?Chapter 1039:


    When she heard her answer, M’s heart tightened with disappointment, though she could hardly call it unexpected.


    She spent a moment gathering herself, then suddenly shifted her focus to Dolores, who had quietly stood by through it all.


    “You must be Dolores, aren’t you? I’ve heard you’ve been Linsey’s closest friend for years.” With warmth, M sped Dolores’ hand. “Would you consider joining us? Maybe Linsey would feel more at ease if you were there.”


    Cruz jumped in without missing a beat. “Dolores, you and Linsey have always been like sisters. I hope you know by now that Linsey is our biological daughter. We can’t thank you enough for looking after her all this time. If the restaurant doesn’t suit you, just tell us—we’ll dly pick another spot, whatever you both prefer!”


    The sudden focus caught Dolores off guard. She hadn’t expected the Lawsons to appeal to her so directly. It struck her as genuine proof of how much Linsey mattered to them.


    Those four years had been a ck hole—Collin had searched endlessly, but even he had failed, thanks to Gorman’s determination to keep Linsey hidden. The Lawsons, especially with their waning influence, had never stood a chance.


    Still, Dolores had surmised that, given their desperation years ago, the Lawsons would move mountains to see Linsey if they got even a whisper of her return to Grester.


    “Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, I’m so grateful for your kindness, but unfortunately, I have priormitments today,” Dolores replied with soft regret, turning down Cruz’s generous offer.


    Disappointment flitted across both M’s and Cruz’s faces at her answer.


    The sight left Dolores oddly unsettled.


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    A sidelong nce at Linsey told her plenty—her friend’s brow was pinched, and the spark in her eyes had dulled.


    Lowering her gaze, Dolores noticed Linsey’s hands were balled into fists at her sides, small crescent marks blooming where her nails pressed into her skin.


    There was no doubt left—Linsey no longer looked to the Lawsons for anything. What remained in her heart was only reluctance, even a touch of resistance.


    Even so, witnessing the disappointment on their faces, Linsey felt a flicker of tenderness—some threads of family were nearly impossible to sever, no matter how much she tried.


    Dolores, for her part, silently wished Linsey could mend things with the Lawsons. Maybe then, if life turned upside down again, Linsey wouldn’t have to stand alone as she had four years ago.


    Once, Dolores had truly believed she could be Linsey’s anchor.


    But when trouble blindsided her ownpany, Dolores found herself barely able to keep afloat. There had been no way to reach out to Linsey when she needed it most.


    Now, even her rtionship with Dustin remained unresolved, hanging over her with uncertainty.


    A quiet hope lingered in her mind—if she ever had to leave Grester behind, at least Linsey might not be left all on her own if the Lawson family could fill the gap.


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