good graces, using every trick she knew to get close to Collin.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 944

    ?Chapter 944:

    Now it was all gone.

    Her voice broke as Haven shouted through the lump in her throat, ¡°Collin! How could you let this happen? Gorman was going to kill you! If he hadn¡¯t died, you¡¯d be the one buried now! That day at the bridal shop¡ªthey had people everywhere! You think you would¡¯ve walked away alive without me?¡±

    Haven shouted, her voice rough and cracking like broken ss, ¡°You! Linsey! Don¡¯t think you¡¯ve beaten me! This is just one loss!¡± Her bloodshot eyes zed with fury, wild and unhinged.

    The police made their way toward the door, taking her with them.

    Linsey and Collin rose to their feet together. Their cold eyes followed Haven, who was still fighting against the officers.

    Linsey felt drained. She had no more words to spare.

    She had stayed behind on purpose, just to see Haven taken away. To her, the silence now said more than anything she could have added. She knew Haven would never listen, not with the hatred she carried. Back at the bridal shop, if Gorman hadn¡¯t stepped in, she might not be alive today.

    So, for herself¡ªand for Gorman, who had died because of her¡ªshe could never forgive Haven.

    Suddenly, Collin¡¯s hand slipped into hers. It was firm, yet gentle. Startled, Linsey turned to look at him. His warm, steady eyes locked with hers.

    He gave her a faint smile. Then, turning to Haven, his smile vanished, reced by ice.

    Collin said, ¡°You¡¯re wrong. Did you really think I got there without a n? From the moment you invited me to that bridal shop, I already knew what I was going to do. Once I saw Linsey wasn¡¯t marrying Gorman by choice, I was ready to take her with me¡ªno matter what.¡±

    Haven¡¯s face changed. Her eyes widened in shock.

    Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    That was when it hit her.

    From the start, when Collin founded CR Corporation, Gorman had always seen him as his biggest threat.

    But all these years, Gorman had never managed to surpass him.

    Grester had always been Collin¡¯s stronghold.

    It wasn¡¯t a ce Gorman could win.

    A bitterugh escaped Haven¡¯s lips.

    Now she understood. That day at the shop, Collin hade prepared. He rejected her invitation on purpose¡ªthen showed up with his men, outnumbering Gorman¡¯s. All he needed was to figure out whether Linsey was willingly marrying Gorman.

    Haven stopped fighting. Her body slumped, and the fire in her eyes faded. The police led her away in silence.

    Linsey was still stunned by Collin¡¯s words. Her eyes lingered on him, shining softly.

    Soon after, they both left together.

    Only Joanne remained at the Walton family¡¯s estate. She had been so quiet on the couch, it was easy to forget she was even there. She watched Linsey walk away, her expression unreadable.

    After a long pause, Joanne let out a slow sigh. The memory of Haven¡¯s fall from grace left a strange feeling in her chest.

    She knew that with Collin¡¯s sharp mind, it wouldn¡¯t take long before he uncovered the truth¡ªthat she had secretly helped Haven more than once.

    But today, he hadn¡¯t said a word to her, not even casting her a nce. Maybe she was overthinking. Maybe he didn¡¯t know.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 945

    ?Chapter 945:

    Still, her thoughts spun between Linsey¡¯s calm face and Collin¡¯s cold gaze. Her heart grew restless.

    Just as she was about to stand, amanding voice echoed from the stairs. ¡°Joanne, right? Come upstairs. I want to talk to you.¡±

    It was Kase. Joanne froze. She had never expected Kase, who had always acted like she didn¡¯t exist, to speak to her¡ªespecially now that Haven was gone.

    Joanne parted her lips and whispered, ¡°Alright.¡±

    She pivoted away, each step toward the staircase heavier than thest as dread coiled within her.

    Her thoughts spiraled into a maelstrom of dark possibilities.

    Though Collin hadn¡¯t sought retribution, she trembled at the thought of Kase exacting vengeance for Haven¡¯s downfall.

    A flicker of indignation rose in Joanne¡¯s chest.

    Throughout everything, she had merely been Haven¡¯s aplice, never the architect of their schemes. Haven had chosen her own path; she had never forced her hand.

    The plot involving Kylee in the attempt on Linsey¡¯s life¡ªthat had been Haven¡¯s creation entirely.

    Joanne had simply facilitated, gathering intelligence about Linsey and Kylee¡¯s history and arranging Kylee¡¯s temporary release.

    This peripheral involvement had kept Joanne beyond the reach ofw enforcement.

    Even so, Joanne couldn¡¯t shake her nervousness.

    Kase, though not as formidable as Collin, still wielded enough power as head of the Walton family to destroy someone as insignificant as her without a second thought.

    With Haven in police custody, Joanne had lost her only shield in Grester.

    Beyond her ambitions, she was merely an ordinary woman with no distinguished background to leverage.

    Without her persistent efforts to forge something better, she faced the prospect of settling into predictable patterns: marrying an average man and disappearing into thefortable anonymity of an ordinary existence.

    When Joanne entered Kase¡¯s private study, her heart still raced beneath herposed exterior.

    She lifted her gaze to meet his¡ªsharp, assessing eyes that seemed to see through pretense.

    ¡°Haven is no longer of any use,¡± he stated coolly. ¡°You¡¯re her closest friend, so why not step in and take on her role?¡±

    Joanne¡¯s eyes widened, momentary surprise breaking through her carefulposure. ¡°Mr. Walton, what did you just say?¡±

    Kase continued undeterred, as if her reaction were expected and unremarkable. ¡°You have two options before you. Regardless of which one you choose, I will ensure your family receives generous benefits and treatment. You won¡¯t be shortchanged. First, agree to assume the identity of a Walton and marry into one of Grester¡¯s elite families to secure a new path for us. The second option¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the second option?¡± Joanne asked, her voice quieter now, tinged with cautious curiosity.

    Kase released a soft, menacingugh that seemed to chill the air between them. ¡°Take Haven¡¯s ce in prison.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 946

    ?Chapter 946:

    The deration struck Joanne like winter wind, leaving a hollow ringing in her ears.

    ¡°No,¡± she gasped, shaking her head with instinctive vehemence. ¡°I won¡¯t go to prison for Haven! Mr. Walton, you can¡¯t do this¡­¡± Her voice caught, then strengthened. ¡°You know as well as I do that I could never control Haven. Once she fixed her mind on something, it became immovable as stone.¡±

    Kase¡¯s lips curled into a contemptuous smile. ¡°She¡¯s nothing but a fool,¡± he remarked, each word precise and cutting. ¡°Who cares about her decisions? The world judges oues, not intentions. Unfortunately, she possessed cleverness without wisdom.¡±

    His eyes narrowed as he studied Joanne with the clinical interest of a collector assessing an acquisition. ¡°Youck Haven¡¯s striking presence, but caution serves better than beauty in delicate matters. That¡¯s precisely why you might prove valuable where she failed.¡±

    The silence between them grew weighted before he added with silken mockery, ¡°I trust you¡¯re sensible enough to recognize which choice preserves your future?¡±

    Joanne¡¯s expression ckened, her consciousness retreating as if to shield itself from this brutal revtion.

    Never had she imagined Kase¡¯s indifference toward Haven could run so bone-deep, so absolute.

    The truth crystallized with terrible rity¡ªHaven had never been family, merely a token advanced and withdrawn ording to utility. How many nights had Joannein awake, envying Haven¡¯s circumstances?

    Now, looking through the tarnished reality, she felt nothing but a profound, aching pity for the woman.

    ¡°Mr. Walton, do you seriously expect me to get close to Collin? You saw it yourself¡ªCollin only has eyes for Linsey,¡± Joanne said,ughing awkwardly.

    Before she could say more, Kase cut in coolly. ¡°Collin isn¡¯t the only powerful man in Grester.¡±

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    Joanne¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You mean¡­¡±

    Kase interrupted again. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m talking about Dustin Wade¡ªthe one who helps Collin run CR Corporation.¡±

    At Grester¡¯s biggest amusement park, Dolores trudged behind Dustin,pletely worn out. Dustin, on the other hand, carried Zenia and Zander with ease.

    ¡°You two little rascals, what do you want to y next?¡± he asked cheerfully.

    Dolores nearly groaned. Just hearing that made her soul sink.

    If she had known babysitting would be this draining, she would have rather faced those stubborn board members at thepany. At least they didn¡¯t run around.

    She made up her mind¡ªonce they got back, Linsey owed her big time.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± Zenia said, patting her tummy.

    As soon as he heard that, Zander lost all interest in ying. ¡°Dustin, Zenia¡¯s hungry. Let¡¯s go get food!¡±

    Dolores perked up instantly.

    Thank goodness. Finally, a break.

    Dustin raised a brow. ¡°No problem. What do you feel like eating?¡±

    After hearing the kids¡¯ choices, Dustin turned to Dolores. ¡°How about you? Want anything?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with anything,¡± she replied with a faint smile.

    At this point, all she wanted was a ce to sit and breathe.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 947

    ?Chapter 947:

    They headed to a nearby restaurant inside the park.

    Once seated, Dustin ordered two kids¡¯ meals.

    ¡°What about you, Dolores?¡± he asked, ncing up from the menu.

    Dolores wiped sweat off Zenia¡¯s face and replied softly, ¡°Just a cold drink is fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯ve been liking blueberriestely. Want to try the blueberry juice here?¡± Dustin suggested.

    Dolores paused, surprised. Dustin always came off so carefree, yet he noticed the little things.

    ¡°Sure, sounds nice.¡±

    Dustin added a few more dishes.

    Soon, the waiter brought everything over.

    Naturally, both adults attended to the kids first.

    Thankfully, Linsey had taught them well. They ate neatly, without much fuss.

    Seeing that the kids were doing fine, Dustin grabbed a te of fruit sd, gave it a little mix, and ced it in front of Dolores. ¡°You must be worn out. I know your appetite isn¡¯t great when you¡¯re tired. Start with this. If you¡¯re still hungryter, we¡¯ll order more.¡±

    Dolores nced down at the sd.

    She had noticed earlier that it could be customized.

    To her surprise, Dustin had picked all the fruits she liked, with just the right dressing.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, smiling softly at him.

    Uncover new tales on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??om

    Ever since they acknowledged their feelings, Dustin had stopped hiding how he felt. He always knew how to make her smile with the smallest gestures.

    At first, Dolores nned to y hard to get¡ªto test his patience a little longer before saying yes.

    But now, she could barely wait to be his.

    Dolores couldn¡¯t help but smile at the thought.

    ¡°Dolores, you look so happy! Do you really like the sd Dustin made for you?¡± Zenia said, her tone full of innocent curiosity.

    Startled, Dolores quickly masked her expression and replied in mock irritation, ¡°You little rascal, what kind of nonsense is that?¡±

    Her eyes drifted around until theynded on Dustin¡¯s rxed smile. Her heart gave a sudden flutter.

    Zander spoke up seriously. ¡°Dolores, my mom always says if you like something, you should say it out loud. If not, no one will ever know.¡±

    Dolores blinked. ¡°Linsey told you that?¡±

    That didn¡¯t sound like something Linsey would say.

    It caught her off guard.

    As they continued eating,ughter and light chatter filled the table. The mood was warm, like sunshine on a quiet afternoon.

    But that peace shattered like ss.

    ¡°Dustin! What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± A sharp voice rang out.

    Dustin turned in surprise. ¡°Mom? What are you doing here?¡±

    Dolores¡¯ heart jumped. She quickly looked over.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 948

    ?Chapter 948:

    An elegant woman walked toward them, her steps firm and her auramanding. Several tall bodyguards followed close behind.

    ¡°You actually have the nerve to ask?¡± Hester Wade shot Dustin a re, then turned her cold, assessing eyes on Dolores. She gave a disdainful snort before narrowing her gaze at Zenia and Zander. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me these kids are your secret illegitimate children.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ expression changed immediately.

    Without a second thought, she gently ced her hand over Zenia¡¯s ears, trying to block out the cruel words.

    Back when Gorman had held Zenia captive, some kids had mocked her background. But those taunts were nothingpared to this.

    The word ¡°illegitimate¡± cut far deeper.

    Dustin stood up sharply, anger in his voice. ¡°Mom, how can you say that in front of the kids?¡±

    Though clearly upset, he kept his tone low. ¡°They¡¯re not mine. They¡¯re Collin¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Collin¡¯s?¡± Hester raised a brow with a hint of surprise. ¡°Well, if they¡¯re Collin¡¯s, it¡¯s fine to help out.¡±

    Her tone turned mocking as she looked Dolores up and down. ¡°But don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re taking care of Collin¡¯s girl too. That would be quite the scandal.¡±

    Her words were like ice, and Dolores felt it in her chest.

    In that moment, everything became clear.

    Hester knew. She hade prepared.

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    She didn¡¯t see Dolores as a threat¡ªjust someone beneath her notice. It was obvious Hester was against their rtionship from the start.

    Dolores could see where this was headed. If Dustin kept arguing, things would only get worse.

    And she couldn¡¯t stand the thought of the kids being dragged into the mess. Nor could she let Dustin fight with his mother because of her.

    Dustin looked at Hester in disbelief. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not like that. She¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Wade,¡± Dolores suddenly cut in, using a formal tone that stopped him in his tracks.

    Dolores inhaled deeply, mustering a faint grin. ¡°I really appreciate everything today. If you have othermitments, feel free to head out. I can manage getting the kids home on my own.¡±

    Dustin froze for a moment, pivoting to face Dolores with a look of astonishment.

    Her words left him puzzled, unsure of her intent. He also couldn¡¯t grasp why she seemed to cut him off from saying more.

    Since Hester had just spotted them together, Dustin had hoped to properly introduce Dolores to her.

    But Dolores, in Hester¡¯s presence, intentionally kept her distance from him.

    Noticing Dustin¡¯s confusion, Dolores could easily sense the thoughts swirling in his mind.

    Yet, under the circumstances, this was the only way she could safeguard her fragile sense of pride.

    With that resolve, Dolores didn¡¯t waver any longer. She gently sped Zenia¡¯s hand, who still seemed a bit lost, and softly said, ¡°Come on, Zenia, let¡¯s head home.¡±

    She kept her tone calm and gave a small wave to Zander. ¡°Zander, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s posture stiffened slightly, his gaze tinged with quiet sorrow as it lingered on Dolores.

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 Chapter 949

    ?Chapter 949:

    He could tell she was avoiding his eyes.

    Recalling Hester¡¯s recent words, Dustin slowly averted his gaze, concealing the heaviness within.

    He stayed silent, making no move to stop Dolores as she left with the children.

    After a moment, Dustin turned to Hester, who wore a faint, mocking smirk, and asked in a raspy voice, ¡°Mom, why?¡±

    Hester didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, she curtly ordered, ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    Dustin clenched his jaw in frustration, itching to clear things up with Hester immediately.

    But reflecting on her years of devoted care and guidance, he swallowed his irritation.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he muttered, nodding reluctantly.

    When Dolores reached Collin¡¯s ce with the two kids, Linsey and Collin were still busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.

    ¡°You¡¯re back, Dolores!¡± Spotting them, Linsey slipped off her apron, wiped her hands, and approached with a warm smile.

    ¡°Mommy!¡± Zenia and Zander bounded into Linsey¡¯s arms, cuddling close with carefree joy. ¡°We missed you so much!¡±

    ¡°I missed you both too,¡± Linsey replied, her face lighting up as she returned their affection. Then, ncing up, she noticed the distant look clouding Dolores¡¯ expression.

    After more than twenty years of friendship, Linsey instantly knew something was wrong.

    Her eyes flicked to the closed door behind Dolores and she realized Dustin hadn¡¯t returned with them.

    That confirmed it¡ªDustin was at the heart of the issue.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????

    Collin emerged, carrying tes of food to the table.

    Linsey shot him a subtle nce.

    Catching her cue, Collin took the kids¡¯ hands. ¡°Alright, you two, let¡¯s go wash our hands.¡±

    ¡°Collin, Zander says you¡¯re our dad. Is that true?¡± Zenia asked innocently, following him to the bathroom.

    Zander corrected her, ¡°Zenia, you should call him Daddy.¡±

    Collin chuckled softly. ¡°No worries, call me whatever feels right.¡± The bathroom door clicked shut.

    Linsey gently took Dolores¡¯ hand, pulling her back from her drifting thoughts. ¡°Dolores, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Dolores blinked, snapping back to the moment, and forced a weak smile. ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m suddenly feeling under the weather. I think I need to rest for a bit.¡±

    Although Dolores had a smile on her face, Linsey could tell¡ªthere was no joy in her eyes.

    She lookedpletely downhearted.

    Linsey pressed her lips together and gently pulled Dolores inside. ¡°Collin and I just hired a lovely housekeeper. The guest room is all tidy now, fresh sheets and everything. You should go lie down for a bit.¡±

    Dolores hesitated, her voice low. She wanted to say no.

    Linsey and Collin had only just gotten back together. Dolores didn¡¯t want to be a bother.

    But Linsey held her hand tightly. Her voice dropped as she said, ¡°Dolores, you can¡¯t fool me. I know you too well.¡±

    She looked down, her warm fingers brushing over the back of Dolores¡¯ cold hand.

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 Chapter 950

    Chapter 950:

    ¡°When I hit rock bottom, you were right there beside me. Now it¡¯s your turn. You¡¯re hurting¡ªI¡¯m not about to let you face it alone.¡±

    Linsey paused, then continued softly, ¡°Remember four years ago? When yourpany ran into trouble, you kept it from me. You didn¡¯t want me to worry. And when I found out, I was mad. You promised you¡¯d never shut me out again.¡±

    Dolores looked at her in silence. Her eyes were wet, but no tears had fallen yet.

    ¡°Thank you, Linsey,¡± she murmured.

    Linsey smiled gently and touched her cheek. ¡°I haven¡¯t even done anything yet,¡± she said with a softugh.

    Then she took Dolores¡¯ hand and led her to the guest room.

    The door shut quietly behind them, shutting the world out.

    ¡°Collin said he¡¯s cooking something special,¡± Linsey said as she poured a ss of water. ¡°I was helping, but I left him to it. The kids are with the housekeeper, so we¡¯re free to rest.¡±

    With Linsey there, a weight lifted off Dolores¡¯ chest.

    She took the water, sipped quietly, then slipped off her coat andy on the bed without a word. Her eyes closed. Linsey came around andy down beside her.

    The room fell silent.

    Dolores didn¡¯t speak. Linsey didn¡¯t rush her. She simply waited.

    No one knew how long had passed.

    Just when Linsey thought Dolores had drifted off, she heard her whisper, ¡°Linsey¡­ I don¡¯t think Dustin and I have a future.¡±

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Linsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    So it was about Dustin after all.

    No wonder he hadn¡¯te here with them.

    She turned to look at Dolores, her eyes gentle. ¡°Why do you think that?¡± Something serious must have happened.

    Did Dustin hurt her?

    But that didn¡¯t sound like him. Dustin wasn¡¯t the type.

    Dolores let out a shaky breath. Her voice wavered. ¡°His mom saw us at the amusement park. I could tell she didn¡¯t like me. In fact, I think she looked down on me.¡±

    She turned her face away. Her eyes were red and ssy. ¡°She thought Zenia and Zander were our kids. She called them¡­¡± Dolores¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°She called them illegitimate children.¡±

    She broke off, and tears slipped down her cheeks. Her voice trembled. ¡°Linsey. I¡¯m so sorry. If it weren¡¯t for me, your children wouldn¡¯t have been called that.¡±

    The sight of Dolores in tears shattered something fragile within Linsey¡¯s chest.

    Panic seized her as she reached out, fingertips trembling against the dampness on Dolores¡¯ cheeks while her own throat constricted with shared anguish.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault, Dolores. Please don¡¯t me yourself.¡± Linsey¡¯s voice carried gentle urgency. ¡°I¡¯ll exin everything to the childrenter, but you need to stop tearing yourself apart over this.¡±

    She changed the subject. ¡°Did you see their faces when they walked through that door? Pure joy, radiating from every smile. You gave them something beautiful today, something they¡¯ll treasure.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s fingers moved soothingly through Dolores¡¯ hair, each gentle stroke meant to calm the storm raging within her.

    .

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    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Dear readers, new novel releases in a few hours. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 951

    ?Chapter 951:

    Dolores said, ¡°Dustin did all the heavy lifting today. He carried them when they got tired, made themugh. I barely contributed anything.¡±

    A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Linsey¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°The way you notice his efforts tells me everything about how much you care. If his mother can¡¯t see your worth, that¡¯s her failing, not yours. What truly matters is how Dustin feels about you, how he chooses to be with you.¡±

    Dolores worried her lower lip between her teeth. ¡°I can¡¯t stand the thought of him going against his mother because of me. She raised him, shaped who he is. If he defies her for my sake, it¡¯ll only bring him pain.¡±

    Deep sympathy filled Linsey¡¯s gaze as she watched her friend¡¯s internal struggle.

    Before falling in love, Dolores had been fearless, unshakeable in her confidence.

    Now Dustin had be her greatest vulnerability, the one thing that could bring her to her knees.

    ¡°But Dustin is crazy about you. Would his mother really force him into a marriage without love? Would she watch her own son live a life of quiet misery? That can¡¯t be what any mother wants for her child,¡± Linsey spoke with quiet conviction.

    Dolores remained quiet for a long moment, then her lips twisted into something that barely resembled a smile. ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee Dustin will always feel this intensely about me. What if this is just infatuation passing itself off as love?¡±

    Her gaze found Linsey¡¯s again as she searched for understanding.

    ¡°He¡¯s nothing like Collin, you know. Collin came to you with a clean te, noplicated history. But Dustin¡­¡± She trailed off, the weight of unspoken concerns hanging between them.

    A hollowugh escaped her as she continued, ¡°I¡¯m not naive enough to believe I¡¯m somehow special enough to transform a man who¡¯s loved and left so many others. What makes me think I could be the exception?¡±

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    Linsey absorbed every word without judgment, recognizing the familiar spiral of insecurity that had taken hold of her.

    Uncertainty had poisoned Dolores¡¯ confidence, making her question not just Dustin¡¯s feelings, but her own worth in the rtionship. Perhaps Dustin hadn¡¯t proven himself thoroughly enough. Perhaps his reassurances had fallen short of what Dolores needed to feel secure. Otherwise, his mother¡¯s disapproval wouldn¡¯t have struck such a devastating blow to her sense of belonging.

    Linsey suggested, ¡°Dolores, why don¡¯t you stay here for now? You¡¯ll havepany, and the children would be thrilled to spend more time with you.¡±

    Sensing potential resistance, she hurried to add, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t need to lift a finger. We¡¯d handle everything for you. And if work calls, I¡¯ll have Collin arrange transportation. No stress, noplications.¡±

    A genuineugh bubbled up from Dolores despite her mncholy. ¡°Are you afraid I might do something reckless?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyebrows lifted in mock surprise. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ve just finished untangling a mess of problems and finally have breathing room. I¡¯d love nothing more than to spend quality time with you.¡±

    Mischief sparked in Dolores¡¯ eyes as her mood lightened slightly. ¡°I would have thought you¡¯d want to make up for lost time with Collin, especially after sorting through all those misunderstandings.¡±

    Linsey countered, ¡°Right now, he needs to focus on rebuilding his rtionship with the children. Otherwise, Zenia will keep branding him the bad man.¡±

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 Chapter 952

    ?Chapter 952:

    Linsey¡¯s words sparked something genuine in Dolores¡¯ expression, chasing away the shadows that had settled there moments before.

    Relief flooded through Linsey at the sight.

    After a thoughtful pause, Dolores shifted upright against the headboard, her earlier mncholy seemingly forgotten. ¡°Speaking of ns, when are you and Collin nning to get married?¡±

    The question caught Linsey off guard. ¡°Honestly? We haven¡¯t even discussed it,¡± she admitted. ¡°Between Haven¡¯s situation and whatever we¡¯ll need to handle with Gorman¡¯s parents, getting married feels like the least of our priorities right now.¡±

    Truth be told, without Dolores bringing it up, the thought might never have crossed Linsey¡¯s mind.

    More telling still, Collin hadn¡¯t mentioned remarriage either.

    Ever since their heart-to-heart at the bridal shop, they had simply fallen back into rhythm together, no grand derations needed.

    Years of history had a way of doing that. Even after four years apart, they moved around each other with the easy familiarity of people who had shared a lifetime.

    Words felt superfluous when understanding ran this deep between them.

    Linsey was convinced that Collin truly loved her. As long as their little family of four could find peace together, that felt like enough.

    Dolores¡¯ situation worried her far more than her own.

    Linsey looked at Dolores¡¯ face, silently willing Dustin to fight harder for what they had had.

    ¡°Rest a little longer,¡± Linsey murmured, smoothing the nket around Dolores¡¯ shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll check on Collin¡¯s progress in the kitchen and call you when dinner¡¯s ready.¡±

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    Dolores nodded, her body already surrendering to exhaustion. The amusement park had drained her more than she had realized, despite Dustin bearing the brunt of babysitting the children.

    Linsey slipped from the room momentster, her footsteps barely disturbing the quiet.

    Collin emerged from the kitchen. At the sight of her, he made his way toward her.

    After a quick nce toward the bedroom, Linsey caught his wrist and gently pulled him toward the quiet balcony.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Collin¡¯s eyebrow arched at her conspiratorial manner, amusement flickering across his features.

    Linsey dropped her voice to barely above a whisper. ¡°What do you know about Dustin¡¯s family situation? Do you know what his mother is like?¡±

    The inquiry didn¡¯t catch Collin off guard.

    The moment he had noticed Dustin¡¯s absence, he had sensed trouble brewing beneath the surface.

    Years of friendship stretched between him and Dustin, roots running deep from childhood.

    After they graduated, Dustin had thrown himself into helping establish CR Corporation with unwavering dedication.

    Those shared experiences had given Collin insight into Dustin¡¯s character that few others possessed.

    He recognized something different in Dustin¡¯s pursuit of Dolores, a determination that went beyond casual interest.

    Otherwise, Collin wouldn¡¯t have allowed Dustin to get close to Dolores.

    Dolores meant a lot to Linsey, after all.

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 Chapter 953

    ?Chapter 953:

    Her heartbreak would inevitably be Linsey¡¯s burden to bear.

    That was a scenario Collin refused to entertain.

    From the start, something had felt off about today¡¯s events. Dustin¡¯s protective nature would never allow Dolores to shepherd the children home alone, not unless something significant had forced his hand. Business emergencies at CR Corporation would have crossed Collin¡¯s desk first.

    That left only one conclusion¡ªwhatever had torn Dustin away had nothing to do with work.

    The mere thought of Dustin¡¯s mother, Hester, brought an uncharacteristic shadow across Collin¡¯s usuallyposed features.

    When he finally spoke, his words carried the weight of reluctant revtion. ¡°What I¡¯m about to tell you is something only a few know.¡±

    Unease prickled along Linsey¡¯s spine at his grave tone, her stomach already knotting with dread.

    ¡°Dustin¡¯s parents separated when he was just a child. For as long as he could remember, they had lived apart,¡± Collin spoke quietly. ¡°The Wade Group doesn¡¯t hold much influence in Grester these days, but they¡¯ve managed to maintain some stability.¡±

    Linsey studied Collin¡¯s face, sensing something in his expression that made her lean forward with curiosity. She hesitated before asking, ¡°Is Dustin¡¯s mother running the Wade Group now?¡±

    Collin nodded. ¡°She is. Dustin¡¯s father never found his direction, even as an adult. His grandfather spent years trying to guide him, but nothing seemed to stick. Eventually, Dustin¡¯s grandfather arranged his son¡¯s marriage to Hester, who was well-known in the city¡¯s social circles at the time. After the wedding, Hester threw herself into the Wade Group¡¯s affairs and rose to senior management within two years.¡±

    Linsey shook her head in appreciation. ¡°That was remarkable.¡±

    ¡°It was,¡± Collin agreed. ¡°But Hester thinks little of her husband. She¡¯s poured all her energy into rebuilding the Wade Group instead.¡±

    Discover more

    Collin¡¯s words slowed. ¡°Fifteen years ago, the Wade Group stood on the brink of greatness. One deal that should have elevated them instead bled thepany dry, leaving behind little more than debt and broken promises.¡±

    The revtion hit Linsey like cold water. Her eyes widened as the pieces fell into ce. This exined the Wade Group¡¯s near disappearance from Grester¡¯s businessndscape.

    Collin continued, ¡°When the copse seemed inevitable, Hester became their salvation¡ªpulling thepany back from the abyss through sheer determination. But the stress from that disaster broke Dustin¡¯s grandfather¡¯s health. When he was dying, he made a choice that shocked everyone¡ªhe left most of thepany shares to Hester instead of his own son.¡±

    He raised his eyebrows. ¡°Perhaps it was spite, but a month after the funeral, Dustin¡¯s father disappeared with his son. Dustin was still in school when his father took him overseas. It took Hester three years to track them down and bring Dustin home.¡±

    Collin¡¯sposed mask slipped, revealing traces of sadness. ¡°Dustin and I grew up together, but the boy who came back was a stranger. Those years abroad had twisted him into someone reckless¡ªalways with a cigarette or bottle in hand.¡±

    Recognition dawned in Linsey¡¯s eyes. ¡°That exins it. A few years ago, everyone in Grester was talking about Dustin¡¯s love life.¡±

    Collin nodded grimly. ¡°He was spiralingpletely. Hester tried everything to straighten him out, and I spent countless hours trying to reach him too.¡±

    ¡°What finally turned him around?¡± Linsey leaned forward, genuinely curious.

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 Chapter 954

    ?Chapter 954:

    Collin replied with a calm demeanor, ¡°My car ident changed everything. The crash left me with leg injuries, and I realized I couldn¡¯t stay trapped under the Riley family¡¯s thumb forever. I started building my own business in secret.¡±

    He paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°That¡¯s when Dustin stepped in. He offered to help me build CR Corporation from the ground up and break free from the Riley family¡¯s control. During those crucial early years, he became my shield¡ªkeeping the vultures at bay while I focused on strategy.¡±

    Listening to their story, Linsey felt her heart tighten with unexpected sympathy for what both men had endured.

    The pieces were finally falling into ce.

    ¡°So Hester still sees Dustin as unreliable? Is that why she meddles in his personal life and tries to control who he marries? Does she want to repeat what his grandfather did¡ªfind him a wife from a powerful family who can strengthen the Wade Group, because she thinks her son can¡¯t manage it himself?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Collin said, his voice nomittal. He still couldn¡¯t figure out what Hester was really thinking.

    Linsey rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. ¡°Dolores is amazing too! She built the Davidson Group from the ground up. How many young women can pull that off? Why does Hester look down on her?¡±

    Collin paused, thinking for a moment. ¡°She probably heard about what happened to Dolores¡¯pany four years ago. Dustin found out first and stepped in to help. That¡¯s what pulled the Davidson Group through.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Dolores only needed one final investment. Even without Dustin, she would¡¯ve pulled through. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±

    She paused, then added sincerely, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not denying that Dustin helped. I¡¯m grateful for what he did.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    Collin let out a softugh and patted her head gently. ¡°I get it. But if Hester really is biased against Dolores, we may not be able to change her mind.¡±

    Linsey frowned when she heard that.

    She had hoped Collin could offer a way to help Dolores win Hester over. But now, things felt even more difficult.

    Thinking of how downcast Dolores had looked earlier made Linsey¡¯s heart sink.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll do what we can to help them,¡± Collin said gently.

    Linsey gave a small nod. She was on the same page.

    A few quiet seconds passed before she looked up at Collin and said in a low voice, ¡°Find time to talk to Dustin. Try to understand where he really stands.¡±

    Her gaze was firm. ¡°If he still cares for Dolores and won¡¯t back down because of Hester, then we¡¯ll support them. But if he gives in that easily, then it¡¯s over.¡±

    She gave Collin a sharp look. ¡°And if ites to that, I won¡¯t let hime near Dolores again.¡±

    Collin¡¯s brow twitched slightly. He replied in a serious tone, ¡°I don¡¯t think Dustin will walk away. He¡¯s truly serious about her.¡±

    Looking at Collin¡¯s sincere expression, Linsey felt a flicker of hope. She trusted Collin deeply. If he believed in Dustin, then maybe there was still a chance.

    And even if Dustin failed her, she wouldn¡¯t me Collin for it. After all, no matter how close they were, Collin and Dustin were still separate individuals.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about thister. Dinner should be ready,¡± Collin said, gently taking her hand and leading her inside.

    Elsewhere, Dustin followed Hester into one of her homes. They walked into the study, one after the other.

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 Chapter 955

    ?Chapter 955:

    The moment the door closed behind them, Dustin spoke up. ¡°Mom, you misunderstood. Dolores¡ª¡±

    But Hester cut him off sharply. ¡°Enough, Dustin.¡±

    Dustin stared at Hester, confusion written all over his face. ¡°Mom, why did you cut me off? You¡ª¡±

    Hester spun around, her eyes sharp and cold. There was no warmth in her gaze¡ªonly frustration and deep disappointment. ¡°Dustin! You¡¯ve always been yful, chasing after one woman after another. Did I ever interfere?¡±

    She took a steady breath and continued. ¡°Let¡¯s not even talk about whether Dolores is right for you. Just look at yourself. You¡¯re almost thirty, still tagging along behind Collin every day. He has kids. And you? Still fooling around. Tell me, how am I supposed to trust your judgment?¡±

    Dustin still didn¡¯t fully understand. He thought she was just eager to see him settle down and start a family. ¡°I¡¯m willing to marry. But Dolores has to agree first. You scared her off with the way you acted today,¡± he said quickly.

    Hester¡¯s face darkened. Just hearing Dolores¡¯ name again sparked a fire within her. ¡°A woman who can¡¯t even keep herpany afloat without relying on men¡ªhow could she be good enough to marry into our family?¡±

    Her voice grew colder. ¡°I want you to marry someone from a powerful family. A smart, capable woman who can strengthen the Wade Group¡ªnot someone like Dolores.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Mom, what are you saying? Dolores is brilliant. She built the Davidson Group from scratch! Who told you she depends on men?¡±

    Hester scoffed and walked over to sit on the sofa. Her tone was icy. ¡°Four years ago, the Davidson Group nearly went bankrupt. You bailed her out using CR Corporation¡¯s money. If that¡¯s not relying on a man, then what is?¡±

    She paused, then added tly, ¡°In my eyes, without your money, herpany would¡¯ve gone under long ago.¡±

    Find thetest stories g?ln¦Òv??ls

    Dustin felt his chest tighten. His jaw clenched. He said through gritted teeth, ¡°Mom! Dolores is nothing like what you¡¯re saying. Yes, I helped her back then¡ªbut after that, she did everything on her own. She built thatpany up with her own hands. Just recently, shended the best promotion deal in all of Grester. Neither I nor CR Corporation had anything to do with it!¡±

    But his words didn¡¯t soften Hester¡¯s scorn. Instead, she let out a mockingugh. ¡°You mean the designpetition in Grester, right?¡± She gave him a sideways nce, her voice cutting. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m clueless. Dolores has a talented friend¡ªLinsey Brooks, who goes by the name Aurora Bright in the design world. It was her¡ª¡±

    ¡°Design that won first ce. I was at thepetition myself. Linsey¡¯s skills are impressive. I also heard she¡¯s Collin¡¯s girl.¡±

    Hester looked Dustin over, her sarcasm sharp and deliberate. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it. You¡¯ve worked with Collin for so many years, yet you haven¡¯t learned a thing from him. He built CR Corporation from scratch. You? You¡¯re just wearing the CEO title and working under him.¡±

    Hester ignored the storm brewing in Dustin¡¯s eyes and pressed on, her voice as cold as ice. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough that you can¡¯t measure up to Collin, but even the woman you¡¯ve set your sights on pales inparison to his girl. Isn¡¯t that pathetic?¡±

    She scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not saying you have to find someone as aplished as Linsey, but at the very least, choose someone with some real capability. Tell me, aside from running a small, unimpressivepany, what exactly does Dolores have that makes her worth your time?¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Dustin suddenly shouted, his voice raw.

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 Chapter 956

    ?Chapter 956:

    He locked eyes with her, breathing heavily, his face pale with disbelief. His eyes glistened, the edges reddened with emotion.

    People around them thought he and Dolores were a match made in heaven. They were close in age, had natural chemistry, and even their careersplemented each other.

    But never in his life had he imagined that the first person to stand against him dating Dolores would be his own mother. And not just oppose it¡ªbut tear it downpletely.

    His heart ached. He had gotten used to his mother¡¯s scoldings over the years. She rarely offered praise. But this¡ªthis cruel dismissal of Dolores¡ªwas something he couldn¡¯t stomach.

    Hester looked stunned by his sudden outburst. Her eyes widened, filled with disbelief.

    ¡°Dustin, are you raising your voice at me now? Do you think you¡¯re so capable that you no longer need me meddling in your life?¡±

    She sprang to her feet, her tone sharp and scathing. ¡°Don¡¯t forget¡ªwhen the Wade Group was crumbling, it was me who stepped up and saved this family¡¯s legacy!¡±

    Dustin stood frozen, watching her with pained eyes. His chest felt tight, his heart thudding so hard it hurt.

    ¡°I had no one to rely on. Your father was useless¡ªhe only made things worse!¡± She jabbed a finger toward his face, trembling with anger. ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for me, your¡­¡±

    Grandfather wouldn¡¯t have died in peace. He handed more than half of the Wade Group¡¯s shares to me so I could keep thispany safe¡ªfrom your father, and from you! And now you dare defy me? You ungrateful child!¡±

    Seeing her so worked up, Dustin felt a wave of guilt crash over him. But behind that guilt, pain still simmered. He clutched his forehead, trying to suppress the pounding in his head. His voice came out hoarse. ¡°Mom, that¡¯s not what I meant. I just want you to see Dolores for who she really is¡­¡±

    But Hester cut him off again, her tone sharp. ¡°If I say she¡¯s not good enough, then she¡¯s not worth considering!¡±

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    Her voice echoed through the room. ¡°Dustin, I¡¯m warning you¡ªif you insist on going against me, I have plenty of ways to make things hard for her. I won¡¯t just sit back and let her drag you down.¡±

    ¡°Why do you have to be like this?¡± Dustin whispered, clutching his head, his eyes burning with frustration.

    Hester exhaled sharply and sank back onto the couch. Her tone had lost its edge, but not its weight. ¡°Because you¡¯re part of this family. And as the only heir, your duty is to protect thepany¡¯s future. If you can¡¯t even make the right choices in your personal life, how can I ever trust you to take over what I¡¯ve put my heart and soul into?¡±

    Dustin clenched his jaw, his fists trembling slightly. He turned away, refusing to meet her gaze.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to take over the Wade Group,¡± Dustin said quietly, yet with unmistakable resolve. ¡°I¡¯ve been at CR Corporation for years. That¡¯s where I see my future.¡±

    Hester, who had just begun to calm down, was instantly riled again. She mmed her hand on the desk with a thunderous crack that echoed across the room. The sheer force of it made her palm sting, but she didn¡¯t flinch.

    Her eyes locked onto Dustin¡¯s, icy with rage. ¡°CR Corporation belongs to Collin! Do you really want to live your whole life beneath him? Like a servant?¡±

    Despite the sting in his chest, Dustin stood his ground. ¡°Collin and I have been friends since we were kids. He¡¯s never treated me like a subordinate. I¡¯m at CR Corporation because I chose to be.¡±

    Hester¡¯s fingers twitched as if she wanted to p the stubbornness out of him. To her, staying at CR Corporation meant Dustin would always be second best. But if he took charge of the Wade Group¡ªtheir legacy¡ªhe might just have a shot at surpassing Collin. She could almost picture it: Dustin rising up, turning the tide, and bing the richest man in Grester. But instead, he was throwing away that future, just like his useless father.

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 Chapter 957

    ?Chapter 957:

    The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. But deep down, she knew she couldn¡¯t push too hard right now. Dustin was decent at heart¡ªpatient, reliable¡ªbut if cornered, he could be reckless. And she couldn¡¯t risk losing him entirely.

    She took a slow breath, her chest rising and falling as she tried to rein in her fury. Quietly, she pulled her hand back and pressed her palm gently, hiding the redness.

    ¡°Dustin,¡± she said softly, managing a rare smile, ¡°you¡¯re my son. I¡¯d never do anything to hurt you.¡±

    Her voice was calm now, almost warm. ¡°Alright. You can stay at CR Corporation. It¡¯s good to learn from Collin. But when ites to your marriage, I need you to trust me¡ªand follow my lead.¡±

    For a brief moment, light flickered in Dustin¡¯s eyes¡ªjoy. But it faded just as quickly.

    He gave a faint, bitter smile. ¡°Mom, if I¡¯m as incapable as you say, who in Grester would even want me? Especially when your standards are so high.¡±

    Hester took his change in tone as a sign ofpliance. Her lips curved into a satisfied smile. ¡°Don¡¯t trouble yourself with that. I¡¯ll handle everything. Once the time and ce are set, I¡¯ll let you know,¡± she said, her voice softer now.

    Dustin said nothing more. His shoulders slumped as he turned away, walking out of the study slowly but deliberately.

    Though the house had a room prepared just for him, he didn¡¯t even nce in that direction. Before any servant could stop him, he had already stepped outside. Momentster, he climbed into his car, mmed the door shut, and started the engine. He typed in Collin¡¯s address on the GPS.

    Back at the amusement park, he and Dolores had parted in a rush. After everything Hester had said¡ªthose cruel, dismissive words¡ªhe could only imagine how hurt Dolores must be feeling.

    He had to see her face-to-face.

    He pulled out of the driveway and drove off quickly. But after a while, something didn¡¯t feel right.

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    His instincts kicked in. ncing at the rear-view mirror, he saw what he had suspected¡ªa familiar car tailing him closely. It was Hester¡¯s.

    The moment Dustin realized he was being followed, a surge of fury exploded inside him. All the anger he had buried deep within him came rushing back.

    His jaw clenched, and without a second thought, he yanked the steering wheel, speeding across the nearby open lot.

    When he confirmed the car behind him was still tailing, he jerked the wheel sharply, cutting across the path and bringing his vehicle to a halt¡ªblocking the other car head-on.

    The two cars collided with a jarring crunch, shattering the silence of the empty lot.

    Amid the chaos, Dustin could hear panicked voices rushing toward him. ¡°Mr. Wade! Are you alright?¡±

    His head throbbed, the dizziness hitting him hard, but he shoved the car door open and stepped out, his face expressionless. As his vision cleared, he found himself surrounded by familiar faces¡ªHester¡¯s men, her personal staff.

    ¡°Mr. Wade, your head¡¯s bleeding. Please, let us take you to a hospital,¡± one of them said urgently.

    Dustin¡¯s voice came out low and cold. ¡°Were you following me?¡±

    The group hesitated before, almost in unison, they lowered their eyes. ¡°Your mother instructed us to stay close. Just for your safety,¡± the lead man admitted.

    So that was it.

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 Chapter 958

    ?Chapter 958:

    Not protection. Surveince.

    Hester wasn¡¯t just interfering¡ªshe was trying to control every step he took, just in case he might meet Dolores in secret.

    Dustin stood silently, his lips tightening. Then, a hollowugh slipped from his throat¡ªdry and bitter.

    He turned away, blinking slowly, fighting back the heat behind his eyes.

    So, this was her answer. She was determined to keep him from Dolores.

    ¡°Mr. Wade¡­¡± One of the men started cautiously.

    Dustin didn¡¯t look at them. He drew a long, shaky breath. ¡°I get it.¡± There was no point in ming them. They were just doing their jobs¡ªcarrying out her orders. Even if he fought them off, it wouldn¡¯t change a thing.

    And if he pushed too hard, Hester would do exactly what she threatened. She woulde for Dolores and the Davidson Group.

    Four years. He had watched Dolores pour her heart into saving thatpany, working day and night to lift it from the brink.

    He knew what it had cost her. If everything she had built was torn apart because of him, he wasn¡¯t sure he could live with himself.

    A tightness rose in his chest, constricting his throat. He turned away, trying to swallow the lump that formed.

    Then his phone vibrated.

    Dustin tensed. He pulled it from his pocket and nced at the screen.

    It was Collin calling.

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    He steadied his breath, clenched his fist, and answered.

    ¡°Hey, Collin. What¡¯s up?¡±

    His voice was calm. Too calm.

    But after a brief pause, another voice answered. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    The sound of her voice cracked something inside him. His entire expression shifted. His eyes shimmered, and he turned abruptly, opening the car door and sliding back into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m listening.¡±

    Without looking at the group outside, he slipped in his Bluetooth earpiece and started the engine again.

    But this time, he didn¡¯t head toward Collin¡¯s ce.

    In the side mirror, he saw the staff scrambling back into their car, following him yet again.

    Dustin didn¡¯t react. His knuckles tightened on the wheel. Then her voice came through¡ªsoft, steady, like a balm to the storm raging inside him.

    ¡°Are you okay right now?¡± Dolores asked.

    The moment Dustin heard those words, his face shifted with mixed emotions.

    He had expected Dolores toin or ask something sharp¡ªbut she did neither.

    Instead, she simply asked how he was, as if nothing had happened. That hurt more than anything.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m okay,¡± Dustin said, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Still, his voice shook slightly.

    Worried she might catch on, he quickly asked, ¡°And you? Still at Collin¡¯s ce?¡±

    Dolores gave a light chuckle. Her voice was calm, as if the past few days hadn¡¯t happened. ¡°Yes. Linsey wants me to stay a few more days.¡±

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 Chapter 959

    ?Chapter 959:

    Dustin could already guess why.

    Knowing Dolores was with someone she trusted gave him somefort. He didn¡¯t want her caught up in this mess. He felt it was his burden to carry alone.

    Dustin took a deep breath. There was so much he wanted to say, but he kept it short. ¡°Dolores, take care of yourself.¡±

    On the other end, Dolores sat quietly, tears rolling down the back of her hand.

    She understood him loud and clear.

    He wouldn¡¯t be able to see her for a long time.

    By now, she was sure¡ªhis mother didn¡¯t like her one bit.

    And now, she understood why Linsey had insisted she use Collin¡¯s phone.

    It was the only safe way. Dustin¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t trace it.

    Her throat tightened. She swallowed and said softly, ¡°I will.¡±

    Just two words, but they felt heavy on her tongue.

    After a moment, she added, her voice shaking, ¡°You too.¡±

    Then silence settled between them. Only the sound of their breathing remained.

    A car horn suddenly red, snapping Dustin back to the moment. The red light had turned green, and the car behind him was honking.

    He started the car again, his hands trembling on the wheel.

    Having given up on going to Collin¡¯s, Dustin didn¡¯t know where else to turn. No matter which direction he took, his mother was watching. She would know every move, every breath.

    Would she try to control every part of his life next?

    The thought chilled him, and his body stiffened.

    ¡°It¡¯s getting dark, Dustin. You should head home,¡± Dolores said gently. She sat alone on the balcony, staring at the fading sky, her expression unreadable.

    Dustin¡¯s grip tightened on the wheel when he heard her voice. ¡°Dolores, will you wait for me?¡± he asked, almost like a whisper. Then, more firmly, he added, ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯ll find a way.¡±

    Dolores lowered her eyes, hiding the sadness in them. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait.¡± A true smile finally touched Dustin¡¯s lips.

    ¡°We have to stay strong, Dolores. Think about it¡ªCollin and Linsey went through so much, but they made it in the end. We can too. Let¡¯s not give up on each other, alright?¡± His voice lit up, filled with a hope he couldn¡¯t hide.

    Dolores couldn¡¯t see Dustin¡¯s face, but she could imagine the joy it held.

    She smiled faintly, though her eyes were clouded with tears.

    To her, their situation wasn¡¯t the same as Linsey and Collin¡¯s.

    The problems between Linsey and Collin were theirs to face.

    But what stood between her and Dustin was his mother¡ªand her disapproval wasn¡¯t something that could be talked away.

    Dolores had never been one to beg for eptance, especially from someone who had disliked her from the start.

    Linsey had kindly given her a chance to reach out to Dustin, but Dolores knew it was only to say goodbye.

    She was thankful her feelings hadn¡¯t grown too deep.

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 Chapter 960

    ?Chapter 960:

    With Dustin¡¯s kind heart and charm, she was sure he would meet someone better, someone who would win his mother¡¯s favor. One day, he would forget about her. She would be nothing more than a passing memory.

    That thought helped her hold back the tears. She wiped her face quickly, forcing herself to stayposed.

    Then, in a steady voice, she said, ¡°Alright, Linsey¡¯s calling for dinner. You should go home now.¡±

    Hearing her words, Dustin felt the weight on his chest lighten. He let out a quietugh. ¡°Okay. Make sure you eat something. I¡¯ll call you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Dolores replied quickly, and the very next moment, she hung up.

    As soon as the call ended, the strength drained from her body. Her breathing became uneven.

    Her phone slipped from her fingers and hit the floor. Her head spun, and her cheeks burned with heat.

    Everything felt heavy. Somewhere in the distance, she heard Linsey¡¯s voice calling her name.

    She looked up slowly and saw Linsey¡¯s anxious face.

    ¡°Linsey¡­¡± Dolores didn¡¯t realize how pale she looked, or that cold sweat had soaked her skin.

    She barely whispered Linsey¡¯s name before everything went dark.

    When Dolores opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Linsey. She sat at the bedside, her head resting in her hand, eyes closed, breathing quietly.

    For a moment, Dolores just stared. A warmth spread through her chest, easing the panic she had felt earlier.

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    She shifted slightly, then noticed something strange about her hand.

    Turning her head, she saw the IV needle still in ce.

    The small movement was enough to wake Linsey.

    ¡°Hmm? Dolores, you¡¯re awake?¡± Linsey sat up quickly, checking the drip and letting out a sigh of relief. ¡°Good, it¡¯s not finished yet.¡±

    She stretched her arms and gave Dolores a gentle smile. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    Dolores tried to speak, but her throat was dry and scratchy. ¡°What happened to me?¡±

    Linsey noticed her struggle and poured a ss of warm water, handing it to her. ¡°The doctor said you fainted from over-breathing and low blood sugar. A glucose drip and some rest should do the trick.¡±

    She didn¡¯t mention the tears Dolores had shed before passing out. Instead, she started talking about light, everyday things¡ªtrying to lift the weight from Dolores¡¯ heart.

    ¡°You were out for nearly five hours. We¡¯ve already had dinner without you. Are you hungry? Collin prepared something delicious earlier¡ªit¡¯s still warm and waiting. Should I bring you a te?¡± Lena asked.

    At her words, Dolores, who had just set down her water ss, couldn¡¯t suppress a warmugh. ¡°I must be truly blessed to have both of you fussing over me like this.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s expression shifted to mock indignation. ¡°What kind of talk is that? We¡¯re friends. You¡¯re unwell, so naturally, I¡¯m here to care for you.¡± She began to rise from her seat.

    But Dolores caught her sleeve, fingers gently coaxing her back down. ¡°I¡¯m not quite ready to eat yet. Linsey, stay with me a little longer. I could use thepany.¡±

    Linsey hesitated for a moment, then settled back down with a bright smile. ¡°Of course.¡±

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 Chapter 961

    ?Chapter 961:

    Dolores eased herself upright slowly, then sank back against the headboard. She let her head drift close to Linsey¡¯s, their bodies naturally finding an intimate rhythm.

    ¡°Linsey, do you remember our days at the orphanage? You were such a tiny, delicate thing back then, always catching something. Whenever fever took hold of you, E and I would keep vigil by your bedside.¡± Dolores¡¯ voice carried the weight of tenderness, her eyes soft as they traced the outline of Linsey¡¯s hand nestled within her own.

    The words stirred something deep within Linsey, distant memories surfacing like photographs developing in gentle light.

    ¡°Of course I do,¡± she responded with a smile. ¡°Every time illness imed me, you looked after me and were always so kind to me.¡±

    Dolores arched an eyebrow, mischief flickering in her expression. ¡°So, I wasn¡¯t good to you when you were perfectly healthy?¡±

    Though she spoke teasingly, Linsey¡¯s response was swift and unwavering. ¡°You¡¯re always nice to me. I¡¯ve always seen you as a sister.¡±

    Her voice dropped to something more intimate as she spoke, fingers tightening around Dolores¡¯ hand. ¡°Even though you¡¯ve always sheltered me like your little sister, always standing as my shield, I hope you¡¯ll let me be your refuge sometimes too. Don¡¯t bury everything so deep inside, carrying those burdens alone.¡±

    Linsey shifted to capture Dolores¡¯ gazepletely. ¡°Dolores, we trust each other more than anyone else in this world. No matter how crushing life bes, letting me share that weight will lighten the load.¡±

    The meaning behind Linsey¡¯s words crystallized perfectly in Dolores¡¯ mind. Joy bloomed across Dolores¡¯ face, even as tears began gathering at the corners of her eyes.

    Before they could fall, Linsey pressed a gentle finger to the corner of Dolores¡¯ eye. Her voice carried a mock sternness. ¡°It¡¯s perfectly eptable to shed tears over some man, but never because of words I speak. We¡¯re sisters in every way that matters. Save those precious tears for something truly deserving. Besides, you should catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Do you have any idea how puffy your eyes look right now?¡±

    Dolores blinked in startled realization, her fingertips flying to her swollen eyelids. ¡°Are they really that obvious?¡±

    Don¡¯t miss out g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Linsey¡¯s voice softened with gentle honesty. ¡°They¡¯re crimson and swollen. Anyone could see you¡¯ve been crying.¡±

    Dolores released a sigh that carried both resignation and bitter acknowledgment. Self-mockery crept into her tone as she spoke. ¡°How pathetic I must look. What¡¯s there to mourn over, really? It¡¯s just a guy. I¡¯ll move on soon enough.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ attempt at dismissal came as no surprise to Linsey. She studied Dolores with unwavering intensity before asking, ¡°Have you truly decided then? Are you certain you want to sever things with Dustin?¡±

    Dolores¡¯ lipspressed into a thin line. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know how to navigate his mother¡¯s hostility. She¡¯s made her position crystal clear, and I refuse to linger where I¡¯m clearly unwanted.¡±

    Linsey considered this carefully, weighing her words before speaking with deliberate slowness. ¡°Let¡¯s set aside what Dustin thinks or whatever he might do next. First, you need to answer something more fundamental. Can you truly let him go?¡±

    After a thoughtful pause, Linsey leaned forward. ¡°Since graduation, dating has never really been on your radar. You¡¯ve poured yourself into building your career. Dustin is probably the first person who¡¯s truly captured your heart in years. Are you really prepared to walk away from that?¡±

    Dolores shifted her gaze, her expression caught in a web of conflicting emotions. ¡°I won¡¯t deny it. I still have feelings for Dustin, and I know he cares for me too. But this time, what we feel for each other isn¡¯t enough to bridge the divide.¡±

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 Chapter 962

    ?Chapter 962:

    Her jaw tightened as she pressed on. ¡°His mother despises me. Even from our brief encounter, her disdain was clear. She sees me as nothing more than an unwee intrusion in Dustin¡¯s life.¡±

    Linsey absorbed her friend¡¯s words in contemtive silence, recognizing the weight of defeat in Dolores¡¯ voice. She understood Dolores¡¯ fierce independence, the pride that had always defined her approach to life¡¯s challenges.

    The realization struck Linsey that Dustin¡¯s mother¡¯s rejection must have shattered something fundamental in her confidence.

    Dolores met Linsey¡¯s eyes with unwavering resolve. ¡°Some people might try to charm their partner¡¯s parents, bending themselves into whatever shape might earn approval. But that¡¯s not who I am. The woman Dustin¡¯s mother envisions as perfect for him bears no resemnce to me. No amount of self-transformation could ever satisfy her standards.¡±

    She then added, ¡°More importantly, I¡¯ve neverpromised my authentic self for anyone. The moment I start changing to fit someone else¡¯s mold, I cease to be me.¡±

    When Linsey finally emerged from the guest bedroom, afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows.

    Collin had been working on hisptop in the living room. The instant he saw her, he abandoned hisptop and rose to his feet.

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asked, concern evident in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll whip up something for you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright. I¡¯d rather wait for Dolores to wake up so we can share a meal together,¡± Linsey replied, crossing the room toward him before adding, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be at the office today?¡±

    Collin¡¯s fingers traced through her hair with tender care. ¡°The morning was light, so I decided to work from here instead.¡±

    He noticed the subtle shadows beneath her eyes¡ªclear evidence of a restless night spent consoling Dolores.

    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m

    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten in hours. Let me make you mac and cheese,¡± he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°I understand your concern for Dolores, but neglecting yourself won¡¯t help anyone.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Collin gently guided her toward the kitchen. Instead of letting her enter, he settled her at the dining table with a firm but gentle hand. ¡°Ten minutes is all I need.¡±

    Linsey surrendered, a mix of exasperation and warmth blooming on her face. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait for your special dish then!¡±

    A quietugh escaped him as he disappeared into the kitchen, already gathering ingredients.

    From her seat at the table, Linsey observed his purposeful movements, the quiet confidence with which he navigated the space. She could see beyond the practicality of the moment¡ªCollin had anticipated she might need him, and so he had chosen to stay within reach rather than retreat to his office.

    Collin embodied a quiet generosity¡ªalways offering more than his words promised.

    A wave of tenderness washed over Linsey as she let herself drift into thought. Inevitably, her mind wandered to Dolores, still curled up in the guest bedroom.

    Last night had unfolded in whispered confessions and silent tears, with Dolores finally allowing herposure to crumble.

    When Linsey had woken, she had instinctively searched her sleeping face for signs of healing, only to find that even in sleep, Dolores bore the telltale puffiness around her eyes.

    Throughout their years of friendship, Linsey had seen Dolores face many challenges with strength. But she had never seen her so utterly broken.

