?Chapter 1047:


    Dolores thought that she had misheard something.


    Concern creased Dustin’s brow as an ominous feeling settled over him. Fixing Dolores with a subtle smile, Hester spoke with deliberate precision. “Your dear friend Linsey has quite the reputation as a fashion designer. Being so close to someone with such refined taste, you must possess excellent judgment yourself. Perfect for helping Joanne select jewelry.”


    She then shifted to another topic. “Dustin’s birthday approaches, and we’re nning an elegant dinner party. Joanne will apany him as his date and must look absolutely stunning.”


    This news wasn’t new to Dolores, yet hearing it repeated did nothing to lessen the ache piercing her heart.


    Before she could voice any refusal, Joanne stepped forward with apparent intimacy, linking their arms and guiding her toward a disy counter.


    “Dolores, how does this ne look to you?” After posing the question, Joanne seemed to recall something and retrieved her phone, disying a photo for Dolores. “Here’s the evening gown I’ll be wearing that night. Do you think this neplements the dress?”


    A faint ringing began in Dolores’ ears,ing in waves and making Joanne’s voice sound distant and unclear.


    Her attention fixed on the phone screen in Joanne’s hand.


    The extravagant evening gown gleamed with opulence, each detail radiating costly refinement.


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    That lustrous silk fabric seemed to mock Dolores, its shine cutting into her vision like a de.


    The stunning gown itself didn’t spark jealousy in Dolores; what she truly envied was how effortlessly Joanne had won Hester’s favor. With a proper family background, her own rtionship with Dustin wouldn’t be such an uphill battle.


    “I’m really not skilled at evaluating jewelry.” Dolores’ voice came out rough and strained as she tried desperately to decline the request.


    Joanne’s eyebrows lifted, followed by a look of genuine disappointment. “You’re not? That’s strange. Someone who is acquainted with Linsey should naturally possess exceptional taste as well…”


    A quick hand flew to Joanne’s mouth as she feigned regret. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Dolores. I didn’t mean it that way.”


    Hester cut in, “Joanne, you didn’t say anything wrong.”


    She then let out a disdainful snort as she turned her attention to Dolores. “With Linsey, someone so talented, by your side, how could you not have absorbed anything from her? The problem clearly lies with you, Ms. Davidson.”


    “Mom!” Dustin’s face turned stormy as he chimed in.


    Those same sharp remarks had pierced his ears countless times before. Never again would he allow Dolores to endure such cruel belittlement. His gaze locked onto Joanne, warning shing in his eyes.


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