When she opened the door, she found someone waiting on the other side.
There stood an elderly woman, silver hair perfectly styled, a cane in hand.
Even with age weighing on her, she radiated dignity and refinement.
Linsey s eyes widened, and she stammered, Mrs. Riley?
Across from her, Ivy took a moment to study Linsey, her gaze calm and assessing.
Before Ivy could finish sizing Linsey up, Collin swept into view and quickly positioned himself between them.
A step forward put him in front of Linsey as he addressed the older woman. Grandma, how come we didn t get any word that you d be visiting today?
With a sly smile, Ivy avoided giving him a direct answer. After you two got married, not once did you visit me. Now you act as if I m trespassing in my grandson s home?
The comment left Collin silent. He hesitated, searching for the right response, before quietly saying, That s not what I meant.
As soon as his reply hung in the air, Ivy s expression hardened. She brought her cane down on the floor with a sharp tap. If you really mean that, then don t get in my way!
From the second Roland mentioned Ivy s return to the moment Linsey saw her in the flesh, a thousand thoughts ran through Linsey s mind.
Of all her questions, the one that lingered most was why Collin seemed so anxious for her to avoid Ivy.
Trying to make sense of everything, Linsey barely noticed Collin reluctantly stepping aside to clear Ivy s path.
Once more, Ivy s eyes found Linsey s. Her voice was frank and unmistakable. You re Linsey, aren t you? Come with me downstairs. We need to have a word in private.
The invitation caught Linsey off guard, leaving her stunned for a brief moment. Despite the polite tone, Ivy left no room for refusal. She started down the stairs, cane tapping, expecting Linsey to follow.
After a deep breath, Linsey gathered herself and hurried after her.
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Upstairs, Collin intended to follow them, but Roland intercepted him with a subtle warning. Mr. Riley, since your grandmother requested to speak with your wife alone, perhaps you should stay back. If you hover too much, it might only make her more upset.
Though Collin clearly disliked the idea, he realized Roland had a point. He forced himself to stop and stay where he was. He could only remain in his wheelchair, his eyes lingering on Linsey as she disappeared below, his chest tight with worry.
In the living room below, Linsey took a seat on the sofa beside Ivy while a maid placed steaming cups of coffee on the table.
Taking a slow sip, Ivy seemed pleased. She offered a nod of approval. This is actually quite a nice cup of coffee.
Linsey, sitting a little nervously at Ivy s side, couldn t hold back any longer. She leaned forward and asked, Mrs. Riley, did you call me down because there s something you want to talk about?
Only then did Ivy seem to recall the reason she had come in the first place. She set down her coffee and raised a hand, signaling the maid hovering near the doorway.
The young woman nodded and slipped out. Only then did Ivy reach into her purse, producing a crisp check. She slid it across the table with practiced ease. This is for you, Linsey.
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