Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 1139: Just as she moved closer, Collin snapped the file shut. "Holding the title of Lawson Group's CEO means you ought to respect the lines drawn between competitors. Looking at confidential files from another company is out of bounds," Collin said, his voice firm and professional. Linsey's eyes widened as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. "You're not actually being serious, are you, Collin?" Collin didn't bother to glance up from his work. "I'm being serious.

I trust you understand what professionalism looks like." Annoyance crept across her face as Linsey shifted in her seat, inching closer to the car door. "What, do you think you're the only one who gets to go over important files? I've got files to go through, too." Finishing her retort, she felt Collin's hand reach over, gripping her arm with determination, as if he meant to draw her closer. But Linsey, echoing his previous remarks in her mind, pulled away immediately. With another annoyed little sound, she glared at him. "Hands off. You should keep your attention on your precious documents.

Wouldn't want you accusing me of snooping again." A grin broke through Collin's sternness as he put the paperwork aside, sliding over to Linsey and pulling her into a snug embrace. "Come on. I was just messing with you." His gaze shimmered with affection as he watched the way she pouted in response. Linsey turned away, annoyance still written across her face. Confronted by Linsey's feisty attitude, Collin found himself pausing, lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly, it felt like those years when Linsey had vanished came rushing back.

In that lonely stretch of time, he would find himself daydreaming about her, carried away by hope he could hardly contain. Each time those dreams surfaced, happiness would wash over him, only to disappear almost instantly, as fragile as bubbles. What stayed behind was nothing but an ache-a lingering emptiness that refused to fade. After what felt like an eternity, Linsey finally glanced his way and caught the quiet sorrow in Collin's eyes. galnovels . com is your storytelling hub That look from him struck something deep inside her, a quiet ache blooming in her chest.

"Is something bothering you, Collin?" Linsey asked, her brows knitting together as regret tugged at her for snapping earlier. Her hands moved up to cradle his face, and her voice grew soft, careful not to press too hard. "I was only teasing. Why do you seem on the verge of tears?" Collin blinked slowly, his eyes searching Linsey's gentle expression. An instant later, a sharp breath escaped him as he pulled her close, holding on as if he might lose her again.

Linsey hadn't expected it and ended up pressed against Collin's chest, her thoughts circling around the way his eyes had shimmered moments before. "Are you crying, Collin?" She tried to ease out of his grasp to see his face, but his grip on her shoulders held her firm. Resting his chin atop her head, Collin drew in a shaky breath, and when he spoke, his voice quivered. "I'm not crying." The words only deepened her concern, doubt flickering in her eyes as a wave of worry settled over her. She quickly tried to comfort him. "Don't cry, Collin. I swear, I was only joking.

I never meant to hurt you." . . .