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 Chapter 963

    ?Chapter 963:

    Distress settled deep in Linsey¡¯s chest.

    Yet beneath her worry, Linsey held onto hope. Last night¡¯s emotional release would likely work its healing magic on Dolores.

    Dolores possessed that rare resilience¡ªthe ability to gather her scattered pieces and forge ahead despite the wounds.

    With rest and time to mend, Linsey felt certain her friend would emerge stronger, just as she always had.

    The thought brought warmth to Linsey¡¯s features, her lips curving in quiet optimism.

    As she lingered at the dining table, the rich aroma of macaroni and cheese began threading through the air, drawing her attention. Momentster, Collin appeared from the kitchen and ced the food before her.

    ¡°This smells incredible!¡± Linsey¡¯s eyes brightened. She seized her fork without ceremony, eager to eat.

    Tenderness softening his striking features, Collin¡¯s intense gaze lingered on her face.

    Between savoring bites, Linsey nced up with sudden curiosity.

    ¡°Where did the children disappear to?¡±

    Their absence felt unusual for this hour.

    Normally, Zenia and Zander would im her attention after lunch, theirughter filling the house.

    These past few days, however, Dolores¡¯ crisis had consumed her focus, leaving little energy for anything else.

    Collin replied, ¡°Those two are practically bursting with energy today. I sent them out with the housekeeper after lunch.¡±

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    His tone grew more reassuring as he continued, ¡°Several of my security team went along as well. They¡¯re thoroughly protected.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s shoulders rxed with relief.

    Collin¡¯s people had never failed to keep their family safe.

    The phone¡¯s shrill interruption sliced through her peaceful meal. One nce at the caller ID drained the color from her face. Her fork ttered against the te as she fumbled for the phone.

    Collin watched her lips part to speak, only to freeze as the caller¡¯s voice cut through whatever greeting she had prepared.

    Shadows deepened across Linsey¡¯s features as she stared downward, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Of course, I understand. I¡¯ll be there within the half-hour. Thank you for your patience.¡±

    Something in her subdued tone set off warning bells in Collin¡¯s mind.

    A thought struck him.

    The end of the call marked the death of Linsey¡¯s appetite. Her te sat forgotten.

    When she finally looked up, her face had turned ashen. ¡°Gorman¡¯s parents justnded in Grester.¡±

    Collin¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes shing with immediate understanding. ¡°They¡¯re demanding a meeting?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s mouth formed a thin line as she gave a nod. ¡°Thirty minutes from now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ming with you,¡± Collin said without hesitation.

    Though Gorman¡¯s death hadn¡¯te by their direct hand, the weight of responsibility still pressed heavily on their shoulders.

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 Chapter 964

    ?Chapter 964:

    The Greens¡¯ immediate pursuit of Linsey upon arrival spoke volumes. Questions would be waiting, usations likely sharpened by grief.

    Gorman had breathed hisst protecting her, after all. And Kylee, the one responsible for his death, carried the bitter irony of once being Collin¡¯s childhoodpanion.

    Linsey¡¯s eptance came with quiet grace. ¡°Of course.¡±

    She naturally wouldn¡¯t refuse Collin.

    Their promise echoed between them. Whatever difficulty arose, they would face it as one.

    The consequences of that terrible day belonged to both of them, and neither would flee from what must be faced.

    The Greens had chosen a discreet caf¨¦ known for business discussions. Linsey and Collin found the grieving parents already seated in their reserved room.

    Before Linsey could fully open the door, Gorman¡¯s mother¡¯s quiet weeping reached her ears, each broken sob striking her heart like a physical blow.

    Her steps faltered as sympathy washed over her face, evident in the way her features softened. Collin¡¯s warm hand enveloped hers from behind, his silent strength grounding her faltering resolve.

    She nced back at him, managing a tremulous smile that softened the worry creasing his brow.

    After drawing a steadying breath, Linsey pushed the door open wide and stepped across the threshold.

    She greeted Bart and Alissa Green gently, her voice thick withpassion.

    In the private room¡¯s hushed stillness, Bart cradled Alissa against him, his usuallymanding features now etched with hollow lines, worn down by days of relentless anguish and sleepless vigil.

    Fresh updates loaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Alissa¡¯s quiet sobs punctuated the silence, her appearance more ravaged than ever. Her tear-streaked cheeks were pale, while swollen eyes and ragged breaths suggested she was teetering on the edge of copse.

    The transformation struck Linsey like a physical blow; the two pirs of strength she once knew now seemed diminished, aged by years in mere months. Pain constricted around Linsey¡¯s chest, and moisture blurred her vision.

    At the sound of her voice, Bart and Alissa slowly lifted their heads.

    ¡°Linsey, you came,¡± Alissa said, straightening up, hastily scrubbing tears from her cheeks before offering a tremulous smile.

    ¡°Come. Have a seat.¡± Though her voice was warm, fresh tears gathered in the corners of her reddened eyes.

    Swallowing past the ache in her throat, Linsey crossed to the sofa and settled beside the grieving woman.

    Collin gave a subtle nod in acknowledgment before iming the seat beside Linsey.

    ¡°Alissa¡­¡± Linsey¡¯s voice barely escaped as a whisper, her courage faltering. How could she speak of Gorman¡¯s fate? Recognition flickered across Alissa¡¯s features, and new tears began to well.

    ¡°Linsey, we¡¯ve already heard what befell our boy.¡±

    Despite hearing the devastating details hours earlier, voicing the reality shattered Alissa¡¯sposurepletely. Their son, once so full of vitality and promise¡ª their only child¡ªhad been stolen from them.

    What parent could endure such brutal loss? Linsey¡¯s vision blurred as tears spilled over. She pressed her lips together, fighting for control, but emotion overwhelmed her.

    ¡°Alissa, Bart, I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I never imagined anything like this could happen. That knife¡­ it was meant for me¡­¡± The words broke from Linsey¡¯s lips, raw with guilt and grief.

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 Chapter 965

    ?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¡ªanything 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 fianc¨¦. 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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 Chapter 966

    ?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¡ªperhaps 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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 Chapter 967

    ?Chapter 967:

    Brushing aside the brief annoyance that flickered across Alissa¡¯s face, Collin continued with quiet determination. ¡°As I said earlier, Linsey and I are engaged. We handle whateveres our way together. We don¡¯t keep things from each other.¡±

    He squeezed Linsey¡¯s hand gently, his affectionate gaze settling on her face. ¡°So, Mrs. Green, whatever you need to discuss, please feel free to share it with both of us. That way, we can figure out the best way to help you.¡±

    Throughout Collin¡¯s words, Linsey stayed silent, but her fingers found his and squeezed back with silent support. Her feelings mirrored hispletely.

    Still, Alissa turned to address her directly, her voice carrying a subtle challenge. ¡°Linsey, do you feel the same way?¡±

    Linsey looked straight into Alissa¡¯s eyes, offering a gentle nod before speaking in her characteristically soft tone. ¡°Alissa, please tell us what you and Bart need. If we can help, we absolutely will.¡±

    Alissa didn¡¯t answer right away. Her gaze dropped momentarily, and a mysterious smile touched the corners of her mouth.

    ¡°Linsey, I genuinely like you,¡± Alissa began, her voice warming with apparent fondness. ¡°I¡¯ll never forget visiting Gorman at his new ce once, back when he was still with us. We happened to find you there with him that day. We spent such a lovely, peaceful afternoon together. I kept thinking what a remarkable young woman you were, and how perfectly suited you would have been as Gorman¡¯s wife.¡±

    When those words reached her ears, a wave of unease settled deep inside Linsey.

    Alissa had been recounting something that happened while she was overseas. Gorman had fallen ill with a fever, and out of kindness, she brought him medicine. Worried by how pale he looked, she even cooked something soothing for him.

    But then, without warning, Gorman¡¯s parents showed up for a surprise visit. Since then, Alissa had been stopping by often, iming to visit Gorman. Yet, somehow, each of her visits also included a stop at Linsey¡¯s ce, where she always left generous snacks. Gorman had once mentioned that Alissa adored the kids and loved caring for them.

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    Still, Linsey had her doubts. From what she observed, Alissa¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t truly on the children¡ªit was on her.

    That said, Linsey never felt anything romantic toward Gorman, so she didn¡¯t pay much attention to whatever Alissa might have been thinking. Alissa was kind, and Linsey responded with polite friendliness¡ªnothing more. She kept her distance, always careful not to blur the line between strangers and friends.

    But now, Alissa¡¯s words carried weight. They could stir doubts in Collin¡¯s mind¡ªmake him wonder if something had truly happened between her and Gorman while she was away.

    ¡°Alissa, I¡­¡± Linsey began, her voice catching. She struggled to find the right words. Her eyes flicked to Collin, panic shing for a moment. But with Gorman¡¯s parents watching, she couldn¡¯t exin anything to him¡ªnot now. Whatever she might say would sound wrong in that heavy silence.

    She braced herself for irritation in Collin¡¯s eyes¡ªbut it never came. Instead, to her surprise, he gently said, ¡°It¡¯s alright, I understand.¡±

    Those words washed over her like warm rain. Relief bloomed in her chest. Thank God¡ªhe didn¡¯t doubt her.

    Collin might question others, but he would never question Linsey, not the woman he loved.

    He knew the truth: she had left for those four years because of him¡ªbecause of the lies he once kept hidden. And if she had fallen for someone else during that time, even then, he would have epted it, so long as the man treated her right.

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 Chapter 968

    ?Chapter 968:

    It was the same grace he extended to Zenia. Even when he wasn¡¯t sure she was his daughter, he never held it against her.

    To Collin, Linsey¡¯s happiness meant everything. He would give her the world just to see her smile. Now that they were together again, he made a vow¡ªto trust her fully. That was the only way to honor the love they had fought so hard to protect.

    Collin said calmly, ¡°Mrs. Green, let¡¯s not get lost in things that don¡¯t matter. Gorman¡¯s remains are still waiting. They¡¯re yours to im.¡± His voice was steady, his face unreadable¡ªcalm like a stillke. No one could guess what he truly felt.

    ¡°Collin!¡± Bart jumped to his feet, rage twisting his face. He bared his teeth. ¡°My son died because of you! You¡¯ll do exactly what we say, without one word of protest! This is payback!¡±

    His outburst hit Linsey like a physical blow. She stared, stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing. This furious, bitter man¡ªwas this the same gentle, quiet father she once knew?

    ¡°Bart¡­¡± she whispered, finally finding her voice. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she saw the truth behind Gorman¡¯s parents.

    ¡°Enough! Don¡¯t bother pretending to be nice!¡± Bart snapped, cutting her off coldly.

    Alissa¡¯s face remained solemn, yet she didn¡¯t speak to contradict Bart¡¯s words. It was clear¡ªshe agreed with him.

    Only then did Linsey truly understand. This was how they saw it. In their eyes, she was the reason Gorman had died.

    What surprised her most was how kind Alissa had been earlier.

    Collin noticed the faint frown on Linsey¡¯s face and the way her breath caught. He let out a quiet sigh before addressing Bart calmly. ¡°If that¡¯s what you believe, Mr. and Mrs. Green, then say it inly. If you¡¯re after revenge, then there¡¯s nothing left to discuss. The person who murdered Gorman is already behind bars. If you want justice, then face the real killer.¡±

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    ¡°Collin!¡± Alissa snapped, trembling with fury. She pointed at him with shaking hands. ¡°You couldn¡¯t wait for my son to die! You let Kylee murder him, didn¡¯t you? You¡¯ve been targeting him all along! That assassination attempt¡ªit had your fingerprints all over it!¡±

    Linsey couldn¡¯t stay quiet any longer. Her voice turned cold. ¡°Alissa, please choose your words carefully. The case was investigated thoroughly. Kylee and Haven were the ones responsible for Gorman¡¯s death.¡±

    Her tone sharp, she took Collin by the arm and added firmly, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing more to say, we¡¯ll be leaving.¡±

    Without another word, she took Collin¡¯s hand and moved toward the door.

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Alissa¡¯s voice rang out, icy and mocking. ¡°Our men have already surrounded this ce. If either of you tries to step out¡­¡±

    Linsey froze in her tracks, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    Alissa¡¯s next words made her blood run cold. ¡°Collin will pay the price for my son¡¯s death.¡±

    A wave of fear rushed through Linsey.

    They hade here alone, without any backup.

    If Alissa was telling the truth, and the Green family¡¯s men were really outside, Collin might be able to escape¡ªbut not if he had to protect her too.

    She knew it. And so did Collin.

    Still, without hesitation, Collin pulled her behind him and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Linsey. Stay close to me. I¡¯ll get you out.¡±

    His grip tightened as he prepared himself to face whatever awaited them beyond the door.

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 Chapter 969

    ?Chapter 969:

    But Linsey couldn¡¯t let him do this. Not like this. Not alone.

    ¡°No,¡± she said firmly, stopping him. She turned to face Alissa and Bart. ¡°What exactly do you want?¡±

    Alissa had only mentioned making Collin pay. She hadn¡¯t rified what would happen to Linsey.

    And now, Linsey realized¡ªthey had contacted her as soon as they arrived. That meant they had a n. And that n involved her.

    As Linsey stood her ground, even a little, Alissa¡¯s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. She spoke slowly, her voice smooth and heavy with meaning. ¡°You should¡¯ve said this earlier.¡±

    She stepped closer, her voice soft. ¡°You know, Linsey¡­ Gorman loved you more than anything. He told us more than once¡ªif he couldn¡¯t marry you, he¡¯d rather stay single forever. No wife. No children.¡±

    The moment those words left her mouth, Collin nearly lost control. His fists clenched, his body tensed.

    Alissa¡¯s meaning was clear. Did she want Linsey to marry the dead?

    Linsey¡¯s arms tightened around Collin, her gaze cutting through Alissa like steel. ¡°So what¡¯s your endgame here? Are you trying to trap me into marriage? Gorman is dead. Who exactly am I supposed to wed? Does the Green family keep spare men in reserve?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Alissa¡¯s voice carried the calm of someone delivering a weather report. ¡°Six years ago, at our insistence, Gorman froze his sperm at an overseas facility. Since you were his greatest love, the woman he died protecting, you should honor that sacrifice by carrying his child.¡±

    The words struck Linsey like lightning splitting a clear sky.

    Collin surged forward, his body bing a wall between them, radiating menace. ¡°Absolutely not. Don¡¯t even entertain the thought.¡± The sheer audacity left him reeling! These people actually expected Linsey to cooperate with them to have a child through IVF.

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    Linsey¡¯s hands turned to ice, shock coursing through her veins. She had braced herself for countless scenarios. She thought Alissa and Bart might demand exorbitant sums of money or a lifetime of servitude to their family. But this? The thought of bearing Gorman¡¯s child had never even crossed her mind. It struck her aspletely insane.

    Suddenly, everything made sense. This exined their desperate rush to find her the moment they arrived in Grester, not even bothering to collect Gorman¡¯s body first. They cared more about a potential grandchild than they ever had about their actual son.

    Alissa caught sight of Linsey¡¯s appalled expression and let out a harshugh. ¡°Wipe that look off your face, Linsey. Think rationally. Gorman died saving you, and now we¡¯re left with nothing of him. We¡¯re not demanding your life. Just one child to preserve his legacy. Is that really so unreasonable?¡±

    With that, her eyes drifted pointedly toward Collin.

    Alissa found his arrogance almost amusing. This man truly believed he could single-handedly shield Linsey from everything. His overconfidence had handed them the perfect opening. Had Collin arrived with an army of bodyguards, controlling Linsey would have been impossible. Instead, fate seemed to smile upon their scheme, clearing every obstacle from their path.

    Satisfaction bloomed across Alissa¡¯s face as her tone turned almost conversational. ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve already been through childbirth once, so you know what to expect. One more pregnancy shouldn¡¯t pose any challenge. You¡¯re still young¡ªa few months of recovery, and you¡¯ll be perfectly fine. What could possibly frighten you?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s fingers twisted into Collin¡¯s shirt, her pulse hammering against her ribs. Any lingering hope that Alissa and Bart might abandon this twisted demand finally died. The moment Alissa voiced this deranged proposal, Linsey realized any hope of rational discussion had vanished. No sane person would demand that a woman, with her own fianc¨¦, bear a child for their dead son.

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 Chapter 970

    ?Chapter 970:

    She had once believed Alissa and Bart possessed genuine warmth and decency, but their masks had finally slipped awaypletely. As her mind raced, a chilling rity emerged.

    When Gorman had first held her captive, her fierce resistance had only inmed his obsession. Her defiance had driven him to tighten his control over both her and Zenia¡¯s lives, trapping them deeper in his web.

    If she fought too hard against Alissa and Bart now, if she let her revulsion show too clearly, it would only push them toward more desperate measures.

    She and Collin hade without any backup. Linsey never imagined Alissa and Bart would show such a terrifying side. Now that things had spiraled this far, they had to tread carefully. One look at their wild expressions told Linsey everything¡ªpushing the Greens any further could lead to disaster.

    Thinking quickly, she gently squeezed Collin¡¯s hand. He understood right away. Their trust in each other ran deep now. No words were needed. Alissa and Bart didn¡¯t notice the quiet signal between them. They stood there, confident that their n was going to seed.

    Then, Linsey stepped forward from behind Collin. ¡°If you want me to cooperate with your IVF n, shouldn¡¯t you take me to the hospital first for a check-up? You¡¯ve skipped a major step. What if my current health condition isn¡¯t suitable for egg retrieval or IVF at all?¡±

    Alissa frowned. ¡°What nonsense. You¡¯ve already had two children. Your body is clearly fit for it. As for the check-up, we¡¯ll handle that. Juste with us quietly, and you won¡¯t suffer.¡±

    Linsey ignored the threat in her voice and responded coolly, ¡°Alissa, it sounds like this n was thrown together on the ne. You didn¡¯t have time to study the details of IVF, did you?¡±

    Alissa faltered, her confidence slipping for a moment. She couldn¡¯t argue. The truth was, IVF wasn¡¯t as simple as they had made it sound. It required careful nning, tests, and timing. Sincending, they had scrambled to pull strings and contact a team, desperate to make it work.

    Still, Alissa quickly pushed the doubt aside. Her gaze turned sharp. ¡°Do you think we¡¯re fools? IVF is just a few simple steps. The doctors will handle the details. You¡¯re just trying to stall us. But I see right through you.¡±

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    IVF had seen countless sesses in the medical field, and they had hired an expert team. That¡¯s why Alissa believed failure wasn¡¯t even an option.

    She sneered, clearly confident in her n¡¯s sess. ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re clever, but this time, we¡¯ve done our homework. You¡¯ll end up having Gorman¡¯s child, whether you like it or not. So don¡¯t try any tricks.¡±

    Bart stepped in, his eyes dark with menace. ¡°If you¡¯re thinking of resisting, we¡¯re prepared for that too. The phone signals are already blocked. You can¡¯t call or message anyone. No matter how powerful your friends are, they won¡¯t get through.¡±

    He turned to Collin, his voice low and threatening. ¡°I hear you¡¯re quite the fighter. But I¡¯d like to see if you alone can take on hundreds of our trained men.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s heart skipped a beat at those words. Without thinking, she reached for Collin¡¯s hand. The warmth of his skin helped her breathe a little easier.

    She knew one thing for sure¡ªCollin would never let Alissa and Bart drag her away for IVF. She didn¡¯t want that either.

    Still, Linsey couldn¡¯t let him take any unnecessary risks.

    ¡°Why the rush? We¡¯re not foolish enough to go against your men on our own,¡± she said, her voice calm and steady.

    Bart let out a smug smile. ¡°d you understand.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s tone softened slightly. ¡°Bart, Alissa, let¡¯s sit and talk this through. There¡¯s no need for all this tension. Gorman¡¯s death is tied to me, and I do feel responsible. If there¡¯s a way to make things right, I¡¯m willing to cooperate.¡±

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 Chapter 971

    ?Chapter 971:

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Alissa asked, her eyes sharp with doubt.

    To Alissa, Linsey was nothing but a sly woman. Gorman had fallen for her tricks more than once. That was why they couldn¡¯t afford to lower their guard.

    Linsey lifted her chin, her gaze steady. ¡°Of course I¡¯m serious. What¡¯s the point of resisting when it won¡¯t work?¡±

    She looked Alissa in the eye. ¡°Alissa, we¡¯ve been talking for almost thirty minutes, and you haven¡¯t tried to take me by force. That means you¡¯re hoping I¡¯ll agree on my own. IVF hase a long way, but without my cooperation, it won¡¯t be easy. My mental state affects my body. If I resist, the chances of sess drop.¡±

    Her words hung heavy in the air.

    Alissa and Bart didn¡¯t argue, but their faces turned darker.

    Alissa let out a dryugh. ¡°So all that talk was just to buy yourself a fair chance to speak?¡±

    Her eyes narrowed. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s hear what you¡¯ve got¡ªother than walking into that hospital like a good girl.¡±

    Linsey turned to Collin. He looked tense, his brows drawn together. But when she gave him a small, reassuring smile, his expression eased. Though rage still burned in him, he nodded and sat back down, following her lead in silence.

    Alissa and Bart returned to their seats, their faces betraying nothing but impatience as they stared at Linsey. They still couldn¡¯t understand what Gorman saw in her. To them, she was just a cunning woman.

    No matter how pretty or smart she was, she was a single mother. So why was Gorman so set on making her his?

    Alissa clenched her thoughts and shot another cold re at Linsey.

    Unaware of Alissa¡¯s growing frustration, Linsey sat quietly for a moment before asking the Greens, ¡°Why me? Why must I be the one to carry a child for your family?¡±

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    Just as she settled back into her seat, something began to feel off. A strange thought crossed her mind¡ªAlissa and Bart seemed far too obsessed with her.

    Alissa and Bart seemed resolute in their desire for Linsey to carry a child for the Green family.

    If their bitterness toward her stemmed from the belief that she had yed a role in Gorman¡¯s death, they should have wanted nothing to do with her¡ªespecially not something as intimate as bearing Gorman¡¯s child. Yet, their relentless push for her to conceive was unmistakable. They wielded every ounce of their authority and influence, pressuring both her and Collin to consent to an IVF procedure.

    If Alissa and Bart were truly consumed by rage, they might have resorted to harsher actions. But instead, their focus remained firmly on Linsey giving birth to Gorman¡¯s child.

    This fixation reminded Linsey of the time Gorman had been equally adamant about marrying her, stirring an unsettling sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. A chilling realization swept over her, sending shivers down her spine.

    Alissa¡¯s eyes narrowed, and she hissed, ¡°Linsey, are you sure you want to waste our time with such a ridiculous question? I¡¯ve been clear from the beginning¡ªyou¡¯re the reason Gorman¡¯s gone. We¡¯re seeking closure. Don¡¯t you owe us that much?¡±

    Bart¡¯s voice was cold as he added, ¡°If you keep stalling, we¡¯ll have no choice but to drag you to the hospital ourselves. Whether your defianceplicates the procedure, we¡¯ll see when we get there.¡±

    With that, he reached for his phone to summon the men waiting outside.

    In the tense silence that followed, Linsey suddenly asked, her tone t, ¡°The person waiting for me at the hospital¡ªit¡¯s not Gorman, is it?¡± Her words hung heavily in the air, and she noticed the sudden tightening in Alissa and Bart¡¯s eyes.

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 Chapter 972

    ?Chapter 972:

    It wasn¡¯t the raw pain of reopened wounds she saw, but a flicker of panic¡ªas if a hidden truth had been exposed.

    Bart mmed his fist on the table, the sound echoing sharply. ¡°Linsey, what are you implying? Have you lost your senses, or are you just trying to dodge yourmitment by stirring up trouble?¡± he barked.

    Alissa, her voice rough with disbelief, added, ¡°Linsey, are you really going to keep dragging up the past? Gorman died saving you long ago. What nonsense is this? Are you saying this to avoid your responsibility?¡±

    Collin, seated beside her, was momentarily stunned by her words. He turned to study Linsey¡¯s face, his expression grave.

    He could see she wasn¡¯t joking or cruelly prodding at their grief¡ªher demeanor was serious. A spark of realization flickered in Collin¡¯s eyes, followed by the faintest trace of a smile.

    He silently marveled at the cleverness of Gorman¡¯s apparent scheme.

    Linsey¡¯s gaze dropped, her face unreadable. Alissa¡¯s and Bart¡¯s reactions only deepened her suspicions.

    She began to believe Gorman might still be alive. Though she didn¡¯t want to entertain such far-fetched hopes, a part of her longed for it to be true¡ªeven if it meant Gorman had spun an borate deception.

    ¡°Gorman must still be alive,¡± she said softly, lifting her eyes to meet theirs. ¡°Your over-the-top reactions just now¡ªit would have made more sense to kill me outright. You gave the wrong emotional response.¡±

    Alissa and Bart stiffened, their faces freezing as they stared at Linsey, speechless.

    ¡°Since the news of Gorman¡¯s death reached me, I¡¯ve been grappling with doubt and disbelief. I never saw his body. Just days ago, Collin sent someone to investigate, and they reported that Gorman¡¯s loyal men were guarding his remains, refusing ess to anyone until you both arrived in Grester,¡± Linsey said, her voice steady, her thoughts sharpening with every word.

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    A faint smile curved her lips as she continued, ¡°I know some of Gorman¡¯s men resented me, believing I was ungrateful and didn¡¯t appreciate his devotion. But what struck me as odd was that after his supposed death, none of them confronted me. They simply vanished.¡± She pressed her lips together briefly before adding, ¡°Those men were fiercely loyal to Gorman. If they despised me, they would havee for me¡ªunless Gorman himself ordered them to stay away.¡±

    The room fell deathly silent, the only sound the low hum of the air conditioning.

    From the instant Linsey posed her first question, her eyes held firm, her voice steady and measured. She fixed her gaze on Alissa, radiating an undeniable sense of pressure. Whether it was Linsey¡¯smanding presence or the piercing truth of her words, Alissa felt a chill ripple through her, her body trembling involuntarily. Her throat constricted, rendering her speechless.

    Linsey¡¯s keen insight was daunting, stirring unease in Alissa, who, despite her wealth of experience navigating tough situations, found herself rattled by this woman not yet thirty.

    As he noticed Alissa¡¯s silence, Bart¡¯s brow furrowed, and he sharply dered, ¡°Utter nonsense.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s gaze shifted to Bart, calm and unshaken. He was clearly less yielding than Alissa, but Linsey remainedposed, her brief moment of inner doubt giving way to certainty. She was convinced Alissa and Bart were merely putting on an act in front of her.

    Lowering her gaze slightly, she spoke with deliberate calm. ¡°You both know whether I¡¯m speaking nonsense.¡±

    After a brief pause, she continued, ¡°When we met overseas, I could see how deeply you cared for Gorman. It¡¯s only natural you would agree to his oundish n.¡±

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 Chapter 973

    ?Chapter 973:

    ¡°You couldn¡¯t bring yourselves to deny his request, especially if he was badly wounded and begging.¡±

    Alissa¡¯s eyes welled with tears, herposure faltering as she turned away, her breathing shaky.

    Bart¡¯s expression wavered, but he shot back, ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±

    Rising to his feet, he red at Linsey. ¡°You¡¯ve got two minutes. If you still refuse to go to the hospital, I¡¯ll have my men take you there by force.¡±

    With that, he threw a cold nce at Collin, whose face showed clear displeasure.

    Bart addressed Collin, his voice devoid of warmth. ¡°Collin, you¡¯re staying here for the time being.¡±

    At those words, Collin shot to his feet, his demeanor as cold as a winter storm. He fixed Bart with a piercing stare and dered sharply, ¡°I¡¯ve made it clear¡ªdon¡¯t even consider it. I¡¯ll never let you take Linsey away.¡±

    Linsey swiftly moved to Collin¡¯s side, her hand finding his, her fingers curling tightly around his sturdy grip. His firm hold reassured her, anchoring her resolve. In moments like these, she never felt like a liability to Collin. They were partners, united in purpose. They had arrived together, and they would leave together, unharmed.

    Still, she wouldn¡¯t allow Collin to recklessly confront the horde of henchmen waiting outside¡ªthat would be a dangerous mistake. ¡°Alissa, Bart, surely you realize how absurd this is, don¡¯t you?¡± Linsey¡¯s tone was resolute, her voice steady and low. ¡°If I were single, perhaps this conversation would be different. But I have my fianc¨¦ and our children. Forcing me to carry Gorman¡¯s child is nothing short of an outrageous vition of personal rights.¡±

    Alissa¡¯s face flushed with a mix of fury and embarrassment. ¡°You agreed to cooperate with a hospital visit! Gorman¡­ he died saving your life¡ªyou owe us for that loss!¡±

    Linsey couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue further aboutpensation with Alissa. She pressed on, her words measured. ¡°You both know Gorman¡¯s nature. If I bore his child, he would never let me go. He would use the child to bind me to him forever. And what about the child? Growing up knowing their mother has another family¡ªwouldn¡¯t that leave them feeling abandoned and betrayed? As their grandparents, don¡¯t you care about the pain that child would endure?¡±

    Linsey hadn¡¯t intended to entertain the idea of this hypothetical child. But Bart and Alissa¡¯s relentless stubbornness forced her to counter their reasoning with their own wed logic. She could vaguely discern Gorman¡¯s underlying motives. He staged his own death to manipte her into guilt, with Alissa and Bart¡¯s theatrics intensifying the scheme.

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    Had Alissa and Bart executed their roles wlessly, Linsey might have fallen for their deception.

    Regardless, she could never consent to such an outrageous request. For one, her connection with Gorman was strictly tonic, devoid of any romantic attachment. Moreover, creating a child was not a matter of mere words¡ªit demanded profound responsibility. To Linsey, giving birth and then shirking all duties afterward would disqualify her from the title of mother.

    Alissa, gripping her hands tightly, spoke in a sharp tone. ¡°Once the baby arrives, you¡¯ll be free of any obligations. We¡¯ll secure a perfect stepmother for the child.¡±

    Linsey found this proposition absurd and retorted with biting sarcasm, ¡°If you¡¯ve already lined up a recement mother, why not have her go through IVF instead?¡±

    With a scornful edge, she continued, ¡°Does the Green family only know how to wield wealth or deception to coerce innocent women into bearing your heirs?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Bart¡¯s eyes red, his face twisting with rage. Most might have cowered under Bart¡¯s intimidating presence, but Linsey stood her ground, meeting his stare withposure.

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 Chapter 974

    ?Chapter 974:

    ¡°If Gorman is still alive, you could try convincing him to abandon his baseless fixation,¡± Linsey stated firmly, each word deliberate. ¡°He rescued me, and I owe him my gratitude. Beyond demands I cannot meet, I¡¯m willing to repay him in any other way he desires. But as for IVF, no amount of pressure will ever make me agree.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s gaze drifted toward the private room¡¯s entrance as she spoke. ¡°You¡¯ve surrounded us with your people, thinking you could trap Collin and me. But walls can¡¯t silence the truth forever, and when it breaks free, you¡¯ll find yourselves drowning in litigation.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re truly set on defying us?¡± Fury zed in Alissa¡¯s eyes. Where had her carefullyid ns begun to crumble?

    Linsey possessed a razor-sharp mind, yet her tender heart had always been her weakness. Alissa had been certain that a few well-ced guilt tactics would shepherd the girl straight to the operating table. Now her control was slipping through her fingers like sand.

    Linsey¡¯s silence stretched between them, her cool detachment more eloquent than any words.

    Bart¡¯sugh held no warmth. ¡°Then we¡¯re finished with pleasantries.¡± He then summoned his men.

    The door burst open as his men flooded the room like a dark tide. Collin swept Linsey behind him in one fluid motion, his body coiled and ready as he tracked each intruder¡¯s movement.

    Then, among the sea of hostile faces, one stood out, unmistakably familiar. Danny stepped forward.

    ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Green,¡± the subordinate announced, his words slicing through the chaos, ¡°our boss has reconsidered.¡±

    Relief washed over Linsey like cool water, loosening the knots of tension in her chest. She was d that Gorman was still alive.

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    Surprise flickered across Collin¡¯s features before his mask ofposure slid back into ce.

    Of course, Gorman had orchestrated his own borate death scene. The realization brought Collin aplex mix of relief and irritation. Had Gorman truly died saving Linsey, the guilt would have haunted her for years.

    Still, this calcted deception had left her twisted in anguish for days. Therefore, Collin was determined to make Gorman pay a price.

    Collin¡¯s mind was already cataloging a dozen ways to exact his price, methods that would leave no physical marks but would certainly make his point clear.

    Danny¡¯s announcement struck Alissa like a physical blow, herposure fracturing as conflicting emotions warred in her eyes.

    From his hospital bed, Gorman had witnessed every moment of this confrontation, heard every word of Linsey¡¯s defiance with perfect rity.

    Alissa had been counting on exploiting that connection, using Linsey¡¯s tender heart to honor her son¡¯s wishes. Instead, Gorman had abandoned the charade first.

    Words deserted Alissa entirely, leaving her grappling with the ruins of her strategy. All their careful theatrics, their borate deception, were unraveled by Linsey¡¯s sharp intuition.

    The weight of her humiliation pressed down like a stone. She couldn¡¯t bear to meet Linsey¡¯s prating gaze, turning away as heat flooded her cheeks.

    Bart¡¯s expression twisted with barely contained fury, as though he longed to march straight to the hospital and throttle Gorman with his bare hands. He had swallowed his pride, degraded himself with this pathetic performance, all because of Gorman¡¯s critical condition.

    And now, with victory practically in their grasp, the ungrateful fool had not only reversed course but humiliated them publicly, right in front of Linsey and Collin.

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 Chapter 975

    ?Chapter 975:

    ¡°He¡¯s aplete waste! Always acting on a whim!¡± Bart¡¯s face darkened to a dangerous shade. ¡°I wash my hands of him. Let him rot in his own decisions¡ªI¡¯m through!¡±

    Without sparing Linsey or Collin so much as a nce, Bart wheeled around and stormed toward the exit. Within moments, he had vanished entirely, leaving only the lingering trace of his fury.

    Alissa stood frozen, torn between walking away and demanding answers. Her eyes narrowed as she shot a re at Danny. ¡°Just tell me already¡ªwhy did Gorman change his mind again? What¡¯s he ying at this time?¡±

    Meanwhile, Linsey had managed to calm herself, but the confusion still clung to her like static. She wasn¡¯t sure how to handle the situation unraveling before her.

    She turned slightly, catching Collin¡¯s eyes in the process.

    A quiet chuckle escaped him. He leaned in and murmured, ¡°Something on your mind?¡±

    Though tempted to spill everything, Linsey nced around and held back. ¡°I¡¯ll exin when we¡¯re home.¡±

    Questions kept swirling in her mind. Now that Gorman was alive, would the charges against Kylee and Haven shift? Was it illegal to fake one¡¯s death?

    She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that maybe the authorities had known the truth all along¡ªthat Gorman had never died.

    Collin¡¯s whole demeanor softened. Gone was the cold edge from earlier. He gave her a small nod. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Across from them, Danny picked up on Alissa¡¯s rising frustration. He let out a quiet sigh, barely audible.

    He couldn¡¯t help but think that Linsey had a knack for bending things in her favor, somehow getting his boss to backtrack time and time again just for her.

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    Still, his job was to deliver the message exactly as instructed.

    Though he had no fondness for Linsey, Danny kept his gaze down and said, ¡°Ms. Brooks, my boss told me to let you know that if you¡¯re serious about making amends, you should go see him at the hospital on your own.¡±

    He paused for a moment, then added with added weight, ¡°He made it clear¡ªyou have to go by yourself.¡±

    Elsewhere, Dolores stirred awake. Her eyes fluttered open to find Zenia and Zander perched at her bedside, both watching her like tiny hawks.

    She jerked upright, her eyes darting around in rm, and asked in a puzzled tone, ¡°What happened, sweethearts?¡±

    Dolores extended her hand and softly tapped the heads of the two children.

    Zenia¡¯s lips curled into a pout as she looked upset. ¡°Dolores, do you have any idea where Mommy and Daddy went? Zander and I tried calling them, but they wouldn¡¯t pick up. Even Glenda doesn¡¯t seem to know where they are.¡±

    Glenda Reed happened to be the housekeeper that Collin had recently brought on board.

    That statement caught Dolores off guard, and for a brief moment, unease settled in her chest.

    Without dy, she tried to soothe them. ¡°How about you two stay here and y for a while? I¡¯ll go find out what¡¯s going on.¡±

    She swung her legs over the bed, dressed in haste, and stepped out of the room.

    Outside the door, several of Collin¡¯s men stood in a cluster, clearly on edge.

    ¡°Ms. Davidson,¡± they said in unison, addressing her respectfully as soon as they saw her.

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 Chapter 976

    ?Chapter 976:

    The man who led the group stepped forward and said urgently, ¡°Ms. Davidson, have you seen Ms. Brooks? We haven¡¯t been able to contact either Mr. Riley or Ms. Brooks, and we¡¯re starting to get worried.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll check right now,¡± Dolores replied, knitting her brows together while retrieving her phone. There, she noticed a string of messages from Linsey, all sent around three hours earlier.

    She called Linsey, but just as they¡¯d mentioned, the line wouldn¡¯t connect.

    Dolores¡¯s lips pressed into a tight line as she tried calling Collin next. That call failed too.

    ¡°This is strange. I can¡¯t get through to either of them,¡± Dolores murmured, clearly baffled by the situation.

    In her mind, it made sense that Linsey and Collin might have gone somewhere together, but she couldn¡¯t imagine where they would go without informing her.

    Surely, Linsey wouldn¡¯t leave the kids waiting at home without saying a word. That simply wasn¡¯t like her.

    From the corner of the room, Glenda¡¯s voice cut through the tension. ¡°After lunch, Mr. Riley asked me to take Zenia and Zander out for a walk. When we returned, the house was empty. Neither Mr. Riley nor Ms. Brooks could be found.¡±

    The men stationed there were under Collin¡¯s orders to watch over Zenia and Zander that afternoon.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying Linsey and Collin left without any protection?¡± Something about this didn¡¯t sit right with Dolores.

    Just then, the head of Collin¡¯s security team spoke with quiet authority. ¡°I just received word that Gorman¡¯s parents arrived in Grester four hours ago.¡±

    Dolores¡¯s eyes narrowed as the meaning hit her immediately. It hadn¡¯t been long since Gorman died protecting Linsey. Knowing that, Gorman¡¯s parents probably med her for his death.

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    On top of that, Collin and Gorman had been enemies for years. Was there a connection between Linsey and Collin¡¯s disappearance and the Greens showing up?

    Dolores pressed him quickly. ¡°Can you find out where Gorman¡¯s parents are?¡±

    The leader replied, ¡°It¡¯s possible, but it will take some time. They appear to be deliberately concealing their movements.¡±

    Dolores¡¯s expression grew more troubled as she heard this. Why would the Greens go to such lengths to cover their tracks?

    Obviously, they were nning something.

    Dolores nced down at her phone, where Linsey¡¯sst message still glowed on the screen. The timestamp showed three hours ago. That meant Linsey and Collin could have been missing for three entire hours already.

    Dolores¡¯s breath came in shallow bursts as panic began to w at her chest.

    ¡°Ms. Davidson, we¡¯ve already dispatched teams to check every location Mr. Riley and Ms. Brooks frequent, but there¡¯s been no sign of them. We¡¯ll need to widen our search radius now,¡± the security leader reported just as fresh updates reached him.

    Dolores pressed her lip between her teeth, worry etched across her features. ¡°Have you tried reaching Dustin?¡±

    If Collin was executing some kind of n, Dustin would surely be in the loop. He was Collin¡¯s most trusted confidant. Otherwise, Dustin would be just as frantic with concern by now.

    At Dustin¡¯s name, the team leader¡¯s expression shifted ufortably. ¡°Ms. Davidson, we can¡¯t get through to Mr. Wade either. His mother has been¡­ monitoring him quite closely these days.¡±

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 Chapter 977

    ?Chapter 977:

    ¡°Does everything have to fall apart at once?¡± The words escaped Dolores in a frustrated whisper.

    After weighing her options, she resolved to seek out Dustin personally. Another pair of hands and his insights could make all the difference in their search.

    ¡°Continue the search operations. I¡¯m going to find Dustin and see what he might know.¡± Dolores¡¯ instructions were swift and decisive.

    Turning to Glenda, she said, ¡°Glenda, please look after Zenia and Zander. We¡¯ll station a few guards here for everyone¡¯s protection.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Ms. Davidson,¡± Glenda replied without hesitation.

    Dolores wasted no time. She gathered her belongings and headed out to track down Dustin. Since Collin¡¯s team couldn¡¯t reach him, chances were slim he would be at CR Corporation.

    Dolores knew where Dustin lived. As she drove through the city streets, she tried his number. She braced herself for another unanswered call, just like her failed attempts to reach Linsey and Collin.

    To her surprise, the phone barely rang twice before someone picked up. Dolores paused, confused. Why had Collin¡¯s men imed they couldn¡¯t get through to Dustin?

    She was about to speak when a soft, feminine voice drifted through the line.

    ¡°Hello. Who is this?¡±

    Dolores went rigid, her face hardening in an instant. A flurry of possibilities raced through her mind within seconds. Why was a woman answering Dustin¡¯s phone? Even if it was his assistant or secretary, they wouldn¡¯t likely have the audacity to pick up his personal phone without clear permission, would they?

    It also couldn¡¯t be a housekeeper or anyone else in his employ. Dolores pieced her thoughts together slowly. Whoever answered Dustin¡¯s phone with such ease had to share a significant connection with him.

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    Dolores forced her pounding heart to settle, swallowing hard before speaking in a tight voice. ¡°This is Dolores Davidson. I need to speak with Dustin. Is he avable?¡±

    She shut her eyes briefly, willing herself to stay calm. Now wasn¡¯t the time to spiral into suspicion. Finding Linsey and Collin was the priority.

    ¡°Oh, Ms. Davidson. I¡¯ve heard of you. They say you and Dustin have a great rtionship and are well-matched business partners,¡± the woman on the other end replied, her voice light with a soft chuckle.

    Dolores¡¯ brow furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line as an uneasy feeling settled over her.

    ¡°Is Dustin busy? I have urgent matters to discuss with him,¡± Dolores said.

    The woman paused as if just realizing something, then responded in an apologetic tone. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Dustin¡¯s in the shower right now. If it¡¯s alright, I can take a message and let him know.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ breath caught for a split second. She steadied herself, adopting a professional tone. ¡°If you could ask him to hurry, I would appreciate it. Aurora, our designer, is nning a coboration with CR Corporation, and I need to go over some critical details with him on her behalf.¡±

    Was she talking about Linsey, the rising star from the recent Grester fashion designpetition? Joanne had only recently found out that Aurora was Linsey.

    Her eyes flickered briefly before she responded smoothly, ¡°Alright. Please hold on for a moment.¡±

    She muted the call and climbed the stairs to Dustin¡¯s bedroom, pushing the door open without hesitation. The bathroom light glowed, and the faint sound of running water drifted through the air.

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 Chapter 978

    ?Chapter 978:

    Joanne¡¯s expression remained unchanged as she approached and rapped on the bathroom door.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± The water¡¯s flow softened, and Dustin¡¯s voice came through, slightly muffled.

    Joanne replied evenly, ¡°Dolores Davidson is on the phone for you. She mentioned¡­¡±

    Before she could finish, the water cut off entirely, followed by a rustle from inside. The bathroom door flew open. Dustin, already dressed, fixed his gaze on the phone in Joanne¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Who said you could touch my phone?¡± he demanded, his voice sharp with anger as he snatched it from her without waiting for a response. Joanne flinched, her wrist stinging, and looked up to see Dustin ring at the phone, his face taut with tension.

    Joanne widened her eyes in disbelief. She let out a soft scoff. ¡°You left your phone downstairs after your swim. It was ringing, so I brought it up. And this is how you thank me? That¡¯s awfully harsh.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s irritation red every time Joanne spoke. ¡°Get out,¡± he snapped.

    Those who knew Dustin understood how rare it was for him to lose his cool. He usually carried himself with aid-back, almost yful air. Around women, he was effortlessly charming, disarming them with a quick wit and a few well-chosen words. This was the first time he had ever shown such raw anger toward a woman.

    Joanne was clearly offended, but since the call involved Linsey, she forced herself to stay calm.

    ¡°Be careful. Mrs. Wade might show up any second, and you won¡¯t have time to react,¡± Joanne warned before walking out. She mmed the door behind her, the loud bang echoing through the hallway.

    As she walked away, her irritation grew. Dustin¡¯s attitude reyed in her head like an annoying tune she couldn¡¯t shake off. Kase had imed Dustin was easygoing and pleasant. Clearly, Kase had it all wrong.

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    What was so special about this hot-headed, spoiled man that made him worth trying to impress?

    Joanne bit her lip, anger simmering inside her. Jeffery, who was gentle and calm, was way out of Dustin¡¯s league. Her gaze dropped as she remembered what Dolores had said about Linsey over the phone. Linsey looked so much like Jeffery. Maybe it was just a gut feeling, but Joanne strongly believed there was a blood connection between the two.

    Otherwise, how could two strangers look so much alike?

    She had hoped to use Linsey to get closer to Jeffery. But Linsey had already seen her at the Walton family¡¯s estate. That n was now useless.

    Linsey seemed to believe she was close to Haven. That meant she would be on guard around her.

    Joanne sighed softly, the sting of being driven out by Dustin already fading from her mind.

    Just then, the door behind her swung open again. She turned to see Dustin throwing on his coat, his expression tense and focused. His eyes showed urgency¡ªsomething was clearly wrong. Dolores had just called him, so why did he still look so troubled?

    This was different from the usual anger he carried around.

    Joanne sensed something wasn¡¯t right. She quickly stepped in front of him. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Dustin had just learned that Linsey and Collin were missing. He didn¡¯t have time for anything else. Throwing on his jacket, he headed straight out. He also knew that Gorman¡¯s parents had arrived in Grester.

    He hadn¡¯t considered the Greens a threat. But with Linsey and Collin out of touch for over three hours¡ªand without any security¡ªit was impossible not to worry.

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 Chapter 979

    ?Chapter 979:

    Dustin was already on edge, and his face darkened even further when Joanne blocked his way.

    ¡°Joanne, seriously?¡± he snapped, clenching his jaw. ¡°Don¡¯t think my mother¡¯s support gives you the right to control me!¡± He made a move to shove her aside.

    Joanne didn¡¯t flinch. Her voice turned sharp. ¡°Didn¡¯t Dolores say you were meeting Linsey to talk business? Why do you look so serious? Did something happen to her?¡±

    Dustin¡¯s frown deepened. He didn¡¯t have time to wonder how Joanne knew Linsey. ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you. Move.¡±

    But Joanne was even more certain now¡ªsomething had gone wrong.

    She stood her ground. ¡°You know I¡¯m here because your mother asked me to keep an eye on you. Don¡¯t you get it? If you push me away, she¡¯ll only tighten her hold. You think you can slip out that easily? Why not take me with you? We¡¯ll pretend we¡¯re going on a date. It¡¯ll be easier to sneak out that way. Or do you think you¡¯ll get past the guards alone?¡±

    Joanne spoke so quickly that Dustin barely had time to respond. He had started off impatient, but by the end, her logic caught him off guard. Surprisingly, her words made sense.

    Hester had arranged for a suitable rich girl to keep him away from Dolores. And right now, finding Collin and Linsey was far more important than anything else.

    ¡°Alright, enough talk. Let¡¯s go,¡± Dustin said.

    Bringing Joanne along wasn¡¯t a big deal. His only concern was that she might run to Hester and say he went to see Dolores again. But this time, he was going out to find a missing friend. Even Hester wouldn¡¯t try to stop that.

    Just as Joanne had warned, the guards stopped them the moment they stepped outside the vi.

    ¡°Mr. Wade, your mother asked that you stay indoors for a few days,¡± one of them said.

    The sight of the guards made Dustin¡¯s blood boil. But before he could snap, Joanne stepped in with a sweet smile.

    ¡°Mr. Wade is taking me out shopping. I¡¯ll exin to Mrs. Wadeter. She wants me and Dustin to get closer, right?¡±

    The guards exchanged nces. Hester had indeed said to give them some alone time. Since Joanne had spoken, they had no choice but to let them go.

    ¡°Understood, Ms. Ellis.¡±

    They stepped aside and cleared the way.

    Dustin¡¯s lips twitched. Sometimes it felt like Joanne was more like Hester¡¯s child than he was. Hester had been watching him like a hawktely.

    Atst, he stepped out of the luxurious vi, which felt more like a golden cage.

    Soon, Dustin and Joanne spotted Dolores¡¯ car parked in an open area two kilometers away.

    Dustin hadn¡¯t seen Dolores in days. His heart leapt with excitement.

    ¡°Dolores!¡± he called out, rushing toward her with open arms.

    But the moment Dolores spotted Joanne behind him, she stepped aside with a cold look.

    She hadn¡¯t expected him to bring another woman.

    That had to be the same woman who picked up the phone earlier. Dustin, caught off guard by her dodge, nearly crashed into the car.

    ¡°Dolores, I¡ª¡±

    But she cut him off, opening the driver¡¯s door. Her voice was t. ¡°Just get in.¡±

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 Chapter 980

    Chapter 980:

    Joanne watched the entire scene with interest. Seeing Dustin¡¯s awkwardness brought a smile to her face.

    Dustin swallowed the rest of his words. Now wasn¡¯t the time to exin anything.

    He quickly moved to open the front passenger door.

    But it didn¡¯t budge.

    ¡°That seat¡¯s for thedy,¡± Dolores said coolly, already settling into the driver¡¯s seat.

    Joanne raised an eyebrow, walked past Dustin, opened the door with ease, and sat down. ¡°Hurry up, Dustin,¡± she said casually.

    Still standing outside, Dustin stared at her smug smile.

    He blinked in disbelief, then caught a glimpse of Dolores¡¯ colder expression through the mirror.

    He bit back his frustration and quietly opened the rear door.

    Once he was inside, Dolores started the engine. ¡°Have you reached Collin?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No. I tried calling on the way here, but the call didn¡¯t go through. Collin¡¯s tracker signal didn¡¯t show up either,¡± Dustin said seriously. Dolores had already exined the situation briefly over the phone. But in all the time Dustin had known Collin, thetter had never gone this long without contact.

    What made it worse¡ªnone of Collin¡¯s closest aides knew his whereabouts.

    ¡°Tracker?¡± Dolores asked, her eyes still focused on the road.

    ¡°Yes. Collin¡¯s phone has had one for a while. Only a few trusted people can ess it. Linsey has one too. But even with both trackers, the men came back with nothing,¡± Dustin exined.

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    As the founder of CR Corporation, Collin had plenty of enemies. They always had to stay alert. But now, not even a clue was left behind. They had no idea where Collin and Linsey were¡ªor if they were even safe.

    While Dustin and Dolores spoke, Joanne stayed quiet and listened. So Linsey and Collin were both missing? Strange. Collin was a powerful man. How could someone like him just vanish?

    ¡°Ms. Davidson, do you have any suspects?¡± Joanne suddenly asked.

    Dolores nced at her, a flicker of emotion in her eyes. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Sensing her pause, Joanne smiled lightly. ¡°I¡¯m Joanne Ellis. Mrs. Wade introduced me to Dustin.¡±

    Dustin looked startled, then quickly exined, ¡°Dolores, it¡¯s not what you think. I¡ª¡±

    Dolores didn¡¯t look at him. She kept her focus ahead and said sharply, ¡°I don¡¯t care what¡¯s going on between you two. But since you¡¯re here, don¡¯t make things harder. We¡¯re searching for people who matter to us.¡±

    ¡°I understand. You¡¯re looking for Linsey and Collin. I already knew¡ªI¡¯m a friend of Haven¡¯s,¡± Joanne replied calmly.

    Dolores¡¯ brows immediately furrowed, and Dustin¡¯s eyes darkened.

    ¡°What did you say? You¡¯re friends with Haven?¡± he snapped. He and Dolores both knew about Haven¡¯s secret n to use Kylee against Linsey. It was shocking to hear Joanne admit being close to her.

    Then Dustin added with a frown, ¡°So the Walton family you recently joined¡­ That¡¯s Haven¡¯s family?¡±

    He had only heard rumors¡ªJoanne wasn¡¯t born into privilege, but had recently been epted into the Walton name. However, he hadn¡¯t connected the dots until now. His mind had been too preupied with Dolores.

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    Message from Noah: Have a beautiful day dear ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (©¤??O)

    .

 Chapter 981

    ?Chapter 981:

    Joanne paused, her expression uncertain. ¡°Yes. Is that a problem?¡± she responded softly.

    She blinked, as if thinking of something, then added, ¡°I get it. You¡¯re wary because of what Haven did. And you¡¯re right to be. She made serious mistakes. But she¡¯s paying the price now.¡±

    Her face turned downcast. ¡°It was partly my fault too. I should¡¯ve stopped her. But I didn¡¯t.¡±

    Joanne looked honest and sincere. Her words left Dolores and Dustin unsure¡ªwas she telling the truth, or ying a part?

    Dolores didn¡¯t say a word, but inside, she was cursing Dustin¡¯s name. He had wasted no time finding a new girlfriend¡ªand of all people, he chose one of Haven¡¯s friends.

    He knew everything Linsey had been through. Haven had done something unforgivable, something that nearly cost Linsey her life. Yet, here was Dustin, cozying up to someone from Haven¡¯s circle, as if none of it had ever happened.

    Dolores had once thought he and Collin were as thick as thieves. But in the end, Dustin was just another guy who would throw loyalty out the window for a girl. Coming to him for help had been aplete waste of time.

    Were Linsey and Collin okay?

    Meanwhile, on Linsey and Collin¡¯s side, after hearing Danny speak, Linsey turned to him without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll see Gorman. But Collines with me. No Collin, no deal.¡±

    Collin¡¯s jaw clenched. Thank God she hadn¡¯t agreed to that insane demand. Gorman had already failed at his twisted n to use her for IVF. And now he dared to ask for a private meeting?

    If Gorman hadn¡¯t once saved Linsey¡¯s life, Collin would have burned him and his family to the ground.

    The moment Linsey spoke, both Alissa and Danny scowled.

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    Danny looked like he was about to explode. He spat, eyes zing, ¡°Do you even have a heart, Linsey? Mr. Green saved you again and again, and you won¡¯t even give him a few minutes? I¡¯ve never seen a woman as cold as you!¡±

    His tone dripped with disrespect, and Collin¡¯s face darkened in a sh. His anger was so raw, everyone but Linsey flinched.

    Danny swallowed but didn¡¯t back down. Bitterness poured from his mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯ve forgotten everything Mr. Green did for you, haven¡¯t you? To you, only Collin matters. Mr. Green means nothing!¡± His re said it all.

    He didn¡¯t just me her¡ªhe hated her.

    As Gorman¡¯s right-hand man, he had witnessed everything. Gorman had spent years searching for Linsey, and then four more years by her side, hoping she woulde to care for him someday.

    But all her love belonged to that bastard Collin.

    What was worse, Gorman had been hurt time and again since meeting her¡ªby bullets, by des. He had risked his life more than once, paying her back for saving him all those years ago. Still, he clung to her like a curse he couldn¡¯t shake.

    Even his men couldn¡¯t bring themselves to hate herpletely. Deep down, they just wanted her to show him a little kindness.

    But she refused.

    Tension filled the room as Danny grew more restless. Linsey¡¯s gaze sharpened, immediately noticing the shift.

    Before Collin could step forward with a sharp retort, Linsey raised her hand gently, stopping him. Her calm voice cut through the agitation as she addressed Danny directly.

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 Chapter 982

    ?Chapter 982:

    ¡°I can see why you¡¯re upset. You believe Gorman has been treated unfairly.¡±

    Her words were measured and even, carrying no hint of irritation. ¡°Your loyalty to him is admirable. Of course, you¡¯d stand by his side no matter what. That¡¯s natural, and I don¡¯t me you for it.¡±

    With a brief pause, she met his eyes, her tone unwavering. ¡°Still, I have the right to exin my side. When I lived abroad, I made it clear to Gorman more than once that I saw him only as a friend. I often thanked him for everything he¡¯d done. You were usually right there with him, so you must have heard it too. Everything I told Gorman was honest¡ªnever once did I try to lead him on.¡±

    Her wordsnded heavily, and the bravado in Danny faded. Unable to challenge her honesty, he fell silent. Despite hearing the truth, he, like Gorman, struggled to ept why Linsey never reciprocated those feelings.

    After a moment of silence, Linsey continued, ¡°If things had stayed as they were, and Gorman hadn¡¯t made those decisions that frightened me, I would still consider him a valuable friend.¡±

    Her lips pressed into a thin line, her brows knitting as old wounds resurfaced. ¡°I¡¯m not someone who forgets kindness. Four years of his support meant a great deal to me. But when he ignored my wishes and kept both Zenia and me trapped, everything changed. He knew how much my children meant to me, yet he hurt Zenia without a second thought. Worse, he used Zenia to force me into marriage. All of that left scars I still carry.¡±

    At Linsey¡¯s side, Collin¡¯s eyes darkened, her words casting a long ache over his features. A steady, sorrowful gaze settled on her, betraying a storm of regret and heartbreak that he couldn¡¯t quite mask.

    Regret gnawed at him for all the pain Linsey had carried. If only he had acted sooner, maybe Zenia and Linsey would have been spared so much.

    Across the room, Danny clenched his jaw, his hand hovering near his pocket, itching to end the call. Gorman¡¯s orders shed through his mind, and discipline won out over impulse. Gorman was on the other end of the line, listening to their exchange.

