Chapter 573:
Gently, Collin leaned in and kissed Linsey’s freshly cleansed forehead.
When morning arrived, Linsey awoke feeling disoriented. She lay staring at the ceiling for a few moments, slowly regaining awareness, then abruptly sat up. Puzzled and slightly irritated, she wondered aloud, “How did I manage to fall asleep so suddenly last night?”
Looking down, she noticed her nightgown was fresh—Collin must have changed her clothes while she slept. Linsey’s thoughts were muddled until a sudden realization jolted her fully awake: she had fallen asleep without removing her makeup. The thought of makeup lingering all night filled her with horror; it could certainly lead to sensitive, reddened skin.
Panicking, Linsey sprang from the bed and hurried into the bathroom. “Where’s the makeup remover?” she muttered anxiously. Then, glancing up, she caught her reflection in the mirror.
To her amazement, her face looked clean and radiant, with a natural rosy glow and no makeup in sight.
“Huh?” Linsey exclaimed, leaning in for a closer look at the mirror. Her skin was indeed spotless. Had she removed her makeup in her sleep?
Confused, Linsey exited the bathroom and caught sight of used cotton pads and facial towels in the trash bin. That was when it all made sense—it had been Collin who took the care to remove her makeup for her.
She peered toward the empty bed, wondering where Collin could be. The sheets were cold, indicating he had been up for some time. Wasn’t today supposed to be their day off? Perhaps he had traveled to the nearby city again for work.
Determined to find out, Linsey stepped into the hallway and almost immediately ran into a servant ascending the stairs.
“Good morning, Mrs. Riley. Are you ready for breakfast?” the servant greeted cheerfully. She added, “Mr. Riley had to leave early for an urgent matter. He mentioned he would return this evening and hoped you’d take it easy at home today.”
Linsey nodded. “Thank you, that clears things up.” Her stomach rumbled, prompting her to add, “I think I’ll freshen up first, then come down for breakfast.”
“Of course, Mrs. Riley,” the servant replied.
Feeling the need to stretch, Linsey yawned and sauntered back to her room to change into more comfortable attire. Breakfast had become a priority now that she was expecting. She had planned to share the news of her pregnancy with Collin last night but had fallen into such a deep sleep that she never got the chance. With Collin occupied today, Linsey resolved to wait for his return this evening before revealing their future joy.
Her injuries were still healing, and with no plans to venture out over the weekend, she looked forward to a peaceful day of rest at home.
Inside the president’s office of CR Corporation, Dustin leaned forward and whispered, “Look at that. Jeffery’s been camped in the lobby since this morning, waiting. It’s surprising to see the prominent Lawson heir reduced to begging favors.”
