The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. But deep down, she knew she couldn t push too hard right now. Dustin was decent at heart patient, reliable but if cornered, he could be reckless. And she couldn t risk losing him entirely.

She took a slow breath, her chest rising and falling as she tried to rein in her fury. Quietly, she pulled her hand back and pressed her palm gently, hiding the redness.

Dustin, she said softly, managing a rare smile, you re my son. I d never do anything to hurt you.

Her voice was calm now, almost warm. Alright. You can stay at CR Corporation. It s good to learn from Collin. But when it comes to your marriage, I need you to trust me and follow my lead.

For a brief moment, light flickered in Dustin s eyes joy. But it faded just as quickly.

He gave a faint, bitter smile. Mom, if I m as incapable as you say, who in Grester would even want me? Especially when your standards are so high.

Hester took his change in tone as a sign of compliance. Her lips curved into a satisfied smile. Don t trouble yourself with that. I ll handle everything. Once the time and place are set, I ll let you know, she said, her voice softer now.

Dustin said nothing more. His shoulders slumped as he turned away, walking out of the study slowly but deliberately.

Though the house had a room prepared just for him, he didn t even glance in that direction. Before any servant could stop him, he had already stepped outside. Moments later, he climbed into his car, slammed the door shut, and started the engine. He typed in Collin s address on the GPS.

Back at the amusement park, he and Dolores had parted in a rush. After everything Hester had said those cruel, dismissive words he could only imagine how hurt Dolores must be feeling.

He had to see her face-to-face.

He pulled out of the driveway and drove off quickly. But after a while, something didn t feel right.

Your favorite tales are on g ? ǦҦ ?s nn

His instincts kicked in. Glancing at the rear-view mirror, he saw what he had suspected a familiar car tailing him closely. It was Hester s.

The moment Dustin realized he was being followed, a surge of fury exploded inside him. All the anger he had buried deep within him came rushing back.

His jaw clenched, and without a second thought, he yanked the steering wheel, speeding across the nearby open lot.

When he confirmed the car behind him was still tailing, he jerked the wheel sharply, cutting across the path and bringing his vehicle to a halt blocking the other car head-on.

The two cars collided with a jarring crunch, shattering the silence of the empty lot.

Amid the chaos, Dustin could hear panicked voices rushing toward him. Mr. Wade! Are you alright?

His head throbbed, the dizziness hitting him hard, but he shoved the car door open and stepped out, his face expressionless. As his vision cleared, he found himself surrounded by familiar faces Hester s men, her personal staff.

Mr. Wade, your head s bleeding. Please, let us take you to a hospital, one of them said urgently.

Dustin s voice came out low and cold. Were you following me?

The group hesitated before, almost in unison, they lowered their eyes. Your mother instructed us to stay close. Just for your safety, the lead man admitted.

So that was it.

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