    Linsey spoke, ¡°Earlier, he stepped in and shielded me when Kylee tried to hurt me. That moment left me reeling with emotion. I felt grateful, stunned, and heartbroken all at once. Until then, I had convinced myself that he died because of my actions, and that guilt stayed with me for ages. I found sce only in keeping busy. Chasing after Kylee, I tried to dig up the real truth and collect evidence.¡±

    She pressed her lips together before continuing, ¡°People can im I was just fighting to clear my own name, but my real motive was to seek justice for Gorman.¡±

    She let out a shaky breath. ¡°Now that I know he survived, I feel lighter, even a bit joyful. Still, I can¡¯t wrap my head around why, at such a crucial time, he would try to trap me into having a child through IVF. The whole thing is hard to grasp. I can hardly believe this truly was his idea.¡±

    A heavy silence hung over the group, Linsey¡¯s words sinking in as everyone struggled to process the tangled truth she had revealed.

    Linsey looked exhausted as she turned slightly and sank back into her seat. She hadn¡¯t slept well the night before, and by noon, she¡¯d only managed a few bites before enduring a tense, drawn-out meeting with Alissa and Bart. Now, she waspletely drained.

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 Chapter 983

    ?Chapter 983:

    But until this mess was over, she couldn¡¯t afford to let her guard down. After sitting, she turned her gaze to a silent Danny.

    ¡°Tell me,¡± she said calmly, ¡°If you were in my shoes, would you still trust Gorman?¡± Then, she gave a faint, almost mocking smile. ¡°He¡¯s not the same man anymore. I can¡¯t trust him. So why would I agree to something just because he asks nicely?¡±

    Danny lowered his head, speechless. The Bluetooth earpiece linking him to Gorman stayed quiet. Gorman said nothing.

    Linsey paused for a moment, then said coolly, ¡°I¡¯m not just saying this for your ears. Gorman, I know you¡¯re listening. Are you still sticking to your n?¡±

    Danny blinked in surprise, clearly shaken. He couldn¡¯t understand how Linsey had figured it out.

    Before he could speak, Gorman¡¯s raspy voice came through the earpiece. ¡°Tell Linsey I heard everything.¡± Danny fell silent, a weight settling in his chest.

    Then Gorman added, ¡°If she refuses toe alone, let Collin join her. As long as I see Linsey, that¡¯s enough.¡±

    Danny stared ahead, stunned. Once again, Gorman was bending the rules for her. Even with all his dislike for Collin, he was willing to overlook it¡ªjust for a chance to see Linsey.

    Grinding his teeth, Danny finally looked up and muttered, ¡°Mr. Green said Collin cane too.¡±

    Alissa¡¯s patience snapped. Even she couldn¡¯t stay calm this time. ¡°He¡¯s going to make us all lose our minds,¡± she said sharply, then turned on her heel and walked out without another word.

    The room fell silent. Only Linsey, Collin, Danny, and a few of the Green family¡¯s guards remained.

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    Linsey¡¯s expression remained steady. She turned to Collin and asked softly, ¡°Shall we?¡±

    Collin nodded and took her hand.

    Danny let out a cold snort, but knowing how much Gorman cared for Linsey, he kept his resentment in check.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± he said tly, then started walking ahead.

    Linsey and Collin followed, a few steps behind. Several strong bodyguards trailed closely after them.

    As they stepped out of the private room, both Linsey¡¯s and Collin¡¯s phones began to ring.

    A realization hit Linsey. The brief silence earlier must have triggered rms¡ªpeople were probably searching for them.

    Just as she reached for her phone, Danny turned with a hard look. ¡°Before you meet Mr. Green, ignore anything that doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he warned.

    Then, after a beat, he added sharply, ¡°If you¡¯re truly grateful for all Mr. Green has done, then show it properly.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s lips moved slightly as she replied, ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Collin didn¡¯t reach for his phone either.

    Now that their signal was back, his team would easily trace their location. All they had to do was wait.

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 Chapter 984

    ?Chapter 984:

    Before long, they arrived at the hospital where Gorman was staying. As Linsey looked up at the building, a strange wave of emotion washed over her.

    It was the same ce Gorman had been rushed to after getting stabbed at the bridal shop.

    She figured that once he was out of danger, he must have faked his death on purpose¡ªjust to mislead everyone.

    But still, she found it hard to believe that all of this had been part of a scheme to get her to agree to some twisted IVF n.

    Guided by Danny, she and Collin were soon standing outside a luxury hospital room.

    ¡°Go ahead. Mr. Green is inside,¡± Danny said, stopping at the door. Gorman had personally agreed to see them both. No matter how unwilling Danny was, he had no choice but to let them in.

    As Linsey pushed open the door, a sharp wave of disinfectant hit her nose.

    She frowned slightly.

    The smell wasn¡¯t unusual for a hospital, but the stench in this room was far stronger than what she had encountered in the hallways.

    ¡°Linsey?¡± A raspy voice called out, filled with both hope and disbelief. Linsey stepped further in¡ªand froze. There he was.

    It had only been days since shest saw Gorman, yet now he looked like a shadow of the man she once knew.

    Hey in bed, pale and frail, with no color in his face.

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    Dark circles hollowed his eyes, his cheeks sunken from blood loss. Linsey could hardly match this weak, broken figure to the Gorman she once remembered¡ªconfident, strong, and always full of life.

    And then it clicked. Kylee¡¯s de wasn¡¯t ordinary¡ªit was a custom-made military knife. It hadn¡¯t killed him, but it had done serious damage.

    Now she understood why Bart and Alissa had given in to Gorman¡¯s outrageous request.

    Seeing him like this, anyone close to him would have been shaken.

    He really did save her life.

    Gorman might have survived that, but if that de had struck her instead, she wouldn¡¯t be here.

    From the moment Linsey walked in, Gorman never looked away from her.

    He didn¡¯t even nce at Collin. Not that it surprised anyone.

    Catching the stunned look on her face, Gorman gave a faint, tired smile. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Shocked to see I¡¯m still breathing?¡±

    Linsey inhaled sharply, her chest rising with the weight of emotion.

    She stepped forward slowly, unsure of what to say.

    After a quiet pause, she finally spoke, her voice soft. ¡°Can I sit here?¡±

    She nodded toward the chair beside the bed.

    Gorman¡¯s eyes softened further, and his tone turned tender. ¡°Of course.¡± Then he looked past her, straight at Collin. His warmth vanished in an instant. ¡°Collin, you can sit on the sofa.¡±

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 Chapter 985

    ?Chapter 985:

    Collin had nned to mock Gorman a little when he arrived. But as he saw how weak and pale Gorman looked now, the words caught in his throat. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to say anything harsh.

    He quietly took a seat nearby, staying alert to keep Linsey safe.

    He was sure his team would find them in less than thirty minutes. This was the only time¡ªand thest¡ªhe would allow Gorman and Linsey to talk.

    After today, he would never give Gorman another chance to hurt her.

    As soon as they sat down, the sharp scent of disinfectant in the hospital room seemed to fade a little. Linsey turned and looked at Gorman quietly.

    She figured he must be used to the bitter smell by now after staying there for days.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Gorman asked with a quiet chuckle. His dull eyes lit up for a brief moment.

    No matter the time or ce, Linsey always stirred deep feelings in him. She was sitting close enough to feel the heat of his stare.

    Pressing her lips together, she finally asked, ¡°Why did you lie to me about having a child together through IVF?¡± She already knew the answer.

    But she still wanted to shake him out of the obsession that was slowly eating away at who he once was.

    She feared if he kept going like this, he would lose himselfpletely, along with any chance at peace.

    Still, she wished he could let go and move on with his life.

    Gorman stared at her without blinking. He didn¡¯t answer her question. Instead, he asked, ¡°Linsey, if I really died and you didn¡¯t notice anything strange, would you say yes if my parents asked you to have our child?¡±

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    ¡°No,¡± Linsey replied without pause, even before Collin could react.

    Gorman froze. Then he let out a bitterugh, his eyes dimming again. ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re still so heartless. I thought maybe, just maybe, you¡¯d feel something when you saw me. Say something kind. Show some pity.¡±

    Linsey sighed silently, then said, ¡°I know you heard what I said in the other room earlier. There¡¯s no need to repeat it.¡±

    After a short pause, she added softly, ¡°In this life, I¡¯ll only have children with someone I love.¡±

    Collin smiled faintly from the side, his eyes warm as they rested on Linsey.

    Gorman¡¯s face tensed. He struggled to keep his emotions in check. Linsey didn¡¯t push him. She simply said, ¡°If you want a child, first get better. Then maybe in the future¡ª¡±

    ¡°There won¡¯t be one,¡± Gorman cut in. His eyes looked broken as he muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll never have children.¡±

    He understood what she meant. She wanted him to heal, meet someone new, fall in love, and start over. But Gorman knew he couldn¡¯t do any of that.

    Linsey¡¯s breath hitched, but she gently said, ¡°Time heals all wounds.¡±

    Gorman gave a bitter smile and looked away. He didn¡¯t want to talk about it anymore.

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 Chapter 986

    ?Chapter 986:

    He said, ¡°Linsey, must you really be this cruel? You say you¡¯re grateful, but every word you speak feels like a knife to my chest. I don¡¯t feel even a drop of gratitude from you.¡±

    Whenever he was with Linsey, Gorman always found his tone softening, unable to muster a harsh response.

    Steadying her gaze on him, Linsey said with sincerity, ¡°Gorman, you¡¯ve been a significant part of my life, and I genuinely want to see you heal and grow.¡±

    A sigh escaped her as she knitted her brows, her voice tinged with resignation. ¡°But let¡¯s be honest¡ªwhat you¡¯re asking from me isn¡¯t something I can give. Those wishes are simply out of my reach.¡± Her heart already belonged to Collin; loving someone else wasn¡¯t an option anymore.

    All the good in Gorman, all the sacrifices he had made, could never sway her heart to match his devotion.

    Anger red briefly in Gorman¡¯s eyes. A strainedugh escaped, but it was cut short by a sudden fit of coughing.

    Each cough rattled through him, sharp pains seizing his chest and spreading in dull, lingering waves.

    Reacting instantly, Linsey left her seat, filled a ss with warm water, and searched for a straw so he could sip without effort.

    A few careful sips soothed the burning in his throat, bringing a measure of relief.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Gorman¡¯s eyes locked on Linsey as she ced the ss aside, as if he were trying to capture the memory.

    Linsey settled back in her chair, her tone gentle but firm. ¡°You¡¯re suffering all this because of me. If you really can¡¯t sense how grateful I am, let me stay and care for you a while. It¡¯s only fair to repay the kindness you showed me.¡±

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    When he heard those words, Collin¡¯s expression turned cold. He cut in firmly, ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to wear yourself out, Linsey. We can easily hire someone to take care of him.¡±

    No matter what, Collin would never allow her to shoulder that burden alone.

    Fixating on Linsey¡¯s expression, Gorman felt an unfamiliar emotion churn inside him at her words.

    Collin¡¯sment, however, drew a mockingugh from Gorman. ¡°Collin, your possessiveness never fails to show.¡±

    Eyes narrowed with challenge, Gorman met his stare and spoke slowly. ¡°Linsey chose to care for me this time. I never forced her hand. Do you really believe you have the right to dictate everything Linsey does?¡±

    Those words hit their mark, irritation rising sharply in Collin¡¯s eyes.

    Linsey¡¯s presence held Collin¡¯s temper in check, so all he managed was a coldugh. ¡°You¡¯re hurt, Gorman. Save your breath. I¡¯d hate to see you cough up more blood trying to score points.¡±

    Amusement flickered across Gorman¡¯s face. ¡°I carry this wound because I protected Linsey. If someone else had been quick enough to block that knife, would I even be here to speak?¡±

    At that, Collin¡¯s expression darkenedpletely.

    Failing to protect Linsey back at the bridal shop haunted him like a bad dream.

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 Chapter 987

    ?Chapter 987:

    Now, Gorman twisted the knife further, doubling the sting of regret. Truthfully, Gorman made his point. Had Collin acted in time, all of this could have yed out differently. Distance had been his enemy that day.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. What good does it do to argue about this now?¡± Linsey¡¯s patience wore thin as she felt like a referee caught between stubborn rivals. ¡°Maybe you should be regretting that neither of you figured out what Kylee and Haven were plotting in the first ce.¡±

    Her eyes flicked from Gorman to Collin as she teased, ¡°Here we have the founder of CR Corporation and the only heir to the Green family¡ªtwo men with so much influence¡ªbut neither of you could see through Kylee and Haven¡¯s schemes. Missing the warning signs is bad enough, but now you¡¯re both stuck in this senseless squabble. I can¡¯t help but wonder where your legendary instincts disappeared to.¡±

    When those words left Linsey¡¯s mouth, Collin and Gorman fell silent atst.

    Throughout that period, Collin sent his men to shadow Gorman, all the while keeping tabs on Haven in case she tried to reach out to him. Gorman, on the other hand, spent his days wrapped up in the whirlwind of wedding nning with Linsey.

    The fake death scheme, hatched after Kylee¡¯s attempt on his life, came to Gorman only after he woke up in the hospital.

    To be fair, both menpletely missed the signs of Haven and Kylee¡¯s secret n, which was an unfortunatepse on their part.

    Now, after Linsey¡¯s pointed remarks, Collin and Gorman, clearly put on the spot by the woman they cared about, couldn¡¯t bring themselves to say a word. Their tough exteriors barely masked their embarrassment. A grin threatened to break through as Linsey noticed how quiet they¡¯d be. She said, ¡°Just so you both know, I¡¯ll be staying here to help Gorman recover. And Collin, you¡¯ll be sticking around with me, too.¡±

    The announcement wiped any hint of calm off both their faces.

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    They snapped out together, ¡°No way!¡±

    Linsey nced at Collin, who looked about ready to explode. ¡°I won¡¯t force you to stay and help if you¡¯re busy, Collin. I can manage everything here myself.¡±

    Gorman couldn¡¯t hide his delight as he eagerly nodded. ¡°I second that idea.¡±

    ¡°Not a chance!¡± Collin¡¯s temper red as he shot up from his seat. He grabbed Linsey¡¯s hand, trying to pull her away. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this yourself just because he helped you. I can pay for a whole team of professionals to look after him. He¡¯ll get the best care possible.¡±

    Standing up, Linsey held onto Collin¡¯s hand instead of letting go. ¡°But I already promised I would help. I can¡¯t just go back on my word now.¡±

    Disbelief washed over Collin¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re actually serious about this?¡± It seemed impossible to him that Linsey would really handle Gorman¡¯s care herself.

    A firm nod from Linsey settled the matter. ¡°I am.¡±

    From his spot on the hospital bed, Gorman watched the argument unfold, amusement lighting up his eyes. He couldn¡¯t resist stirring the pot. ¡°If you¡¯re so busy, Collin, you¡¯re free to leave. I can call a car for you.¡±

    Had he realized how effective this trick would be, he might have yed it much sooner just to get under Collin¡¯s skin.

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 Chapter 988

    ?Chapter 988:

    Collin looked as though he might start to boil over. Linsey could see just how much it stung him to be left out.

    Linsey suspected that if Gorman weren¡¯t in the room, Collin might actually break down in tears.

    Not wanting things to go further, Linsey gently cupped his face with her hand and offered a quietfort. ¡°I get that you¡¯re worried about me being here alone with Gorman. That¡¯s why I want you to stay with me.¡±

    The mask of calm that Gorman always wore began to crack all over again.

    Turning away, he squeezed his eyes shut, clearly trying to rein in his frustration.

    Collin lifted his hand to cover Linsey¡¯s and pressed on, his voice low but resolute. ¡°Let¡¯s just hire a care team.¡±

    Linsey shook her head with gentle insistence. ¡°That¡¯s not going to work. Gorman didn¡¯t just save my life. Back when I was overseas for those four years, he helped me out more times than I can count. If not for him, I might not have managed to raise Zenia and Zander by myself.¡±

    Her lips pressed into a pout, a trace of hurt flickering in her eyes. ¡°At the time, I wasn¡¯t sure how you really felt about me. I didn¡¯t have the courage toe back. What else was I supposed to do?¡±

    Pointing an using finger at Gorman, Collin shot back, ¡°If this scheming guy hadn¡¯t kept your location from me, I would¡¯ve found you long before! There¡¯s no way I would¡¯ve let you struggle all alone in a foreign country!¡±

    Gorman gave azy shrug, a slow grin forming. ¡°Who would have guessed that even the legendary founder of CR Corporation could be tripped up by my little tricks?¡±

    A tempest of conflicting emotions churned within Collin¡¯s chest.

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    Linsey watched the transformation ripple across his features as tension melted into fury before surrendering to an unexpected serenity that settled over him like still water.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡± Collin¡¯s words emerged measured and deliberate. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you to take care of Gorman.¡±

    Joy bloomed across Linsey¡¯s face, her eyes catching the light like dewdrops in the morning sun.

    Her fingers found his, intertwining as she tilted her face upward, her expression a mix of gentleness and gratitude. ¡°Collin, thank you.¡±

    She possessed no power topel him. If his heart had truly hardened against staying, nothing could anchor him here, least of all for Gorman¡¯s sake, toward whom Collin had always harbored an instinctive distaste.

    But for her sake, Collin agreed.

    Though reluctance still lingered in his heart, Collin couldn¡¯t help but soften when he looked at Linsey.

    A gentle smile yed at his lips as his free hand rose to ruffle her hair with familiar affection. ¡°You know we don¡¯t need fancy words between us.¡±

    Gorman watched their quick reconciliation with growing fury, the sight making his wounds throb with fresh pain.

    ¡°So after all that back and forth, nobody thought to ask what I think about this?¡± Anger tightened Gorman¡¯s jaw as he fought the urge to strike out at Collin¡¯s calm assurance.

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 Chapter 989

    ?Chapter 989:

    He turned sharply to Linsey, his expression hardening. ¡°Linsey, I agreed to your care, not his.¡±

    Linsey met his gaze but didn¡¯t answer right away, weighing her words carefully.

    Under her thoughtful silence, all the arguments Gorman had rehearsed seemed to dissolve before they could reach his lips, leaving him unexpectedly tongue-tied.

    After a moment, Linsey spoke with quiet sincerity. ¡°Gorman, I¡¯m truly grateful for everything you¡¯ve done, and Collin is too. You¡¯re still healing, and whether it¡¯s out of gratitude or friendship, I need to be here until you¡¯re well again.¡±

    She paused, ncing at Collin before continuing, ¡°Collin and I may not be remarried yet, but we¡¯re no different from any other couple. We belong together. When you help me, you¡¯re helping him too, and when he cares for you, it¡¯s the same as me doing it.¡±

    Collin felt his earlier frustration melt awaypletely at her words. Gorman¡¯s eyes remained fixed on Linsey for what felt like an eternity before he finally looked away, unable to hold her gaze any longer. Something flickered across his averted face, emotions shifting like shadows beneath the surface.

    The truth settled over him with brutal rity. Linsey¡¯s words weren¡¯t just an exnation but a deration that she and Collin were bound together, inseparable once more.

    As understanding washed over him, Gorman slowly bowed his head and let out a bitterugh that held no humor.

    All these years of trying, of hoping, and still he couldn¡¯t win her heart. Yet Collin only needed to whisper a few tender words to have Linsey return to his side without a second thought.

    For days, Gorman had been trying to convince himself to let Linsey go. Yet, he simply couldn¡¯t release his grip on hope, always nursing a stubborn sense of what might have been.

    He kept torturing himself with possibilities¡ªif, years ago, when he first encountered Linsey, he had swept her away without hesitation, perhaps he would be the one standing by her side now, not watching from the shadows.

    Linsey studied Gorman¡¯s sorrowful expression, her heart stirring with genuine sympathy for his quiet suffering.

    Softening her voice, she suggested, ¡°Gorman, how about we help you wash your hair properly? You¡¯ll feel so much more refreshed with it clean.¡±

    Those words caught Gorman off guard, leaving him momentarily frozen in realization. Only then did it hit him¡ªwhile recovering in the hospital, aside from a few quick wipes, he hadn¡¯t really had a proper wash.

    No mirror was needed to picture the state of his hair; he could feel the mess just by running a hand through it.

    Normally, he wouldn¡¯t have cared much about his appearance. Today, though, with Linsey standing right there, every unruly strand seemed magnified.

    Embarrassment crept up on him the longer he considered it, his cheeks turning noticeably red.

    Without waiting for his response, Linsey wasted no time and headed straight for the adjoining bathroom.

    As she walked, she tossed a request over her shoulder. ¡°Collin, I¡¯ll get some warm water ready. Can you help adjust Gorman so we can wash his hair?¡±

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 Chapter 990

    ?Chapter 990:

    Collin¡¯s agreement was immediate. ¡°No problem.¡±

    The moment Linsey disappeared inside, he made his way to Gorman¡¯s bedside.

    A faint twitch of Gorman¡¯s lips betrayed his irritation. ¡°You two act like a real team¡ªjust making decisions for me.¡±

    Collin took it in stride, gently helping Gorman sit up. ¡°So now you admit I belong with Linsey.¡±

    After a bit of shifting and effort, Gorman ended up lying t, his head carefully propped along the edge of the mattress.

    Returning soon after, Linsey carried a basin filled with warm water and set it down on a nearby chair with deliberate care.

    ¡°Slide a dry towel under his neck so his clothes stay dry,¡± Linsey instructed, double-checking the water¡¯s heat before moving closer. For reasons he couldn¡¯t quite put into words, Gorman simply went along with their ns, quietly letting them take over.

    Soon enough, Linsey had his hair soaking in the basin, warm water swirling around his scalp.

    ¡°How¡¯s the temperature?¡± Linsey asked, ncing down at him. With his gaze fixed on the ceiling, Gorman answered evenly, ¡°It¡¯s perfect.¡±

    Chattering as she worked, Linsey reassured him, saying, ¡°You¡¯re in good hands. I¡¯ve washed Zander¡¯s and Zenia¡¯s hair more times than I can count. I promise, you¡¯ll be spotless.¡±

    As her gentle voice filled the room, Gorman¡¯s mind slipped back to another time.

    Those memories took him to the years when Linsey, newly a mother of two, bnced design work with the relentless demands of caring for Zander and Zenia all on her own in a foreign country.

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    Although he had taken it upon himself to live next door, offering help whenever possible, there were limits to what he could do.

    He had pictured Linsey one day copsing under the weight of it all, seeking out his help atst.

    But through four long years, not once did Linsey admit defeat, nor did she ever show him her exhaustion or shed tears in front of him. That stubborn strength left Gorman with mixed feelings¡ªa little let down, yet quietly in awe.

    Despite his efforts to draw her closer, Linsey had never leaned on him. Instead, her independence and unwavering resolve only deepened his fascination.

    Shampoo¡¯s clean scent mingled with the steam as Linsey¡¯s hands massaged his hair, her every movement gentle and careful.

    Meanwhile, Collin perched on a chair at Gorman¡¯s side, making sure his head stayedfortably supported so Linsey¡¯s hands wouldn¡¯t tire.

    Warm, foamy water trickled down from Gorman¡¯s hair, sshing quietly into the basin below.

    Without warning, Linsey broke the silence. ¡°You can rx¡ªyou weren¡¯t nearly as unkempt as you thought. The nurses here really kept you in good shape.¡±

    Gorman¡¯s face stiffened, and something uneasy flickered across his expression. ¡°How did you find out¡­¡±

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 Chapter 991

    ?Chapter 991:

    Just as Linsey opened her mouth, Collin cut in with a smug grin. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right? Your face practically spelled it out. Even a kid could see you were embarrassed. That expression? It¡¯s a rare one for you. I take it hygiene¡¯s never really been your strong suit. But hey, the hospital¡¯s doing half the work for you now.¡±

    Difort had already taken hold of Gorman¡¯s features before Collin even finished his jab.

    ¡°Do everyone a favor and shut up, Collin,¡± Gorman snapped.

    Collin shrugged, then retorted, ¡°I¡¯ve carried Linsey plenty of times, and she never felt heavy. But holding your giant head? My wrist almost gave out. It¡¯s no wonder you sound like you¡¯re running low on brain cells. That thing¡¯s just too much weight to handle.¡±

    ¡°Collin, is it a fight you¡¯re after?¡± Gorman said as he lifted his fist and brought it down hard against the edge of the hospital bed.

    The sound echoed¡ªa solid, jarring thud. Right after, he gasped, and hisplexion drained of all color. The pain hit instantly. He had just aggravated the injury again.

    His stab wound had gone deep, and recovery had been frustratingly slow. That was why he had been confined to the bed, quietly nursing it for days.

    But since Collin walked in, Gorman had already red the injury twice.

    ¡°Seriously, can either of you act like grown-ups for once?¡± Linsey snapped, folding her arms. ¡°You¡¯re both pushing thirty and still arguing like schoolboys. Honestly, Zenia and Zander are easier to deal with than you two.¡±

    With a sharp frown, Linsey turned her attention to Collin. ¡°Seriously? All those hours at the gym and you can¡¯t even hold a head up without whining? If that¡¯s the best you¡¯ve got, maybe I should just ask a nurse instead.¡±

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    Caught off guard, Collin opened his mouth but stumbled. ¡°I¡­¡±

    Holding Gorman¡¯s head hadn¡¯t actually been difficult. He just couldn¡¯t resist the chance to provoke Gorman and score a few points with Linsey.

    But she wasn¡¯t buying it. She didn¡¯t need to hear excuses to know he was doing it just to get under Gorman¡¯s skin.

    After a sigh, she swung her frustrated gaze toward Gorman. ¡°And you? You¡¯re still recovering. Can¡¯t you manage that temper of yours for five minutes? What happens if your wound starts bleeding again? You think you can just rece hospital beds like they¡¯re paper tes? Having money doesn¡¯t give you a pass to trash everything in reach.¡±

    All the while, her hands kept working efficiently, rinsing the remaining shampoo from Gorman¡¯s hair like she was running on muscle memory. Once she finished, she reached for the basin with a stiff expression. ¡°I¡¯m going to change the water. You two need a moment to reflect on your behavior.¡±

    Not waiting for a reply, she walked off toward the bathroom, the basin in hand and her jaw tight with annoyance.

    Both men looked like scolded schoolchildren. For once, neither had anything clever to say.

    Inside the bathroom, Linsey finally let the mask slip. The corners of her mouth twitched upward, and a smallugh threatened to escape. Before it could, she pped a hand over her mouth, stifling the soundpletely.

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 Chapter 992

    ?Chapter 992:

    Still grinning, she poured out the water slowly, rinsed the basin with deliberate care, and filled it again with fresh, warm water¡ªbuying 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¡ªhe 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¡ªwho usually acted like they were ready for a brawl¡ªnow 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¡ªwas 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¡ªso 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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 Chapter 993

    ?Chapter 993:

    As she caught sight of the group, her face brightened. ¡°Dolores, you made it!¡± she said, her voice light with surprise.

    Dolores rushed over, wasting no time. She seized Linsey¡¯s arm, giving her a quick once-over. ¡°Are you alright, Linsey?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, really,¡± Linsey answered, giving Dolores a gentle look to put her mind at ease.

    A nervousugh escaped Dolores as the tension melted away. ¡°I was worried sick. For a second, I believed you¡¯d left the kids behind and run off somewhere,¡± she teased, her nerves giving way to relief.

    With a spark of curiosity, Dolores eyed the basin Linsey carried. ¡°What¡¯s going on with the water?¡± she asked.

    A gentle blink from Linsey preceded her reply. ¡°Oh, Collin and I were just about to wash Gorman¡¯s hair together,¡± she exined, almost offhand.

    ¡°Excuse me?!¡± The announcement left Dolores and Dustin staring in disbelief, their voices echoing their shock.

    Worry etched across Dustin¡¯s face as he hurried to position himself between Collin and the others. ¡°Collin, are you sure you¡¯re feeling okay? This is a hospital¡ªwe can get you checked out, just in case,¡± he said, his voice tinged with concern.

    Dolores felt her own surprise double. Even if she had never been particrly close to Collin, she had seen firsthand how fiercely he guarded Linsey and how quick he was to jealousy.

    No one in the room was unaware of Gorman¡¯s affection for Linsey. So to see Collin putting old grievances aside and lending Gorman a hand¡ªit was thest thing anyone could have expected. Nothing about it felt possible, yet there it was.

    Linsey gave a helpless smile and walked over to set the basin of water down. With everyone staring in surprise, she and Collin calmly went back to washing Gorman¡¯s hair.

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    ¡°It¡¯s just washing hair. Why is that so shocking?¡± Linsey said with a light shrug.

    Dolores, still in disbelief, blinked a few times. Then she sat quietly at the side, watching the pair work together. After a short pause, she spoke slowly. ¡°I mean, it doesn¡¯t surprise me that you¡¯re doing this, Linsey. But Collin? Really?¡±

    Collin¡¯s face tightened. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Has Linsey washed Gorman¡¯s hair before?¡± The thought alone made his blood boil.

    She had never washed his hair!

    The more he thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed.

    Why had he agreed to this in the first ce?

    He must have lost his mind.

    ¡°No, no!¡± Dolores quickly waved her hands. ¡°Linsey only helped wash Zenia and Zander¡¯s hair before. And now she¡¯s not doing this alone. You¡¯re helping too, so it¡¯s the both of you.¡±

    Dolores wasn¡¯t worried about Collin. She just didn¡¯t want him getting jealous and stirring up drama. That would only mean more work for Linsey.

    Dustin seemed to ept the situation and took a seat beside her. He smirked at Collin. ¡°Looks like Linsey¡¯s doing all the work. Are you just here for decoration?¡±

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 Chapter 994

    ?Chapter 994:

    Collin shot him a cold look, then took the towel from Linsey. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. You take a break.¡±

    Linsey raised an eyebrow and smiled. ¡°dly. Just make sure you rinse it well.¡±

    Dolores nced at the quiet Gorman. ¡°Why so silent, Gorman? I haven¡¯t even congratted you yet. Surviving all that¡ªluck must be on your side. And thank you for saving Linsey.¡±

    She didn¡¯t feel much about him still being alive.

    But to Linsey, it mattered. Now she could finally let go of the guilt.

    Gorman paused before replying in a t tone, ¡°I¡¯m just a bit overwhelmed by all the attention.¡±

    His words were polite, but there was an edge of irritation underneath.

    Dolores and Dustin didn¡¯t mind. They were here for Linsey and Collin. Now that things had calmed down, Linsey noticed someone in the distance¡ªJoanne.

    She blinked, taken aback, then frowned slightly. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Her voice pulled everyone¡¯s attention toward Joanne.

    Dolores¡¯ smile faded. She turned her head, pretending not to notice.

    But Linsey caught the change in her mood right away.

    Her gaze lingered on Joanne, now a bit sharper.

    ¡°Thest time I saw you, you were at the Walton family¡¯s residence.¡± Linsey spoke slowly, watching Joanne closely as she remained silent. Joanne had been lost in thought. She hadn¡¯t expected to see Gorman alive.

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    A hundred thoughts raced through her mind.

    When she came back to her senses, she forced a smile. ¡°Ms. Brooks. It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    She paused, then nced at Dustin, her voice soft. ¡°I came with Dustin. I hope I¡¯m not intruding.¡±

    Joanne never lost sight of her real goal¡ªgetting closer to Jeffery, no matter the cost.

    Now that she was part of the Walton family, Gorman¡¯s fate barely registered on her radar.

    To her, Kase had already shut the door on Haven. Despite their blood rtion, there was no forgiveness left in his heart for that granddaughter.

    The thought gave Joanne a quiet sense of relief. With that chapter closed, she could turn her full attention toward Linsey.

    As soon as Joanne finished speaking, Linsey¡¯s gaze locked onto Dustin. Her cool stare carried an edge that made her silence sharp.

    Years spent around Collin had sharpened Linsey¡¯s demeanor. Her words weren¡¯t the only thing that mirrored his¡ªthey shared a look now too.

    Dustin met her eyes by ident and felt something cold ripple down his spine.

    He had only ever felt that same weight from Collin before.

    If Linsey¡¯s mood soured because of him, Collin would follow suit¡ªand he would be the one left to deal with the fallout.

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 Chapter 995

    ?Chapter 995:

    But he truly hadn¡¯t meant for Joanne to end up here with him!

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for this to happen,¡± Dustin said quickly, fumbling his words. ¡°Joanne wanted some air, and Dolores and I were already out looking for you both, so she came along.¡±

    Dustin let out a lightugh and nced over at Linsey before offering Dolores an ingratiating smile. ¡°It¡¯s always easier when there are more of us pitching in. We¡¯re all friends, after all.¡±

    But Linsey didn¡¯t flinch. She had seen how crushed Dolores had been over Dustin and wasn¡¯t ready to y nice.

    Dolores, still nursing her hurt, turned away and didn¡¯t offer a single word in response.

    Out of the group, only Joanne spoke in Dustin¡¯s defense. Her voice was smooth, her tone sweet. ¡°Dustin¡¯s telling the truth. I heard Ms. Brooks and Mr. Riley had gone missing, and I just wanted to help.¡±

    With an innocent smile, she turned to Linsey and added, ¡°I¡¯m really d you¡¯re safe.¡±

    With a neutral expression, Linsey kept her eyes on Joanne, though a knot of unease had quietly taken root inside her.

    There was something about the way Joanne¡¯s gaze lingered¡ªit hovered near Dustin but always circled back to her.

    No matter how she looked at it, something about Joanne¡¯s attention felt out of ce.

    Linsey couldn¡¯t recall ever crossing paths with her before. There shouldn¡¯t have been a reason for any animosity. A sudden thought crept in¡ªwas this about Haven?

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    Maybe Joanne was lying in wait, ying the long game, and just biding her time to avenge her friend.

    Whatever the reason, the energy in the hospital room had turned strangely off.

    Momentster, Collin rinsed out thest of the shampoo from Gorman¡¯s hair and gave a short nod.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± said Gorman, taking the towel from his hand with a dry expression.

    Without saying a word, Collin grabbed the basin and disappeared into the bathroom.

    Dolores, meanwhile, looked like she had seen a ghost. Her wide-eyed stare wasn¡¯t aimed at Joanne or even Dustin¡ªit was locked on Collin and Gorman.

    ¡°Linsey, what did you say to get Collin to help Gorman wash his hair?¡± Dolores leaned in beside her, unable to resist whispering the question softly into her ear.

    With a faint sigh, Linsey responded gently, ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into it. They¡¯re around the same age, and they¡¯ve known each other forever. Things between them aren¡¯t as hostile as you think.¡±

    Dolores blinked twice, clearly unconvinced. She kept her eyes on Linsey a moment longer, then exhaled like someone who had seen too much. ¡°You¡¯re too hopeful.¡±

    From her vantage point, Dolores saw things Linsey chose to ignore. Time and again, Collin and Gorman had shed¡ªalways circling the same battlefield: Linsey.

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 Chapter 996

    ?Chapter 996:

    In her heart, Dolores was certain of one thing¡ªGorman wasn¡¯t walking away without a fight.

    Collin dumped out the basin and walked out of the bathroom, carrying the hairdryer along with him.

    On his way past Dustin, he tossed the hairdryer over. ¡°How about you lend a hand for once?¡±

    ¡°You mean me?¡± Dustin, caught off guard, barely managed to grab it. He nced over at Gorman.

    Gorman hardly reacted. He was busy drying off his hair with a towel, carefully using his uninjured arm.

    Linsey, noticing the awkward moment, quickly volunteered. ¡°I can take care of it,¡± she offered, remembering her promise to look after Gorman. But before Linsey could reach for the hairdryer, Collin swiped it back from Dustin, irritation written all over his face.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself. You can just rx,¡± Collin said, sounding less than thrilled, but still started to dry Gorman¡¯s hair.

    Across the room, Joanne watched the entire exchange in disbelief. Stories about Collin had always reached her through Haven, how he threw himself into his work, never leaving any room for romance. It wasn¡¯t just Haven, either. Anyone from Grester who knew Collin would say he was distant by nature.

    Yet, the Collin she was watching now seemed nothing like the cold, driven founder of CR Corporation everyone talked about.

    A wave of sadness washed over Joanne.

    If she were in Haven¡¯s shoes, watching Collin change so much for another woman would be almost too much to bear.

    It wasn¡¯t that Collin didn¡¯t know how to love. He had just given all his affection to Linsey.

    No matter how captivating or impressive other women might be, Collin never seemed to notice anyone else.

    Dolores, meanwhile, caught Joanne eyeing Collin from across the room. She frowned, her mind already working through the possibilities. Had Joanne, who had arrived with Dustin, suddenly set her sights on Collin instead?

    ¡°Now that you and Collin are fine, we¡¯ll take our leave now,¡± Dolores said without hesitation as she turned to Linsey. She gently guided Dustin toward the door.

    Her other hand grabbed Joanne and almost pulled them both along. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t bother Gorman right now. We¡¯ll drop by againter.¡±

    Before anyone could process what had happened, Dolores had hustled everyone out of the room.

    Left behind, Linsey shot a puzzled look at the closed door, deciding she would ask Dolores about itter.

    Just outside, Dolores nted her hands on her hips and faced Dustin and Joanne with a chilly expression. ¡°Thanks for your help earlier. Linsey and Collin are fine now, so there¡¯s no need for so many people in a hospital room. It¡¯s better to give them space.¡±

    Dustin hesitated. ¡°What about you?¡±

    Now that he knew Linsey and Collin were safe, Dustin¡¯s attention was fixed entirely on Dolores.

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 Chapter 997

    ?Chapter 997:

    He hadn¡¯t seen her in ages, and he wasn¡¯t about to let the opportunity slip by.

    Dolores pulled out her phone and replied coolly, ¡°I¡¯m heading home. Zenia and Zander are waiting for me, and someone has to look after them.¡±

    She knew Linsey and Collin wouldn¡¯t be able to leave Gorman¡¯s side, so she was willing to handle the kids and let Linsey focus on what mattered.

    Catching on quickly, Dustin grinned and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll tag along. It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve yed with the kids anyway.¡±

    Dolores found herself speechless, her gaze inevitably drifting toward Joanne.

    Had Dustin truly dismissed Joanne, who had arrived on his behalf?

    Recognition flickered across Dustin¡¯s features as he became aware of Joanne¡¯s presence, his expression twisting with unease.

    The next second, he withdrew his wallet and took out some cash, pressing it into Joanne¡¯s palm. ¡°Joanne, this conversation stays between us, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Joanne barely had time to process the gesture before Dustin continued, ¡°Name your price if this isn¡¯t enough. I¡¯ll transfer whatever amount you require.¡±

    The audacity of his actions left Dolores reeling. When rity returned, the urge to p him nearly overwhelmed her.

    His mother had explicitly banned their rtionship, yet here he stood, brazenly attempting to buy Joanne¡¯s silence. What guarantee did they have that Joanne wouldn¡¯t turn straight to Hester with this information?

    Joanne was silent as she considered his words. When she finally spoke, a knowing smile curved her lips as her eyes found Dolores. ¡°Dustin, surely you realize money isn¡¯t what I¡¯m after?¡±

    Throughout their time together, neither Dolores nor Dustin had witnessed such calcting intensity in Joanne¡¯s expression. Her words stripped away every pretense, revealing her true nature.

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    Dustin¡¯s pulse quickened. ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡±

    Dolores watched Joanne with sharp attention, every instinct on high alert.

    She had harbored suspicions about Joanne¡¯s seemingly innocent facade, sensing deeper motives beneath the surface.

    So, what did Joanne want?

    She had just dismissed money as meaningless to her. Could her true desire be Dustin himself?

    Joanne studied their shifting expressions with amusement, herughter light and dismissive. When she spoke, her voice carried a deceptive softness. ¡°What could possibly hold more value than money in this world?¡±

    The question sent a chill through Dolores, freezing her in ce. After letting the tension build, Joanne delivered her answer. ¡°Social standing, naturally.¡±

    Her sharine tone made Dustin¡¯s skin crawl, and he found himself retreating a step.

    Dolores, however, began piecing together the implications.

    Social standing?

    Marriage to Dustin paled inparison to bing the wife of CR Corporation¡¯s founder, a position that would elevate Joanne far beyond her current reach.

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 Chapter 998

    ?Chapter 998:

    Linsey and Collin were yet to remarry. If Joanne struck at the right moment, she could wedge herself between them.

    Dolores knew with absolute certainty that Collin¡¯s devotion to Linsey would never waver.

    Still, the thought of Linsey enduring such interference stirred protective anger within her.

    Before Dolores could voice her concerns about Joanne¡¯s intentions, the woman smoothly pocketed Dustin¡¯s money and began counting it. ¡°I¡¯ll keep your secret this time, but you¡¯d be wise to ensure Hester never discovers the truth.¡±

    After letting the silence stretch, Joanne lifted her gaze to meet Dustin¡¯s. ¡°Otherwise, Hester will have us walking down the aisle in the near future.¡±

    The color drained from Dustin¡¯s face as the reality of a forced marriage to Joanne struck him. Not even the pretense of a smile could find its way to his lips.

    With her message delivered, Joanne pivoted toward the exit.

    She paused at the threshold, ncing back. ¡°Six o¡¯clock tonight at the Cloudway Mall cinema entrance. We¡¯ll need to sell this performance convincingly, or Hester will see right through us.¡±

    Within moments, Joanne had vanishedpletely from their view.

    Dolores remained motionless, her suspicious stare lingering on the path Joanne had taken, her thoughts churning with unspoken concerns. Dustin, by contrast, seemed to shed his tension the moment Joanne disappeared. His expression brightened as he turned to Dolores with renewed energy. ¡°She¡¯s finally gone. Come on, let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

    Dolores studied Dustin¡¯s face, her brow creasing with concern as she spoke in measured tones. ¡°Do you really trust Joanne that much?¡±

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    A low chuckle escaped Dustin¡¯s lips, his posture casual yet his eyes steady and unwavering. ¡°Trust me, Joanne couldn¡¯t care less about me.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Something in Dustin¡¯s absolute certainty caught Dolores off guard.

    Seeing he had finally captured her full attention, Dustin¡¯s expression softened into a tender smile as he reached for her hand. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s head downstairs and talk properly in the car.¡±

    Unable to resist his gentle insistence, Dolores allowed him to guide her toward the hospital¡¯s underground parking garage.

    Within moments, they had settled into the quiet sanctuary of the car. With Dustin¡¯s fingers still intertwined with hers, Dolores made no move to start the engine.

    She hungered for more details about Joanne, so she pressed further. ¡°Has Joanne actually told you she¡¯s not interested?¡±

    Dustin¡¯s eyebrow arched as the words spilled out almost reflexively. ¡°Joanne¡¯s young. I can read these things at a nce, whether a woman¡¯s interested or not. After all the rtionships I¡¯ve had¡­¡± The words died in his throat as he caught sight of Dolores¡¯ expression, silently cursing his thoughtless tongue.

    Dolores let out an exasperated sigh and yanked her hand free, her voice dripping with barely contained sarcasm. ¡°Right, I forgot how experienced you are. If you can see through Joanne so effortlessly, you must have mepletely figured out by now.¡±

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 Chapter 999

    ?Chapter 999:

    Panic flickered across Dustin¡¯s features as he scrambled to repair the damage. ¡°Dolores, that¡¯s not what I meant at all. I haven¡¯t been analyzing you. What I feel for you is pure love, nothing calcted.¡±

    As he spoke, Dustin tentatively reached for her hand once more, his confidence returning with a yful grin. ¡°Besides, after all this time we¡¯ve spent together, you obviously care about me. That¡¯s undeniable. I don¡¯t need to overthink it.¡±

    ¡°Your arrogance is astounding. I don¡¯t like you one bit.¡± Dolores turned away with visible contempt and fired up the engine.

    Dustin hastily clicked his seatbelt into ce, stealing nces at her profile. ¡°Are you still upset with me?¡±

    Her voice remained t and emotionless. ¡°Why would I suddenly be upset with you?¡±

    Dustin¡¯s expression grew earnest as he leaned forward slightly. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll handle the situation with my mother. You¡¯re incredible, and she¡¯ll see that eventually. And if she neveres around, believe me, I¡¯ll make all the arrangements and we¡¯ll disappear together. We¡¯ll leave Grester behind and start fresh somewhere new.¡±

    Something flickered in Dolores¡¯ eyes at his words, a brief moment of genuine surprise. She collected herself quickly, her tone dismissive.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡±

    Dustin¡¯s voice carried unwavering conviction. ¡°I mean every word.¡±

    Dolores absorbed his words in contemtive silence.

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    When she finally spoke, her voice carried a weight of finality. ¡°Dustin, listen to me carefully. I won¡¯t entertain such a reckless idea. Mypany has deep roots in Grester, and I can¡¯t simply abandon it. You¡¯ve invested everything into CR Corporation, and I refuse to let you throw that away for my sake. We can¡¯t be so selfish.¡±

    Dustin studied her resolute profile, his shoulders sagging with resignation. ¡°I understand. But whatever happens, we¡¯re not breaking up. Just give me time to figure this all out.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Dolores¡¯ voice gentled, taking on a tender quality. ¡°Don¡¯t rush yourself. There¡¯s no need to carry this burden alone.¡±

    Sensing the heavy mood settling over them like a shroud, Dolores skillfully redirected the conversation. ¡°Since you¡¯re so certain Joanne isn¡¯t interested in you, have you noticed if she¡¯s set her sights on someone else?¡±

    Dustin¡¯s words came haltingly, uncertainty threading through his voice. ¡°Well¡­ I honestly can¡¯t say, Dolores. When she visited, I retreated to my room entirely. Today, my focus belongedpletely to you. Joanne barely registered in my awareness.¡±

    Dolores smiled helplessly. ¡°I trust you.¡±

    Her expression shifted, growing thoughtful and grave. ¡°Though I suspect Joanne¡¯s interests may lie elsewhere¡­ with Collin, perhaps.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± The revtion struck Dustin like a physical blow.

    Miles away, in the sterile quiet of Gorman¡¯s hospital room, Linsey and Collin maintained their devoted vigil over the recovering man.

    Having just finished washing Gorman¡¯s hair with gentle care, Linsey arranged for a light lunch to be delivered, intending to share the meal at his bedside.

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 Chapter 1000

    ?Chapter 1000:

    A crisp knock shattered the room¡¯s tranquil atmosphere, prompting Linsey to rise and cross to the door.

    Expecting the restaurant delivery, she found herself staring in bewilderment at an entirely different visitor.

    Joanne stood in the doorway, the same woman who had departed a mere fifteen minutes earlier.

    Warmth radiated from Joanne¡¯s smile as she lifted a paper bag with practiced ease. ¡°Ms. Brooks, I suspected you might not have eaten, so I picked up something from the restaurant downstairs.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyebrows arched with subtle surprise, though her response remained graciously polite. ¡°How thoughtful of you.¡±

    Rather than refusing the unexpected gesture, she epted the offering, her gentle demeanor masking a flicker of careful assessment. ¡°Would you care to step inside?¡±

    Joanne¡¯s innocence appeared effortless, her tone carrying naturalposure. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of intruding further. You all deserve your peace.¡±

    Her gaze lingered meaningfully on the bag now cradled in Linsey¡¯s hands.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t certain of your preferences,¡± she continued with apparent casualness, ¡°so I selected a variety. I do hope something appeals to you.¡±

    Even as Joanne¡¯s footsteps faded down the corridor, bewilderment lingered in Linsey¡¯s mind.

    The notion that this woman had returned solely to deliver food felt imusible, almost absurd.

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Lost in contemtion, Linsey lowered her gaze and secured the door behind her, returning to the quiet sanctuary of the hospital room.

    Both men turned their attention toward her entrance.

    Collin¡¯s eyes fixed on the unfamiliar bag in her grasp, his brow creasing slightly. ¡°That¡¯s not from the ce you ordered from earlier.¡±

    With a subtle nod of acknowledgment, Linsey set the bag on the bedside table and began unpacking its contents. ¡°Joanne brought it by.¡±

    From his position propped against the hospital pillows, Gorman released a derisive snort. ¡°Collin, your maic appeal continues to astound. Already another devoted admirer arrives bearing gifts, bold enough to unt her intentions right under Linsey¡¯s nose. I¡¯m genuinely curious about your technique with women.¡±

    He stretchedzily, adding with mock wistfulness, ¡°Must be nice. Here I am, faithful as a saint all these years, never so much as nced sideways at another woman.¡±

    A muscle ticked dangerously in Collin¡¯s jaw.

    His voice turned razor-sharp. ¡°You know, spending days in this hospital bed is no excuse for letting yourself gopletely. When¡¯s thest time you brushed your teeth? The whole room¡¯s starting to smell like a garbage dump.¡±

    Instead of taking offense, Gorman¡¯s grin only widened with pure delight. ¡°Oh, now that¡¯s interesting. Are we feeling a little jealous? Getting worked up just because Linsey was kind enough to help me with my hair?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1001

    ?Chapter 1001:

    With theatrical resignation, he spread his hands in mock surrender. ¡°If my presence troubles you so deeply, feel free to make your exit. Linsey¡¯s perfectly capable of attending to my needs.¡±

    Collin¡¯s expression remained stone-cold as he delivered his cutting response. ¡°In your dreams.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I just said one thing, and you two are already arguing.¡± Linsey approached with a steaming bowl of chicken soup, setting it carefully on the overbed table before pressing a spoon into Gorman¡¯s palm. ¡°Here, maybe some food will finally shut you up.¡±

    Gorman epted the spoon with a grin, but it didn¡¯tst long. He looked up and said, ¡°Linsey, I¡¯d rather eat the food you picked out. Let¡¯s send Ms. Ellis¡¯s delivery to Collin.¡±

    ¡°Stop fussing and just eat,¡± said Linsey, already thumbing through her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll call the restaurant and ask them to send the meals I ordered back to the house for Zenia and Zander. We¡¯ll stick with what Joanne brought.¡±

    With a shrug and a trace of resignation, Gorman murmured, ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to settle for this stuff.¡±

    Linsey didn¡¯t bother replying. Once she finished the call, she looked over at Collin and said, ¡°Come on, eat.¡±

    Night had already crept in, and Collin had spent the whole afternoon looking after Gorman.

    They ended up eating quietly, the hospital room filled with nothing but the sound of clinking utensils.

    Linsey didn¡¯t eat much. When she finally set her cutlery down, there was still a decent amount of food left on her te.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive

    Without saying a word, Collin reached over and polished off her leftovers like it was second nature.

    That made Linsey chuckle. ¡°If I knew you¡¯d want more, I wouldn¡¯t have changed the delivery address. The kids could¡¯ve just eaten Glenda¡¯s dinner instead.¡±

    Collin gave a small smile and shook his head. ¡°No worries. I¡¯m good.¡±

    Gorman saw everything. The warmth between them wasn¡¯t lost on him, and his expression turned somber. Even the way he chewed slowed down.

    As they wrapped up the meal, Collin stood and began clearing the table. That was when Linsey remembered the look Joanne had earlier and said, ¡°Joanne showing up like that had nothing to do with Collin.¡±

    Gorman froze for a beat, then realized she was throwing his earlier jab right back at him.

    Still tidying up, Collin looked pleased and addressed Linsey. ¡°I knew you¡¯d believe me. No way you¡¯d let someone¡¯s lies get in your head.¡±

    Gorman was the ¡°someone¡± he referred to.

    Annoyance made Gorman¡¯s chest feel tight, and he turned to her. ¡°Linsey, you must¡¯ve seen how she kept ncing at Collin when she walked in with Dolores and Dustin.¡±

    Taking a calm sip of water, Linsey set her ss down. ¡°Yeah, I noticed. Honestly, her look at Collin was just curiosity¡ªsame as when she checked you and Dustin out. There wasn¡¯t anything special about it.¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 1002

    ?Chapter 1002:

    Nothing more to say, Gorman let silence settle in the room.

    His n to stir up trouble between Linsey and Collin had seemed clever at first, but it was obvious now that he had misread them. Had Linsey really doubted Collin, there was no way she would have made up with him so quickly aftering back to Grester.

    Whatever they had been through, Linsey¡¯s faith in Collin was now set in stone.

    And deep down, Gorman recognized that Collin trusted Linsey just as much¡ªeven if he didn¡¯t want to admit it out loud.

    The more Gorman dwelled on the matter, the deeper his gloom grew. He turned his head slowly, his face hardened by the weight of his sorrow.

    In that moment, a long-held truth struck him clearly: No one could evere between Linsey and Collin now.

    After throwing away the trash, Collin went to the bathroom to wash his hands. He then took a seat beside Linsey.

    He said quietly, ¡°Joanne¡¯s chance toe along with Dustin today probably has something to do with her new connection to the Walton family. She¡¯s now a Walton.¡±

    Despite not keeping up with Dustin muchtely, Collin still managed to gather the relevant details.

    Taking a moment to organize his thoughts, he continued, ¡°Joanne¡¯s parents don¡¯te from money. She¡¯s always been exceptionally smart, though. Her grades were excellent, and her school eventually sent her overseas, where she ran into Haven. Back then, Haven was doing alright, but her grades were far from impressive. Joanne, on the other hand, published a string of noteworthy academic papers and turned out to be a natural in finance.¡±

    Linsey kept her focus on Collin, curiosity written all over her face. ¡°With a record like that, I bet Dustin¡¯s mom thinks the world of her.¡±

    ?¦Ò???? ¦Ô???????????? ¦É?? ?????????????????.??????

    Collin nodded. ¡°She¡¯s got this easygoing yet sharp personality. Honestly, she¡¯s the type who could manage things at the Wade Group and still keep Dustin in check. Hester couldn¡¯t ask for anyone better.¡±

    After a moment of thought, he added, ¡°Still, nobody knows if she¡¯ll actually end up with a spot at the Wade Group.¡±

    Linsey pressed her lips together, her confusion barely hidden. ¡°I won¡¯t go into everything else, but something about Joanne just feels¡­ off.¡±

    Casting an uncertain nce Collin¡¯s way, she continued, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m not trying to make this about myself. I genuinely feel like Joanne is paying more attention to me, but not in a bad way¡ªit just leaves me a little confused.¡±

    A crease formed between Collin¡¯s brows. ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s not in a bad way?¡±

    Before Linsey could respond, Gorman interjected, ¡°You have to remember, Joanne and Haven got along well. It¡¯s no coincidence that Kase chose Joanne to step into Haven¡¯s shoes¡ªpart of it¡¯s down to that old connection.¡±

    A low chuckle escaped him. ¡°Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Joanne had a hand in some of Haven¡¯s past moves, staying out of sight the whole time.¡±

    Collin¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°If we¡¯re talking about people who helped Haven, you should take a good look in the mirror.¡±

    Memories still nagged at him. If Gorman hadn¡¯t brought Haven into Linsey¡¯s life, maybe none of those doubts would have crept in between him and her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1003

    ?Chapter 1003:

    ¡°And if you¡¯d never gotten mixed up with Haven, would I have even had the chance to step in?¡± Gorman retorted.

    Pressing her fingers to her forehead, Linsey let out a sigh. ¡°We were talking about Joanne, weren¡¯t we? How did this turn into another one of your arguments?¡±

    Her words snapped both men out of it. Whatever edge had been in their voices vanished, and almost in unison, they both offered Linsey a smile¡ªwarm and a little apologetic.

    Linsey¡¯s frown lingered. Thoughts of Joanne still spun in her mind. ¡°Even though Joanne and Haven seemed close, she didn¡¯t exactly look heartbroken when Haven went to jail.¡±

    Collin¡¯s voice dropped to a thoughtful tone. ¡°Maybe she saw Haven¡¯s mistakes as a lucky break. Those stunts Haven pulled paved the way for Joanne to step up and im her ce with the Walton family. She¡¯s always had the skills, just not the background¡ªuntil now. Kase trusts her, and with the Walton family behind her, joining the Wade family is within reach.¡±

    Picking up on Collin¡¯s reasoning, Linsey added, ¡°She¡¯s basically made it. Doors are opening for her everywhere. Whatever she¡¯s doing now, it¡¯s probably all calcted to help her get exactly what she wants.¡±

    Gormanughed and said, ¡°If marrying into the Wade family was really her goal, Joanne would be doing everything possible to impress Dustin. So why would she just let Dustin and Dolores leave by themselves?¡±

    He added, ¡°She even went out of her way to buy an expensive meal and bring it to you in person.¡±

    Turning to Linsey, he continued, ¡°Linsey, it¡¯s clear where Joanne¡¯s true interest lies. It isn¡¯t with Dustin¡ªit¡¯s with you.¡±

    L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??????

    That earned a helpless smile from Linsey. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t make things up. She¡¯s not interested in me. Maybe she just likes my looks¡­¡±

    Abruptly, Linsey¡¯s voice trailed off. Surprise flickered across her features as she locked eyes with Collin, uncertain of what to make of her own words.

    Recognition dawned in Collin¡¯s expression as well.

    ¡°She really is focused on your face,¡± Collin said, his voice leaving no room for doubt.

    The memory of four years ago flooded Linsey¡¯s mind. Not only had she gotten her heart broken, but she had also stumbled upon the truth about her parents¡ªand discovered a brother, Jeffery.

    People had alwaysmented on the uncanny resemnce between Linsey and Jeffery.

    No matter how she turned it over in her mind, Linsey couldn¡¯te up with another reason for Joanne¡¯s fixation.

    The thought of Jeffery¡¯s rare blood disorder surfaced next, an old worry she couldn¡¯t quite shake.

    A question pressed its way out. ¡°Did Jeffery ever recover from his blood disorder?¡±

    Collin responded with a slow shake of his head.

    The answer made Linsey¡¯s chest tighten, sorrow mixing with worry.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard any news from the Lawsons, but if something serious happened to Jeffery, everyone in this city would know. Even so, the Lawson Group¡¯s been on a steady decline for years.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1004

    ?Chapter 1004:

    Collin¡¯s words brought a quiet relief, letting Linsey exhale softly. As far as she was concerned, she felt little connection to Jeffery or the Lawsons.

