Upon closer inspection, her heart skipped a beat. Was that Collin’s car?
As the car slowly moved away, Linsey emerged from around the corner. Her face wore an expression of deepening confusion.
How peculiar. Why was Collin’s car pulling away from Anthea’s residence?
Linsey’s brow creased; she was sure of her observation. That was unmistakably Collin’s car.
However, before she could mull over it further, she noticed Anthea standing by the villa’s entrance.
Recognizing her from photos, Linsey didn’t hesitate.
She quickly made her way inside just as the villa gates were about to close and called out softly, “Mrs. Blakely!”
Anthea turned at the sound, her gaze landing on Linsey’s bright, earnest eyes.
It had been quite some time since Anthea had encountered such open sincerity.
Anthea’s face softened into a smile. “May I know who you are? It appears we haven’t met. How do you know my name?”
Facing her directly, Linsey sensed the tranquil presence Anthea projected.
Surely, a person with such a composed air would not needlessly complicate matters for designers.
Feeling even more certain there had been some sort of mix-up, Linsey stood taller.
“Hello, Mrs. Blakely. We haven’t met, but I’m a new designer at CR Corporation. I wanted to discuss something with you personally.”
At this, Anthea’s fleeting smile disappeared, and her demeanor cooled. She turned away, saying briskly, “There’s nothing to discuss. Please leave.”
She signaled to the butler. “And make sure we stop all design orders with CR Corporation. I’m tired of their designers.”
“Understood, Mrs. Blakely,” replied the butler.
Rooted to the spot, Linsey was taken aback by the abrupt dismissal.
She began to speak, but the butler cut her off.
“Please, you need to leave now. Mrs. Blakely has no wish to see you.”
Watching Anthea walk away, Linsey called out, her voice filled with genuine concern, “Mrs. Blakely, is there perhaps some misunderstanding? It seems you’re hesitant to work with CR Corporation’s designers. But I assure you, my intentions are entirely sincere. I hope you might reconsider and allow me the chance to deliver a design that meets your standards.”
Pausing, she added, “I’m Linsey Riley, by the way. If you ever reconsider, you can find me at CR Corporation.”
At that, Anthea paused in her stride and turned around, eyebrows lifted. “What was your name again?”
Caught slightly off guard, Linsey replied, “Linsey. My name is Linsey Riley.”
Anthea, her interest piqued, turned completely around. A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes as she posed her question. “You seem like a fine young woman. Are you partnered or married?”
Linsey was taken aback by the abrupt shift to personal territory, but she responded truthfully, “Yes, I’m married.”
“You must be married to someone well-known in town, right? Someone prominent? What’s his name? Perhaps I’ve heard of him,” Anthea said, her laughter light and teasing.
Linsey blinked, slightly thrown by the question. “My husband is quite the ordinary fellow. His surname is Riley. His first name, well…”
“What, you’re hesitant to share your husband’s name? Do you think he is an embarrassment?” Anthea inquired.
The question was clearly too sharp, and Linsey’s slight frown revealed her discomfort.
She answered with calm resolve, “Mrs. Blakely, I don’t see it in the same light. However, my husband’s identity is a private matter and has no bearing on my professional life. I prefer to keep that information to myself.”
Anthea observed Linsey’s firm expression, and her smile softened.
“Don’t fret. I was merely curious. As I grow older, I find myself increasingly fascinated by the romantic endeavors of the younger generation.”
Linsey was taken aback, not expecting such an open acknowledgment from Anthea.
“It’s completely fine, Mrs. Blakely,” Linsey replied with a courteous smile.
Anthea then nodded to the butler and said warmly, “Let the young designer come in.”
She turned and walked back into the house.
Linsey’s eyes sparkled with surprise at Anthea’s swift change of heart. She followed the butler inside and took her place on the living room sofa.
“What would you like to drink?” Anthea asked, her gaze carefully studying Linsey.
“Just water, thank you, Mrs. Blakely,” Linsey answered, her tone polite.
Soon after, a servant brought in a glass of water and set it before Linsey on the coffee table.
After a moment of silence, Anthea ventured another question. “Do you know why I’ve been somewhat hesitant to collaborate with designers from your firm?”
Caught off guard, Linsey shook her head, indicating no.
Anthea explained calmly, “The designers previously sent by your company would begin with precise questions about my design preferences. However, it wouldn’t be long before they shifted the conversation toward your company’s founder. I’m well aware that many in your company know about my stake in CR Corporation and that I’ve encountered your enigmatic founder.”
She added, “It seemed that all the designers, both men and women, were keen on extracting information about him from me. Eventually, I grew weary of it and decided I didn’t want to engage with any more designers from CR Corporation.”
With a gentle smile directed at Linsey, Anthea concluded, “But after our conversation today, I can tell you’re different. That’s why I’ve decided to give you a chance.”
A wave of relief swept through Linsey, relaxing the tension she had felt building.
So that was the crux of the matter.
“Mrs. Blakely, please be assured that I’m here solely to discuss your design requirements. I have no other motives,” Linsey stated earnestly.
Anthea’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Your company’s founder is shrouded in mystery, possessing considerable wealth. It seems everyone is keen to unravel his secrets and, if possible, forge some connection with him. Don’t you have even a hint of curiosity?”
“I admit, the mystery surrounding our boss is intriguing. However, I truly have no hidden agendas. My only aim today is to understand your design preferences better,” Linsey responded with sincerity.
Anthea nodded, her smile carrying a hint of amusement. “We’ll see about that,” she said, her tone implying a challenge.
Linsey held Anthea’s gaze, aware of the underlying test in her words. She wondered if Anthea was still probing her real purpose for the visit. Hastily, Linsey added, “I hope it doesn’t come across as trivial, but my husband and I are newlyweds, and deeply in love. We have a strong bond, and I assure you, there are no hidden motives on my part.”
Anthea’s amusement grew with the unfolding situation.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.