Chapter 677:
Before she could, Gorman cut in, his tone crisp and firm. “That’s where you’re wrong, Mr. Lawson. This is Linsey’s child. Her choice. Her future. No one—not even the father—gets to use it as leverage for forgiveness.”
Linsey’s expression finally softened. She looked toward Gorman with quiet gratitude. Because in her heart, she knew exactly what he meant. No matter what, she couldn’t go back—not even for the sake of a complete family, not when that completeness meant sacrificing herself in silence.
Jeffery fell silent for a moment after Gorman’s words sank in. He realized how unfair he had been—judging Linsey so quickly, without considering the depth of her hurt.
She had truly loved Collin. And now, after everything, she had just learned he had hidden something so significant. Of course she was shattered.
“I’m sorry. What Collin did was wrong. You don’t owe him forgiveness right now,” Jeffery said, his voice calm and genuine.
Linsey gave a small nod. “That’s why I’m asking you to keep this to yourself. Please don’t tell him I’m pregnant. I don’t want this to affect my decision to go through with the divorce.”
Jeffery blinked in surprise. “You’re really getting a divorce?”
Linsey shot him a look. “Why? You have a problem with that?”
He quickly straightened, waving his hand lightly. “No, not at all. Just caught me off guard. That’s all.”
“What’s so surprising? When a marriage stops feeling like one, ending it is the logical step.” She lowered her eyes, her expression unreadable.
Jeffery watched her quietly, sensing she had already made up her mind long before now. “You’re right. If that’s what you’ve decided, then so be it. Divorce isn’t the end of the world. And don’t worry—I won’t say a word about the pregnancy.”
He paused, his tone softening. “After all, you just did me a huge favor.”
At this point, Jeffery felt it wasn’t his place to tell Linsey that he had once believed Collin genuinely loved her.
In fact, the more he thought about it now, the more it seemed that the man he once admired might have just been a well-crafted illusion—one put on by someone who turned out to be a complete jerk.
Linsey turned toward him, brows slightly raised. “And what favor would that be?”
Jeffery smirked faintly. “Your memory’s terrible. Didn’t you help me convince Carol this morning?”
He didn’t say more—especially with Gorman in the room—but Linsey caught on immediately.
She nodded lightly. “Oh, that? You paid me for it. We’re even now. Just keep my secret.”
Jeffery didn’t linger after that. He could tell—without Gorman needing to say a word—that the man wasn’t thrilled about him hanging around any longer.
At the door, Jeffery looked back and, in a rare moment of sincerity, said, “Take care of yourself, Linsey. You’ve got more than just yourself to think about now. Try not to stress.”
Linsey’s expression softened. “I know. Thank you.”
Once Jeffery had left, Gorman finally spoke, his voice unusually low.
