Chapter 896

 896:
That same piece had sold for a staggering 2.7 billion dollars at the charity auction, with Collin placing the final bid. Now, it rested around Haven’s neck like it had always belonged there.
Though Linsey’s world revolved around fashion design, she knew enough about fine jewelry to recognize the piece instantly. One glance was all it took to confirm it: this was definitely the same Star of the Desert from that night.
For a brief moment, Linsey remained frozen, a quiet scoff echoing in her mind. She didn’t know why she needed to be sure. Everyone already knew Collin had purchased the Star of the Desert for Haven during the charity auction. Collin had offered it freely, and Haven had every right to wear what had been gifted to her.
Pushing down the emotions threatening to surface, Linsey calmed herself, walked forward, and took a seat across from Haven in a single chair.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Walton?” Linsey asked, her eyes fixed calmly on Haven’s graceful posture.
Haven let out a soft smile, her voice smooth and deliberate, carrying the effortless grace of someone well-versed in high society. “The last time we crossed paths, you never got the chance to introduce yourself. It was only afterward that Collin mentioned you were his ex-wife—and quite the celebrated designer in Grester, too.”
“Why are you here?” Linsey asked, her tone even and unreadable. She met Haven’s gaze with calm indifference. The moment Haven noticed Linsey’s unreadable expression, a flicker of irritation passed through her eyes.
Haven’s dislike for Linsey wasn’t new; it had taken root long before they had ever officially met. In Haven’s mind, if Linsey hadn’t left Collin at the altar, Linsey never would have had the chance to become his wife.
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But what stung more was the truth Haven couldn’t ignore: Collin had genuinely loved Linsey. Even though four years had passed since the divorce, Haven could still see how much Linsey meant to Collin.
It wasn’t only what Collin had said to her during the banquet that bothered her. It was the way Collin had repeatedly, whether intentionally or not, stepped in to protect Linsey. She recalled that moment at the restaurant, how Collin had downplayed Linsey’s identity, like she wasn’t someone Haven needed to know.
To her, it felt like Collin didn’t think she was important enough to even be properly introduced to Linsey. Then there was the allergy incident. Collin had taken Linsey to the hospital himself, and Haven had only learned about it much later. Honestly, if Gorman hadn’t told her the truth, Haven would have remained unaware for a little while longer.
Haven had a strong suspicion that Collin was the reason Joanne came up empty-handed when trying to dig up anything on Linsey. He must have gone out of his way to keep her background buried.
As the thought settled, a calmer expression replaced the tension on Haven’s face.
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