    Still, the knot lingered¡ªJeffery was her brother by blood, no matter how distant their lives had be. Losing him for good would bring a sting she couldn¡¯t quite ignore.

    Collin caught the turmoil flickering in Linsey¡¯s eyes. His tone softened. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll ask someone to check on the Lawsons and see what¡¯s really going on.¡±

    A faint smile touched Linsey¡¯s lips. ¡°There¡¯s no need to fuss over it. Honestly, I¡¯m not that invested in what happens to them anymore.¡±

    The disappointments from four years ago had already drained any lingering hope she might have had for that family.

    Now that she had a home of her own, the old connections felt more like faded memories than anything truly important.

    Later that night, Linsey and Collin slipped quietly into the house, finding Dolores and Glenda already finished tucking the kids into bed.

    ¡°How¡¯s Gorman holding up?¡± Dolores asked softly, reaching out to take Linsey¡¯s hand, her touch warm.

    A calm smile formed on Linsey¡¯s lips as she answered, ¡°He¡¯s all right for now. We¡¯ve arranged for some caretakers to stay with him. I¡¯ll stop by tomorrow to check in.¡±

    Hearing that, Collin¡¯s mood soured. His brow furrowed. ¡°You¡¯re nning to go tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I gave Gorman my word. I can¡¯t just go back on it, right? Besides, you¡¯ll being with me, so what¡¯s the issue?¡± Linsey responded, meeting his eyes without hesitation.

    Weariness crept into Collin¡¯s voice. ¡°I¡¯ve got a big meeting at the office in the morning.¡±

    He paused, considering apromise. ¡°Maybe we can reschedule for the day after tomorrow?¡±

    A moment passed before Linsey replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. If you¡¯ve got things to handle at work, I¡¯ll go on my own.¡±

    No way was Collin letting that happen. The thought of Linsey taking care of Gorman alone just didn¡¯t sit right.

    Even now, Collin couldn¡¯t shake the regret that weighed on him for not saving Linsey before Gorman did at the bridal shop that day. He believed that if he had been the one to protect Linsey from harm, many of the problems that followed might never have happened.

    A dark cloud seemed to settle over Collin¡¯s face, prompting Dolores to cut in smoothly. ¡°Let¡¯s do this¡ªtomorrow, Linsey and I will head over to the hospital together. That way, Gorman gets more help, and Glenda can keep an eye on the kids. Honestly, those little ones have been nothing but patienttely.¡±

    Pausing for a moment, Dolores continued, ¡°Just make sure both of you say a proper goodbye to the kids in the morning. They barely saw you today, and they were pretty upset at bedtime.¡±

    Linsey shot Dolores a grateful look and gave her sleeve a quick tug. ¡°Sounds good. We¡¯ll go to the hospital together tomorrow,¡± she said, turning to address Collin. ¡°This works out for everyone, right?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1005

    ?Chapter 1005:

    Jealousy shed in Collin¡¯s eyes. Even Dolores had to step in and manage things now.

    After taking a moment to consider, Collin answered, ¡°I¡¯ll have Dustine with you two tomorrow.¡±

    Dolores stiffened for an instant, then quickly averted her gaze, unsure of how to respond.

    Linsey¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Wait, doesn¡¯t Dustin have a meeting tomorrow?¡±

    With a casual arch of his eyebrow, Collin replied, ¡°It¡¯s okay if Dustin doesn¡¯t show up at that meeting. I bet he¡¯d rather spend time with Dolores than sit through my agenda anyway.¡±

    Dolores¡¯s cheeks flushed, and her gaze bounced around the room. Flustered, she didn¡¯t linger. ¡°You both should get some sleep. Sweet dreams.¡±

    Morning arrived, and Linsey and Dolores reached the hospital right on schedule.

    Entering the hospital room, they immediately caught the flicker of surprise on Gorman¡¯s face.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Linsey asked, cing a bag of fresh fruit on the table. She studied Gorman with genuine concern. ¡°Are you feeling any pain from your injury?¡±

    Not missing a beat, Gorman pulled himself together and met her gaze. ¡°Honestly, I wasn¡¯t expecting a visit from you today.¡±

    A subtle pause hung in the air as he shifted his attention to Dolores, who had trailed behind Linsey into the room. That quiet grin touched his lips. ¡°Bringing Ms. __.¡±

    Davidson was an even bigger surprise.

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    Dolores gave a little scoff and lifted her brow. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re not excited to see me? I had to clear my packed schedule just toe with Linsey and help out. Don¡¯t forget¡ªyou saved Linsey¡¯s life, so you¡¯re getting VIP treatment.¡±

    Taking her time, Linsey crossed the room, pulling the curtains wide to flood the ce with sunlight.

    ¡°I am d you¡¯re here,¡± said Gorman, his tone smooth and warm. ¡°Still, with Linsey and the caregivers around, I might be a bit overcared for.¡±

    Choosing to y innocent, Dolores let a sugary smile linger. ¡°No, no, that won¡¯t do at all. You need real attention with an injury like this. Plus, if Linsey tries to manage on her own, Collin will feel sorry for her and bring in an army of helpers just to be safe. By tomorrow, you might not have room to breathe in here.¡±

    She added with a yful huff, ¡°Just wait, soon enough you¡¯ll have every excuse toin about overcrowding.¡±

    No one could mistake Dolores¡¯ meaning. Her intentions were in as day.

    The real reason she had joined Linsey was to make sure Gorman didn¡¯t have a single opening to get close to her.

    None of this was about Collin. That thought never crossed her mind. She just wanted to keep Linsey out of trouble.

    All Dolores wanted was for Gorman to recover quickly and disappear from Grester. Maybe then, Linsey¡¯s days could finally settle back into peace. Past memories of Gorman¡¯s obsession with controlling Linsey still lingered fresh in Dolores¡¯ mind.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 1006

    ?Chapter 1006:

    From Dolores¡¯ perspective, Collin might not have treated Linsey perfectly, but at least he wouldn¡¯t hurt her. Gorman was another story entirely. He had done things most people could never ept. Because of that, Dolores would never let Gorman near Linsey again.

    Gorman caught the strained smile on Dolores¡¯ face and could tell she held no warmth for him. A bitter sense of irony washed over him. After everything he had tried, he hadn¡¯t gained Linsey¡¯s trust and had even alienated everyone close to her. That thought left Gorman wondering if he had truly been wrong all along.

    At that moment, the hospital room door swung open.

    Dustin strolled in, rxed and full of easy confidence. Behind him trailed several men, each carrying shopping bags.

    ¡°Put the food on the table, supplies in the cab, and leave those bags on the sofa,¡± Dustin ordered.

    His team moved briskly, quickly covering every surface in the room with their packages.

    Gorman¡¯s face tightened, and he took a few steadying breaths to keep his frustration in check.

    Even Linsey started to think Dustin was going too far. With a furrowed brow, she said, ¡°Dustin, what¡¯s all this? Gorman needs to rest. Please ask everyone to leave.¡±

    Dustin heard her and quickly motioned for his team to clear out. He turned to Linsey and said, ¡°Sorry, Linsey. I just wanted to help Mr. Green recover. That¡¯s why I brought all these things.¡±

    Dolores blinked, clearly puzzled, and quietly moved closer to Dustin. Lowering her voice, she asked, ¡°Did Collin tell you to do all this?¡± A moment ago, she had wondered if she was being too harsh by mentioning Collin¡¯s care for Linsey in front of Gorman, who was lying there injured. Now, looking at Dustin¡¯s over-the-top disy, she suddenly felt like she was actually being gentle.

    ¡°No, this was all my idea,¡± Dustin answered immediately, his tone almost casual. ¡°I just wanted to show I care. What does Collin have to do with it?¡±

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    ¡°Alright, then sit down for now. We¡¯ll let you know if we need anything else,¡± Dolores said, shaking her head and gesturing to a chair before casting a quick nce at Gorman on the bed.

    The friendship between Dustin and Collin was well known, so Dustin¡¯s visit today could only mean one thing¡ªCollin had a hand in it. Every time Gorman saw Dustin, he couldn¡¯t help but think of Collin.

    To him, anything Dustin did might as well havee straight from Collin.

    A faint smile appeared on Gorman¡¯s lips as he said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wade and Ms. Davidson, for your concern.¡±

    He knew exactly what they were trying to do.

    Collin hadn¡¯t shown up in person, yet somehow his presence in the room felt stronger than it had yesterday. Both Dolores and Dustin served as reminders that he would never get close to Linsey again, though Linsey insisted on caring for him herself out of guilt.

    Thoughts raced through Gorman¡¯s mind, dark and tangled. The sadness in his eyes seemed to grow heavier, settling in his chest.

    Suddenly, a sharp knock broke the tense mood in the room.

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 Chapter 1007

    ?Chapter 1007:

    Everyone turned to the door, curiosity flickering in their eyes. It wasn¡¯t time for the nurse to check in, so they all wondered who could be knocking now.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s your guys again?¡± Dolores gave Dustin a light pat on the shoulder. ¡°Go take a look and see who it is.¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be my men. I already sent them away,¡± Dustin responded, getting up and shaking his head. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s someone Collin asked toe by.¡±

    He swung the door open and was so surprised by what he saw that he almost shut it again to steady himself.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± His voice held a mix of surprise and confusion.

    Linsey and Dolores, still sitting in the room, called out in unison, ¡°Who?¡±

    A gentle, familiar voice answered, ¡°It¡¯s Joanne. I hope I¡¯m not intruding.¡±

    Dustin peered at Joanne, who stood in the doorway with a bright, cheerful smile. He doubted she felt sorry at all for showing up again. Hearing her speak, Linsey and Dolores exchanged a quick, questioning look.

    ¡°Come in, Ms. Ellis,¡± Linsey was the first to reply.

    After all, they had already eaten the meal Joanne brought yesterday. Turning her away now would feel wrong.

    Even so, Linsey couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Joanne¡¯s visit was a little odd.

    ¡°Could you step aside, Dustin?¡± Joanne smiled politely at him before gliding past him, not bothering to acknowledge him.

    Dustin rolled his eyes, convinced she had no interest in him at all. He eased up, reassured by the thought that Joanne had no romantic interest in him.

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    Dolores, on the other hand, didn¡¯t feel nearly as rxed as Dustin. The sight of Joanne put her immediately on guard, and a sense of caution washed over her.

    She couldn¡¯t help but question what Joanne¡¯s real intentions were, or if her interest in Collin was even genuine.

    After a brief pause, Dolores decided that with Collin gone, this was the perfect time to observe Joanne more closely.

    Joanne set down the health supplements she brought. ¡°Just a little something for you, Mr. Green. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Gorman gave a lightugh, motioning to the overflowing table. ¡°No need to worry, but with all these supplements, I might still have leftovers when I¡¯m fully recovered.¡±

    Joanne just smiled politely, not saying anything more on the subject. Watching this, Dolores became convinced that Joanne wasn¡¯t truly interested in Gorman¡¯s recovery.

    Soon after, Joanne reached into her bag and took out a small, decorative box, handing it to Linsey. ¡°Ms. Brooks, I never got the chance to get you something yesterday. I thought I¡¯d make up for it today.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes widened in surprise before she managed aposed smile and epted the box. ¡°There was no need for that, Ms. Ellis. We should be the ones thanking you for bringing us food yesterday.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really nothing,¡± Joanne said gently, keeping her gaze on Linsey. ¡°This bracelet is a new release I picked up not long ago. I thought the style and color would look lovely on you. Please, ept it.¡±

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    .

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 Chapter 1008

    ?Chapter 1008:

    Linsey opened the box to find a diamond bracelet, simple yet graceful. She recognized the brand immediately¡ªit was a luxury item, and thetest model at that, making it a rare gift. Joanne¡¯s generosity stood out.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Linsey said softly, her feelings a tangled mess. What puzzled her even more was that Joanne, who hardly knew anyone in the room, had chosen to give a present only to her.

    Dolores froze in surprise. After a moment, she realized her earlier assumptions had been wrong. Joanne¡¯s real target was Linsey¡ªnot Collin.

    For a split second, Dolores even wondered if Joanne was purposely trying to challenge her.

    First, Joanne had managed to use Hester to take Dustin away from her. Now, she seemed focused on getting Linsey¡¯s attention.

    Dolores tried to shake off the thought, finding it both silly and frustrating. Still, she struggled to understand what Joanne really wanted.

    It didn¡¯t add up. Joanne barely knew Gorman, but she had joined them yesterday and showed up again today, seemingly by choice. It was obvious to anyone watching that the main reason for her visit was to give Linsey that bracelet.

    Joanne used to be close with Haven, and since Haven disliked Linsey, it made no sense for Joanne to go out of her way for her.

    If her goal was to marry into a wealthy family, cozying up to Hester would have made more sense. With Hester¡¯s support, Joanne could have married Dustin. Or, if she wanted to be the wife of CR Corporation¡¯s founder, she should have focused her efforts on Collin.

    The more Dolores thought about it, the more confused she became. Her head throbbed as she tried to make sense of Joanne¡¯s intentions.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. I¡¯m d you like it,¡± Joanne said, giving her a gentle smile. Her manner stayed calm and friendly, as if she didn¡¯t notice the tension in the room.

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    She turned to Gorman and added, ¡°Mr. Green, I¡¯ve dropped off the supplements, so I¡¯ll let you get your rest.¡±

    Linsey and Dolores exchanged a look of surprise. Neither of them expected Joanne to leave so quickly.

    It looked as if Joanne¡¯s only reason for visiting was to drop off some supplements for Gorman and bring a present for Linsey.

    Linsey pressed her lips together and gave Dolores a quick, thoughtful nce. Quietly, she stood up and said, ¡°Let me walk you out.¡± Even after seeing Joanne several times, Linsey still hadn¡¯t figured out what she was really after.

    She believed that by spending a bit more time with Joanne, she might be able to piece things together. Linsey never liked feeling uncertain. Whenever she had doubts, she always searched for answers.

    Joanne¡¯s face brightened when she heard the offer. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±

    Dustin, who had been quietly watching, stepped out into the hallway as well and motioned for his two assistants to join them. He nned to keep a close watch until he could be sure about Joanne¡¯s intentions. Anything happening to Linsey would make him answer to Collin, and he wasn¡¯t about to risk that.

    Joanne seemed unfazed by the extrapany. As soon as they were outside, she slipped her hand gently around Linsey¡¯s wrist. ¡°Linsey, do you mind if I call you that?¡±

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    .

 Chapter 1009

    ?Chapter 1009:

    A smile spread across Linsey¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s fine with me.¡±

    They continued down the busy hallway, walking side by side as people bustled past in every direction. Lost in thought, Linsey almost bumped into someone rushing by.

    ¡°Watch out.¡± Joanne reacted quickly and pulled Linsey aside, keeping her out of harm¡¯s way.

    Startled, Linsey took a moment before murmuring, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Joanne¡¯s gentle nature made her seem like a warm older sister as she replied, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±

    While they walked on, Joanne said out of nowhere, ¡°To be honest, I was taken aback by the way Haven treated you before¡­¡±

    ¡°Haven was absolutely infatuated with Mr. Riley. I tried talking sense into her more than once, but nothing I said made a difference. I me myself, too. When she asked me to help get Kylee out, I should have known something wasn¡¯t right.¡±

    Joanne¡¯s smile turned bitter as she continued, ¡°But honestly, Haven never listened to me. In our friendship, I was always the one going along with her ns. There wasn¡¯t much more I could do.¡±

    Linsey listened quietly, her face calm and unreadable. Everything about Joanne¡¯s voice and expression felt genuine, giving Linsey little reason to doubt her story.

    Linsey didn¡¯t know Haven well, but she did know that Haven had grown up spoiled and always wanted her own way. Because of that, Linsey found it possible that Joanne was telling the truth.

    ¡°We can leave that in the past. Haven has already paid the price, and Gorman is getting better. He¡¯ll be healed soon,¡± Linsey answered in an even tone.

    They soon arrived at the elevator.

    . is your storytelling hub

    Joanne let go of Linsey¡¯s wrist at just the right moment, shing her a warm smile. ¡°Thank you for walking me, Linsey. We should have lunch together sometime.¡±

    Linsey started to reply, but a familiar voice called her name from behind. ¡°Linsey?¡±

    Linsey spun around in surprise.

    Not far away stood Jeffery, a brother she hadn¡¯t seen in four years. Time had drawn their features closer, and now their resemnce was unmistakable.

    The moment Jeffery recognized her, his face lit up with happiness. He walked toward her without hesitation. ¡°Linsey, I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s really you!¡±

    Linsey was so shocked that she just stared at him in disbelief.

    Only yesterday, she had mentioned Jeffery¡¯s name to Collin, never expecting to see him today.

    Suddenly, Linsey remembered that she wasn¡¯t alone. She cast a quick sideways nce at Joanne.

    Only moments ago, Joanne had been cheerful, but now she looked absentminded.

    That was all Linsey needed to finally understand¡ªJoanne¡¯s true reason foring was connected to Jeffery.

    With the answer clear, Linsey turned back to Jeffery and offered a genuine smile. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    Jeffery¡¯s eyes softened as he looked her over, clearly happy to see that she was alright.

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 Chapter 1010

    Chapter 1010:

    ¡°You really seem to be doing well,¡± Jeffery said with conviction. ¡°When did youe back?¡±

    Linsey replied in a gentle tone, ¡°Two months ago.¡±

    Jeffery nodded slowly, a quiet sigh slipping out. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re home.¡± There wasn¡¯t a trace of me in his manner, even though Linsey hadn¡¯t let him know about her return.

    He understood that he didn¡¯t have the right to fault her for anything. Even though the truth about her background was revealed four years ago, Linsey never saw the Lawson family as her own.

    Now, with all of that behind them, he couldn¡¯t expect her to have any real attachment left.

    For him, being able to stand here and trade small talk felt like proof of just how forgiving Linsey truly was.

    ¡°Wait, why are you at the hospital? Are you feeling alright?¡± Jeffery said, and suddenly his face brightened with concern.

    Linsey shook her head and answered honestly, ¡°It¡¯s not for me. A friend is in the hospital, and I¡¯ve been here to help him.¡±

    Jeffery¡¯s shoulders rxed as he heard that. He suggested, ¡°While you¡¯re caring for your friend, don¡¯t forget to look after yourself too.¡±

    Jeffery took a short pause, then said sincerely, ¡°If you ever need anything, just let me know. I¡¯ll always be here.¡±

    Linsey noticed the genuine warmth in his manner and set aside her usual distance.

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    ¡°I¡¯m fine for now. Collin is always there if I need anything,¡± Linsey said, meeting his gaze. ¡°But I do appreciate the offer.¡±

    Her thoughts drifted to his health¡ªshe remembered hearing about his blood disorder four years ago.

    With Joanne still nearby, Linsey decided to ask carefully, ¡°And you? How are you feeling these days?¡±

    Maybe it was ate spark of sibling intuition, but Jeffery immediately caught on to what Linsey was really saying. He could sense a touch of worry in her steady voice, and his smile softened with real warmth.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright. These past two years have been peaceful, and I¡¯ve had the chance to recover, so my health has gotten better bit by bit,¡± he said.

    When she heard him say that, Linsey gave a small nod. From Jeffery¡¯s words and his steady appearance, she gathered that his blood disorder must be under control now. He wouldn¡¯t have been standing here speaking with such ease if things were any different.

    Linsey recalled something Collin had mentioned yesterday¡ªhow the Lawson Group had been on a steady decline these past years, most likely because Jeffery had been prioritizing his recovery. Naturally, thepany¡¯s matters meant little when ced beside something as vital as his health.

    ¡°Nothing matters more than making sure you¡¯re well,¡± Linsey said. Thinking back, she realized that most of her old resentment toward Jeffery had faded away. After all, it was clear Jeffery truly cared about her.

    Jeffery offered her a warm, genuine smile.

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    Message from Noah: Have a great weekend dear ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

 Chapter 1011

    ?Chapter 1011:

    Then, spotting Joanne still by Linsey¡¯s side, he gave a polite nod. ¡°I won¡¯t keep you and your friend any longer. Let¡¯s catch up again sometime soon.¡±

    Linsey blinked, caught off guard for a moment. From Jeffery¡¯s response, it seemed clear he had no idea who Joanne was. Still, Joanne¡¯s earlier look at Jeffery suggested she had known him for quite some time.

    Before Linsey could say anything, Joanne, who had kept quiet until now, suddenly said, ¡°Mr. Lawson, don¡¯t you remember me?¡±

    Linsey held back her farewell and watched, curiosity sparking in her eyes. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of history Joanne shared with Jeffery¡ªenough to make her reach out to someone who looked so much like him.

    Joanne¡¯s words made Jeffery pause. He studied her face, puzzled.

    ¡°Sorry? Have we met before?¡±

    He looked hard at Joanne, but no memory seemed to surface.

    All at once, Linsey dropped her gaze to the floor. She didn¡¯t have to look at Joanne to sense the sting of disappointment and heartbreak in that moment.

    Jeffery¡¯s confusion looked entirely genuine. It became clear to Linsey that any feelings Joanne had for Jeffery were one-sided.

    Linsey decided to keep her thoughts to herself, watching quietly from the side.

    Joanne stood in stunned silence, her eyes glimmering with hurt.

    Joanne was just about to say more when a woman appeared beside Jeffery. ¡°Jeffery, what¡¯s happening?¡±

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    Both Linsey and Joanne turned to see a young woman with a visible baby bump making her way over.

    At the sound of her voice, Jeffery turned at once, quickly reaching out to support the woman¡¯s arm and gently drawing her close.

    Even Linsey couldn¡¯t hide her surprise at the unexpected scene unfolding before her.

    Joanne stood frozen,pletely caught off guard. She hadn¡¯t imagined that Jeffery would already be married, let alone with a baby on the way.

    The surprise left her expression stiff and awkward. Thankfully, Jeffery and the woman beside him were focused on Linsey, unaware of Joanne¡¯s visible difort.

    Jeffery said gently to the woman at his side, ¡°Alicia, let me introduce you. This is Linsey Brooks, the one I told you about.¡±

    Then he turned toward Linsey and added with a smile, ¡°Linsey, this is Alicia, my wife.¡±

    Jeffery¡¯s face lit up with a joyful smile as he continued, ¡°It¡¯s been six months since we got married, but we haven¡¯t been able to hold the ceremony yet. We¡¯ve talked it over and decided to start nning the wedding once Alicia gives birth.¡±

    Upon hearing Linsey¡¯s name, Alicia Lawson offered a sincere and weing smile. ¡°Linsey, it¡¯s a pleasure. Jeffery has spoken of you often. I¡¯m truly d to finally meet you.¡±

    Jeffery had shared quite a bit with Alicia about Linsey before. He had expressed genuine hope that one day Linsey would return to the Lawson family.

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 Chapter 1012

    ?Chapter 1012:

    Since Alicia had also grown up without parents, she felt a natural sympathy for Linsey¡¯s past and understood why she might have stayed distant from the Lawson family.

    Meeting her in person now, Alicia realized Linsey bore an even stronger resemnce to Jeffery than she had expected. Anyone who had spent time around Jeffery would never question their bond as siblings.

    Although Alicia didn¡¯t stand out at first nce, there was something naturally warm and pleasant about her presence. Linsey felt that warmth almost instantly and responded with a soft smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t know Jeffery had gotten married.¡±

    The moment made her realize how much could change in just four years.

    Linsey offered a soft smile and nced at Alicia¡¯s rounded belly. ¡°You must be about six months along, am I right?¡±

    Alicia¡¯s face brightened with delight as she gently touched her stomach. ¡°That¡¯s exactly right. We just had a check-up two days ago.¡±

    As Linsey took another look at Alicia¡¯s baby bump, a faint memory flickered in her mind¡ªher own pregnancy with twins four years ago.

    ¡°I¡¯m really happy for you both,¡± Linsey said, her voice sincere. She shifted her attention to Jeffery and added, ¡°Take good care of her. Being pregnant isn¡¯t easy.¡±

    Jeffery chuckled warmly and pulled Alicia a little closer. ¡°I will. You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡±

    Then, in a genuine tone, he added, ¡°Sorry for keeping you this long. We¡¯ll catch up again sometime. It¡¯s time for us to head back.¡±

    Although Jeffery wished he could talk more and introduce Alicia to Linsey properly, he knew it wasn¡¯t the right moment since Linsey wasn¡¯t alone.

    Your favorite stories g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Linsey replied without hesitation.

    Alicia gave Linsey a polite wave and offered Joanne a slight nod before walking off beside Jeffery.

    Even after the couple disappeared down the hall, Joanne didn¡¯t say a word.

    Linsey cast her a quiet nce, noticing the pale shade on Joanne¡¯s face. She pressed her lips lightly together and said, ¡°The elevator is just ahead. I¡¯ll leave you here.¡±

    Since their rtionship was distant, Linsey didn¡¯t feel it was her ce to offer any words offort in that moment.

    And besides, Jeffery already had a wife, and soon, they would be parents. Any hope Joanne had held onto had likely faded away.

    Watching Joanne remain frozen in ce, Linsey paused briefly, then turned, intending to leave her with a bit of quiet.

    ¡°Linsey.¡± She had only just started to turn when Joanne¡¯s voice reached her¡ªraspy and tight, as though it scraped its way out of her throat.

    Turning back slowly, Linsey met the sight of Joanne¡¯s reddened eyes. For a second, she stood frozen. Then came the words thatpletely threw her off guard.

    ¡°You have to help me,¡± Joanne said, each word deliberate, her gaze locked onto Linsey¡¯s face.

    Linsey was startled, her eyes widening. ¡°What did you just say?¡± In that brief pause, she truly hoped Joanne was simply seekingfort for her heartbreak.

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 Chapter 1013

    ?Chapter 1013:

    But the truth unraveled far more quickly than she expected, and it was worse than she imagined.

    Joanne continued without flinching, ¡°I¡¯ve done my research. I know you and Jeffery are blood rtives, and I know how much he trusts you. I need you to step in. That woman isn¡¯t good enough for him. I want them to get divorced.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s breath hitched. She took a sharp step forward, standing toe-to-toe with Joanne, her eyes full of disbelief. ¡°Joanne, what on earth are you saying? Jeffery is already married. You saw them together, didn¡¯t you? They¡¯re happy. Alicia is carrying his child.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± sneered Joanne, curling her lips in open disdain. ¡°I¡¯m familiar with every well-known young woman in Grester, even those from other parts of the country. Alicia clearlyes from an ordinary family, and her appearance is nothing special. She isn¡¯t worthy of being Jeffery¡¯s wife. As for me, I¡¯ve spent years working tirelessly, earning recognition after recognition, all for the sake of one goal¡ªto marry into the Lawson family and stand beside Jeffery¡­¡±

    Her voice faltered as Linsey suddenly interjected, her tone sharp and impatient, ¡°That¡¯s enough. I don¡¯t want to hear another word.¡±

    After taking a moment to steady herself, Linsey said firmly, ¡°You should leave now. The bracelet you gave me¡ªI¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s returned to you exactly as it was. Don¡¯te to me again. I won¡¯t involve myself in something so ridiculous.¡±

    She had no idea how Joanne could summon the nerve to make such an outrageous request.

    Even if Jeffery were single, Linsey would never manipte their sibling bond to steer him toward someone like Joanne.

    It had never been her intention to interfere in anything rted to the Lawson family.

    Find magical tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Now that Jeffery had a wife and a baby on the way, there was no possibility she would stoop to something so disgraceful.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you think of Alicia. You have no right to pass judgment on her. If Jeffery chose to marry her, then in his eyes, she¡¯s the one who matters most.¡±

    Without waiting for a reply, Linsey turned and strode off, leaving Joanne behind. She didn¡¯t nce back, not even once, as she rounded the corner of the corridor.

    When she returned to Gorman¡¯s hospital room, she shut the door behind her with a firm push and leaned against it, her strength slipping away.

    The sound of the door caught Dolores¡¯s attention. She walked over quickly, her face tightening with worry when she saw Linsey¡¯s shaken expression.

    ¡°Linsey, what happened?¡± asked Dolores, reaching out to take her hand with concern.

    Letting out a steady breath, Linsey answered quietly, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°You were gone a while. Did Joanne say something to upset you?¡± Dolores said gently.

    Together, they moved further into the room.

    Dustin, who was focused on arranging breakfast for Gorman, paused and looked up.

    The moment Gorman noticed Linsey¡¯s troubled face, he set the utensils aside and asked with concern, ¡°Is everything alright?¡±

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 Chapter 1014

    ?Chapter 1014:

    Once she had taken her seat, Linsey nced at their faces¡ªeach of them watching her intently with quiet concern¡ªand finally let out a long, weary sigh.

    Linsey hesitated briefly before speaking in a measured tone. ¡°I just crossed paths with Jeffery. It wasn¡¯t meant to be a big deal, but I had no idea he was married. And then Joanne actually asked me to help her sabotage his marriage¡­¡±

    She went on to share a quick summary of the encounter.

    Dustin absorbed the story and then burst into a loud chuckle. ¡°I knew Joanne wasn¡¯t into me! This is perfect! I¡¯ll head home and tell my mom to get Joanne off my back. No more wasting time faking a rtionship with her.¡±

    Dolores gave Dustin a light smack on the arm, chiding, ¡°Is that really what you¡¯re focused on right now? Just shut up!¡±

    Clearly, Joanne¡¯s words to Linsey had stunned Dolores as well. After a brief pause, Dolores said softly, ¡°But Jeffery getting married so discreetly? I¡¯ve been in Grester for years and never caught wind of it.¡±

    Dustin immediately chimed in, ¡°Yeah, I haven¡¯t heard a single thing about it either. The Lawson family has been remarkably tight-lipped over the past few years, keeping everything under wraps without even the faintest rumor slipping out. It¡¯s honestly quite peculiar and makes you wonder what¡¯s going on behind the scenes¡­¡±

    Gorman noticed the slight crease in Linsey¡¯s brow and spoke up to ease her mind. ¡°Joanne doesn¡¯t have the power to pull off anything major. She was probably just probing to see if you would go along with her scheme. Don¡¯t stress over it.¡±

    ¡°Exactly, Linsey,¡± Dolores chimed in. ¡°Joanne sneered at Alicia for her humble roots, but by that logic, Joanne¡¯s just a stand-in for Haven in the Walton family, with no real sway. Plus, Jeffery doesn¡¯t even recall who she is. Anything she tries will only make him like her less.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s unease lingered, especially as her gaze fell on the bracelet Joanne had given her.

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    Pointing to the small box, she said to Dustin, ¡°Please return this to her, and make sure to repay her for the food and supplements she has brought over. I don¡¯t want to owe her anything.¡±

    Doloresughed lightly and nudged Dustin. ¡°You heard Linsey. Get moving.¡±

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll even toss in some extra to cover her trouble, so she can¡¯t hold anything over you, Linsey,¡± Dustin said with a nod, standing to ry instructions to his team outside.

    Linsey sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to puzzle out Joanne¡¯s intentions for days, and now that I know, I¡¯m even more on edge. The way she spoke was just¡­ unsettling.¡±

    Dolores gave Linsey¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Joanne¡¯s not capable of much. If you¡¯re concerned, just give Jeffery a heads-up. The Lawson family may have lost some ground these past couple of years, but they¡¯re not about to let Joanne push them around.¡±

    ¡°Every time Jeffery¡¯s involved, things go south for me. I need to steer clear of the Lawson family from now on,¡± Linsey said, shaking her head with a resigned air.

    At that, Dolores¡¯ expression shifted, as if recalling something significant. She said pointedly, ¡°Jeffery knows you¡¯re back in town. He might not act on it, but the Lawsons? That¡¯s another matter¡­ Four years ago, they were desperate to get on your good side. Now that they know you¡¯re here, who¡¯s to say they won¡¯t try to reach out again?¡±

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 Chapter 1015

    ?Chapter 1015:

    Linsey¡¯s face stiffened for a second. ¡°It¡¯s already been four years. I doubt they¡¯ll bother anymore. Even though I¡¯m their daughter by blood, there¡¯s barely any bond between us. We¡¯re like strangers passing on the street.¡±

    She paused, then added with calm certainty, ¡°Besides, Alicia¡¯s pregnant now. The Lawsons are probably pouring all their attention into the baby. I¡¯m thest thing on their minds.¡±

    Dolores gave her a thoughtful look. ¡°That may not be true.¡±

    Linsey was M and Cruz¡¯s biological daughter. They hadn¡¯t been able to do anything for her for over twenty years. Now that she was finally back, they might try even harder than they had four years ago.

    The Lawsons had always carried guilt when it came to Linsey. Gorman had seen everything that happened between her and the Lawsons back then. He could tell¡ªLinsey no longer held any feelings for them. No anger, no warmth. Just emptiness.

    With that in mind, he spoke gently. ¡°Let¡¯s take things as theye.¡±

    Linsey gave a small nod. ¡°I know.¡±

    After lunch, she noticed Gorman looked tired. ¡°You should get some rest. We¡¯lle backter.¡±

    The hospital room was packed, and Gorman hadn¡¯t had a proper chance to rx.

    As Dolores and Dustin stood to leave, Gorman suddenly said, ¡°Linsey, I¡¯d like a moment alone with you.¡± At that, Dolores and Dustin froze.

    They sat back down immediately. Dolores smiled at him, eyes sharp. ¡°Why not tell all of us? If something¡¯s wrong, we can help.¡± She nudged Dustin¡¯s arm with her elbow.

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    Catching on, Dustin added, ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re all friends here. Why just Linsey? We want to hear it too.¡±

    They hadn¡¯te today just to visit. They were here to keep Gorman from getting too close to Linsey again.

    They knew his style¡ªhow he yed the sympathy card, especially now with his injuries still healing.

    They feared he would elicit Linsey¡¯s sympathy. And they weren¡¯t going to let that happen.

    Gorman looked at them calmly. He stayed quiet for a few seconds, then gave in.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he said with surprising patience, his eyes locking on Linsey again.

    Something about the way he looked at her made her freeze. There was a depth in his eyes she couldn¡¯t ce. She simply thought it was sadness.

    Dolores and Dustin, seeing the way he looked at Linsey, grew uneasy.

    They were about to speak up when Gorman broke the silence.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving Grester tomorrow. My parents and I are flying out,¡± he said. That silenced them at once. The teasing words they had prepared vanished.

    They stared at him in disbelief.

    None of them expected that. It felt too sudden.

    Even Linsey found herself struggling to process the news.

    A flicker of confusion crossed Linsey¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re leaving tomorrow?¡± Her eyes shifted instinctively to Gorman¡¯s injury, a clear trace of disapproval in her look. ¡°But you¡¯re not fully recovered yet.¡±

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 Chapter 1016

    ?Chapter 1016:

    Gorman managed a soft smile, revealing a fragile side that rarely showed.

    ¡°I talked to my parents and the doctorst night,¡± he said, his voice calm but tired. ¡°They all agreed my condition is stable enough. As long as there¡¯s a trained medical team with me, flying shouldn¡¯t be a major risk.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face hardened with worry, and for a moment, no words came to her.

    No matter how things yed out, the decision to stay or walk away belonged entirely to Gorman. Linsey had neither the grounds nor the authority to ask him to remain.

    Trying to talk him out of it now might only spark confusion or conflict.

    With a quiet breath, she looked down and said, barely above a whisper, ¡°If that¡¯s the path you¡¯ve chosen¡­¡±

    Gorman¡¯s smile faded into something more sorrowful. ¡°You know I don¡¯t want to go, Linsey. But staying isn¡¯t an option anymore.¡±

    That vague confession pulled the silence back between them.

    Linsey hesitated, every possible response feeling wrong in her throat.

    If she spoke too sharply, she might wound Gorman¡¯s pride. But if her voice came across too softly, there was the risk he would take it the wrong way.

    As Linsey weighed her words in silence, her eyes flicked toward Dolores in a quiet cue.

    Dolores caught on to her meaning at once.

    Without giving it a second thought, Dolorestched onto Dustin¡¯s arm. ¡°Dustin, I need some air. Walk with me.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Dustin blinked, confused, but allowed himself to be led out of the room without protest.

    The moment the door shut behind them, reality hit. Dustin leaned closer, his voice hushed with concern. ¡°Why did you just leave them alone like that?¡±

    Dolores let out a sigh, more resigned than frustrated. ¡°It¡¯s what Linsey wants. I¡¯m just giving her the space she asked for. She won¡¯t open up with us hanging around. Gorman¡¯s leaving soon, and this might be the only time they get to talk honestly.¡±

    ¡°Still¡­¡± Dustin frowned, clearly uneasy. He hadn¡¯t forgotten that he was acting under Collin¡¯s instructions¡ªto keep a close watch on Gorman.

    Rolling her eyes, Dolores shot him a re. ¡°Come on, Dustin. Don¡¯t start with the ¡®buts.¡¯ Even if Collin were standing here, he¡¯d have no choice but to respect Linsey¡¯s decision. If you¡¯re helping him, that means respecting her too.¡±

    She folded her arms tightly, her tone sharpening as she said, ¡°Yes, Gorman has feelings for her. But Linsey¡¯s already made her stance clear. Collin doesn¡¯t need to act like she¡¯s going to fall for someone else the second she¡¯s left alone. She¡¯s not a possession¡ªshe¡¯s allowed to talk to her friends without being treated like a security threat.¡±

    With that, Dolores turned on her heel and started walking away.

    Dustin hurried after her, his voice more earnest this time. ¡°You¡¯ve got it wrong. Collin¡¯s not being possessive. He¡¯s just afraid Gorman might hurt her again. That¡¯s all¡ªhe just wants to make sure she¡¯s safe.¡±

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 Chapter 1017

    ?Chapter 1017:

    Dolores came to a halt after only a few steps. The earnestness in Dustin¡¯s voice had stripped away whatever annoyance had flickered within her. Truthfully, she hadn¡¯t been upset¡ªshe only wanted to hurry him out of the room.

    As she stood still, Dustin followed suit, his tall figureing to a steady stop right beside her.

    For the briefest moment, Dolores had the strange sensation of being wrapped in his arms, though he hadn¡¯t moved a muscle.

    Lately, Hester¡¯s meddling had made it nearly impossible for Dustin and Dolores to have a proper conversation.

    Recognizing this, Dolores decided she no longer wanted to keep her distance from him intentionally.

    With a mischievous grin, Dolores teased, ¡°You¡¯re always so quick to defend Collin. Someone who didn¡¯t know better might think you two were brothers or something.¡±

    Seeing Dolores¡¯ mood lighten, Dustin let out a quiet sigh of relief, his own expression softening into an easy smile. ¡°Naturally, Collin and I have a solid bond,¡± he replied warmly.

    Dolores didn¡¯t dwell on it, responding offhandedly, ¡°You¡¯re always so loyal to Collin, following his every word without question. I haven¡¯t seen him go out of his way for you much in return.¡±

    She yfully tapped Dustin¡¯s forehead and continued, ¡°You need to think for yourself sometimes. Sure, Collin¡¯s older and technically your boss, but that doesn¡¯t mean you should just do whatever he says without considering your own needs.¡±

    Dolores meant to gently nudge Dustin to prioritize himself instead of constantly putting Collin¡¯s feelings first.

    But her words inadvertently stirred memories of Hester¡¯s recent bitingments, mocking Dustin for not measuring up to Collin. Hester hadn¡¯t just mocked him¡ªshe had also belittled Dolores.

    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    ¡°Dustin, what¡¯s on your mind?¡± Noticing Dustin¡¯s sudden distraction, Dolores worried her remarks about Collin might have upset him. ¡°Okay, I¡¯lly off talking about Collin. You really do stick up for him no matter what.¡±

    Dustin snapped out of his thoughts, a swirl of emotions flickering in his gaze.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡± he said, lowering his eyes briefly before meeting Dolores¡¯ gentle features. Hesitantly, he added, ¡°You¡¯re calling me out, but aren¡¯t you the same with Linsey? You¡¯re always there for her, doing whatever she needs. These days, you¡¯ve been helping with Zenia and Zander, and today you even dropped everything toe to the hospital with her to check on Gorman, setting your own work aside.¡±

    Dolores blinked, thenughed softly. ¡°What are you getting at? Linsey and I have been best friends for years¡ªpractically sisters. Helping each other is just what we do.¡±

    She was about to mention that she had been on vacation recently when her phone buzzed in her pocket.

    ¡°Hang on, I need to take this,¡± she told Dustin.

    ncing at the screen, she saw Glenda¡¯s name.

    ¡°Ms. Davidson, sorry to disturb you. Zenia and Zander are asking for their favorite picture book, but I can¡¯t find it. Zenia said you read them a bedtime storyst night to help them fall asleep,¡± Glenda said.

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 Chapter 1018

    ?Chapter 1018:

    Dolores nodded. ¡°It¡¯s in the dressing table drawer in their room. I left it there this morning. I think I stopped at page sevenst night, so you can pick up from there.¡±

    Standing nearby, Dustin overheard the call and realized it was about Zenia and Zander again. His brow furrowed slightly.

    Zenia and Zander were Collin and Linsey¡¯s children, and their care should fall to their parents, not Dolores. She wasn¡¯t their nanny, after all.

    In that fleeting moment, a wave of frustration surged within Dustin, impossible to ignore. Hester¡¯s sharp words from the other day echoed relentlessly in his mind.

    Meanwhile, in the hospital room, a heavy silence hung in the air. Gorman¡¯s lips curved into a faint smirk, but his eyes held no trace of warmth.

    Gorman kept his gaze fixed on Linsey, as though the world could disappear around them and he would still hold on to this one moment.

    ¡°You know, it makes me happy,¡± Gorman said in a tone so gentle it nearly blended with the silence.

    His words caught Linsey off guard. She tilted her head and asked, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Gorman¡¯s eyes softened as he exined, ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I appreciate that you¡¯re still willing to be alone with me. It means you haven¡¯te to hate me, not truly.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s lips curved into a gentle smile when she heard him say that. ¡°If you want to know the truth, you¡¯ve always been important to me. If you hadn¡¯t done those things after you went back to Grester, I¡¯d still call you a good friend. I haven¡¯t forgotten how much you helped me.¡±

    After a moment, she lowered her eyes. ¡°Maybe you should count yourself lucky that Zenia never suffered anysting damage from your ns. She actually still thinks of you as a friend, you know.¡±

    Gorman said nothing, his silence lingering as he just watched her, patient and unhurried.

    Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o??

    Suddenly, something seemed to spark in Linsey¡¯s memory. ¡°Oh, before I forget, I always knew about Zenia calling you Daddy when nobody was around. That really shouldn¡¯t happen again. She already has a father.¡±

    That startled him for a second. Gorman blinked, surprise flickering across his features. ¡°You were aware of that?¡±

    Linsey met his eyes and gave a quiet nod. ¡°I knew about it from the very beginning,¡± she said, not a trace of doubt in her voice.

    The memory must have struck her as amusing because she let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Tell me, Gorman, did you really think you meant more to Zenia than I did?¡±

    Only then did understanding dawn on his face, and a genuineugh escaped him. ¡°So Zenia confessed everything to you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve never doubted that my children are honest with me. Still, I¡¯ll admit you were clever enough to draw them in and send them to Collin all on their own,¡± Linsey said, her tone even, her words carrying a quiet pride.

    Nobody could have guessed that Gorman would go so far as to buy Caylee, and that decision caught herpletely off guard.

    As a result, she made the tough call to fire Caylee, though before she did, Linsey slipped her enough money to ensure Caylee¡¯s grandmother could still get the surgery she needed.

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 Chapter 1019

    ?Chapter 1019:

    Rarely did Linsey offer second chances to those who broke her trust, even if Caylee¡¯s actions weren¡¯t unforgivable in the end.

    A wry chuckle escaped Gorman. ¡°I never meant for Zenia and Zander to go looking for Collin. All I wanted was for them to see Collin in a bad light and stick with me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they¡¯d stand up to Collin for your sake.¡±

    ¡°You really can¡¯t tell what kids will get into next,¡± Linsey agreed, a small smile tugging at her mouth. ¡°They always find ways to surprise.¡±

    The more they talked, the more bitterness crept into Gorman¡¯s face. ¡°You know, it¡¯s only hitting me now that every single move I made sinceing back to Grester just ended up bringing you and Collin closer.¡±

    One eyebrow arched, Linsey answered inly, ¡°My heart never wavered when it came to Collin. Whether or not you tried to interfere, I still would¡¯ve chosen him.¡±

    A heavy sigh escaped Gorman as he tipped his head back, staring at the ceiling. ¡°So, I¡¯m about to leave, and you¡¯re still rubbing it in?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave him as she replied, ¡°Let¡¯s be honest, Gorman. If I¡¯m a little harsh now, maybe it¡¯ll finally help you let go.¡±

    She paused, letting the moment hang between them, before continuing, ¡°I hope your trip tomorrow is smooth. And if life ever brings you back to Grester, you can count on Collin, Zenia, Zander, and me to wee you with open arms.¡±

    For a moment, Gorman¡¯s eyes shone with unshed tears. With a half-smile, he finally looked at Linsey and raised his eyebrow. ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t realize it, but Collin¡¯s been working in the shadows to push my family out of Grester. Even if I wasn¡¯t leaving tomorrow, he would¡¯ve found a way to get rid of me sooner orter.¡±

    Stunned by Gorman¡¯s words, Linsey froze for a moment.

    Observing her reaction, Gorman knew his words had struck a chord.

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    He pressed on, ¡°Collin beganying the groundwork yesterday. As the founder of CR Corporation, with his cutthroat strategies, I¡¯m certain he can dismantle my family¡¯s influence in Grester within a week. He has effectively blocked any path for my return.¡±

    With a soft sigh, Gorman forced himself to look away from Linsey. ¡°You should go now. I know you weren¡¯t nning to see me off tomorrow. After today, our paths won¡¯t cross again.¡±

    It took Linsey several moments to steady herself. She drew a deep breath, rose to her feet, and said, ¡°Take care, Gorman.¡±

    Gorman¡¯s frame quivered slightly as he shut his eyes, listening to the sound of her footsteps gradually receding.

    Suddenly, he called out, ¡°Watch out for Joanne. Unless it¡¯s unavoidable, don¡¯t be alone with her.¡±

    Linsey paused briefly, then responded, ¡°Got it. Thanks for the heads-up.¡± A momentter, the hospital room door closed with a gentle click.

    Gorman slowly opened his eyes, tears tracing paths down his face.

    In truth, he had little to worry about.

    Linsey was sharp¡ªmore than capable of handling herself.

    With him gone, the biggest threat around her would vanish. At the very least, Collin would be there to protect her.

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    .

 Chapter 1020

    ?Chapter 1020:

    With that thought, Gorman¡¯s lips twisted into a bitter smile, his reddened eyes brimming with unspoken grief. He resolved never to return to Grester.

    When Linsey rejoined Dolores and Dustin, Dolores had just ended her call with Glenda.

    ¡°Linsey, that was quick,¡± Dolores said, mildly surprised.

    Barely ten minutes had passed since she and Dustin left the hospital room.

    Dustin had been on the verge of saying more to Dolores, but Linsey¡¯s arrival silenced him.

    ¡°There wasn¡¯t much to discuss,¡± Linsey replied, approaching Dolores.

    The two linked arms instinctively and started walking together. Dustin trailed quietly behind.

    ¡°Gorman told me he¡¯s leaving Grester with his parents tomorrow. We won¡¯t need to look after him anymore,¡± Linsey said softly after a few steps.

    Dolores¡¯ eyes widened in shock.

    ¡°What? Gorman¡¯s actually leaving?¡± She stopped short, gently tugging Linsey back, her face etched with disbelief. ¡°He wanted to have a word with you in private just to tell you that?¡±

    Linsey nodded, her expressionposed. ¡°Yeah, he must have decided this morning. He has chosen to leave, and I have no reason to stop him.¡±

    Dolores quickly agreed, ¡°If you tried to convince him to stay, he might misread it as you still having feelings for him.¡±

    Linsey nodded firmly in agreement. She knew she couldn¡¯t afford to get tangled up with Gorman again. Doing so would only cause pain for both of them.

    Fresh content live on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Having reconciled with Collin, she felt it would be unfair to give Gorman any false hope.

    After a brief pause, Dolores added, ¡°It¡¯s probably for the best that Gorman¡¯s leaving. Once he¡¯s out of town, some time away might help him move on.¡±

    Staying here would mean Gorman constantly witnessing Linsey and Collin¡¯s closeness¡ªa sight even the strongest heart would struggle to endure.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I think too,¡± Linsey said, her mind drifting to something else she had just recalled.

    Recent memories of Gorman¡¯s words reyed in Linsey¡¯s mind, especially what he had said about Collin quietly squeezing out the Green family in Grester.

    With a casual nce toward Dustin, she asked, ¡°Have you heard what Collin¡¯s been working on these days?¡±

    Dustin blinked, pulled suddenly out of his thoughts, momentarily caught off guard. ¡°What? Collin hasn¡¯t done anything out of the ordinary. He¡¯s just been tied up withpany matters. Why are you asking?¡±

    That prompted Linsey to share what she had heard from Gorman. ¡°Back in the day, Gorman was every bit as powerful in Grester as CR Corporation. He always thought of Collin as his greatest rival. Do you think Collin¡¯s finally managed to edge out the Green family for good?¡±

    Lines creased Dustin¡¯s forehead as he replied, ¡°Collin¡¯s never said a word about that to me.¡±

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    .

    .

 Chapter 1021

    ?Chapter 1021:

    Lately, Collin had hardly contacted him at all. Yesterday, in fact, Collin had only reached out once¡ªto ask for help at the hospital with Gorman. Even then, Collin made it clear he¡¯d rather Linsey stay out of it. With that thought lingering in his mind, Dustin pressed his lips into a firm line, trying to quiet the strange unease building in his chest.

    Steadying himself, he said, ¡°After Gorman left Grester four years ago, the Green family¡¯s hold on local resources slowly began to fade. These days, most of the Green Group¡¯s operations are based overseas, so it¡¯s only natural that their influence in Grester falls short whenpared to¡­ Collin¡¯s.¡±

    Neither Linsey nor Dolores seemed to catch the hesitation in his voice, both of them preupied with their own thoughts.

    After a pause, Dolores let out a knowingugh. ¡°So, in the end, it was Collin who really pushed Gorman out, right?¡±

    A moment¡¯s uncertainty flickered in Linsey¡¯s eyes before she replied, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Collinter, see if he gives me a straight answer.¡±

    Dolores shook her head with a wistful smile. ¡°I almost believed they¡¯d put all their old grudges behind them. Wasn¡¯t it just yesterday that Collin was so patient, washing Gorman¡¯s hair in the hospital? Guess I gave them too much credit.¡±

    Laughter bubbled up from Linsey, and she couldn¡¯t help but join in.

    She understood all too well that expecting Collin and Gorman to maintain any kind of peaceful rtionship was simply out of the question.

    Honestly, if the two of them could go a day without arguing or shing, Linsey would have considered it worthy of apuse.

    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    Maybe, once Gorman was out of the picture, Collin could finally find some peace of mind.

    Soon after, the three exited the hospital together.

    For a while, Dustin hung back, clearly looking for the perfect chance to pull Dolores aside for a quiet word.

    Before he could work up the nerve, Dolores brightened up and turned to Linsey. ¡°If you aren¡¯t busy, how abouting with me to the mall? I could use somepany while I shop.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good to me,¡± Linsey replied with a smile, not missing a beat.

    A brief silence followed as Dustin searched for his response. ¡°Count me in, too,¡± he finally said.

    Dolores shot him a look. ¡°Don¡¯t you have work piling up?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not in any rush,¡± Dustin said right away, casting a quick nce at Linsey. ¡°How about we take Linsey home first? She must be worn out after looking after Gorman thesest few days. Let her get some rest, and I¡¯ll go with you to the mall.¡±

    At those words, Linsey arched a brow with a yful glint in her eye. She chose not to speak, opting instead to let the two of them sort it out on their own.

    Dolores, firm in her stance, said, ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Linsey cane with me. You should get back to work.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Dustin interjected, clearly ready to argue.

    Before he could say more, Dolores gave his shoulder a light pat. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t your mother get suspicious if we were seen shopping alone together?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 1022

    ?Chapter 1022:

    That made Dustin¡¯s face cloud over just a bit, and in a hushed tone, he said, ¡°We already spent most of yesterday together, and this morning as well.¡±

    Dustin finally realized that Dolores simply wanted Linsey to apany her. She had no interest in spending extra time with him.

    ¡°I get it,¡± Dustin said, exhaling deeply, his gaze darkening as he stared into the distance. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you both to the mall.¡±

    Dolores hooked her arm through Linsey¡¯s and declined with a firm shake of her head. ¡°No, thanks. The mall¡¯s close enough. Linsey and I will just walk.¡±

    Without giving Dustin a chance to protest, she tugged Linsey along and hurried off.

    ¡°Dolores¡­¡± Dustin called after her instinctively, but the words caught in his throat.

    He stood frozen, watching her figure fade into the distance, a heavy knot tightening in his chest.

    Meanwhile, Linsey, pulled along by Dolores¡¯ brisk pace, felt a twinge of confusion.

    Noticing Dolores¡¯ slightly rushed steps, she asked, ¡°Did you and Dustin have a fight?¡±

    ¡°No, we sorted everything out. No more misunderstandings,¡± Dolores replied smoothly.

    Linsey blinked in confusion. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you let Dustine with us to the mall? He looked pretty down when you brushed him off.¡±

    Dolores waved it off with a casual shrug. ¡°That¡¯s just Dustin being Dustin. He gets all theatrical around me sometimes. It¡¯s no big deal.¡±

    Then, with a sly grin, she leaned in and whispered, ¡°If he¡¯s actually sulking, it will make the gift I¡¯m nning to get him that much more of a surprise.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????, the heart of fiction

    Dolores didn¡¯t think Dustin was truly upset.

    Since they had started dating, he often yed up his dramatics or put on a pitiful act to grab her attention. She had grown ustomed to it.

    So, naturally, she assumed this was just another one of his ploys to get her attention.

    ¡°A gift?¡± Linsey¡¯s eyes widened as realization dawned. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re shopping for something for Dustin. That exins the sudden mall trip.¡±

    Catching the warm, sweet smile on Dolores¡¯ face, Linsey couldn¡¯t help but mirror it. She asked, ¡°What¡¯s the asion for the surprise? Is it your anniversary or something?¡±

    Dolores shook her head. ¡°Nope, it¡¯s Dustin¡¯s birthday.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face lit up at the news. ¡°Dustin¡¯s birthday ising up?¡± As they talked, they reached the mall¡¯s entrance.

    ¡°When I was still living in Grester, I never saw Dustin celebrate his birthday,¡± Linsey noted.

    Dolores nodded lightly, her voice softening as she exined, ¡°I¡¯ve talked to Dustin about it before. He said he¡¯s never been big on birthdays. Growing up, his parents were always fighting, so they rarely made a fuss over it. As he got older, he started going to lively parties and hanging out with friends, so his birthday just didn¡¯t mean much to him anymore.¡±

    As she spoke, a gentle smile crept across Dolores¡¯ face, her expression softening with affection as she thought of Dustin. ¡°But now that we¡¯re together, as his girlfriend, I want to make his birthday special. It¡¯s a day to celebrate the fact that he exists, after all.¡±

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    .

 Chapter 1023

    ?Chapter 1023:

    Linsey listened quietly, touched by how deeply Dolores cared for Dustin, a warmth spreading through her chest. She had never seen Dolores so devoted to any man before.

    Seeing the genuine connection between Dolores and Dustin, Linsey felt a quiet joy for her friend.

    Dolores continued, ¡°Besides, Dustin has been really stressedtely because of his mother. I know he¡¯s been working hard to get her to warm up to me, and it¡¯s weighing on him. So, I want to use his birthday as a chance to show him how much he means to me by putting together a memorable celebration.¡±

    Linsey gazed into Dolores¡¯ hopeful eyes and gave her hand a gentle, encouraging squeeze. ¡°You¡¯re so considerate. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll see how much you care.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of self-consciousness creeping in. ¡°This is my first time picking out a gift for a guy, and I¡¯m pretty new to this,¡± she admitted, casting a shy nce at Linsey. ¡°I figured, since you and Collin have been together for years, you¡¯d know a thing or two about surprising a partner. That¡¯s why I insisted youe along.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m more than happy to help!¡± Linsey replied eagerly. After a brief pause, her voice softened. ¡°I once nned what I thought was an amazing surprise for Collin, but it didn¡¯t go as nned.¡±

    Dolores looked puzzled for a moment before realization dawned. ¡°Are you talking about when you were pregnant four years ago?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Sadly, that surprise turned into more of a shock,¡± Linsey sighed before emphasizing, ¡°I really hope your surprise goes perfectly this time.¡±

    Doloresughed, her tension easing. ¡°As long as I pick the right gift, I think it will be fine.¡±

    More books avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv?ls

    Just then, they spotted a sleek men¡¯s clothing store nearby.

    Catching Dolores¡¯ fixed gaze, Linsey smiled and suggested, ¡°How about we check it out?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Dolores eagerly tugged Linsey into the store.

    The array of men¡¯s fashion was almost overwhelming, with racks of stylish jackets, crisp shirts, and tailored essories. Dolores¡¯ eyes widened. ¡°I had no idea men¡¯s clothing had gotten this varied,¡± she said, marveling.

