Chapter 41
Albert had been in a terrible mood lately.
Still, when Carola suggested they check out rings together, he didn’t really have it in him to say no.
It just so happened that Dorothea was at the store too. She was there to exchange her wedding band since the old one was a bit too loose. She finished packing her things into her purse and turned around, only to spot Albert and Carola walking in, holding hands.
Dorothea pressed her lips together, hoping they wouldn’t notice her. Of course, Carola spotted her right away and latched onto her arm.
“Dorothea, you’re here too? You weren’t around when Albert came to my place to propose. Dorothea, I’m getting married to Albert p>
Dorothea kept her face blank and her voice cool. “Congrats. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go p>
But Carola wasn’t about to pass up a chance to rub it in. She smiled sweetly at Albert, then back at Dorothea.
“Albert, picking out rings is such an important moment for us. I’d love it if Dorothea could help us choose. Would that be okay p>
Albert’s eyes flickered. “That’s fine p>
Dorothea’s patience was running thin. “Maybe ask if I want to help? I already said I’m in a hurry. And Carola, we’re not exactly close. So stop dragging me into this p>
She tried to leave, but Albert stepped in her way, his voice cold. “Apologize to her p>
Dorothea stared him down. “And if I don’t p>
Albert’s gaze hardened. “Then you’re not going anywhere p>
Dorothea finally understood what it meant to be forced into something against your will. She turned to the sales associate behind her.
“Show me the most expensive thing you’ve got here p>
The associate caught on right away. “Of course. We have this limited edition set. Would you two be interested p>
Carola put on her most delicate act. “Oh, it doesn’t have to be the priciest one. I just think this pair is a little plain. Do you have anything prettier p>
“How about this one? It’s one of our most popular styles p>
Carola pouted. “Popular? Albert, I don’t want the same ring as everyone else p>
Dorothea folded her arms and
watched, her expression icy. Albert’s
flanked her, silent and
intimidating.
She decided she’d give this circus
exactly one more minute. If it wasn over by then, she was calling police.
“Mr. Stephens, right this way p>
Latham walked through the mall with his entourage. He was just doing his rounds, when he spotted a familiar face from afar He stopped immediately noticing the two bodyguards standing near Dorothea. She looked like she was about to take out her phone.
Latham narrowed his eyes, then waved over a manager.
“Go over there and tell those two at the counter to leave. Now p>
The mall manager hesitated. “Excuse me p>
“Did you not hear me? Go p>
“Yes, sir. Right away p>
The manager hurried over and, in his rush, barely noticed Dorothea by the door.
“I’m sorry, but we’re closing the store now p>
Albert frowned. “It’s only three in the afternoon. You’re closing p>
The manager shot a look at the sales associate, who immediately picked up on the
act.
“I apologize, sir, but we really are closing p>
What else could they say? ‘Our boss wants you gone’ didn’t sound very professional.
Carola’s face twisted in frustration. “How can you just kick us out? Are you seriously making us leave p>
The sales associate kept on that polite, practiced smile. “We’re very sorry p>
“And what if I insist on buying something p>
“I’m afraid we really can’t help you right now, ma’am p>