Chapter 207
The next morning at breakfast, Dorothea could tell right away that something was different about Latham.
“Morning, honey p>
Pauline watched them with a sly little smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Morning,” Dorothea answered, her voice a little stiff. Then she forced out the word, “Husband p>
It sounded so awkward coming from her, but Latham’s whole face lit up like he’d just won the lottery.
Pauline leaned in with a soft chuckle. “Dorothea, eat a bit more. You worked late last night, didn’t you p>
Dorothea gave a sheepish smile. “Grandma, really, I’ve had enough. I can’t eat anymore p>
“Eat a little more. Look how skinny you are. And next time you stay late at work, let us know. Otherwise, Latham will worry. He waited for you all night in the living room, you know p>
Dorothea glanced up, confusion flickering in her eyes. Did he really wait up for her on purpose?
“It’s nothing, Grandma,” Latham said, giving a small, relaxed smile. “I was just working in the living room anyway, so I happened to wait p>
Dorothea was sipping her porridge and suddenly started coughing. Her cheeks turned bright red. She felt a warm palm gently patting her back.
Latham’s deep voice was soft in her ear. “Take your time. We’ve got plenty before work starts. No need to rush p>
Pauline, watching all of this, looked so pleased it was like she’d just eaten a feast. She even helped herself to a second bowl of porridge.
“Grandma, we’re heading out now p>
“Alright, have a good day. Drive safe p>
As soon as the door closed, Dorothea and Latham’s fingers slipped apart.
Dorothea was the first to pull her hand away. “I’ll drive myself today. You don’t need to drop me off p>
Latham just lifted his brows, not pushing it. “Okay. Will you be working late tonight p>
“I don’t think so p>
He leaned in close, his breath warm against her skin. Suddenly, he pressed a kiss to her earlobe.
Dorothea froze on the spot. Her whole face went hot, and it felt like a bolt of electricity zipped right down her back and made her scalp tingle.
She stared at him, startled, drawing back with a defensive look. “What was that for p>
“I just wanted to,” Latham replied, his
eyes soft and lingering. His fingers brushed her ear Relax, I’m just joking. Grandma’s watching from upstairs p>
Dorothea started to turn around, but Latham stopped her.
“Don’t look back. If you do, she’ll figure out we’re just putting on a show p>
Dorothea ducked her head, pulling away from his touch. “I’m leaving p>
She got into her car and glanced up at the villa’s second-floor balcony. Not a sign of Grandma anywhere.
He lied to her again.
Watching Latham get into his car, all cheerful, Dorothea clenched her jaw in frustration.
Dorothea was distracted all through the morning meeting. Mamie, sitting across from her, seemed to notice that she wasn’t really present.
“Dorothea, are you feeling alright p>
“I’m fine. Go ahead p>
Mamie nodded and continued. “According to this quarter’s report, our numbers are up twenty percent compared to the last two months But most of that is from conference revenue and some deals you closed
when you were still in Sales. If we
take those out, we’re actually down p>
“I also heard your uncle, who used to be a manager here, took over a boutique
hotel. The name’s almost the same as ours. Could that be trademark infringement p>
Dorothea nodded, looking satisfied.
“You’re on top of things, Mamie. Legal is already handling the
trademark issue. As for Sales, met
thinking about tweaking the
commission structure to encourage everyone a bit more. Finance and HR should come up with a plan
together, and we’ll talk about it at next week’s meeting p>
Almost the whole morning slipped by in back-to-back meetings.
When Dorothea finally got back to her office, she spotted a bouquet of flowers on her desk.
She raised an eyebrow and called her secretary, who told her the flowers had arrived at ten. No name from the sender, just hers as the recipient.
There was a little card tucked into the bouquet. It simply said, “I’m sorry p>
Dorothea opened her chat with Latham, ready to let him know the flowers had arrived.