Linsey could only stare at him, speechless for once.

A sudden knock at the door broke the awkward silence.

Quick to recover, Linsey cleared her throat and called out, Come in.

Roland entered cautiously, greeting them both.

A frown settled on Collin s face the moment he caught sight of Roland. Collin couldn t help but think Roland always managed to show up at the worst possible times, interrupting every private moment he had with Linsey. But Roland, observant as ever, picked up on Collin s irritation the instant he walked in and made himself a little smaller.

He wasted no time. Sorry to intrude, Mr. Riley, but there s something you need to know, he said quickly.

Collin, unimpressed, gave no sign he wanted to respond.

From her spot by the counter, Linsey took charge. Is something important going on, Roland?

Nodding, Roland glanced at her and spoke up. Mr. Riley s grandmother has arrived.

Linsey blinked, momentarily caught off guard, though not entirely shocked she figured Ivy was probably here for Collin.

That assumption lasted only a moment, until Roland added, She asked for you.

She wants to see me? Surprise flickered across Linsey s face.

Linsey furrowed her brow, her mind drifting as she tried to make sense of the moment.

Out of nowhere, Collin s voice cut through the silence. He spoke for her. Go and tell my grandmother Linsey isn t feeling up to a visit right now.

At that, Roland s shoulders tensed. He shifted his weight, clearly uneasy. But

With a look of genuine confusion, Linsey glanced at Collin. Why did you just lie for me? Why stop me from meeting her?

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Collin shrugged off her question, his patience wearing thin. Does everything really need an explanation?

Nothing came to Linsey s mind to say next.

Collin didn t wait for her to gather her thoughts. He waved her off. Head back to your room. I ll handle her myself. Newest update provided by f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?.net

Reluctantly, Linsey nodded. Alright, she said, starting for the door.

Roland, however, quickly blocked her path. He turned to Collin, his tone respectful but insistent. Mr. Riley, your grandmother rushed home the moment her work overseas wrapped up. Please, don t make things harder by being stubborn.

Collin was in no mood for lectures. That s enough, he snapped, his glare sharp.

Keep pushing me, and you ll regret it.

The warning was enough to silence Roland.

Linsey, startled by how serious Collin sounded, finally spoke up. Do you have to be so aggressive all the time?

He didn t bother to explain, answering simply, That s just how I am.

She had nothing more to say to that.

Silence crept over the group, the tension almost visible.

Choosing to drop the argument, Linsey headed for the exit.

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