?Chapter 1037:


    Forcing a light tone, Linsey said, “I’m sure Collin just wanted to treat them to a little adventure.” She tried to keep any unease out of her voice. “Are you busy this early?”


    Dolores let out a softugh. “I’m just hunting for ideas, trying toe up with creative ways to celebrate a boyfriend’s birthday. I want to throw Dustin the best party ever.”


    The response caught Linsey off guard, leaving her with a strange mix of curiosity and worry.


    A growing suspicion had taken root: after those tears Dolores shed days earlier, her attachment to Dustin had only intensified, bordering on obsession.


    Back when Dustin’s affections seemed to outshine Dolores’, Linsey hadn’t given the dynamic much thought. Yet, as Dolores seemed to throw herself more and more into the idea, Linsey couldn’t shake a faint sense of apprehension.


    Thinking back to Collin’s gentle reassurancest night, she managed to calm her nerves. Reason told her she was probably making too much of things. Once Collin finished speaking with Dustin, the two of them could work together and surely convince Hester to wee Dolores. That way, all of Dolores’ effort for Dustin would finally count for something.


    Comforted by that thought, Linsey nodded. “Alright, I’ll eat first. When I’m finished, I’ll help you brainstorm some party ideas.”


    Dolores waved her off. “No need! I’ve already narrowed it down to a handful of options. Later, I’ll go check out some ces in person—sometimes online reviews don’t tell the whole story.”


    “Perfect. My schedule’s clear, so I’lle with you.” Linsey smiled, happy to tag along.


    She made her way to the table and started on breakfast.


    Explore magic at gα ? ησ ν?? ?s,


    Dolores soon closed herptop, joining Linsey with a curious look. “Isn’t Gorman supposed to leave Grester today? Aren’t you going to the airport?”


    A gentle shake of the head was Linsey’s answer. “No, we said our goodbyes yesterday. There’s really nothing left to add.”


    After a brief pause, she added, “Collin is d that Gorman’s leaving. I’m sure he’s already arranged for people to get him safely onto the ne.”


    Biting into her toast, Linsey spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. “Collin knows that if something happened to Gorman now, I’d feel responsible. So he’ll make sure everything goes smoothly, and I don’t need to see him off myself.”


    Dolores chuckled, giving Linsey a yful nudge. “That’s exactly it! No wonder you read Collin like a book. You always know what he’s thinking!”


    Linsey made quick work of her breakfast, not lingering at the table.


    Once both women had freshened up, they headed down to the lobby side by side. The moment they stepped outside, the sight of two gleaming luxury cars waiting at the curb caught their attention. Neither had time to question it—before they could even trade a nce, several familiar faces strolled over to greet them.


    “Linsey!”


    Startled, Linsey barely had time to react before M rushed over and wrapped her up in a fierce embrace.


    “You’re really here, Linsey!” M was ovee with emotion, her eyes shimmering with tears before she even made contact, her voice trembling. “Where have you been all this time?”


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