Chapter 38
Wade shot a sideways glance at Latham, who looked completely at ease, sprawled on the sofa. Then he turned to Dorothea, who was holding her little notebook like the world’s most dedicated student. He cleared his throat. “Managing people isn’t as tough as you think. Just show them you’re in charge. Let them know you’re not someone to mess with p>
“Give instructions to the junior supervisors. However they hand out the tasks is up to them. You just focus on the results p>
“HR is a great stepping stone. Start swapping out key positions for your own people. Supply chain, finance, operations-get your team in there. Once you’re officially running things, you’ll hold the company’s lifeline. Your uncle won’t be able to touch you. After all, you’re the main shareholder. Right now, what you want is full control over appointments p>
Dorothea felt like she’d learned a ton. “Thanks, Wade. Seriously, I really appreciate your help today p>
She was supposed to be meeting at the hotel, but reached out to Wade and ended up at this private club instead. Latham showing up was an unexpected twist.
Wade was the mentor Latham had arranged for her. Was Latham here because he didn’t like her spending time with his boyfriend? Last time, Latham said he wasn’t a fan of Wade, but with the way he was watching them… what else could it be, if not jealousy?
“I’m gonna head out now. I don’t want to interrupt your dinner p>
“Sit down,” Latham said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I don’t let women go hungry p>
Dorothea just stared at him for a second. Did he really just say that? Why did it sound so off?
“I’m really not hungry, but thanks p>
Latham’s eyes narrowed and a lazy smirk tugged at his lips. “If I say you’re hungry, then you’re hungry p>
Dorothea hesitated, then sat back down. He’d introduced her to Wade, so she could for now, even if she didn’t get why it wa so important to him that she
stay.
She didn’t get it, but someone else clearly did.
Wade tried not to laugh. Was Latham actually jealous over a few extra pointers? He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his group chat. Something caught his eye -a photo someone had posted. “Hey, is this your hotel p>
Dorothea leaned closer. The place was crawling with reporters. What was going on? “I’m sorry. I really have to get back to the office p>
Albert stared coolly at the woman in front of him, her clothes a mess. “Carola, how did you get in here p>
Just minutes before, he’d been cooling off in the shower when someone pressed up against his back. In an instant, he was wide awake. Grabbing the woman’s hand, he was shocked to realize it was Carola.
Carola bit her lip, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Albert, you haven’t seen me in ages. I just wanted to see you. I found out you were staying here, so I let myself in… Albert, why are you being so harsh p>
Albert’s body was still reacting, but his self-control was stronger. He pinched his thigh hard, fighting down every instinct.
“Carola, we’ll get married. But before the wedding, I won’t do anything with you. Do you understand p>
Carola’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “But why? I don’t get it p>
Albert let out a sigh. “Because it’s about respecting you. You’re still young. You might not understand now p>
He couldn’t quite explain it, but if the person he’d opened the door to had
persea, he doubted he’d
been
have held back like this..net>
“Get dressed and come with me to the hospital, alright p>
He spoke gently, coaxing her. Carola wiped at her cheeks. “Okay p>
Neither of them expected what happened next. The second the door opened, they were blinded by a wall of camera flashes.
“Albert, is this your girlfriend? Can you tell us about your relationship p>
“Albert, this girl looks really young. Is she of age? What were you two doing in there p>
Albert instinctively shielded Carola’s face, pulling her into his chest.
“Which magazine are you from? Trying to get yourselves shut down p>
Someone tried to joke. “Albert, you’re pretty influential, but you can’t control everything, can you p>
Albert didn’t hesitate. He kicked the man in the stomach. “I’ll say this once. Get out.” The hotel manager rushed over, sweating bullets. Albert shot him a deadly glare.
“This is what you call hotel security? Expect a call from my lawyer p>
Inside the car, Albert carefully looked Carola over. “Are you hurt p>
Carola broke down, sobbing in his arms. “Did they get my picture? I’ll never live this down p>
Albert was silent, trying to figure out what to do.
After a moment, he sighed. “Carola we’ll get married. I won’t let anyone disgrace you. I’ll go to your house tomorrow and propose alright?
Carola’s eyes lit up with hope. “Really, Albert p>
“Really p>
As for whoever had set him up like this, Albert was almost certain it was Latham pulling the strings.
Latham listened quietly as his assistant gave the update.
“Mr. Stephens, the media’s been briefed. They’ll run the stories as planned p>
Latham let out a soft laugh. “I wonder if Albert likes the little surprise I prepared for
him p>
Albert wanted to make things hard for his own wife… so Latham would
make sure Albert had no choice but to marry Carola.