Chapter 469

 469:
Linsey flipped through the drafts in her hand, skimming the details before responding, “There are just a few final touches left. If you still want it, I can have the completed version ready in a couple of days.”
For a moment, she heard nothing but his uneven breathing. Then, he exhaled sharply, as if grounding himself.
“Just get rid of it.”
Linsey froze. “What?”
Gorman’s voice was icy as he repeated, “Just get rid of it. It’s useless to me now.”
Linsey was momentarily stunned, struggling to steady herself. “But you’ve already paid for it.”
Gorman’s laugh was dry and mocking. “Didn’t we sign a contract? You don’t need to worry about the money. It’s yours, keep it.”
There was a pause before Linsey spoke calmly, her tone steady. “You came to me for this deal personally, and I hadn’t coordinated with the company yet. According to the contract, the company’s resources are only to be used once the garment’s ready for production. If you no longer need it, I can return your payment.”
Since Gorman no longer required the design, she felt no reason to keep the money. It wouldn’t be right.
Gorman went silent once more.
Linsey rubbed her forehead, uncertain about how to handle the situation. She felt guilty toward him, but at the same time, she wanted to distance herself from any further contact.
Suddenly, Gorman let out a low, bitter laugh. “Linsey, is this really where we are? You won’t even take my money now?”
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Linsey was caught off guard. Before she could respond, Gorman’s voice came through again, colder than ever. “If you don’t want it, just throw it all away. Let’s not contact each other anymore.”
With that, he ended the call abruptly, leaving no chance for Linsey to say another word.
As the dial tone echoed in her ear, a wave of sadness washed over her. It was clear that Gorman still held some resentment toward her. But Linsey didn’t want to dwell on it—after all, Gorman was leaving. She just hoped he would find peace and be able to recover soon.
As for the payment for the unfinished design, Linsey considered asking Collin to help return the money to Gorman when she got back.
In the days that followed, Linsey immersed herself in designing Collin’s suit, juggling work in between.
Before long, the suit was completed. That evening, Linsey took the suit back home, eager to have Collin try it on as soon as possible.
When Collin laid eyes on the suit, a spark of admiration lit up his expression. The deep blue evening suit shimmered beneath the lights, its unique design setting it apart from anything ordinary. The bright bow tie matched the suit perfectly, emphasizing its luxurious tone. The most striking feature, however, was the contrasting silk handkerchief pinned to the chest, radiating an air of sophistication.
“What an incredible suit!” Josh exclaimed. “I never thought a men’s suit could look this good! Mrs. Riley, you’ve truly outdone yourself!”
Linsey smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “You’re overdoing it, Josh. Men’s evening suits are simpler than women’s gowns. I just paid attention to the little details.”
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