Chapter 1173:
His tone carried regret and anguish, his deep gaze overflowing with love for her.
But to Linsey, his reaction only made it harder to fathom what he could be concealing. She couldn’t bear the thought of another betrayal.
If Collin had truly broken her trust again, she would take Zenia and Zander and leave without a second thought.
Yet the idea of leaving tore at her. Her nose reddened as she declared, “I’m not running away from Grester this time. I’m the CEO of Lawson Group now, and I’m staying put. I’ll make Lawson Group stronger than ever, bigger than CR Corporation, and then I’ll make sure you’re out of Grester for good!”
Collin’s eyes never left her, his lips parting as he spoke softly. “Sweetheart, why would you want me gone? Can’t I just stay with you?”
Linsey shot him a pout, her tearful eyes flashing with frustration.
Gathering her courage, she pressed, “I overheard you outside the door earlier. What were you telling Ivy that I wasn’t allowed to know? Why keep it from me? Why is it always something I’m not supposed to hear?”
Her voice grew sharper with each word, anger flaring as she wished she could lash out at him. She hated how effortlessly he could stir her emotions—igniting her fury, sadness, and despair.
Collin’s face shifted at her words, a flicker of realization crossing his features.
Linsey caught it, and her patience snapped.
She pushed against him, struggling to break free.
“Let me go, Collin! You’re awful! I’m done with you!” Her voice cracked with a sob. She was certain now that he was hiding something from her.
Collin tugged her back with gentle insistence, his voice earnest. “Linsey, please, I didn’t lie to you.”
Linsey’s emotions churned, and she was done listening to his explanations.
“Collin, if you don’t want me to get truly furious, let me go this instant.”
“No, I’m not letting you go—ever,” Collin said with conviction. “I lost you once before, and it was unbearable. I can’t go through that again.”
Linsey locked eyes with him, her voice raw. “Then why did you hide things from me again? Collin, we made a vow—no more secrets. But barely two weeks after re-registering our marriage, you’ve broken that promise.”
Seeing the flicker of despair in her eyes, Collin couldn’t bear to keep the secret any longer. He took a deep breath, shut his eyes briefly, and offered a weary smile.
“Linsey, could you close your eyes for me, please?”
Caught off guard, Linsey suspected he was sidestepping the issue.
“What are you up to?” she mumbled warily.
Collin, sensing her lingering anger, softened his approach.
“You’re upset because I shared something with Grandma but not with you, right? I’ll tell you everything now. Just close your eyes first.”
Linsey hesitated, but his sincerity softened her resolve, easing her frustration. She shut her eyes and asked, “Are you really gonna be honest with me?”
There was a soft rustle as if Collin was retrieving something.
“Of course. You’re my wife—I’ll share everything with you,” he said solemnly. After a pause, he added, “Okay, you can open your eyes now.”
