A high-pitched ringing filled Dolores ears, drowning out everything else.
She stared at Joanne, too shocked to speak, words catching in her throat.
Joanne, you re really easy to please. Right then, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
Suddenly, Dolores felt the pressure on her wrist disappear, replaced by a gentle touch.
Glancing over, she met Linsey s clear, radiant gaze.
Though Linsey s features remained composed, there was a certain chill about her, a cool, almost mocking distance in her tone as she said, An engagement party is supposed to be a major celebration, but Dustin s mother scheduled it for his birthday. Your patience is impressive. I know I d never settle for something so halfhearted.
Linsey s presence alone was enough to make Joanne s hand slip away from Dolores.
Without another word, Linsey calmly took Dolores hand and guided her aside.
When Linsey glanced down, she spotted the angry red marks left on Dolores wrist.
Does it hurt? Linsey asked quietly, her brows drawing together in concern.
The sight was proof enough for Linsey that Joanne must have gripped far too hard.
Dolores let out a small, dry laugh. It s nothing. I barely feel it. A little pain didn t bother her, and she wasn t about to stoop to Joanne s level over something so trivial.
To put Linsey at ease, Dolores offered a warm, reassuring smile, making it clear she truly wasn t bothered.
Linsey picked up on Dolores message, but she wasn t convinced.
The scene was still fresh in her mind the second she had walked into the ballroom, she had caught sight of Joanne holding Dolores wrist, pride written all over her face.
At the same time, Dolores wore a strained look, her frustration barely hidden beneath Joanne s overbearing presence.
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Linsey hadn t wasted a second as she had marched over right away, even if it meant leaving Collin at the entrance, still lingering outside.
Linsey, you took your time. We ve been waiting, Joanne greeted her smoothly, as if nothing was amiss. After hearing Linsey s earlier jab, a flicker of annoyance crossed Joanne s face before she masked it.
For Joanne, it hardly mattered if this was an engagement celebration or Dustin s birthday.
All that counted was walking away with what she wanted, no matter the occasion.
Truth be told, Dustin had never been her choice to begin with. As she finished speaking, Joanne s eyes wandered past Linsey to the entrance, a faint frown creasing her lips.
Guests were pouring into the hall, yet Collin was still clearly absent. That realization brought a quiet, knowing laugh from Joanne.
Collin isn t here yet? Joanne asked with feigned innocence, her eyes glinting with mock concern. I assumed he d be arriving with you.
Linsey responded with a faint, enigmatic smile. He s still tied up with matters at CR Corporation. It s been especially hectic these days.
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