?Chapter 1012:


    Since Alicia had also grown up without parents, she felt a natural sympathy for Linsey’s past and understood why she might have stayed distant from the Lawson family.


    Meeting her in person now, Alicia realized Linsey bore an even stronger resemnce to Jeffery than she had expected. Anyone who had spent time around Jeffery would never question their bond as siblings.


    Although Alicia didn’t stand out at first nce, there was something naturally warm and pleasant about her presence. Linsey felt that warmth almost instantly and responded with a soft smile. “I didn’t know Jeffery had gotten married.”


    The moment made her realize how much could change in just four years.


    Linsey offered a soft smile and nced at Alicia’s rounded belly. “You must be about six months along, am I right?”


    Alicia’s face brightened with delight as she gently touched her stomach. “That’s exactly right. We just had a check-up two days ago.”


    As Linsey took another look at Alicia’s baby bump, a faint memory flickered in her mind—her own pregnancy with twins four years ago.


    “I’m really happy for you both,” Linsey said, her voice sincere. She shifted her attention to Jeffery and added, “Take good care of her. Being pregnant isn’t easy.”


    Jeffery chuckled warmly and pulled Alicia a little closer. “I will. You don’t have to worry about that.”


    Then, in a genuine tone, he added, “Sorry for keeping you this long. We’ll catch up again sometime. It’s time for us to head back.”


    Although Jeffery wished he could talk more and introduce Alicia to Linsey properly, he knew it wasn’t the right moment since Linsey wasn’t alone.


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    “Sounds good,” Linsey replied without hesitation.


    Alicia gave Linsey a polite wave and offered Joanne a slight nod before walking off beside Jeffery.


    Even after the couple disappeared down the hall, Joanne didn’t say a word.


    Linsey cast her a quiet nce, noticing the pale shade on Joanne’s face. She pressed her lips lightly together and said, “The elevator is just ahead. I’ll leave you here.”


    Since their rtionship was distant, Linsey didn’t feel it was her ce to offer any words offort in that moment.


    And besides, Jeffery already had a wife, and soon, they would be parents. Any hope Joanne had held onto had likely faded away.


    Watching Joanne remain frozen in ce, Linsey paused briefly, then turned, intending to leave her with a bit of quiet.


    “Linsey.” She had only just started to turn when Joanne’s voice reached her—raspy and tight, as though it scraped its way out of her throat.


    Turning back slowly, Linsey met the sight of Joanne’s reddened eyes. For a second, she stood frozen. Then came the words thatpletely threw her off guard.


    “You have to help me,” Joanne said, each word deliberate, her gaze locked onto Linsey’s face.


    Linsey was startled, her eyes widening. “What did you just say?” In that brief pause, she truly hoped Joanne was simply seekingfort for her heartbreak.


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