Gorman s expression darkened, though his tone stayed controlled. From what I know, Linsey is on paid leave. She doesn t have to go back unless she chooses to.

Collin knew that all too well after all, he had been the one to tell Dustin to set up her time off. He chose not to explain anything. Instead, he shot a look at Gorman and said, I m talking to Linsey, not you.

I m her boyfriend, and that gives me the right to decide for her! Gorman snapped without hesitation, hitting the word boyfriend hard as if it sealed his ownership.

Irritation crept across Collin s face. For a moment, his stare went cold. Linsey. His eyes fixed on her with an unshakable intensity. You re a grown woman, not a child. Do you really need someone else telling you what to do? Find the newest release on find?novel.net

Linsey pressed her lips together before stepping forward. Gorman, since there s an urgent situation at the office, I need to get back right away.

Her words softened Collin s expression, but they deepened the storm in Gorman s face. Don t let Collin fool you, Linsey. He s just trying to manipulate you!

She turned to Collin, who waited in his wheelchair, unbothered and silent. Even as the moment stretched, Linsey stayed resolute. I m free at the moment anyway. Heading back now makes more sense, so I won t end up drowning in unfinished work and endless overtime later.

Gorman opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off, shifting her focus to Collin. Let s get going, Mr. Riley.

Could you give me a push? Collin requested, a sly edge in his tone.

Gorman snapped, Why can t you use the controls on that fancy chair? Why make her do it?

It s out of battery, Collin replied smoothly, not flinching.

That only made Gorman more furious.

That s enough. Linsey cut in firmly, turning back to Gorman. It s only a wheelchair. Stop making a fuss.

Every journey starts at g ? ǦҦ ?s?c?

Without another word, she moved behind Collin and began to wheel him forward.

Once they stepped out of the hospital, Linsey wheeled Collin toward his car. The driver quickly stepped out, swung the door open, and said to her, Ms. Brooks, would you mind lending a hand to Mr. Riley?

Sure, Linsey replied, though before she could move, Collin cut in. That won t be necessary.

In the blink of an eye, he rose to his feet and climbed into the car without help.

The driver was stunned. Mr. Riley could actually walk?

Linsey stared, too, her thoughts momentarily scrambled. Meanwhile, Collin sat as though nothing unusual had happened.

From down the driveway, someone shouted, Mr. Riley!

Evie darted up, winded and desperate. Please, Mr. Riley. Kylee realizes she made a mistake. I m begging you just a few minutes of your time.

Collin s expression didn t waver. I ve said it enough times Kylee and I were never together. At best, we were casual friends. That ended long ago, and now I owe her nothing.

.

.

.