Chapter 249

 249:
Linsey examined the photo. It showed Collin looking less reserved and more naturally disheveled, which added warmth and charm to his appearance. She thought Collin looked even more handsome in the kitchen than usual. Smiling, she mused, “Is this what they mean by ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’?”
The more Linsey viewed the photo, the more she liked it.
She soon realized she had no photos of Collin on her phone.
“Mr. Wade, could you send me this photo to keep?” she requested.
Linsey felt a twinge of regret for not having captured any moments with Collin herself. She had no photos of him, nor any of them together.
Dustin readily agreed, “Of course! Let’s exchange numbers on WhatsApp.”
Seeing them exchange contact information made Collin unexpectedly jealous.
Dustin’s cheeky smile was beginning to irritate him.
What was he still doing here anyway?
Collin grasped Linsey’s wrist, his expression troubled as he murmured, “Linsey, there’s no need for that. I can take plenty of photos for you.”
Linsey blinked and responded with a smile, “Alright, make sure to take more of me later on.”
Collin exhaled in relief, poised to suggest she shouldn’t add Dustin on WhatsApp. However, they had already connected on the app.
Dustin noticed a look of resignation on Collin’s face and suppressed a chuckle. “You look really handsome in this one.”
Linsey opened the photo, saved it, then showed it to Collin.
“Look, Mr. Wade’s skills in candid photography are quite impressive. It’s thanks to him we have this memorable photo.” Linsey smiled, tucked her phone away, and declared earnestly, “I’m going to keep this photo secure. Even if I switch phones later, I can’t let it get lost.”
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Linsey still remembered the promise she had made to Dustin earlier in his car—to speak highly of him in front of Collin.
This gesture would likely lessen the chance of Dustin avoiding future meetings with Collin. Knowing how seldom Collin made friends, Linsey was keen to prevent a fleeting impulse from ruining his relationship with Dustin.
Yet, Collin perceived the situation through a different lens. He noted Linsey’s genuine appreciation for the photograph, which coaxed him into extending a reluctant olive branch toward Dustin.
After agreeing to keep the photograph, Collin made sure to caution Dustin. “This is a one-time thing. Do not take photos without permission again.”
Linsey softly patted Collin’s shoulder, urging gently, “Come on, don’t be so mean.”
Collin paused, seemed about to justify himself, then finally admitted in his defense, “I wasn’t being harsh. Just giving a reminder.”
Dustin, observing all this, marveled quietly to himself.
He recognized that soliciting Linsey’s assistance had been a wise decision. The shift in Collin’s demeanor was immediate and remarkable.
It struck him then—had he ever noticed how adept Collin was at modulating his emotions?
Simultaneously, Dustin experienced a quiet shock.
Collin, typically so resolute and unwavering, was now taking heed of a woman’s advice.
Was this moment more a testament to Linsey’s influence or a nod to Collin’s newfound adaptability?
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