?Chapter 946:


    The deration struck Joanne like winter wind, leaving a hollow ringing in her ears.


    “No,” she gasped, shaking her head with instinctive vehemence. “I won’t go to prison for Haven! Mr. Walton, you can’t do this…” Her voice caught, then strengthened. “You know as well as I do that I could never control Haven. Once she fixed her mind on something, it became immovable as stone.”


    Kase’s lips curled into a contemptuous smile. “She’s nothing but a fool,” he remarked, each word precise and cutting. “Who cares about her decisions? The world judges oues, not intentions. Unfortunately, she possessed cleverness without wisdom.”


    His eyes narrowed as he studied Joanne with the clinical interest of a collector assessing an acquisition. “Youck Haven’s striking presence, but caution serves better than beauty in delicate matters. That’s precisely why you might prove valuable where she failed.”


    The silence between them grew weighted before he added with silken mockery, “I trust you’re sensible enough to recognize which choice preserves your future?”


    Joanne’s expression ckened, her consciousness retreating as if to shield itself from this brutal revtion.


    Never had she imagined Kase’s indifference toward Haven could run so bone-deep, so absolute.


    The truth crystallized with terrible rity—Haven had never been family, merely a token advanced and withdrawn ording to utility. How many nights had Joannein awake, envying Haven’s circumstances?


    Now, looking through the tarnished reality, she felt nothing but a profound, aching pity for the woman.


    “Mr. Walton, do you seriously expect me to get close to Collin? You saw it yourself—Collin only has eyes for Linsey,” Joanne said,ughing awkwardly.


    Before she could say more, Kase cut in coolly. “Collin isn’t the only powerful man in Grester.”


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    Joanne’s eyes lit up. “You mean…”


    Kase interrupted again. “Of course. I’m talking about Dustin Wade—the one who helps Collin run CR Corporation.”


    At Grester’s biggest amusement park, Dolores trudged behind Dustin,pletely worn out. Dustin, on the other hand, carried Zenia and Zander with ease.


    “You two little rascals, what do you want to y next?” he asked cheerfully.


    Dolores nearly groaned. Just hearing that made her soul sink.


    If she had known babysitting would be this draining, she would have rather faced those stubborn board members at thepany. At least they didn’t run around.


    She made up her mind—once they got back, Linsey owed her big time.


    “I’m hungry,” Zenia said, patting her tummy.


    As soon as he heard that, Zander lost all interest in ying. “Dustin, Zenia’s hungry. Let’s go get food!”


    Dolores perked up instantly.


    Thank goodness. Finally, a break.


    Dustin raised a brow. “No problem. What do you feel like eating?”


    After hearing the kids’ choices, Dustin turned to Dolores. “How about you? Want anything?”


    “I’m fine with anything,” she replied with a faint smile.


    At this point, all she wanted was a ce to sit and breathe.


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