Chapter 243
243:
Kylee fell silent, forcing herself to stop protesting as the subordinate drove her to the hotel. But a sharp glint of malice flickered in her eyes.
“This had to be Linsey’s doing. While I was away, that scheming bitch must have filled Collin’s head with lies. That’s why he is shutting me out. Linsey, you’d better watch yourself,” Kylee thought bitterly as her fingers curled into fists.
The next morning, Linsey arrived at work like any other day. But the moment she stepped into the office, Coen was already striding toward her, irritation clear on his face. “Linsey, why are you so late today?”
She blinked, caught off guard. Late? This was the same time she always came.
Before she could get a word in, Coen said impatiently, “Just put your things down and get to the reception room. Now. Miss Russell is waiting.”
Linsey barely had time to process before the pieces clicked into place. After yesterday’s mess at Vista Villa, Collin had arranged another place for Kylee to stay.
And now, Kylee was probably here to replace her with another designer in the company.
A dull ache settled in Linsey’s chest. She had poured so much into this design—so close to finishing, just a little more to go.
But there was nothing she could do. She would just have to move on to the next one.
“Got it,” she said, keeping her voice even. Then, without wasting another second, she headed for the reception room.
Linsey braced herself before stepping inside, fully expecting hostility from Kylee.
But the moment she opened the door, she was caught off guard. Kylee rose to her feet with a warm smile, as if they were old friends.
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“Linsey, there you are!”
Before Linsey could react, Kylee reached for her hand, gripping it with practiced ease. “I owe you an apology,” she said, her voice dripping with sincerity. “I’m really sorry if my carelessness upset you yesterday.”
Linsey hesitated, momentarily thrown by the sudden shift in demeanor. Kylee’s smile softened, her voice turning almost pleading. “I hope there are no hard feelings. I’ve known Collin for years, so of course I lean on him sometimes.
I never meant for you to misunderstand our relationship.”
She gave Linsey’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Can we put this behind us?”
Kylee’s words were so warm, so flawlessly delivered, that Linsey couldn’t find a single crack in them.
A tangle of emotions stirred inside her. Maybe Kylee really was being sincere. She pressed her lips together, turning it over in her mind. Holding a grudge over something so minor—wouldn’t that be petty? After all, Collin and Kylee had been friends for years.
Linsey exhaled quietly, letting her shoulders ease. “Kylee, I overreacted yesterday. Collin already explained everything to me, so don’t worry. I’m not upset with either of you.”
Her voice softened as she met Kylee’s gaze.
Kylee sighed with relief and then hesitantly asked, “Since you’ve forgiven me, can we proceed with the collaborative design we initially agreed on, right?”
Linsey was genuinely taken aback by this.
It surprised her that Kylee was ready to move past their previous disagreements and still wanted her to design the gown.
“Do you really still want me to design for you, Kylee?” Linsey inquired.
With a gentle smile, Kylee responded warmly, “I know Collin well. He’s a good person, so I’m willing to trust you as well. Personal issues shouldn’t affect our professional work, right?”
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