Chapter 7

When Albert saw who it was, his expression instantly frosted over. “Why are you here p>

Reese froze for a second. “Albert, who else would it be? Dorothea’s out of town on business, remember? I heard the door and knew it had to be you. You’ve been drinking again. I’ll go make you some tea for your hangover p>

“No need.” Albert cut her off, sounding annoyed. “Just go to bed. I’m heading upstairs p>

Reese pouted. She knew Albert only ever drank the hangover tea Dorothea made. Honestly, didn’t all those teas taste the same? She couldn’t figure out what was so special about Dorothea’s.

Albert rubbed at his temples, pulled out his phone, and opened his chat with Dorothea. Most of the messages in there were from her. He’d read them but rarely replied.

He pressed his lips together and typed out, Where are you?

A second later, he deleted the message, letter by letter. Then he switched off his phone and tossed it aside. Maybe he’d spoiled Dorothea too much. Maybe that’s why she didn’t know where to draw the line. Just one argument, and now she wasn’t even coming home?

The next morning, Dorothea showed up at work with dark circles under her eyes, determined to treat this as her last day.

“Mandy, my mom’s pushing me to go on a blind date. Today might really be it for me. I’ve sent all the handover files to your email p>

Mandy looked at her in disbelief. “You’re really leaving this fast? What about your pay p>

Dorothea gave a tired smile. “I don’t need it p>

Mandy paused, thinking. “Give me half a day. I’ll talk to HR for you and get a resignation letter. It’ll be easier for you to explain things at your next job p>

Dorothea thought it over. Half a day wouldn’t make a difference. “Alright. Thanks p>

She started sorting her things at her desk, not expecting Albert to show up at the office that morning. She kept her eyes on her own work, refusing to acknowledge the burning

Estare she could feel on the of

her head.

She didn’t look up until a pair of black leather shoes stepped into her view.

Albert stood over her, tapping his fingers on her desk. “Dorothea. My office. Now p>

He turned and walked away without waiting for a reply, his attitude as icy as ever.

Dorothea wanted nothing more than to pick up the cactus on her desk and throw it at him, but she too deep breath They were adulter

need to lose her cool.

No

She pushed open the door to his office. “Albert, what do you want p>

Albert tipped his chin up, gesturing at the door behind her. “Close it. Come here p>

Dorothea left the door half-open and stayed as far away from him as possible, a good ten meters between them.

“Albert, what do you want?” she asked again.

Albert smirked. “Didn’t you used to beg me to hold you at night? Now you can’t get far enough away p>

Dorothea’s face stayed calm. “I’ve quit, Albert. Soon, I won’t be your employee. Is it really a problem if I keep my distance p>

“You quit?” His eyes narrowed. “Who said you could quit? Dorothea, that kind of trick doesn’t work on me p>

Dorothea let out a little laugh. “I don’t have time for games p>

Albert pressed on, his voice tight. “Then why are you leaving? Haven’t I given you enough? What company could possibly offer you more than the Clark Group?” fo

Dorothea’s lips curved in a small, resigned smile. “It’s not about the salary. My family set me up on a blind date. I’m getting married, Albert p>