Just then, a piercing voice sliced through the warm chatter. “Linsey, isn’t it a bit too convenient that you ended up in the hospital right after securing Mrs. Blakely’s order? You didn’t do that on purpose, did you? Were you just stalling because you felt overwhelmed by the responsibility?”
Linsey looked up to see Cynthia smirking at her, eyes filled with suspicion.
There was no hint of embarrassment on Cynthia’s face; rather, her voice took on an even sharper edge of sarcasm.
“What’s the matter? Was I wrong? You’ve been away for so long, it’s been a complete waste. With Mrs. Blakely’s deadline fast approaching, I’m sure you’ll be begging for an extension,” Cynthia taunted, her tone thick with derision. “But let me remind you, Mrs. Blakely doesn’t do second chances.”
Harsh as Cynthia’s words were, they held truth. Linsey understood that an extension from Anthea was not on the table. Their colleagues looked on, exchanging glances filled with concern for Linsey.
“Cynthia’s got a point, Linsey. Time isn’t on your side.”
“Coen really let you take such a long break? Did he forget to mention this?”
“Linsey, perhaps you should ask Coen for help. He’s spoken with Mrs. Blakely before; he might be able to advocate for you.”
“With just a few days left, you need to wrap up the design and kick off production. It’s a tall order for anyone.”
In response to the mix of real and feigned worry, Linsey replied with a composed smile, “Don’t fret over me. I’ve completed the design and have been in touch with Mrs. Blakely. Production is set to begin shortly.” Her colleagues were visibly impressed.
“Really? Linsey, that’s remarkable!”
“Working through your hospital stay? That’s dedication.”
“No wonder you topped the interview. Impressive, indeed.”
Cynthia, on the other hand, frowned at Linsey’s confidence. With a scoff, she strained the office atmosphere even further.
“Linsey, don’t get ahead of yourself. Just because you’ve finished the design doesn’t mean you can relax. You’re still a novice with no practical experience. Designing is one thing; managing production is an entirely different challenge. We’ll see where you end up when this project goes south,” Cynthia said with a sneer.
The room was steeped in awkward silence. Colleagues exchanged uneasy looks, each hesitant to break the tension. No one ventured a word.
Yet Linsey remained unruffled. She fixed her gaze on Cynthia and spoke with deliberate calm. “Thank you for the reminder. You’re right – tackling such a major project alone is daunting. That’s why I intend to consult Coen and involve a few skilled colleagues.”
Turning to her coworkers, Linsey asked with courtesy, “Would any of you be interested in joining me on this project? I assure you, your contributions will be recognized in your performance evaluations.” Her offer immediately brightened the faces of those she addressed.
“Really?”
“Linsey, are you serious? I’d love to work with you!”
“This is fantastic! Thanks for this opportunity!”
“Count me in, Linsey. We’ll put our best effort into it.”
No one in the office was willing to let such an opportunity slip. This project with Anthea, a client renowned for her generosity, promised significant rewards. Not only could completing her project bring the company substantial benefits, but it was also likely to secure a handsome bonus for each team member.
Moreover, Linsey had already finished the design; only the production phase remained. With her preparation complete and a capable team behind her, even the looming deadline seemed less intimidating.
A wave of excitement swept through the group. It was an unexpected chance, akin to striking the lottery.
Linsey’s colleagues quickly voiced their agreement. Watching them, she smiled, her expression sweet and unassuming. “I really have to thank Cynthia for the reminder. If not for her, I wouldn’t have thought of this solution at all.”
Her words had the intended effect. The group turned to Cynthia with appreciation.
“Cynthia, thank you. Without you, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work on Mrs. Blakely’s project.”
Cynthia’s face stiffened. She had never imagined that so many of them would get the chance to participate in Anthea’s project-except for her. “You…” She had the urge to call them out for being opportunists. Frustration flared in her chest, but with no outlet for it, all she could do was turn away, her expression dark with irritation.
Linsey hadn’t exaggerated. She had finished the design on time. Even when she was hospitalized from her injuries, she had never let Anthea’s order slip from her mind. Before the kidnapping, she had already organized the initial design materials, and ideas had come easily.
Confined to a hospital bed with nothing else to do, she made use of the time, sketching out several drafts between treatments. After a few days, she finally convinced Collin to let her be discharged. The moment she was out, she contacted Anthea and finalized the design online.
So when she returned to the company, she could begin creating the final product without delay.
Many assumed Linsey was just a newcomer with little real-world experience. She agreed. That was why she followed Cynthia’s advice and sought help from a few colleagues.
CR Corporation was one of the most respected names in the industry. Its designers were some of the best. During the production process, they generously shared valuable techniques with her. In return, they had the opportunity to contribute to Anthea’s project-an impressive addition to their resumes. And Linsey, in turn, learned a great deal.
Even after a long, productive day, her enthusiasm didn’t wane. Later, as she sat down for dinner at Vista Villa, her mind remained on the project, still sorting through design details.
A clatter pulled her from her thoughts.
Collin placed more food onto her plate. “Eat. You just got out of the hospital, and your body’s still weak. You need proper nutrition.”
Linsey blinked, momentarily lost, then obediently picked up her fork and finished her meal.
“I’m done,” she said, wiping her mouth and standing up.
Collin’s gaze followed her. “Where are you going?”
She hesitated only briefly before answering honestly, “I just had some new inspiration. I want to go back to my room and refine the design.”
“You’re working overtime?” He stared at her.
Linsey shifted slightly, feeling a bit uneasy. “Well… it’s not really overtime. I’m just wrapping things up. It won’t take long.”
Collin took a deep breath. In the past, people had always told him to take it easy, to stop working so much and rest. He never listened. He found their nagging irritating.
Now, for the first time, he truly understood what it felt like to worry about someone else. But he still felt her situation was different from his. He had always been in good health. A little extra work never hurt him. But she was different.
She had just been through a dangerous kidnapping, her body still recovering from multiple injuries. She hadn’t even spent much time in the hospital before coming back to work. Thinking about it only made him more concerned. His tone left no room for debate. “After dinner, take a walk and then rest. Work can wait until tomorrow.”
Linsey pressed her lips together. She didn’t hesitate for long before agreeing. “OK. I’ll go rest in my room then.”
After all, her computer was in her room. It wouldn’t take much time to finish a little work.
Collin studied her carefully, his doubt growing at how quickly she agreed. “You gave in too easily,” he said. “You’re planning to sneak in some work once you’re in your room, aren’t you?”
Linsey hesitated for a moment, then sighed helplessly. “How can I make you believe me?”
She understood his concern came from a good place. That was why she didn’t feel annoyed.
Collin thought for a moment before replying. “I’ll keep an eye on you myself. From now on, you’ll move to the master bedroom and we’ll sleep together.”
Linsey went rigid, shock crashing over her like a wave. For a moment, she wasn’t even sure she had heard him right.
“What? Say that again.” Her voice barely rose above a whisper, uncertainty threading through the words.
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.