Chapter 11

 11:
Linsey quickly shook her head.
“No, that’s not it. The food looks amazing.”
After a brief pause, she took a breath and asked,
“Is Collin skipping breakfast?”
The butler sighed, a hint of helplessness in his tone.
“He’s been in the study working since last night. None of us dared disturb him.” After a moment’s hesitation, he added, his voice edged with concern,
“He has a chronic stomach condition. But if he refuses to eat, there’s not much we can do to convince him…”
Linsey blinked, and when she looked up, she caught the butler watching her with a hopeful smile.
Since the household staff couldn’t persuade Collin, maybe she could. As his wife, their relationship was meant to be one of equals. Concern for his health gnawed at her. Breakfast was important—it set the tone for the entire day.
“I’ll go talk to him,” she murmured.
The butler’s face brightened with relief.
“That’s wonderful! Once he realizes how much you care, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”
Linsey hesitated, her brows knitting together.
Would he, though? After his sudden change in demeanor last night, she wasn’t entirely convinced. Was the butler just saying that to be polite?
Still, she had to apologize, and this was the perfect chance. Maybe preparing something for Collin to eat would help ease the tension.
g𝓪𝓵𝓷σv𝒆𝓵𝓼.cøm – check it out!
“May I use the kitchen?” she asked, nodding toward it.
The butler blinked in surprise before quickly nodding.
“Of course. You’re the lady of the house. Let us know if you need anything.”
Linsey offered a warm smile.
“Thank you. I’d like to make something for Collin myself. I’ll handle it.”
Meanwhile, in the study, Collin was in the middle of a meeting. Though he was seated in his wheelchair, his presence was as sharp and commanding as ever, keeping everyone on edge.
His long fingers drummed lightly against the desk, the rhythmic taps pressing down like a weight on the room.
“Mr. Riley, that land on the outskirts of the city was hard-won. Its value has already risen to a billion dollars. If you give it to Mr. Wade just like that, you’ll suffer a major loss…”
His subordinate’s voice was cautious as he carefully gauged Collin’s expression.
Collin stopped tapping. His tone remained calm but unwavering.
“A bet is a bet. I honor my commitments.”
He had agreed to the wager with Dustin—and he had lost. Simple as that. It was just a piece of land. Handing it over didn’t matter.
His subordinate’s eyes widened in disbelief. Collin was ruthless in business. Yet he had actually made a bet?
And lost?
Collin’s features remained cold and detached, even as he noted the astonishment flickering across the faces of his subordinates.
Over the years, Collin had cultivated a streak of invincibility, never faltering in any endeavor he pursued. However, Linsey had become his unexpected downfall this time.
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