?Chapter 999:


    Panic flickered across Dustin’s features as he scrambled to repair the damage. “Dolores, that’s not what I meant at all. I haven’t been analyzing you. What I feel for you is pure love, nothing calcted.”


    As he spoke, Dustin tentatively reached for her hand once more, his confidence returning with a yful grin. “Besides, after all this time we’ve spent together, you obviously care about me. That’s undeniable. I don’t need to overthink it.”


    “Your arrogance is astounding. I don’t like you one bit.” Dolores turned away with visible contempt and fired up the engine.


    Dustin hastily clicked his seatbelt into ce, stealing nces at her profile. “Are you still upset with me?”


    Her voice remained t and emotionless. “Why would I suddenly be upset with you?”


    Dustin’s expression grew earnest as he leaned forward slightly. “I promise I’ll handle the situation with my mother. You’re incredible, and she’ll see that eventually. And if she neveres around, believe me, I’ll make all the arrangements and we’ll disappear together. We’ll leave Grester behind and start fresh somewhere new.”


    Something flickered in Dolores’ eyes at his words, a brief moment of genuine surprise. She collected herself quickly, her tone dismissive.


    “Don’t be ridiculous.”


    Dustin’s voice carried unwavering conviction. “I mean every word.”


    Dolores absorbed his words in contemtive silence.


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    When she finally spoke, her voice carried a weight of finality. “Dustin, listen to me carefully. I won’t entertain such a reckless idea. Mypany has deep roots in Grester, and I can’t simply abandon it. You’ve invested everything into CR Corporation, and I refuse to let you throw that away for my sake. We can’t be so selfish.”


    Dustin studied her resolute profile, his shoulders sagging with resignation. “I understand. But whatever happens, we’re not breaking up. Just give me time to figure this all out.”


    “Okay.” Dolores’ voice gentled, taking on a tender quality. “Don’t rush yourself. There’s no need to carry this burden alone.”


    Sensing the heavy mood settling over them like a shroud, Dolores skillfully redirected the conversation. “Since you’re so certain Joanne isn’t interested in you, have you noticed if she’s set her sights on someone else?”


    Dustin’s words came haltingly, uncertainty threading through his voice. “Well… I honestly can’t say, Dolores. When she visited, I retreated to my room entirely. Today, my focus belongedpletely to you. Joanne barely registered in my awareness.”


    Dolores smiled helplessly. “I trust you.”


    Her expression shifted, growing thoughtful and grave. “Though I suspect Joanne’s interests may lie elsewhere… with Collin, perhaps.”


    “What?!” The revtion struck Dustin like a physical blow.


    Miles away, in the sterile quiet of Gorman’s hospital room, Linsey and Collin maintained their devoted vigil over the recovering man.


    Having just finished washing Gorman’s hair with gentle care, Linsey arranged for a light lunch to be delivered, intending to share the meal at his bedside.


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