LLinsey's heart pounded as her eyes darted to Collin's face. A faint mark at the corner of his mouth confirmed her suspicion—it had definitely been a result of her own clumsiness during their close encounter.

Did I really react that strongly? she wondered, her face heating up.

Sensing Linsey's eyes on him, Collin turned his head with a calm composed gaze. Linsey quickly averted her eyes, busying herself with her breakfast and feigning total indifference. This wasn't entirely her fault, was it? She had already warned him she wasn't exactly experienced in these delicate situations.

Collin, noticing her desperate attempt to look busy, couldn't help but smirk. "It's nothing," he said casually to the housekeeper who was looking at his lip with concern. "Just a little scratch from a feisty stray kitten I encountered. Nothing serious."

The maid blinked, a look of utter confusion on her face. "Sir, I didn't know we had any cats on the grounds?"

"A stray," Collin replied smoothly, his eyes dancing with mischief. "It was quite playful but a bit troublesome—and impossible to catch once it bolted."

Linsey's face burned crimson. That infuriating man! she fumed inwardly. How could he compare me to a naughty stray cat?

She quickly finished her meal and stood up, making a theatrical show of leaving for work to escape his teasing gaze.

"Wait," Collin called out, his voice stopping her in her tracks.

She turned back, her voice hesitant and a little defensive. "What is it now?"

"I'll have the driver take you to the office today," he said firmly, his tone leaving little room for argument.

"There's no need for that. I can drive myself just fine," Linsey replied hastily, shaking her head.

Collin, however, remained adamant. He glanced pointedly at her movements. "Are you sure? You seemed a bit unsteady when you stood up just now. A long drive might be too taxing after such a restless night."

His words sent a fresh wave of heat to Linsey's cheeks. He wasn't entirely mistaken—she did feel an unusual wave of fatigue, as if she had spent the previous night running a marathon rather than sleeping.

Frustration bubbled up inside her. Linsey glared at him, her voice laced with annoyance. "How come you're perfectly fine and energetic, while I'm the one feeling..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence without embarrassing herself further. "I don't need a ride! I'm going!"

With that stubborn declaration, she turned and stormed off, though she couldn't suppress a small wince as she moved.

Collin, still seated at the table, watched her retreat with a soft chuckle. He subtly gestured to one of his security detail nearby. "Follow her," he instructed quietly. "If she refuses to get in the car, tell her that her safety is my priority—and if she still won't listen, tell her it's an order."

"Understood, Mr. Riley," the subordinate replied, heading out immediately.

In the kitchen, a few younger maids began whispering amongst themselves, their eyes bright with curiosity.

"Did you see Mr. Riley's lip? And Mrs. Riley looks so flustered this morning."

"They usually argue, but today it feels... different. Like they're actually quite close."

An older housekeeper, overhearing the gossip, chuckled knowingly as she cleared the plates. "Alright, that’s enough. Stop the speculation," she said with a wink. "It’s a good sign when a husband and wife are this lively. It means the house won't be quiet for much longer."

"A good sign? Oh..." The younger maids finally caught the implication, their faces lighting up.

"I hope they stay this happy," one whispered.

"They will," the housekeeper replied, looking toward the door where the two had just been. "They’re finally starting to look like a real couple."