Joanne had obviously steered the conversation toward Linsey on purpose.

Unfortunately, Joanne had voiced exactly what Hester was thinking. Hester, who had been ready to tear into Dustin, froze when she saw the ice in his stare.

The words stuck in her throat.

Meanwhile, Joanne caught Dustin s shift in mood but didn t flinch. Pretending oblivion, she turned back to Dolores and clasped her hand tenderly. Dolores, pay us no mind. Hester and I were simply teasing you.

Her smile turned warm as she continued, Linsey truly is remarkable at what she does. Hester and I both respect her immensely and have been dying to hire her for our own projects.

Dolores remained quiet, lost for words.

Hester s dislike for her wasn t exactly news to Dolores.

The woman looked down on her for being an orphan and for depending on Dustin s investment to rescue her failing company.

She had always assumed Hester only had eyes for Joanne.

Turns out Linsey had also earned a spot on Hester s list of admired individuals.

Dolores lips pressed together slightly. Drawing a steady breath, she replied with conviction, Linsey is my best friend, and I couldn t be prouder of her. But I m not lacking either. I m perfectly satisfied with where I stand.

Smoothly pulling her hand free from Joanne s grip, Dolores continued, If you want Linsey to design something for you, reach out to her directly. There s no need to speak to me in such a roundabout manner.

L?t st ch?pt?rs in glnovels.

Joanne s face went rigid, surprise flickering across her features. She had expected that differences in talent would naturally spark jealousy between friends.

Yet Dolores seemed completely free of envy toward Linsey.

A twinge of disappointment crept into Joanne s chest.

Hester, however, bristled at Dolores s sharp response. Unable to contain herself, she sneered, Ms. Davidson, are you perhaps referring to the Davidson Group?

A mocking laugh escaped her lips before she pressed on, I won t even mention what happened four years ago. But I heard your company s recent victory at the design competition was also thanks to Linsey

Dolores knew exactly where Hester was heading with this. Meeting the woman s gaze without flinching, she shot back, Linsey has her strengths, and I have mine. No need to elevate Linsey just to tear me down.

After a moment s pause, something seemed to occur to Dolores. Feigning innocent curiosity, she asked, Mrs. Wade, didn t you reach your current position by inheriting the Wade Group? So why do you look down on me for building the Davidson Group from scratch?

The words hit their mark. Hester s face turned livid instantly. Both Dustin and Joanne stared in obvious shock.

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