Chapter 273

 273:
Fortunately, the dining room was empty, sparing Linsey any curious stares. Though she was a tad shy, her hunger took over, and she opened her mouth to accept a bite.
After their meal, Collin, all smiles, extended an invitation. “Let me show you around the island. You’re on vacation; feel free to stay as long as you wish.”
Linsey nodded, her worries melting away. “Okay.”
Relishing a rare moment of tranquility after months of nonstop work, she felt at peace.
Their leisurely island tour was abruptly interrupted when Collin’s phone rang. He answered it, and the voice of his subordinate, thick with urgency, cut through. “Mr. Riley, we have a situation!”
The grave tone made Collin furrow his brows. He glanced at Linsey, who returned his look with a worried gaze. “What’s going on?” he asked, his voice low.
After a hesitant pause, the subordinate divulged, “It concerns your wife.” Quickly, he added more details.
Linsey watched as Collin’s face clouded over.
“Why are you just telling me now?” Collin demanded, his voice sharp with irritation.
The subordinate’s frustration mirrored his own. “The focus was on the Gorman case, and we missed the developments with your wife. Mr. Riley, your guidance is needed.”
Taking a deep breath to quell his rising anger, Collin prepared to respond but paused upon seeing Linsey’s anxious expression.
He pressed his lips together, pushing down his fury, and spoke quickly. “Understood. Let’s discuss it when I return.”
After he hung up, Linsey, sensing the tension, asked with a frown, “What’s wrong?”
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She had seldom seen Collin this somber.
He gazed at her, her face a picture of innocence, and hesitated to weigh her down with the heavy news.
The issue was still unresolved—sharing it now would only stir unnecessary worry.
“It’s nothing serious, just a small hiccup at work. I might need to go back for a while,” Collin replied, trying to keep his voice even. “Don’t worry, I’ll return to you once everything is sorted out.”
But Linsey was resolute. “If you’re leaving, then we’re leaving together. Collin, I want to accompany you.”
Collin felt uneasy at the thought of leaving her behind too.
Yet, the unfolding crisis in Grester lingered in his mind.
He fell silent, pondering for a moment before taking her hand firmly. “Then you must promise me—once we’re back, stay close. It could get dangerous.”
Linsey laughed lightly. “You worry too much. I’m not a child, and besides, I’ve been living in Grester for years. How bad could it possibly be?”
Collin’s eyes briefly betrayed his concern. “Alright, let’s go then.”
Soon after, they were aboard a helicopter, heading back to Grester.
Upon landing, they moved to get into a car bound for Vista Villa.
Suddenly, a large crowd burst from around the corner.
Someone yelled with excitement. “Over here! Linsey is here!”
Caught off guard, Linsey and Collin found themselves encircled.
The crowd’s leader glared at Linsey, fury written all over his face. “Linsey, you shameless plagiarist! You almost destroyed Kylee’s career! We’re here for Kylee and Jude!”
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