Chapter 1167:
When she caught the kindness in Alicia’s gaze, Linsey’s heart softened. A genuine smile spread across her face as she nodded. “I’ll check in on Collin now and come back tonight to see both of you again.”
Jeffery arched an eyebrow and responded, “That’s not necessary. Just stop by when you have the time. The Lawson Group still needs you, and I don’t want you running yourself ragged.”
Standing up, Linsey reached for her bag, then waved and spoke as she headed out. “How could I do any less? You’re my family. I’ll always look out for you.”
She left the room with a gentle goodbye, quietly closing the hospital door behind her.
A heavy silence lingered in the room for a long time after she was gone. Dolores turned her gaze toward the Lawsons, quietly taking in the look of surprise etched on each of their faces.
Tears welled up in Myla’s eyes as she was the first to react, gripping Cruz’s hand with trembling fingers. “Cruz, did you hear that? Linsey called us her family. She is willing to accept us. She truly means it!”
Emotion showed in Cruz’s usually calm face, and his eyes grew damp. After taking a steadying breath, he gave Myla’s hand a gentle squeeze and finally replied, “Yes, I heard her.”
For several moments, Jeffery lay in stunned silence, unable to look away from the door. A raspy whisper left him as he murmured, “Linsey, thank you.”
A sincere smile appeared on Alicia’s face. “Linsey is truly amazing. Being part of her family is something to be grateful for.”
Taking Alicia’s hand, Dolores smiled warmly and spoke in a serious tone. “Linsey doesn’t just think of you as family. She sees you as a friend too. That’s why she was so anxious about you today.”
A rush of memories flooded Alicia’s mind, carrying her back to that morning. She vividly recalled the moment when Linsey had come running in while Joanne stood there threatening her with a knife. She remembered the worry in Linsey’s eyes, the way her face reflected true fear for her safety.
No one could fake such emotion at a time like that. Those memories convinced Alicia that Linsey’s concern was genuine. Thinking about all of it brought a rush of emotion, and a single tear escaped down Alicia’s cheek before Dolores noticed.
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A look of surprise crossed Dolores’s face. “Alicia, what’s got you crying?”
Dolores quickly reached for a tissue, dabbing Alicia’s cheek before any tears could run down and risk irritating her neck wound.
Worried glances came from everyone else in the hospital room as they watched Alicia.
Trying to lighten the mood, Alicia gave a shy smile. “I just feel really fortunate. Linsey is so kind, and so are you and Mr. Wade. You’ve helped Jeffery and me more than I can say.”
Hearing that left Dolores feeling a bit awkward, since she and Dustin hadn’t prevented today’s trouble, yet Alicia was still offering thanks.
“Come on now, we’re all friends here. There’s no need for so many thanks,” Dolores responded gently. “Linsey already said you’re all family, and in a family, there’s no place for formalities.”
Looking over to Dustin for support, Dolores asked, “Isn’t that right, Dustin?”
Dustin agreed immediately. “Of course, you’re absolutely right. We’re all so close, there’s no reason to stand on ceremony,” he said, waving for his men to bring over the food from the table. “Let’s all eat and have a good talk. Alicia, Jeffery, I hope you both stay cheerful and get better soon.”
