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 fianc e, 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 fianc e?
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 claims couldn t be trusted outright. If Dustin and Joanne s engagement was official, Collin would surely have heard about it.
Joanne laughed 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 place 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.
.
.
.