?Chapter 1072:


    Reflecting on everything since they had crossed paths again, Jeffery realized Linsey’s only warmth was reserved for Alicia.


    Without a doubt, Linsey nodded in agreement. “That’s a good call. Alicia’s pregnancy is well along now, so it’s best to avoid crowds whenever possible. It’s too easy for something to go wrong.”


    A wave of helplessness mingled with relief as Jeffery came to terms with the truth. Alicia had seen it clearly from the start—there was something unmistakable between her and Linsey, a quiet pull that bound them in a way he couldn’t deny.


    Scanning the room, Linsey caught sight of a sudden sadness in Shari’s eyes. A single name—Elva—suddenly echoed through Linsey’s thoughts.


    Memory rushed back: just recently, while witnessing Harold bully Shari in the restaurant, Linsey had overheard her desperately calling out for Elva.


    Curiosity pushed her to speak up. “Shari, who is Elva?” she asked, her voice even as she watched for any sign in Shari’s face. “I thought I heard you say something about treating Elva when we were at the restaurant.”


    Their college years had built a strong bond between them. Puzzling over the past, Linsey was certain there had never been anyone named Elva in Shari’s life.


    Instant tension tightened Shari’s features. For a heartbeat, she hesitated before replying, “What? Elva? You’re mistaken, Linsey. I never said that.”


    A shaky smile tried to hide the truth, but Linsey could feel the underlying tension.


    Softening her voice, Linsey continued with concern, “If you’re in trouble, please talk to me, Shari. I can only help if you let me in.” Reading between the lines, she added gently, “Don’t worry about burdening me. Whatever’s going on, I want to help. Don’t shut me out, promise?”


    With Linsey’s genuine concern reflected in her eyes, Shari felt something inside her begin to break. Within moments, tears pooled in her eyes, painting her cheeks red. All the pressure she had carried seemed to leave her raw and exposed. Even a few kind words from Linsey almost undid her entirely.


    Drawing in a trembling breath, Shari braced herself to share everything. But right at that moment, her phone began to ring, cutting through the silence.


    Caught off guard, Shari took a breath, steadied herself, and answered the call. ncing at the screen, she saw the name of a coworker from the restaurant—a friend she trusted.


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    Not bothering to think twice, she hit the answer button.


    Urgency crackled through the line before she could even say hello. “Shari! Harold’s brother just took Elva away!”


    “What?!” Shock froze her in ce for an instant, but adrenaline quickly took over. She shot upright in the hospital bed, panic spreading through her chest.


    Linsey felt her own pulse jump, recognizing that something serious was unfolding. A worried crease formed on her forehead as she locked eyes with Shari, then flicked her gaze over to Collin, the tension unmistakable.


    The distressed voice continued through the phone, “It just happened. Harold got hurt badly and needs looking after. Since you were gone, Harold’s brother grabbed Elva and left…”


    “Is Walterpletely out of his mind? Elva’s just seven years old—and she’s still unwell. How could he even think of putting her through something like this? What on earth is going through his head?” Shari screamed, her voiceced with fury and disbelief.


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