Chapter 35
“Someday, I’ll be gone too. Latham, can you promise me you’ll always treat Dorothea well p>
Dorothea’s nose stung with emotion. “Grandma, why are you saying that? You’re not going anywhere p>
Pauline chuckled. “Silly girl, everyone leaves eventually. But as long as I’m here, I’ll always be on your side. No one’s allowed to mess with you p>
Latham understood she was talking to him as much as Dorothea. He smiled softly. “Grandma, you don’t have to worry. I love her a lot. I’ll take good care of her p>
Dorothea was caught off guard.
Love?
She hadn’t expected Latham to play along so well. Suddenly, she felt deeply grateful.
It wasn’t often someone came to visit her, especially not her own husband. Pauline clung to the opportunity, chatting with Latham for ages. Throughout, Latham never looked bored or impatient.
Now, Pauline could finally relax. It really seemed like Dorothea had found someone who truly cared.
They stayed at the nursing home for two hours before heading out. Outside, Dorothea looked at Latham, her expression serious. “Thank you, Latham p>
He just smirked a little, casual as ever. “For what? That’s just what I should do p>
He winked at her. “Both our families are meeting tomorrow. I hope you’ll have my back too p>
Elise and Layton got to the restaurant early. Both of them looked a little anxious. “Remember to act close with Dorothea, okay?” Layton reminded her.
Elise nodded, lips pressed together. “I know p>
Latham and Dorothea showed up right as Ladd arrived. Ladd didn’t need to raise his voice to command respect. Even at sixty, his eyes were sharp and full of energy.
He looked Dorothea up and down, then nodded, satisfied. “You must be Dorothea.” Dorothea gave a polite nod. “Hello, Ladd p>
Elise jumped in, half-scolding, “Why are you calling him Ladd? You and Latham are married now. You should start calling him Dad p>
Ladd smiled. “No need to rush. Whatever Dorothea’s comfortable with p>
Elise gave an awkward laugh.
Dorothea sat down next to Latham.
Ladd turned to her. “Dorothea, I don’t have much to give you except for
The house you and Latham
moned it i
will live in is ready, and it’ll be under your name p>
He slid a card across the table. “My late wife feft this for Latham’s future wife. Also, here’s a stock transfer agreement. It’s only five percent, but can have it transferred to you tomorrow p>
Then he looked at Layton. “Is that alright p>
Layton’s heart skipped a beat.
Alright? This was more than alright. Forget the house and the card, just those shares alone were worth a fortune.
“Of course, Ladd. You’re being incredibly generous p>
Dorothea glanced at Latham, concern flickering in her eyes. Wasn’t this a bit too much?
Latham shot her a reassuring look, then turned to his dad. “Dad, isn’t that a little stingy p>
Ladd stared at him. “You think I’m stingy p>
This was nearly twice what he’d given his oldest son’s wife. He was trying to make up for Latham being gay.
Latham shrugged. “One house isn’t
enough. You should give us at least
five villas. We’ll need the space
we have kids, rights
Dorothea just stared at him.
Kids? Where was he getting that idea?
Had Latham lost his mind?
when