Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 547: After a few moments of silence, Linsey confirmed that the hallway was empty. Only then did she reach into her hair, carefully pulling out a small clip. She inserted the pointed end into the keyhole, twisting it with practiced precision. The lock released.

Her eyes lit up.

Memories of her childhood at the orphanage surfaced-of the time she had been locked in an attic while playing. No one had come when she cried for help. She had felt utterly helpless. It was Dolores who had saved her that day, who had taught her how to pick a lock so she would never be trapped again.

She never imagined that lesson would one day save her life. Linsey carefully cracked open the door, peeking out. The hallway was empty. Without hesitation, she stepped out, making sure to close the door behind her. She had one destination in mind-the security room. And she wasn't going to stop until she got there.

Meanwhile, the banquet hall buzzed with excitement.

"Happy birthday, Carol!"

Amid the cheerful well-wishes, Carol beamed as she sliced into the towering cake. Suddenly, a burst of colorful confetti rained from above, drifting down like tiny stars, wrapping the room in a dreamlike celebration.

"Carol, happy birthday! This is for you." Jeffery stepped beside her, his voice warm as he handed over a beautifully wrapped gift box. He paused briefly before adding with a smile, "Of course, this isn't the only gift. I've prepared more-things I know you'll love. They're waiting for you in your room, ready to be unwrapped one by one tonight."

Gasps of envy rippled through the crowd.

"Carol, you're so lucky to have a brother like Jeffery!"

"He's spoiled her since childhood. How could any man ever compare? She might never get married!"

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"With Jeffery by her side, she hardly needs anyone else!"

As she listened to the admiring voices, Carol's heart swelled with happiness. She turned to Jeffery with a playful glint in her eyes. "Of course, my brother treats me well, but I still want to get married!"

"Oh?" Someone caught onto her words and teased, "Sounds like Carol has someone in mind!"

At once, her cheeks flushed. She lowered her head, her thoughts drifting to Collin's striking face. But he hadn't come tonight. Not that she was too disappointed-Jeffery had mentioned he was away on a business trip. If he were still in Grester, she was certain he would have attended.

As the crowd noticed her reaction, the excitement in the room grew.

"Carol! Do you really have someone you like? Tell us-we might have some advice!"

"Oh, please! Carol is the daughter of the Lawson family. No man in town could resist her! The moment she speaks up, she'll have him wrapped around her finger!"

"Exactly! We're just waiting for her wedding announcement!"

As their playful teasing continued, Carol found herself daydreaming about a grand wedding with Collin.

"Alright, you guys! It's my birthday-why are you teasing me so much?" she huffed, though the faint smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.

While the others laughed, Jeffery remained silent. He already knew where Carol's heart lay-Collin.

He had told her time and time again-Collin was married. And not just married-he loved his wife deeply. There was no place for Carol in his heart. Still, she refused to see it.

Jeffery sighed inwardly. Even if, by some impossible chance, Collin abandoned his wife for Carol, that would only make him even more reluctant to let her marry such a man.

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