After a short pause, she added, If she really takes this opportunity to smear me online, then I ll just have to accept the fallout.

Linsey s brows drew together in a deep frown as she replied slowly, You mentioned that Davidson Group just secured a spot in the International Designer Competition. If Joanne goes public with any damaging rumors, the organizing committee might disqualify the firm based on the negative press.

Dolores eyes widened with alarm, her breath catching. Oh no I didn t even think of that! I was so caught up in the excitement I completely forgot about this! Linsey, I can t let Joanne destroy your chance to compete. You ve worked so hard.

But Linsey shook her head, her tone calm but resolute. No, Dolores. Listen to me. Even if I lose this opportunity to compete, there will be others. But if Davidson Group is publicly rejected by such a prestigious competition, the consequences will be devastating. We re talking about the company s reputation, its credibility. And once that s gone

She inhaled deeply, steadying her voice. Think carefully. If the committee disqualifies Davidson Group, even the domestic market will start to question the value of everything you ve built. Business partners will back away. Investors will grow cautious. The brand could collapse from within.

Dolores fell into a heavy silence, her expression clouded with realization.

You poured your soul into building Davidson Group, Linsey continued. You can t let Joanne destroy it.

After a brief moment, her voice turned sharp with purpose. Does the hotel have surveillance footage? Anything that shows when Joanne escaped through the window?

Startled by the clarity of Linsey s thinking, Dolores nodded quickly. You re right I ll call Dustin now to check.

But just as she reached for her phone, Linsey interjected, Don t hang up. Use someone else s phone so I can listen in and stay updated.

Got it.

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Without hesitation, Dolores grabbed her assistant s phone and dialed Dustin s number.

The call was answered after just a few rings. Dustin s voice came through, brisk and concerned. Why are you calling from this number? Did something happen to Dolores?

It s me, Dustin! Dolores replied quickly.

Dolores? Why are you using your assistant s phone? he asked, clearly confused.

Dolores pressed on, urgency quickening her voice. There s no time to explain. I need to know are there any surveillance cameras near the hotel that might have captured Joanne s escape last night?

On Linsey s end, she stayed quiet, listening intently, her expression growing darker by the second.

Joanne s disappearance was already a major threat to Davidson Group s reputation but Linsey feared something worse.

If Joanne felt truly cornered, who knew what she was capable of?

She might lash out as Haven had once done when she had ordered Kylee to kill Linsey without hesitation.

The thought sent a chill down Linsey s spine. As the memory resurfaced, another image flashed through her mind Alicia.

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