?Chapter 1009:


    A smile spread across Linsey’s face. “That’s fine with me.”


    They continued down the busy hallway, walking side by side as people bustled past in every direction. Lost in thought, Linsey almost bumped into someone rushing by.


    “Watch out.” Joanne reacted quickly and pulled Linsey aside, keeping her out of harm’s way.


    Startled, Linsey took a moment before murmuring, “Thank you.”


    Joanne’s gentle nature made her seem like a warm older sister as she replied, “Don’t mention it.”


    While they walked on, Joanne said out of nowhere, “To be honest, I was taken aback by the way Haven treated you before…”


    “Haven was absolutely infatuated with Mr. Riley. I tried talking sense into her more than once, but nothing I said made a difference. I me myself, too. When she asked me to help get Kylee out, I should have known something wasn’t right.”


    Joanne’s smile turned bitter as she continued, “But honestly, Haven never listened to me. In our friendship, I was always the one going along with her ns. There wasn’t much more I could do.”


    Linsey listened quietly, her face calm and unreadable. Everything about Joanne’s voice and expression felt genuine, giving Linsey little reason to doubt her story.


    Linsey didn’t know Haven well, but she did know that Haven had grown up spoiled and always wanted her own way. Because of that, Linsey found it possible that Joanne was telling the truth.


    “We can leave that in the past. Haven has already paid the price, and Gorman is getting better. He’ll be healed soon,” Linsey answered in an even tone.


    They soon arrived at the elevator.


    . is your storytelling hub


    Joanne let go of Linsey’s wrist at just the right moment, shing her a warm smile. “Thank you for walking me, Linsey. We should have lunch together sometime.”


    Linsey started to reply, but a familiar voice called her name from behind. “Linsey?”


    Linsey spun around in surprise.


    Not far away stood Jeffery, a brother she hadn’t seen in four years. Time had drawn their features closer, and now their resemnce was unmistakable.


    The moment Jeffery recognized her, his face lit up with happiness. He walked toward her without hesitation. “Linsey, I can’t believe it’s really you!”


    Linsey was so shocked that she just stared at him in disbelief.


    Only yesterday, she had mentioned Jeffery’s name to Collin, never expecting to see him today.


    Suddenly, Linsey remembered that she wasn’t alone. She cast a quick sideways nce at Joanne.


    Only moments ago, Joanne had been cheerful, but now she looked absentminded.


    That was all Linsey needed to finally understand—Joanne’s true reason foring was connected to Jeffery.


    With the answer clear, Linsey turned back to Jeffery and offered a genuine smile. “It’s been a while.”


    Jeffery’s eyes softened as he looked her over, clearly happy to see that she was alright.


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