A flicker of confusion crossed Collin s face. What are you even talking about?

Taking in a steady breath, Linsey explained with care, Gorman once told me that the reason you two were always at odds was because he had a fianc e you set your sights on. He said you took her away, that she never wanted you, and in the end, she felt so trapped she ended her own life.

Collin let out a dry laugh, the kind that carried nothing but disbelief. What kind of ridiculous story is that? Nothing like that ever happened.

Only then did it strike him was Linsey s suspicion born from Gorman spreading lies about him behind his back?

A serious look settled over Linsey s face. Gorman s never lied to me before. If you re innocent, why would he make something like this up?

The way she spoke made it sound as if she had already chosen Gorman s side. Annoyance surged through him, and he snapped, What reason could I possibly have to deceive you?

His words left Linsey frozen in place.

That silence pushed his temper higher, though he forced control over it and declared, You need to believe me, Linsey. I have never been interested in Kylee, and I certainly didn t steal Gorman s fianc e from him.

Another thought came rushing to him, and he added sharply, In fact, as far as I know, Gorman never even had a fianc e.

That revelation caught Linsey completely off guard. You can t be serious.

Her disbelief cut at him, and he replied coldly, If you doubt me, then go find out for yourself. I ll give you whatever proof you need, and you won t owe me a thing. Chapters first released on find?novel.net

Her brows drew together as confusion pressed hard on her thoughts.

Every part of Collin s explanation sounded genuine.

But if he was telling the truth, why would Gorman invent such a story?

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She and Collin hadn t even crossed paths back then

That realization sent a dull pounding through her head.

One thing was clear she needed to get to the bottom of this herself.

As Linsey sat there, lost in thought, Collin s voice broke through. Is that all, or do you still have more questions?

There were still things she wanted to ask, but with her mind spinning, not a single question would come.

She gave a faint shake of her head and replied, Not right now.

Good. Then it s my turn. Collin s stare locked on her with a heaviness that unsettled the air.

Her throat tightened, and she asked warily, Can I refuse to answer?

Something about the look in his eyes made her uneasy, as if he was about to dig up secrets she wasn t ready to share.

Collin replied flatly, Nope. You grilled me with your questions. It s only fair I get some answers too.

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