Chapter 242

 242:
Kylee was fully aware that her injury was a fabrication to manipulate Collin, though it hadn’t worked.
Once her visit was over, she climbed into the car, the driver already waiting. Kylee had planned to focus on driving a wedge between Collin and Linsey when she saw them later.
But now, she was thrown off course when she noticed the car veering away from the familiar route to Vista Villa.
Her brows furrowed as she questioned, “What’s going on? Aren’t we supposed to head back to Vista Villa? Where are we going?”
The driver, calm and composed, met her gaze through the rearview mirror. “Miss Russell, Mr. Riley has arranged for you to stay at a five-star hotel. It’s more secure, offers excellent service, and will be more comfortable than Vista Villa.”
Kylee’s lips pressed into a thin line, irritation flaring inside her.
What did a luxury hotel matter, no matter how fancy it was? It wasn’t what she wanted.
Kylee’s mind spun in confusion. Why would Collin change his mind so suddenly?
They had already agreed she would stay at Vista Villa for a few days. Something didn’t add up.
“Did Collin really tell you to take me to a hotel?” she asked, disbelief creeping into her voice. “No way. Collin wouldn’t do this to me! This wasn’t his idea, right?”
Then, realization hit her, and a cold, seething thought ran through her mind. “It must be that bitch Linsey who turned Collin against me. She must’ve twisted his mind—that’s why he’s doing this! Damn you, Linsey!”
A dark glint flashed in Kylee’s eyes, and a wave of vengeful thoughts clouded her judgment.
Kylee’s fingers shook as she hurriedly dialed Collin’s number, only to watch the call fail.
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Panic gripped her chest, and without thinking, she opened WhatsApp to send him a message—only to freeze when she saw that Collin had blocked her. Her heart pounded as the weight of the situation crashed down on her. For the first time, she felt truly uneasy.
“Collin, you can’t just shut me out like this!” Kylee murmured to herself. She had come back to the country for one reason—she had crossed Gorman in the worst way imaginable.
The only person with enough power to stand up to him was Collin. He was her last chance at fixing this disaster.
If Collin turned his back on her now, she was finished.
Panic coiled in her chest, tightening with every second. She lunged forward, gripping the arm of Collin’s subordinate in the front seat. “Call Collin. Right now!” Her voice shook with urgency.
The subordinate didn’t even blink. His tone stayed level, almost indifferent. “Miss Russell, if you have something to say, I can pass it along to Mr. Riley.”
Kylee’s eyes widened, shock tightening her chest. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying Collin’s shutting me out for good? We’ve been friends for years! He wouldn’t just cut me off like this!”
But the subordinate didn’t so much as flinch. His tone remained flat, unwavering. “I’m just following Mr. Riley’s instructions. If you refuse to cooperate, you’ll only make things harder for both of us.”
Frustration burned in her chest, but she bit back her anger.
This subordinate had been by Collin’s side for years. Crossing him would only slam the door shut on her last chance.
She drew in a slow, measured breath, forcing herself to keep her voice steady. “I understand.”
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