So, listen, Linsey, Dolores murmured, her voice barely a whisper, a frown creasing her brow. Did Dustin really just walk away from CR Corporation? I m totally lost about him and Collin. I mean, didn t Collin get a message from Dustin recently?

Even in that moment, despite everything, Dolores found herself completely bewildered; the entire situation just didn t add up for her. She couldn t grasp why Dustin and Collin had suddenly had such a dramatic falling out.

Linsey, feigning complete ignorance, shrugged her shoulders, her face etched with a seemingly troubled expression. Then she let out a deep, heavy sigh, saying wistfully, Who knows what s really going on with those two Dustin probably just hit his limit and couldn t stand working for Collin anymore.

Dolores instinctively opened her mouth, a surge of loyalty making her want to defend Dustin. From her perspective, Dustin wasn t the kind of person who would argue or dwell on such minor wins and losses.

Collin had always been fair with Dustin, leaving no room for resentment or hard feelings.

From Dolores perspective, after they had spent so many years working side by side, it seemed impossible that Collin and Dustin would have a serious falling out over something trivial.

Linsey caught the flicker of doubt in Dolores eyes and instantly understood. Playing up her part, Linsey let a spark of irritation color her features and pressed, What s this? Are you really about to stand up for Dustin now?

Just as the words left her lips, Linsey spotted a shadowy figure loitering nearby with a glass of champagne in hand close enough to overhear, yet pretending to be absorbed elsewhere.

A quiet chuckle threatened to escape Linsey. Joanne was indeed cautious, stationing a spy within earshot. She was relieved she hadn t been fully honest with Dolores earlier.

Dolores, after all, was an open book. One slip, and she might reveal something crucial without even realizing it. Years of friendship had taught Linsey that Dolores was not good at concealing her emotions, and she was willing to bet Dustin understood that too probably why he had kept Dolores in the dark.

With Joanne s watchful eyes nearby, Linsey decided to play along and make her act convincing.

Find your imagination at galn ovels ; con

Dolores forced a smile. Maybe I m just being foolish. Even now, I can t shake this feeling that something doesn t add up. Dustin s not one to do something like that.

Her gaze met Linsey s, her voice earnest. I built Davidson Group from scratch, and I ve come across my share of snakes. If Dustin were truly untrustworthy, I would never have chosen him.

Linsey s hand closed gently around Dolores . She wanted nothing more than to reassure her, but with a spy lurking nearby, she kept up the act instead. Honestly, I think you re letting Dustin pull the wool over your eyes. He didn t even bother speaking up for you earlier. With that kind of silence, don t expect me to go easy on him.

Dolores fell silent for a moment, searching for words that just wouldn t come.

That much, at least, was undeniable.

After a moment s thought, Dolores grabbed the nearest wine glass and tossed back the contents in a single gulp.

Linsey s eyes widened. Hey, slow down!

You ve got a point. Maybe I really am losing it. Dustin s about to get engaged, and here I am trying to defend him. Am I crazy?

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