Chapter 198

 198:
“Now that the boss is gone, let’s really get this party started!” someone shouted.
“Can you believe he paid the bill before the dinner ended?” another voice chimed in. “Was he afraid we’d order the entire menu?”
“That cheapskate!” someone else laughed.
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 breeze wash over her face as she tried to regain her composure.
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 glazed 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, quiet hotel room nearby?”
The men exchanged leering glances, their intentions unmistakably clear.
By now, Linsey’s senses were clouded. Her vision swam, and the figures before her appeared as mere hazy silhouettes. The last vestiges of her rationality warned her that these men meant her harm.
She frowned, slurring slightly, “Outta my way. I’m going home.”
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The group of thugs exchanged leering glances 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 newcomer’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 the words. Without a moment’s hesitation, he lashed out with his leg, sending one of the thugs flying. The thug was propelled backward, landing 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 chilling laugh. “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.
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