Chapter 80
Albert moved quickly, slipping into the elevator just as Dorothea and Garth stepped inside.
Dorothea’s eyes narrowed as she saw him barge in. She pulled Garth behind her, her whole posture protective.
“Dorothea, we need to talk,” Albert said.
There were only three of them in the elevator, and Latham was still waiting in the parking garage. Dorothea shot Albert a frosty look. “I don’t think we have anything to talk about p>
Albert frowned, glancing down at Garth and sizing him up, like he was trying to figure out his story.
After his sister’s call yesterday, Albert had gone straight to the school principal, hoping to dig up something about Garth. But the school wouldn’t say a word about his background.
There was no way Albert could find out. With Scott’s status, he had plenty of ways to keep his kid’s information safe.
But Albert wasn’t really trying to dig up dirt on Garth. He just wanted to know who Dorothea’s new backer was.
“You really want to have this conversation in front of a kid?” he asked.
Dorothea let out a short laugh. “Albert, do you just like talking to married women? Why don’t you let Carola cheat on you, then you can spend all day having private talks with her instead p>
That pushed Albert right to the edge of his patience.
Garth seemed to get the situation. He glared up at Albert, his little face full of attitude. “Just give up already. You’re no match for my uncle. He’s way more handsome than you, richer than you, and he actually treats Aunt Dorothea well. You’re not good enough for her p>
When the elevator hit B1, Dorothea took Garth’s hand. “Come on, Garth. Don’t waste your breath on losers. You might catch something p>
She pulled him out of the elevator, walking fast.
Albert stood there, completely deflated, having just been called out and dismissed.
He’d only wanted to invite Dorothea to dinner. Now, all he could think about was finding out who the guy behind her really was.
From a distance, Dorothea spotted Latham’s car. She hurried over, opened the door, and slid inside.
Latham made a light sound with his tongue. “What happened? You look like you just saw a ghost p>
Garth bounced in his seat, grinning. “Uncle, I just chased off your love rival! Am I awesome or what p>
Latham shot him a teasing smile. “Oh yeah? My rival? Who exactly p>
He looked at Dorothea as he asked.
She pressed her lips together, then said, “Ran into Albert in the elevator p>
Latham let out a quiet chuckle, sounding unimpressed. “So it was him. Dorothea, is he really a rival for me p>
Albert didn’t even count.
Latham kept his eyes on Dorothea until she finally said, soft but clear, “No p>
Satisfied, Latham smiled. “Alright, let’s go home. And Garth, stop e picking up random words from V and using them everywhere if you keep it up, I’ll make you write them out a hundred times p>
Garth just stared. Dorothea could only smile, shaking her head.
The next day, Fidelia stormed into Dorothea’s office, her face red with anger.
“Dorothea, did you fire me p>
Dorothea looked at her calmly, then offered a small smile. “Fidelia, you broke multiple rules in the employee handbook. I’m not the one who made those rules Maybe you should ask yourself what happened Didn’t Lenard talk you through it? We’re following standard procedure. You’ll get every cent of your severance p>
Fidelia’s voice rose. “Who do you think you are, firing me? You’ve barely been here a week and you’re just riding on family connections. Now you act like you’re the boss of everything That woman lied about me. Did you even look into it? What gives you the right to punish me p>
Dorothea glanced at the group of nosy coworkers gathering outside her door. She smiled, a little sharper this time. “Fidelia, are you sure you want me to show everyone the evidence p>