    Linsey, knowing Dolores wasn¡¯t usually into fashion, chimed in, ¡°Well, I¡¯ve noticed Dustin enjoys dressing sharply. Picking out an outfit for him could be a great choice.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ brow furrowed with worry as she grabbed Linsey¡¯s arm. ¡°You¡¯ve got to help me, Linsey! I¡¯m hopeless when ites to style. What if I choose something Dustin hates?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Linsey reassured her with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll give you some pointers. I¡¯m sure Dustin will love anything you pick out.¡±

    Dolores grinned, a yful glint in her eye. ¡°I¡¯m not banking on my gift-choosing skills, so I¡¯m going for quantity over quality. I¡¯ll get him a ton of different things¡ªDustin won¡¯t have time to nitpick when he¡¯s too touched by it all.¡±

    As they sifted through clothes that matched Dustin¡¯s taste, a familiar voice called out from behind. ¡°Linsey!¡±

    Linsey turned, startled, and saw Jeffery and Alicia, whom she had met not long ago.

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 Chapter 1024

    ?Chapter 1024:

    Jeffery had already spotted her, and as she turned, his face lit up with the unmistakable joy of seeing her again.

    Back at the hospital, he had been cautious, not wanting to interrupt her with what he assumed were pressing matters.

    Now, as they crossed paths in the mall, his first impulse was to seize this opportunity to get closer to Linsey.

    Alicia stood at Jeffery¡¯s side, effortlessly picking up on his intentions. She was more than happy to y along.

    ¡°Linsey, what a pleasant surprise to see you again,¡± Alicia said, her warm smile radiating genuine friendliness as she looked at Linsey.

    Linsey blinked, caught off guard, unsure if this encounter was pure chance or something more orchestrated. Still, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Jeffery, apanying a pregnant Alicia on a shopping trip, wasn¡¯t just here to bump into her by ident.

    ¡°Out shopping for clothes?¡± Linsey asked, keeping her tone light and casual.

    Alicia nodded, casting a fond nce at Jeffery. ¡°Jeffery hasn¡¯t updated his wardrobe in ages. Since we were out for a prenatal appointment today, I figured it was a good chance to drag him here and pick out some fresh outfits, so he¡¯s not stuck wearing the same tired things.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s lips quirked into an amused smile, her eyebrow arching slightly. She vaguely recalled Jeffery¡¯s old air of arrogance, carrying himself with an almost untouchable pride. Now, he seemed far more grounded, almost ordinary in a refreshing way.

    Dolores, meanwhile, instantly recognized Jeffery, and the pregnant woman beside him was unmistakably the wife Linsey had mentioned¡ªthe one Jeffery had quietly married six months prior.

    Dolores found Alicia¡¯s appearance warm and approachable, a fittingplement to Jeffery¡¯s demeanor.

    Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Jeffery turned to Dolores, offering a courteous nod. ¡°Ms. Davidson.¡±

    Dolores returned a bright smile and a wave. ¡°Mr. Lawson, it¡¯s been a while!¡±

    She had only just remarked to Linsey that the Lawson family would likely seek her out again, and here, not even half an hourter, was Jeffery himself. Family ties, it seemed, had an uncanny way of pulling people together, especially in a city like Grester, where paths crossed easily.

    ¡°Alicia, allow me to introduce Ms. Dolores Davidson, chairwoman of the Davidson Group and Linsey¡¯s closest friend,¡± Jeffery said smoothly, seizing the moment to bridge the connection. ¡°Ms. Davidson, this is my wife, Alicia Lawson.¡±

    Alicia¡¯s tone was warm and earnest as she spoke. ¡°Ms. Davidson, it¡¯s remarkable to be chairwoman at such a young age. It¡¯s clear Linsey surrounds herself with extraordinary people, which says a lot about why you two are so close.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ smile widened at thepliment. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Lawson. That¡¯s kind of you to say.¡±

    If someone else had offered simr praise, Dolores might have brushed it off as mere politeness. But Alicia¡¯s words carried a sincerity that felt disarming, delivered with a tone that put her at ease.

    She shared a subtle, knowing nce with Linsey, a quiet relief passing between them. It was clear Linsey also felt a positive connection with Alicia.

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 Chapter 1025

    ?Chapter 1025:

    Dolores couldn¡¯t help but think Jeffery had struck gold¡ªdespite his insufferable attitude years ago, he had somehow found a genuinely lovely partner like Alicia.

    As she sensed the calm, amicable vibe between Linsey and herself, Alicia¡¯s smile grew as she stepped closer to them.

    Linsey, noticing Alicia¡¯s careful movements with her pregnant belly, instinctively reached out to steady her. ¡°Easy now, no need to hurry,¡± she said gently.

    Having gone through pregnancy herself, Linsey knew firsthand the challenges it brought. Though Alicia wasn¡¯t yet at the most taxing stage, the constant physical changes could still bring difort at any moment. Everyone¡¯s body handled pregnancy differently, after all.

    Linsey¡¯s natural empathy kicked in, and she couldn¡¯t help but extend kindness to Alicia, whose warm and approachable presence only made it easier.

    Beyond that, Linsey refused to let her past friction with Jeffery taint her view of Alicia.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Alicia said softly, giving Linsey¡¯s hand a grateful squeeze in return.

    If she had been merely curious about Jeffery¡¯s sister before, now, standing face-to-face with Linsey, she could feel the quiet charisma and warmth that radiated from her, drawing her in even more.

    Linsey¡¯s smile was warm and genuine, free of any trace of pretense or pride. ¡°It¡¯s obvious Jeffery cherishes you and holds you in high regard,¡± she said, her tone sincere.

    Linsey shot a pointed look at Jeffery, who was standing behind Alicia, and added bluntly, ¡°When I first met him four years ago, he carried himself like he ruled the universe. Today, though, he¡¯s toned it down. He¡¯s finally a bit less insufferable.¡±

    Alicia burst intoughter at Linsey¡¯s candid remark.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling

    Jeffery, caught off guard by her directness, blinked in surprise. Oddly, he felt no irritation¡ªonly a flicker of amusement.

    ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re just as sharp-tongued as you were four years ago,¡± Jeffery said with a chuckle, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. ¡°No wonder I¡¯ve felt something was off these past few years. Turns out I was missing your jabs.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes widened, and she let out a yful scoff. ¡°You practically beg for it, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Dolores jumped in, her tone teasing. ¡°Mr. Lawson has changed so much. It¡¯s got to be because you¡¯ve got himpletely wrapped around your fingers, Mrs. Lawson.¡±

    The simplement brought a flush of shyness to both Alicia¡¯s and Jeffery¡¯s faces.

    Jeffery¡¯s ears reddened slightly, but he didn¡¯t protest. Instead, he nodded softly. ¡°Alicia¡¯s incredible. She has always been so patient with me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s mutual. Jeffery treats me wonderfully too,¡± Alicia exined seriously, then added, ¡°Calling me Mrs. Lawson feels so formal. Just Alicia is fine.¡±

    Dolores grinned brightly. ¡°No problem, Alicia. And you can just call me Dolores.¡±

    The three women, hitting it off effortlessly, continued chatting as they wandered through the men¡¯s clothing store, browsing racks of stylish shirts and jackets.

    Jeffery, the lone man in the group, was unsurprisingly left to his own devices. He didn¡¯t seem to mind, content to carry Alicia¡¯s bag and trail quietly behind, letting their conversation flow without interruption.

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 Chapter 1026

    ?Chapter 1026:

    ¡°Are you two shopping for your partners?¡± Alicia asked, her curiosity piqued.

    Linsey answered warmly, ¡°Dolores¡¯ boyfriend has a birthdaying up, so I¡¯m helping her pick out something special.¡±

    Dolores, eager to keep the focus off herself, quickly cut in. ¡°Linsey¡¯s also here to get something for her boyfriend. They¡¯re such a tight-knit couple, practically glued at the hip. And they have lovely kids.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, Dolores,¡± Linsey said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

    ¡°What? Linsey has children?¡± Alicia asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

    ¡°Yes. Actually, Linsey became a mother four years ago,¡± Dolores replied.

    ¡°But Linsey looks like she could still be in her early twenties,¡± Alicia said, her voice filled with genuine amazement.

    Had Dolores not brought it up, Alicia would never have imagined Linsey was already a mother.

    Jeffery, lingering quietly behind them, turned his attention to Linsey.

    The news that she had had a child with Collin didn¡¯t shock him, but it stirred a wave of curiosity. He couldn¡¯t stop wondering whether her return to Grester meant she had fully mended things with Collin.

    A flurry of questions raced through his mind in mere seconds, but he knew he had no right to probe into her personal affairs, so he kept his emotions tightly reined in.

    Still intrigued, Alicia asked, ¡°So, how many kids do you have?¡±

    ¡°Two. They¡¯re twins, a boy and a girl,¡± Linsey answered, her face softening with a tender glow as she thought of Zander and Zenia.

    I??¨¨$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? 1n ??l¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Alicia¡¯s voice was warm and genuine as she said, ¡°Your kids must be adorable.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s smile softened, her eyes drifting to Alicia¡¯s pregnant belly. ¡°I¡¯m sure your little one will be just as charming.¡±

    As they talked, Dolores¡¯ attention was caught by a stylish men¡¯s outfit on disy. ¡°What do you think of this set? I think it¡¯s quite nice,¡± she asked, holding up the set with a hopeful look.

    Linsey closely inspected the outfit Dolores had selected and gave a nod of agreement. ¡°This would suit Dustin perfectly. If it appeals to you, I¡¯m certain Dustin would be thrilled to wear it.¡±

    Soon after, Dolores and Alicia wrapped up their shopping trip.

    Alicia, feeling the weight of her pregnancy, began to grow drowsy.

    ¡°You should head home to rest,¡± Linsey said with understanding. Before they parted, Alicia swapped contact details with Linsey and Dolores.

    The trio made ns to hang out when their schedules aligned, with Alicia suggesting that Linsey would bring her two kids for a ydate. They seemed oblivious to Jeffery¡¯s quiet presence, absorbed in their lively exchange.

    It wasn¡¯t until Alicia and Jeffery exited the mall that he finally spoke up. ¡°You really seem to connect with Linsey,¡± he remarked.

    Alicia nodded without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s not just because she¡¯s your sister. I genuinely admire her personality.¡±

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 Chapter 1027

    ?Chapter 1027:

    After a brief pause, she added with a grin, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for how much you two look alike, I would never have guessed she¡¯s your sister.¡±

    Jeffery arched an eyebrow. ¡°Is that apliment for Linsey or a jab at me?¡±

    Alicia responded earnestly, ¡°I¡¯m not criticizing you. It¡¯s just that Linsey, despite being younger, carries herself with such maturity. Maybe it¡¯s because she grew up in an orphanage and learned independence early. Her friend Dolores shares that same confidence and decisiveness¡ªqualities I really respect.¡±

    Jeffery¡¯s gaze dropped subtly. ¡°Linsey endured a lot of challenges in her childhood, never showing a hint of entitled pride.¡±

    He paused, then added with a touch of regret, ¡°Sometimes I wish she would act a little more carefree, so I could dote on her as her big brother.¡±

    Alicia countered gently, ¡°If Linsey were like that, you wouldn¡¯t feel this need to protect her. It¡¯s exactly because she¡¯s so self-reliant that you feel this way.¡±

    Jeffery considered her words and nodded slowly. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± As he spoke, he reached out to gently ruffle Alicia¡¯s hair. ¡°I can tell you really like them. They must feel the same, or they wouldn¡¯t have spent so much time talking and nning to meet again.¡±

    Aliciaughed softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect us to hit it off so well. It feels like fate brought us together.¡±

    She squeezed Jeffery¡¯s hand and continued, ¡°I know you and your parents want Linsey to reconnect with the family. Let¡¯s work together to show her we mean it. Maybe one day she¡¯ll truly feel like part of the family.¡±

    As they talked, they sat close in the car, Jeffery taking extra care to ensure Alicia¡¯sfort.

    Theirughter filled the air, creating a warm, intimate moment.

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    Unbeknownst to them, someone watched from a distance. Even as their car pulled away, the observer¡¯s gaze lingered, their expression growing increasingly grim.

    Meanwhile, Linsey and Dolores spent the afternoon browsing shops, carefully selecting the perfect presents for Dustin.

    As they loaded their purchases into the car¡¯s trunk, Linsey surveyed the heap of bags and remarked, ¡°You kept saying you were stumped about what to get Dustin, but look at this haul! If he doesn¡¯t appreciate this birthday surprise, I¡¯d have a mind to call him out for being ungrateful.¡±

    Dolores grinned broadly, unable to contain her excitement. ¡°I told you I would win him over with an avnche of gifts. Each one felt perfect for him¡ªI couldn¡¯t resist!¡±

    With that, they climbed into the car, one after the other.

    Linsey directed the driver to head to Dolores¡¯ residence first. Dolores had mentioned needing to stash the gifts at home discreetly, keeping even Collin unaware to maintain the surprise.

    Linsey gave Dolores¡¯ hand a reassuring squeeze, saying slowly, ¡°Dustin¡¯s going to adore these. You picked each one with such thoughtfulness¡ªit¡¯s not just about how many there are.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ voice softened, unusually tender. ¡°Thanks for spending the day with me, Linsey.¡±

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 Chapter 1028

    ?Chapter 1028:

    Linsey¡¯s smile was warm and genuine. ¡°No need for thanks between us.¡± For Linsey, anything that mattered to Dolores was just as important to her, deserving her fullmitment.

    Dolores felt the same about Linsey¡¯s priorities.

    Soon, the car pulled up outside Dolores¡¯ apartment building.

    Linsey stepped out to help carry the bags upstairs, but Dolores quickly stopped her. ¡°I¡¯ve got this¡ªstay here. It¡¯s too much hassle for you to trek up and back. Rest for a bit.¡±

    With that, Dolores scooped up several bags and darted into the building.

    Linsey, left waiting below, gave a small, amused smile.

    She nced over and noticed the bodyguard standing nearby.

    Recalling that he worked for Collin, and knowing Dolores wanted the gifts to remain a secret, Linsey spoke firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t mention our shopping trip to Collin. It¡¯s a surprise for Dustin, got it?¡±

    The bodyguard nodded promptly. ¡°Of course, Ms. Brooks. My lips are sealed.¡±

    Just then, the sharp, steady click of heels on the pavement caught Linsey¡¯s attention, the sound oddly unsettling.

    She turned to see Joanne approaching, her face inscrutable, eyes locked on Linsey.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Linsey asked, her brow furrowing as realization hit. ¡°Have you been tailing us?¡±

    The bodyguard immediately moved to stand between them, ready to intervene if Joanne made any sudden moves.

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    Seeing that, Joanne halted and let out a lightugh. ¡°What are you afraid of? I¡¯m not foolish enough to cause a scene in public. I¡¯m here alone. I¡¯m not a threat.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes narrowed, unease creeping over her as she studied Joanne¡¯s overly friendly smile. She was certain this wasn¡¯t a chance encounter.

    Suddenly, Linsey remembered Gorman¡¯s recent caution, urging her to stay wary of Joanne.

    Joanne, maintaining her usual warm smile, said, ¡°Linsey, I truly respect you and would be thrilled to work together. I¡¯m happy to ignore your earlier dismissals today. I hope you¡¯ll rethink my proposals.¡±

    Nothing could have prepared Linsey for Joanne¡¯s relentless persistence, which bordered on the absurd.

    A cold resolve settled over Linsey as she replied, ¡°I¡¯m telling you, I refuse to get involved with something so ridiculous.¡±

    A low, dismissiveugh escaped Joanne as her attention shifted to Dolores¡¯ apartment building.

    Without warning, she said, ¡°You and Dolores must be closer than most sisters. It¡¯s rare to see that kind of bond.¡±

    Hearing Dolores¡¯ name thrown into the conversation sent a wave of suspicion through Linsey¡¯s mind.

    There was no doubt Joanne had her sights set on Jeffery, so it made no sense for her to suddenly focus on Dolores¡ªuntil Linsey pieced it together.

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 Chapter 1029

    ?Chapter 1029:

    Offering no room for doubt, Joanne continued, ¡°If you want Dolores to marry Dustin without a hitch, I¡¯m your answer. I haven¡¯t known Hester long, but I already understand her inside and out. If I step in, Dolores will earn Hester¡¯s blessing in no time. That means Hester won¡¯t be breathing down Dustin¡¯s neck anymore, either.¡±

    Realization struck Linsey hard. Joanne wasn¡¯t just negotiating¡ªshe was issuing a threat.

    Jaw clenched, Linsey murmured, ¡°And if I refuse?¡±

    Amusement danced in Joanne¡¯s eyes as sheughed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll stick to Hester like glue and make sure I¡¯m always by Dustin¡¯s side.¡±

    Feigning innocence, she let out a theatrical gasp and teased, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re as naive as Dolores. If I hadn¡¯t been covering for them, do you really think Hester wouldn¡¯t have caught on to their secret meetings by now?¡±

    Silent and breathless, Linsey struggled for words, finding herself trapped by Joanne¡¯s cunning.

    A subtle shift in Linsey¡¯s face didn¡¯t escape Joanne, who got straight to the point. ¡°Rx, I¡¯m not going to ask you to do anything unforgivable. All I need is for you to help me bump into Jeffery a little more often.¡±

    Tension radiated from Linsey¡¯s clenched fists as she tried once again to talk Joanne out of her scheme. ¡°Let me say it one more time, Joanne¡ªJeffery is already someone else¡¯s husband!¡±

    ¡°You mean Alicia?!¡± Joanne blurted out, the name snapping something inside her as anger twisted her features.

    Shock rippled through Linsey at the sudden outburst.

    Fixing Linsey with a fierce, unblinking stare, Joanne continued, ¡°Do you have any idea what Alicia did to get here? Jeffery deserves better than her.¡±

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    Emotions boiling over, Joanne paused only to steady her breath beforeunching into her story. ¡°I dug into everything this afternoon. Three years ago, when Jeffery¡¯s blood disorder nearly killed him and the Lawson family had lost hope, Alicia appeared out of nowhere and offered to help¡ªbut only if they paid her $50 million upfront. She wouldn¡¯t even sign the bone marrow agreement until the moneynded in her ount.¡±

    For a fleeting moment, Linsey¡¯sposure cracked, surprise registering before she carefully schooled her features.

    No part of her expected that Jeffery¡¯s life had been saved under such circumstances.

    ¡°So what happened after that?¡± Linsey asked, curiosity finally winning out as she kept her tone steady and reserved.

    Hatred narrowed Joanne¡¯s eyes as she responded, her words bitter and fast. ¡°Alicia¡¯s a master maniptor¡ªshe¡¯d do anything for wealth and power. She waited until the Lawsons had their backs against the wall before making her demands.¡±

    Each sentence only fueled her anger, eyes growing colder. ¡°Even after pocketing all that money, she still wanted more. She refused to leave Jeffery¡¯s side after the surgery, and yed her part so well that he doesn¡¯t see through her at all!¡±

    A bitter sigh escaped Joanne¡¯s lips, venom dripping from every word as she hissed, ¡°The child Alicia¡¯s carrying is probably the result of some despicable scheme!¡±

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 Chapter 1030

    ?Chapter 1030:

    Linsey observed Joanne¡¯s eruption with cool detachment, watching as resentment consumed what remained of the woman¡¯sposure.

    When Joanne¡¯s tirade finally subsided, Linsey replied with measured calm, ¡°You im Alicia agreed to donate her bone marrow to Jeffery in exchange for financialpensation. Since the money has already been transferred to Alicia, it demonstrates that the Lawson family is well aware of this arrangement, including Jeffery himself. It¡¯s entirely possible that Jeffery personally approved giving Alicia the money.¡±

    The words struck Joanne like a physical blow, shock and bewilderment washing over her features as color drained from her face, then flooded back in mortified patches. Her voice quavered as she whispered, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Linsey pressed forward with unhurried precision, ¡°What I mean is this¡ªregardless of whether Alicia is the scheming woman you paint her to be, Jeffery ultimately chose to marry her of his own free will. As for the child Alicia is carrying, you can be absolutely certain it is the fruit of genuine love between Alicia and Jeffery.¡±

    Before Joanne could mount a defense, Linsey struck with surgical uracy, ¡°Do you honestly believe that someone of Jeffery¡¯s character and standing would allow a woman he doesn¡¯t love to carry his child? Moreover, they got married. Doesn¡¯t that make your usations sound rather ridiculous?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense!¡± Joanne snarled through clenched teeth. But she quickly wrestled her fury back under control, her lips curving into a mocking sneer. ¡°If Alicia hadn¡¯t been a sessful match for Jeffery¡¯s bone marrow, she wouldn¡¯t have even crossed paths with him, much less married into the Lawson family. Her background, appearance, and education all pale inparison to mine. What could she possibly possess that makes her worthy of Jeffery?¡±

    Her words dissolved into defeat, Joanne¡¯s gaze dropping to the ground, her voice emerging as a hoarse whisperden with grief. ¡°If Jeffery had married another distinguished youngdy, I wouldn¡¯t have uttered a single protest. But he chose to marry someone as unremarkable as Alicia. How can I possibly ept that?¡±

    Linsey sighed silently.

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    Throughout Joanne¡¯s impassioned outpouring, it became painfully clear that simply mentioning Jeffery¡¯s marriage to Alicia would never be enough to release this woman from her torment.

    The realization prompted Linsey to shift toward more delicate territory. ¡°Earlier today, you witnessed firsthand how Jeffery seemed not to recognize you at all. Though your feelings for him run deep and true, love cannot be willed into existence by one heart alone.¡± Linsey¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line as she prepared to deliver the merciless truth. ¡°To speak inly, Jeffery doesn¡¯t envision you as part of his world. If he felt any attraction toward you, you would have captured his attention when we encountered him this afternoon.¡±

    Joanne¡¯s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and with a single, fragile blink, they spilled over, cascading down her cheeks in silent rivulets.

    Brushing the tears from her cheeks with defiant fingers, she lifted her chin and dered with stubborn resolve, ¡°During our time studying abroad, Jeffery and I were acquainted. We¡¯d gather with ssmates and friends regrly, and I¡¯d engage him in discussions about our coursework. Seven years have passed since then. It¡¯s perfectly understandable that I¡¯ve slipped from his memory. After all, we lost contactpletely over the years. I can hardly fault him for not recognizing me.¡±

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 Chapter 1031

    ?Chapter 1031:

    Linsey absorbed this revtion, pieces of the puzzle clicking into ce regarding their shared academic history abroad. The painful irony wasn¡¯t lost on her. While Joanne still carried the me of her feelings for Jeffery, he had allowed her memory to fade intoplete obscurity.

    Linsey surmised that from the very beginning, Joanne¡¯s affection had been a quietly harbored secret, unrequited and unspoken. Otherwise, there would be no exining how Jeffery could have erased her so thoroughly from his memory.

    ¡°I was the first one to meet Jeffery. It¡¯s disgusting how Alicia used cheap tricks to wedge herself in. One day, he¡¯s going to drop her¡ªjust wait,¡± Joanne said, her voiceced with confidence as she tilted her chin.

    Without missing a beat, Linsey flicked her gaze away, unfazed. ¡°Then be patient. When Jeffery finally gets tired of Alicia, maybe you¡¯ll get your shot.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, you¡ª¡± Joanne sputtered before catching herself. Her tone softened, lessbative now. ¡°Linsey, let¡¯s not waste time on this back-and-forth, alright?¡±

    Her eyes briefly shifted toward the apartment building, a subtle flicker of calction crossing her face. ¡°I¡¯d stay and chat, but if my guess is right, your precious friend should be showing up any minute now.¡± The mention hit its mark¡ªLinsey¡¯s eyes darkened, just slightly. Joanne noticed the shift and slowly curled her lips into a sly smile, triumph flickering behind her eyes.

    ¡°You and Dolores go way back¡ªwhat, twenty years? And yet you¡¯re just going to stand by while the man she loves marries someone else?¡± Joanne said slowly, as if drawing out the temptation. ¡°You know I couldn¡¯t care less about Dustin. But you? If you help me get closer to Jeffery, I¡¯ll pull a few strings and get Hester on Dolores¡¯ side. Seems like a pretty sweet trade.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s breathing hitched ever so briefly. Her hands clenched at her sides, her body betraying the calm expression she tried to hold. Joanne had a knack for reading people, and Linsey¡¯s barely noticeable shifts in expression told her everything she needed to know. She could tell without a doubt¡ªLinsey was beginning to crack.

    Choosing to wrap things up, Joanne said, ¡°I get that you don¡¯t feel much warmth toward the Lawson family, but they hold you in high regard. Jeffery still carries the weight of what he did to you, and he¡¯s not the only one. Whoever ends up marrying into that family won¡¯t change your position, so why not think about forming a partnership that benefits us both?¡±

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    She ended with a quiet, knowingugh and gave Linsey a smug little wave. ¡°See you around, Linsey. Hopefully, by the next time we talk, you¡¯ll have made the smart call.¡±

    Linsey remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on Joanne¡¯s retreating silhouette until it faded into a distant blur. It wasn¡¯t until a familiar voice, tinged with urgency, broke through the fog in her mind that Linsey jolted back to awareness. ¡°Linsey!¡±

    Dolores gripped Linsey¡¯s shoulders, her hands warm and steady, as if trying to physically pull her out of her thoughts.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Linsey blinked, then forced a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. ¡°Sorry, did you say something?¡±

    A breath of relief escaped Dolores as she studied Linsey¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯ve been calling you forever. What were you even thinking about?¡±

    One nce at Dolores, and Linsey made her decision¡ªJoanne¡¯s maniption would stay a secret.

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 Chapter 1032

    ?Chapter 1032:

    Only days ago, Dolores had been crushed over Dustin, so much so that she even lost weight. There was no way Linsey would risk dragging her back into that spiral of heartache, especially not now.

    Dolores had finally found a spark of joy again, throwing herself into the preparation of Dustin¡¯s birthday surprise with genuine excitement. Linsey couldn¡¯t bring herself to ruin that flicker of hope with Joanne¡¯s schemes.

    Besides, Joanne¡¯s obsessive chase after Jeffery had nothing to do with Dolores¡ªit was her own mess to deal with.

    A gentle smile touched Linsey¡¯s lips as a new idea formed in her mind, giving her the perfect excuse to steer the conversation elsewhere. ¡°Did you ever get around to organizing those gifts you picked out?¡±

    Dolores lit up instantly, her worry forgotten. ¡°Yep, all done! And I made sure to hide them well. Dustin won¡¯t be dropping by my ce anytime soon, so the surprise is safe.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk in the car,¡± Linsey said as she gently took Dolores¡¯ hand and led her into the vehicle.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Dolores smiled brightly. ¡°After such a long day out, I¡¯m starving. I wonder what Glenda¡¯s making for dinner.¡± They arrived home not long after.

    All through dinner andter in the living room, Dolores stayed cheerful, chatting away with a rxed grin.

    Linsey sat beside her the whole time, smiling now and then¡ªhiding her true emotions behind a calm, steady face.

    Later that night, after freshening up, Linsey climbed into bed. She had barely settled when Collin, who had been waiting, pulled her into his arms.

    ¡°Hey! What are you doing?¡± she eximed, surprised.

    In the blink of an eye, she was wrapped tightly in his embrace. His hold was so firm that she couldn¡¯t move an inch.

    Her cheek rested against his chest. They both used the same shower gel, but somehow, she could still pick up that unique Collin scent. After a quiet moment, Linsey rxed in his arms and smiled sweetly. ¡°What¡¯s with the sudden hug?¡± she asked softly.

    Collin rested his chin on her head. His chest moved as he spoke, the sound vibrating gently against her. ¡°I¡¯m trying to make you feel better,¡± he said, his voice calm but filled with warmth.

    Linsey froze for a moment. Her heart skipped a beat. She bit her lower lip lightly, then asked, ¡°How did you know?¡±

    From the moment she stepped into the house, she had put on a cheerful front. She thought she had hidden it well. But clearly, Collin had seen through her act.

    He let out a soft chuckle and gently stroked her hair. ¡°Baby, I¡¯m your boyfriend. If I couldn¡¯t tell how you feel, I might as well go take a ss on it.¡±

    Linsey burst intoughter. ¡°A ss? Do they even teach stuff like that?¡±

    Collin pretended to think. ¡°They should. Not everyone¡¯s born knowing how to love someone. I didn¡¯t get it right until I met you. If someone had taught me earlier, maybe I wouldn¡¯t have messed up so much.¡±

    The room was dim, lit only by two soft bedsidemps. The glow gently framed their faces, leaving a warm shadow in the background.

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 Chapter 1033

    ?Chapter 1033:

    Linsey looked up at him. The moment her eyes met his, her smile grew. She cupped his face lovingly, then leaned in to nt a soft kiss on his lips.

    Collin¡¯s eyes sparkled with affection.

    ¡°Oh? Is that your answer?¡± he asked, his voice low and teasing. Though he was a tough businessman by day, around her, he was all warmth and tenderness.

    Linsey giggled, her eyes shining. ¡°Can¡¯t I reply that way?¡±

    Collin answered with a grin, ¡°Of course you can. I¡¯m yours. You¡¯re free to do whatever you want to me.¡±

    Collin¡¯s tender words washed over Linsey like a balm, dissolving the tension that had coiled tight within her.

    When he watched her shoulders ease and her expression soften, relief flooded through him.

    His fingers found their way to her hair, stroking gently as the silence stretched between them. When he spoke again, his voice carried the hushed intimacy reserved for her alone. ¡°Can you tell me what has happened?¡±

    Something had clearly upset her today. Collin knew she had spent the afternoon with Dolores, which was supposed to leave her bubbling withughter and stories.

    Yet here she was, wrapped in mncholy like a heavy cloak. Memory struck him suddenly. The message his subordinate had delivered at noon!

    His brow furrowed as pieces clicked into ce. ¡°Are you upset because Gorman is leaving?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes flew wide with shock. ¡°Collin, what are you even saying?¡± The genuine bewilderment in her voice made him backtrack quickly. ¡°I was just thinking out loud. I wasn¡¯t using you of anything.¡±

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    A spark of mischief flickered in Linsey¡¯s gaze as she raised her hand to cup his chin, her thumb brushing across his jawline with yful firmness. Feigned indignation colored her tone. ¡°Since you brought it up, now I can finally ask. Have you been secretly working to push him out these past few days?¡±

    The tables had turnedpletely, and Collin silently cursed himself for walking straight into her trap.

    Straightening, he adopted his most sincere expression. ¡°Linsey, don¡¯t let that maniptive man fill your head with lies. The Green family¡¯s power in Grester has been crumbling for years. When business opportunities came up that conflicted with their interests, I simply took them. As the founder of CR Corporation, I have to put ourpany first. You understand that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Amusement sparkled in Linsey¡¯s eyes as she studied his face. ¡°You could make robbery sound like charity work. Even when I want to be mad at you, you never give me a proper reason.¡±

    Collin¡¯s features melted into wounded innocence. ¡°Baby, you wouldn¡¯t really side with another man against me, would you?¡±

    She exhaled softly, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯m not siding with anyone. I just don¡¯t see why all this scheming was necessary.¡±

    Her fingers tracedzy patterns across Collin¡¯s palm as she spoke, her voice taking on that patient tone she used when exiningplex matters. ¡°Gorman came back iming he wanted to expand the Green Group¡¯s reach in Grester. Yet everything he¡¯s done has only hurt his family¡¯s business instead of helping it. Until he sorts out whatever¡¯s clouding his judgment, he¡¯ll never be able to focus properly on work. I can see clearly that the Green family¡¯s foothold in Grester isn¡¯t nearly what it once was.¡±

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 Chapter 1034

    ?Chapter 1034:

    Collin absorbed her words in thoughtful silence, offering no interruption.

    His campaign to drive Gorman and the other Green family interests from the city had been motivated entirely by protecting Linsey, not from any fear that she harbored feelings for Gorman.

    Through everything they had weathered together, his trust in Linsey had be absolute.

    True, Gorman had risked everything to save her life, and Linsey had released her bitterness over the pain he had caused her in the past. Yet forgiveness didn¡¯te so easily to Collin.

    The memory of Gorman¡¯s deception still burned within him. Faking his own death to manipte Linsey into epting IVF treatments crossed every line of decency.

    At least Gorman possessed enough wisdom to retreat on his own, sparing Linsey further turmoil.

    Had he chosen to linger and continue his pursuit, Collin would have ensured he faced far harsher consequences.

    ¡°It¡¯s a relief that you¡¯re not angry with me,¡± he murmured, his voice soft with relief.

    Linsey¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°Collin, you must promise me something. Never bring up Gorman¡¯s name again.¡±

    She paused, letting the weight of her words settle between them. ¡°In return, I won¡¯t mention any of your admirers.¡±

    Collin¡¯s eyebrow arched upward in surprise. ¡°I have admirers?¡±

    ¡°Of course, have you forgotten about Haven? And your childhood sweetheart, the famous actress Kylee, along with those other women I won¡¯t mention?¡± Linsey said, regarding Collin teasingly.

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    Theirughter gradually dissolved the tension that had coiled around Linsey¡¯s shoulders. As warmth returned to her voice, rity began threading through her scattered thoughts.

    ¡°So, can you tell me what happened now?¡± Collin¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper as his fingers traced through the silken strands of hair framing her face, tucking them gently behind her ear.

    Linsey dropped her gaze, the afternoon¡¯s events spilling from her lips in hesitant fragments.

    The moment Joanne¡¯s arrogant threats entered the conversation, shadows gathered in Collin¡¯s expression like storm clouds.

    As she caught the shift in his demeanor, Linsey¡¯s hand found his arm. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let Joanne walk all over me.¡±

    A heavy sigh escaped Collin¡¯s chest. ¡°But she did corner you, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    Uncertainty rippled through Linsey¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Joanne¡¯s words¡­ I can dismiss them as the ravings of someone unhinged.¡± Her fingers unconsciously sought the soft fabric of his pajama cor. ¡°But Dolores genuinely cares for Dustin. That¡¯s what haunts me.¡±

    Meeting his gaze with sudden intensity, Linsey continued, ¡°These past few days, Dolores has been wearing a mask of cheerfulness that doesn¡¯t reach her eyes. Before, her pain was raw and visible. Now, this forced brightness¡­ she just doesn¡¯t want me to worry.¡±

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 Chapter 1035

    ?Chapter 1035:

    Though Dolores rarely upied Collin¡¯s thoughts, he considered this carefully. ¡°If she¡¯s struggling emotionally, Dustin¡¯s likely at the center of it. I¡¯ll push him to step up, be present for her more consistently.¡±

    Linsey pressed on, worry creasing her brow. ¡°What about Hester? Is there truly no way to soften Hester¡¯s judgment of Dolores?¡±

    Without hesitation, Collin¡¯s response came steady and sure. ¡°Dustin and Dolores should focus on their own rtionship, regardless of Hester¡¯s interference. After all, what they share belongs to them alone. As long as Dustin shows true resolve, they can still find their way to happiness.¡±

    Tension still etched itself across Linsey¡¯s features, refusing to ease. ¡°But Dustin isn¡¯t taking any real action. Lately, he and Dolores only manage stolen moments together, and even those happen under Joanne¡¯s protection to keep Hester from discovering them. If Joanne withdraws her help¡ªor worse, leads Hester straight to them¡ªDolores will bepletely defenseless.¡±

    Collin¡¯s silence stretched as he weighed her words. ¡°Perhaps Dustin has already devised a strategy we¡¯re not seeing.¡±

    Discouragement shadowed Linsey¡¯s expression. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she fixed him with a puzzled stare. ¡°Dustin runs CR Corporation as CEO, doesn¡¯t he? With that kind of power at his disposal, surely he could stand up to Hester? If he truly wanted to, couldn¡¯t he easily deploy security to keep her surveince away?¡±

    ¡°Certainly.¡± Collin¡¯s voice carried its own note of bewilderment. ¡°Which makes his inaction all the more baffling. I can¡¯t understand why he hasn¡¯t moved against Hester¡¯s meddling.¡±

    His lipspressed into a thin line as he confessed, ¡°Since he¡¯s keeping his cards close to his chest, I can¡¯t risk interfering. Thest thing I want is to identally sabotage whatever strategy he¡¯s crafting.¡±

    The more Linsey absorbed his words, the deeper her unease grew. Urgency sharpened her voice. ¡°He hasn¡¯t confided in you at all? Hasn¡¯t hee to you for counsel or asked for your perspective? Hester¡¯s relentless campaign against Dolores demands immediate action.¡±

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    ¡°We¡¯ve barely exchanged words beyond pleasantriestely, so his thoughts remain a mystery to me,¡± Collin admitted.

    Linsey stayed quiet for a moment, thenid a gentle hand on Collin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You and Dustin practically grew up side by side, and he¡¯s the reason CR Corporation even exists. He sees you as family, Collin. Maybe you should reach out and talk to him more often.¡±

    She let out a soft sigh, a trace of confusion in her voice. ¡°It¡¯s strange, isn¡¯t it? Dustin¡¯s got more experience in matters of the heart than you do, yet half the time he seemspletely lost. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right call letting Dolores date him¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much,¡± Collin said, trying to put her at ease. ¡°Dustin¡¯s dependable. He wouldn¡¯t just act on a whim. I¡¯ll talk to him tomorrow and see where his head¡¯s at.¡±

    Even as Collin tried to reassure her, Linsey¡¯s thoughts kept swirling. Collin¡¯s trust in Dustin came from years of friendship, and Linsey respected that.

    But when it came to Dolores¡¯ happiness, she didn¡¯t want to take any chances.

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 Chapter 1036

    ?Chapter 1036:

    Until Dustin stepped up and proved himself, Linsey found it hard to put her full trust in him.

    Collin caught the anxiety flickering across Linsey¡¯s face and gave a smallugh.

    He reached over, smoothing the worry lines from her forehead. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s going to be alright. I¡¯ve got faith in both Dustin and Dolores. They¡¯ll figure it out in their own time.¡±

    He lowered his voice, offering a soft reminder. ¡°Remember all the storms we weathered before we finally found our way back to each other?¡±

    That memory brought a genuine smile to Linsey¡¯s lips, her eyes shining as she met Collin¡¯s gaze. ¡°You¡¯re right about that.¡±

    Collin smiled back. ¡°And honestly, not every rough patch needs to be so dramatic. I just want you to stay hopeful. Don¡¯t let this get you down.¡±

    A softugh escaped Linsey. ¡°If someone had told me that Mr. Riley would turn out to be so thoughtful and wise, I never would have believed them.¡±

    Collin took her teasing in stride, offering her a gentle smile as he rested a reassuring hand on her back. ¡°You¡¯re not the type to agree to Joanne¡¯s scheme just so she can get closer to Jeffery. That¡¯s not who you are.¡±

    That earned another nod from Linsey. ¡°Exactly. Ripping a family apart is wrong, especially now that Alicia¡¯s expecting. Even though Jeffery and I haven¡¯t always seen eye to eye, I could never help Joanne break up his family.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll handle things our way,¡± Collin replied with quiet determination.

    ¡°If Joanne wants to use Hester¡¯s grudge against Dolores as leverage, then we¡¯ll just have to help Hester see Dolores in a new light.¡±

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    Linsey¡¯s agreement was quick and certain. ¡°Absolutely!¡±

    Her gaze lingered on Collin, warmth flooding her chest at the sight of his easy smile.

    ¡°Thank you so much, baby,¡± Linsey said softly, her gratitude sincere.

    Those simple words brought a light to Collin¡¯s face. He leaned in, cupping her cheeks with a tenderness that made his voice drop to a hush. ¡°No, I should thank you too. I¡¯m grateful you trust me enough to share what¡¯s on your mind.¡±

    The two of them shared a quiet, intimate smile in the gentle glow of the room.

    Then, Collin leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Linsey¡¯s forehead, his lips cool against her skin.

    Linsey¡¯s eyes drifted closed, letting the moment settle around her.

    Collin¡¯s voice was little more than a loving whisper. ¡°Sweet dreams.¡±

    When morning arrived, Linsey reached across the bed and found herself alone.

    She washed up and made her way to the living room, where Dolores sat, tapping away at herptop.

    The noise of her footsteps caught Dolores¡¯ attention, and she turned with a cheerful grin. ¡°You¡¯re up! Glenda¡¯s whipped up breakfast¡ªgo grab some before it gets cold. Collin left with the kids at the crack of dawn. No idea what their ns are.¡±

    A flicker of confusion crossed Linsey¡¯s face. Her thoughts drifted back to thete-night conversation she had shared with Collin. She had figured Collin was going to see Dustin, but bringing the children along made little sense.

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 Chapter 1037

    ?Chapter 1037:

    Forcing a light tone, Linsey said, ¡°I¡¯m sure Collin just wanted to treat them to a little adventure.¡± She tried to keep any unease out of her voice. ¡°Are you busy this early?¡±

    Dolores let out a softugh. ¡°I¡¯m just hunting for ideas, trying toe up with creative ways to celebrate a boyfriend¡¯s birthday. I want to throw Dustin the best party ever.¡±

    The response caught Linsey off guard, leaving her with a strange mix of curiosity and worry.

    A growing suspicion had taken root: after those tears Dolores shed days earlier, her attachment to Dustin had only intensified, bordering on obsession.

    Back when Dustin¡¯s affections seemed to outshine Dolores¡¯, Linsey hadn¡¯t given the dynamic much thought. Yet, as Dolores seemed to throw herself more and more into the idea, Linsey couldn¡¯t shake a faint sense of apprehension.

    Thinking back to Collin¡¯s gentle reassurancest night, she managed to calm her nerves. Reason told her she was probably making too much of things. Once Collin finished speaking with Dustin, the two of them could work together and surely convince Hester to wee Dolores. That way, all of Dolores¡¯ effort for Dustin would finally count for something.

    Comforted by that thought, Linsey nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll eat first. When I¡¯m finished, I¡¯ll help you brainstorm some party ideas.¡±

    Dolores waved her off. ¡°No need! I¡¯ve already narrowed it down to a handful of options. Later, I¡¯ll go check out some ces in person¡ªsometimes online reviews don¡¯t tell the whole story.¡±

    ¡°Perfect. My schedule¡¯s clear, so I¡¯lle with you.¡± Linsey smiled, happy to tag along.

    She made her way to the table and started on breakfast.

    Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    Dolores soon closed herptop, joining Linsey with a curious look. ¡°Isn¡¯t Gorman supposed to leave Grester today? Aren¡¯t you going to the airport?¡±

    A gentle shake of the head was Linsey¡¯s answer. ¡°No, we said our goodbyes yesterday. There¡¯s really nothing left to add.¡±

    After a brief pause, she added, ¡°Collin is d that Gorman¡¯s leaving. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s already arranged for people to get him safely onto the ne.¡±

    Biting into her toast, Linsey spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. ¡°Collin knows that if something happened to Gorman now, I¡¯d feel responsible. So he¡¯ll make sure everything goes smoothly, and I don¡¯t need to see him off myself.¡±

    Dolores chuckled, giving Linsey a yful nudge. ¡°That¡¯s exactly it! No wonder you read Collin like a book. You always know what he¡¯s thinking!¡±

    Linsey made quick work of her breakfast, not lingering at the table.

    Once both women had freshened up, they headed down to the lobby side by side. The moment they stepped outside, the sight of two gleaming luxury cars waiting at the curb caught their attention. Neither had time to question it¡ªbefore they could even trade a nce, several familiar faces strolled over to greet them.

    ¡°Linsey!¡±

    Startled, Linsey barely had time to react before M rushed over and wrapped her up in a fierce embrace.

    ¡°You¡¯re really here, Linsey!¡± M was ovee with emotion, her eyes shimmering with tears before she even made contact, her voice trembling. ¡°Where have you been all this time?¡±

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 Chapter 1038

    ?Chapter 1038:

    Trailing just behind, Cruz arrived with worry etched on his face. Gently, he eased M back a step. ¡°Easy, M. Don¡¯t scare her.¡± With visible reluctance, M finally released her grip.

    Meeting M¡¯s gaze, Linsey noticed her wiping away tears with shaking hands and felt a brief moment of difort.

    Her confusion cleared as she caught sight of Jeffery and Alicia lingering behind the older couple.

    So Dolores had been right¡ªJeffery had already filled M and Cruz in on her homing.

    It seemed the entire Lawson family had rushed over at dawn, as if afraid she might vanish again without a word.

    Linsey caught Dolores¡¯ yful, knowing look from the corner of her eye.

    M tried to collect herself, but Linsey¡¯s poised calm only made her more anxious.

    Lost in the rush of reunion, M nearly forgot how things had ended four years ago. A hesitant apology slipped out. ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m sorry. Was I too much?¡±

    M managed a nervous smile, obvious hope shining in her damp eyes as she sought forgiveness.

    Linsey¡¯s brows drew together ever so slightly. Looking into a face that mirrored her own, she found it impossible to be harsh.

    Taking a breath, Linsey stepped back and addressed her with polite reserve. ¡°Mrs. Lawson, is something wrong?¡±

    Once upon a time, she had felt close enough to M to use her first name.

    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    But after the truth came out, Linsey had chosen a more distant form of address.

    Even knowing that the couple in front of her were the parents she had once ached to find did nothing to change her decision.

    M¡¯s lips trembled with emotion, her eyes filling as she fought not to cry in front of everyone.

    ¡°We were overjoyed to hear you¡¯de back, Linsey.¡± Trying to recover, M offered a hopeful smile and invited, ¡°If you¡¯re free today, would you join us for a meal? We¡¯ve made a reservation. As a family, we thought¡ª¡±

    The word stuck in her throat. Worrying she had said too much, she hurried to correct herself. ¡°I mean, we¡¯d like to invite you to eat with us, just to talk and catch up.¡±

    Cruz quietly added his support. ¡°There¡¯s no pressure, Linsey. We won¡¯t ask you to do anything you¡¯re ufortable with. We only hope to share a meal together.¡±

    He studied Linsey with gentle worry, his eyes red with emotion.

    ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot in four years. You seem thinner now.¡±

    Meanwhile, Jeffery and Alicia waited quietly behind the older couple. Their silence was its own kind of statement¡ªthey trusted M and Cruz to say what needed to be said.

    Too many people speaking would only make Linsey feel cornered, and none of them wanted to overwhelm her.

    Linsey kept her eyes lowered and declined with gentle formality. ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ve already made other arrangements for today. I won¡¯t be able to join you for lunch.¡±

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 Chapter 1039

    ?Chapter 1039:

    When she heard her answer, M¡¯s heart tightened with disappointment, though she could hardly call it unexpected.

    She spent a moment gathering herself, then suddenly shifted her focus to Dolores, who had quietly stood by through it all.

    ¡°You must be Dolores, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve been Linsey¡¯s closest friend for years.¡± With warmth, M sped Dolores¡¯ hand. ¡°Would you consider joining us? Maybe Linsey would feel more at ease if you were there.¡±

    Cruz jumped in without missing a beat. ¡°Dolores, you and Linsey have always been like sisters. I hope you know by now that Linsey is our biological daughter. We can¡¯t thank you enough for looking after her all this time. If the restaurant doesn¡¯t suit you, just tell us¡ªwe¡¯ll dly pick another spot, whatever you both prefer!¡±

    The sudden focus caught Dolores off guard. She hadn¡¯t expected the Lawsons to appeal to her so directly. It struck her as genuine proof of how much Linsey mattered to them.

    Those four years had been a ck hole¡ªCollin had searched endlessly, but even he had failed, thanks to Gorman¡¯s determination to keep Linsey hidden. The Lawsons, especially with their waning influence, had never stood a chance.

    Still, Dolores had surmised that, given their desperation years ago, the Lawsons would move mountains to see Linsey if they got even a whisper of her return to Grester.

    ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, I¡¯m so grateful for your kindness, but unfortunately, I have priormitments today,¡± Dolores replied with soft regret, turning down Cruz¡¯s generous offer.

    Disappointment flitted across both M¡¯s and Cruz¡¯s faces at her answer.

    The sight left Dolores oddly unsettled.

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    A sidelong nce at Linsey told her plenty¡ªher friend¡¯s brow was pinched, and the spark in her eyes had dulled.

    Lowering her gaze, Dolores noticed Linsey¡¯s hands were balled into fists at her sides, small crescent marks blooming where her nails pressed into her skin.

    There was no doubt left¡ªLinsey no longer looked to the Lawsons for anything. What remained in her heart was only reluctance, even a touch of resistance.

    Even so, witnessing the disappointment on their faces, Linsey felt a flicker of tenderness¡ªsome threads of family were nearly impossible to sever, no matter how much she tried.

    Dolores, for her part, silently wished Linsey could mend things with the Lawsons. Maybe then, if life turned upside down again, Linsey wouldn¡¯t have to stand alone as she had four years ago.

    Once, Dolores had truly believed she could be Linsey¡¯s anchor.

    But when trouble blindsided her ownpany, Dolores found herself barely able to keep afloat. There had been no way to reach out to Linsey when she needed it most.

    Now, even her rtionship with Dustin remained unresolved, hanging over her with uncertainty.

    A quiet hope lingered in her mind¡ªif she ever had to leave Grester behind, at least Linsey might not be left all on her own if the Lawson family could fill the gap.

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 Chapter 1040

    Chapter 1040:

    She was almost startled by how quickly these thoughts tumbled through her head.

    By the time Dolores returned to the moment, M was already speaking again, her voice soft with understanding. ¡°It¡¯s alright, truly. Any time you¡¯re free¡ª¡±

    But before M could say more, Dolores shed Linsey a gentle smile and said, ¡°I¡¯ll handle things on my ownter. Linsey, why don¡¯t you have lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Lawson? After so many years apart, you must have a lot to catch up on.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes went wide in protest. ¡°But¡ªI¡­¡±

    Out of the corner of her eye, Dolores spotted M¡¯s and Cruz¡¯s faces brightening with hope, and a weight seemed to lift from her shoulders.

    Dolores could see without a doubt that the Lawsons¡¯ feelings for Linsey were sincere.

    If only they could show her genuine warmth and make up for the time they had lost, Dolores believed Linsey¡¯s forgiving heart would eventually let them back in.

    She understood better than anyone¡ªLinsey still carried a deep yearning for family.

    ¡°No more second thoughts,¡± Dolores said, squeezing Linsey¡¯s hand with a steady grip and sending her a look full of gentle encouragement. ¡°Go on. We¡¯ll catch up tonight.¡±

    With that, she offered a polite smile to the Lawsons and slipped away down the street.

    Linsey stayed rooted to the spot, her gaze following Dolores until she was out of sight, her emotions tangled in knots.

    Those few words from Dolores said everything she needed to hear. She knew exactly what Dolores hoped for¡ªa real conversation between her and the Lawsons, one that might finally bring closure.

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    Even if she decided not to return to them, she owed everyone an honest answer.

    Otherwise, the Lawsons would never stop searching for her.

    Resolved, Linsey turned to M, who stood there, eyes shining with unshed tears, and said in a calm, clear voice, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    M looked stunned for a moment, but Cruz gently nudged her back to herself.

    ¡°Yes! Yes, of course!¡± M¡¯s tears spilled over, trickling down her cheeks and leaving a little mark on her blouse.

    Watching M break down like that, Linsey felt a sharp pang deep inside, her breath faltering for just a moment.

    Still, her face gave nothing away, leaving her emotions well hidden. It wasn¡¯t just M and Cruz who were overjoyed¡ªJeffery and Alicia shared quick, hopeful looks as well.

    ¡°Come along, Linsey,¡± M said softly, reaching out in an attempt to take Linsey¡¯s hand.

    Linsey instinctively stepped back, gently sidestepping M¡¯s gesture. M¡¯s fingers dropped to her side, and a flicker of sadness crossed her features.

    A hush settled over the group, making the air heavy with awkwardness.

    Linsey¡¯s expression stiffened, her lips parting as if she meant to say something, but no words came.

    .

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    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you have a great day dear readers. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

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    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1041

    ?Chapter 1041:

    Before the silence could stretch any further, Alicia slid over, looping her arm through M¡¯s and offering a bright smile to break the tension. ¡°M, we¡¯d better get moving. Traffic might be heavy, and it¡¯ll take a while to reach the restaurant.¡±

    M quickly pulled herself together, masking her disappointment behind a calm exterior. ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The group made their way toward the waiting cars without another word.

    Jeffery spoke up, breaking the quiet. ¡°Dad, Mom, you two should ride up front.¡±

    M hesitated, ncing at Linsey, but the memory of Linsey¡¯s guarded reaction made her reconsider pressing any closer.

    There would be other chances to close the gap¡ªshe knew that if she forced things now, she would only push Linsey further away.

    So, Linsey and Alicia made their way to the second car, leaving the others to the first.

    Jeffery slipped quietly into the front seat, making sure the more spacious area in back was left open for both women.

    Pregnancy made even the simplest things tricky for Alicia, and she hesitated at the car door.

    Linsey, noticing her struggle, reached out to offer a steadying hand.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Alicia said, her voice low but sincere.

    With everyone settled, the car eased away from the curb, moving unhurriedly down the street.

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    Linsey soon realized the driver was deliberately careful, no doubt keeping Alicia¡¯s condition in mind.

    The stillness inside the car didn¡¯tst long. Alicia soon nced over, her tone gentle. ¡°Linsey, did you manage to eat something this morning? Are you feeling hungry?¡±

    Linsey shook her head lightly. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I ate before we left.¡±

    Alicia¡¯s hand drifted to her belly, her smile a mix of pride and shyness. ¡°I did eat before I left the house, but I¡¯m already hungry again. Cravings hit at the strangest times these days.¡±

    Drawing from her own experience, Linsey easily picked up the conversation with Alicia. ¡°That¡¯spletely normal. Pregnancy has a way of making you hungry all the time. You need plenty of extra nourishment now.¡±

    Alicia agreed with an awkward smile, but a hint of worry crept into her eyes. ¡°Honestly, ever since I got pregnant, all I want to do is eat and sleep. I barely get any exercise anymore.¡±

    Linsey offered her aforting smile. ¡°Don¡¯t stress about that. Once the baby arrives and you¡¯ve had time to recover, you¡¯ll be back to your usual routines. For now, since you¡¯re well along, gentle walks are probably best.¡±

    From the front seat, Jeffery watched them in the rearview mirror, lost in thought.

    Memories from four years ago resurfaced. Linsey had packed up and left Grester right after learning she was pregnant.

    She had spent those years overseas, bringing twins into the world all on her own. Jeffery couldn¡¯t begin to fathom how she managed to get through it.

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 Chapter 1042

    ?Chapter 1042:

    Since Alicia¡¯s pregnancy began, Jeffery had witnessed firsthand just how hard carrying a child could be.

    As her husband, he tried to make things easier for Alicia¡¯s pregnancy every day.

    That was why Jeffery couldn¡¯t begin to fathom how Linsey had managed to bring up two kids on her own for four years.

    The longer Jeffery dwelled on it, the more his frustration grew. A part of him wanted nothing more than to make Collin answer for the pain he had caused Linsey.

    He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around how Linsey could forgive Collin and let him back into her life.

    For a brief moment, Jeffery caught himself in a tangle of regret and irony.

    Now, he and his parents were trying hard to seek Linsey¡¯s forgiveness. Even though he and Linsey shared the same blood, Jeffery couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he had never actually been there for her.

    Collin, for all his ws, had at least shown Linsey genuine care. Compared to that, Jeffery felt that he and his family had only let her down, and he knew they had no grounds to expect Linsey to be kind to them now.

    Meanwhile, a gentle, easy conversation continued in the back seat between Linsey and Alicia.

    Alicia never brought up Linsey¡¯s ce in the Lawson family or the turmoil from four years earlier. Instead, she focused on the present, chatting with Linsey about pregnancy and asking for advice with genuine warmth.

    Linsey didn¡¯t hold back, readily sharing tips and bits of wisdom from her own experiences.

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    Curiosity twinkled in Alicia¡¯s eyes as she asked, ¡°When did you find out you were having twins, Linsey? Was it difficult carrying both of them?¡±

    Jeffery, quiet in the front, nced at Linsey in the mirror, wanting to hear her answer too.

    ¡°I found out at a checkup around four or five months in,¡± Linsey replied truthfully.

    She hesitated for a moment before answering Alicia¡¯s question. ¡°It¡¯s definitely harder carrying twins than just one. That¡¯s for sure¡­¡± That was all she offered, but she turned to give Alicia a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. The doctors will make sure you¡¯re asfortable as possible.¡±

    Alicia tookfort in Linsey¡¯s words and didn¡¯t push for more.

    Considering they weren¡¯t especially close, Alicia understood why Linsey chose not to share too much about the struggles she had faced. A soft smile appeared on Alicia¡¯s face as she rested her hand over her bump. ¡°I just want the delivery to go smoothly so I can finally hold my baby in my arms.¡±

    Jeffery spoke with quiet conviction, his voice carrying the weight of genuine care. ¡°You will be fine too.¡±

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 Chapter 1043

    ?Chapter 1043:

    The reassurance drew a softugh from Alicia. ¡°Of course we will, both the baby and I.¡±

    Linsey stood quietly to the side, listening carefully to their exchange. She could clearly observe the restrained worry and deep tenderness written across Jeffery¡¯s expression as he spoke to his wife.

    What she witnessed felt like an undeniably authentic reflection of the profound bond these two people shared.

    Jeffery wasn¡¯t the type of man who dealt in false emotions, nor did he seem like someone who would waste energy on empty pretense.

    If he possessed the ability to fake such heartfelt affection toward his wife, he might as well have pursued a sessful career as a well-established actor.

    Linsey¡¯s thoughts inevitably drifted back to the conversation she had had with Joanne.

    She cast a sideways nce at Alicia, whose face remained illuminated with that gentle, contented smile.

    Could there really be any truth to those ims about Alicia demanding that substantial sum of money from the Lawson family? Or perhaps it was simply that Jeffery understood Alicia¡¯s eagerness for wealth but chose to love her unconditionally regardless?

    If that were actually the case, Linsey wouldn¡¯t find anything particrly wrong with such an arrangement.

    Alicia clearly loved money, and Jeffery possessed plenty of it. In many ways, they seemed like a perfectlyplementary match.

