Chapter 130
130:
Just as she was about to steer the conversation away, Collin looked at her intently. “People say Anthea has close ties to the founder of CR Corporation. Are you trying to use her to gather information about the founder?” he asked.
Linsey waved her hands, quick and dismissive. “That’s not true. I really am not that much of a gossip.”
Feeling a bit helpless, she found it puzzling that both Anthea and Collin would think she was eager to learn who founded CR Corporation. Eager to clear any misunderstanding, she offered, “Besides, if my curiosity was that piqued, why would I bother asking Mrs. Blakely, who barely knows them, when I could just ask you?”
“Ask me? Why?” Collin felt his pulse quicken, wondering if Linsey was onto something.
Softly, she looked at him and suggested, “Well, you mentioned your massive debt to CR Corporation. With such a hefty sum, you surely must have met the founder. I’d think if I were them, I’d keep tabs on you now and then to ensure you hadn’t fled.”
Collin was silent, taken aback by her logic. The issue of the debt seemed to linger longer than he had hoped. Desperate not to be seen as a failure, he quickly fabricated another tale. “Linsey, about that debt… I’ve nearly cleared it. No need for you to worry.”
“That quickly? You’ve settled it?” Linsey’s eyes sparkled with surprise. “Collin, clearing $100 million is no minor feat!”
His chest swelled with a strange pride. But why did he feel proud? The debt was fictitious. Tamping down his feelings, he insisted, “Enough now. You should rest.”
Linsey blinked, remembering her responsibilities. She declared firmly, “I’m heading back to work. We’re not drowning in debt anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can slack off. Collin, try to stop me again, and I’ll be really upset.”
Her determination was clear, and Collin gave in. “Alright. Let’s sort out your discharge first. If you feel unwell, tell me immediately.” If that were the case, he would take her straight back to the hospital. He was determined not to let her take unnecessary risks.
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Linsey saw through his protective stance but felt confident in her recovery. Her injuries were minor, after all.
Finally, she made her way back to the office, ready to resume her duties.
When Linsey returned to the office, her colleagues immediately surrounded her, their faces etched with concern. “Linsey, how are you feeling?”
“Are you OK? What happened? Coen made it sound quite serious a few days ago.”
Linsey hadn’t disclosed her kidnapping, and the police had kept the victim’s identity under wraps. Hence, her colleagues naturally assumed she had been ill. It seemed Coen had likely exaggerated the story since she had clinched Anthea’s order, showing how much he valued it.
“I’m fine now, thanks, guys,” Linsey replied, offering her colleagues a reassuring smile.
“That’s good to hear.”
Just then, a piercing voice sliced through the warm chatter. “Linsey, isn’t it a bit too convenient that you ended up in the hospital right after securing Mrs. Blakely’s order? You didn’t do that on purpose, did you? Were you just stalling because you felt overwhelmed by the responsibility?”
Linsey looked up to see Cynthia smirking at her, eyes filled with suspicion.
There was no hint of embarrassment on Cynthia’s face; rather, her voice took on an even sharper edge of sarcasm.
“What’s the matter? Was I wrong? You’ve been away for so long, it’s been a complete waste. With Mrs. Blakely’s deadline fast approaching, I’m sure you’ll be begging for an extension,” Cynthia taunted, her tone thick with derision. “But let me remind you, Mrs. Blakely doesn’t do second chances.”
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