?Chapter 1095:


    Until this moment, he hadn’t grasped how much trouble Joanne could stir.


    If he had known sooner, he would have dealt with her when he handled Haven.


    “Collin’s always by your side, protecting you. Do you think I’d be reckless enough to challenge the founder of CR Corporation?” Joanne’s voice sharpened, the slur of alcohol fading. “I wouldn’t do something so foolish.”


    After a brief pause, she added with deliberate menace, “But don’t assume you and Collin can simply sweep me aside. As a Walton and Dustin’s fiancée, I’m untouchable without hard proof. Cross me, and the Walton family, the Wade family, and Hester will ensure you face consequences.”


    Linsey’s expression hardened. She was stunned by Joanne’s brazen audacity.


    She responded icily, stating an undeniable truth. “With CR Corporation’s influence and reach, we have no reason to fear you. As Lawson Group’s CEO, I can wield its resources at will. Do you really think your threats carry weight?”


    As she spoke, Linsey’s thoughts raced elsewhere.


    Was Joanne truly Dustin’s fiancée?


    Had she not only won Hester’s blessing but also Dustin’s acquiescence to marry her?


    If so, it suggested Dustin might be bowing to his mother’s wishes to marry Joanne.


    What about Dolores?


    Had Dustin really given up on her?


    But Linsey wasn’t naive—Joanne’s ims couldn’t be trusted outright. If Dustin and Joanne’s engagement was official, Collin would surely have heard about it.


    Joanneughed dismissively, her tone flippant. “Fine, maybe I can’t be a threat to you.”


    Her words were casual and careless, causing Linsey to frown in disgust once again.


    “But do you think I’m powerless against those close to you?” she continued.


    Linsey’s eyes narrowed sharply. “What are you implying?”


    Joanne’s voice grew smug. “I’ve given you days to reconsider, but you still won’t budge. Does that mean you don’t care about your dear friend? Is your twenty-year friendship just a sham?”


    The realization hit Linsey like a jolt—Joanne was using Dolores as leverage.


    “Joanne!” Linsey’s voice trembled with fury. “If you so much as touch Dolores, I swear I’ll make you pay!”


    She hung up abruptly, cutting off any further exchange.


    “Collin, get some people to Dolores’ ce immediately to check on her. I’m calling her now,” Linsey urged, her voice tense as she jabbed at her phone.


    Her words were hurried, but Collin immediately understood.


    “Okay, I’ll handle it,” he replied, swiftly dispatching his men to Dolores’ home.


    Linsey’s calls to Dolores went unanswered, heightening her unease.


    Just two days earlier, Dolores had mentioned staying at her own home. Joanne’s erratic behavior made it impossible to tell if she was just bluffing, but Linsey couldn’t take chances with her friend’s safety—especially since Dolores was likely alone, an easy target if Joanne acted on her words.


    .


    .


    .