More details about Collin s experiences were ready to spill from his lips when an unhappy voice suddenly cut through the kitchen air.

Roland

Their heads turned in unison toward the voice and they spotted Collin positioned at the kitchen entrance.

The sight of his employer nearly sent Roland jumping out of his skin, nervous sweat slicking his palms instantly. M-Mr. Riley. Why did he show up now? Did he overhear anything? Everyone knew how notoriously private he was about his personal affairs.

Anxiety and embarrassment crashed over Roland as the realization hit him. Right now, he wished he could vanish into thin air.

Truth was, Collin had just arrived and hadn t caught Roland mentioning him at all. What sparked his displeasure was seeing how close the two were standing together. His gaze swept over the plate in Linsey s hand before fixing Roland with a stern stare.

Roland, do you want to lose your job? he questioned, his face stone cold.

Roland s mouth opened to respond, but Linsey stepped forward first, defending him. It s not Roland s fault. I offered to help with the dishes.

Rather than calming him, her words only fanned the flames of Collin s anger. You re my wife, not a servant. Why are you helping?

Linsey s explanation died on her lips as Collin, fury driving his words, interrupted with a sneer. You claim to be washing dishes, yet all you two are doing is chatting and laughing here. So, dumped by a jerk and now falling for Roland, huh?

Roland looked ready to drop to his knees, desperate to convince Collin that he had nothing to do with Linsey.

A long moment passed before Linsey shook herself from shock, only for her surprise to twist into rage. You re impossible completely out of your mind! She had never met someone as paranoid as Collin in her whole life.

Fire flashed in Collin s eyes. You call me impossible? he retorted, his voice low and heated. You d rather scrub plates and trade stories with a man nearly seventy than spend time with your own husband. Tell me, Linsey who s really at fault here?

That simple confrontation exploded into a heated argument, neither willing to back down.

Off to the side, Roland fidgeted anxiously, never once imagining he would be the reason the couple clashed like this.

Stammering, he tried to calm the storm. Mr. and Mrs. Riley, please I m the one to blame. Don t fight over me. I m begging you. Discover more novels at

Yet his trembling pleas faded beneath the rising storm of their voices, leaving him powerless to break through.

Linsey pressed her defense, but Collin twisted every explanation into something darker.

Anger overtook Collin. In one sharp motion, he hurled the plate nearby, sending it crashing to the floor.

That glare he fixed on Linsey held nothing but fury, as if he hoped to scorch her with his eyes alone.

Unmoved by his outburst, Linsey stared right back, her own eyes blazing with defiance.

Neither spoke, but the energy between them practically crackled, both locked in a silent standoff that weighed heavily in the room.

.

.

.