Chapter 230
Dorothea stood up, brushing off her skirt. “Since you like eating other people’s leftovers so much, why don’t you just take all of this?” She didn’t even glance back at Albert as she walked away.
Water dripped from his hair, cold against his skin. Albert let out a bitter laugh. Dorothea had actually called him disgusting.
A waiter hovered nearby, looking uncertain. “Sir, would you like a towel p>
Albert stood, his expression icy. “No, thanks p>
His eyes flashed with something sharp and determined. He wasn’t going to let Latham keep lying. One day, he’d drag the truth out into the open. Dorothea, when you’re crying and wishing you’d listened to me, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Back in her hotel room, Dorothea found the place spotless and quiet. Her stomach ached, a dull reminder that she hadn’t really eaten since last night. She sat down and ordered some food.
As she waited, her mind wandered back to what Albert had said. That birthday years ago, she’d really believed he would show up. She waited the whole night, calling over and over, but he never picked up.
At 11:59, she tossed her birthday cake in the trash, feeling numb. Then, right at midnight, she saw fireworks outside the villa. For a moment, it made the day feel less lonely.
There was no way that had been Latham. He wasn’t the type to set off fireworks for fun, and he couldn’t have known Albert was at Apex with Carola. Dorothea had never brought it up with Latham. She didn’t want Albert’s drama getting in the way of her own happiness.
Latham popped his head in. “Want to stay a few more days and just relax p>
Dorothea shook her head. “No, we’re supposed to have dinner at home tonight. Did you forget? Dad mentioned it p>
“Oh,” Latham sighed. “He really knows how to kill the mood p>
He grinned, mischief in his eyes. “Well, let’s check out then. Or, after dinner, maybe we could try getting a room at your hotel again p>
Latham was still riding the high from last night’s adventure.
Dorothea leaned over and pinched his side. “Say that one more time and see what happens p>
“Okay, okay, I won’t,” he laughed, but he looked just a bit disappointed.
Mamie fidgeted with her hands, nerves getting the best of her. “Are you sure I shouldn’t bring anything p>
“There’s a
already for you in the trunk. I x care of it, so you don’t “Scott said, giving 1.1!
have to
her
a teassuring smile content belongs
Mamie relaxed a little. “Alright p>
When they arrived, Ladd’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw Mamie standing behind Scott. “Mamie, come in, sit wherever you like. Make yourself at home. Dorothea will be back a bit later, her flight got delayed.
Mamie sat down, still a little shy. “Ladd, I brought a small gift for you p>
“You really shouldn’t have. Next time, just come, don’t bring anything. Ladd shot a look at Scott. “You
eine
should have told your giftfriend not to go out of her way
Scott shrugged. “It was Mamie’s idea p>
Garth bounded down the stairs, just having finished his homework. His eyes were
wide with excitement. “Mamie, are you dating my dad p>
He was so loud, Mamie was sure the whole house could hear.
She flushed, not sure what to say, but Scott jumped in to help. “Garth, remember
what I said about yelling? Mamie and I are together p>
Garth didn’t miss a beat. “Can I call you Mom p>
Mamie was stunned into silence.
“Is it too soon?” Garth blinked at her, completely serious.