Chapter 314

 314:
“I don’t know,” Linsey replied, her voice soft, her eyes downturned. She shook her head gently, a wistful smile touching her lips. “I was left at the orphanage’s doorstep. We all celebrated our birthdays on the same day there. They just used the date Ella found me as my official birthday. Sometimes, I really envy people who know the exact day they were born.”
A sharp pang of empathy struck Collin, tightening his chest. He took a deep breath to steady himself before reaching out and gently clasping Linsey’s hand. “How about this? My birthday’s coming up in a few days. Why don’t we celebrate ours together this year?”
Linsey’s face brightened, her eyes sparkling with newfound excitement. “Sure, let’s do that. It sounds like it would be a lot more fun.”
With their plans joyfully set, Linsey threw herself into the preparations with gusto. She transformed Vista Villa with festive decorations and meticulously handcrafted several invitation cards. Her dedication was evident, and her excitement contagious.
Collin watched her bustling activities with an amused yet affectionate chuckle. “Isn’t this a bit much for just a birthday party?” he teased, his eyes crinkling with amusement.
Linsey’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, her sincerity undeniable. “That’s exactly why we should go all out—it’s a birthday, and it deserves a real celebration! I know you like things more low-key. We’ll keep the guest list short—only a few friends you actually like.”
With a slight arch of his brow, Collin chuckled lightly. “Fine, I’ll let you handle it.” As Linsey delicately penned the invitations, her movements precise and thoughtful, she passed the stack destined for Collin’s friends to him. “Here, these are for your friends. I’ll manage the invites for Dolores and the gang from the orphanage,” she said, her tone cheerful yet commanding.
Lατєѕτ ϲнαρτєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovєl𝑆.𝗰om
“Absolutely, darling. I’ll see this mission through to the very end,” Collin proclaimed with theatrical flair, stowing the invitations away with great care.
The next morning found Collin navigating the quiet corridors of Dominic’s private hospital, supposedly there for a check-up on his lingering leg injury. In truth, the hospital visit was a façade for a covert meeting to discuss Gorman’s latest movements.
Inside the dimly lit office, Dominic feigned a routine examination of Collin’s legs, his voice a whisper. “I heard Gorman’s been searching for his lifesaver for years—and guess what? He found her. They met up at Rayhill Hotel last night. Unfortunately, breaking through to Gorman is near impossible—his security is airtight. We tried to close in for some intel, but his men are like hawks, always one step ahead.”
Collin’s expression hardened as he processed the information. “Stay on him. We need to identify that woman at any cost,” he instructed sharply, his mind racing with strategies.
“Understood,” Dominic replied, nodding discreetly before shifting gears. “And, Collin, are you responsible for Kylee’s injury?”
“What are you talking about?” Collin responded, appearing baffled.
Dominic studied him, noting the genuine confusion on his face. If Collin was acting, he was damn good at it. Raising an eyebrow, he said, “Kylee was attacked last night. Someone slashed her face. She was rushed to the hospital—the doctors managed to stop the bleeding, but the cut was too deep. It’ll scar.”
Collin barely reacted. “That has nothing to do with me.” His voice was steady, unaffected. He had only just heard about it himself.
His gaze flicked to Dominic, suspicion creeping in. “Why would you think I had anything to do with it?”
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