Chapter 513

 513:
“Then we’ll just find something flowy,” Dolores replied without missing a beat.
As they spoke, ever-decisive Dolores had already pulled a stylish outfit from the rack. “You’re a professional fashion designer, yet here I am, a complete novice, picking clothes for you. How does that even make sense? Come on, find something that catches your eye.”
Linsey chuckled, taking the outfit from her. “Whatever you pick, I’ll wear it.”
Dolores smirked. “Good, then I’ll pick everything for you.”
The two of them continued browsing, carefully selecting pieces from the displays.
Then, out of nowhere, a voice called out from behind. “Linsey? What a coincidence seeing you here.”
Linsey froze for a split second. She recognized that voice almost immediately.
Taking a steadying breath, she turned around—just as expected, it was Carol, the woman she had met at CR Corporation just yesterday.
Carol was dressed head to toe in designer labels, her makeup bold and immaculate. Behind her stood a group of tall, intimidating bodyguards, their presence impossible to overlook.
Their arrival turned heads instantly. People outside the store were already sneaking glances at them.
Carol’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile the moment her eyes landed on Linsey.
She spoke with deliberate ease. “Linsey, we sure do keep crossing paths, don’t we? Out shopping, I see? You must have a lot of time on your hands. I suppose that means you’ve already finished the design I commissioned? I’ll be checking in on that soon, so don’t think you can just brush me off.”
Linsey’s easygoing smile disappeared in an instant.
What were the odds? Of all places, she had to run into Carol here.
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Still, she kept her cool, her tone steady and professional. “Miss Lawson, you can rest assured that your design will be completed on time and to the highest standard.”
Beside her, Dolores narrowed her eyes slightly, discreetly assessing Carol.
Years of unspoken understanding had sharpened Dolores’ instincts when it came to Linsey, and right now, she could sense the subtle hostility lurking in Carol’s gaze.
Without a second thought, Dolores shifted her stance, subtly placing herself in front of Linsey.
Linsey wasn’t alone anymore. She was expecting, more vulnerable than before. Even the slightest stress or confrontation was something she couldn’t afford.
Carol, of course, noticed Dolores’ protective gesture. An amused brow lifted as she gave her a fleeting glance—though it was clear she didn’t take her seriously.
To Carol, Linsey was just an ordinary woman with no real status or powerful connections. And anyone who stood by her side must be just as insignificant.
But then, as Carol’s gaze drifted over them, something suddenly caught her eye.
Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the shopping bag in Linsey’s hand. The logo from a well-known maternity store practically burned into her vision.
“Linsey, are you pregnant?” For the first time, Carol’s poised demeanor cracked, her voice betraying a rare note of disbelief.
Linsey frowned at her reaction, sensing something off.
Instinctively, she reached for Dolores’ hand. The moment Dolores squeezed back reassuringly, Linsey felt herself relax—just a little.
Why was Carol reacting this way?
What did her pregnancy have to do with her?
Linsey recalled their brief exchange at the company yesterday. A vague sense of unease settled over her.
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.
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