Chapter 196
196:
Online gossip, like wildfire, spread rapidly but died down just as quickly.
Cynthia had become a recluse, hiding in her home for days after being publicly outed as the source of the malicious rumors about Linsey. As the online furor subsided, Cynthia tentatively returned to work, attempting to salvage what remained of her reputation.
Linsey paid little attention to Cynthia’s return. She had more important things to focus on. However, she made a mental note. If Cynthia tried to cross her again, she wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate.
Thankfully, Cynthia seemed to realize she had been thoroughly embarrassed, so she refrained from bothering Linsey in the following days.
This gave Linsey a rare respite from the drama, and her work on the design project proceeded more smoothly than ever before.
That afternoon, Coen appeared with a grin, announcing, “Team dinner tonight! If you’re free, come join us. Let’s celebrate Linsey’s successful completion of Anthea’s order!”
“Awesome!”
“Fantastic! It’s been ages since we’ve had a proper team dinner!”
“We have Linsey to thank for this!”
“Linsey, you’re a rockstar! If you snag another big project like this, don’t forget to bring me along for the ride!”
Linsey blushed slightly, replying modestly, “Of course, if I need any help, I’ll definitely reach out to everyone. Teamwork makes the dream work!”
When work ended, the group headed to the restaurant together. As they settled into the private dining room, Linsey suddenly realized something.
She hadn’t informed Collin about the dinner plans.
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Just then, a colleague eagerly passed her the menu. “Linsey, check out the menu and see what you fancy,” she said.
Linsey pulled out her phone. “Go ahead and order,” she said. “I need to step out to make a quick call.”
Her colleague grinned playfully. “Let me guess, calling the hubby to report in?” she teased. “Go ahead. We’ll wait for you to get back before we order.”
Linsey smiled at her colleague, rose from her seat, and exited the private dining room. She found a quiet spot in the hallway and dialed Collin’s number.
Collin answered almost immediately. “Linsey? What’s up? Are you done with work? I can come and get you now,” he offered.
“No, no need to pick me up,” Linsey replied quickly. “I just wanted to let you know I might be home a bit late tonight. We’re having a team dinner, and I’m already at the restaurant.”
“Okay,” Collin replied. Then, as if remembering something important, he added, “Remember what you promised me. Don’t drink any alcohol tonight.”
Linsey was momentarily stunned. Then, a spark of indignation flashed in her eyes. “Are you seriously implying I can’t handle my liquor? My tolerance isn’t that bad. Tonight’s dinner is to celebrate finishing Anthea’s order. Everyone’s going to be in a good mood, so a little drink won’t hurt.”
Collin, however, couldn’t shake the memory of the last time Linsey had a bit too much to drink at home.
The image of her tipsy and carefree, with her guard down, sparked a possessive feeling within him. He didn’t want anyone else to witness that side of her.
Seeing that she wasn’t taking him seriously, he let out a scoff. “You might not remember how you acted the last time you had one too many, but I do,” he said. “Let me be clear. You’re not drinking a single drop of alcohol tonight. If you do, you’ll regret it.”
Linsey’s eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed in anger. “Collin, what the hell is that supposed to mean?” she demanded. “Are you planning on threatening me like you do everyone else? Because if you are, I’m done talking to you.”
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