Chapter 192

 192:
He cleared his throat and forced a chuckle, trying to regain his composure. “Well, to be honest, Collin once did me a massive favor—saved my neck, basically. So, you could say I’m just repaying the debt.”
Linsey nodded, the pieces clicking into place.
So that was the link between Collin and Dustin. It all made sense now; no wonder everything had been resolved so smoothly.
Even though Collin wasn’t exactly a power player, he was still a Riley. It wasn’t surprising that he had connections with someone like Dustin, the Wade family scion.
But Dustin was the face of CR Corporation… could Collin’s billion-dollar debt be somehow connected to him?
Sensing Linsey’s curiosity, Dustin swiftly steered the conversation in a different direction. “Right, about those incompetent fools who work for me… Collin filled you in, I presume?”
Dustin’s usual playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression. “Bottom line, I failed to judge those idiots properly and handle the situation correctly. Linsey, name your terms. I’ll agree to whatever you ask.”
Linsey’s thoughts snapped back to the present. She recalled Collin’s words before he left.
As if on cue, Collin gave her a subtle nod, confirming that she had the green light to make any demand she wished.
Dustin was clearly desperate to salvage this land development project. Wasn’t he worried she might take him for a ride with an outrageous ask?
After a moment’s consideration, Linsey decided to take it easy on Dustin, considering his connection to Collin.
“No need for grand gestures,” Linsey said softly. “All I want is for the children at the orphanage and Ella to be safe. You mentioned relocating the orphanage and providing compensation. Is that still on the table?”
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“Absolutely. It’s the least I can do,” Dustin confirmed without missing a beat. He then paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. “Are you absolutely sure there’s nothing else you want?”
Linsey shook her head calmly. “No, that’s it.”
Dustin looked genuinely surprised. “You’re serious? Nothing else?”
Linsey frowned. “What else would I possibly want?”
She had been crystal clear about her demands. Why was he acting so strange?
Dustin blinked. “Well, money, of course.”
After a short pause, he continued, “Or maybe you planned to drag my name through the mud online and ruin my reputation, just like you did with Marisol Wells.”
Linsey was surprised that her clash with Marisol had become such widespread gossip. It seemed even the wealthy couldn’t resist a juicy scandal.
“Marisol brought that on herself. She started the fight, and I simply finished it,” Linsey retorted.
“As for you,” Linsey continued calmly, “you claimed this was your subordinates’ fault and that you were also a victim. Now that the situation at the orphanage has been resolved, I see no reason to escalate things further.”
“Linsey, you’re truly a kind soul,” Dustin remarked, unable to contain his admiration.
Then, a sly grin spread across his face. “But how can you be sure I’m not just putting on an act? With my influence, I could easily make one of my subordinates take the blame,” he challenged.
Linsey’s expression hardened. Her brow furrowed as she said in a cold, firm voice, “Then don’t say I didn’t warn you if I decide to retaliate.”
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