Chapter 1976

Lucia then turned to Lindsay, her tone a mix of caution and concern.

“Lindsay, I know you’ve been close with Joann, but you’ve been away for so long.

You don’t see her true nature.

She’s manipulative.

It would be wise to keep your distance from her in the future.

”

Hearing that, Lindsay hesitated.

Lucia sighed deeply, her voice laden with concern.

“I heard you’re still Living with her? You need to move out quickly.

We Clarks don’t need to be entangled with the Crawfords.

”

Lindsay adopted a look of helplessness.

“But I’ve just returned from abroad and don’t have many friends here.

Besides, Joann’s furious right now.

If I distance myself at this moment, she won’t let me go easily.

”

Joann, though not the brightest, had become an unwitting ally against Stella, and Lindsay was reluctant to sever this tie.

Joann knew too much; falling out with her could complicate matters further.

Lucia remained silent.

Lindsay quickly added, “However, I will do my best to limit our interactions.

After all, Stella and Matthew are my family, and I don’t want to jeopardize my relationship with them over outsiders.

”

As she spoke, she cast a timid glance at Stella.

Lucia gently tapped Lindsay’s hand, comforting her, saying, “We are family no matter what happens.

”

She then turned to Stella and Matthew and said, “Lindsay might need your support.

She just returned from abroad, and associating with the wrong crowd could lead her off course.

”

Lucia’s underlying message was that she ho

ped Stella and Matthew would bring Lindsay back to Prosper Bay first.

She felt more at ease knowing they would look after Lindsay.

However, Matthew responded without hesitation, “I’ve already arranged for her to work in the company, and she can choose from any of the Prosperity Group’s residences.

Yet, she wanted to be on her own.

”

This left Lucia at a loss for words.

Lindsay was taken aback by Matthew’s firm stance.

Previously, even if he appeared indifferent, he would not decline if Lucia asked on her behalf.

Lindsay’s hands tightened into fists as she suspected Stella had tainted her image to Matthew, prompting him to keep his distance.

She couldn’t think of any other reason for his refusal.

Noticing the tension in the air, Waldo stepped in to smooth things over.

“Lindsay still has a childlike side to her.

She’s easily influenced.

We can respect her decision publicly.

But in private, we should be there for her if she needs us.

”

Then he said to Lindsay, “Now that it’s come to this, the most important thing is to move out of your friend’s residence.

You should look for a place to live near the company, perhaps a residence owned by the Prosperity Group.

”

Lindsay actually wanted to return to the Prosper Bay.

She knew that if she went back, for Lucia’s sake, even Stella would not force her to leave.

This would give her more opportunities to spend time with Matthew.

However, since both Matthew and Waldo had made their opinions clear, she had no choice but to consent.

“Okay, Grandpa.

”