Chapter 13
“So, Mr. Stevens, what do you think of Dorothea?” Carola asked, her smile teasing but hard to read.
“She’s alright,” Harper said, drawing out the words. “She’s definitely… not shy, I’ll give her that p>
Carola was about to ask more, but then, to her surprise, Albert walked in.
“Albert, what brings you here?” Carola rushed over, latching onto his arm and giving him her best pout.
Albert glanced around the private room, his eyes pausing on Harper for a split second and his brow twitching. “I’ve got a dinner next door. Just thought I’d drop in for a bit p>
Carola hadn’t expected Albert at all. If Dorothea showed up now, things would get interesting fast. She couldn’t help but stare at the door, practically buzzing with anticipation.
But when the door opened, it was only Carmen. She stepped inside, frowning when she spotted Carola sprawled on the sofa and gave her a little smirk. Carmen was thinking, why does Carola have to be here too?
Carola couldn’t hide her disappointment. “Carmen, you’re by yourself? Weren’t you bringing your best friend p>
Albert caught the name and his eyes flickered. He knew exactly who Carmen’s best friend was.
Carmen forced a smile. “She’s in the bathroom. She’ll be here soon p>
She pulled out her phone and texted quickly: [Ugh, Dorothea, you won’t believe it, Albert and Carola are both here p>
In the restroom, Dorothea paused at the message, her fingers hovering as she thought about what to say. Finally, she typed back: [Sorry, Carmen. Something came up and I have to leave. Really sorry p>
Carmen stared at her phone, her frown deepening.
Albert noticed and leaned in, his voice quiet. “Something wrong p>
Carmen just shrugged. “My friend’s got something to do. Looks like she’s not coming p>
Carola sighed. “Seriously? She couldn’t at least stop by for a bit p>
Albert stood up and gave Carola’s hand a reassuring pat. “Carola, I’ve got another dinner to go to. You all have fun p>
Carola watched him leave, worry written all over her face. Was he really going to another dinner, or was he heading after Dorothea?
Dorothea had no idea Albert would be waiting outside the restroom. She tried to sidestep him, but he blocked her, backing her into a corner.
He looked down at her, a lazy smile playing on his lips as he lifted her chin. “What, missed me already? Did you find out I was here and decide to follow me p>
Dorothea rolled her eyes and
knocked his hand away. “First, I didn’t know you were here. If I had, I wouldn’t have come. Second, Albert, what exactly gives you the right to question me like that p>
She tried to slip past him, ducking under his arm, but he grabbed her and pulled her back.
“Let go p>
Albert just grinned, his tone mocking. “And if I don’t p>
Without warning, Dorothea slapped him hard across the face. Her eyes were ice cold. “Albert, if you keep acting like a creep, don’t blame me for defending myself p>
Albert didn’t see that coming. He laughed, but there was no humor in it, and he grabbed her jaw. “Dorothea, do you even realize what happens if you piss me off p>
Dorothea glared at him, refusing to back down. “What, are you having second thoughts p>
He let go of her abruptly, sneering. “Me? Regret? The only thing I regret is not crushing your stupid fantasies sooner p>
With that, he turned and walked off, the edge of his black suit cutting a sharp line as he left, his eyes colder than ever.
Just then, Harper stepped out of the restroom and caught sight of Albert leaving. He narrowed his eyes, thoughtful. He’d heard rumors about Albert seeing some woman en the sly. Rubbing his chin, he grinned to himself. Maybe this was the woman everyone was talking about.