    But whether those persistent rumors held any truth or not, the genuine sincerity of their feelings for each other appeared to be what truly mattered in the end.

    Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Meanwhile, after saying goodbye to Linsey, Dolores made her way to the jewelry store she had discovered online.

    Throughout Grester, this particr shop had be a cherished spot where couples crafted personalized pieces together, and where jewelry enthusiasts could create simple treasures using the store¡¯s provided materials.

    Dolores approached the front counter, ready to inquire about their DIY workshop options.

    A familiar voice suddenly cut through the ambient chatter from across the store.

    ¡°Dustin, Hester, this ne is absolutely stunning. What are your thoughts?¡±

    Dolores went rigid. That voice belonged to Joanne.

    Her head turned slowly, almost against her will, until she spotted three figures clustered around a disy case on the store¡¯s far side. The tall man positioned on the right made her breath catch. She would recognize that silhouette anywhere, even from behind.

    ¡°It¡¯s lovely and suits you perfectly. If it catches your fancy, we¡¯ll take it,¡± Hester replied, her tone warm with approval. ¡°You can wear this for Dustin¡¯s birthday celebration and attend the banquet as his date.¡±

    Hester¡¯s gaze shifted meaningfully toward her son as she spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t you agree, Dustin?¡±

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 Chapter 1044

    ?Chapter 1044:

    When he responded, his voice carried that unmistakable resonance Dolores knew by heart. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    The words hit Dolores like a physical blow. Reality crashed over her in merciless waves.

    Her boyfriend stood there with his mother, selecting jewelry for another woman to wear.

    They were choosing a gift specifically intended for Joanne to wear as Dustin¡¯spanion at his birthday celebration.

    The full picture crystallized with brutal rity.

    So Dustin had already made arrangements for his birthday, while she had been naively nning an entire day of romantic activities for just the two of them.

    Dolores¡¯s thoughts spiraled into chaos, but her survival instincts kicked in first. She needed to escape this ce immediately.

    Just as she pivoted toward the exit, her name sliced through the air.

    ¡°Ms. Davidson?¡± Joanne¡¯s timing proved devastatingly perfect, trapping Dolores mid-flight. ¡°Hester, Dustin, surely I¡¯m not mistaken? Isn¡¯t that Ms. Davidson, the CEO of Davidson Group?¡±

    The sharp stato of Joanne¡¯s heels against the polished floor sent prickles of dread across Dolores¡¯s scalp.

    ¡°Ms. Davidson, what a wonderful surprise!¡± Joanne¡¯s voice practically sparkled with manufactured enthusiasm.

    Trapped, Dolores drew a steadying breath and turned to face her tormentors. When her eyes met Dustin¡¯s, she found his gaze clouded with unreadable emotions¡ªdark and conflicted.

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    Recognition flickered across Hester¡¯s features, followed immediately by barely concealed irritation.

    Yet with Joanne watching expectantly, Hester smoothly adopted an expression of polite unfamiliarity.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Hester curled her lips into a faint smile. ¡°Joanne, how do you know Ms. Davidson?¡±

    The moment those words reached her ears, Dolores felt a sharp pang in her chest.

    How did Joanne know her?

    Everything started the day she turned to Dustin for help when Linsey and Collin went missing. Ever since then, she and Dustin had been meeting in secret whenever they could.

    After each meeting, Dustin would head to a specific location to meet Joanne, carefully creating the impression that he had been with her all day.

    Joanne was well aware of what was happening between her and Dustin. Hester didn¡¯t like her, though.

    If Hester ever uncovered the truth¡ªthat she and Dustin had been meeting all this time¡ªthen¡­

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 Chapter 1045

    ?Chapter 1045:

    ¡°Well,¡± Joanne released a soft, deliberately vague sigh. ¡°It happened just a few days ago. Dustin was present that day as well.¡±

    Out of Hester¡¯s sight, Dustin¡¯s body went visibly rigid.

    Even Dolores, positioned several steps away, could feel the waves of nervous energy radiating from him.

    She had never witnessed this vulnerable side of him before.

    Confusion suddenly washed over Dolores.

    Was Dustin really this terrified? Could he truly be so frightened of his mother discovering that they had neverpletely cut ties?

    She recalled how, just a short while earlier, Dustin had boldly suggested they should escape together.

    Back then, she had sensibly refused his proposal.

    Now, though, regret gnawed at her heart.

    Seeing Dustin stand so intimately close to another woman sent waves of agony through her chest.

    What hurt more was watching Dustin make absolutely no attempt to create distance between himself and Joanne.

    He had sworn to her that he would find a way for them to be together. Yet here he stood, escorting Joanne through a jewelry store, attentively helping her select an expensive ne.

    Joanne¡¯s carefully chosen words immediately aroused Hester¡¯s suspicion.

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    Hester¡¯s expression turned cial as she addressed Dustin, her voice dripping with arctic coldness. ¡°And where precisely did you and Joanne encounter Ms. Davidson?¡±

    Dustin¡¯s mouth twitched slightly at the corner. Avoiding Dolores¡¯ gaze entirely, he responded with forced casualness, ¡°Grester isn¡¯t exactly a sprawling metropolis. Running into familiar faces happens all the time, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Then he cast a casual nce toward Hester. ¡°Joanne has been acquainted with Linsey for quite some time now. It¡¯s hardly shocking that she¡¯d know Dolores as well.¡±

    Dustin understood perfectly that Hester had intentionally hidden his connection to Dolores in front of Joanne.

    Since Hester wanted to maintain this charade, he figured he might as well cooperate.

    He knew Hester would never risk discussing his romantic entanglements with Joanne listening.

    Thest thing Hester wanted was for Joanne¡ªher handpicked choice for the perfect daughter-inw¡ªto decide against marrying into the Wade family.

    If such a disaster urred, all of Hester¡¯s careful scheming and investment would crumble to nothing.

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    .

 Chapter 1046

    ?Chapter 1046:

    Hearing Dustin so coldly detach himself from her, Dolores discovered something unexpected. The crushing heartbreak she had braced herself for never came.

    Instead, a bone-deep weariness settled over her.

    She could grasp that Dustin was simply trying to sidestepplications.

    Joanne let a subtle smile grace her lips, choosing not to expose Dustin¡¯s deception just yet.

    Linsey hadn¡¯t agreed to work with her so far.

    She was prepared to grant Linsey additional time to think it over.

    Even so, she nned to do something to make her agree sooner.

    ¡°Dustin¡¯s absolutely correct. A few days ago, Dustin and I caught a movie together, and I spotted Linsey in the theater. I walked over to greet her, and that¡¯s when I was introduced to Ms. Davidson.¡± Joanne delivered this exnation with a radiant smile aimed directly at Hester.

    ¡°I see,¡± Hester responded atst, her wariness gradually dissolving. Joanne¡¯s manner and words rang so genuine that Hester couldn¡¯t question their authenticity.

    Dolores and Dustin both knew that Joanne was lying.

    Still, they desperately needed Joanne¡¯s help to keep the secret. Anxiety twisted in Dolores¡¯ stomach as she watched Joanne¡¯s effortless deception, yet beneath that unease, she couldn¡¯t deny the secret relief and gratitude flooding through her.

    This contradiction struck Dolores aspletely ridiculous and absurd. How had her rtionship with Dustin twisted into something soplicated?

    Don¡¯t miss it: g?l§Úov???.c§àm

    Turning back to Dolores, Joanne asked with that practiced smile, ¡°Ms. Davidson, shopping for jewelry as well?¡±

    The store clerk positioned near Dolores offered a courteous smile, clearly believing these customers knew each other. Without pause, she jumped in to exin Dolores¡¯ situation to Joanne. ¡°This customer just walked in and hasn¡¯t begun browsing yet.¡±

    Dolores was relieved. Thank goodness she hadn¡¯t revealed her true purpose to the clerk. Had she done so, an incredibly ufortable scene would be unfolding right now.

    Dolores managed to curve her lips upward at precisely the right moment, though warmth never touched her eyes. ¡°Simply taking a leisurely walk.¡±

    Excitement colored Joanne¡¯s voice. ¡°What perfect timing! Could you spare a moment to help me decide which nes tter me?¡±

    When she heard this request, Dolores¡¯posure slipped, and her first instinct was to decline.

    Hester, typically cold toward Dolores, suddenly broke into an enthusiastic grin. ¡°What an excellent idea.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 1047

    ?Chapter 1047:

    Dolores thought that she had misheard something.

    Concern creased Dustin¡¯s brow as an ominous feeling settled over him. Fixing Dolores with a subtle smile, Hester spoke with deliberate precision. ¡°Your dear friend Linsey has quite the reputation as a fashion designer. Being so close to someone with such refined taste, you must possess excellent judgment yourself. Perfect for helping Joanne select jewelry.¡±

    She then shifted to another topic. ¡°Dustin¡¯s birthday approaches, and we¡¯re nning an elegant dinner party. Joanne will apany him as his date and must look absolutely stunning.¡±

    This news wasn¡¯t new to Dolores, yet hearing it repeated did nothing to lessen the ache piercing her heart.

    Before she could voice any refusal, Joanne stepped forward with apparent intimacy, linking their arms and guiding her toward a disy counter.

    ¡°Dolores, how does this ne look to you?¡± After posing the question, Joanne seemed to recall something and retrieved her phone, disying a photo for Dolores. ¡°Here¡¯s the evening gown I¡¯ll be wearing that night. Do you think this neplements the dress?¡±

    A faint ringing began in Dolores¡¯ ears,ing in waves and making Joanne¡¯s voice sound distant and unclear.

    Her attention fixed on the phone screen in Joanne¡¯s hand.

    The extravagant evening gown gleamed with opulence, each detail radiating costly refinement.

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    That lustrous silk fabric seemed to mock Dolores, its shine cutting into her vision like a de.

    The stunning gown itself didn¡¯t spark jealousy in Dolores; what she truly envied was how effortlessly Joanne had won Hester¡¯s favor. With a proper family background, her own rtionship with Dustin wouldn¡¯t be such an uphill battle.

    ¡°I¡¯m really not skilled at evaluating jewelry.¡± Dolores¡¯ voice came out rough and strained as she tried desperately to decline the request.

    Joanne¡¯s eyebrows lifted, followed by a look of genuine disappointment. ¡°You¡¯re not? That¡¯s strange. Someone who is acquainted with Linsey should naturally possess exceptional taste as well¡­¡±

    A quick hand flew to Joanne¡¯s mouth as she feigned regret. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry, Dolores. I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    Hester cut in, ¡°Joanne, you didn¡¯t say anything wrong.¡±

    She then let out a disdainful snort as she turned her attention to Dolores. ¡°With Linsey, someone so talented, by your side, how could you not have absorbed anything from her? The problem clearly lies with you, Ms. Davidson.¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Dustin¡¯s face turned stormy as he chimed in.

    Those same sharp remarks had pierced his ears countless times before. Never again would he allow Dolores to endure such cruel belittlement. His gaze locked onto Joanne, warning shing in his eyes.

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 Chapter 1048

    ?Chapter 1048:

    Joanne had obviously steered the conversation toward Linsey on purpose.

    Unfortunately, Joanne had voiced exactly what Hester was thinking. Hester, who had been ready to tear into Dustin, froze when she saw the ice in his stare.

    The words stuck in her throat.

    Meanwhile, Joanne caught Dustin¡¯s shift in mood but didn¡¯t flinch. Pretending oblivion, she turned back to Dolores and sped her hand tenderly. ¡°Dolores, pay us no mind. Hester and I were simply teasing you.¡±

    Her smile turned warm as she continued, ¡°Linsey truly is remarkable at what she does. Hester and I both respect her immensely and have been dying to hire her for our own projects.¡±

    Dolores remained quiet, lost for words.

    Hester¡¯s dislike for her wasn¡¯t exactly news to Dolores.

    The woman looked down on her for being an orphan and for depending on Dustin¡¯s investment to rescue her failingpany.

    She had always assumed Hester only had eyes for Joanne.

    Turns out Linsey had also earned a spot on Hester¡¯s list of admired individuals.

    Dolores¡¯ lips pressed together slightly. Drawing a steady breath, she replied with conviction, ¡°Linsey is my best friend, and I couldn¡¯t be prouder of her. But I¡¯m notcking either. I¡¯m perfectly satisfied with where I stand.¡±

    Smoothly pulling her hand free from Joanne¡¯s grip, Dolores continued, ¡°If you want Linsey to design something for you, reach out to her directly. There¡¯s no need to speak to me in such a roundabout manner.¡±

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    Joanne¡¯s face went rigid, surprise flickering across her features. She had expected that differences in talent would naturally spark jealousy between friends.

    Yet Dolores seemedpletely free of envy toward Linsey.

    A twinge of disappointment crept into Joanne¡¯s chest.

    Hester, however, bristled at Dolores¡¯s sharp response. Unable to contain herself, she sneered, ¡°Ms. Davidson, are you perhaps referring to the Davidson Group?¡±

    A mockingugh escaped her lips before she pressed on, ¡°I won¡¯t even mention what happened four years ago. But I heard yourpany¡¯s recent victory at the designpetition was also thanks to Linsey¡­¡±

    Dolores knew exactly where Hester was heading with this. Meeting the woman¡¯s gaze without flinching, she shot back, ¡°Linsey has her strengths, and I have mine. No need to elevate Linsey just to tear me down.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s pause, something seemed to ur to Dolores. Feigning innocent curiosity, she asked, ¡°Mrs. Wade, didn¡¯t you reach your current position by inheriting the Wade Group? So why do you look down on me for building the Davidson Group from scratch?¡±

    The words hit their mark. Hester¡¯s face turned livid instantly. Both Dustin and Joanne stared in obvious shock.

    .

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 Chapter 1049

    ?Chapter 1049:

    Anyone familiar with Hester knew her rtionship with Dustin¡¯s father was anything but peaceful. She had always loathed being called Mrs. Wade. Without Dustin¡¯s uing inheritance of the Wade Group, Hester would have cut all connections to the Wade family without a second thought. Dolores¡¯s chosen form of address had struck exactly the wrong chord with Hester.

    Dustin felt the rising tension and intervened before his mother could explode. ¡°Just call her Hester,¡± he said quickly.

    Displeasure clouded Hester¡¯s features. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± She regarded Dolores, her voice turning sharp. ¡°Ms. Davidson, if you¡¯re unwilling to help Joanne select a ne, we¡¯ll manage without you. We¡¯re unlikely to cross paths again anyway.¡±

    Something dim flickered through Dustin¡¯s gaze at her words.

    That morning, Collin¡¯s invitation had arrived at his doorstep. Originally, he had no intention of joining his mother and Joanne for their shopping trip. Yet something inexplicable had driven him to use the outing as his excuse to decline Collin¡¯s offer.

    Running into Dolores here was thest thing he had expected. Collin had mentioned that Linsey would spend the day with Dolores, with him watching over both children. Lately, Linsey and Dolores had be practically inseparable. So where was Linsey now? What had drawn Dolores out on her own? Linsey neither needed to watch the kids nor attend to Gorman at the hospital. Shouldn¡¯t she be with Dolores?

    Had Linsey been here, Dolores wouldn¡¯t have faced Hester and Joanne alone.

    The more Dustin dwelled on the situation, the deeper his frustration grew. Without realizing it, his irritation toward Linsey intensified with each passing thought.

    ¡°Mom, that¡¯s enough,¡± Dustin said, his brow creasing with displeasure. Dolores met his gaze with cool indifference.

    Moments before she stepped into the jewelry store, excitement coursed through her veins as she nned ways to make Dustin¡¯s birthday truly memorable. How foolish she had been to hope again. Dustin never intended to celebrate his birthday with her. Instead, he would host a grand birthday banquet with Joanne at his side as his chosenpanion.

    While Joanne and Hester subjected her to open mockery and subtle barbs, Dustin merely watched in silence. His few lukewarmments held no real intention of defending her honor. The thought of his mother discovering their continued contact terrified him too much to find the courage he should have shown in protecting her.

    ¡°Dustin.¡±

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    The sound of her own voice calling his name reached Dolores¡¯ ears. In the next heartbeat, Dustin¡¯s brows drew together as shock flickered across his features, his eyes silently demanding an exnation from her. Would she really expose everything between them now?

    Hester fixed Dolores with a sharp, warning look. ¡°Dolores, what exactly do you think you¡¯re going to say?¡±

    Joanne, who had been relishing the spectacle with obvious entertainment, suddenly felt her expression grow cold.

    Dolores remained oblivious to the changing expressions around her. She kept her gaze locked on Dustin, her voice cutting through the tension like ice. ¡°Dustin, I¡¯ve grown weary of all this secrecy over the past few days. I refuse to continue skulking in shadows. We¡¯re done.¡±

    That was when Dustin finally managed to collect his fractured thoughts. His eyes went wide with disbelief as he took an instinctive step toward her. ¡°Dolores, what are you talking about?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 1050

    ?Chapter 1050:

    Hester¡¯s grip tightened on Dustin¡¯s arm like a vice. ¡°Dustin!¡± Her voice quavered with barely contained rage.

    Joanne herself seemed momentarily thrown by this sudden development. This couldn¡¯t be happening. Why would Dolores simply surrender like this? Dolores was her only weapon against Linsey!

    Joanne clenched her teeth quietly, then forced a smile. ¡°Ms. Davidson, are you alright? Just calm down. Let¡¯s talk this through.¡±

    She tried to ease Dolores¡¯ mood, her voice calm and steady. ¡°You must be joking, right?¡±

    Dolores¡¯ breath hitched slightly, but she only watched Joanne coldly, as if watching someone perform alone on stage.

    Joanne suddenly said, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. Linsey and Collin, the founders of CR Corporation, they¡¯re a couple. Naturally, you and Dustin must have known each other for quite a while. I shouldn¡¯t have believed you two only met a few days ago.¡±

    She gave a softugh, stepped closer, and gently took Dolores¡¯ hand. Dolores narrowed her eyes, catching the emotion in Joanne¡¯s gaze. Something wasn¡¯t adding up.

    Was Joanne trying to cover up what she and Dustin had been doing? Dolores couldn¡¯t understand why Joanne was suddenly trying to help her.

    Just moments ago, she had been sneering at her alongside Hester. Then she remembered something Linsey had said¡ªJoanne had feelings for Jeffery.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not feeling well, Ms. Davidson, you should head home and get some rest. We can talkter,¡± Joanne said gently, cutting her off before she could speak.

    Dolores said nothing, her gaze slowly dropping. She had never liked Joanne. And now, she was finally seeing her true face.

    Whatever Joanne was scheming, Dolores wasn¡¯t going to let her win. If Joanne wanted a fight, she would get one.

    Dolores suddenly spoke, her voice light butyered. ¡°Thank you for your concern, Ms. Ellis. I am feeling a little tired. And hungry, too.¡±

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    Joanne hesitated, about to speak, but Dolores beat her to it, a faint smile on her lips. ¡°If I¡¯d known I¡¯d end up like this, I would¡¯ve just joined the Lawsons for breakfast with Linsey this morning. At least I wouldn¡¯t feel so dizzy now¡ªor be rambling nonsense.¡±

    Her smile deepened as she continued, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to intrude on their family time. What do you think, Ms. Ellis? Should I have epted Jeffery¡¯s invitation?¡±

    She raised her voice on thest line, speaking each word with sharp rity¡ªmaking sure Joanne heard every bit of it. ¡°Jeffery seems more refined now that he¡¯s¡ª

    Married. He and his wife make a perfect pair. If I get another chance, I¡¯ll be sure to sit down and have a proper chat with them.¡±

    Joanne froze. She lookedpletely thrown off.

    Dolores gave her a soft pat on the shoulder. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Joanne¡¯s heart cracked. Her hands trembled, her face pale. She stared at Dolores in shock. Now she understood exactly what Dolores was getting at.

    To Dustin and his mother, Dolores¡¯ mention of Jeffery might seem random. But Joanne knew better.

    The cold mockery in Dolores¡¯ eyes was unmistakable. Every word had been deliberate.

    .

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 Chapter 1051

    ?Chapter 1051:

    Joanne wanted to stay calm, to brush it off¡ªbut her breath faltered, and pain gripped her chest.

    She opened her mouth, trying to answer, but no words came out. Her lips quivered in silence.

    Dolores might never win Hester¡¯s approval, but Dustin¡¯s love for her remained unwavering. What about her, though? Bitterness crept into Joanne¡¯s thoughts. Not only had Jeffery forgotten herpletely, but he had also married another woman and started a family.

    Dizziness and despair crashed over Joanne like a tidal wave. Time was running out. Once Alicia delivered Jeffery¡¯s child, herst chance at winning him back would slip away forever.

    Summoning a forced smile, Joanne spoke in a hoarse whisper. ¡°Dolores, since you have other matters to attend to, I won¡¯t keep you any longer.¡±

    Dolores watched in amazement as Joanneposed herself with remarkable speed. Within moments, Joanne had turned to face Dustin and Hester, her expression already softening into a gentle, practiced smile.

    ¡°Hester, Dustin, shall we browse somewhere else?¡±

    Moving toward them with casual grace, Joanne approached the pair.

    ¡°What were you and Dolores discussing just now, Joanne?¡± Hester¡¯s question came suddenly. Something about their conversation had caught her attention. She was certain she had heard them mention the Lawson family.

    Without missing a beat, Joanne replied smoothly, ¡°Dolores mentioned the Lawson family invited her and Linsey to breakfast this morning, though she declined. Probably just a social gathering. I wouldn¡¯t know the specifics.¡±

    Before Hester could probe further, Joanne quickly reached out and linked her arm through Dustin¡¯s, leaning into him with feigned affection.

    ¡°Dustin, why don¡¯t we look at some high heels first? Once we¡¯ve chosen the shoes, selecting a ne might be easier.¡±

    Deep furrows appeared across Dustin¡¯s brow. Instinctively, he tried pulling his arm free from Joanne¡¯s grip.

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    Just then, Joanne turned back and called out, ¡°Oh, by the way, Dolores.¡±

    Those words stopped Dustin cold in his tracks.

    Reality hit him hard. He couldn¡¯t afford to displease Joanne right now. If Joanne exposed his recent secret contact with Dolores, Hester would intervene immediately. Worse yet, his mother might actively sabotage Dolores at every turn.

    Dolores had poured her heart and soul into rebuilding the Davidson Group. Dustin refused to let his mother destroy everything she had aplished.

    Hester had strategically ced Joanne in his life as a watchdog. Just as easily, she could introduce another woman to drive a wedge between him and Dolores.

    Tolerating Joanne seemed safer than risking someone who genuinely craved marriage into the Wade family.

    Heart pounding frantically, Dustin listened as Joanne addressed Dolores. ¡°Dustin¡¯s birthday banquet ising up in a few days. You¡¯re wee to attend if you¡¯re avable. I¡¯ll arrange for invitations to be sent to both you and Linsey.¡±

    Dolores remained perfectly still, offering no response whatsoever. No one could see that her heart had just shattered into countless fragments.

    So this was how far Joanne¡¯s influence had spread within the Wade family. She now held the power to control their guest lists.

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 Chapter 1052

    ?Chapter 1052:

    The quiet realization dawned on Dolores that both Dustin and Hester must have willingly granted Joanne such authority.

    Hester would likely announce Joanne as Dustin¡¯s fianc¨¦e at the uing banquet.

    That coveted title, once the subject of her deepest dreams, now seemed forever beyond her reach.

    A bitter smile tugged at Dolores¡¯ lips. She no longer possessed the strength to n any surprises for Dustin.

    Exhaustion had imed herpletely.

    Hester had been ready to interrogate Joanne further about her conversation with Dolores. But seeing Dustin and Joanne standing so intimately together, arms intertwined, made her abandon all other concerns in that instant.

    Hester had bent over backward to guarantee Dustin would end up with a daughter-inw she personally approved of. Whether Dustin and Joanne felt anything real for each other never entered into her calctions.

    As they exited the jewelry shop, Hester cast a sidelong nce at Joanne, her expression impossible to read. ¡°Joanne, you¡¯re actually going to invite Dolores and Linsey to Dustin¡¯s birthday party?¡±

    In Hester¡¯s mind, Joanne had no clue about any lingering ties between Dolores and Dustin. She genuinely believed the invitation made perfect sense.

    Letting Dolores witness Dustin¡¯s growing bond with Joanne firsthand might convince her to step aside, perhaps even sooner than expected. Hester doubted Dolores had any deep attachment to Dustin, and she couldn¡¯t imagine Dustin being unable to move on without Dolores. To her, it was all just youthful infatuation¡ªnothing more than a temporary spark.

    Did those two really believe they were destined soulmates?

    Joanne offered a gentle smile. ¡°Absolutely. We¡¯re all friends¡ªit would be strange not to include them.¡±

    After a thoughtful moment, Joanne turned to Dustin and continued, ¡°Besides, Collin has been Dustin¡¯s closest friend for decades. Linsey¡¯s his wife, so it only makes sense they¡¯ll both be there.¡±

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    Dustin¡¯s stoic demeanor faltered ever so slightly, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

    Not missing a beat, Joanne watched him carefully, catching the subtle shift in his expression.

    Right then, an odd suspicion began to form in her mind.

    Maybe she had been going about this the wrong way from the beginning. Rather than trying to separate Linsey and Dolores, should her efforts have been directed at Dustin all along?

    That notion, absurd at first, sent a glimmer of hope flickering through Joanne¡¯s otherwise clouded gaze.

    A quietugh slipped out as she muttered under her breath, ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡±

    A long silence stretched before Dustin finally spoke, his voice low and brooding. ¡°Do whatever you think is best.¡±

    Hosting a birthday party had never been his idea¡ªhe would have skipped it if he could. Dolores still filled every corner of his thoughts, pushing everything else aside.

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 Chapter 1053

    ?Chapter 1053:

    The sting of her sharp words earlier that day lingered, leaving him restless and off bnce. But with his birthday drawing near, Hester would only tighten her grip, watching his every move more closely than ever.

    For now, Dustin knew he would have to bide his time, hoping another chance to talk to Dolores woulde soon.

    Across town, Linsey and the Lawsons made their way into the restaurant they¡¯d booked. Only after their orders were taken and the waiter stepped out did the family finally get a quiet moment with Linsey.

    M, trying to find her footing, offered a smile that was both warm and tinged with apology. ¡°Linsey, have you only juste back?¡±

    Linsey didn¡¯t meet her gaze, answering in an even, distant voice. ¡°I came back three months ago.¡±

    The reply made M falter, her smile slipping. The urge to ask why Linsey hadn¡¯t reached out in all that time sat heavily on her tongue.

    Sensing M¡¯s question before she could speak, Jeffery stepped in smoothly. ¡°It must feel strange to be back in Grester after all these years. Are things going alright for you?¡±

    Linsey gave a small nod, her response calm and sincere. ¡°Everything¡¯s been going well. Thank you.¡±

    While Linsey and Jeffery exchanged words, Cruz gently squeezed M¡¯s hand beneath the table, a silent effort to calm her nerves.

    Before they left home, they had already discussed their n.

    M and Cruz carried the weight of regret for how things had yed out four years before. To avoid making the same mistakes, they agreed to move slowly and let Linseye to them at her own pace. Any pressure or old missteps now would only push Linsey further out of reach.

    A shaky breath escaped from M as she worked to calm her nerves. With her lips pressed tight, she looked at Linsey and asked, her concern obvious, ¡°What has it been like for you, living all this time overseas by yourself?¡±

    Worry shone in her eyes as she took in every detail of Linsey¡¯s appearance. Her voice came out unsteady. ¡°You look so much thinner than when Ist saw you. Are you really looking after yourself?¡±

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    The warmth behind M¡¯s questions made it impossible for Linsey to keep her distance any longer.

    After a moment, Linsey nced over at M¡¯s teary eyes and answered in a gentle tone, ¡°I¡¯m all right, really. I¡¯ve just shed a few pounds, nothing more. Four years is a long time¡ªnobody stays exactly the same.¡±

    It was four years earlier when she first realized she was pregnant, and back then, her days with Collin had been filled with joy. During that period, happiness and contentment seemed to follow her everywhere. Her face glowed, and she put on some weight.

    The world shifted, though, the moment she learned that Collin had been lying to her. That heartbreak nearly crushed her, yet she forced herself to eat and sleep for the sake of the children she was carrying.

    Once she left Grester, she found herself managing everything on her own. Delivering twins took a toll, leaving her body depleted. Hard work and long days made it almost inevitable that she would lose weight.

    Things only started to change after she came back to Grester and made peace with Collin. Gradually, her body regained its strength, and she looked more like her old self.

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 Chapter 1054

    ?Chapter 1054:

    By now, Linsey figured there shouldn¡¯t be much difference between how she looked now and four years ago.

    Maybe M was only trying to fill the silence, not really expressing any deep concern.

    A suddenugh from Jeffery broke the tension between them. ¡°I have to say, you carry yourself with a lot more grace these days. You¡¯re nothing like the woman I remember from four years back.¡±

    The words made Linsey smile, and she retorted with a grin, ¡°Whatever changes you see in me, they¡¯re nothingpared to how much you¡¯ve changed.¡±

    With a sly smile, she turned to Alicia. ¡°If you only knew what a handful he was back then,¡± said Linsey, her mock seriousness barely hiding her amusement.

    Though her words were lighthearted, the teasing stirred something deep in Jeffery, pulling old regrets to the surface. Images from the past flickered in his mind¡ªhe remembered falling for Carol¡¯s lies, acting without all the facts, and hurting Linsey more than he cared to admit.

    A shadow passed over his features as the memories took hold. For a moment, nobody spoke.

    Jeffery finally broke the silence, his voice quiet but earnest as he said, ¡°Linsey, I owe you an apology.¡±

    Instantly, the mood in the room shifted, tension creeping into the air. Gone was Linsey¡¯s easy smile. She offered Jeffery a measured look, her faceposed yet distant. She chose to look away, leaving her silence hanging between them.

    Alicia blinked in surprise, uncertain how to react to the sudden change. In all her time around Jeffery, Alicia couldn¡¯t recall ever hearing him admit fault, let alone so openly.

    He usually presented himself as the picture of grace and politeness, but Alicia had always detected a faint trace of pride that seemed to follow him everywhere.

    Hearing him apologize so sincerely to Linsey seemed almost impossible to believe.

    Questions began swirling in Alicia¡¯s mind, curiosity sparked by the obvious history between them.

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    Alicia didn¡¯t have the full picture, but there was enough for her to figure that the Lawsons had once hurt Linsey in a way that left a mark. Now it looked like they were trying to make things right.

    The air was starting to shift. Alicia caught on to it.

    After a short pause, she rose from her seat. Without saying a word, she reached over and picked up a bottle of wine from the table, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

    Everyone snapped back to reality at Alicia¡¯s sudden action. Jeffery¡¯s eyes widened as he watched her deftly twist off the bottle cap. Certain she was about to take a drink, he lunged forward to grab the bottle from her hands. ¡°Alicia, what are you doing?¡±

    Alicia dodged with surprising quickness. ¡°Sit down and don¡¯t move.¡±

    M and Cruz exchanged rmed nces. ¡°Alicia, we have juice right here! You can¡¯t possibly forget you¡¯re carrying a baby¡ªalcohol is absolutely off limits,¡± M said.

    ¡°She¡¯s right. If you¡¯re having wine cravings, we can ask the server to bring some alcohol-free wine specially made for expectant mothers,¡± Cruz added.

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 Chapter 1055

    ?Chapter 1055:

    Even as they protested, Alicia had already poured a generous ss of the deep red wine.

    As she saw her fingers curl around the stem, Linsey¡¯s hand shot out to circle her wrist. ¡°This particr wine has a high alcohol content, and you¡¯re well into your second trimester. It could be dangerous.¡±

    Alicia¡¯s gaze swept over their worried expressions before she broke into delightedughter.

    Without warning, she slid the ss directly in front of Jeffery and dered, ¡°Naturally, I won¡¯t be drinking this. Jeffery will.¡±

    Her handnded firmly on Jeffery¡¯s shoulder as her tone turned deadly serious. ¡°Real apologies require more than pretty words. True remorse demands action. If earning forgiveness were so simple, every person would assume they could wound others and walk away unscathed.¡±

    Alicia let the silence stretch meaningfully before adding, ¡°Though naturally, a single drink won¡¯t suffice. How can we trust you won¡¯t return to mistreating Linsey the moment our backs are turned?¡±

    Jeffery had been ready to agree without hesitation, but her final words gave him pause.

    Drawing himself up to his full height, he proimed with fierce conviction, ¡°I swear on my honor¡ªfrom this day forward, I, Jeffery Lawson, will nevery a finger on Linsey again!¡±

    ¡°Prove it. Drink this first!¡± Aliciamanded, her voice brooking no argument.

    Jeffery seized the ss without a moment¡¯s hesitation and threw back the burning liquid in one decisive gulp.

    Within seconds, crimson heat bloomed across his cheeks.

    ¡°Excellent! Here¡¯s another!¡± Alicia announced, already refilling his ss to the brim. ¡°Keep drinking and keep promising. That¡¯s how we¡¯ll know you mean every word.¡±

    Jeffery never wavered, draining the second ss just as quickly as the first.

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    Linsey watched the entire spectacle with her mouth hanging open in disbelief.

    ¡°Jeffery, you¡­¡± Linsey tried to halt this increasingly surreal situation but didn¡¯t know what to say.

    At that precise moment, Jeffery brought his ss crashing down against the table with a resounding bang, his face transformed by unexpected gravity.

    Their eyes met across the table, and though alcohol had clouded his gaze, every word emerged with crystal rity. ¡°Linsey¡­¡±

    Having spoken her name, he faltered momentarily before adding in a voice thick with emotion, ¡°My precious sister.¡±

    Something twisted painfully in Linsey¡¯s chest as conflicting emotions churned within her heart.

    ¡°I have no right to call myself your brother,¡± Jeffery whispered, his eyes sliding shut. ¡°Everything I did was unforgivable.¡±

    His head bowed under the weight of shame, regret etched into every line of his face. ¡°You have Mom¡¯s eyes, her delicate features. You even look like me in some ways. The instant Iid eyes on you, recognition should have struck like lightning. Instead, I was too consumed by my own arrogance to see the truth staring me in the face. That¡¯s why all those terrible things happened, things that should never have been allowed to pass. Every mistake, every cruel word, every moment of blindness stems from my pride and willful ignorance!¡±

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 Chapter 1056

    ?Chapter 1056:

    Jeffery drew in a shuddering breath, his entire frame trembling with the force of his confession.

    Tears gathered at the corners of his reddened eyes, threatening to spill over at any second.

    Through gritted teeth, he forced out his final, desperate plea. ¡°Linsey, if there¡¯s any chance you could find it in your heart to forgive me, to forgive Mom and Dad for all we¡¯ve put you through, I¡¯ll sign over everyst share I own in the Lawson Group. Everything will be yours!¡±

    The moment Jeffery finished speaking, both M and Cruz turned toward him, their faces a mixture of surprise andplicated emotions.

    M¡¯s lips parted as if she wanted to chime in, but whatever words she considered never made it past her tongue.

    Cruz breathed out softly, his sigh barely there, and in the end, he simply acquiesced to Jeffery¡¯s choice.

    Linsey, on the other hand, kept her cool. Nothing about her demeanor changed as she took in everyone¡¯s reactions.

    ¡°You honestly think I¡¯m after Lawson Group¡¯s shares?¡± Her gaze slid over to Jeffery, her voice calm and unreadable.

    A beat of hesitation crossed Jeffery¡¯s face. He rushed to rify. ¡°Linsey, that¡¯s not what I meant at all. I just¡ª¡±

    What he wanted was to show her, even after all his past mistakes, that he meant to make things right. The only thing he truly owned¡ªhis only real asset¡ªwas those shares in Lawson Group. That was all he could offer now.

    He had no illusions that Linsey was greedy or ambitious. He just wanted to give her something that mattered.

    Before he could get the rest out, Linsey interrupted him, a subtle smile appearing on her lips. Her words came slow and calm. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Where¡¯s the share transfer agreement? If you¡¯re serious, have yourwyer bring the paperwork. I¡¯m not the type who gets moved by sweet talk alone.¡±

    Jeffery hesitated for only a moment before pulling out his phone. ¡°Draw up the agreement and head over right away,¡± he instructed after dialing hiswyer.

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    Once the call ended, his attention shifted back to her, his tone earnest. ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m serious about this. If you¡¯ll ept my apology, I¡¯ll agree to anything you ask.¡±

    Without looking his way, Linsey traced a circle along her water ss. ¡°You¡¯re just going to hand the shares over to me? Don¡¯t you think you ought to run this by Alicia before you do anything drastic?¡±

    Linsey nced over at Alicia, catching the faint surprise flickering in her eyes. She continued, ¡°You and Alicia are married, after all. The shares you own in the Lawson Group belong to both of you.¡±

    A quietugh escaped Alicia as she replied with an¡ª

    Easy grace apanied Alicia¡¯s words. ¡°Jeffery¡¯s shares are his alone to give. There¡¯s really no need to check with me.¡±

    Jeffery¡¯s lips curved into a small smile as he met Alicia¡¯s gaze. ¡°Our family has spent a fortune on my treatments all these years, and honestly, I haven¡¯t done much to move thepany forward. I probably should have given up those shares long ago.¡±

    His smile turned warmer as he faced his sister. ¡°You¡¯re a Lawson too, Linsey. The shares belong with you.¡±

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 Chapter 1057

    ?Chapter 1057:

    Linsey¡¯s expression softened at his words. Her eyes drifted to Alicia¡¯s stomach, and her tone took on a matter-of-fact edge. ¡°Don¡¯t forget about your child. Giving awaypany shares isn¡¯t something to take lightly.¡±

    Questions lingered at the back of her mind. She couldn¡¯t be sure if Alicia really meant what she said, especially after Joanne¡¯s recent usations echoed in her thoughts. If Alicia really had demanded such arge sum from the Lawson family, why would she seem soposed after hearing Jeffery¡¯s offer? Maybe Joanne had been trying to stir up trouble, twisting the truth to push Linsey toward that unreasonable agreement.

    Alicia¡¯s smile returned, warm and easy, as Linsey spoke. She rested her hand gently on her belly, her voice full of quiet affection. ¡°One day, our child will choose their own path, and Jeffery and I will be there to give them the kind of home where they can grow without pressure. Those shares don¡¯t matter. Our baby will have everything they need, with or without them.¡±

    After a brief pause, Alicia¡¯s lips curved into a rxed smile. ¡°Besides, Jeffery has already contacted thewyer. We can¡¯t just let theme all this way for nothing, right?¡±

    The private room door suddenly opened before Linsey could answer. A waiter stepped inside, followed by several servers bearing an impressive spread of exquisite dishes. Each te found its ce on the table.

    M immediately sprang to her feet at the sight of food, carefully arranging the dishes she knew Linsey favored right in front of her.

    ¡°Linsey, you must be starving! Go ahead and dig in. You¡¯ve always been crazy about this particr dish.¡± Her voice bubbled with enthusiasm as she continued, ¡°This happens to be their signature specialty. The whole reason I picked this restaurant, actually.¡±

    Without missing a beat, she pushed two more tes toward Alicia¡¯s side of the table. ¡°Alicia, these are for you. Yesterday you were dying to taste this, remember? Better eat up before your stomach startsining.¡±

    Alicia¡¯s entire face brightened as she responded with genuine sweetness, ¡°Thank you, M. Make sure you eat plenty too.¡±

    A few seconds ticked by before Linsey managed her courteous reply. ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful of you.¡±

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    Had M focused all her attention solely on her, Linsey knew she would feel suffocated by the overwhelming care.

    While Alicia¡¯s true intentions remained somewhat mysterious, her presence definitely helped bnce the dynamic and ease the tension. Honestly, Linsey would much rather keep her distance from the Lawson family.

    She genuinely couldn¡¯t fathom what drove their persistent attempts to forge some kind of connection with her.

    Alicia suddenly leaned forward and captured Linsey¡¯s hand in both of hers, her voice dropping to an earnest whisper. ¡°Linsey, those shares represent Jeffery¡¯s most sincere attempt at making amends. His desire to apologizees straight from the heart.¡±

    Her gaze dropped as she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know the full story of what transpired between you all in the past, and I certainly have no right to demand forgiveness from you. At the end of the day, you should follow whatever path feels true to your heart.¡±

    Alicia¡¯s smile returned as her eyes moved from Jeffery to M, then to Cruz. ¡°I haveplete faith that Jeffery, along with M and Cruz, will honor whatever you decide.¡±

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 Chapter 1058

    ?Chapter 1058:

    When Linsey raised her head, she found all three of them nodding with unmistakable conviction.

    ¡°Linsey, we fully support Jeffery¡¯s decision as well,¡± M added eagerly.

    The moment those words left her lips, inspiration seemed to strike her like lightning. Her eyes practically sparkled as she blurted out, ¡°Linsey, what if I do this? I¡¯ll throw my shares into the mix too, right alongside Jeffery¡¯s!¡±

    Linsey¡¯s mouth curved into the faintest hint of amusement, though her expression remained guarded. ¡°With this level of enthusiasm from all of you, I¡¯m starting to wonder if the Lawson Group is secretly on the verge of bankruptcy.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely ridiculous!¡± Cruz, who had maintained his silence until this moment, suddenly erupted with fierce conviction. ¡°Sure, the Lawson Group¡¯s influence in Grester isn¡¯t what it once was, but we remain one of the premier family enterprises in this city. Our roots run deep and strong. Bankruptcy? That¡¯spletely out of the question.¡±

    Cruz¡¯s sudden outburst caught Mpletely off guard. She delivered a swift p to his arm while hissing under her breath, ¡°Will you please keep it down?¡±

    They were supposed to be winning Linsey back, yet here he was defending thepany¡¯s reputation at the worst possible moment.

    The reality of his blunder hit Cruz like a cold ssh of water. His expression shifted instantly as he scrambled to soften his approach. ¡°Linsey, please don¡¯t take that the wrong way. I wasn¡¯t trying to snap at you. I just wanted to set the record straight.¡±

    Taking a steadying breath, he gathered hisposure before continuing in a more measured tone. ¡°Linsey, while the Lawson Group might not rival Collin¡¯s CR Corporation in scope, I give you my word that we¡¯ll do everything to support you.¡±

    Jeffery immediately recognized the opening Cruz had created and seized it without hesitation. ¡°Linsey, I understand your heart still belongs to Collin, but you can¡¯t rely on men forever. You need something concrete in your own hands, something that¡¯s truly yours to control.¡±

    A yful glint appeared in Linsey¡¯s eyes as she arched an eyebrow at Cruz. Her words were both sharp and lightly teasing. ¡°So when you say men can¡¯t be trusted, does that include you too?¡±

    Without a hint of hesitation, she held Cruz¡¯s gaze, not backing down for a second.

    Traditionally, Linsey had always approached those much older than her with courtesy and care. Today, though, she wanted to see just how far the Lawson family¡¯s patience would stretch.

    Everyone knew Cruz was a man of few words, celebrated for his steadfast loyalty to M all these years.

    Linsey, however, had never seen blind devotion as anything special.

    In her eyes, marriage meant two people standing side by side,mitted to each other. That kind of devotion wasn¡¯t a grand gesture. It was simply the bare minimum.

    So when men were constantly praised for doing the least, it didn¡¯t sit right with her. She couldn¡¯t pretend it made sense.

    And as far as she was concerned, Cruz¡ªlike Jeffery¡ªwalked around with a smugness that ran bone-deep. It clung to them, and she found it more irritating than impressive.

    Jeffery, caught off guard by what Linsey had just said, stood frozen for a beat. He couldn¡¯t quite believe how bold she had be.

    Growing up, even at their wildest, he and Carol had always shown a healthy fear of Cruz.

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 Chapter 1059

    ?Chapter 1059:

    He had a hard time imagining anyone but Linsey having the nerve to throw out a remark like that about Cruz.

    ¡°Linsey, Dad¡­¡± Jeffery said, ready to speak up for Cruz.

    But before he could get another word out, Cruz cut in. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said, his voice calm and clear, catching everyone off guard.

    For a moment, no one moved. No one spoke. They were stunned that Cruz, of all people, had actually sided with Linsey.

    Herment had been a direct jab at his dependability.

    Not many fathers would quietly endure such direct criticism from their own child.

    Most assumed Cruz¡¯s earlier agreement was just a passing remark, nothing more. Yet, he surprised everyone by continuing, ¡°Linsey, maybe I haven¡¯t earned the right to call myself your father. But in my heart, you have always been my daughter.¡±

    He paused, drawing in a slow breath. Years of regret softened the lines on his face. ¡°Four years ago, when M and I first learned the truth about you and Carol, M fought with everything she had to bring you home. But me? I hardly tried at all. I just stood aside and let you slip away.¡±

    Linsey said nothing, her mind drifting to those days.

    In the beginning, it was only M¡¯s familiar features that drew her in¡ªan odd sense of recognition, but nothing deeper.

    It wasn¡¯t untilter that she found out M and Cruz were her birth parents, and even then, the only flicker of emotion she felt was toward M.

    Cruz, on the other hand, had always been little more than a name she recognized. From the start, he had never been anything more than a distant figure, someone she happened to be biologically tied to. Even now, that fact changed nothing.

    She had never once felt the kind of bond other daughters spoke about¡ªthe closeness she used to quietly long for.

    So hearing Cruz speak to her so openly now caught herpletely off guard. She hadn¡¯t seen iting.

    ¡°And on top of everything else, the child we brought up ended up doing things to you that were beyond cruel.¡± As Cruz mentioned Carol, a storm of guilt and anger twisted across his face. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether you¡¯re our daughter or not. What matters is, we should have never let Carol treat you like that.¡±

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    His voice began to fray at the edges as he continued, ¡°Linsey, the pain we¡¯ve caused you runs deep. We know that. If you decide you can¡¯t forgive us, if you choose to keep your distance from this family, we¡¯ll respect it without question. Even so, we want to give you whatever we can. We just hope your path from here on out is steadier, without more heartache weighing it down.¡±

    Quietly, M reached for a tissue, dabbing away the tears that clung stubbornly to hershes.

    Heavy guilt pressed down on Jeffery. ¡°I won¡¯t pretend I was meless. Carol¡¯s choices were unforgivable, but I yed my part. My arrogance blinded me, and I let myself get fooled by someone who only meant harm.¡±

    Linsey held his gaze in silence, fully aware that he was speaking about the way Alexa had once crafted her weakness like a weapon, using it to tug at his emotions and bend his judgment without him realizing it.

    Her response was gentle but unwavering. ¡°Alexa did have cancer. In her final days, even she was shocked by the cruelty Carol unleashed.¡±

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 Chapter 1060

    ?Chapter 1060:

    A soft sadness colored Linsey¡¯s voice as she said, ¡°Before she died, I believe Alexa truly carried the weight of the choices she made more than twenty years ago¡ªand wished she had done things differently.¡±

    When she heard this, M¡¯s hands curled tightly, her emotions rising like a tide she could barely hold back.

    It stung to realize that, if only she had been more observant, Linsey might not have carried so much pain alone for so long.

    Instead, she had poured every ounce of love into raising her enemy¡¯s child.

    Had Alexa survived, she would have demanded her answers¡ªface to face.

    Linsey¡¯s voice stayed calm, almost chilly. ¡°No amount of tragedy excuses what Alexa or Carol did. The damage remains. I can¡¯t just let that go.¡±

    She paused, her eyes steady. ¡°Honestly, you¡¯re all the same to me. Maybe if we were lovers or close friends, I¡¯d consider giving us another shot. But that¡¯s not our story. There¡¯s no special bond tying me to this family.¡±

    Unhurried, she reached for a piece of food, chewing slowly, herposure untouched by the weight of her own words.

    Almost ruthless, yet she simply spoke the truth.

    The truth was, there had never been any real bond between her and the Lawson family. All they had ever given her were wounds that never truly healed.

    Given everything they had done, expecting her to offer forgiveness without hesitation was out of the question.

    She wasn¡¯t the kind of person to overlook that kind of hurt just to keep the peace.

    At Linsey¡¯s words, the light faded from M¡¯s eyes, her expression shadowed by disappointment.

    Linsey¡¯s forgiveness was never going toe easy¡ªM had known that from the start. Anyone in Linsey¡¯s shoes would find it hard to ept apologies that arrived sote in the game. She doubted she would forgive, either.

    Linsey set her utensils down with deliberate care, her face remaining unreadable. ¡°If you¡¯ve truly decided, then I have no reason to refuse the shares.¡±

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    Excitement broke out instantly, lighting up every face at the table.

    ¡°Did you just say yes?¡± Jeffery nearly jumped from his seat, unable to hide his shock.

    Emotion shimmered in M¡¯s eyes, her voice trembling. ¡°Are you sure, Linsey?¡±

    Cruz let out a deep breath, relief showing in his features. ¡°This is the right choice, Linsey. Truly, it¡¯s good you¡¯ll take them.¡±

    He nudged Jeffery with a hint of urgency. ¡°Well? Where¡¯s thewyer? He should be here by now.¡±

    Right then, Jeffery checked his phone¡ªjust as a new message popped up. ¡°Thewyer¡¯s already at the restaurant!¡±

    For a second, Linsey blinked at their collective reaction, caught off guard by their enthusiasm. But she recovered quickly, steady as ever.

    She answered, her tone unwavering, ¡°I mean it. If you¡¯ve all decided to hand over the shares, then I¡¯m taking them. It¡¯s the smart move financially and honestly, it¡¯s what I deserve.¡±

    Linsey nced at Jeffery, her smile sly and unbothered. ¡°If Alexa hadn¡¯t swapped me at birth, and I¡¯d lived with you, I¡¯d have been a far better leader for thispany than you ever were.¡±

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 Chapter 1061

    ?Chapter 1061:

    Silence swept through the room, everyone caught off guard by her blunt honesty.

    No one had expected Linsey¡ªalways so quiet, so seemingly content on the sidelines¡ªto step forward with that kind of confidence and presence.

    A burst ofughter escaped Alicia, unable to help herself. Once sheposed her face, she said, ¡°Honestly, I always figured you¡¯d make a better boss than Jeffery ever could.¡±

    Giving Linsey¡¯s shoulder a friendly squeeze, she added, ¡°It¡¯s a relief knowing you¡¯re stepping up. Otherwise, my child and I might have to start worrying about our future.¡±

    The mood in the room lifted, a shared sense of ease settling over everyone.

    Jeffery shed his wife a grin. ¡°Is that what you¡¯ve really thought of me all this time? Am I just the hopeless one in your eyes?¡±

    Momentster, thewyer for the Lawson family appeared, paperwork in hand and ready to make things official.

    After some serious discussion, Linsey finally agreed to ept five percent of Jeffery¡¯s shares.

    M followed suit, transferring half her own shares to Linsey as well. Just like that, Linsey secured a significant stake in the Lawson Group, and everyone in the room understood what that meant¡ªshe was thepany¡¯s future.

    Pen in hand, Linsey finished signing thest document. ¡°Taking on these shares doesn¡¯t mean I consider myself a Lawson,¡± she said with a sly smile. ¡°If I ever decide to turn the Lawson Group into the Brooks Group, don¡¯t take it personally, Cruz.¡±

    Cruz didn¡¯tsh out the way most expected. Instead, he let out a quiet chuckle and said, ¡°If you¡¯ve really got what it takes to reshape thispany, I won¡¯t stand in your way. As far as I¡¯m concerned, if you can take it to new heights, the name can be whatever you want it to be.¡±

    Then, with a gentle look toward M, he said, ¡°We¡¯ll be here¡ªwaiting for you, no matter how long it takes.¡±

    In just one lunch, Linsey had stepped into the role of CEO of the Lawson Group.

    Of course, Linsey hadn¡¯t revealed the whole truth.

    Deep down, Linsey knew her decision to take over thepany wasn¡¯t just about her own future.

    She had heard Joanne boast about her ns to marry Jeffery and be his right hand in running the Lawson Group.

    Linsey had no intention of letting those ambitions go unchecked. Taking control of the Lawson Group was her way of shutting down Joanne¡¯s schemes for good.

    But it wasn¡¯t just about Joanne¡ªnow that she had thepany behind her, Linsey could move through the world with a new sense of freedom.

    As lunch drew to a close, Alicia rose from her seat, her movements slow and careful. ¡°I¡¯m going to step out and find the restroom,¡± she said.

    Jeffery looked ready to follow, already pushing back his chair.

    A gentle smile yed on Linsey¡¯s lips. ¡°Actually, I need the restroom, too. I¡¯ll join you, Alicia.¡±

    She patted her mouth with her napkin, then looked at Jeffery. ¡°You can¡¯te with us. Thedies¡¯ room isn¡¯t for you, Jeffery. We¡¯ll be fine on our own.¡±

    That made Jeffery freeze, uncertainty flickering across his face. Linsey couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you worried I¡¯ll cause trouble?¡±

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 Chapter 1062

    ?Chapter 1062:

    He stumbled over his words, clearly uneasy. ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡±

    Alicia slipped her hand into Linsey¡¯s, a small, reassuring smile on her lips. ¡°He gets this way sometimes. Honestly, it¡¯s just a restroom trip. I could¡¯ve gone by myself, but I don¡¯t mind thepany.¡±

    Lifting an eyebrow, Linsey replied in a rxed tone, ¡°It¡¯s not every day you see Jeffery so protective.¡±

    Her eyes drifted to Alicia¡¯s stomach, and her voice softened. ¡°You¡¯re expecting, so of course he¡¯s concerned.¡±

    She paused, letting her gaze linger a moment longer. ¡°But trust me, I have no reason to hurt you. Surprising that Jeffery seems to think I would¡­¡±

    Looking him straight in the eye, Linsey added, ¡°You can rx, Jeffery. I have children of my own. No matter how I feel about someone, I¡¯d never hurt a pregnant woman. To be honest, it¡¯s only you that gets on my nerves. Alicia and I are just fine.¡±

    As soon as he heard those words, the faint embarrassment on Jeffery¡¯s face gave way to mild resignation.

    He didn¡¯t bother to argue. ¡°Alright, you two go on. If you need anything, just call¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, Linsey and Alicia slipped out the door, leaving the room quiet behind them.

    No sooner had the door clicked shut than M clutched Jeffery¡¯s arm, worry etched into every line of her face. ¡°Jeffery, did I hear that right? Did Linsey say she has children? What is going on?¡±

    ¡°You and Alicia didn¡¯t look the least bit surprised. Did you already know about this, Jeffery?¡± Cruz said, his curiosity getting the better of him.

    They were starting to see just how much of Linsey¡¯s life remained a mystery to them.

    For thest four years, she had vanished from their worldpletely, leaving no trace and no word.

    Jeffery paused, the weight of it settling in as he realized something¡ªthey still had no idea that Linsey was a mother.

    He nodded. ¡°Yes, Dad. Mom. Linsey really does have children.¡±

    During the drive to the restaurant, M and Cruz had taken a different car, which meant they had missed the earlier exchange between Linsey and Alicia about Linsey¡¯s experience raising children.

    Jeffery, on the other hand, had stumbled across the truth about Linsey¡¯s pregnancy more than four years back.

    A stunned silence settled over M and Cruz. Shock widened their eyes, and they exchanged looks, lost for words.

    After a long moment, M found her voice. ¡°So¡­ is Collin the father? Or someone else?¡±

    Her tone was a tangle of confusion and concern.

    A glint of mischief sparked in Jeffery¡¯s eyes as an idea popped into his head.

    Putting on an exaggeratedly serious expression, he said with mock gravity, ¡°The kids aren¡¯t Collin¡¯s. Word is, Collin wants to patch things up with Linsey¡ªbut only if she agrees to leave the children behind. He said he won¡¯t marry her again unless she gives them up.¡±

    Cruz¡¯s hand mmed onto the table, his anger echoing through the room. ¡°Unbelievable! That bastard, Collin¡ªhow dare he treat Linsey like that? If he hadn¡¯t lied to her all those years ago, would she have been forced to leave everything behind?¡±

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 Chapter 1063

    ?Chapter 1063:

    For once, M¡¯s calm exterior disappeared, reced by outrage. ¡°Who does Collin think he is¡ªroyalty? Founder of CR Corporation or not, he has no right to walk all over Linsey. There¡¯s no way we¡¯re letting him hurt her again!¡±

    She gathered herself, determination burning in her voice. ¡°We need to speak with Linsey right away. She deserves so much better than a man who can¡¯t stand by her side. Our doors are always open. Linsey and her children will always have a home with us.¡±

    A solid nod from Cruz confirmed his support. ¡°That¡¯s right. She¡¯s our daughter, and her children are our family. We¡¯ll give them all the love and protection they need.¡±

    He then turned to Jeffery, his face growing serious. ¡°Jeffery, you¡¯re her brother. Since you and Alicia already know what¡¯s going on, it¡¯s up to you to find out what Linsey wants. Do whatever you can to help her bring the kids home.¡±

    A meaningful nce passed between Cruz and M. ¡°For now, we¡¯ll keep quiet. Let Linseye to us on her own terms. She shouldn¡¯t feel cornered or pressured.¡±

    Jeffery needed a moment to take it all in. Cruz and M pulling together such a well-thought-out n so quickly caught himpletely off guard.

    Part of him wished he had recorded every word, just so he could rey it for Linseyter.

    Maybe then she would finally see it for herself¡ªthat they cared more than she ever imagined, and in their hearts, she was already part of the family.

    Gentle softness crept into Jeffery¡¯s expression. ¡°Dad, Mom, I was just spouting nonsense. Linsey¡¯s two children both belong to Collin. Four years ago, during Linsey and Collin¡¯s divorce proceedings, she was already expecting. Sheter delivered twins while living abroad. I still haven¡¯t had the opportunity to meet those two little ones.¡±

    An apologetic smile crossed his face as he added, ¡°Collin would never stoop to such shameless behavior. I believe Linsey has genuinely chosen to reconcile with him. They¡¯re madly in love and simply cannot exist apart.¡±

    Both M and Cruz listened, staring nkly at Jeffery.

