?Chapter 954:


    Collin replied with a calm demeanor, “My car ident changed everything. The crash left me with leg injuries, and I realized I couldn’t stay trapped under the Riley family’s thumb forever. I started building my own business in secret.”


    He paused for a moment before continuing, “That’s when Dustin stepped in. He offered to help me build CR Corporation from the ground up and break free from the Riley family’s control. During those crucial early years, he became my shield—keeping the vultures at bay while I focused on strategy.”


    Listening to their story, Linsey felt her heart tighten with unexpected sympathy for what both men had endured.


    The pieces were finally falling into ce.


    “So Hester still sees Dustin as unreliable? Is that why she meddles in his personal life and tries to control who he marries? Does she want to repeat what his grandfather did—find him a wife from a powerful family who can strengthen the Wade Group, because she thinks her son can’t manage it himself?”


    “It’s possible,” Collin said, his voice nomittal. He still couldn’t figure out what Hester was really thinking.


    Linsey rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. “Dolores is amazing too! She built the Davidson Group from the ground up. How many young women can pull that off? Why does Hester look down on her?”


    Collin paused, thinking for a moment. “She probably heard about what happened to Dolores’pany four years ago. Dustin found out first and stepped in to help. That’s what pulled the Davidson Group through.”


    Linsey’s expression darkened. “Dolores only needed one final investment. Even without Dustin, she would’ve pulled through. I’m sure of it.”


    She paused, then added sincerely, “Of course, I’m not denying that Dustin helped. I’m grateful for what he did.”


    g?lnσν???s﹒??o?? is where stories live


    Collin let out a softugh and patted her head gently. “I get it. But if Hester really is biased against Dolores, we may not be able to change her mind.”


    Linsey frowned when she heard that.


    She had hoped Collin could offer a way to help Dolores win Hester over. But now, things felt even more difficult.


    Thinking of how downcast Dolores had looked earlier made Linsey’s heart sink.


    “Alright, don’t worry. We’ll do what we can to help them,” Collin said gently.


    Linsey gave a small nod. She was on the same page.


    A few quiet seconds passed before she looked up at Collin and said in a low voice, “Find time to talk to Dustin. Try to understand where he really stands.”


    Her gaze was firm. “If he still cares for Dolores and won’t back down because of Hester, then we’ll support them. But if he gives in that easily, then it’s over.”


    She gave Collin a sharp look. “And if ites to that, I won’t let hime near Dolores again.”


    Collin’s brow twitched slightly. He replied in a serious tone, “I don’t think Dustin will walk away. He’s truly serious about her.”


    Looking at Collin’s sincere expression, Linsey felt a flicker of hope. She trusted Collin deeply. If he believed in Dustin, then maybe there was still a chance.


    And even if Dustin failed her, she wouldn’t me Collin for it. After all, no matter how close they were, Collin and Dustin were still separate individuals.


    “Let’s talk about thister. Dinner should be ready,” Collin said, gently taking her hand and leading her inside.


    Elsewhere, Dustin followed Hester into one of her homes. They walked into the study, one after the other.


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