?Chapter 1050:


    Hester’s grip tightened on Dustin’s arm like a vice. “Dustin!” Her voice quavered with barely contained rage.


    Joanne herself seemed momentarily thrown by this sudden development. This couldn’t be happening. Why would Dolores simply surrender like this? Dolores was her only weapon against Linsey!


    Joanne clenched her teeth quietly, then forced a smile. “Ms. Davidson, are you alright? Just calm down. Let’s talk this through.”


    She tried to ease Dolores’ mood, her voice calm and steady. “You must be joking, right?”


    Dolores’ breath hitched slightly, but she only watched Joanne coldly, as if watching someone perform alone on stage.


    Joanne suddenly said, “Oh, that’s right. Linsey and Collin, the founders of CR Corporation, they’re a couple. Naturally, you and Dustin must have known each other for quite a while. I shouldn’t have believed you two only met a few days ago.”


    She gave a softugh, stepped closer, and gently took Dolores’ hand. Dolores narrowed her eyes, catching the emotion in Joanne’s gaze. Something wasn’t adding up.


    Was Joanne trying to cover up what she and Dustin had been doing? Dolores couldn’t understand why Joanne was suddenly trying to help her.


    Just moments ago, she had been sneering at her alongside Hester. Then she remembered something Linsey had said—Joanne had feelings for Jeffery.


    “If you’re not feeling well, Ms. Davidson, you should head home and get some rest. We can talkter,” Joanne said gently, cutting her off before she could speak.


    Dolores said nothing, her gaze slowly dropping. She had never liked Joanne. And now, she was finally seeing her true face.


    Whatever Joanne was scheming, Dolores wasn’t going to let her win. If Joanne wanted a fight, she would get one.


    Dolores suddenly spoke, her voice light butyered. “Thank you for your concern, Ms. Ellis. I am feeling a little tired. And hungry, too.”


    Find what you love at g?lnσν????s???????


    Joanne hesitated, about to speak, but Dolores beat her to it, a faint smile on her lips. “If I’d known I’d end up like this, I would’ve just joined the Lawsons for breakfast with Linsey this morning. At least I wouldn’t feel so dizzy now—or be rambling nonsense.”


    Her smile deepened as she continued, “I didn’t want to intrude on their family time. What do you think, Ms. Ellis? Should I have epted Jeffery’s invitation?”


    She raised her voice on thest line, speaking each word with sharp rity—making sure Joanne heard every bit of it. “Jeffery seems more refined now that he’s—


    Married. He and his wife make a perfect pair. If I get another chance, I’ll be sure to sit down and have a proper chat with them.”


    Joanne froze. She lookedpletely thrown off.


    Dolores gave her a soft pat on the shoulder. “What do you think?”


    Joanne’s heart cracked. Her hands trembled, her face pale. She stared at Dolores in shock. Now she understood exactly what Dolores was getting at.


    To Dustin and his mother, Dolores’ mention of Jeffery might seem random. But Joanne knew better.


    The cold mockery in Dolores’ eyes was unmistakable. Every word had been deliberate.


    .


    .


    .