Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 479: Carol pouted playfully, though a flicker of dissatisfaction lingered in her expression. The more Collin kept his distance, the more she wanted to break past his walls. Men had always fallen for her charms-why should he be any different? Her confidence only strengthened her resolve.

An idea suddenly popped into her mind, and before she could second-guess it, she acted. Reaching out, she placed a delicate hand on Collin's shoulder. "Since this is our first meeting, shouldn't we seal it with a friendly kiss on the cheek?"

Before either Collin or Jeffery could react, she stood on tiptoe and leaned in toward his face. But just as her lips were about to brush his cheek, a firm force yanked her backward. The next thing she knew, she had been pushed back to where she originally stood. Collin's grip on her arm was unyielding.

Shock flashed in her eyes, quickly turning to anger. She lifted her head to protest, only to freeze. Collin's cold, piercing stare locked onto her, sharp enough to cut through steel. Her heart lurched. A strange fear crawled up her spine, making her instinctively step away. The dull ache where he had gripped her barely registered-she was too shaken by the intensity of his gaze. He had a terrifying look in his eyes.

Jeffery, taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere, instinctively moved forward, stepping between them as a shield for his sister.

It wasn't about anything else-just the sheer intensity of Collin's expression. For a moment, it felt as if he might mercilessly fling Carol aside without a second thought.

Jeffery's pupils dilated with shock. Forcing himself to remain composed, he managed a faint smile. "Mr. Riley, please forgive Carol's rudeness."

Biting her lip, Carol couldn't help but protest, "Even if you're the founder of CR Corporation, isn't this a bit excessive? A true gentleman wouldn't treat a woman that way! I only wanted to interact with you normally. Let go of me!"

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She struggled to pull free, but it was futile. Collin's grip remained firm, his expression unreadable. His voice, however, was edged with a subtle warning. "I'm already married, Miss Lawson. I suggest you mind your behavior."

Just like that, a wave of humiliation crashed over Carol. Her face burned, her eyes stinging with resentment. She turned to Jeffery, clutching his sleeve like a wounded child. "Jeffery…"

Seeing his sister this way, Jeffery felt his heart soften. With a sigh, he spoke again, his tone gentler. "Mr. Riley, I truly apologize. Carol had no idea you were married. I'll make sure to talk to her properly about this." As he spoke, he cast Collin a pleading glance.

Collin's sharp gaze flickered. He suddenly recalled something-Carol was rumored to have a heart condition. The partnership between CR Corporation and the Lawson Group was far too important to strain over a situation like this.

With that in mind, he reluctantly loosened his grip and gave a curt nod. "Fine."

The moment he let go, Carol huffed in frustration, stomped her foot, and stormed off without so much as a backward glance.

"Carol!" Jeffery called after her, but she didn't stop.

Watching her disappear down the corridor, he sighed helplessly before turning back to Collin. By now, the icy chill in Collin's expression had softened.

"Carol has always been willful, but my parents and I have never been too harsh on her. She's been in poor health since childhood," Jeffery said, his eyes laced with a hint of sadness. Carol's condition had been a constant source of worry for the Lawson family. Over the years, Jeffery had done everything in his power to find a cure, hoping she could one day live without restrictions.

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