Chapter 872

 872:
Gently, Linsey touched Zenia’s shoulder. “Tell me, who is this bad man? Why did your brother go to see him?”
Zenia’s words tumbled out in a rush. “The bad man is the one who hurt you and made you cry. Caylee said he’s the boss of CR Corporation. His name is Collin Riley.”
Linsey’s jaw clenched, and the blood drained from her face.
Caylee blurted out, “It’s my doing, Linsey. I told them. That night you and Mr. Green were at the banquet, Mr. Green instructed me to tell the kids that Collin had upset you. The kids only wanted to protect you. I should never have listened to Mr. Green.”
Most of what followed blurred into static in Linsey’s ears.
The so-called “bad man” the kids kept referring to? It was Collin.
That meant… Zander was with him right now?
The realization hit her like a blow. Her legs faltered beneath her as she staggered backward, lightheaded.
“Linsey!” Caylee gasped. She lunged forward, her arms wrapping around her. Her voice cracked with remorse. “This happened because of me. I’m so sorry.”
“Mama!” Zenia’s tiny arms latched around Linsey’s waist, trembling. Her words tumbled out between sobs. “Don’t be mad at us. We didn’t mean to hide it. Zander just wanted to go teach that bad man a lesson!”
A sharp ringing filled Linsey’s ears. Each breath grew harder than the last, tight and shallow. Panic clawed at her chest.
gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.k𝗈𝗺 – 𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓴
Zander’s resemblance to Collin was undeniable. All it would take was one look—Collin would start asking questions.
Now that the two of them were together, a paternity test wasn’t just possible—it was inevitable.
Linsey had spent years carefully hiding the truth, keeping her children far from Collin’s world. She did everything to prevent this exact moment.
She had always known that bringing the kids back to Grester meant Collin would find out eventually.
She just didn’t think it would happen this fast.
Zenia’s tear-streaked cheeks lifted toward her. “Mommy, please don’t be mad. I’ll text Zander and tell him to come home right now.”
Blankness swept over Linsey’s expression. It took her a few long seconds before her thoughts came back into focus.
The storm behind her eyes slowly faded, giving way to a quiet, unnerving stillness.
A faint smile curved Linsey’s lips as she smoothed Zenia’s hair. “Let him stay, if that’s what he’s chosen. There’s no need to call him back.”
Caylee stared at her, clearly stunned. “Linsey, I—”
She meant to offer help. She meant to bring Zander back herself since it was her mistake to begin with.
But Linsey cut her off before the words could form. Her voice was steady. “Don’t bother.”
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