Unable to turn her down, Linsey accepted.

Inside, the room carried a light citrus scent, and everywhere she looked, there were lavish furnishings. If it weren t for Ivy s hospital gown, Linsey might have mistaken it for a suite in a luxury hotel.

Though they hadn t met often, Ivy had taken a liking to Linsey. After she learned about Collin s hidden feelings for her, Ivy s urge to play matchmaker only grew stronger.

It wasn t long before the conversation turned to Collin, with Ivy bringing up his name again and again.

Linsey thought little of it at first. Back when she volunteered at the nursing home, she often heard elderly people ramble about their children and grandchildren, so she assumed Ivy was only making small talk.

But as the chat went on, Ivy suddenly asked with a smile, Linsey, what do you think of Collin?

Linsey blinked, caught off guard. Memories of Collin flashed through her mind. If she had to describe him, she would say sharp-tongued, cold, and above all mysterious. It always felt like he carried countless secrets.

But instead of revealing her true thoughts, she gave a light answer. He seems like a nice person.

Ivy s eyes lit up with joy. That s wonderful! Collin will be so happy to hear that.

Why? Linsey asked curiously.

Without thinking, Ivy blurted, Because he s been secretly in love with you.

The moment Ivy spoke, the half-eaten cookie slipped from Linsey s fingers and hit the floor with a sharp thud.

Her eyes widened. Mrs. Riley, you can t be serious, right?

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Collin? How could he possibly like her? They had barely spoken, let alone spent much time together.

It s true. He told me himself, Ivy replied.

Since the secret had already slipped, there was no use hiding it anymore. Before Linsey could react, Ivy clasped her hand, her expression filled with sincerity.

Linsey, I raised Collin with my own hands. Don t be fooled by that stern face of his he may look distant, but his heart is soft. He s a good boy. Why not give him a chance?

Linsey hadn t expected the talk to twist suddenly toward pairing her with Collin. But She lifted her eyes to Ivy s hopeful gaze, yet the words of refusal wouldn t come.

After a pause, she asked instead, Doesn t he already have someone he likes?

No, Ivy replied without hesitation. Other than you, I ve never seen him show interest in anyone.

Linsey frowned, confused. But I saw him with a beautiful girl. I even heard the two of them had feelings for each other.

Ivy frowned, digging through her memory. Collin had grown up withdrawn, always distant because of the family s troubles. He barely had friends, much less close ties with girls. In truth, only one face came to mind.

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