Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

**Chapter 355**

From the corner of the room, Beth observed the exchange with keen interest, her eyebrows arching in surprise at Collin's willingness to comply. Her gaze lingered on his striking features, and a subtle pull of attraction tugged at her heart.

She couldn't help but wonder if she still had it. After all, just a few words from her had this charming man sticking around. As for Linsey's aloof demeanor towards her, Beth brushed it off with an inward shrug. Collin's courteous engagement was what mattered. In her eyes, his politeness was a small victory in itself. Yet, as Beth mulled over her thoughts, her confidence swelled, and her face betrayed a hint of displeasure at the sight of Collin and Linsey hand in hand. With all his charm and riches, the idea of Collin belonging solely to Linsey felt like a waste.

Around them, the others shook off their initial shock, their eyes widening with the realization of Collin's affluence, evidenced by Linsey's extravagantly priced dress. Their minds raced as they schemed to charm their way into his favor. Compliments flowed with ease from their lips.

"Linsey, you and your husband are a match made in heaven."

"Really, Linsey, you should have brought your husband along tonight. It would have been wonderful for all of us to get to know him better."

"Come join our table, Mr. Riley. We'd be delighted to share a meal with you."

Amidst the sea of insincere flattery, Linsey guided Collin to their seats, unaffected by the shallow praises. Meanwhile, Beth's displeasure was palpable. She maintained a frosty demeanor, rolling her eyes until a mischievous idea struck her.

With a cunning smile, she leaned towards Collin, her voice intentionally loud enough for others to hear. "Linsey, it's fascinating how long you were with your ex. We all assumed you'd end up marrying him! It was quite a shock when you ended up with Mr. Riley instead..."

She let the words hang in the air for a moment before turning to Collin with a probing look. "Mr. Riley, does it bother you that Linsey had such a lengthy past with someone else?"

When Beth brought up Felix again, Linsey's expression darkened. Perhaps she shouldn't have gone easy on Beth. Why couldn't Beth just remain silent?

Collin offered a small, scornful smile. In a tone devoid of interest, he replied, "Are you talking about Felix Wells? Had you not mentioned him, I could have completely forgotten that lowlife. He caused my wife so much pain. He's not worthy of being referred to as her ex, let alone deserving of my attention."

Beth remained undeterred. "It's clear you care deeply for Linsey. Yet, I've heard from her that you were only married six months ago. Do you know when Linsey's birthday is? What about your anniversary?"

Collin, without sparing Beth a glance, replied calmly, "Linsey grew up in an orphanage where a single birthday was celebrated for all the children."

He added a date and then explained, "We've chosen to celebrate our birthdays together from this point forward. And yes, I certainly do remember our anniversary."

He recited several dates with precision.

Kane gestured dismissively. "Enough, Beth. Sit down. Why bother with such trivial questions?"