Chapter 1298
Collin didn’t even bother to look her way. With a stormy expression on his face, he pressed his lips together, refusing to answer.
Dustin, on the other hand, was quick to respond. “Of course we’re friends,” he replied, his response light and sincere.
After a moment, he turned his curiosity on Linsey. “Wait, are you Collin’s wife? Newly married?”
“Yes, I am.” She gave a straightforward nod.
Dustin took a moment to really look at her, his gaze sweeping from head to toe. “You’re gorgeous, honestly. I can see why Collin fell for you.”
Flattery from someone as attractive as Dustin would catch any woman off guard. A faint blush crept onto Linsey’s cheeks. Her smile was shy but genuine. “Thank you for saying that.”
They slipped into an easy conversation, barely noticing Collin’s presence in the room.
Collin’s mood only worsened as the two seemed to forget about him. He found himself staring at Linsey, stunned to see her cheeks pink with bashfulness. She never looked like that around him. This kind of bashfulness was new.
What had Dustin done to make her act so shy all of a sudden?
Frustration boiled up inside Collin, bubbling over before he could stop himself.
“That’s enough! Leave!”
Linsey was startled, her eyes widening at the sudden outburst. She looked around, unsure who he meant. “Wait, are you talking to me?” She even pointed at herself for clarity.
Whenever Collin was in a bad mood, telling people to get out became his favorite tactic. Linsey had been shown the door plenty of times before, so this wasn’t exactly shocking, just puzzling.
Trying to figure out who had upset him now was pointless. Work had kept her busy all day, and he seemed fine before she left. Was he really mad at her?
Instead of dwelling on it, Linsey started for the stairs, ready to give him his space. After all, if he wanted her gone, she had no reason to stick around.
Suddenly, a strong hand came down gently on her shoulder. She stopped, turning instinctively to see Dustin’s playful grin.
“It’s not you he wants gone. He’s kicking me out,” Dustin said with a wink.
Without another word, Dustin led the way out, tossing a carefree wave over his shoulder. “I’ll catch you later! Let’s grab some drinks another time,” he called, a playful grin on his face.
No reaction came from Collin, who simply sat in his wheelchair, eyes cool and distant. Inviting Dustin to stay never crossed his mind.
At that moment, Linsey realized Dustin hadn’t been joking.
A hint of confusion flashed in her eyes as she looked at Collin. “I thought you two were close. Why did you send him away like that?” she said, unable to hide her surprise.
“That’s none of your business,” Collin’s reply was icy and sharp.
That answer made Linsey’s patience snap. “Fine, don’t explain yourself. But do you really have to be so harsh about it?” she retorted, irritation creeping into her voice.
Honestly, she was left at a loss for words. Just what had made Collin so irritable today?