Chapter 94
94:
As dusk settled into darkness, her phone vibrated sharply against the desk. Linsey, still locked onto her computer screen, reached out instinctively and snagged the phone. She answered without a glance.
“Hello, who is this?”
A pause hung on the other end, charged with 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 relieved laugh, 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 and completely forgot,” she admitted, her movements hurried as she began to pack her things and shut down her computer.
Collin, hearing the slight commotion 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 café we met last time. It’s a hassle to find parking near the office.”
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“Sure.”
Once the call ended, Linsey quickly grabbed her bag and rushed to the café 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 explained politely. “I’ll take you for a quick styling, then he’ll catch up with us soon.”
With a slight nod, Linsey showed her understanding.
Moments later, 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 access 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 welcoming 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 dollars. If anything, it appeared as though others were in debt to him for 100 million dollars…
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!”
.
.
.