Chapter 193
193:
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 playful 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 you later!”
“Good riddance,” Collin said flatly, 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 out laughing. 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 playfully, “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 relationship 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.”
Linsey noticed Collin’s expression change. 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 of complex 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 discomfort he might be concealing.
“Collin,” she said, her voice laced with a playful 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.”
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 declared, his eyes burning with fierce possessiveness.
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