    ¡°Jeffery! How dare you carelessly spread such gossip about Linsey¡¯s private affairs?¡± Sharp exasperation colored M¡¯s voice as she scolded him, though relief secretly flooded through her.

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    Relief washed over her as she knew the reality wasn¡¯t as Jeffery had painted it. Had his words been true, Linsey would have suffered another devastating blow from Collin.

    Gradual rxation settled over Cruz as well, his previously rigid and stern features softening. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±

    A brief silence stretched between them before his eyes brightened, and his voice carried mingled joy and curiosity. ¡°So Linsey delivered twins? Are those children staying with Collin currently?¡±

    ¡°Most likely, yes,¡± Jeffery confirmed.

    Faint wonder touched M¡¯s smile as she spoke. ¡°I never imagined Linsey would bear twins overseas. Those precious children must be four years old by now.¡±

    Mncholy crept into her features after a pause, and she whispered, ¡°Linsey must have weathered countless struggles through the years. Caring for two babies single-handedly until they reached four, with no one to depend upon or confide in.¡±

    Bitter anger shed through Cruz upon hearing that. ¡°Collin is absolutely despicable, putting Linsey through all this!¡±

    M nodded in agreement but pressed her lips together, cautioning him, ¡°When we encounter Linseyter, avoid speaking ill of Collin in her presence. As her parents, we¡¯ve likely contributed far less to her life than Collin has. We should remain silent and spare her any distress.¡±

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 Chapter 1064

    ?Chapter 1064:

    Cruz nodded with sudden understanding. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. I mustn¡¯t allow my anger to control me again.¡±

    As he watched them worry so deeply about Linsey¡¯s wellbeing, a bitter taste rose in Jeffery¡¯s throat.

    ¡°Dad, Mom, please don¡¯t worry yourselves. Someday, Linsey will know we truly care for her and return to us.¡± Jeffery spoke while sping their hands firmly. ¡°Stop ming yourselves for what happened. The events from over twenty years ago weren¡¯t your doing. Alexa alone bears responsibility for her greed and vanity. We must all heal and move forward together.¡±

    Linsey and Alicia emerged from the private room, walking side by side.

    ¡°Linsey, Jeffery sometimes speaks without thinking things through properly. Please don¡¯t let his words trouble you. He certainly never intended to question your integrity,¡± Alicia exined gently, concerned that Linsey might have taken offense.

    Linsey curved her lips into a gentle smile, her voice soft and soothing. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know. Jeffery just wants to keep you under his nose to feel reassured. It¡¯s not personal. If someone else were apanying you, he¡¯d still hesitate.¡±

    Alicia turned her head slightly to nce at Linsey, her voice soft, her eyes filled with genuine admiration. ¡°You truly have such a captivating personality. To be honest, from the moment I first met you, I felt a natural sense of closeness. I¡¯m just relieved that you don¡¯t dislike me.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s expression remained unchanged as she asked, ¡°Why would I ever dislike you?¡±

    Alicia¡¯s tone was earnest. ¡°Since you¡¯re not fond of Jeffery, it stands to reason you wouldn¡¯t care much for his wife either, right?¡±

    Linsey replied with quiet assurance, ¡°Jeffery is his own person, and you are yours. I don¡¯t judge people by association. Even if he and I were close, I wouldn¡¯t automatically warm up to you just because of that. That¡¯s never been my way.¡±

    As she spoke, Linsey watched Alicia closely, searching her face for any subtle reaction. ¡°And besides, with all those shares Jeffery handed over, I¡¯d have no reason to make things hard for him.¡±

    Alicia¡¯sugh was soft, entirely untroubled by the mention of lost shares. ¡°Jeffery¡¯s spent these years either fighting illness or living at his own pace, barely dipping into thepany¡¯s business at all.¡± They strolled down the wide corridor, passing staff and guests here and there.

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    Linsey listened as Alicia continued in a conversational murmur, ¡°You¡¯ve probably heard the Lawson Group has been losing groundtely. It¡¯sgging behind the other yers in Grester. The fact that it¡¯s even keeping up at all is mostly thanks to Cruz and M¡¯s hard work.¡± She spoke without regret or the slightest hint of disappointment about thepany¡¯s troubles.

    That calm left Linsey more confused.

    Alicia honestly seemed unfazed about the Lawson Group¡¯s stock or Jeffery¡¯s ce in society.

    That made Linsey wonder¡ªmaybe Joanne¡¯s story about Alicia demanding a big payout from the Lawsons was pure fiction.

    The whole thing was baffling, and Linsey didn¡¯t feelfortable asking Alicia directly.

    She decided it was better to keep Joanne¡¯s words to herself.

    There was no need to stir things up, and she didn¡¯t want Joanne¡¯s drama affecting Alicia¡¯s pregnancy.

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 Chapter 1065

    ?Chapter 1065:

    Instead, Linsey made a mental note to warn Jeffery to stay alert around Joanne when the chance came.

    Soon enough, both women finished up in the restroom and made their way out.

    But as they headed back toward their private dining room, raised voices from nearby caught their attention.

    ¡°You bitch! How long did you think you could hide from me? Trying to get yourself in trouble, are you?¡±

    The coarse outburst made Linsey and Alicia exchange immediate frowns. Neither expected to hear such a vulgar scene erupt in a ce that prided itself on refinement.

    One of the staff hurried over, voice measured but firm. ¡°Sir, please calm down. If there¡¯s a problem, let¡¯s talk things through quietly.¡±

    ¡°Back off! This is between me and my family. Mind your own business!¡± The man¡¯s words dripped with arrogance.

    Unfazed, the staff member said more sharply, ¡°Sir, if you don¡¯t release thisdy right now, we¡¯ll have to call the police.¡±

    ¡°Police?¡± The man let out a nastyugh and jerked the woman¡¯s hair harder, making her shriek. ¡°Call them! What do I care? The worst they¡¯ll do is lock me up for a few days. When I get out, I¡¯ll be right back here to wreck your ce! Let¡¯s see how your fancy restaurant holds up.¡±

    With every word, his anger escted, and the woman¡¯s panicked cries echoed through the hall, chilling everyone who heard them.

    A crowd began to form, drawn by the confrontation and the risingmotion.

    ¡°Do you think we should check it out?¡± Alicia asked, catching the worry creasing Linsey¡¯s brow.

    Linsey shot a nce at Alicia¡¯s stomach and said firmly, ¡°You¡¯re pregnant. It¡¯s not safe for you to get mixed up in this.¡±

    She reached out to steer Alicia back toward their private dining room. But just as they turned, a name drifted from the crowd¡ªone Linsey knew all too well.

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    ¡°Shari! You bitch! Get back home with me right now, or I¡¯ll make you pay so badly you¡¯ll never recover!¡±

    The name hit Linsey like a lightning bolt, her heart skipping a beat.

    She told herself it had to be someone else with the same name, but then a familiar voice cut through themotion. ¡°Harold, I¡¯m begging you¡­ Elva is so sick right now. I desperately need this job to pay for her treatment. I can¡¯t afford to lose it. Please, just go home for now, okay? I promise you, as soon as I have some extra money, I¡¯ll give it to you¡­¡±

    That voice confirmed it instantly. This was definitely the Shari she knew, her close friend from college.

    Without thinking twice, Linsey turned to Alicia and said hurriedly, ¡°Head back to the private room. I need to check this out.¡±

    Before Alicia could respond, Linsey had already taken off, moving quickly towards the scene. She moved so fast that Alicia didn¡¯t even have time to stop her.

    Sensing that something was terribly wrong, Alicia hesitated for a moment before pulling out her phone to contact Jeffery.

    ¡°Excuse me, let me through please,¡± Linsey called out as she weaved through the gathered crowd.

    What greeted her next left herpletely stunned. A burly man was brutally dragging a frail, disheveled woman in full view of everyone. Torn fabric hung from her body like rags, barely covering her bruised and battered skin. Crimson streaks painted her tear-soaked face.

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 Chapter 1066

    ?Chapter 1066:

    The woman was unmistakably Shari, her college friend.

    Shock shed across Linsey¡¯s features. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, she sprang into action. Spotting a janitor who stood frozen, watching the horrific scene, she swiftly snatched the mop from their grip.

    ¡°Hey! What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing with my mop?¡± the janitor shouted, bewildered and indignant.

    Both hands wrapped around the handle, Linsey raised the mop like a weapon. The instant the brute turned his head in her direction, she brought it down with devastating force, driving the filthy mop head directly into his startled face.

    Completely blindsided, the man stumbled backward, crashing into the wall behind him before copsing to the floor with a pained groan. ¡°Ow!¡± A wave of shocked gasps swept through the crowd as onlookers witnessed the sudden turn of events.

    While the brute was still writhing on the floor in pain, too stunned to retaliate, Linsey maintained her firm grip on the mop, prepared to strike again if necessary. Simultaneously, she gently helped Shari to her feet. ¡°Easy now, take it slow.¡±

    Her gaze swept over the bruises marring Shari¡¯s body, causing her brows to knit together in deep concern. Anguish etched itself across her features. ¡°Shari, what has he done to you?¡± Her voice wavered with barely contained emotion.

    The question was rhetorical. Anyone with eyes could see that Shari was anything but okay.

    This monster had shown no mercy whatsoever toward Shari.

    Through her daze, Shari finally registered who hade to her rescue. Her eyes flew wide with shock and disbelief as she stared at Linsey. ¡°Linsey, it¡¯s you!¡±

    Joy sparked in her eyes at first, but within seconds, her face drained of all color as panic set in.

    ¡°Linsey, you have to leave! Get out of here right now!¡± Shari said frantically, pushing her away with desperate hands.

    She had been too shocked to think clearly before. Now it hit her like a sledgehammer. Linsey had just attacked Harold Sanchez for her sake.

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    Given his violent temper, she was certain he would never let Linsey walk away unharmed.

    Confusion creased Linsey¡¯s brow. ¡°What are you talking about? If I¡¯m leaving, you¡¯reing with me.¡±

    Pain shed across Shari¡¯s features, but she spoke with urgent desperation. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Just run!¡±

    At that moment, Harold staggered to his feet, his face twisted with murderous rage. He wiped his face roughly and snarled, ¡°Leave? After crossing me, you actually think you can just walk away?!¡±

    ________________________________________

    Harold¡¯s voice cut through the air, and in a sudden burst of anger, he lifted his hand and pointed sharply at Shari, his gestureced with fury. ¡°You filthy traitor! You even had the audacity to bring a helper? Just wait till I get my hands on you¡ªI¡¯ll teach you a lesson you won¡¯t forget!¡±

    Linsey nced at him, her eyes turning sharp as ice. Though her tone stayed calm, it carried a weight that dropped like a hammer. ¡°You still think you can drag her away? Let me make this clear¡ªthere¡¯s no way that¡¯s happening!¡±

    Shari stood trembling, her eyes brimming with tears, caught in a storm of fear for Harold and deep concern for Linsey. The sh of emotions gnawed at her chest, pulling her in opposite directions.

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 Chapter 1067

    ?Chapter 1067:

    Shari addressed Linsey, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°You need to go. Don¡¯t worry about me¡ªI¡¯ll reach you.¡±

    But Linsey didn¡¯t budge. With a firm hand, she lowered Shari¡¯s trembling arm and said with quiet certainty, ¡°You¡¯re not alone. I¡¯m not leaving here without you.¡±

    The details between Shari and Harold remained unclear to Linsey, but her instincts wouldn¡¯t let her walk away from this.

    Before Shari could protest, Linsey turned to face Harold again.

    ¡°You¡¯d better listen,¡± Linsey said coldly, gesturing casually toward the surveince camera mounted in the corner. ¡°That camera¡¯s rolling. And plenty of people here would dly call the cops. Keep pushing, and you¡¯ll be in handcuffs before you know it.¡±

    A mockingugh escaped Harold as he waved off the threat. ¡°Go ahead. Call them. See if I care.¡±

    Harold didn¡¯t fear the police. In his mind, a few days behind bars was nothing more than an inconvenience. Once he got out, he would make this woman pay dearly for crossing him.

    Linsey¡¯s face remained unchanged, not a flicker of emotion crossing her features. She stared at Harold with the cold, steady gaze of someone who already saw him as a man marked for death.

    ¡°For someone like you, jail is too easy,¡± she said tly, eyeing him up and down. ¡°Honestly, with the way you¡¯re carrying on, I could hand over this footage to a psych ward and have you locked up under observation.¡±

    That single statement sent a jolt through the bystanders. Calling the police had been the obvious response. No one had even considered the idea of psychiatricmitment.

    At first, some doubted her. Maybe she was bluffing¡ªjust trying to scare him off.

    Still calm, Linsey lifted one brow and continued, ¡°You were shouting like a lunatic, iling around like you¡¯d lost it. That¡¯s enough for a psych eval. Once they get that report, they won¡¯t let you walk out so easily.¡±

    The moment her words hit him, Harold¡¯s expression turned stormy, and rage surged through him without warning. ¡°You crazy bitch! You think you can spew garbage like that and get away with it?!¡±

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    Unfazed, Linsey replied smoothly, not a hint of fear in her tone, ¡°Who¡¯s spewing garbage? I¡¯m dead serious. Getting out of a psych ward isn¡¯t like making bail, Harold¡ªit¡¯s a lot harder when they say you¡¯re unstable.¡±

    That hit a nerve. The sting from her earlier blow, when she had struck him with the mop, still throbbed on his cheek, fueling his humiliation.

    And now, she was standing there, calm as ever, calling him unhinged and threatening to have himmitted?

    ¡°You damn woman!¡± he snapped, his voice trembling with fury. ¡°You think this is a game? I¡¯ll make sure you regret ever getting in my way!¡±

    No warning, no hesitation¡ªHarold charged at Linsey like a bull, hands outstretched, aiming to beat her up.

    Terrified screams erupted from the crowd as panic spread through the onlookers.

    They could already envision the brutal scene about to unfold, watching this brave woman face certain defeat at Harold¡¯s hands.

    Earlier, Linsey had only managed tond her first strike because Harold hadn¡¯t expected the sudden attack with the mop.

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 Chapter 1068

    ?Chapter 1068:

    Now, with Shari wounded and helpless, how could Linsey alone possibly stand against Harold¡¯s superior strength?

    What happened next caught everyone off guard. Linsey raised the mop once more, swinging it directly at Harold¡¯s head.

    A confident smirk crossed Harold¡¯s face. He had anticipated this clumsy attempt and effortlessly caught the mop head, stopping her attack cold.

    The physical difference between them was undeniable. Linsey appearedpletely overpowered.

    Everyone braced for the inevitable beating when Linsey suddenly lifted her knee and drove it mercilessly into Harold¡¯s groin.

    Agony contorted Harold¡¯s features as he let out a blood-curdling scream, his face draining of all color.

    His grip on the mop faltered as excruciating pain overwhelmed his senses. Cold sweat beaded across his forehead within moments.

    Linsey gazed down at Harold, who was now doubled over and barely standing, her voice carrying an icy calm. ¡°Perfect. Now we can take this straight to the police station. Save whatever you want to say for them.¡±

    Pain consumed Haroldpletely, leaving him unable to form any coherent response as he gasped and wheezed.

    ¡°Get me an ambnce¡­ This psycho is trying to murder me!¡±

    Shari remained frozen in ce, her mind reeling as she struggled to process what had just unfolded before her eyes.

    ¡°Damn, that kick was brutal. Poor guy might never have sex again.¡±

    ¡°Serves him right for being such a jerk! Though she might get in trouble for hurting him like that.¡±

    A voice from the crowd murmured uncertainly, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just me, but doesn¡¯t that woman look familiar? Like I¡¯ve seen her somewhere before¡­¡±

    Those whisperedments jolted Shari back to her senses, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She seized Linsey¡¯s hand desperately, her voice shaking with emotion. ¡°Linsey, you have to go. Right now. Let me handle this mess. I won¡¯t let you suffer because of my problems.¡± No matter what happened to her, Shari refused to drag Linsey into deeper trouble.

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    Anxiety and terror marked every line of Shari¡¯s face, yet her first concern remained Linsey¡¯s wellbeing.

    Linsey drew a steadying breath and squeezed her hand firmly. ¡°Why would I run? The police will track me down eventually, whether I leave now or not.¡±

    Her peripheral vision caught sight of someone in the distance already dialing emergency services. Notably, no one seemed interested in calling an ambnce for Harold. Panic overwhelmed Shari.

    ¡°You¡¯re right; you can¡¯t leave.¡± The reality of the situation hit her as she pressed on urgently, ¡°I¡¯ll rify the situation when the police get here.¡±

    ¡°And how exactly will you exin this to them?¡± Linsey¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile as she gestured toward the security camera mounted in the corner. ¡°Every second is recorded up there. I did kick him, and I¡¯m not about to deny it. The bastard had iting.¡±

    Shari¡¯s gaze dropped to the floor, her teeth worrying her lower lip before she whispered, ¡°Harold is my husband. If I agree to handle this as a family matter, they won¡¯t press charges against you.¡±

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 Chapter 1069

    ?Chapter 1069:

    Those words made Linsey¡¯s blood run cold, though she quickly masked her shock.

    Four years ago, at that college reunion, Linsey had sensed something troubling Shari beneath her forced smiles. The pieces finally clicked into ce. Shari had married an absolutely terrible man. One look at her battered appearance told the whole story. Years of domestic violence had left their cruel marks across her fragile frame.

    Linsey kept her voice steady, not wanting to embarrass her friend further. ¡°No matter who he is to you, the moment he raises a hand against you, just give me the slightest signal. I¡¯ll move heaven and earth to help you. I will do everything I can to assist you.¡±

    She reached out and squeezed Shari¡¯s trembling hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Collin rushed through the hospital corridors, finally locating Linsey in a private room with Shari.

    ¡°Linsey, these are just scratches and bruises. There¡¯s really no need for hospitalization,¡± Shari said.

    The moment she had been wheeled into this pristine private room, Shari had feltpletely out of ce and overwhelmed. Years of hardship had taught her to endure pain silently, rarely bothering with medication even when fever burned through her body. Hospital visits had only be frequentst year because of her daughter¡¯s deteriorating condition.

    Linsey¡¯s voice carried both authority and genuine concern. ¡°The doctor confirmed you¡¯re severely weakened. Not only are you malnourished, but your anemia levels are dangerously low. Rest isn¡¯t optional anymore.¡±

    Her expression softened slightly. ¡°We¡¯re still waiting on theprehensive test results, so please just focus on recovering for now.¡±

    Shari shifted ufortably, words caught in her throat. Elva Sanchez, her daughter, was still waiting alone in that cramped staff dormitory behind the restaurant. She couldn¡¯t keep Elva waiting for too long.

    Still, mentioning Elva now felt wrong. Thest thing she wanted was to burden Linsey with yet another problem.

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    The door suddenly burst open with a sharp bang. Collin stormed into the room, panic written across his flushed face. ¡°Linsey!¡±

    His voice cut through the quiet room, drawing Linsey¡¯s attention instantly. She rose from her chair, surprise flickering across her features as she instinctively stepped toward him. ¡°How did you arrive so quickly?¡± Her message had been sent barely ten minutes ago. Even with his driving, the journey should have taken at least half an hour.

    Collin closed the distance between them in swift strides, his hands finding her shoulders as his intense gaze swept over every inch of her. ¡°Are you injured anywhere?¡± His voice carried barely controlled worry. ¡°Feeling pain or difort? Did a doctor examine you thoroughly? What did they say?¡±

    His frantic concern brought a softugh bubbling from her lips. ¡°I¡¯mpletely fine, truly!¡±

    She immediately stepped back and spread her arms wide, spinning in a slow circle to prove her point. ¡°Look, not even a scratch on me.¡± A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes. ¡°I even managed to take down some aggressive thug who thought he could attack us!¡±

    Rather than easing his tension, her words only deepened the furrow between his brows. ¡°Tell me exactly what happened.¡± Her text message had only contained the bare essentials, leaving him with more questions than answers.

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 Chapter 1070

    Chapter 1070:

    Instead ofunching into exnations, Linsey guided him toward the hospital bed. ¡°Shari, meet my fianc¨¦, Collin Riley. I believe you two crossed paths before.¡±

    She gestured between them with a warm smile. ¡°Collin, this is Shari Sanchez, one of my dearest friends from university.¡±

    Collin straightened his posture and offered a respectful nod. ¡°Hello.¡± A brief moment passed before he added with genuine regret, ¡°I apologize for barging in like this. In my haste, Ipletely forgot to bring flowers or anything suitable for a hospital visit.¡±

    Shari blinked in surprise, then quickly waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Please, don¡¯t worry about that.¡±

    Her smile carried both embarrassment and deep appreciation. ¡°Honestly, I shouldn¡¯t even be taking up a hospital bed. Linsey insisted because she worried about me.¡±

    Recognition flickered in her eyes as memories surfaced. Four years ago, at their reunion, Collin had left quite an impression on her and several other old ssmates. Back then, he had been confined to a wheelchair. Seeing him standing here now, she assumed his condition had improved significantly.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to bring me anything. You and Linsey have already given me more than enough,¡± Shari said sincerely.

    Sadly, the expensive gifts didn¡¯tst¡ªHarold had sold them off not long after.

    Collin looked slightly taken aback.

    Linsey gently reminded him, ¡°Four years ago, I went to a ss reunion. You came inter and made quite the entrance¡ªunting your wealth.¡± Back then, she had no idea he was the founder of CR Corporation. Looking back now, she realized that the clues were all there. But she had been too in love to notice the signs.

    Collin remembered the reunion and smiled softly. ¡°Linsey is my girl. Her friends are my friends. No need to stand on ceremony.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Don¡¯t worry too much, Shari. I¡¯ll help take care of the rest,¡± Linsey added warmly.

    Shari gave a small smile, her eyes resting on their sped hands. Earlier, she had quietly watched them¡ªfeeling admiration¡­ and a quiet ache. She had already known that marrying Harold had been a mistake. But regrets were useless. All she could do now was find a way to escape his grip and protect Elva.

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    As for a love like Linsey and Collin¡¯s, she had long let go of any hope. ¡°Linsey must¡¯ve followed the doctor¡¯s advice and had you admitted. If you need anything else, just tell me. I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Collin said, relieved to know Linsey was well.

    Before she could reply, a yful voice chimed in from behind. ¡°Toote. I already took care of everything for Linsey¡¯s friend. You¡¯ll have to wait for another chance to y the hero.¡± Linsey and Collin turned at the same time.

    Jeffery strolled in with a rxed smile, holding a medical report in hand.

    He handed it to Linsey and raised an eyebrow at Collin, teasing, ¡°Mr. Riley, long time no see.¡±

    Collin¡¯s face hardly changed at the sight of him.

    Jeffery noticed the cool nce and how Collin looked away like he was no more than a stranger in passing.

    Stunned, Jeffery blinked. ¡°Seriously, Collin? You¡¯re just going to ignore me like that? I am¡ª¡±

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 Chapter 1071

    ?Chapter 1071:

    Collin cut him off smoothly. ¡°Hmm? You are what?¡±

    Jeffery froze, words caught in his throat. He had always seen Linsey as a sister. But to her, he wasn¡¯t quite family. That thought wiped the yfulness from his face.

    Linsey quietly took the report from Jeffery, her eyes briefly scanning his expression. She could read him easily.

    She hadn¡¯t nned to say anything, but then she remembered how Jeffery had helped earlier¡ªrunning around with her, handling the hospital process, carrying test results from ce to ce.

    Out of courtesy, she spoke gently. ¡°We really should thank Jeffery. He helped me get Shari admitted and took care of a lot. It wasn¡¯t easy.¡±

    Linsey paused for a beat, then tossed out, half-teasing and half-sincere, ¡°Honestly, after everything, we should go a little easier on Jeffery today.¡±

    Shari, stretched out on the hospital bed, jumped in right away. ¡°Exactly! He¡¯s been a huge help just now. I really mean it, I¡¯m so grateful.¡± She shot Linsey a look full of genuine appreciation. ¡°Thank you both, really. If you hadn¡¯t shown up, I would have been in big trouble.¡± Shari understood all too well that on her own, she never would have stood a chance against Harold. Without their help, she would have been dragged back and probably faced something even worse.

    Linsey returned to Shari¡¯s side and sat, gently shaking her head. ¡°Shari, you don¡¯t have to thank us. Just focus on resting and getting your strength back.¡±

    With that, she picked up Shari¡¯s medical report and began scanning it carefully.

    Jeffery spoke up from nearby. ¡°The doctor said it¡¯s nothing major. All she needs is a bit of rest.¡±

    Hearing this, Linsey finally let herself rx and gave Jeffery a grateful nod. ¡°Thanks for looking out for her.¡±

    Jeffery didn¡¯t say anything right away. But Collin, watching from the side, noticed something new in Linsey¡¯s tone.

    He could tell that whatever bad blood there was between Linsey and Jeffery seemed to have faded. Though Collin didn¡¯t know the full story, Linsey¡¯s feelings were always his first concern.

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    Collin offered a small, genuine smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lawson. We really owe you one. Let us treat you to dinner soon.¡±

    Those words only seemed to make Jeffery feel more isted, his mood sinking lower.

    Everyone here thanked him, and it made him feel like an outsider. The more Jeffery dwelled on everything, the heavier his mood became. Ever since Linsey¡¯s true background hade to light, he had felt an obligation to look out for her.

    Still, no matter what he did, Linsey kept him at arm¡¯s length, never seeing him as a brother.

    Those thoughts left a bitter taste as Jeffery pressed his lips together and spoke quietly. ¡°No need to thank me. It was nothing, really.¡± With that, he drifted over to the sofa and sat, making it clear he nned to stay for a while.

    ¡°Did youe here by yourself? What about Alicia and your parents? Have they left the restaurant yet?¡± Linsey asked, her voice gentle. Collin pulled up another chair, settling in beside Linsey, and nced over, picking up on her concern.

    Jeffery answered honestly, ¡°Before I left, I arranged for someone to take them home. Things were getting out of hand, and I didn¡¯t want Alicia caught up in the chaos.¡±

    Somewhere in the middle of the conversation, Jeffery felt a strange sense of bnce. After all, Linsey didn¡¯t seem to see him as her brother, but then, she kept the same distance from M and Cruz.

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 Chapter 1072

    ?Chapter 1072:

    Reflecting on everything since they had crossed paths again, Jeffery realized Linsey¡¯s only warmth was reserved for Alicia.

    Without a doubt, Linsey nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s a good call. Alicia¡¯s pregnancy is well along now, so it¡¯s best to avoid crowds whenever possible. It¡¯s too easy for something to go wrong.¡±

    A wave of helplessness mingled with relief as Jeffery came to terms with the truth. Alicia had seen it clearly from the start¡ªthere was something unmistakable between her and Linsey, a quiet pull that bound them in a way he couldn¡¯t deny.

    Scanning the room, Linsey caught sight of a sudden sadness in Shari¡¯s eyes. A single name¡ªElva¡ªsuddenly echoed through Linsey¡¯s thoughts.

    Memory rushed back: just recently, while witnessing Harold bully Shari in the restaurant, Linsey had overheard her desperately calling out for Elva.

    Curiosity pushed her to speak up. ¡°Shari, who is Elva?¡± she asked, her voice even as she watched for any sign in Shari¡¯s face. ¡°I thought I heard you say something about treating Elva when we were at the restaurant.¡±

    Their college years had built a strong bond between them. Puzzling over the past, Linsey was certain there had never been anyone named Elva in Shari¡¯s life.

    Instant tension tightened Shari¡¯s features. For a heartbeat, she hesitated before replying, ¡°What? Elva? You¡¯re mistaken, Linsey. I never said that.¡±

    A shaky smile tried to hide the truth, but Linsey could feel the underlying tension.

    Softening her voice, Linsey continued with concern, ¡°If you¡¯re in trouble, please talk to me, Shari. I can only help if you let me in.¡± Reading between the lines, she added gently, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about burdening me. Whatever¡¯s going on, I want to help. Don¡¯t shut me out, promise?¡±

    With Linsey¡¯s genuine concern reflected in her eyes, Shari felt something inside her begin to break. Within moments, tears pooled in her eyes, painting her cheeks red. All the pressure she had carried seemed to leave her raw and exposed. Even a few kind words from Linsey almost undid her entirely.

    Drawing in a trembling breath, Shari braced herself to share everything. But right at that moment, her phone began to ring, cutting through the silence.

    Caught off guard, Shari took a breath, steadied herself, and answered the call. ncing at the screen, she saw the name of a coworker from the restaurant¡ªa friend she trusted.

    I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m

    Not bothering to think twice, she hit the answer button.

    Urgency crackled through the line before she could even say hello. ¡°Shari! Harold¡¯s brother just took Elva away!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Shock froze her in ce for an instant, but adrenaline quickly took over. She shot upright in the hospital bed, panic spreading through her chest.

    Linsey felt her own pulse jump, recognizing that something serious was unfolding. A worried crease formed on her forehead as she locked eyes with Shari, then flicked her gaze over to Collin, the tension unmistakable.

    The distressed voice continued through the phone, ¡°It just happened. Harold got hurt badly and needs looking after. Since you were gone, Harold¡¯s brother grabbed Elva and left¡­¡±

    ¡°Is Walterpletely out of his mind? Elva¡¯s just seven years old¡ªand she¡¯s still unwell. How could he even think of putting her through something like this? What on earth is going through his head?¡± Shari screamed, her voiceced with fury and disbelief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1073

    ?Chapter 1073:

    Walter Sanchez, Harold¡¯s younger brother, had a reputation for doing little and frequently begging Harold for money. Even when Harold¡¯s patience wore thin and harsh words were thrown his way, Walter still lingered, impossible to get rid of.

    If Harold was unpredictable and quick to anger, then Walter was trouble through and through. Dealing with either man was a challenge on its own.

    Shari couldn¡¯t imagine what had driven Walter to take Elva away, but her instincts told her he had some scheme in mind.

    With her breath ragged, Shari said, her voice raw, ¡°Walter must have taken Elva to the same hospital where Harold¡¯s staying. I¡¯m heading there right now!¡±

    Shari abruptly ended the call and reflexively reached to yank the IV needle from her hand.

    ¡°Shari!¡± Linsey intervened swiftly, her brow furrowing. ¡°What are you¡ª¡±

    When Linsey nced up again, she was startled to see tears of anguish streaming down Shari¡¯s face.

    ¡°Linsey, my daughter¡­ I have to save my daughter¡­¡± Overwhelmed, Shari clutched Linsey¡¯s wrist with a desperate grip. ¡°Walter, Harold¡¯s brother, forcibly took my daughter Elva from the restaurant where I work!¡±

    Linsey¡¯s face immediately hardened with resolve.

    She now understood that Elva was Shari¡¯s daughter, but this wasn¡¯t the moment for probing questions.

    Rising to her feet, Linsey pressed a firm hand on Shari¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Stay calm and leave this to me. Rest here for now.¡±

    Shari stared at Linsey, disbelief flickering in her eyes. ¡°Linsey, but¡­¡±

    ¡°Trust me, Shari.¡± Linsey gestured toward Collin. ¡°Collin founded CR Corporation, a major force in Grester, and I¡¯ve secured a stake in the Lawson Group¡¯s authority. Do you think we can¡¯t handle someone like Walter?¡±

    Shari¡¯s eyes widened in shock at the revtion.

    She turned her gaze to Collin, then back to Linsey, utterly stunned. She had heard of CR Corporation, of course, and its founder¡¯s identity was no secret. However, she was too preupied with her own life to pay attention to people and things unrted to her.

    Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    The idea that Linsey¡¯s boyfriend was CR Corporation¡¯s founder was astonishing, and Linsey¡¯s connection to the Lawson Group was even more staggering.

    Meanwhile, Collin raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. He hadn¡¯t realized Linsey had already acquired shares in the Lawson Group. ncing at Jeffery, who lounged on the sofa with a faintly smug expression, Collin noted the subtle pride in his demeanor.

    Harold¡¯s hospital ward was in the same facility as Shari¡¯s, so it didn¡¯t take Linsey long to locate it.

    ¡°It hurts like hell! Where¡¯s the damn doctor? Get them here now!¡± Before Linsey even stepped inside, Harold¡¯s loud groans of pain echoed through the corridor.

    As he shared a room with other patients, his outbursts quickly drew their ire.

    ¡°Keep it down, will you?¡±

    ¡°Some of us are trying to rest!¡±

    Harold snapped back, his face contorted in agony. ¡°What do you know? Look at me! That bitch did this to me! If I see her again, I¡¯ll make her regret it!¡±

    At that moment, Linsey approached his bedside, her voice cool and steady. ¡°Oh? I¡¯m right here. How exactly do you n to make me regret it?¡±

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    .

    .

 Chapter 1074

    ?Chapter 1074:

    Harold froze, his eyes locking onto Linsey. A tremor ran through him, fear rising uncontrobly from deep within. ¡°W-what are you doing here?¡±

    He instinctively tried to shrink back, the sharp pain from his injuries draining the color from his face.

    He had crossed paths with Linsey just once, yet the memory was unforgettable, haunting even his fleeting moments of sleep with vivid dreams of her. Not because of her striking appearance, but due to the sheer force of her devastating kick.

    Noticing the terror etched across his face, Linsey quirked a brow, her gaze fixed on Harold with a spark of curiosity as she settled into the chair by his bedside.

    ¡°I just stopped by to see how you¡¯re holding up,¡± Linsey said, letting her gaze drift down to Harold¡¯s private parts. ¡°I wanted to check if my kick did any permanent damage to your dick.¡±

    Linsey made no attempt to keep her voice down, so every word rang out in the quiet ward, catching the attention of nearby patients and families. A wave of sympathy swept through the room as every eyended on Harold.

    Embarrassment and fury shed across Harold¡¯s face. ¡°You¡ª¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not waste time,¡± Linsey cut him off before he could finish. ¡°Where¡¯s Walter? Tell me where your brother is.¡±

    Harold¡¯sposure returned almost instantly, and he gave a cruel, mocking chuckle. His confidence grew. ¡°So, Shari sent you, huh? Figures that she¡¯d rely on someone else.¡±

    Linsey kept her silence. She reached for the fruit knife on the table, sliding it free with slow precision.

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± The bravado vanished from Harold¡¯s voice. His entire body trembled as terror settled back in. Nothing frightened him more than her presence.

    He clearly remembered someone yelling for the police right before he lost consciousness in the restaurant. Because of that, he had convinced himself Linsey was already in custody.

    Since Harold still wouldn¡¯t cooperate, Linsey pressed her lips together and edged the knife closer to him, the tip hovering just above his skin.

    Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    ¡°Somebody help! Call the police!¡± Panic shot through Harold¡¯s words as he strained his neck, screaming for anyone nearby. ¡°She¡¯s lost her mind! Why are you just standing there?!¡±

    Linsey¡¯s actions left the whole room frozen in shock, no one daring to intervene.

    The urgency in Harold¡¯s voice finally jolted the room into action. A few people scrambled to dial emergency services, while others hesitated, torn between calling for help and staying out of it.

    Linsey didn¡¯t seem bothered in the slightest. She spoke up, her words ringing out with surprising steadiness. ¡°Before you get involved, maybe you should ask yourselves if you really want to protect someone who hurts his own family. This guy¡¯s spent years abusing his wife, and he doesn¡¯t spare his daughter, either.¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t deserve your sympathy.¡± With a casual flick of her wrist, she lowered the knife, her tone shifting as she added, ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not like I¡¯d actually do anything to him here. We¡¯re in a hospital, aren¡¯t we? I¡¯m not some criminal on the run.¡±

    Relief started to creep across Harold¡¯s face when Linsey suddenly thrust the knife back up, so fast that he froze in ce.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1075

    ?Chapter 1075:

    Panic gripped him so tightly that Harold couldn¡¯t manage a single word.

    Linsey¡¯s voice, calm and almost teasing, broke through the silence. ¡°Oh, one more thing. My fianc¨¦ founded CR Corporation. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard of him, right? Maybe you¡¯re wondering why the police haven¡¯t dragged me away yet?¡±

    A thin beam of sunlight caught the de, making it sh menacingly just inches from Harold¡¯s eyes.

    Horror widened his eyes, and as Linsey¡¯s words settled in, he turned even paler.

    He was left stunned, unable to respond, caught up in disbelief. Doubt clouded his mind. Harold just couldn¡¯t ept Linsey¡¯s im, certain that Shari could never have connections that influential.

    Convinced Linsey was bluffing, Harold clung to his stubborn denial, his breathsing in short, ragged bursts. Stiff as a board, he stared Linsey down and finally shouted, ¡°Somebody call 911!¡±

    In his mind, the bystanders were fools for buying into Linsey¡¯s act. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to ept that she might actually be telling the truth.

    Linsey watched Harold squirm, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes as the fear on his face grew more obvious with every second.

    Stillpletelyposed, she addressed the rest of the ward. ¡°If you¡¯re still not sure, there¡¯s no need to panic. Just check CR Corporation¡¯s official website or social media ounts. You¡¯ll see my face right there.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s voice remained even. She was unruffled by Harold¡¯s usations, exuding a quiet confidence.

    Her poised manner reassured those in the ward, making her ims seem more credible.

    After all, who in Grester would dare falsely dere themselves the fianc¨¦e of CR Corporation¡¯s founder?

    Beyond that, Linsey¡¯s captivating beauty andmanding presence marked her as anything but ordinary.

    Spurred by intrigue, several onlookers pulled out their phones, eagerly searching for CR Corporation¡¯s social media profile.

    Harold, realizing the focus had shifted from his safety to Linsey¡¯s identity, erupted in anger.

    ¡°Have you all lost it?¡± he yelled, voice thick with frustration. ¡°This woman¡¯s got a knife! She¡¯s here to kill me! Why aren¡¯t you calling the police?¡±

    A dismissive voice cut through his tirade. ¡°You abused your wife and daughter. Why should we save you? She hasn¡¯t even done anything yet. Why the panic?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s earlier words lingered in their minds.

    Since Harold¡¯s admission to the ward, whispers of his behavior had spread¡ªberating and striking his wife in public, even trying to forcibly drag her from the restaurant where she worked. Such shameful acts earned him nothing but scorn.

    Harold¡¯s eyes bulged as he snapped, ¡°What was that? Say it again!¡± No sooner had he shouted than the tip of a fruit knife angled toward his face.

    He froze, not daring to flinch, certain that any sudden move would draw blood from the de hovering inches away.

    Regardless of whether the police woulde to arrest Linsey, he had no intention of suffering more injuries. After all, his private parts were still in pain.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1076

    ?Chapter 1076:

    Just then, a shocked exmation pierced the air. ¡°No way! It¡¯s real! Look at this! She¡¯s actually engaged to Collin Riley, the CR Corporation founder! That¡¯s her in the photo¡ªit¡¯s unmistakable!¡±

    Harold¡¯s heart jolted. His gaze darted cautiously to the group clustered around a phone, their faces alight with amazement as they nced between Linsey and the screen. A chilling dread surged through him.

    One onlooker, thriving on the drama, stepped forward and shoved the phone in Harold¡¯s face.

    As he glimpsed the screen, his vision blurred, his mind going nk.

    It was a recent post from CR Corporation¡¯s official ount, written in a rare, lighthearted tone, praising the romantic bond of the founder and his fianc¨¦e. Below was a vivid photo of the couple.

    The man, strikingly handsome with a cool, distant demeanor, had a subtle warmth in his gaze. Beside him stood a woman, gracefully stunning, her radiant smile perfectlyplementing his aura.

    Harold recognized the woman in the photo instantly, shock coursing through him.

    It took a moment for him to snap back, his eyes now wide with terror as he stared at Linsey beside him. Forcing a weak, trembling smile, he tried to mask his fear.

    This woman was indeed the fianc¨¦e of the founder of CR Corporation. Not only that, but she clearly held a special ce in his heart, above all others.

    Why else would thepany¡¯s official ount, which typically reserved its posts for business announcements, suddenly break protocol to publicly acknowledge the founder¡¯s fianc¨¦e?

    Tears welled in Harold¡¯s eyes as hisposure finally cracked.

    ¡°Well? Are you convinced now?¡± A cold smile yed at the corners of Linsey¡¯s mouth, never quite reaching her eyes.

    Had it not been for her desperate need to find Shari¡¯s daughter, she wouldn¡¯t have wasted another second on Harold¡¯s pathetic existence. Since stepping into this sterile hospital room, Linsey couldn¡¯t deny the burning desire for vengeance still coursing through her veins. One swift kick had hardly been enough justice, especially when that meddling doctor had intervened to cure the worthless man. Standing up for Shari meant applying real pressure to this jerk.

    ¡°Tell me about your rtionship with Shari.¡±

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    Harold¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he voiced the question that had been gnawing at him.

    Years of marriage to Shari, yet he had never known anyone like Linsey existed in her world. Everything Linsey had done proved their bond ran deeper than mere acquaintance. Her fierce loyalty to Shari spoke volumes about their connection.

    The realization left Harold torn between regret for his ignorance of Shari¡¯s rtionships and terror at the punishment that awaited him.

    Ice filled Linsey¡¯s stare as she gazed down at Harold, her voice carrying the chill of winter itself.

    ¡°Shari and I were close friends back in college.¡± Her eyelids lifted slowly, each word dropping like a funeral bell. ¡°But let me be crystal clear about something. I despise seeing defenseless women trampled underfoot. Back at that restaurant, whether I knew your victim or not, I would have intervened.¡±

    A softugh escaped her lips, though it held no warmth.

    ¡°After all, when your fianc¨¦e founded CR Corporation, you gain certain privileges. Whatever I do, whoever I cross, he¡¯ll always have my back, won¡¯t he?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1077

    ?Chapter 1077:

    Harold¡¯sposure shatteredpletely. Sobs wracked his body as all pretense of dignity abandoned him, leaving only raw desperation.

    ¡°I was wrong! I know I was wrong! Please, just let me go!¡± Panic struck him as a memory surfaced. ¡°Elva¡­ she¡¯s home! My brother took her there for me.¡±

    Tears streamed down his face as the words tumbled out. ¡°I never meant to harm Elva. She¡¯s my daughter too. I could never hurt her. I just thought¡­ if I brought her home, Shari would have no choice but toe back as well.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re using Elva as a weapon against Shari!¡± Fury twisted Linsey¡¯s features as her jaw clenched tight with rage.

    She pulled back her hand and swiftly retrieved her phone, fingers flying across the screen as she typed a message to Collin.

    Within moments, Collin¡¯s response appeared, confirming he would dispatch a team immediately to retrieve Elva safely from Harold¡¯s residence.

    ¡°You¡¯re lower than scum! Mistreating your own wife and daughter!¡± Linsey put her phone away, anger still radiating from every pore as she continued her verbal assault. ¡°That little girl is fighting for her life, needing expensive treatments that could save her. Instead of working to provide for your daughter¡¯s medical care, you sabotage Shari¡¯s efforts to earn money and humiliate her right in front of Elva!¡±

    Linsey¡¯s breath came in sharp bursts as she spoke, her chest rising and falling with the intensity of her rage toward Harold¡¯s vile actions. Without meeting Shari¡¯s eyes, she shuddered to think how much more torment Shari and Elva would have suffered in silence.

    And without Collin¡¯s help, would she have ever found the strength to deliver proper justice for Shari?

    Her teeth clenched behind closed lips, while tears of grief and fury gathered in her eyes, threatening to spill.

    ¡°You did what needed to be done, and every one of us stands behind you! Rest assured, we won¡¯t call 911. Even if the police came here, we won¡¯t breathe a word to them.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Scum like him earned every bit of punishment he got!¡± Each witness to Linsey¡¯s confrontation with Harold voiced their support with passionate conviction.

    Uncover new tales on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??om

    Harold burned with the desire to unleash a string of curses at these hypocrites. Obviously, they were just kissing up to Linsey because she was engaged to the founder of CR Corporation. What a bunch of shameless bootlickers!

    Linsey kept her eyes downcast, offering only a polite ¡°thank you¡± rather than encouraging their enthusiasm.

    The fruit knife ttered as she tossed it aside carelessly, then turned on her heel and walked out with purposeful strides.

    Behind her, the strangers continued their animated discussion about her connection to Collin. She walked in silence, their chatter stirring an ufortable knot in her stomach.

    The moment she cleared the ward¡¯s threshold, someone grabbed her arm and yanked her aside.

    ¡°Linsey!¡± Blinking in confusion, Linsey turned to find Dolores approaching with urgent concern written across her face. ¡°Jeffery just filled me in on what happened at the restaurant. Tell me, did you manage to find Shari¡¯s daughter?¡±

    Dolores had only met Shari a handful of times years ago, so she barely knew the woman personally.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 1078

    ?Chapter 1078:

    Still, hearing about Shari¡¯s terrible ordeal made her chest burn with feminine solidarity and rage.

    After spending some timeforting Shari in the ward, she had rushed downstairs to look for Linsey, arriving just as she emerged from Harold¡¯s room.

    Something felt off the moment Doloresid eyes on Linsey, immediately picking up on her dejected aura.

    Assuming the worst about Elva¡¯s situation, Dolores pressed with growing concern, ¡°Linsey, what¡¯s gone wrong?¡±

    Recognizing the misunderstanding, Linsey quickly set the record straight. ¡°Nothing like that. Harold told me his brother took Elva home, and Collin¡¯s already dispatched his people there.¡±

    Her lips pressed together as she continued quietly, ¡°We could have had Collin¡¯s team track Walter¡¯s movements directly after he took Elva, which would have led us to her just as quickly. But Shari exined that Elva¡¯s mental state has deteriorated since her illness began. Familiar surroundings don¡¯t trigger her, but if Walter brought her somewhere new, she¡¯d spiral intoplete panic.¡±

    Understanding dawned on Dolores¡¯s face. ¡°She¡¯d be terrified seeing a bunch of strangers show up suddenly. We need to handle this delicately, not charge in recklessly.¡±

    A reassuring smile crossed her lips as she squeezed Linsey¡¯s shoulder. ¡°From what you¡¯re telling me, everything sounds like it¡¯s moving in the right direction. So why do you still look so troubled?¡±

    Linsey gazed into Dolores¡¯s perceptive eyes, unsurprised that her oldest friend could read her so easily. Twenty-plus years of friendship had taught Dolores to see right through her masks.

    Rather than deflect, Linsey decided onplete honesty. After a moment¡¯s consideration, she took Dolores¡¯s hand and guided her toward the exit.

    ¡°I gave Harold quite the scare by using the title of CR Corporation¡¯s founder¡¯s fianc¨¦e¡ªand it worked like a charm,¡± Linsey said with a smirk. ¡°He was full of himself at first, but by the end, he was practically in tears.¡±

    Dolores burst outughing. ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s why the CR Corporation¡¯s official ount suddenly posted that photo of you and Collin. I thought Collin was marking his territory¡ªbut now it all makes sense.¡±

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    The two women strolled leisurely across the grassywn inside the hospital, the scent of morning dew still lingering in the air.

    Linsey¡¯s expression turned pensive. ¡°Honestly, being Collin¡¯s fianc¨¦e is incredibly useful. It lets me solve problems with minimal fuss and in record time.¡±

    Then, as if weighed down by a sudden thought, she let out a soft sigh. ¡°But I keep wondering¡­ what if I wasn¡¯t engaged to Collin? What if I had no connection to CR Corporation? How would I have protected Shari today?¡±

    Dolores blinked and grinned. ¡°Why torment yourself with all these ¡®what ifs¡¯? Right now, you are Collin¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Why worry about imaginary scenarios?¡±

    She nudged her yfully. ¡°His power and resourcese with the package. They¡¯re yours, too.¡±

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right¡­¡± Linsey conceded with a small nod. She nced around to make sure no one was listening, then leaned in closer to whisper, ¡°Collin and I may have reconciled, but who¡¯s to say we won¡¯t sh again someday, maybe even separate again? You saw what happened during the four years I spent abroad without him¡ªit wasn¡¯t exactly a walk in the park¡­¡±

    Dolores rolled her eyes dramatically and gave Linsey a light bop on the forehead.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 1079

    ?Chapter 1079:

    ¡°Ouch! What was that for?¡± Linsey yelped, rubbing the spot with mock indignation.

    ¡°To knock some sense into you, obviously,¡± Dolores huffed, though her tone was fond.

    Then her expression softened. ¡°Don¡¯t forget who you are. You¡¯re the renowned designer in Grester. Who says you can¡¯t make it on your own? Certainly not me!¡±

    Linsey narrowed her eyes in mock suspicion. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to hit me to prove a point. Is there some deep-seated grudge I don¡¯t know about?¡±

    Dolores chuckled but quickly grew serious again. ¡°Look, even if you weren¡¯t Collin¡¯s fianc¨¦e, you¡¯d still be you. Brave. Smart. Fierce. That strength you showed today? That was all you. Collin didn¡¯t put that fire in you. You did.¡±

    She crossed her arms. ¡°And if Harold ever dares to act up again, you could expose him online as Aurora. Let the inte roast him while we file a police report. You¡¯d still have taken a stand¡ªand I¡¯d be right there with you.¡±

    Linsey could feel Dolores¡¯ sincerity in every word. It moved her more than she expected. She looked at her friend and smiled warmly. ¡°You make a lot of sense.¡±

    Then, after a moment of quiet reflection, she added, ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know if I would¡¯ve had the courage to pummel Harold straight into the hospital without Collin behind me. But one thing¡¯s for sure¡ªI wouldn¡¯t have stood by and done nothing. I would¡¯ve stepped in to protect Shari.¡±

    Dolores beamed. ¡°Now that¡¯s the Linsey I know. Bold and fearless.¡± She reached up and patted Linsey¡¯s head with affection.

    Linsey fell silent again, her thoughts drifting back to Joanne¡¯s threats. Whether it meant relying on her own strength or borrowing Collin¡¯s influence, one thing was certain¡ªshe had to protect Shari and Dolores. She couldn¡¯t let Joanne¡¯s schemes seed. Not on her watch.

    With her resolve firm and her heart lighter, Linsey linked arms with Dolores. ¡°I haven¡¯t even asked¡ªdid you find a good venue?¡±

    The instant those words left Linsey¡¯s lips, Dolores¡¯ smile turned rigid, freezing on her face like cracked paint.

    After a telling pause, she forced her mouth back into an upward curve and feigned nonchnce. ¡°Everything went well. I found several promising options.¡±

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????

    Instinctively, she hoped to brush the topic aside without deeper scrutiny.

    Although she regained herposure quickly, Linsey¡¯s sharp instincts caught that fleeting shift in her demeanor.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± The question came with a deepening frown, Linsey¡¯s voice taking on a more serious edge.

    That morning, Dolores had practically bounced out the door, radiating excitement. Joy over nning Dustin¡¯s birthday celebration had filled every fiber of her being. This sudden change in behavior struck a discordant note.

    Already carrying guilt over missing their venue-hunting appointment that morning, Linsey felt her concern multiply at seeing her friend¡¯s unusual state.

    Meeting Linsey¡¯s prating gaze, Dolores easily recognized the worry swimming in those clear depths. Another smile crossed her lips as she gave Linsey¡¯s arm a gentle pat. ¡°Really, you¡¯re overthinking this. I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s brow creased deeper, clearly unconvinced by such a dismissive response.

    Weighing her options for a moment, she watched Dolores maintain her stubborn silence before ying her trump card. ¡°If you won¡¯t give me the truth, I¡¯ll just ask Collin to investigate for me. You said it yourself that we¡¯re joined at the hip. His resources are mine to use. One way or another, I¡¯ll get to the bottom of this.¡±

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 Chapter 1080

    ?Chapter 1080:

    Dolores¡¯ eyes widened in genuine surprise before she let out a defeated chuckle. ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re beingpletely unfair right now.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely I am. The question is whether you can stand to keep lying to my face.¡± Linsey¡¯s lower lip jutted out in an exaggerated pout, her expression the picture of wounded betrayal.

    Linsey¡¯s sideways nces became impossible to miss, her obvious attempts at reading Dolores¡¯ reactions turning into a persistent study.

    The constant scrutiny left Dolores with nowhere to hide.

    All at once, the mncholy that had settled like a stone in Dolores¡¯ chest simply evaporated. There was no point in wasting precious energy mourning what had never truly been hers. This realization brought instant rity to her muddled thoughts.

    A gentle exhale escaped her lips, and genuine relief bloomed across her features. ¡°Linsey, I ran into Dustin and Joanne this morning. They were browsing jewelry together at one of the upscale stores, with Dustin¡¯s mother chaperoning the whole affair.¡±

    Dolores recounted her morning encounter with surprisingposure. Even before she finished that first revtion, Linsey¡¯s eyebrows drew together in a subtle frown. Sympathy and concern flickered unmistakably in her gaze as she looked at her friend.

    Continuing with steady calm, Doloresid out the entire scene, including how the Wade family had essentially arranged for Joanne to serve as Dustin¡¯spanion for his birthday celebration.

    By the time she finished, Linsey had pieced together the painful picture. Dustin had never breathed a word about any birthday dinner to Dolores. From her vantage point, she had witnessed her boyfriend sharing intimate moments with another woman right there in public view. What made it worse was that Dolores had spent weeks secretly nning a romantic surprise for his special day.

    Tragically, Dustin had already filled that precious time slot without giving her a second thought.

    Beyond that betrayal, their recent rtionship had been reduced to secret meetings, while Hester made her disapproval crystal clear at every turn.

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    A weary sigh escaped Dolores¡¯ lips. ¡°I used to have unshakeable faith in what Dustin and I shared, but it¡¯s strange how quickly everything crumbled once doubt crept in. The moment I considered walking away, holding on became impossible.¡±

    A shuddering breath escaped her lips, moisture gathering in her eyes as Dolores gazed at Linsey. Her voice emerged hoarse and fractured, each word catching on barely restrained sobs. ¡°Linsey, I¡¯m really tired.¡± The confession broke something inside Dolores, and soft sniffles began to escape despite her efforts to contain them.

    Days of umted stress crashed over her like a wave, the weight so crushing she could barely draw breath.

    Linsey¡¯s heart lurched. Without hesitation, she guided Dolores to an empty corner and pulled her into a fierce embrace.

    Dolores had believed she could maintain herposure, but the moment Linsey¡¯s warmth enveloped her and that familiar,forting scent filled her senses, her carefully constructed walls crumbled.

    Her teeth sank into her lower lip as tears spilled over, though she fought to muffle her sobs and avoid drawing curious stares from passersby.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1081

    ?Chapter 1081:

    The sound of Dolores¡¯ muffled weeping pierced straight through Linsey¡¯s chest, making her own eyes burn with unshed tears. Just this past month alone, she had watched Dolores shed countless tears over Dustin.

    Clearly, her expectations of him had been far too generous. This man, who crumbled under pressure, had been handed opportunity after opportunity to stand by Dolores these past few days, yet he had chosen inaction every single time.

    Whatever Hester demanded of him, he simplyplied without question. Whether Dustin was being genuinely filial or merely spineless remained unclear.

    The longer Linsey dwelt on it, the more her anger simmered beneath the surface.

    Her palm moved in gentle circles across Dolores¡¯ back, each stroke meant to ease the storm of emotions.

    ¡°Dolores, it¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. Let it out if you need to. We¡¯re alone here, and I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper, and she felt the rigid tension in Dolores¡¯ frame gradually melt away.

    Her gaze drifted downward as she turned over Dolores¡¯ earlier words in her mind.

    If her suspicions were correct, Joanne¡¯s appearance at the jewelry store this morning had been anything but coincidental. Since Linsey had refused to bend to Joanne¡¯s demands earlier, the woman had likely orchestrated this encounter to provoke Dolores and force a different oue.

    Linsey had never entertained the thought of partnering with Joanne. But that didn¡¯t give the woman license to deliberately target the people she held dear!

    Eventually, Dolores pulled back with a final sniffle, releasing her hold on Linsey. Her eyes were still tearful, but her voice carried newfound resolve. ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind. I refuse to wallow in self-pity any longer.¡±

    Confusion flickered across Linsey¡¯s features. ¡°What do you mean? What are you nning?¡±

    Dolores straightened, her tone growing firm. ¡°I¡¯ve been hiding away at your ce for far too many days. Mountains of work are piling up at thepany, and I made a promise to elevate it to new heights. I won¡¯t let myself lose momentum over some man.¡±

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    Linsey¡¯s eyes sparked with sudden brightness. Dolores¡¯s swift emotional recovery didn¡¯t catch her off guard in the slightest. Strength had always been woven into the very fabric of who Dolores was. Without that inner steel, she never would have propelled the Davidson Group to such remarkable sess at her age.

    Linsey held an unshakeable belief that someday Dolores would rise to be one of Grester¡¯s most formidable and respected business leaders!

    Linsey and Dolores didn¡¯t linger outside for much longer. Soon enough, they made their way back toward Shari¡¯s hospital room. Several bodyguards came into view as they approached the door, standing at attention.

    ¡°Ms. Brooks, Ms. Davidson.¡± The head guard offered them a respectful nod.

    At the sight of them, Linsey¡¯s face brightened with anticipation. ¡°Has Elva arrived safely?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we just brought Elva here a short while ago. Mr. Riley had something to attend to and stepped out, but he¡¯ll be back soon,¡± the head guard responded.

    Linsey¡¯s face lit up as she turned to Dolores, catching the same spark of joy reflected in her friend¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Thank goodness we got Elva back safe and sound,¡± Dolores said. This wee news lifted the heavy weight from Dolores¡¯ chest, and her shoulders visibly rxed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1082

    ?Chapter 1082:

    One by one, they entered the ward. The moment they pushed open the door, Shari¡¯s muffled sobs reached their ears.

