Chapter 461

 461:
Collin scoffed. “She didn’t give Linsey or me anything, so why would she have something for you?”
But the moment they arrived, Collin’s face darkened. Ivy, looking delighted, handed Dustin a neatly wrapped gift.
Dustin grinned, laughing triumphantly as Collin’s mood soured.
“Ivy, you really are the best! I knew you’d never forget about my gift!” Dustin beamed, practically glowing with pride.
Collin had always been possessive of the people he cherished. As a kid, he would throw a fit whenever Ivy hugged Dustin. Now, even as a married man, that familiar pang of jealousy crept in when Ivy seemed to favor Dustin over him.
If Linsey had seen this side of Collin, she would probably be surprised. Noticing the storm brewing in her grandson’s eyes, Ivy chuckled knowingly. Without missing a beat, she reached into her suitcase and pulled out two large boxes, handing them to Collin.
“You sulky little thing,” Ivy teased, shaking her head. “Did you really think I’d forget you and Linsey? The luggage just arrived last night; that’s all.”
Collin took the gifts, his rigid posture easing slightly.
“Grandma, you’ve got it all wrong,” he said sincerely. “I wasn’t sulking. I was just worried that if Linsey didn’t get a gift, she might take it the wrong way.”
Ivy shot him a knowing look, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Oh, please. Does Linsey even know you’re using her as an excuse? Honestly, after all these years, you’re still the same. That stubborn little temper of yours hasn’t changed one bit.”
Collin didn’t argue.
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cóm is your escape
Laughter and easy conversation filled the room, the warmth between them making the space feel a little brighter.
“That reminds me,” Ivy said, her expression shifting to something more serious as she turned to Collin. “You’ve already told Linsey the truth about not being disabled, but have you explained the situation with CR Corporation yet?”
The ease in Collin’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a rare flicker of unease. “Not yet,” he admitted. “I’m planning to tell her at the Lawson family banquet in a few days.”
Dustin let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Ivy, I think Collin’s really in deep with Linsey. Have you ever seen him like this before?” Confusion and hesitation, which had never belonged to Collin, now settled on his face, unmistakable. For once, he truly looked uncertain.
The thought of seeing disappointment in Linsey’s eyes unsettled him. But what scared him more was the possibility that, once she learned the truth, she might never trust him again.
Ivy, ever perceptive, picked up on his inner turmoil. Her voice was calm yet firm. “Collin, I’ve only met Linsey once, but it’s clear she feels deeply. A girl as genuine as she is won’t tolerate being deceived by the person she loves. If you wait too long to tell her the truth, you may end up regretting it.”
Collin absorbed her words, his expression growing serious. “I understand, Grandma.”
Her advice solidified his decision. No matter how Linsey reacted, he couldn’t keep this from her any longer. And more than anything, once the world knew Linsey’s husband was the founder of CR Corporation, no one would dare lay a hand on her again.
Leaving the nursing home, Collin remained preoccupied, his mind tangled in the dilemma of how Linsey would react once he finally told her the truth.
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