Chapter 97

Wait a second. Something felt off. The door was definitely locked last night, so how was it just open this morning?

After they got back, Dorothea and Latham barely spoke to each other. The silent treatment hung in the air like a thick fog. Linda kept peeking in from the kitchen, her face scrunched up with worry as she messaged Ladd.

[Ladd, I think Latham and Dorothea are fighting. Latham doesn’t drive her to work anymore, and when Dorothea gets home, she just goes straight to her room without saying a word p>

Weren’t they supposed to be out taking wedding photos? How did they end up fighting right after that?

Albert and Carola had finished their photo shoot too, but looking back at the pictures, Carola noticed Albert didn’t seem happy in any of them. Once they got home, Albert barely called her and just said he was busy all the time.

The truth was, Albert was trying to come up with any excuse to see Dorothea.

One afternoon, Lenard showed up holding a contract. “Dorothea, The Clark Group wants to work with us. There’s a dinner tonight. Are you coming p>

Dorothea glanced at the contract, instantly knowing Albert was behind this. If she didn’t show up, who knew what kind of drama he’d stir up.

And it just had to be Friday, the same day as The Stephens Family dinner.

She texted Latham. [I have a work dinner tonight, so I can’t go see Ladd p>

Latham never replied, so Dorothea figured that was the end of it.

She arrived at the restaurant with Lenard, and just as she suspected, Albert was sitting at the head of the table in the private room.

Lenard walked up, looking genuinely surprised to see Albert at such a small dinner for such a minor deal. “Albert, pleasure to finally meet you p>

Albert barely reacted. His eyes flickered toward Dorothea, and he raised an eyebrow, just enough for her to notice.

“Lenard, have a seat p>

Lenard had brought two coworkers who could hold their liquor, which was basically the only reason Dorothea agreed to come. She tried to keep a low profile, but of course, someone had to call her out.

A few people from The Clark Group recognized her from her days as Albert’s secretary. One of them lifted a glass. Dorothea, I never expected this. You used to be a secretary here, and now you’re a director. That’s quite the transformation p>

Dorothea raised her juice, smiled casually, and said, “Yeah, I got lucky p>

Albert tapped his knuckles on the table. “Dorothea, you think you’re too important for this? Lyman’s drinking real alcohol p>

Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

Dorothea lowered her glass, but Lenard quickly jumped in to smooth things over.

“Dorothea’s not feeling well tonight. How about I drink with Lyman instead p>

Lyman didn’t mind, but with Albert putting him on the spot, he couldn’t exactly back

out.

Albert looked him up and down.

“Lenard, you can’t just switch out the drinks like that. Were about to sign a deal Shouldn’t you show some real sincerity p>

Dorothea could handle her liquor.

Albert clearly wanted to see her back

down, but she just picked up the, glass and drank it narie go. Albert is that enough for you? I’m being perfectly sincere. Maybe you could show some sincerity too and make the contract long-term p>

Only a fool would turn down easy money. And if she could make money off a jerk like Albert, she’d do it with a smile.

Albert almost smiled and slid another shot of strong liquor in front of her. “Long- term’s on the table. Depends on how sincere you really are p>

Dorothea’s eyes narrowed.

“Excuse me.” A voice came from behind, cutting through the tension. “Albert, Mr. Stephens is next door and would like to invite you over p>

Latham. Of course.

Albert frowned. “I’m busy p>

The young man just smiled. “Albert, Mr. Stephens wants to know if you’re scared to come over p>

Dorothea nearly rolled her eyes. Latham never missed a chance to stir things up.

Albert let out a sharp laugh and stood, his expression dark. “Fine, lead the way. Let’s see what I’m supposed to be afraid of p>