Chapter 316
316:
In response, Dustin leaned closer and murmured his plan into Dominic’s ear. Dominic’s brow furrowed in concern as he processed the idea. He shook his head slightly, a skeptical frown creasing his features. “Are you certain about this? I’m not convinced Collin will react well.”
But Dustin remained undeterred, his expression resolute. “What does it matter if he holds a grudge? As long as Linsey is okay with it, that’s what counts. Besides, don’t you want to see the look on Collin’s face when he opens the gift?”
Dominic’s hesitation melted away, replaced by a growing intrigue. “You know, that could be quite the sight.”
Dustin was emboldened by the notion of stirring up some mischief, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Meanwhile, Dominic found himself drawn to the idea of testing Collin’s limits.
With a shared nod, the two quickly bonded over their mischievous intent and began to craft their covert scheme in earnest.
As they caught up, Linsey shared exciting news with Dolores.
Upon hearing that she was invited to a joint birthday celebration, Dolores raised her eyebrows in surprise. “A party, out of the blue?”
Linsey’s laughter filled the air. “It’s Collin’s birthday soon, and since I’ve never known my own, we figured we’d throw a joint celebration this year.”
Dolores responded with a playful chuckle. “You two are practically inseparable—I’m starting to feel left out!”
Quick to reassure her, Linsey wrapped Dolores in a warm embrace and said teasingly, “Listen, no matter how well I get on with Collin, you’ll always be my number one. Seriously, propose to me now, and I’ll go home and file for divorce!”
gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․com is your escape to fiction
Dolores couldn’t contain her laughter and playfully shoved Linsey away. “Remember how you used to trail after me like a puppy? It drove me crazy! Now that I’ve finally shaken you off, I couldn’t be happier. Marry you? Not in a million years.”
Linsey adopted a dramatically crestfallen look and clung to Dolores, pretending to be devastated.
Dolores changed the subject, her expression turning serious. “I heard about the plagiarism accusations against you. Why didn’t you mention it?”
She was visibly upset, having learned only recently that Linsey had been besieged online for days. Dolores knew how passionate Linsey was about design, and the allegations had surely taken a heavy toll on her.
Seeing Dolores’ concern, Linsey offered a reassuring smile. “Really, I’m okay. I holed up at home during that time and stayed off the grid. I hardly caught any of the backlash, so it didn’t really get to me. Actually, the problem was sorted out quickly, so I didn’t see the need to bring it up.”
With a soft smile, she reached out and patted Dolores’s hand. “You’re always swamped with work—I wouldn’t dream of troubling you with trivialities. But rest assured, if anything serious arises, you’ll definitely be the first one I call.”
Dolores replied, a note of concern still lingering in her voice, “Just make sure you’re careful, okay?”
Dolores often fretted over Linsey’s gullible nature, fearing she had easily fallen prey to deceit. Fortunately, now that Collin was in the picture, Linsey had a vigilant guardian to keep an eye on her.
The two friends chatted endlessly, unwilling to say goodbye even as the night deepened.
.
.
.