Chapter 514
514:
Dolores, however, had no patience for Carol’s blunt questioning. With a pointed smirk, she said, “You seem awfully flustered. Since when does hiring a designer require knowing whether they’re pregnant? And last I checked, you have no right to pry into Linsey’s personal life.”
Carol’s face stiffened, but she didn’t respond. Her gaze remained locked on the shopping bag, as if needing further proof she hadn’t misread the situation.
If Linsey wasn’t expecting, why would she be shopping for maternity products?
There was only one explanation. Linsey was pregnant. She was carrying Collin’s child.
Carol’s stomach twisted. No, this couldn’t be happening.
Just yesterday, she had confirmed that Collin didn’t give a damn about Linsey. She hadn’t even had the chance to get close to him yet.
And now Linsey was pregnant?
Unacceptable. That child could never be born.
As long as it existed, her dream of becoming Collin’s wife would be shattered.
The future heir of CR Corporation had to be her child.
She was Carol—the daughter of the prestigious Lawson family. The only woman in Grester truly worthy of that position.
Linsey?
She was just an ordinary woman with no background, no status.
How could she possibly be fit to carry such a legacy?
A slow, insidious thought took root in Carol’s mind. Her gaze flickered downward—to Linsey’s still-flat stomach. For a brief moment, something dark glinted in her eyes.
Linsey instinctively tightened her grip on Dolores’ hand, taking a subtle step back.
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Carol’s gaze was unnerving—so sharp and intense it sent an unsettling shiver down Linsey’s spine.
Then, just as suddenly, Carol smiled. But it was empty, a mere curve of the lips devoid of any real warmth. Her eyes locked onto Linsey as she chuckled lightly. “Linsey, we’re partners now. There’s no need to be so cautious around me.”
Linsey pressed her lips together, her brows knitting slightly. Despite Carol’s seemingly harmless words, the unease in her chest didn’t fade.
Keeping her tone polite yet distant, she replied, “Rest assured, Miss Lawson, I’ll complete the design you requested. My focus remains on my work, and nothing will interfere with it.”
Carol’s smile didn’t waver, but something in her gaze darkened—just for a fleeting second. Then, as if the moment had never happened, she casually said, “By the way, my birthday party is next Saturday. I’ll have someone send an invitation to you at CR Corporation. I hope you’ll attend.”
Before Linsey could react, Carol’s gaze flicked to Dolores, her tone cooling. “Since you’re still shopping, I won’t hold you up.”
With that, she turned and strode out of the boutique, her entourage of bodyguards moving in perfect sync behind her.
Even after Carol had vanished from sight, the oppressive weight in Linsey’s chest remained, like an invisible force pressing down on her.
Dolores exhaled sharply, watching Carol’s retreating figure with narrowed eyes. “That was Carol Lawson, wasn’t it? I think I saw her at a business event once. She’s got quite the reputation—spoiled, temperamental, and a nightmare to deal with. A lot of people avoid crossing paths with her.”
She gave Linsey a helpless look and patted her hand. “How on earth did you end up taking on her project?”
Linsey sighed. “We’re currently working with the Lawson Group. That’s how I got pulled into this.”
She hesitated before lowering her voice. “Some of my colleagues say Carol has a thing for the founder.”
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