Chapter 1352:
Taking everything into account, Collin had eventually told Dustin to turn down any deal with the Griffin Group.
In the end, Griffin Group redirected its attention toward Riley Group, with Alfredo now running the company.
It was during one of Collin’s rare visits back to the Riley family’s residence that he crossed paths with Edmond, who happened to visit Alfredo.
Collin could still picture that overly flattering grin from back then, a complete contrast to the pitiful figure standing before him now.
That thought drew a cold smirk from Collin as he shot back, “And why exactly would I need your approval?”
Edmond trembled as he waved his hands. “N-no, that’s not what I meant!”
Collin leaned in, his voice edged with challenge. “Then what did you mean?”
“It’s nothing. Just a misunderstanding,” Edmond stammered, plastering on a fake smile as he stumbled upright. “Mr. Riley, if you’ve set your sights on her, I’ll step aside and let you have the moment.”
Collin’s attention drifted to Linsey, who was huddled close, trembling in his embrace.
He had never thought of himself as tenderhearted, yet watching her like this tugged at something deep inside. Had he not passed by at that moment, Edmond might have already taken advantage of her.
The thought alone hardened Collin’s gaze into ice. His voice was razor-sharp as he stopped the man who was trying to slip away. “Did I say you could go?”
Edmond froze mid-step, his back going rigid. Even before Griffin Group had sought a deal with Riley Group, he had already heard plenty of stories about Collin Riley. If there was one name that spelled trouble, it was his.
Nearly choking on his fear, Edmond turned back with watery eyes. “Mr. Riley, is there anything else you need from me?”
Collin didn’t answer right away. Instead, he drew Linsey closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her onto his lap. “Baby, how should I deal with him for you?”
The word “baby” left Edmond gaping.
Linsey’s eyes went wide as well, her face a mix of shock and disbelief. Collin, however, didn’t so much as blink. His tone stayed calm as he looked back at Edmond. “You really don’t know she’s my girlfriend?”
Edmond’s legs gave way once more, and with a heavy thud, he collapsed to the floor, his face drained of color in sheer terror.
Earlier that evening, during dinner, he had noticed Linsey seated across from a man. But with the man’s back turned and his focus entirely on her, he hadn’t paid it much mind.
Had he realized it was Collin, no amount of bravery, even with alcohol clouding his judgment, would have emboldened him to harass Linsey.
A tidal wave of regret crashed over Edmond, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He scrambled to beg, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Riley. I had no idea she was with you. I would never have dared to trouble her. Please, have mercy.”
Collin looked down at Edmond groveling at his feet, a flicker of amusement in his eyes but no trace of sympathy. His voice was cold as ice. “Why beg me? Was I the one you tried to assault?”
