?Chapter 953:


    Her heartbreak would inevitably be Linsey’s burden to bear.


    That was a scenario Collin refused to entertain.


    From the start, something had felt off about today’s events. Dustin’s protective nature would never allow Dolores to shepherd the children home alone, not unless something significant had forced his hand. Business emergencies at CR Corporation would have crossed Collin’s desk first.


    That left only one conclusion—whatever had torn Dustin away had nothing to do with work.


    The mere thought of Dustin’s mother, Hester, brought an uncharacteristic shadow across Collin’s usuallyposed features.


    When he finally spoke, his words carried the weight of reluctant revtion. “What I’m about to tell you is something only a few know.”


    Unease prickled along Linsey’s spine at his grave tone, her stomach already knotting with dread.


    “Dustin’s parents separated when he was just a child. For as long as he could remember, they had lived apart,” Collin spoke quietly. “The Wade Group doesn’t hold much influence in Grester these days, but they’ve managed to maintain some stability.”


    Linsey studied Collin’s face, sensing something in his expression that made her lean forward with curiosity. She hesitated before asking, “Is Dustin’s mother running the Wade Group now?”


    Collin nodded. “She is. Dustin’s father never found his direction, even as an adult. His grandfather spent years trying to guide him, but nothing seemed to stick. Eventually, Dustin’s grandfather arranged his son’s marriage to Hester, who was well-known in the city’s social circles at the time. After the wedding, Hester threw herself into the Wade Group’s affairs and rose to senior management within two years.”


    Linsey shook her head in appreciation. “That was remarkable.”


    “It was,” Collin agreed. “But Hester thinks little of her husband. She’s poured all her energy into rebuilding the Wade Group instead.”


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    Collin’s words slowed. “Fifteen years ago, the Wade Group stood on the brink of greatness. One deal that should have elevated them instead bled thepany dry, leaving behind little more than debt and broken promises.”


    The revtion hit Linsey like cold water. Her eyes widened as the pieces fell into ce. This exined the Wade Group’s near disappearance from Grester’s businessndscape.


    Collin continued, “When the copse seemed inevitable, Hester became their salvation—pulling thepany back from the abyss through sheer determination. But the stress from that disaster broke Dustin’s grandfather’s health. When he was dying, he made a choice that shocked everyone—he left most of thepany shares to Hester instead of his own son.”


    He raised his eyebrows. “Perhaps it was spite, but a month after the funeral, Dustin’s father disappeared with his son. Dustin was still in school when his father took him overseas. It took Hester three years to track them down and bring Dustin home.”


    Collin’sposed mask slipped, revealing traces of sadness. “Dustin and I grew up together, but the boy who came back was a stranger. Those years abroad had twisted him into someone reckless—always with a cigarette or bottle in hand.”


    Recognition dawned in Linsey’s eyes. “That exins it. A few years ago, everyone in Grester was talking about Dustin’s love life.”


    Collin nodded grimly. “He was spiralingpletely. Hester tried everything to straighten him out, and I spent countless hours trying to reach him too.”


    “What finally turned him around?” Linsey leaned forward, genuinely curious.


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