Chapter 16

 16:
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 was completely 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 replacement 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 steadfast companion 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 sunglasses, 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,
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“How could I not be curious about the woman who made Collin lose a billion dollars?”
He flashed her a mischievous smile and let his intense gaze relax. 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 declared, turning to walk away.
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 out later.”
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.
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