Chapter 159
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“But, Mrs. Riley, if this escalates, it could tarnish more than just your reputation,” he warned, his voice laden with caution.
“No need to worry. I’ve got this all figured out,” Linsey assured him with a wave of her hand, her confidence unshaken.
Collin watched, his gaze sharpening as he noted the steadfast resolve etched into her features. With a slight arch of his eyebrows, he found himself swept up in her certainty.
Conviction settled in Collin as he nodded in silent agreement. He turned towards his subordinate and commanded crisply, “Follow her lead.”
The subordinate rubbed the back of his neck, his confusion deepening. Collin’s methods often baffled him, and Linsey’s assertive stance only added layers to his perplexity.
Initially, he had assumed Linsey was nothing special—just another ordinary woman. Yet, standing there, her demeanor unyielding and poised against the onslaught of threats, she cast a whole new shadow of intrigue. Where others might crumble under such pressure, Linsey stood her ground with a calm so potent it mirrored Collin’s own.
The resemblance in their composure under pressure was uncanny. A thought flickered through his mind—was there truth to the old saying that partners grow to mirror each other over time?
Respecting Linsey’s decision, Collin stepped back, allowing her full control.
The online world buzzed with wild speculations about her, each more sensational than the last. Amidst the growing storm, Dolores stumbled upon the fervent discussions and reached out to Linsey in distress.
Without missing a beat, Linsey shared her carefully laid plans, soothing Dolores with her confidence. After listening to Linsey’s strategy, Dolores couldn’t help but shake her head, a gesture tinged with resignation and a hint of admiration.
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“Linsey, you’ve always been stubbornly independent, never needing anyone to do what you can handle yourself.”
With a sigh, Dolores continued, “I thought Collin might be the one to finally keep that fiery attitude of yours in check, but it looks like even he’s got no control over you. Well, might as well embrace it. Once you deal with Marisol, everyone will realize that you’re not someone to mess with.”
In the days that followed, Linsey took the time to rest and recuperate. Thankfully, her sprain was minor, and by the next morning, she was back to her routine, striding into work with her usual vigor.
Yet, the atmosphere at the company was unmistakably different. As she entered the building, she couldn’t miss the sidelong glances and the hushed whispers that followed her progress. Not a hint of surprise crossed her face—she had been prepared for this all along.
The rumors, fueled by Marisol’s vindictive efforts, had taken on a life of their own, painting Linsey in hues far removed from reality. It wasn’t just acquaintances who viewed her with new eyes—strangers seemed equally eager to indulge in the scandal.
Undeterred by the murmurs and pointed stares, Linsey moved through the lobby with composed determination. She was almost at her desk when Cynthia appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path with a stance that was confrontational, arms crossed and eyes gleaming with scorn.
“Linsey, you’ve got some nerve. After everything that’s exploded online, you still have the audacity to show up? You really don’t know shame, do you?” Cynthia sneered, her voice dripping with derision.
Before heading to the office, Linsey had already braced herself for the inevitable—online rumors would be ammunition for her critics. So when Cynthia tried to stir the pot, she barely batted an eye. The provocation felt childish at best.
Given Cynthia’s usual antics, it was no surprise she kept recycling the same tired insults.
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