Chapter 113
“You’re such a jerk.” Dorothea bit her lip, glaring at him.
Latham couldn’t take his eyes off her lips, still flushed from his kiss. His voice dropped, teasing, “Yeah, I’m a jerk. So maybe stop trying to run my life p>
Dorothea just stared at him, speechless.
Layton watched Carola, his brows drawn tight, and let out a heavy sigh. “Just go apologize. This whole mess will be over if you do. Why are you making it so hard? Do you really want to see the company’s stock keep tanking p>
Carola’s eyes were puffy and red. “Dad, I’m not apologizing. Why does she get to marry Latham? She never could have done it by herself p>
Layton threw his hands up. “I swear, I didn’t set them up! Carola, I love you. Why can’t you see that p>
He would trade anyone for business, but never at his own daughter’s expense.
Albert had been around since he was a kid, and Layton always thought he was the perfect match for Carola.
But Carola was so wrapped up in comparing herself to Dorothea, she couldn’t see what was right in front of her.
“Carola, you really think marrying Latham guarantees her a perfect life? Latham likes men. What he wants is a wife who knows how to keep the peace at home, someone who won’t cause trouble. She’s nothing compared to you p>
Carola knew he was right. She just couldn’t accept it.
“What if Latham actually falls for her someday p>
Layton shot that down immediately. “Not a chance. If Latham liked women, he never would have had that huge fight with Albert p>
Albert’s biggest issue with Latham was his sexuality. He couldn’t stand the idea of being around someone like that.
Carola stayed stubborn. “I’m not apologizing. I don’t care what you say. I just won’t p>
Layton was shaking with anger. “You’re so ungrateful p>
She wiped her eyes and snapped, “Fine, I’m ungrateful. Go ahead and treat Dorothea like your real daughter from now on p>
She stormed out and drove away.
Once the shouting faded, Elise peeked out from another room. “Layton, Carola will be alright, won’t she p>
He waved her off, frustrated. “Let her be. I’ve spoiled her too much. She’s just acting out p>
Carola was sobbing as she dialed Albert’s number. The phone rang and rang. On the fifth ring, he finally picked up.
Her voice was barely more than a whisper, thick with tears. “Albert p>
He didn’t let her finish. “Are those rumors online true? Did Larry really try to frame Dorothea p>
“Larry didn’t have anything against her, why would he do that? Or… was this your idea, Carola p>
Her heart skipped a beat. She
clenched the steering wheel. “Albert,
I swear it wasnt me. Larry had his.
own gambling debts, that’s all.
“Then why was his last call before getting arrested to you? Carola, I can’t stand liars p>
His words hit her hard, sharp as a knife.
Her tears fell faster. “Albert, just
listen to me. I was jealous, okayet
was jealous that you two got together white I was out of the country p>
Albert didn’t say anything for a moment. The silence stretched on.
“No matter how well you tried to hide it I found out. But back then wasn’t even your girlfriend I wasn even here. Am I not allowed to be upset p>
“Carola p>
“Albert, I care about you too much. Please… just forgive me this once p>
As soon as she finished, Albert heard the screech of tires on the other end, then a
heavy, sickening crash and Carola’s sharp scream.
His face went pale. He shouted into the phone, frantic. “Carola p>