She knew her son well. Huntley had been coddled from the moment he could walk, turning even the smallest discomfort into an earth-shattering ordeal. She figured this was no different, just another dramatic outburst.
But the moment they reached the hospital, and the doctor’s expression darkened mid-examination, Fernanda’s confidence wavered. She had been dead wrong.
“The injury doesn’t look too severe on the surface. But the damage has already reached the bone. If the force had been any stronger, his hand could have been permanently crippled,” the doctor said, his voice measured yet grave.
Fernanda’s breath hitched. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “H-how is that possible?” she stammered, fingers clutching the edge of her coat.
Huntley let out a fresh wail, his face contorted in agony. “That bastard Collin! I swear, I’ll make him bleed for this!”
The doctor, methodically wrapping Huntley’s hand in bandages, fought the uneasy chill creeping up his spine.
Whatever grudge these people had, it had spiraled into something far uglier than he wanted to be caught in.
“Be gentle, damn it!” Huntley snapped, his face slick with cold sweat.
“Yes, yes, of course,” the doctor stammered, nodding hurriedly as he adjusted his grip, careful not to provoke another outburst.
Fernanda hovered beside her son, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief, her heart twisting at the sight of his pain. But as she watched him, a flicker of unease crossed her face.
“I really misjudged Collin,” she muttered, barely above a whisper.
Huntley clenched his jaw, rage simmering beneath his humiliation. The thought of being nearly crippled-by Collin of all people-was unbearable.
For as long as he could remember, Collin had been nothing more than a worthless shadow in the Riley family, a burden Huntley had long dismissed. He was the rightful heir. He was the one destined for greatness.
But to be humiliated by someone he had always seen as beneath him? That was a disgrace Huntley couldn’t stomach.
Huntley’s fury simmered just beneath the surface, his teeth clenched so tightly his jaw ached. “Collin won’t get away with this. And that woman-how dare she humiliate me? No one in town has ever spoken to me like that and walked away unscathed. They’ll both regret it.”
Fernanda’s lips pressed into a thin line, her voice measured. “Huntley, control yourself. Ivy is still around. She’s never liked me, and because of that, she’s kept her distance from you too. If she catches wind of this, she’ll take Collin’s side without hesitation.”
The mention of Ivy sent another wave of anger crashing through Huntley. His fists tightened, his expression darkening further.
Huntley’s voice dripped with venom. “She’s the only reason Dad still hasn’t given me the heir position.”
He turned to Fernanda, frustration crackling in his tone. “Mom, do you have any idea how much we’ve put up with because of her? I’m done waiting!”
Fernanda exhaled slowly, weariness creeping into her features. “We don’t have a choice, Huntley. Timing is everything. We endure for now, but when the right moment comes-we strike.”
Every muscle in his body resisted, but Huntley gave a stiff nod. “Fine. I get it.”
The moment Fernanda stepped out of the room, his expression shifted, soft frustration hardening into something ruthless.
If he couldn’t destroy Collin and Linsey outright, he would find another way to make them suffer.
His fingers moved swiftly over his phone’s screen, each tap a silent promise of vengeance.
The next morning, Linsey stepped into the office, ready to tackle the day.
She hadn’t even settled in when Cynthia strolled over, a smirk barely hiding her amusement.
“Linsey, I heard you stayed late last night. Honestly, I half-expected you to call in sick.”
Linsey glanced up from her desk, instantly picking up on the mockery in Cynthia’s voice.
It was obvious-Cynthia had already decided she would fail this deal. This sudden show of concern was just an excuse to rub it in.
Keeping her expression neutral, Linsey met her gaze and said coolly, “Cynthia, let’s not waste time pretending we like each other. We both know better.”
Tilting her head slightly, she added with a hint of amusement, “If I hadn’t come in, who would have handled the client? You? Are you sure you’re up to the task?”
A flicker of irritation crossed Cynthia’s face. Linsey had the audacity to question her abilities.
Scoffing, Cynthia crossed her arms. “Don’t be so full of yourself, Linsey. Just because you’re confident doesn’t mean you’ll pull this off.”
“Actually, I know I will,” Linsey replied without hesitation.
Cynthia let out a sharp laugh, her eyes flashing with disdain. “Keep dreaming. Before you joined CR Corporation, you had no real experience. You only outperformed me in the interview by sheer luck. Do you really think that luck won’t run out?”
Her voice dropped to a steely whisper. “I’ll be right here when you finally crash and burn.”
With that, she turned on her heel and strode away.
Defeated in their exchange, Cynthia chose to step back and watch events unfold.
Once her morning tasks were complete, Linsey reached for her phone and dialed Anthea Blakely, the client tied to her current deal, hoping to set up a meeting.
Minutes passed, yet the call remained unanswered.
Determined not to waste time, she made a decision after lunch-to visit Anthea’s home in person. A face-to-face introduction might give her the edge she needed.
Unbeknownst to her, Anthea was already entertaining an unexpected visitor.
Seated in the elegant living room was none other than Collin.
“Mrs. Blakely, I hope I’m not intruding,” said Collin, his tone courteous yet firm.
Caught off guard, Anthea blinked in surprise.
With his demanding schedule, it was rare to see Collin in person. His sudden appearance today was certainly out of the ordinary.
“Collin, what a pleasant surprise! Is there something on your mind?” Anthea asked with genuine warmth.
With his usual politeness, Collin offered a small smile. “You’ve known my mother for years and watched me grow up. It’s only proper that I visit you.”
A soft chuckle escaped her lips. “In that case, why keep calling me Mrs. Blakely? Your mother and I were close. Just call me Anthea.”
Without hesitation, Collin obliged. “Anthea.”
As a servant placed a steaming cup of coffee before him, Anthea studied Collin with a knowing expression.
“Few in town realize you’re the mastermind behind CR Corporation, but I’ve always been aware. You’re constantly tied up with work, so I imagine today’s visit isn’t just for casual conversation. Speak freely.”
A subtle nod preceded his words as he addressed her directly. “Anthea, you and your husband have shared a lifetime together. Your experience far surpasses most. There are some matters I’d like to discuss and hear your thoughts on.”
Anthea was taken aback by what she had just heard. With a teasing smile, she responded, “Wait a minute, didn’t you use to despise even talking about marriage? I heard your grandmother’s been on your case about getting married for ages, and you always dodged the topic. So why are you suddenly coming to me for advice? Are you seeing someone?”
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.