Marrying A Secret Zillionaire Happy Ever After (Linsey)

Chapter 1039:

When she heard her answer, Myla’s heart tightened with disappointment, though she could hardly call it unexpected.

She spent a moment gathering herself, then suddenly shifted her focus to Dolores, who had quietly stood by through it all.

“You must be Dolores, aren’t you? I’ve heard you’ve been Linsey’s closest friend for years.” With warmth, Myla clasped Dolores’ hand. “Would you consider joining us? Maybe Linsey would feel more at ease if you were there.”

Cruz jumped in without missing a beat. “Dolores, you and Linsey have always been like sisters. I hope you know by now that Linsey is our biological daughter. We can’t thank you enough for looking after her all this time. If the restaurant doesn’t suit you, just tell us—we’ll gladly pick another spot, whatever you both prefer!”

The sudden focus caught Dolores off guard. She hadn’t expected the Lawsons to appeal to her so directly. It struck her as genuine proof of how much Linsey mattered to them.

Those four years had been a black hole—Collin had searched endlessly, but even he had failed, thanks to Gorman’s determination to keep Linsey hidden. The Lawsons, especially with their waning influence, had never stood a chance.

move mountains to see Linsey if they got even a whisper

for your kindness, but unfortunately, I have prior commitments today,” Dolores replied with soft regret, turning down Cruz’s generous

Myla’s and Cruz’s faces at her

left

magic

sidelong glance at Linsey told her plenty—her friend’s brow was pinched, and the spark in her eyes had

at her sides, small crescent marks blooming where

left—Linsey no longer looked to the Lawsons for anything. What remained in her heart was only reluctance, even a touch

witnessing the disappointment on their faces, Linsey felt a flicker of tenderness—some threads of family were nearly impossible to sever, no matter how much

wished Linsey could mend things with the Lawsons. Maybe then, if life turned

Dolores had truly believed

her own company, Dolores found herself barely able to keep afloat. There had been