Chapter 551
551:
He paused, lifting his gaze. The ice-cold sharpness in his eyes sent an unmistakable warning.
Linsey felt her chest tighten. His voice remained detached. “But I think you’re well aware of my family’s influence in town. If you decide to challenge us, I won’t hesitate to play along. Just remember—no matter how long you fight, the result won’t change. You’ll lose.”
Linsey’s fingers curled into trembling fists, frustration and fury churning inside her. This was beyond cruel, beyond insulting. Did he really see her as nothing more than an opportunist? A bitter laugh nearly escaped her lips.
She had assumed Carol was the worst of the Lawsons. Who knew Jeffery was even more despicable? He knew exactly what his sister had done, yet he still shielded her, acting as if she were faultless. And now, he was twisting the situation to paint her as some money-hungry schemer while positioning himself and Carol as the victims.
How laughable. Her lips curled into a smirk before she let out a cold chuckle.
As he saw her lack of response, Jeffery’s brows furrowed. “What’s the issue with you now?”
“My issue?” Linsey’s smirk vanished as she met his gaze, her expression cool and detached. “Well, you seem remarkably skilled at intimidation. I take it this isn’t your first time cleaning up Carol’s mess?”
If not for the searing pain in her injured hand, she would have applauded his dedication to playing the perfect big brother.
A flicker of irritation crossed Jeffery’s face. “Enough. Which will it be? I don’t have time to stand around.”
Millie, already at her limit, stepped forward, her hand twitching as if she were about to slap him. She had heard more than enough.
But before she could follow through, Linsey gently held her back.
𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙨.𝙘𝙤𝙢
Millie instinctively halted, gripping Linsey’s arm with concern. Her voice dropped to a worried whisper. “Don’t move! Your hand is still injured.”
Linsey flashed her a reassuring smile. “My right hand’s fine. It’s the left that’s hurt.”
Jeffery ignored Linsey and Millie’s conversation and said in a firm tone, “Ms. Brooks, I suggest you think this through carefully.”
Linsey’s lips curled into a calm smile as she spoke at an unhurried pace. “Alright, then. Hand over five million dollars.”
“Linsey!” Millie’s eyes widened in shock. She was completely caught off guard by Linsey’s response.
At those words, the tension in Jeffery’s expression finally eased. “No problem.”
He retrieved a checkbook from his suit’s inner pocket, swiftly scribbled out the amount, and handed it to Linsey. “Five million—every last cent.”
Linsey accepted it without hesitation, giving the check a cursory glance before murmuring with an ambiguous expression, “You certainly know how to be generous.”
Jeffery tucked his pen away and cast a faint glance at Millie. “I trust Miss Burke will keep tonight’s events to herself.”
“Get lost.” Millie was so furious her breathing turned uneven, snapping at him without restraint.
Without another word, Jeffery turned on his heel and left.
Since Linsey had accepted the money, it was obvious she wouldn’t pursue the matter any further. Everything made sense now—Linsey had staged this entire ordeal just to get a payout.
Carol must have been provoked by Linsey’s manipulations, which led to her unintentionally injuring her.
In the end, Linsey was the one orchestrating the situation, and Carol had fallen into her trap.
It was Carol’s birthday, and Jeffery didn’t want any irrelevant people ruining her celebration.
.
.
.