Chapter 182

 182:
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.
Ella observed with surprise. A small smile touched her lips as Linsey pushed Collin’s wheelchair towards the door.
However, her smile quickly faded, replaced by a worried frown.
She recalled Linsey mentioning that her husband was just an average man.
They were about to face 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 black furiously berating the teachers and children who were 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 black moved to advance, Linsey’s voice rang out, firm and resolute. “Stop right where you are!”
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, and a harsh laugh escaped his lips.
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“Well, well, what do we have here?” he scoffed. “A damsel and her crippled companion? 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’s companion 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 news lately. 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 accomplishing by causing this disruption?” she asked calmly.
The scar-faced man plastered a fake smile on his face as he addressed the orphanage staff. “This land,” he declared, “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.” He turned to Linsey. “And you, 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.”
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