Wearing a polite smile, she said, I hope I m not intruding. I heard you re engaged to Gorman, and I wanted to stop by and offer my congratulations. I even brought a few gifts for the occasion.

Haven then gestured gracefully toward a table, where a selection of carefully arranged presents awaited.

Linsey barely glanced at them. Thank you, Ms. Walton, she said coolly.

Linsey s tone remained courteous, but something in her manner seemed off, and Haven could feel it.

Still, remembering what Gorman had told her beforehand, she carried on in a gentle tone. Funny how life works, isn t it? It s almost like fate decided we should meet.

Linsey looked Haven in the eye, her voice steady. And what makes you say that?

With a poised smile, Haven replied, Collin and I are planning to get married later this year, if everything goes as expected. For a split second, Linsey s expression faltered.

Haven caught it instantly, and her smile stretched just a bit wider. With deliberate subtlety, Linsey allowed a trace of sorrow to seep into her expression. Her gaze dropped slightly, and the sadness behind her eyes felt genuine, even if it wasn t.

For a moment, even Haven was caught off guard by the emotional weight in Linsey s face.

Though she sneered inwardly, Haven put on an innocent face, feigning confusion, and tilted her head as she asked sweetly, Ms. Brooks, aren t you going to wish Collin and me well?

:

Linsey shifted her gaze away, her voice edged with a chill tone. Is my blessing really necessary?

Without waiting for a response, she added flatly, If there s nothing else, Ms. Walton, I think I ll excuse myself. I ll head upstairs. She turned to leave, not bothering to wait for permission.

But before she could step away, Gorman s voice floated in from the doorway, casual, yet loaded with intent. Linsey, your guest just got here, and you re already trying to send her off?

Though Linsey s expression stayed composed and frosty, her mind was anything but calm. This was exactly what she had anticipated. Gorman had clearly run out of patience.

She didn t doubt for a second that Haven s visit had been carefully arranged by Gorman.

Linsey understood exactly what Gorman expected from her, and she was more than willing to play along. Maybe, just maybe, putting on a convincing performance would buy her the opportunity she needed to break free.

With her back still turned to the sound of Gorman s footsteps drawing closer, Linsey took a silent breath and prepared herself. By the time Gorman reached her, Linsey had already summoned tears. Her eyes shimmered, and her gaze held a quiet sorrow.

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