Leave. Now! Collin growled in a low voice, with an air of menace.

Shock made Roland s hands shake so badly he nearly let the jug crash to the floor.

Yes, Mr. Riley, Roland responded in a trembling voice, retreating several steps, bewildered.

A moment ago, Collin seemed perfectly calm. What had set him off so quickly?

Had he himself crossed a line somehow?

All he had done was offer juice.

The confusion only grew.

Fingers running through his hair, Roland tried to piece together what might have happened.

A lavish breakfast tempted the senses, and Linsey dug in with a bright smile, clearly enjoying herself.

Collin, by contrast, wore a stormy look and pushed his food around, clearly displeased.

Every time Linsey caught Roland s eye, she lit up with easy chatter, but whenever Collin looked her way, she acted as if he wasn t even there. The realization that he was being completely overlooked hit Collin for the first time.

Pausing to think, Collin wondered if his voice had been so low that Linsey hadn t heard him maybe her slight wasn t intentional after all.

Determined to try again, he took a steadying breath and sat up straighter. Linsey, he called out a bit louder this time, attempting a friendlier tone. Is breakfast to your liking?

Linsey toyed with the scrambled egg on her plate, her fork nudging it absentmindedly.

When Collin posed his question, she barely suppressed a sigh of exasperation.

He ought to be familiar with its flavor, considering they ate the same meal daily. Moreover, since he hadn t even prepared it, why bother asking? Linsey muttered to herself silently, irritation simmering.

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Still harboring resentment from yesterday s disagreement, she disregarded him and focused on her egg.

Linsey. Collin s voice sharpened, a clear sign of his growing agitation. Sensing the mounting strain, Roland stepped in, softly urging, Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley is addressing you. Please answer. Latest content published on FindN0vel.net

Who? Linsey glanced around, her eyes deliberately skipping over Collin as if he were a ghost. Turning to Roland with a feigned look of innocence, she remarked, It s just us two here, right?

Her words cast a frosty pall over the room.

Roland s face paled, his voice quivering as he whispered urgently, Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley is right there. Ignoring him will only upset him.

He realized their recent spat was the root of Collin s unexplained frustration.

Unperturbed, Linsey shrugged and resumed cutting her egg with her utensils.

Collin, observing her defiant attitude, felt a wave of anger knot his stomach.

Suddenly, his fork and knife clanged loudly against his plate.

Startled, Roland stammered, Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley is only

He tried to defuse the situation for Linsey, but Collin s cold stare silenced him, leaving him quietly concerned for her. It was evident Collin was furious this time.

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