Chapter 116
Mamie showed up at The Gresham right on time the next morning.
At twenty-seven, with a degree from a top university and a stint in investment
banking under her belt, she was definitely overqualified for the job. Still, she needed to get used to local tax laws and the company’s financial system.
“Dorothea,” Mamie greeted, offering a polite smile.
Dorothea nodded back. “Mamie, your resume is impressive. I hope your skills live up to it p>
Mamie smiled, confident. “Don’t worry. I’ll let my work do the talking p>
Dorothea personally took Mamie to the finance office, making it clear just how much she valued her new hire. The finance department was, after all, the brain of the whole company, and it needed the best.
“From now on, Mamie’s in charge of all group finances. Work with her and give her your full support,” Dorothea announced to the team.
With that done, Dorothea returned to her office, barely pausing before diving back into work. As for Larry, he was still refusing to say anything, so all they could do was keep him in administrative detention for a few days and hit him with a small fine. Case closed.
When Carmen heard about it, she was furious. “Dorothea, that’s it? Isn’t there anything else we can do to make Larry pay p>
Dorothea just laughed. “That’s as far as administrative penalties go. But honestly, the hit to his reputation matters way more. Don’t worry, Larry’s not going anywhere from here. This is as far as he gets p>
His real troubles would come later, but that was a problem for another time.
Carmen changed the subject. “Dorothea, remember those tickets you gave Mr. Stephens? Did he like them p>
Dorothea rubbed her forehead, feeling a little helpless. She hadn’t seen him for two days. She’d been leaving early, coming home early, and staying in her room after work. Somehow, they’d managed to avoid each other completely. Even though they shared a house, she and Latham felt like total strangers.
“Not really. He didn’t seem to like them. Or maybe I just screwed things up,” Dorothea admitted.
Carmen hesitated, then said, “Dorothea, I can’t help thinking Mr. Stephens might be jealous p>
Dorothea blinked. “Jealous? Of who p>
“Maybe he wanted you to go with him instead of setting him up with someone else. Did you think about that p>
Dorothea froze, caught off guard. “Carmen, you remember he likes men, right p>
Carmen paused. “Yeah… true. But I don’t know. People have been saying Latham’s into guys for years p>
She thought for a second, then added, “Is there any chance he’s changed his mind? Maybe he’s bi p>
The more she thought about it, the less likely it seemed. “Probably not. Unless he’s bisexual or something p>
Dorothea laughed. “Let’s not overthink it. It’s just a one-year
marriage contract, isn’t it? Whol net
it’s
over you can set me up with some hot, straight guys”
“Deal. I’ll find you someone even better,” Carmen promised.
Dorothea smiled. “Alright, I’d better get back to work. Talk later p>
That afternoon, Dorothea didn’t look up from her desk until her phones tang.
almly then did she rene
it was
almost time to go home.
“Aunt Dorothea, where are you?” a little voice piped up.
Dorothea was surprised to hear from Garth. “Garth, I’m still at the office p>
“I asked the driver to bring the car near your building,” he said shyly “Aunt Dorothea, Flossie really loved the man clip you got her last time. want to get her another one. Ca you come with me p>
Dorothea couldn’t help but smile. First graders these days sure were mature.
“Garth, did you tell your grandpa and your dad you were coming to see me p>
“I did! Grandpa said it was fine for me to visit p>
With that settled, Dorothea gave in. “Alright, I’ll be down soon. Wait for me in the car, okay p>
There was a mall right next to her office, so she figured she’d take Garth there for a bit of shopping.
As she got to the elevator and saw the doors starting to close, she called out, “Hold on p>
Someone inside quickly pressed the open button.
Dorothea raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Mamie, you’re just leaving work too p>