Chapter 98
Latham spotted Albert and Dorothea together as he walked past the private dining room. Jealousy hit him so hard he could barely breathe.
So this was the dinner she mentioned?
A cozy little meal with her ex?
He clenched his fists, trying not to march in there and make a scene.
Pearson glanced over at Latham, noticing the stormy look on his face. He gave a little laugh. “Looks like Latham’s got something weighing on him tonight p>
Wade just smirked. “Who knows. Ever since he got married, he’s always got something going on p>
Latham ignored Wade’s digs and lifted his glass toward Pearson. “Thanks for helping out last time p>
Pearson smiled, easy and calm, and took a sip. Tonight was supposed to be about friends, after all.
Right then, Albert pushed through the door, his whole vibe sharp and tense. “So, Latham, you wanted to see me p>
He seemed surprised to find Pearson there too, but he kept it polite. “Pearson, long time no see p>
Pearson grinned. “It’s rare to get the old gang together like this p>
Latham let out a short, bitter laugh. “Who’s in a gang with him p>
More like sworn enemies, if you asked him.
Still, they did grow up in the same crowd. That much was true.
Pearson kept things light. “Come on, let’s keep it friendly. Albert, let me get you a drink p>
He poured Albert a full glass, hoping they could keep things civil.
Wade just watched, lips twitching. He knew what was really going on and wanted no part of it. “Pearson, you should let them handle their own drinks p>
No way was he going to drag Pearson into this mess.
Latham gave a crooked smile, got to his feet, and picked up his glass. “Alright then. Pearson says we toast, so let’s toast. Albert, this one’s for you p>
Albert forced a smile, clearly annoyed, and raised his glass. He just wanted to get this over with.
But as soon as he reached for his drink, Latham “accidentally”
Ured
the whole thing down the front of Albert’s shirt.
The room went dead silent.
Wade’s jaw dropped in shock.
Albert stood there, dripping and furious. “Latham, what the hell p>
Latham put down his glass with an exaggerated calm, hands open. “Oops, sorry. Guess my hand slipped p>
He stepped closer, acting like he
was about to help wipe up the mess. Instead, his fist shot out, landing squarely on Albert’s jaw.
Fast, hard, no warning.
That’s for flirting with my wife.
That’s for trying to get her drunk.
Latham wasn’t going to put up with any of it.
Albert barely had time to react before another punch hit. Then Latham tackled him to the ground, fists flying.
Pearson jumped up, not wanting to end up on tomorrow’s headlines. He called in his assistant to separate them.
Albert finally shook himself clear and tried to go after Latham again, but Pearson grabbed him and keld him back. “Albert, done a favor Don’t make this a bigger deal p>
Albert yanked off his tie, wild with anger. “So I just let him beat me up for nothing p>
He jabbed a finger right at Latham’s face. “Latham, are you out of your mind? What did I do to you today p>
Latham just laughed coldly. “I just don’t like you. Simple as that p>
The tension was thick, both of them one second away from throwing down again. Pearson shot Wade a look.
Wade stepped in and dragged Latham out of the room.