If Linsey hadn t kept brushing off her thanks, Shari probably would have burst into tears right then and there. The four of them went out to lunch together.

While they ate, Essie went over a few important details with Shari. Once they gathered all the necessary evidence and submitted it to the court, Harold would get a court summons soon after. After lunch, Essie left, taking the documents with her.

Linsey drove Shari and Elva back to the hospital. On the ride back, Elva dozed off, sleeping soundly in her mother s arms.

Shari gently draped a coat over Elva and looked over at Linsey, who was focused on the road. Her voice was soft. The doctor said Elva s doing really well. Right now is the best time to do the surgery. They can schedule it for tomorrow.

That s great, Linsey replied. Then let s follow the doctor s advice and have Elva s surgery tomorrow. But I have to go to a friend s birthday party tomorrow, so I might not be able to come right away. Call me if anything happens.

It s okay. Just go ahead and do what you need to do, Shari said with a small smile. You ve planned everything so well for Elva and me that it s very unlikely anything will go wrong.

With a skilled medical team ready and a trustworthy security team to protect them, there really was nothing to worry about.

Linsey replied in a serious tone, You re my good friend, and of course, I ll do everything I can to help you. Don t worry about a thing, and call me after Elva s surgery. If I can be there, I will definitely come. She paused, then teased with a playful smile, But tomorrow, I do have a big drama to perform. Let s hope everything works out well for all of us.

Hearing that, Shari blinked, looking confused. A big drama? What kind of drama?

You ll find out soon enough, Linsey replied mysteriously.

The Wade family s carefully planned birthday celebration for Dustin arrived right on schedule.

Outside the grand hotel, the entrance sparkled with elaborate d cor while a parade of flashy sports cars and sleek limousines lined the curb. Guests dressed in their finest poured through the doors, quickly filling the hall with chatter and laughter.

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Dolores slipped in wearing a form-fitting evening gown simple, understated elegance with her hair left loose down her back, untouched by accessories or jewels.

Eyes fixed ahead, she fought the urge to turn and bolt.

Yesterday s conversation with Linsey echoed in her mind, urging her to hold her ground. Drawing a deep breath, she pushed forward. The moment she entered the banquet hall, the scene unfolded before her.

A glance across the crowded room landed on Dustin, walking shoulder to shoulder with Joanne.

Dustin s deep blue suit matched perfectly with Joanne s sweeping gown, the coordinated look making their connection impossible to miss.

Dolores stood there, catching snippets of whispered gossip swirling around her.

Who s that woman with Dustin? Which big-name family does she come from? Looks like she s about to become his fianc e.

That s Joanne Ellis. She was just accepted into the Walton family, and rumor has it Hester s taken a real shine to her.

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