?Chapter 1025:


    Dolores couldn’t help but think Jeffery had struck gold—despite his insufferable attitude years ago, he had somehow found a genuinely lovely partner like Alicia.


    As she sensed the calm, amicable vibe between Linsey and herself, Alicia’s smile grew as she stepped closer to them.


    Linsey, noticing Alicia’s careful movements with her pregnant belly, instinctively reached out to steady her. “Easy now, no need to hurry,” she said gently.


    Having gone through pregnancy herself, Linsey knew firsthand the challenges it brought. Though Alicia wasn’t yet at the most taxing stage, the constant physical changes could still bring difort at any moment. Everyone’s body handled pregnancy differently, after all.


    Linsey’s natural empathy kicked in, and she couldn’t help but extend kindness to Alicia, whose warm and approachable presence only made it easier.


    Beyond that, Linsey refused to let her past friction with Jeffery taint her view of Alicia.


    “Thank you,” Alicia said softly, giving Linsey’s hand a grateful squeeze in return.


    If she had been merely curious about Jeffery’s sister before, now, standing face-to-face with Linsey, she could feel the quiet charisma and warmth that radiated from her, drawing her in even more.


    Linsey’s smile was warm and genuine, free of any trace of pretense or pride. “It’s obvious Jeffery cherishes you and holds you in high regard,” she said, her tone sincere.


    Linsey shot a pointed look at Jeffery, who was standing behind Alicia, and added bluntly, “When I first met him four years ago, he carried himself like he ruled the universe. Today, though, he’s toned it down. He’s finally a bit less insufferable.”


    Alicia burst intoughter at Linsey’s candid remark.


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    Jeffery, caught off guard by her directness, blinked in surprise. Oddly, he felt no irritation—only a flicker of amusement.


    “Linsey, you’re just as sharp-tongued as you were four years ago,” Jeffery said with a chuckle, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. “No wonder I’ve felt something was off these past few years. Turns out I was missing your jabs.”


    Linsey’s eyes widened, and she let out a yful scoff. “You practically beg for it, don’t you?”


    Dolores jumped in, her tone teasing. “Mr. Lawson has changed so much. It’s got to be because you’ve got himpletely wrapped around your fingers, Mrs. Lawson.”


    The simplement brought a flush of shyness to both Alicia’s and Jeffery’s faces.


    Jeffery’s ears reddened slightly, but he didn’t protest. Instead, he nodded softly. “Alicia’s incredible. She has always been so patient with me.”


    “It’s mutual. Jeffery treats me wonderfully too,” Alicia exined seriously, then added, “Calling me Mrs. Lawson feels so formal. Just Alicia is fine.”


    Dolores grinned brightly. “No problem, Alicia. And you can just call me Dolores.”


    The three women, hitting it off effortlessly, continued chatting as they wandered through the men’s clothing store, browsing racks of stylish shirts and jackets.


    Jeffery, the lone man in the group, was unsurprisingly left to his own devices. He didn’t seem to mind, content to carry Alicia’s bag and trail quietly behind, letting their conversation flow without interruption.


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