Chapter 1253:
Today’s humiliation would be repaid tenfold. He would ensure they suffered twice the shame and pain he had endured.
Fueled by this burning resolve, Huntley pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number.
The connection established immediately, and a respectful voice greeted him, “Mr. Riley.”
Barely restraining his seething anger, Huntley issued his cold command. “I have a job for you.”
Meanwhile, Linsey and Collin had retreated from the chaos of the garden, finding sanctuary in the quiet living room.
Stopping in her tracks, Linsey spoke with heartfelt sincerity. “Thank you for what you did back there. I’m grateful you stepped in when you did.” The empty space around them seemed to amplify her voice.
Without Collin’s timely intervention, Huntley might have escalated his unwelcome advances, potentially destroying her reputation in the process.
Relief washed over Linsey at the thought of what could have been.
Collin absorbed her words of gratitude with his usual composed demeanor, then lifted three fingers before gesturing for her to approach. “Come stand in front of me.”
Confusion flickered across Linsey’s features, but she didn’t hesitate to obey. Releasing her hold on the wheelchair handles, she moved forward, her subtle fragrance drifting between them.
The moment she came within reach, Collin’s hand shot out to capture hers.
Shock jolted through Linsey as she instinctively attempted to withdraw. “Don’t move.” Collin’s commanding tone brooked no argument, his grip firm yet careful as he prevented her escape.
His authoritative voice cut through Linsey’s surprise, and she ceased her struggles immediately, though curiosity compelled her to ask, “What exactly are you doing?”
Rather than answering, Collin fixed his attention on her arm as though conducting a careful examination.
Huntley’s earlier assault had left faint marks on her delicate skin where he had seized her wrist.
Collin’s thumb traced over the discolored area with surprising gentleness, his expression unreadable as he inquired, “Does this cause you pain?”
Understanding dawned on Linsey as she realized his actions stemmed from genuine concern. After a moment’s hesitation, she answered, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Despite her reassurance, Collin’s brow remained creased with worry, his hold on her wrist unwavering.
His voice dropped to a softer register as he pressed further, “Did that bastard do anything else besides grabbing your wrist?”
Collin hadn’t witnessed everything that had just unfolded. His question lingered in the air, and Linsey’s mind immediately replayed that uncomfortable moment of Huntley brushing a strand of hair away from her face. She pressed her lips together, hesitating, then decided to bury the truth. “No, he didn’t.”
“Okay,” Collin said, though concern lingered in his eyes. “I’ll send for a doctor to check you over, just in case.”
That suggestion made Linsey’s eyes go wide. She shook her head, waving her hands to ward off the idea. “That’s really not necessary. I’m perfectly fine.” Her insistence finally wore Collin down, and he let the matter drop.
