It is incorrect to combine pages 97-99.  What that would imply is that there is no text on print pages 97 and 98 – which is not the case.  Your proofreader is correct.

I would suggest you put a TN after the statement “Go to the next page to finish item 2.” that says something like: Blank lines for answers which appear on print pages 98 and 99 are not reproduced.

Then combine print pages 98 and 99 with pages 100 (98-100).

Cindi