Chapter 1123:
She pressed her lips together and added softly, “In business, seeking investment, forming partnerships—there’s no shame in it. It’s just how the world works.”
A spark of hope and happiness flashed across Dustin’s face. “Mom, you mean it? Are you really ready to welcome Dolores into the family?”
Joanne kept her emotions carefully hidden as she sat silently nearby.
Without addressing Dustin’s question, Hester shifted her attention to Joanne. “Kase reached out to me not long ago. He handed over your transcripts and shared your professional journey. I found your list of accomplishments remarkable, especially your time abroad and the depth of your internships. You have an impressive background. I always hoped you would help Dustin breathe new life into the Wade Group. In my view, you are the best match for him. Frankly, I doubt anyone else in Grester could suit him half as well.”
A brief pause allowed her words to settle, and then she spoke again, voice measured. “To be honest, Joanne, your credentials would open doors to any elite family in Grester, including the Lawsons.”
The impact of her remark left Joanne’s eyes shining with surprise. Linsey and Collin, too, exchanged startled looks, taken aback by Hester’s candor.
Still plagued by worry, Dustin could only dwell on his own troubles with Dolores. All he ever wanted was for his mother to accept Dolores—not to hear her list Joanne’s virtues in front of everyone.
Hester continued, “If you had followed in Dolores’ footsteps—becoming independent, starting your own business—I wouldn’t have picked you either.”
That comment caused Dustin’s anxious look to shift instantly.
Suddenly, everything clicked for him: Hester simply wanted a capable partner for her son, but not one with her own company.
Frustration tightened Dustin’s jaw as he searched for a way to stand up for Dolores. Deep down, he knew Dolores would never walk away from her dreams for the sake of a man. No matter how much he loved her, Dustin could not bear to see Dolores sacrifice her ambition just to marry him. If that was the price, he would rather lose her forever.
The truth was crystal clear to Dustin: asking Dolores to give up control of the Davidson Group meant demanding she turn her back on her own dreams. For Dolores, surrendering her ambitions would strip everything else of meaning.
A hesitant “Mom—” left Dustin’s lips.
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Yet, before he could finish, Hester broke into a relaxed smile and said, “Still, women like Dolores are the ones I truly admire.”
Attention shifted as she looked over at Linsey perched on the sofa. “Linsey, you’re remarkable as well. When I found out you stepped into the CEO role at the Lawson Group, I was honestly amazed. My admiration is genuine. It makes perfect sense that you and Dolores are close—your drive and determination are so alike.”
Dustin sat there in disbelief. He had never thought Hester would voice her respect for Dolores this soon. Shock made it impossible for him to get a word out. Joy tangled his thoughts, leaving him speechless for a moment.
Unfazed by Dustin’s stunned silence, Hester went on, her tone steady. “Still, Linsey has the edge over Dolores, simply because she’s a Lawson by birth.”
The mood tightened as she spoke directly to Dustin, making the room feel uncomfortably tense. “If you were the man marrying Linsey, I’d never have to worry about you stepping up as chairman of the Wade Group.”
Her comment sent ripples through the room.
Without missing a beat, Collin rose from his seat, his face hardening. He gripped Linsey’s hand and responded with a cold edge, “Mrs. Wade, I suggest you choose your words more carefully. Linsey is my wife, and that’s never going to change.”
