Chapter 526:
Without sparing them much attention, Linsey made her way inside.
Just then, faint whispers reached her ears—hushed yet filled with curiosity.
“She looks so much like…”
“I know! It’s uncanny!”
“Which elite family is she from? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before.”
“Could she be a Lawson?”
Hearing the murmurs, Linsey instinctively turned her head and found a small group discreetly glancing in her direction. The moment her gaze met theirs, they quickly looked away, feigning innocence.
Their reaction puzzled her even more. What exactly were they whispering about?
Linsey blinked in confusion but didn’t dwell on it, continuing toward the banquet hall.
Just as she stepped inside, someone walking out accidentally collided with her. Caught off guard, she gasped softly, stumbling sideways.
For a brief second, her mind went blank—her body’s first instinct was to shield her abdomen.
“Careful!”
A firm arm caught her just in time, steadying her securely.
Linsey’s breath hitched in surprise. It took her a moment to regain her composure.
“Thank you,” she murmured, still slightly shaken.
She had no idea that the man who had caught her was just as stunned.
When he remained silent, Linsey frowned slightly and turned to face him—only to freeze in shock.
The man standing before her had a strikingly familiar face. He looked like a male version of herself.
“You…” Linsey hesitated, slowly raising her hand as if to confirm what she was seeing, her expression conflicted.
Jeffery, too, was at a loss.
He didn’t even resemble his own parents this closely.
So why did this complete stranger look almost identical to him?
More whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
“Seeing them side by side now, they really do look alike.”
“Right? The moment I saw her, I thought she was a softer, more delicate version of Jeffery.”
“Could she be an illegitimate daughter of the Lawson family?”
The second those words were uttered, Jeffery’s dazed expression hardened. A sharp glint flickered in his eyes as he turned toward the gossiping guests. His voice remained steady, but the weight of his presence alone sent a chill through the group.
“Mind your words. If I hear any more baseless speculation, don’t be surprised if you’re escorted out—and permanently cut off from us.”
His parents had always been devoted to one another. The idea of an illegitimate child was beyond ridiculous.
The once-chatty onlookers instantly shrank back, their faces turning pale.
“S-sorry, Mr. Lawson. We didn’t mean anything by it,” they stammered, bowing their heads in apology.
“Alright, enough standing around. Get inside,” Jeffery said.
“Yes, Mr. Lawson.” The group quickly paired up and hurried into the venue.
Linsey was still piecing together what had just happened when she caught Jeffery shooting her a sharp, almost icy look.
