?Chapter 1030:


    Linsey observed Joanne’s eruption with cool detachment, watching as resentment consumed what remained of the woman’sposure.


    When Joanne’s tirade finally subsided, Linsey replied with measured calm, “You im Alicia agreed to donate her bone marrow to Jeffery in exchange for financialpensation. Since the money has already been transferred to Alicia, it demonstrates that the Lawson family is well aware of this arrangement, including Jeffery himself. It’s entirely possible that Jeffery personally approved giving Alicia the money.”


    The words struck Joanne like a physical blow, shock and bewilderment washing over her features as color drained from her face, then flooded back in mortified patches. Her voice quavered as she whispered, “What do you mean?”


    Linsey pressed forward with unhurried precision, “What I mean is this—regardless of whether Alicia is the scheming woman you paint her to be, Jeffery ultimately chose to marry her of his own free will. As for the child Alicia is carrying, you can be absolutely certain it is the fruit of genuine love between Alicia and Jeffery.”


    Before Joanne could mount a defense, Linsey struck with surgical uracy, “Do you honestly believe that someone of Jeffery’s character and standing would allow a woman he doesn’t love to carry his child? Moreover, they got married. Doesn’t that make your usations sound rather ridiculous?”


    “That’s nonsense!” Joanne snarled through clenched teeth. But she quickly wrestled her fury back under control, her lips curving into a mocking sneer. “If Alicia hadn’t been a sessful match for Jeffery’s bone marrow, she wouldn’t have even crossed paths with him, much less married into the Lawson family. Her background, appearance, and education all pale inparison to mine. What could she possibly possess that makes her worthy of Jeffery?”


    Her words dissolved into defeat, Joanne’s gaze dropping to the ground, her voice emerging as a hoarse whisperden with grief. “If Jeffery had married another distinguished youngdy, I wouldn’t have uttered a single protest. But he chose to marry someone as unremarkable as Alicia. How can I possibly ept that?”


    Linsey sighed silently.


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    Throughout Joanne’s impassioned outpouring, it became painfully clear that simply mentioning Jeffery’s marriage to Alicia would never be enough to release this woman from her torment.


    The realization prompted Linsey to shift toward more delicate territory. “Earlier today, you witnessed firsthand how Jeffery seemed not to recognize you at all. Though your feelings for him run deep and true, love cannot be willed into existence by one heart alone.” Linsey’s lips pressed into a thin line as she prepared to deliver the merciless truth. “To speak inly, Jeffery doesn’t envision you as part of his world. If he felt any attraction toward you, you would have captured his attention when we encountered him this afternoon.”


    Joanne’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and with a single, fragile blink, they spilled over, cascading down her cheeks in silent rivulets.


    Brushing the tears from her cheeks with defiant fingers, she lifted her chin and dered with stubborn resolve, “During our time studying abroad, Jeffery and I were acquainted. We’d gather with ssmates and friends regrly, and I’d engage him in discussions about our coursework. Seven years have passed since then. It’s perfectly understandable that I’ve slipped from his memory. After all, we lost contactpletely over the years. I can hardly fault him for not recognizing me.”


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