Her thoughts softened as she observed Linsey carefully adjusting the dress, her movements delicate and precise.
Anthea had been a lifelong friend of Collin’s mother and had always held a maternal affection for Collin, almost considering him a son. She had resigned herself to the idea of him remaining solitary for life, yet here he was, having found Linsey, a truly exceptional woman. This revelation stirred a protective instinct in Anthea.
Seeking to break the contemplative silence, Anthea inquired in a warm, concerned tone, “How are things going at CR Corporation? Are you fitting in well with your coworkers?”
Linsey responded with a gentle smile that lit up her features. “Quite well, actually.”
Anthea released a skeptical hum, her eyebrows arching in doubt. She said, her tone laced with suspicion, “I’m not entirely convinced. Consider the woman who was with you today. Her actions were blatantly calculated-she’s obviously trying to charm her way into my good graces.”
She then added, “I reviewed the list of designers Coen sent over for this project, and there’s no mention of a Cynthia. What’s her role here, then? Watch yourself. Don’t you fear that one day I might prefer collaborating with her over you?”
Linsey straightened her posture, her expression serene and self-assured as she responded, “Mrs. Blakely, I have full confidence in my skills and your discernment. I’m sure you’ll make the wisest choice.”
A chuckle escaped Anthea, amused by Linsey’s poised reply. She playfully prodded, “Oh, so if I end up not choosing you, are you suggesting I have poor judgment?”
Linsey’s lips curved into a sly smile as she swiftly clarified, “Not at all, Mrs. Blakely. You’ve misunderstood; I only mean to express my trust in your decision-making.”
Anthea was reassured by Linsey’s astute rebuttal, her initial doubts about Cynthia beginning to wane. Observing Linsey’s composure and cleverness, she felt increasingly confident that Cynthia was unlikely to pose any real threat. If anything, it was Cynthia who needed to be wary and quit messing with Linsey before things got worse.
“Alright, let’s try on the dress. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this all day,” Anthea declared, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Before long, Linsey was assisting Anthea into the stunning gown.
Standing before the mirror, Anthea twirled gracefully, a radiant smile illuminating her face as she admired her reflection, utterly delighted with her look.
Anthea’s fingers brushed lightly over the gown’s hem, her face radiating joy. “It’s been ages since I felt this happy,” she said. “I knew I’d chosen the right designer.”
Seeing Anthea’s delight, Linsey felt her own happiness swell. “Mrs. Blakely, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all in the future,” she offered.
Anthea nodded. “I’m attending a banquet overseas the day after tomorrow, so I’ll need to leave in the afternoon to prepare,” she explained.
She glanced at Linsey. “I’ll express my gratitude properly when I return. But for now, I need to pack, so I won’t detain you any longer.”
“Of course,” Linsey replied. After a brief pause, she added sincerely, “Mrs. Blakely, thank you for choosing me. Without your support, I’m not sure I would still be at CR Corporation.”
Anthea chuckled, taking Linsey’s hand in hers. With a hint of pride, she said, “Well, I do have a knack for spotting talent. I knew you were exceptional the moment I chose you.”
Then, with a knowing look, she added, “Your husband clearly has excellent taste as well. Anyone who doubts you is simply blind, so don’t let their opinions bother you.”
Linsey was both touched and surprised by Anthea’s words of support.
She realized Anthea must have seen the rumors circulating online. Linsey hadn’t expected Anthea to trust her so readily. Others would likely have questioned her character based on the rumors.
“Even after seeing those rumors, you still believe in me?” Linsey asked, her voice thick with emotion.
Anthea snorted softly and patted Linsey’s shoulder. “I trust my instincts,” she said. “You’re not that kind of person.”
Linsey’s eyes welled up, and she whispered, “Thank you, Mrs. Blakely.”
After bidding Anthea farewell, Linsey headed downstairs, ready to leave.
“Let’s go,” Linsey said to Cynthia.
Cynthia’s eyes widened in disbelief and frustration. She remained seated, refusing to move.
“We’ve only just arrived, and we haven’t even finished our coffee. It’s rude to leave so soon!” Cynthia protested.
Linsey glanced at Cynthia calmly and said indifferently, “Then stay and finish your coffee. I’m going back to the office.”
Cynthia bit her lip and grabbed Linsey’s wrist. Leaning closer, she whispered, “Did you say something bad about me to Mrs. Blakely? Why else would she be so cold to me?” Linsey found the accusation laughable.
She looked at Cynthia with a detached expression and said, “Cynthia, let’s be absolutely clear. I am the lead designer for Mrs. Blakely’s gown, working alongside the other designers in our office. You have no part in this project. You insisted on accompanying me today; I certainly didn’t invite you.”
She then added, “And frankly, Mrs. Blakely’s treatment of you is of no interest to me. So, please, stop projecting your own negative thoughts onto me.”
With that, Linsey dismissed Cynthia and walked away without a backward glance.
Cynthia remained rooted to the spot, seething with anger and humiliation, her eyes fixed on Linsey’s departing back.
Anthea’s butler politely addressed Cynthia, “Mrs. Blakely is currently occupied with other matters and is unable to entertain guests at this time.”
Cynthia was escorted off the premises.
“Damn her! That Linsey!”
Her face contorted with rage, her eyes burning with jealousy and resentment.
She had gone to great lengths to accompany Linsey, only to be treated like a mere lackey.
“Linsey, you shameless hussy!” Cynthia hissed under her breath, her voice dripping with venom.
The online rumors about Linsey were spreading rapidly. How could she still act so high and mighty?
Did Linsey actually believe that simply because she hadn’t been dismissed, she was beyond reproach?
Cynthia’s fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
She was determined not to let Linsey get away with this.
She would show Linsey just how ruthless she was capable of being. Her mind made up, Cynthia pulled out her phone and placed a call.
Perfect. She would escalate the situation even further.
She was determined to see how Linsey would handle the fallout.
After finishing her workday, Linsey went back to Vista Villa. Elated after successfully completing Anthea’s design project, Linsey decided to celebrate by cooking dinner herself. She politely declined the servants’ offers of assistance, rolled up her sleeves, and started cooking.
When Collin arrived home, he immediately saw Linsey in the kitchen, busily preparing dinner. The kitchen lights bathed her in a warm glow as she worked.
Collin stood silently, watching Linsey as she moved around the kitchen. A rare feeling of tranquility washed over him. He had resigned himself to a solitary life for years, but now, he was married to Linsey, and for the first time, her presence made the house feel like a home.
A small smile touched Collin’s lips as he wheeled himself toward the kitchen. “Need a hand?” he asked.
Hearing him, Linsey turned around, her face a picture of surprise and happiness. “You’re home early!” she exclaimed.
Collin chuckled. “I had a feeling a delicious meal was waiting for me.”
Linsey’s cheeks flushed slightly. “It’s just a simple meal. I hope you like it.”
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.