A wry smile crossed Dolores lips as she shook her head, her eyes bright. You know what? Tonight, I m drinking until I forget it all. Tomorrow, I ll wake up, focus on my career, and let no useless man get in the way of my success!

Dolores emphasized her resolve by finishing off another glass, her face growing noticeably pinker.

Watching her, Linsey let out a quiet sigh and decided not to intervene. After all, the more Dolores played the part of the heartbroken, drunken woman, the more believable it would be for Joanne and her crowd.

At the very least, Dolores could finally let out some of her bottled-up frustration. So Linsey watched in silence as Dolores knocked back glass after glass seven in total without missing a beat.

By the time Jeffery and Alicia entered the scene, they found Dolores swaying and flushed, thoroughly tipsy.

Linsey, what s going on with Dolores? Alicia asked, holding onto Jeffery for support.

Glancing over, Linsey noticed Alicia s belly had grown, even in just a few days, though she seemed to be doing well otherwise.

She s just making the most of the party, Linsey replied with a noncommittal smile.

Dolores still had some clarity left; she hadn t quite tipped over into total drunkenness.

As soon as she spotted Jeffery and Alicia, Dolores lit up and waved enthusiastically. Hey! Want something to drink? It s actually pretty good.

Jeffery arched a brow and responded casually, Nah, I ve got to look after Alicia. She can t have any, obviously. We have a baby on board. You enjoy it, though.

Go ahead, no one s gonna fight you for it, Linsey said as she came over with a small tray of snacks. Here try some of these.

As she fussed over Dolores, Linsey quietly noted that Jeffery and Alicia were still completely in the dark. Neither of them knew about Dolores condition or the chaos Joanne had stirred up lately.

Joanne had been all over the place erratic and messy. There was a real chance Alicia might be her next target.

That thought made Linsey glance over at Alicia. She wanted to say something, just a heads-up. But the person Joanne had sent was clearly listening in, and Linsey knew better than to spill anything with a potential snake in earshot, so she bit her tongue.

After thinking for a moment, she turned to Alicia. Hey, could you keep an eye on Dolores for me tonight? I m not sure I can handle her by myself.

Linsey glanced at Alicia s growing belly and quickly added, I m not asking you to chase her around just sit next to her. I ll manage the rest. I m just scared she ll bolt if I so much as blink.

Alicia smiled and was about to speak, but Jeffery jumped in first. With her being pregnant, it s a bit much to ask. I ll help you watch Dolores instead.

That was honestly the better option. With Jeffery around, Linsey felt confident Joanne wouldn t dare come anywhere near Alicia.

Linsey nodded, her decision made. Alright then both of you stay close and don t go wandering off.

Linsey didn t usually ask Jeffery for favors, so when she did, he was bound to say yes without hesitation.

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