Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 1110: "No big deal. I just wanted Alicia to get some fresh air," Jeffery replied with a smile. Alicia rested a hand on her belly and smiled. "I've been stuck at home for weeks. It feels so good to be out today." Linsey glanced at Alicia's belly with a gentle smile. "A short stroll like this is good for you anyway." While the group chatted in low voices, the host's voice suddenly boomed from the stage speakers, cutting through the background noise. "Good evening, everyone! Thank you for joining us at tonight's banquet. We're here to celebrate the birthday of Wade Group's heir, Mr.

Dustin Wade. And more importantly, his engagement to none other than Ms. Joanne Ellis. Please welcome to the stage Hester Wade, Chairwoman of Wade Group, along with Mr. Wade and Ms. Ellis!" A round of polite applause filled the hall, but Linsey simply turned her head toward the stage, her expression unreadable-cool, composed, almost too calm. Jeffery's voice cut in, tinged with faint surprise. "Wait a second. Linsey, wasn't Joanne the friend who showed up with you at the hospital that day?" Linsey blinked, caught off guard, then turned to look at him.

"You remember her?" she asked, eyebrows slightly raised. After that hospital visit, Joanne had seemed quiet, clearly disappointed that Jeffery hadn't recognized her at all. But the truth was, Jeffery hadn't completely forgotten her. She had left some kind of impression. Jeffery shrugged, as if it wasn't a big deal. "I've got a decent memory for faces. If someone stands out, I remember them. Simple as that." Linsey gave a small nod, her eyes drifting for a moment. Maybe Joanne would take some comfort in knowing Jeffery hadn't completely forgotten her. But the thought barely lasted.

Linsey knew better. Joanne didn't just want to be remembered-she wanted to be his wife. That had been her goal from the start. The moment Joanne discovered Jeffery was already married, something had shifted in her. She wasn't deterred; if anything, she doubled down. She wanted Alicia out of the picture. Find inspiring stories on gⱯlnσνs․оm Linsey's gaze subtly shifted to Alicia, who was still nibbling on some snacks, completely unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Linsey was on high alert that evening, juggling Dustin's secret plan while making sure Alicia never ended up alone with Joanne. Lost in thought, she felt her phone buzzing deep inside her bag. She retrieved it with practiced calm. Sure enough, it was a message from Collin: Dustin has reached an understanding with Joanne. Linsey instantly knew what that meant-Dustin was putting on an act, pretending to cooperate with Joanne. Their deal was simple: Dustin would try to steer her toward Jeffery, while Joanne would try to engineer some alone time between Dustin and Dolores.

Moments later, her phone lit up again. I'm on my way. Her face as composed as ever, Linsey texted back, I got it. By coincidence, both Dolores and Jeffery stood right beside her. For Dustin's scheme to work, Joanne knew they would need to keep Linsey out of the way, or at least distracted enough not to interfere. Given that Linsey had already refused Joanne's previous partnership offer, Joanne would likely be eager to either steer clear of her or find an excuse to lure her elsewhere.

Up on the stage, Hester had just revealed that Dustin and Joanne were officially engaged, setting their wedding date for exactly one month away. . . .