?Chapter 1051:


    Joanne wanted to stay calm, to brush it off—but her breath faltered, and pain gripped her chest.


    She opened her mouth, trying to answer, but no words came out. Her lips quivered in silence.


    Dolores might never win Hester’s approval, but Dustin’s love for her remained unwavering. What about her, though? Bitterness crept into Joanne’s thoughts. Not only had Jeffery forgotten herpletely, but he had also married another woman and started a family.


    Dizziness and despair crashed over Joanne like a tidal wave. Time was running out. Once Alicia delivered Jeffery’s child, herst chance at winning him back would slip away forever.


    Summoning a forced smile, Joanne spoke in a hoarse whisper. “Dolores, since you have other matters to attend to, I won’t keep you any longer.”


    Dolores watched in amazement as Joanneposed herself with remarkable speed. Within moments, Joanne had turned to face Dustin and Hester, her expression already softening into a gentle, practiced smile.


    “Hester, Dustin, shall we browse somewhere else?”


    Moving toward them with casual grace, Joanne approached the pair.


    “What were you and Dolores discussing just now, Joanne?” Hester’s question came suddenly. Something about their conversation had caught her attention. She was certain she had heard them mention the Lawson family.


    Without missing a beat, Joanne replied smoothly, “Dolores mentioned the Lawson family invited her and Linsey to breakfast this morning, though she declined. Probably just a social gathering. I wouldn’t know the specifics.”


    Before Hester could probe further, Joanne quickly reached out and linked her arm through Dustin’s, leaning into him with feigned affection.


    “Dustin, why don’t we look at some high heels first? Once we’ve chosen the shoes, selecting a ne might be easier.”


    Deep furrows appeared across Dustin’s brow. Instinctively, he tried pulling his arm free from Joanne’s grip.


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    Just then, Joanne turned back and called out, “Oh, by the way, Dolores.”


    Those words stopped Dustin cold in his tracks.


    Reality hit him hard. He couldn’t afford to displease Joanne right now. If Joanne exposed his recent secret contact with Dolores, Hester would intervene immediately. Worse yet, his mother might actively sabotage Dolores at every turn.


    Dolores had poured her heart and soul into rebuilding the Davidson Group. Dustin refused to let his mother destroy everything she had aplished.


    Hester had strategically ced Joanne in his life as a watchdog. Just as easily, she could introduce another woman to drive a wedge between him and Dolores.


    Tolerating Joanne seemed safer than risking someone who genuinely craved marriage into the Wade family.


    Heart pounding frantically, Dustin listened as Joanne addressed Dolores. “Dustin’s birthday banquet ising up in a few days. You’re wee to attend if you’re avable. I’ll arrange for invitations to be sent to both you and Linsey.”


    Dolores remained perfectly still, offering no response whatsoever. No one could see that her heart had just shattered into countless fragments.


    So this was how far Joanne’s influence had spread within the Wade family. She now held the power to control their guest lists.


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