Linsey clenched her jaw, refusing to respond.

Once they finished eating, Linsey s phone buzzed. Felix s name appeared on the screen.

She answered, happiness in her voice. Felix

But before she could say another word, a barrage of insults exploded from the other end.

Linsey, what s your problem? You thought I was having an affair and even had someone break into the condo to look for proof?

Linsey froze, stunned and bewildered. I never sent anyone! What are you talking about?

Felix s rage didn t let up. Still lying? You re unbelievable!

He continued to hurl accusations at her, his words sharp and relentless. Collin, sitting near Linsey, caught every word. Without warning, he plucked the phone from Linsey s hand, his expression turning deadly. In a voice like steel, he snapped, And who do you think you are, speaking to my wife like that?

The moment Felix realized it was Collin on the line, the stream of curses stopped. Not a sound came from his end.

Collin ended the call without a word and tossed the phone onto Linsey s lap. Before she could say anything, he fixed her with a cold glare. Why do you even bother with guys like that? He s all bark and no bite. Are you seriously that naive, or do you just enjoy being treated like dirt? How can you let someone walk all over you without fighting back?

Linsey jolted, snapping out of her daze, fingers tightening around her phone. She shot him a fierce look. Why do you care?

She jumped to Felix s defense, her voice sharp. Felix loses his temper, sure, but he s still better than you. You re even worse. He yells when he s mad, but you, when you snap, it s more than just shouting

Before she could finish, Collin pulled her into his arms and pressed a punishing kiss to her lips.

Linsey tried to break free, which only made Collin kiss her harder, both refusing to give an inch in their stubborn standoff.

?@? @t? .

When he finally let her go, Linsey s eyes were blazing, tears threatening as she lifted her hand to slap him.

Collin saw it coming and grabbed her wrist in midair, his grip unyielding. His voice was icy. A kiss is the least of what I can do. If you mention that loser again, I ll drag him here and end him right in front of you.

Linsey froze, shock and fear clouding her expression.

Collin let go, turning away without another word, and made his way towards the elevator.

A heavy silence settled over the room after he left.

Trying to steady her nerves, Linsey took a deep breath and dialed Dolores number.

Felix had earlier claimed she sent someone to the condo, but the truth was she hadn t. Linsey had a feeling Dolores was involved somehow, so she decided to call her and find out.

Dolores picked up quickly. She already knew why Linsey was calling and jumped straight into an apology.

I m so sorry, Linsey. I went to your condo hoping to find evidence of Felix cheating, but he was home. I got caught on the spot The truth was out.

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