Edmond caught the hint and turned to Linsey, his hands clasped in desperation, tears and mucus streaking his face. I m begging you, I m so sorry. I was drunk and out of my head. Please, convince Mr. Riley to let me off this once. I swear I ll never do it again.

As he spoke, he clenched his jaw tightly, signaling his determination to change his ways.

He prostrated himself before Linsey, desperately seeking her sympathy. Yet, her heart remained unmoved, and she had no intention of granting him forgiveness.

She saw through his feigned remorse. If she let him off easily, he might leave her alone, but other women would surely become his next targets.

Now that Collin was ready to back her up, and this despicable man was terrified of him, she knew she had to act decisively.

With this in mind, she turned to Collin and stated firmly, I m not forgiving him.

Collin s brow arched slightly. Her response caught him off guard.

Given her soft, refined appearance and gentle tone, he had pegged her as someone who would be quick to show mercy. Clearly, he had misjudged her. His gaze lingered on her, curiosity sparking in his eyes. What do you want to do, then?

I want him to face the consequences, Linsey answered with conviction.

Alright, Collin said, nodding as he drew a pistol.

He hadn t planned on violence today, but since he was already stepping in to help, he figured he would follow through completely.

NO! Edmond, seeing the gun aimed at him, was so terrified he lost control, urine pooling beneath him. The stench filled the air.

Before Collin could pull the trigger, Edmond collapsed, unconscious, in a heap on the floor.

Still, Collin showed no sign of relenting, his finger hovering over the trigger.

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Wait! Linsey suddenly grabbed the gun, her body flinching as if the metal had scorched her. s ? ?s find~novel~net

She let go quickly and stepped back, her eyes wide with undisguised shock. Mr. Riley, what are you doing?

Didn t you say you wanted him to pay for his actions? Collin replied calmly, his tone almost kind. I m just helping you.

Linsey s hands trembled. So you re going to kill him?

How else should he pay? Collin asked, his expression earnest.

Linsey froze, speechless. She stared at him, dumbfounded, for a solid ten seconds before finding her voice. You can t do that. I mean, we should turn him over to the police and let them handle his punishment.

Just as she finished, a soft but urgent voice called out, Linsey!

Linsey instinctively lifted her head, her gaze colliding mid-air with Gorman s. At that same moment, Collin narrowed his eyes, clearly recognizing the familiar voice.

He was just about to look over his shoulder when a shadow swept past him. In an instant, Gorman was at Linsey s side, pulling her protectively behind him, his eyes locked sharply on the man before them.

One look was enough. It was his rival Collin. The man was like a bad penny.

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