Chapter 247

 247:
Dustin had proven himself a loyal friend, standing by Collin even in tough times. Collin was fortunate to have such a reliable friend like Dustin.
After a pause, Linsey reassured him, “Don’t worry. He won’t behave like that again. I’ll remind him to be nicer to you.”
Dustin raised an eyebrow. “So, Collin listens to you?”
“Of course, I’m his wife. Who else would he listen to?” she responded confidently.
Dustin was taken aback. He knew Collin wasn’t one to be easily influenced. Yet, given Collin’s deep care for Linsey, Dustin wondered how far Collin might go to please her.
“You should keep an eye on him to ensure he doesn’t inadvertently offend anyone in business. Given his delicate position within the Riley family and the effort he’s put into his career, he can’t afford any missteps due to his temper,” Dustin advised pragmatically.
Linsey agreed, “You’re right. I’ll handle it.”
Shortly thereafter, Dustin’s car arrived at Vista Villa.
Dustin exited the car swiftly and walked briskly toward the entrance without waiting for Linsey.
Upon spotting Josh, he immediately asked, “Josh, is Collin in the study? I need to talk to him.”
Josh, accustomed to Dustin’s relaxed demeanor, nodded and answered, “He’s in the kitchen, cooking.”
“What?!” Dustin exclaimed, so startled he thought he might have misheard. “Are you telling me Collin is cooking? Seriously?”
Linsey, who was a few steps behind, overheard and added, “Really? Why would Collin decide to start cooking all of a sudden?”
Josh offered Linsey a warm smile and explained, “Mr. Riley knows you’ve been overwhelmed with work recently, so he wanted to make something to help boost your energy.”
Despite the sincerity in Josh’s voice, Dustin was skeptical.
Collin’s recent actions had been unusually considerate toward Linsey. It seemed every unusual thing he did was for her benefit.
Dustin marveled to himself at this change. Collin had been single for many years, but since falling for Linsey, he had devoted himself completely to her.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Dustin marched toward the kitchen, muttering, “Collin hardly ever cooks. I have to see what he’s managed to prepare.”
Linsey, hearing Dustin’s remarks, also grew curious.
She realized she had never actually tasted anything made by Collin before. However, before they could reach the kitchen, a sudden, startling explosion echoed from within.
Linsey and Dustin recoiled in shock.
“Collin!” Linsey rushed past Dustin and darted into the kitchen.
Upon entering, she was met with the aftermath of a microwave explosion, its contents strewn everywhere.
Near the chaos, Collin sat in his wheelchair, his expression one of sheer astonishment, clearly unprepared for the appliance’s meltdown.
Without giving the ruined microwave a second glance, Linsey hurried to Collin, gently laying a hand on his shoulder, her voice laced with concern. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Collin responded, his gaze locked on the cookbook in his lap, bewildered. “Why did the microwave explode?”
Relieved to hear Collin was uninjured, Linsey let out a sigh of relief.
She turned back to the microwave, spotted the egg remnants, and quickly pieced it together. “Eggs in their shells can’t go in the microwave. They burst due to the pressure inside.”
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