    ¡°Elva, don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here now, and I¡¯ll never leave you again,¡± Shari said.

    At the sound from the doorway, Shari instinctively drew her daughter closer, her protective gaze snapping toward the entrance with wary intensity.

    Relief flooded her features when Linsey and Dolores came into view, tears threatening to spill from her grateful eyes.

    ¡°Linsey, Dolores.¡± Shari gently released Elva and turned to face Linsey, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°Linsey, I can¡¯t even begin to thank you properly. Without your help, I don¡¯t know what would have be of Elva and me¡­¡±

    Noticing her mother¡¯s tears beginning to flow again, little Elva quietly pressed a tissue into Shari¡¯s hand and whispered softly, ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t cry.¡±

    Linsey quickly stepped forward with a warm smile. ¡°Shari, you know we don¡¯t need formal thanks between us. What matters is that you and Elva are both safe.¡±

    Her gaze shifted to the thoughtful little girl beside them. ¡°Look, even Elva is asking you to stop crying. Shouldn¡¯t you listen to your wise daughter?¡±

    A bashful smile crossed Shari¡¯s face before she nodded with newfound determination. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±

    Shari took Elva¡¯s small hand in hers, her expression growing serious. ¡°Elva, I want you to meet Linsey. She¡¯s been my dear friend since our school days.¡±

    Elva studied Linsey with careful eyes, then parted her lips to speak in a soft voice. ¡°Hello, Linsey.¡±

    ¡°Good girl.¡± Linsey gently stroked Elva¡¯s hair, noting how the child appeared far too thin and small for seven years old. The signs of malnourishment were painfully obvious.

    After a moment¡¯s consideration, Linsey addressed Shari. ¡°For now, just stay here with Elva and focus on her recovery. I¡¯ve arranged caregivers for both of you¡ªone to attend to your needs and another to look after Elva.¡±

    Shari¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. She never expected Linsey to go to such lengths for her sake. Words alone couldn¡¯t express the gratitude overwhelming her heart.

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    Linsey continued reassuringly, ¡°You won¡¯t need to worry about security either.¡±

    With Elva present, she avoided mentioning Harold and Walter directly. ¡°I¡¯ll have my men rotate shifts near the ward. No unwanted visitors will disturb you or Elva.¡± Linsey¡¯s voice remained gentle as she covered every detail. ¡°If you need anything at all, just let the caregivers or bodyguards know. They¡¯ll handle it immediately.¡±

    Shari felt overwhelmed by such kindness, her voice catching as she struggled for words. ¡°Linsey, I truly don¡¯t know how to thank you enough.¡±

    Sensing her mother¡¯s emotions, Elva spoke up with perfect timing. ¡°Linsey, thank you for helping me and my mom.¡±

    A warm smile crossed Linsey¡¯s face as she paused thoughtfully. ¡°If you really want to thank me, then focus on getting better and regaining your strength.¡± Her hand moved to gently pat Elva¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯ll also arrange for the doctor to give you a thorough examination soon. Whether you need surgery or medication, we¡¯ll follow whatever the doctor rmends.¡±

    Dolores settled back in her chair, her voice carrying quiet authority. ¡°We¡¯re all friends here; there¡¯s no need for such formality. Whatever difficulties you¡¯re facing, don¡¯t hesitate to speak up. We¡¯ll never abandon you.¡±

    Shari¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile, though tears still glistened in her eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1083

    ?Chapter 1083:

    The three of them chatted for a while longer. Eventually, Linsey nced at her watch and exchanged a look with Dolores. It was time to leave, as there were two children waiting at home, and hospital visits couldn¡¯t stretch on indefinitely.

    The moment they stepped outside the ward, Linsey spotted Collin walking toward them. Without missing a beat, Dolores quickly suggested her departure. ¡°I should head back and pack my things.¡±

    Before Linsey could respond, Dolores hurried away down the corridor. Linsey¡¯s gaze followed her retreating figure, and she sighed quietly. Such decisiveness could only mean one thing¡ªDolores had already made her choice.

    Collin approached with a puzzled expression. ¡°Is Dolores returning to her own ce?¡±

    Linsey nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll fill you inter.¡±

    Turning toward the ward entrance, she gave clear instructions to the men stationed there. ¡°Stay alert and report.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Brooks.¡±

    Their voices rang out in perfect unison.

    Linsey raised an eyebrow, shooting Collin a slightly surprised look. Noticing her expression, Collin smiled and draped his arm around her shoulders. ¡°Everything sorted here, baby? Dinner time¡¯s approaching, and the kids are waiting for us at home.¡±

    ¡°All set. Let¡¯s go,¡± Linsey replied softly.

    The couple moved together toward the elevator, their steps synchronized.

    ¡°Why do your men follow my orders so readily? Don¡¯t they need your approval when you¡¯re right here?¡± Linsey began, curiosity coloring her voice.

    Collin¡¯s sculpted hand rose without hesitation, his fingers lifting her chin with practiced ease. Though he attempted a stern expression, warmth danced unmistakably in his eyes.

    ¡°Baby, isn¡¯t it a bitte to be asking this now?¡± His gaze narrowed yfully. ¡°My men have always been your men. You¡¯re free tomand them however you see fit. Are you only just realizing this?¡±

    Heat crept up Linsey¡¯s cheeks as she smiled sheepishly. ¡°Perhaps because I¡¯ve never really taken charge of them before.¡±

    Discover more

    Collin released an exaggerated sigh, his tone turning melodramatic. ¡°You¡¯ve always been fiercely independent. Always handling everything yourself, barely needing me at all.¡±

    His fingertip traced a gentle path along her cheek. ¡°Today, however, you used my reputation to intimidate that scumbag. Well done.¡±

    ¡°How can you say I used you? That word sounds awful.¡± Linsey¡¯s expression grew earnest. ¡°I never wanted to drag you into this, but Shari and Elva¡¯s safety was at stake.¡±

    Collin¡¯s brow creased as he captured her chin once more, his gaze intense and unwavering. ¡°Seriously? Your words cut deep.¡±

    Recognition shed across Linsey¡¯s features, and she quickly backtracked. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    Her voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s just that I really hurt someone today. Without you there, I would¡¯ve found myself at the police station. And then you went ahead and posted that photo on thepany¡¯s official ount to back me up.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1084

    ?Chapter 1084:

    A low chuckle escaped Collin¡¯s lips before he spoke with deliberate slowness. ¡°Linsey, I genuinely wish you would rely on mepletely. Everything I possess, everything I am, belongs to you if you want it. All of it is yours tomand.¡±

    As he spoke, Collin dipped his head gently, pressing his forehead against Linsey¡¯s. A wave of tingling heat swept over her, and her heart gave a quiet jolt. Then, in a low, tender voice, he murmured against her ear, ¡°You probably don¡¯t realize how happy I am today.¡±

    The elevator chimed softly as the doors slid open. They stepped inside together.

    There were already a few people standing within, and as Collin¡¯s gaze scanned the floor numbers, he noted that more passengers were likely to board soon.

    Without hesitation, he guided Linsey to a quiet corner and wrapped an arm protectively around her, shielding her from the crowd.

    Nestled in his embrace, she could smell the crisp scent of his cologne, the warmth of his body pressing gently against hers. It made her feel oddly grounded, safe¡ªlike nothing could touch her.

    She tilted her head up slightly, only to find him looking down at her, his gaze brimming with tenderness and devotion.

    Whenever their eyes met like this, Linsey could feel the quiet intensity of his love like a current between them.

    Trying topose herself, she whispered softly as the elevator stopped with a loud ding on the next floor, ¡°Could you stop staring at me like that?¡±

    Collin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. A chuckle escaped his lips¡ªdeep, low, and maic. ¡°And why shouldn¡¯t I? Can¡¯t I admire my own fianc¨¦e?¡±

    Linsey felt a flush rising in her cheeks. It was ridiculous, truly. After everything they had been through, after all the years, and the children they shared, here she was, still blushing like a teenager in love.

    She gave him a quick sideways nce, hoping it would at least make him stop teasing.

    But to Collin, her re held no weight. For one, she clearly wasn¡¯t actually mad. And more importantly, to him, she would always be the brightest, most captivating person in any room. His smile deepened, softening the sharp lines of his usually cool and serious face.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question,¡± he reminded her gently.

    People were still getting on and off the elevator with each stop, but Linsey and Collin remained tucked into their corner, quiet in their private world.

    Linsey frowned slightly, her brows furrowing in confusion. ¡°What question?¡± she asked, puzzled. Had he really asked something? From what she recalled, their conversation had been lighthearted and scattered.

    Collin leaned closer again, his breath brushing against the shell of her ear as he repeated deliberately, ¡°I told you I was really happy today. Do you know why?¡±

    Linsey¡¯s brow furrowed as she gave it a moment¡¯s serious thought. Then she murmured, ¡°Is it because I asked you to post our photo on thepany¡¯s official ount?¡±

    Just as she finished speaking, the elevator stopped in the underground parking garage.

    Collin didn¡¯t reply right away. He simply took her hand, threading his fingers through hers as he led her to the car he had driven earlier. The lighting in the garage was low, shrouding the space in a moody dimness.

    Linsey had barely shut the car door and hadn¡¯t yet fastened her seatbelt when she felt Collin¡¯s arm slide around her waist and pull her close.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1085

    ?Chapter 1085:

    With a gentle gasp, shended against the solid wall of his chest¡ªwarm and reassuring. Before she could utter a word, his breath swept over her lips, stealing the space between them.

    There was no urgency in the kiss, just a quiet, purposeful press of his mouth against hers¡ªtender yet unwavering.

    His calloused palm cradled the back of her neck, brushing softly against her skin, sending delicate shivers down her spine.

    And then, in a voice that held both gravity and warmth, he looked into her eyes and whispered, ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re the one person in this world who understands me better than anyone else.¡±

    Collin¡¯s voice came out low,ced with azy huskiness that sent a tremor through Linsey¡¯s chest.

    Almost instinctively, she bit her lip¡ªbut before she could apply pressure, Collin gently pressed his thumb against it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bite,¡± he murmured, then leaned in, brushing his lips softly against hers in a featherlight kiss.

    His gaze held a delicate bnce of longing and restraint. Drawing in a quiet breath, he whispered, ¡°Linsey, I can¡¯t tell you how happy I was when you made our rtionship public.¡±

    He then continued, ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve been walking on eggshellstely. I kept wondering whether you truly wanted to get back together with me. But I didn¡¯t dare ask. I was afraid that pushing too hard might scare you off, so I held back, waited¡­ letting you be the one to decide.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s heart softened. His words dissolved any trace of doubt in her mind. She looked up, meeting the unguarded vulnerability in his eyes, and asked quietly, ¡°Why wait for me to speak first? Why not say what you were feeling?¡±

    Collin didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Because if this was just temporary for you, I didn¡¯t want to ruin it. I didn¡¯t want you to feel pressured or lose interest because I moved too fast.¡±

    His honesty struck a chord. Linsey blinked, momentarily speechless. This was Collin¡ªthe visionary behind CR Corporation¡ªand yet, here he was, uncertain, cautious¡­ even timid?

    Find thetest stories g?ln¦Òv??ls

    She reached up and cupped his cheek, brushing her thumb across his skin. ¡°Did you really think I was ying with your feelings?¡± She paused for a moment, then added, ¡°And what exactly made you question how I feel about you?¡±

    He didn¡¯t answer, but the flicker of self-doubt in his eyes said enough. As she reflected, Linsey realized that in recent days¡ªbetween helping others and juggling a thousand distractions¡ªshe might have overlooked his emotional needs. Perhaps he had every reason to feel uncertain.

    She couldn¡¯t help but tease him a little. ¡°So, you¡ªthe founder of CR Corporation¡ªdidn¡¯t have the courage to ask your own partner a simple question?¡±

    Collin furrowed his brow, but not in frustration¡ªit was more of a boyish, almost endearing confusion. ¡°Am I your partner?¡± he asked quietly.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Linsey replied without hesitation. ¡°Whose partner would you be if not mine?¡±

    He didn¡¯t let up. His eyes locked on hers with quiet intensity. ¡°Just a partner?¡±

    Sheughed, the sound light and full of affection.

    Leaning in, she kissed the corner of his mouth, her smile ying in her eyes. ¡°So eager to be my husband, are you?¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 1086

    ?Chapter 1086:

    A flicker of joy danced briefly in his eyes, but he suppressed it quickly, slipping back into that yfully pitiful tone. ¡°Can I?¡± he asked, his voice low and hopeful.

    Linsey was momentarily taken aback by this softer, more endearing side of Collin.

    She couldn¡¯t help but wonder when he had learned to be so¡­ disarming. With anyone else, this performance might have seemed contrived or ridiculous. Buting from him¡ªthe man she loved¡ªit waspletely disarming.

    ¡°You¡¯re already the father of my children,¡± she said with a teasing smile. ¡°What more could you want? Getting married? That¡¯s just a formality. Between us, it hardly matters.¡±

    Collin¡¯s expression faltered for a heartbeat, but he quickly recovered, his gaze dropping as he gave a quiet nod. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Linsey tilted her head, amused by the subtle shadow that crossed his features. He was trying to hide it, but she saw it¡ªthe brief, unmistakable flicker of disappointment. And somehow, it made her love him even more.

    ¡°Collin, why are you more fixated on getting married than I am?¡± Linsey teased, giving his cheek a yful pinch. Her tone was light. ¡°You¡¯re the powerhouse of Grester¡¯s business world. If we register our marriage, aren¡¯t you the one getting the raw deal here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d dly let you take advantage of me,¡± Collin responded, his grin returning with ease. ¡°It¡¯s exactly because I¡¯m wealthy that I worry. What if you don¡¯t even care about the money? Sometimes I wish you enjoyed the creatureforts in life. At least then I¡¯d know how to keep you close forever.¡±

    He paused for a beat before adding with quiet sincerity, ¡°You¡¯re younger than me¡ªand brilliant too. Anyone would say marrying me would be settling for less.¡±

    He leaned into her touch, brushing his cheek against her palm with a tender smile. ¡°You¡¯re twenty-seven, and you¡¯ve already had two kids because of me. Whether we get married or not, I won¡¯t let your future be defined by motherhood. Chase your dreams. I¡¯ll be here, backing you all the way. Whatever you want, I¡¯ll make it yours.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes sharpened, an eyebrow lifting as she locked eyes with him. ¡°Remember, you said that.¡±

    Seeing the shift in her expression, Collin straightened, seizing the moment. ¡°I swear, every word I said came straight from the heart¡ªno holding back. I¡¯ll keep working harder, so money¡¯s something you¡¯ll never have to stress over.¡±

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Augh slipped from Linsey¡¯s lips as she leaned in and nted a kiss on his cheek. ¡°Sure, money¡¯s great. But honestly? It¡¯s your looks, your body, the whole package¡ªyou¡¯re exactly my type. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting go of a man like that,¡± she said.

    Collin finally exhaled, a smile softening his face.

    He made a mental note right then: stay in shape no matter what. But Linsey¡¯s tone shifted as she pulled back slightly. ¡°Collin, there¡¯s onest thing¡ªand it matters most of all.¡±

    Collin met her eyes head-on, now serious. ¡°Tell me.¡±

    With her gaze steady, she pressed her lips together and said slowly, ¡°Don¡¯t ever lie to me again. That¡¯s my non-negotiable.¡±

    Hearing that, Collin couldn¡¯t help but think back to what had happened four years ago.

    Back then, there was a single truth he hadn¡¯t had the courage to share, and it cost him four precious years with Linsey.

    This time, he swore to himself he wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake again.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Collin said, his voice steady and full of conviction.

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    .

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 Chapter 1087

    ?Chapter 1087:

    Linsey¡¯s tone softened,ced with something fragile underneath. ¡°The road ahead is long. If there everes a day you stop loving me, tell me right away. Let¡¯s end it clean, no lies, no cheating.¡±

    Collin knew better than to make grand promises about the future.

    Words meant little¡ªonly time could prove anything now.

    ¡°I¡¯ll remember,¡± he replied, each syble deliberate.

    He meant to show her through actions, not empty vows.

    Seeing that he had taken her seriously, Linsey gave a small nod. Then she straightened in the passenger seat and clicked her seatbelt into ce. ¡°Still early¡ªlet¡¯s go get that marriage registered.¡±

    Collin froze for a moment,pletely caught off guard. He turned to her with wide eyes. ¡°Linsey¡­ you mean it? You really want to marry me?¡±

    Linsey didn¡¯t look at him. Her gaze stayed on the windshield. ¡°If I didn¡¯t, do you think I¡¯d go through all that just now?¡±

    She nced over, a flicker of amusement in her voice. ¡°Now drive. The registry office won¡¯t wait for us.¡±

    It finally sank in. Collin¡¯s face broke into a wide, disbelieving smile. He fumbled with his seatbelt, clipped it into ce, and with hands just a little shaky, fired up the engine.

    Roughly an hour passed before CR Corporation¡¯s official ount shared an exciting announcement. ¡°Mr. Riley would like me to share some wonderful news¡ªhe and Ms. Linsey Brooks are now officially married.¡±

    A vivid photograph of their marriage certificate apanied the post, drawing immediate attention.

    Well-wishers wasted no time flooding thements. ¡°Congrattions to the newlyweds! You owe us a party!¡±

    Someone else chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s been four years. Any chance Linsey will reveal a fresh design? She was the creative heart of CR Corporation for so long! Finally, something new about her!¡±

    Curiosity spread quickly. ¡°Wait, are you serious? The designer who just took first ce is actually Linsey.¡±

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    The feed erupted. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this! Linsey¡¯s wedding to Collin isn¡¯t even the most shocking news anymore!¡±

    Fans expressed their awe. ¡°She¡¯s taken her work to a whole new level after all this time. Those designs are next-level!¡±

    One supporter was ovee with emotion. ¡°I can¡¯t stop crying. Linsey has always been my inspiration. She dedicated four years to her craft, so of course Collin fell for her. She¡¯s amazing!¡±

    Praise kept pouring in. ¡°Linsey¡¯s talent is unmatched! Beauty is just the beginning¡ªshe has a legendary reputation from her days in Grester. Plus, word is she bravely confronted a dangerous man recently. Collin picked the perfect partner!¡±

    ¡°Apparently, Linsey¡¯s charm seemed to steal the spotlight from Collin himself.¡±

    Spection quickly spread. ¡°Maybe Collin felt the pressure from everyone fawning over Linsey, so he hurried to make things official.¡±

    Social media buzzed withments, each more enthusiastic than thest.

    Not even half an hour passed before news of their marriage soared straight to the top of the trending topics, holding its ce without faltering.

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 Chapter 1088

    ?Chapter 1088:

    Evening had settled in by the time Linsey caught up with all the chatter online.

    ¡°What are they all saying?¡± Confused, she nced at Collin after reading thestment.

    Her day had been a whirlwind¡ªlending Shari a hand, catching up with Dolores, then rushing off to finalize her marriage with Collin, leaving little time for social media.

    It took a moment for her to piece together why people thought Collin had rushed to the registrar¡¯s office.

    Collin hesitated for a heartbeat, then offered an exnation. ¡°Once our photo was posted, someone shared a video in thements¡ªthe one where you dealt with Harold in the restaurant with just a mop and a swift kick. Suddenly, everyone started dering they wanted to marry you.¡±

    Curiosity led Linsey to CR Corporation¡¯stest post, where a cascade of reactions awaited.

    She browsed through them,ughter bubbling up from time to time. ¡°Collin, can¡¯t you tell they¡¯re just having fun? Nobody¡¯s really proposing. It¡¯s all in good humor.¡±

    Collin arched his eyebrows, revealing his doubts.

    As she scrolled further, Linsey noticed a handful of teasing remarks suggesting Collin didn¡¯t quite measure up.

    Turning serious, she told him directly, ¡°Collin, you know they¡¯re just being yful. Besides, plenty ofments wish us happiness. Don¡¯t let it get to you.¡±

    Linsey hesitated for a moment, concerned that Collin might continue to dwell in his quiet despondency. She gently added, ¡°You¡¯re powerful, influential, tall, incredibly handsome¡­ and you treat me better than anyone ever has.¡±

    Though a faint blush warmed her cheeks, she spoke with unwavering sincerity. ¡°In short, you¡¯re extraordinary¡ªfar more than I ever dared to hope for.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly when Collin had begun to harbor such insecurities.

    But now that she saw them surface so clearly, she realized something needed to change. If left unchecked, this silent unease could begin to erode the beautiful connection they had rebuilt.

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    Determined, Linsey set down her phone, cradled Collin¡¯s face between her palms, and looked deep into his eyes. ¡°Sweetheart, believe me¡ªyou¡¯re the most perfect husband in the world to me. And I only love you. No one else.¡±

    She leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to his lips, as if sealing her vow, offering himfort in its purest form.

    That night, as husband and wife reunited in every sense, their love spoke louder than words. A night meant for passion unfolded with warmth,ughter, and intimacy¡ªa fitting celebration of their renewed vows.

    The monthly board meeting of Lawson Group was usually a routine gathering attended by key executives and a fewmitted shareholders, but today¡¯s session was bustling with unfamiliar faces. Even some reclusive directors had shown up.

    Whispers filled the room like static: Jeffery was nning to transfer his shares to Linsey¡ªthe true daughter of the Lawson family. And this required a board vote.

    Until now, few within thepany had known of this development. And now, whispers ignited like wildfire.

    ¡°She¡¯s the wife of Collin, the founder of CR Corporation!¡±

    ¡°Wait¡ªLinsey¡¯s Cruz and M¡¯s real daughter?¡±

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 Chapter 1089

    ?Chapter 1089:

    ¡°How did they only just find her now? What a mess.¡±

    ¡°I heard she grew up in an orphanage¡­ and now she¡¯s married to Collin? If she ever decides she doesn¡¯t like someone, our career could be over.¡±

    ¡°Anyone remember Carol¡¯svish birthday party four years ago? Jeffery sided with Carol back then and made Linsey suffer. She probably hasn¡¯t forgotten.¡±

    ¡°Rumor is, this share transfer is Jeffery¡¯s way of apologizing.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s just hope she lets the past go. Right now, saving thispany should be everyone¡¯s focus.¡±

    The low hum of conversation ceased abruptly as the door to the boardroom opened.

    Cruz entered with M and Linsey at his side, followed closely by Jeffery. Their arrival cast a sudden hush over the room.

    Linsey, dressed in understated elegance, drew countless eyes. Herposed aura made an immediate impression; she was no longer the orphan girl. She was poised, powerful¡ªand visibly unshaken.

    Once seated, Cruz addressed the room. ¡°By now, you¡¯ve likely all heard the news. Linsey is, without a doubt, my daughter. Now that she has returned to us, it¡¯s only right that we correct past mistakes and give her what is rightfully hers.¡±

    Jeffery followed, his voice measured. ¡°Over thest four years, I¡¯ve been unable to contribute to the firm as I should have, due to illness. Regardless of circumstance, I feel it is my duty to transfer my shares in recognition of our failure to protect Linsey.¡±

    Linsey sat calmly beside them, unmoved by the theatrics.

    This moment, to her, was merely ceremonial.

    The names, the legacy, the public recognition¡ªthey were all secondary. What truly mattered to her now were the resources and influence she could harness to carve her own path forward.

    The Lawson name meant little. And no amount of shares would change that.

    She had no intention of moving in with the Lawson family. This wasn¡¯t about reconciliation. It was about reiming her power.

    A gentle smile lit up M¡¯s face as she turned to Linsey. ¡°On top of everything else, I¡¯ve decided to transfer my share of thepany to Linsey as well.¡±

    Maintaining a gracefulposure, Linsey returned the gesture with a poised and measured smile¡ªwarm, but unmistakably formal.

    Noplications arose as the meeting progressed.

    Almost every shareholder voiced clear support for Jeffery and M¡¯s decision to hand over their shares.

    When it came time for paperwork, the contracts were signed in record time¡ªquick, clean, and entirely without fuss.

    ¡°Congrattions, Linsey,¡± someone said, setting off a round of well-wishes.

    Praise drifted across the room. ¡°With you joining us, the firm is sure to prosper.¡±

    Determining sincerity was no easy task; the line between heartfeltpliments and obligatory politeness felt especially thin today.

    Despite the official titles, Linsey remained a neer and partial shareholder, and plenty of uncertainty lingered about how fully she would be weed into the firm¡¯s leadership in practice.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1090

    ?Chapter 1090:

    ¡°Thank you all,¡± Linsey replied with the right blend of humility and gratitude.

    Once thest item was settled and the votes tallied, Cruz told the group again, ¡°Jeffery has let me know he¡¯s stepping away from Lawson Group management. I respect his choice and wish him well.¡±

    The announcementnded softly. No one looked especially shocked. Jeffery¡¯s absence from day-to-day matters had grown more pronounced for years, and everyone knew his health had yed a role.

    Suddenly, the future of the president¡¯s seat hung in the air, unimed, open to spection.

    A ripple of nces passed among the directors as they processed the shift.

    With Jeffery bowing out, the logical next step would be for one of the vice presidents to rise to the top, and most candidates just happened to be the sons and daughters of the directors in the room. Of course, every director in the room immediately began weighing which of their own would be the perfect fit for that job.

    The real challenge, however, was how to frame their rmendations as unbiased and in the best interest of thepany.

    Cruz stood at the head of the table, his voice ringing out. ¡°Now that Jeffery has resigned, we¡¯re left with a vacancy at the top. I¡¯ve already made my decision about who should fill it. Since all parties are present, I¡¯ll announce it right here.¡±

    A spark of anticipation ran through the room as each director leaned forward, waiting for the name they¡¯d been hoping for.

    Cruz took his time, scanning every face in the room with steady resolve before speaking with careful precision. ¡°After conferring with the vice chairman, we¡¯ve chosen Linsey to serve as the new CEO of the Lawson Group.¡±

    A heavy silence fell as the wordsnded, shock radiating from every corner.

    Directors who had just moments before been quietly confident now stared in stunned disbelief.

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious, Cruz!¡± One voice broke through.

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    Very quickly, other directors piled on, their voices growing louder and more urgent. ¡°She might be a new shareholder, but her background is in fashion, not corporate leadership! Isn¡¯t this much too abrupt?¡± ¡°She¡¯s never worked at the firm and barely knows our internal structure. How can employees feel secure under such sudden change?¡± ¡°With her age and limited experience, shouldn¡¯t we consider this more carefully before making such a big leap?¡±

    Everyment betrayed the fact that no one expected Cruz and M¡¯s level of support for Linsey.

    Not only were they passing her their shares, but they also wanted her to lead the entirepany.

    It struck the directors as reckless¡ªalmost unthinkable.

    One director, who had known Cruz since their youth, spoke up with heartfelt urgency. ¡°Cruz, something this important deserves a proper discussion. Lawson Group is vast. There are plenty of key roles Linsey could step into while she gains experience.¡±

    ¡°I believe the role of fashion design director suits Linsey perfectly,¡± the director continued. ¡°She¡¯s already an aplished designer with a ster reputation¡ªputting her in charge of our fashion division makes perfect sense.¡±

    The moment those words left his lips, a flicker of discontent crossed both Cruz¡¯s and M¡¯s faces. Even Jeffery¡¯s brows knitted into a deep frown.

    It was true¡ªthese directors had once contributed to the Lawson Group during its formative years. But in the decades that followed, most of them had done little more than reap the benefits, offering precious few ideas of actual value.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1091

    ?Chapter 1091:

    And now, with their negligible efforts as justification, they dared to meddle in the Lawson family¡¯s decisions?

    It wasughable. They had clearly forgotten their ce.

    Cruz drew in a sharp breath, clearly on the verge of speaking. But before he could, Linsey¡¯s voice rang out, calm andposed. ¡°So,¡± she said with a gentle lilt, ¡°do any of you have a better candidate in mind?¡±

    At her question, the tension in the room briefly lessened. The directors seemed relieved, assuming they were being granted a real voice in the matter.

    ¡°Linsey, you¡¯re being very reasonable. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve considered all the angles,¡± one began, seizing the opening. ¡°Personally, I think Beal is a solid choice. He¡¯s been with thepany for years and has proven experience.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, we could support Beal as a team,¡± another chimed in.

    ¡°Actually, Gerry is quite capable too,¡± added a third. ¡°Perhaps we could hold a fairpetition between the two and vote on it. Of course, you would have the final say.¡±

    Linsey listened in silence, a faint, unreadable smile curving her lips.

    She knew full well that both Beal Greville and Geny Swain were the indulged sons of two veteran directors¡ªneither of whom had shown any real initiative beyond basking in the privileges of their inherited positions. And yet, here they were, being paraded as viable leaders.

    The directors faltered slightly beneath Linsey¡¯s gaze. There was something unsettling in her calmness¡ªan invisible pressure that made them squirm.

    ¡°Linsey,¡± one of them finally said with an air of patronizing concern, ¡°please don¡¯t take this the wrong way. It¡¯s not that we doubt your abilities¡­ but you¡¯re still quite young. Entrusting you with such a major responsibility might be¡­ premature.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes gleamed as she leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with him. ¡°You say I¡¯m too young, but Beal and Gerry¡ªaren¡¯t they just three or four years older than me? Why is it that they¡¯re considered ready, and I¡¯m not?¡±

    A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. The directors hadn¡¯t expected her to challenge them so directly.

    Don¡¯t miss out g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Some began to frown, preparing tounch into a lecture¡ªbut Linsey didn¡¯t give them the chance.

    ¡°You also im that I was just a fashion designer,cking management experience. But may I ask¡ªwhat have you aplished during your time here? In the past few years, has thispany shown any signs of real growth? No. It¡¯s been in steady decline, hasn¡¯t it?¡± she continued.

    The room bristled.

    ¡°You!¡± one of the directors began, his voice thick with indignation. The truth in Linsey¡¯s words cut deep. The board¡¯s anger wasn¡¯t because she was wrong¡ªit was because she was right.

    The Lawson Group had been hemorrhaging relevance for years, and everyone knew it.

    At this rate, even the recently revived Davidson Group might overtake them.

    Linsey remained poised, her tone nowced with quiet steel. ¡°Why are you so eager to challenge Cruz and M¡¯s decision? Is it their judgment you¡¯re questioning¡ªor are you nning to rece them?¡± Her final words hung in the air like a guillotine.

    ¡°Absurd!¡± one director exploded.

    ¡°Preposterous!¡± barked another.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1092

    ?Chapter 1092:

    Several were now red with fury, fists clenched, teetering on the edge of mming their palms against the table.

    Yet none could disguise one unsettling truth: They had just been outmaneuvered by a woman they had gravely underestimated.

    Linsey didn¡¯t even dignify the haughty old directors with a reaction. With a faint roll of her eyes, she crossed her arms and spoke with calm confidence. ¡°Let me make something very clear to you. The moment I take over as CEO of Lawson Group, my husband¡ªthe founder of CR Corporation¡ªwill immediately propose a new partnership with us, reestablishing the coboration that was abruptly cut off four years ago.¡±

    Her words, delivered with effortless grace, sent an immediate ripple of excitement through the room.

    Even Cruz, M, and Jeffery turned to her in stunned disbelief.

    None of them had heard a whisper of this possibility before.

    And yet, what Linsey had just offered wasn¡¯t a mere promise¡ªit was a golden bridge to survival.

    A renewed alliance with CR Corporation would bring tremendous benefit to Lawson Group, now more than ever. It was obvious to all: Collin¡¯s one and only condition was that Linsey take the reins. Around the table, the eyes of the directors began to gleam with a renewed fervor.

    Their once-wavering expressions gave way to hope, ambition¡ªeven desperation¡ªas though Linsey alone held the key to the firm¡¯s salvation.

    After a tense moment of silence, one of the directors finally broke ranks and said, ¡°I fully support Linsey taking over as CEO of the firm.¡± And just like that, the rest followed like dominoes.

    ¡°With Linsey at the helm, Lawson Group is bound to flourish! I second the motion!¡±

    ¡°Drake, Rowan¡ªperhaps it¡¯s time to stop this debate. Linsey is Cruz¡¯s daughter. She¡¯s the rightful heir to the firm¡¯s future. There¡¯s no need for further deliberation.¡±

    Drake Greville and Rowan Swain, who had been clinging tightly to their ambitions, visibly stiffened.

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    Their faces were practically stone. But even in their resentment, they couldn¡¯t deny it¡ªLinsey had yed her hand masterfully. She had presented the trump card no one could counter.

    Given the firm¡¯s declining state, a partnership with CR Corporation had once seemed out of reach.

    In fact, their abrupt fallout with CR Corporation had cost them dearly, both financially and in reputation.

    They had struggled for four long years just to stay afloat. And now, a lifeline had been offered¡ªone they couldn¡¯t afford to reject.

    With a tight, forced smile, Drake muttered, ¡°I have no objections.¡±

    Rowan followed, clearly swallowing his pride. ¡°Nor do I.¡±

    Cruz, who had been bracing for a long battle with these stubborn old men, finally allowed himself to exhale. Linsey had done more in a few words than he could have aplished with hours of persuasion.

    He was deeply moved. Not just by her cleverness, but by her willingness to bring CR Corporation¡¯s support to the family¡ªclearly a gesture of love from Collin, but also a sign of Linsey¡¯s own resolve.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1093

    ?Chapter 1093:

    ¡°Good,¡± Cruz said, rising to his feet with finality. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled.¡± Linsey was officially named the new president of Lawson Group.

    The decision had taken mere minutes, but its impact was profound. Everyone in the room now viewed Linsey not as a neer, but as a savior.

    And saviors, they knew, deserved worship.

    ¡°Linsey, your influence is truly impressive. To rekindle a partnership with CR Corporation¡­ remarkable.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, such decisiveness. Just what Lawson Group needs.¡±

    Linsey couldn¡¯t help but smile at their sudden change of tone.

    How ironic, she thought.

    They all knew the truth¡ªthis deal was Collin¡¯s gift to her. And yet, they didn¡¯t hesitate to shower her with ttery, hoping to curry favor. But that didn¡¯t matter. Let them believe what they wanted. What truly mattered¡­ was reviving the Lawson Group.

    Moments after the board meeting concluded, word of Linsey¡¯s appointment as president rippled through the Lawson Group like wildfire.

    Alongside this, rumors swirled that Linsey, now leading thepany, had secured a partnership with CR Corporation. The news sparked a vibrant buzz among employees.

    ¡°Wow, have you heard? We¡¯re going to coborate with CR Corporation! I won¡¯t beid off anymore!¡± one worker eximed.

    ¡°Looks like the firm¡¯s not going under after all, thanks to Linsey!¡± another chimed in.

    ¡°Linsey¡­ is truly my hero for saving our jobs!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just about keeping our jobs. If this deal with CR Corporation pulls through, we might even see raises!¡±

    The reality defied the expectations of thepany¡¯s veteran directors. They had braced for bacsh, convinced that employees would resist Linsey¡¯s appointment as president.

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    After all, Linsey¡¯s youth and inexperience were undeniable.

    Her background in fashion design hardly equipped her to navigate the intense demands of leading the entire Lawson Group.

    Yet, astonishingly, thepany¡¯s employees embraced her appointment with unexpected enthusiasm.

    Even Linsey herself was taken aback by their warm reception. After a busy day at the Lawson Group, Linsey finally retreated homete at night to rest.

    ¡°I braced myself for pushback from the staff. But instead, they not only epted me¡ªthey seemed genuinely excited,¡± she confessed, settling into a chair.

    Collin, listening to her recount the board meeting, let out a quietugh. ¡°That just shows the strong impression you¡¯ve already made on the team.¡±

    Linsey pressed her lips together, unconvinced. ¡°I suspect they¡¯re only supportive because of your decision to partner with Lawson Group again. Why else would they trust someone like me to take charge?¡±

    If her presidency hinged solely on being the Lawson family¡¯s daughter, it would strike most as preposterous¡ªespecially the veteran executives, who would likely view it as unjust.

    Collin shook his head, his tone sincere. ¡°No, you have a unique appeal. My offer of coboration alone wouldn¡¯t have won them over so easily without it.¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 1094

    ?Chapter 1094:

    Linsey gave a small smile. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll ept the praise.¡±

    The moment felt warm and rxed, their exchange flowing effortlessly. But a sudden phone ring pierced the calm.

    Linsey nced at the unfamiliar number shing on her screen, shrugged, and answered.

    Instantly, Joanne¡¯s rough, usatory voice barked through.

    ¡°Linsey, how dare you snatch Jeffery¡¯s role as CEO? What exactly are you trying to do?¡±

    Linsey froze briefly before steadying herself. ¡°Ms. Ellis, you¡¯re quite well-informed. My appointment as CEO was finalized just this morning, and here you are, reaching out to check on me hourster.¡± She paused, her voice sharpening. ¡°Or rather, you¡¯re worried about Jeffery, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Collin¡¯s expression darkened as he overheard, frustration simmering at Joanne¡¯s relentless interference.

    She had already threatened Linsey once, and now this abrupt call to challenge her?

    He couldn¡¯t fathom how Joanne had even gotten her number.

    Joanne¡¯s voice dripped with venomous resentment. ¡°Linsey, it¡¯s bad enough you stalled on my offer, but to brazenly steal Jeffery¡¯s rightful ce as CEO is unthinkable! I¡¯m warning you¡ªstep down and hand the Lawson Group¡¯s leadership back to Jeffery, or you¡¯ll regret it!¡± After her heated tirade, Joanne¡¯sbored breathing filled the line, punctuated by the sound of her swallowing hard.

    Linsey, catching the erratic edge in Joanne¡¯s tone, pieced it together and let out a dryugh. ¡°Joanne, did you know? Some people get calm and quiet after a drink. Then there¡¯s you¡ªsloshed and stirring up chaos, making unhinged calls and spewing nonsense.¡±

    No wonder Joanne¡¯s voice was so raspy; she was clearly intoxicated.

    Her fixation on Jeffery was intense¡ªhis resignation from Lawson Group seemed to rattle her more than it did him.

    Fresh updates loaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°Linsey, you know nothing about it!¡± Joanne¡¯s voice spiked into a shout before dropping to a hushed, fervent whisper. ¡°Everything I¡¯ve worked for over the years was to stand by Jeffery¡¯s side, to help him elevate Lawson Group to new heights¡­¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes lowered, her tone steady and measured. ¡°Honestly, Joanne, you don¡¯t need to tie yourself to a man to prove your worth. Grester is a big ce, full of thrivingpanies. Why define yourself as someone¡¯s partner instead of standing on your own?¡±

    Joanne scoffed bitterly. ¡°Because I love Jeffery, and I¡¯m the only one in this world who¡¯s truly worthy of him.¡±

    The conversation was looping back to this exhausting dead end.

    Linsey sighed, her patience thinning. ¡°Joanne, let me make this crystal clear onest time. Jeffery is married to Alicia, who¡¯s carrying their child. He doesn¡¯t even recall who you are. All your so-called efforts? They¡¯repletely futile.¡±

    A chilling silence followed.

    Just as Linsey thought Joanne had ended the call, her voice returned, icy and threatening. ¡°Linsey, since you keep rejecting my terms, you¡¯ve cut off every option I had. Now I¡¯m cornered.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s brows knitted. She was perplexed by Joanne¡¯s insistence on ming her. ¡°So what? Are you nning to kill me like Haven did?¡±

    At her words, Collin¡¯s expression turned grave, a cold intensity radiating from him as if he were ready to storm Joanne¡¯s doorstep and detain her himself.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 1095

    ?Chapter 1095:

    Until this moment, he hadn¡¯t grasped how much trouble Joanne could stir.

    If he had known sooner, he would have dealt with her when he handled Haven.

    ¡°Collin¡¯s always by your side, protecting you. Do you think I¡¯d be reckless enough to challenge the founder of CR Corporation?¡± Joanne¡¯s voice sharpened, the slur of alcohol fading. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do something so foolish.¡±

    After a brief pause, she added with deliberate menace, ¡°But don¡¯t assume you and Collin can simply sweep me aside. As a Walton and Dustin¡¯s fianc¨¦e, I¡¯m untouchable without hard proof. Cross me, and the Walton family, the Wade family, and Hester will ensure you face consequences.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s expression hardened. She was stunned by Joanne¡¯s brazen audacity.

    She responded icily, stating an undeniable truth. ¡°With CR Corporation¡¯s influence and reach, we have no reason to fear you. As Lawson Group¡¯s CEO, I can wield its resources at will. Do you really think your threats carry weight?¡±

    As she spoke, Linsey¡¯s thoughts raced elsewhere.

    Was Joanne truly Dustin¡¯s fianc¨¦e?

    Had she not only won Hester¡¯s blessing but also Dustin¡¯s acquiescence to marry her?

    If so, it suggested Dustin might be bowing to his mother¡¯s wishes to marry Joanne.

    What about Dolores?

    Had Dustin really given up on her?

    But Linsey wasn¡¯t naive¡ªJoanne¡¯s ims couldn¡¯t be trusted outright. If Dustin and Joanne¡¯s engagement was official, Collin would surely have heard about it.

    Joanneughed dismissively, her tone flippant. ¡°Fine, maybe I can¡¯t be a threat to you.¡±

    Her words were casual and careless, causing Linsey to frown in disgust once again.

    ¡°But do you think I¡¯m powerless against those close to you?¡± she continued.

    Linsey¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply. ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    Joanne¡¯s voice grew smug. ¡°I¡¯ve given you days to reconsider, but you still won¡¯t budge. Does that mean you don¡¯t care about your dear friend? Is your twenty-year friendship just a sham?¡±

    The realization hit Linsey like a jolt¡ªJoanne was using Dolores as leverage.

    ¡°Joanne!¡± Linsey¡¯s voice trembled with fury. ¡°If you so much as touch Dolores, I swear I¡¯ll make you pay!¡±

    She hung up abruptly, cutting off any further exchange.

    ¡°Collin, get some people to Dolores¡¯ ce immediately to check on her. I¡¯m calling her now,¡± Linsey urged, her voice tense as she jabbed at her phone.

    Her words were hurried, but Collin immediately understood.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll handle it,¡± he replied, swiftly dispatching his men to Dolores¡¯ home.

    Linsey¡¯s calls to Dolores went unanswered, heightening her unease.

    Just two days earlier, Dolores had mentioned staying at her own home. Joanne¡¯s erratic behavior made it impossible to tell if she was just bluffing, but Linsey couldn¡¯t take chances with her friend¡¯s safety¡ªespecially since Dolores was likely alone, an easy target if Joanne acted on her words.

    .

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 Chapter 1096

    ?Chapter 1096:

    Her pulse raced as the thought sank in, and she rose abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m going to Dolores¡¯.¡±

    Collin stayed close. Without pressing for details, he backed her decision fully, his steady presence easing her mounting panic.

    Under the cover of the night, Collin drove Linsey to Dolores¡¯ residence. She kept dialing Dolores¡¯ number during the ride, each unanswered call fueling both her hope for her friend¡¯s safety and her dread of hearing a voice signaling trouble.

    After what felt like an endless drive, the car finally pulled up outside Dolores¡¯ apartment building.

    Just at that moment, Linsey¡¯s phone call was answered.

    Her breath hitched in her throat, a wave of regret crashing over her for letting Dolores go home alone that day.

    ¡°Linsey, what¡¯s going on? Why so many calls? And why did Collin send his team here?¡± Dolores¡¯ voice,ced with confusion but growing clearer, cut through the buzzing in Linsey¡¯s ears. Relief flooded Linsey, her racing heart finally slowing.

    Dolores was safe.

    The tension that had gripped her left her thoughts muddled, but one truth shone through: Dolores was unharmed.

    ¡°Linsey, take a deep breath¡ªDolores is fine,¡± Collin said softly, his hand gently patting her back, his voice a steady anchor.

    He could guess the source of her panic¡ªJoanne¡¯s earlier call had likely included a threat against Dolores.

    ¡°Linsey, are you alright?¡± Dolores¡¯ tone sharpened with concern upon hearing Collin¡¯s words. ¡°Collin, why isn¡¯t she talking? Did you mess things up with her again? I swear, if you pull another stunt like four years ago, I won¡¯t let you off!¡±

    Collin ignored Dolores¡¯ train of thought, focusing instead on soothing Linsey.

    Linsey, tickled by Dolores¡¯ protective outburst, let out a soft chuckle. She leaned forward in the passenger seat, her chest still tight from the ordeal.

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    ¡°Dolores, I¡¯m fine¡ªjust needed a second to catch my breath,¡± she said, blinking with a faint smile. ¡°Collin and I are downstairs at your ce. Hang tight, we¡¯reing up.¡±

    Dolores, still puzzled, couldn¡¯t fathom why Linsey and Collin had shown up at her house in the dead of night, nor why Collin¡¯s men were stationed at her door.

    Minutester, Linsey and Collin sat on the couch in Dolores¡¯ living room. Dolores set down two sses of water, eyeing them with a mix of curiosity and confusion. ¡°Okay, what¡¯s the deal? Why the hugemotion? I was dead asleep when those guys started banging on my door, and then I saw a ton of missed calls on my phone. It jolted me wide awake.¡±

    Linsey flushed with embarrassment. ¡°So you were just sleeping? I thought¡­¡±

    She managed a bitter smile. ¡°Why did you go to bed so early? You¡¯re usually a night owl! And why didn¡¯t you pick up my calls?¡±

    Dolores blinked innocently, shrugging. ¡°I put my phone on silent.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s frustration bubbled up, nearly stealing her breath again.

    ¡°Here, drink this,¡± Collin said, handing her a ss of water.

    Linsey took a few sips, herposure returning, and sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not wrong to silence your phone at night, but today was just bad timing. Thank goodness you¡¯re okay.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 1097

    ?Chapter 1097:

    Dolores¡¯ confusion deepened. ¡°I¡¯ve been swamped withpany paperwork and tasks these past two days. I was so exhausted tonight, I crashed right after washing up and forgot to let you know.¡±

    She paused, her face growing serious, and lowered her voice. ¡°Linsey, did someone feed you the wrong information?¡±

    Dolores could tell by Linsey¡¯s reaction that she had believed she might be in danger.

    But as their eyes met, Linsey realized something vital¡ªcontinuing to conceal the truth from her friend would no longer protect her; it would only ce her at greater risk.

    Up until now, she had chosen silence, not wanting to burden Dolores with unnecessary worry.

    However, faced with Joanne¡¯s recent threats, Linsey knew she could no longer shield her from reality. Dolores needed to be aware and remain cautious¡ªtruly cautious.

    With solemn resolve, Linsey began recounting everything¡ªfrom Joanne¡¯s previous provocations to the chilling phone call she had received earlier.

    ¡°What Joanne said at the end unsettled me the most. If you were still living with Collin and me, I¡¯d feel safer¡­ but now, with you on your own¡­¡± Her voice trailed off as herposure faltered. The fear she had felt during her drive here still clung to her like a shadow. ¡°You have no idea how terrified I was.¡±

    Before she could say more, both Collin and Dolores chimed in simultaneously.

    ¡°Everything is going to be fine,¡± they reassured Linsey.

    Collin gently tightened his grip on her hand, offering a steadying presence. ¡°There¡¯s always a solution, Linsey. We just have to stay calm.¡±

    Dolores nodded in agreement, her tone surprisingly light. ¡°Even if Joanne really is insane enough to try kidnapping me, you and Collin are clever¡ªyou¡¯d find a way to save me.¡±

    Though she spoke lightly, Dolores couldn¡¯t shake off the unsettling thought that Joanne had used her rtionship with Dustin as a tool to threaten Linsey. It disturbed her more than she let on.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s is your story source

    Sensing the depth of Linsey¡¯s worry, she sat closer, softening her tone. ¡°These past few days must have been incredibly stressful for you. You¡¯ve been trying to protect me while dealing with so much on your own.¡±

    Then her expression hardened with anger. ¡°Joanne really is twisted. No decent human being would deliberately try to tear apart two people who care about each other.¡±

    Watching the two women huddle together in hushed solidarity, Collin stood and walked over to the dining table, deliberately giving them space.

    He nced at his phone, hesitated for a moment, then sent a message to Dustin.

    Meanwhile, Linsey tried to reassure her friend. ¡°I wasn¡¯t afraid for myself, Dolores. I¡¯m just¡­ scared that you and Dustin might miss your chance.¡±

    At that moment, Dolores¡¯ expression dimmed; her eyes veiled with quiet resolve. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ve already decided not to continue with him anyway.¡±

    Linsey blinked in surprise. Just days earlier, she had seen the pain in Dolores¡¯s eyes¡ªthe heartbreak and hesitation.

    She hadn¡¯t expected her to reach such a final conclusion so soon.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 1098

    ?Chapter 1098:

    ¡°But¡­¡± Linsey began tentatively.

    Dolores understood her instantly. A faint, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she slowly shook her head. ¡°Dustin probably only liked me for a moment. Maybe it was just a passing infatuation. The second his mother disapproved, he folded. If his love were truly deep¡­ he would have stood by me.¡±

    She paused for a moment, brushing her fingers over herp. She had been spending her time juggling work and resttely¡ªgoing back and forth between the office and home. There had barely been space in her head to think about Dustin.

    Now, when she thought of Dustin, there was only a dull ache. Nothing more.

    The pain hadn¡¯t vanished¡ªonly that she had chosen to move forward one step at a time. The wound of a broken heart still throbbed quietly within her, but healing had already begun.

    Dolores¡¯ words left a heaviness in Linsey¡¯s chest, and a worried crease formed between her brows.

    She hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip, uncertain of how to ease Dolores¡¯ pain.

    Then, out of nowhere, a spark of irritation lit up in her eyes. She turned sharply, pinning Collin with an usatory re from across the room.

    Linsey¡¯s voice came out edged with frustration. ¡°Collin, can you tell me what Dustin¡¯s problem is? Seriously, what kind of man acts that irresponsibly?¡±

    She didn¡¯t stop there; her anger building, she pressed on. ¡°If I ever see you with Dustin again, don¡¯t even think abouting home!¡± The warning hung in the air, and then Linsey remembered she was actually staying at Collin¡¯s ce. Doubling down, she shot him a stern look. ¡°I¡¯m telling you now, if Dustin shows up, I¡¯ll rough him up myself. And if you dare take his side, I¡¯ll pack up the kids and leave with them!¡±

    Collin¡¯s face immediately turned frosty. Without a word, he stood up and strode over, an icy intensity rolling off him that even made Dolores tense up beside Linsey.

    Linsey¡¯s eyes grew wide in surprise as she half-expected Collin to snap at her.

    Still, she refused to back down, lifting her chin and locking eyes with him, defiant. ¡°What, Collin? Got something to say?¡±

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    Collin stopped right in front of Linsey, saying nothing for a moment. Instead, he simply stared, unreadable.

    Dolores, bracing herself, clenched her fists, convinced Collin was about tosh out.

    Already upset with Dustin¡¯s cowardice, she was now ready to jump in if Collin dared to hurt Linsey.

    But then, instead of anger, Collin¡¯s hand reached out, only to rest gently on Linsey¡¯s head. The touch was warm and unexpectedly tender. Just like that, every trace of Linsey¡¯s annoyance melted away. She blinked, surprised by how quickly her irritation vanished, and found herself settling back down.

    Linsey hadn¡¯t anticipated Collin reacting that way.

    They were in the middle of sorting out Dolores and Dustin¡¯s mess when he suddenly went off-script with his behavior.

    Before Linsey could shoot Collin a look of disapproval, he acted as if nothing unusual had happened. His hand dropped back to his side in a perfectly calm motion.

    Without missing a beat, Collin pulled out his phone, holding it out so Dolores could see the message. ¡°Dustin¡¯s asking for another chance. He says he¡¯ll give you a real answer at his birthday party.¡±

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 Chapter 1099

    ?Chapter 1099:

    The shift caught Dolorespletely off guard. She had expected Linsey to light into Collin, not for the conversation to take this turn. A moment passed as she stared at the message on Collin¡¯s phone, struggling to make sense of what was happening.

    It genuinely surprised her that Dustin wanted her at his birthday party.

    Linsey quickly snapped back to attention and let her frustration show. ¡°What¡¯s Dustin getting at? A real answer? Wasn¡¯t he clear enoughst time? He¡¯s already doing whatever Hester wants, so what kind of promise is he nning to make at his own party?¡±

    Her irritation only grew as Linsey jabbed a finger toward Collin¡¯s phone. ¡°If he can find the time to send you this nonsense, he could just as easily talk to Dolores directly. Days have gone by already! If he¡¯s chosen to marry Joanne, then he shouldn¡¯t keep stringing Dolores along with these vague messages.¡±

    Dolores turned away, her silence saying more than any words could¡ªshe was finished with the Wade family.

    She had finally made up her mind to sever ties with Dustin, and thest thing she needed was more unnecessary pain.

    Collin kept quiet, lips pressed in a straight line, making sure Dolores had seen Dustin¡¯s message before slipping his phone back into his pocket.

    ¡°From what I know about Dustin, he¡¯s not one to dodge responsibility. I suspect he¡¯s waiting for an opportunity, and the birthday party the day after tomorrow is when he ns to act,¡± Collin said.

    Upon hearing that, both Linsey and Dolores looked puzzled.

    ¡°A n? What kind of n?¡± Dolores asked, her brow furrowing.

    Collin remained silent for a couple of seconds before shaking his head. Linsey immediately countered, ¡°So this is just your guess? You have no idea what Dustin is nning or what he¡¯s thinking.¡±

    ¡°If he truly intended to break up with Dolores, he wouldn¡¯t keep meeting her despite knowing Hester was watching him closely,¡± Collin replied with quiet certainty.

    Dolores lowered her gaze, her mind whirling with confusion.

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    Nothing made sense anymore.

    Why wouldn¡¯t Dustin tell her if he had another n? After all, this involved the two of them.

    Besides, during this time, it seemed to her that Dustin was entirely acting ording to Hester¡¯s expectations.

    This included going with Joanne to the jewelry store and agreeing to have Joanne as his date for the birthday party.

    Without saying a word to her, she naturally couldn¡¯t trust him.

    ¡°I received an invitation to Dustin¡¯s birthday party. Joanne sent it to my office yesterday,¡± Dolores said quietly.

    Linsey turned to look at her. ¡°Are you nning to go?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Dolores raised her head, eyes glistening with unshed tears as she looked at her friend. ¡°Linsey, I honestly don¡¯t know what to do anymore. Everything feels like such a mess in my head right now.¡± She had been so certain she could let go of Dustin for good.

    But Collin¡¯s words had thrown her right back into that familiar whirlpool of conflicted feelings.

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 Chapter 1100

    Chapter 1100:

    Linsey¡¯s heart clenched at the pain written across Dolores¡¯ face. She pulled her friend into a warm embrace. ¡°Dolores, listen to me. Whatever you decide, I¡¯m here for you. I¡¯ll support you no matter what.¡±

    Linsey could see the truth clearly.

    Dolores truly didn¡¯t care about Dustin anymore; none of this would matter to her. But somewhere deep inside, she still harbored feelings for him and nursed that tiny me of hope despite everything.

    ¡°Look, if you don¡¯t want to go, we¡¯ll make our own ns for the day after tomorrow. We can hit up that new restaurant you mentioned, maybe catch a movie. Who cares about some birthday party?¡± Linsey offered with an encouraging smile. ¡°But if you do decide to go, Collin and I areing with you. Getting invitations won¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    Collin remained quiet nearby, nodding his agreement with Linsey¡¯s words.

    His main concern was Linsey¡¯s happiness, honestly.

    But watching how deeply Linsey cared about Dolores, he realized that his wife wouldn¡¯t find peace until this whole situation got sorted out. Plus, being Dustin¡¯s friend, he genuinely hoped things wouldn¡¯t end badly for everyone involved. But Dustin¡¯s n sounded like it was going to be one hell of a spectacle.

    Linsey and Collin didn¡¯t leave Dolores¡¯ ce until well past midnight. Before departing, Collin quietly arranged for a few of his men to watch over the area and keep Dolores safe. They would maintain their guard around the clock, ready to step in if needed.

    Only with these security measures in ce did Linsey feelfortable enough to finally head home.

    Without them, Collin knew he would have no chance of convincing her to leave at all.

    Even in the car, Linsey couldn¡¯t stop ranting. Her jaw was clenched as she snapped, ¡°Dustin is seriously pissing me off! What the hell is he doing? I had to keep it together in front of Dolores, but now he¡¯s inviting her to his birthday? What¡¯s next? Is he gonna propose to Joanne right in front of her? Has hepletely lost it?¡±

    Collin let her blow off steam, calm and quiet. Once she paused, he gently asked, ¡°Babe, remember what I promised you the day we remarried?¡±

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    Linsey paused mid-rant, narrowed her eyes, and gave him a yful p on the arm. ¡°I¡¯m talking about Dolores, Collin. Don¡¯t go changing the subject on me.¡±

    Collin held her hand, his voice serious now. ¡°I promised you I¡¯d never lie to you again.¡±

    He hesitated, then added, ¡°Which is why¡­ Even though Dustin begged me not to say anything, I¡¯ve gotta tell you what he¡¯s really nning.¡±

    Linsey¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat? What did you just say?¡±

    The very next day, Linsey went to visit Shari at the hospital again. Shari looked much better after a few days of proper rest.

    ¡°Linsey, I really owe you big time,¡± Shari said sincerely. ¡°You even got a specialist for Elva. I seriously don¡¯t know how to thank you enough.¡±

    Linsey let out a softugh. ¡°Girl, I¡¯ve lost count of how many times you¡¯ve said thank you. You know you don¡¯t have to keep doing that. We¡¯re not strangers.¡±

    As she spoke, she reached out and gently patted Elva¡¯s head. ¡°As long as you and this little one are okay, I can breathe easy.¡±

    Elva nodded sweetly. ¡°We¡¯ll be alright, Linsey. Mom and me both.¡±

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