When Linsey raised her head, she found all three of them nodding with unmistakable conviction.

Linsey, we fully support Jeffery s decision as well, Myla added eagerly.

The moment those words left her lips, inspiration seemed to strike her like lightning. Her eyes practically sparkled as she blurted out, Linsey, what if I do this? I ll throw my shares into the mix too, right alongside Jeffery s!

Linsey s mouth curved into the faintest hint of amusement, though her expression remained guarded. With this level of enthusiasm from all of you, I m starting to wonder if the Lawson Group is secretly on the verge of bankruptcy.

Absolutely ridiculous! Cruz, who had maintained his silence until this moment, suddenly erupted with fierce conviction. Sure, the Lawson Group s influence in Grester isn t what it once was, but we remain one of the premier family enterprises in this city. Our roots run deep and strong. Bankruptcy? That s completely out of the question.

Cruz s sudden outburst caught Myla completely off guard. She delivered a swift slap to his arm while hissing under her breath, Will you please keep it down?

They were supposed to be winning Linsey back, yet here he was defending the company s reputation at the worst possible moment.

The reality of his blunder hit Cruz like a cold splash of water. His expression shifted instantly as he scrambled to soften his approach. Linsey, please don t take that the wrong way. I wasn t trying to snap at you. I just wanted to set the record straight.

Taking a steadying breath, he gathered his composure before continuing in a more measured tone. Linsey, while the Lawson Group might not rival Collin s CR Corporation in scope, I give you my word that we ll do everything to support you.

Jeffery immediately recognized the opening Cruz had created and seized it without hesitation. Linsey, I understand your heart still belongs to Collin, but you can t rely on men forever. You need something concrete in your own hands, something that s truly yours to control.

A playful glint appeared in Linsey s eyes as she arched an eyebrow at Cruz. Her words were both sharp and lightly teasing. So when you say men can t be trusted, does that include you too?

Without a hint of hesitation, she held Cruz s gaze, not backing down for a second.

Traditionally, Linsey had always approached those much older than her with courtesy and care. Today, though, she wanted to see just how far the Lawson family s patience would stretch.

Everyone knew Cruz was a man of few words, celebrated for his steadfast loyalty to Myla all these years.

Linsey, however, had never seen blind devotion as anything special.

In her eyes, marriage meant two people standing side by side, committed to each other. That kind of devotion wasn t a grand gesture. It was simply the bare minimum.

So when men were constantly praised for doing the least, it didn t sit right with her. She couldn t pretend it made sense.

And as far as she was concerned, Cruz like Jeffery walked around with a smugness that ran bone-deep. It clung to them, and she found it more irritating than impressive.

Jeffery, caught off guard by what Linsey had just said, stood frozen for a beat. He couldn t quite believe how bold she had become.

Growing up, even at their wildest, he and Carol had always shown a healthy fear of Cruz.

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