Chapter 36
Ladd didn’t even hesitate. He just said, “Five houses,” like it was nothing, completely catching Dorothea off guard.
“I… I really don’t need that many,” she stammered.
Next to her, Elise looked like she wanted to slap a hand over Dorothea’s mouth. If Dorothea thought it was too much, she could totally pass a few their way.
Ladd caught the look on Layton and Elise’s faces but just smiled warmly at Dorothea. “I want you to have them. Think of it as a reward for finally calling me Dad p>
Dorothea’s cheeks went bright red. “Dad p>
Ladd practically glowed. “That’s right, good girl. You’re so much less trouble than Latham p>
Elise tried to smooth things over with a forced laugh. “Ladd, you can’t say that. How could Dorothea ever compare to Latham? He’s such a catch. It’s Dorothea’s honor to marry him p>
Latham gave a crooked smile. “Really? In Dad’s eyes, my wife is worth at least a hundred of me. Isn’t that right p>
Ladd cleared his throat. “Alright, let’s not get into that p>
Some things were better left unsaid around everyone else. He couldn’t just blurt out, “Sorry, Dorothea, my son’s gay, you’ll have to put up with it.” Latham was really going to drive him crazy one of these days.
Dorothea was surprised Latham had said something on her behalf. She gave him a grateful little smile.
Latham noticed. His face stayed cool as he quietly pulled out his phone and started texting.
A second later, Dorothea felt her phone buzz in her pocket.
[Latham: Don’t flash that goofy smile at me unless you want me thinking you’re falling for me p>
Dorothea rolled her eyes.
How could anyone be this full of themselves?
She was known for her good temper, but even she couldn’t help herself this time: [Relax, Mr. Stephens. I’m not interested in a bottom p>
Latham’s eyes flickered as he read her reply. [Who are you calling a bottom p>
“Dorothea, put your phone away!” Elise leaned in, whispering, “You’re really checking your phone at a family gathering? Where are your manners p>
Dorothea slid her phone away and shot Latham a quick look. He had this knowing, almost teasing smile on his lips. She looked away, pretending not to notice.
Afterwards, Ladd started going on about the wedding. He wanted it on the calendar as soon as possible. It had to be grand, and he would personally make sure everything went perfectly.
Layton looked thrilled.
“I think a big wedding sounds great, but maybe we should keep the engagement quiet for now. Just between the two families. What do you think Else?” Latham asked, cutting in unexpectedly.
Elise nodded right away. “Of course p>
It was only a month or two of keeping things under wraps. She could wait. Once everyone found out they’d married into the Stephen’s family the Brown family would only get stronger.
Albert frowned at the papers in his hand. “The Gresham… that’s where she works now p>
“Yes. We found out Dorothea is the HR Director there. It’s a pretty high-level job.” Albert let out a soft, bitter laugh. He never imagined she’d be doing this well after leaving him.
“How did she manage that p>
She didn’t have the experience. No matter how talented she was, jumping from secretary to HR Director was a huge leap.
Albert thought back to the last time he called Dorothea and heard that man’s voice through the phone.
Did she really use someone to get ahead? Was she willing to do anything just to climb up?
If that was the case, he’d really misjudged her.
“Albert, we’re still not sure about the details. She didn’t go in through the normal application process or headhunters. Maybe she knows someone at the hotel?” “Alright, I get it. Contact the owner for me and book me a presidential suite at their hotel p>
She wanted to hide from him? Albert had more than enough ways to force her to show up.
“Dorothea, I’m giving you an important assignment,” Walton said, his eyes flickering as he looked at her. She was just too striking for her own good.
Albert was too important to offend. Since he’d asked for Dorothea personally,
Walton had to come up with a reason to send her over.
Dorothea frowned. “It’s just a document. Does it really have to be me delivering it in person p>
And to the presidential suite, of all places. Was she really just delivering a document… or was there something more going on?
Walton gave her a light, awkward laugh. “Dorothea, this document is crucial. Plus, we have a VIP staying with us tonight. It’s good for you to meet mportant guests. You’ll be moving to other departments soon so getting to know the business and our VIPs ahead of time is a good thing, right p>