?Chapter 981:


    Joanne paused, her expression uncertain. “Yes. Is that a problem?” she responded softly.


    She blinked, as if thinking of something, then added, “I get it. You’re wary because of what Haven did. And you’re right to be. She made serious mistakes. But she’s paying the price now.”


    Her face turned downcast. “It was partly my fault too. I should’ve stopped her. But I didn’t.”


    Joanne looked honest and sincere. Her words left Dolores and Dustin unsure—was she telling the truth, or ying a part?


    Dolores didn’t say a word, but inside, she was cursing Dustin’s name. He had wasted no time finding a new girlfriend—and of all people, he chose one of Haven’s friends.


    He knew everything Linsey had been through. Haven had done something unforgivable, something that nearly cost Linsey her life. Yet, here was Dustin, cozying up to someone from Haven’s circle, as if none of it had ever happened.


    Dolores had once thought he and Collin were as thick as thieves. But in the end, Dustin was just another guy who would throw loyalty out the window for a girl. Coming to him for help had been aplete waste of time.


    Were Linsey and Collin okay?


    Meanwhile, on Linsey and Collin’s side, after hearing Danny speak, Linsey turned to him without hesitation. “I’ll see Gorman. But Collines with me. No Collin, no deal.”


    Collin’s jaw clenched. Thank God she hadn’t agreed to that insane demand. Gorman had already failed at his twisted n to use her for IVF. And now he dared to ask for a private meeting?


    If Gorman hadn’t once saved Linsey’s life, Collin would have burned him and his family to the ground.


    The moment Linsey spoke, both Alissa and Danny scowled.


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    Danny looked like he was about to explode. He spat, eyes zing, “Do you even have a heart, Linsey? Mr. Green saved you again and again, and you won’t even give him a few minutes? I’ve never seen a woman as cold as you!”


    His tone dripped with disrespect, and Collin’s face darkened in a sh. His anger was so raw, everyone but Linsey flinched.


    Danny swallowed but didn’t back down. Bitterness poured from his mouth.


    “You’ve forgotten everything Mr. Green did for you, haven’t you? To you, only Collin matters. Mr. Green means nothing!” His re said it all.


    He didn’t just me her—he hated her.


    As Gorman’s right-hand man, he had witnessed everything. Gorman had spent years searching for Linsey, and then four more years by her side, hoping she woulde to care for him someday.


    But all her love belonged to that bastard Collin.


    What was worse, Gorman had been hurt time and again since meeting her—by bullets, by des. He had risked his life more than once, paying her back for saving him all those years ago. Still, he clung to her like a curse he couldn’t shake.


    Even his men couldn’t bring themselves to hate herpletely. Deep down, they just wanted her to show him a little kindness.


    But she refused.


    Tension filled the room as Danny grew more restless. Linsey’s gaze sharpened, immediately noticing the shift.


    Before Collin could step forward with a sharp retort, Linsey raised her hand gently, stopping him. Her calm voice cut through the agitation as she addressed Danny directly.


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